Isolation and Optimization of Hydrocarbon – Degrading Bacteria

Aims: To isolate and characterize hydrocarbon – degraders in a contaminated soil sample

Study Design: This experiment was carried out under aseptic conditions. The result was confirmed by visible spectrophotometer

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Programme, Clifford University, Ihie Campus, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria, between May 2021 to July 2021

Methodology: Soil sample contaminated with hydrocarbon used in this experiment was from an automobile mechanic workshop. A ten-fold serial dilution was made for each soil sample, after which 1 ml of 10-5 dilutions was plated out using pour plate method and incubated at 37 0C for 48 hrs. The isolates were then grown on different hydrocarbons (crude oil, fuel or spent engine oil) and the degradation efficiency was confirmed by visible spectrophotometer.

Result: The isolation of hydrocarbon – degrading bacteria in topsoil and subsoil samples of a mechanic workshop located in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area Junction, Abia State was carried out. Four bacterial species were isolated from the soil sample collected, the isolates were subjected to hydrocarbon degradation/utilization test of different hydrocarbons (crude oil, fuel or spent engine oil) it was observed that two of the isolates identified as Bacillus and Staphylococcus sp were able to utilize hydrocarbons in the medium more efficiently than other isolates.

Conclusion: Hydrocarbon – degrading bacteria were isolated from an auto – mechanic workshop in Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State. Two of the four strains (Bacillus sp and Staphylococcus sp), have the highest potential to use different hydrocarbons (fuel, crude oil and condemn oil) as the sole carbon source. These strains' hydrocarbon – degrading abilities suggest that they could be effective in bioremediation of hydrocarbon – polluted locations. This could be used to combat contamination caused by motor mechanics who carelessly dispose of old motor oil in the environment, as well as general hydrocarbon contamination.