Comparative Study on Physicochemical Parameters Study of Oil Polluted Sites and Hydrocarbon Degradation Potentials of Heterotrophic Bacteria in Southern Nigeria
R. N. Akwukwaegbu
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
P. O. Okerentugba
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
G. C. Okpokwasili
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
H. O. Stanley *
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
C. J. Ugboma
Department of Microbiology, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In this study, hydrocarbon degradation potentials of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from oil-polluted soil were examined; Samples were collected from Sakpenwa, an oil producing community in Tai LGA of Rivers State. The amounts of hydrocarbon in the soil samples were determined using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector, GC- FID. The gravimetric analysis showed that the bacteria were capable of utilizing 96.9-99.7% the oil sample. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out at 95% level of confidence showed that the degree of hydrocarbon degradation varied amongst isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes sp. showed highest degrading activities while Bacillus subtilis showed least activity. This study revealed that indigenous bacterial species possess the requisite gene necessary for hydrocarbon biodegradation. Biodegradation is most often the primary mechanism for contaminant destruction in the environment including petroleum contaminants.
Keywords: Physicochemical parameters, hydrocarbon degradation gas chromatography, analysis of variance