Biodegradation potential of Aspergillus niger on crude oil contaminated soil.

Authors

  • Ibe Colman Chikwem  Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Nigeria
  • Uzoka Christopher Ndubuisi  Department Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
  • Ekwenye Uchechi N  Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • Ohakwe Chigbomkpa Stanley  Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • Egbuawa Irene Ogechi  Department Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
  • Duru Iruka Madujumaka  Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals, Owerri, Nigeria

Keywords:

Biodegration, Crude oil, Aspergillus niger, TPH, Soil.

Abstract

The biodegradation potential of Aspergillus niger was investigated on soil experimentally contaminated with crude oil. The fungal load dynamics of Aspergillus niger and some chemical parameters of the contaminated soil were determined using standard microbiological and analytical methods. The parameters were determined at weekly intervals and at varying levels of crude oil concentration (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) for a period of six weeks. There was a progressive increase in the fungal load dynamics (3.6x104±0.05cfu/g -1.43x105±0.06cfu/g; 4.2x104±0.02cfu/g - 1.41x105±0.02cfu/g; 2.6x104±0.04cfu/g - 1.32x105±0.05cfu/g and 3.5x104±0.01cfu/g - 1.42x105±0.02cfu/g) from week one to week six at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% crude oil concentrations respectively. The highest fungal load (1.43x105±0.06cfu/g ) was recorded  on 10% crude oil concentration at week six while the lowest fungal load (2.6x104±0.04cfu/g) was recorded on 30% crude oil concentration at week one. The result of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) showed a progressive decrease ( 1642.02±0.047mg/kg - 600.52 ± 0.047 mg/kg; 1286.80 ± 0.047mg/kg-397.98±0.047mg/kg; 1908.3±0.047mg/kg - 759.28±0.047mg/kg and 2228. 7±0.047mg/kg -778.88±0.047mg/kg) from week one to week six at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% crude oil concentrations respectively. Other parameters such as pH (5.74±0.124 - 6.50±0.047) and percentage nitrogen (0.103±0.020% - 0.266±0.020%) showed progressive decrease and increase respectively as observed on the crude oil concentrations from week one to week six. All tests were done in triplicates. The result indicates the potential of Aspergillus niger in the degradation of crude oil as evidenced in the progressive reduction in the total petroleum hydrocarbon. The use of Aspergillus niger in the biodegradation of crude oil polluted soil is therefore recommended.

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

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Published

2017-06-30

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Volume 3, Issue 4, May-June-2017

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Research Articles

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[1]
Ibe Colman Chikwem, Uzoka Christopher Ndubuisi, Ekwenye Uchechi N, Ohakwe Chigbomkpa Stanley, Egbuawa Irene Ogechi, Duru Iruka Madujumaka, " Biodegradation potential of Aspergillus niger on crude oil contaminated soil., International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Online ISSN : 2395-602X, Print ISSN : 2395-6011, Volume 3, Issue 4, pp.405-414, May-June-2017.