ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS FROM ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED SITE IN BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Purpose: Isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with engine oil contaminated soil was carried out.

Methodology: Eight different mechanic workshops within Bida were selected and soil samples were collected from each site. Ten grams of contaminated soil was added to 100mL of the enrichment medium and was incubated at 30^oC for 4 days. The soil samples from the mechanic workshop were enriched using Mineral salt agar and then subsequently plated out on nutrient agar plates for 24 hours at 30^oC. Spread plate method involving the use of serial dilutions was employed for the isolation of the bacteria. The number of viable bacterial count were determined and expressed in colony forming units (cfu).

Results: The bacterial species isolated were Micrococcus species, Serratia specie and Bacillus species Bacillus species was the most dominant showing a 100% occurrence, followed by Micrococcus species. 75% and lastly Serratia species with the least of 50%. Pour plate method involving serial dilution into Potato Dextrose Agar with the addition of ampliclox to inhibit the growth of bacterial species. The fungal species isolated were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Alternaria alternata.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: From, the data obtained, Bacillus species and Aspergillus niger are most adapted to conditions present in soils contaminated with used engine oil and hence could be exploited in bioremediation activities.

Key words: Engine oil, Micrococcus species, Aspergillus niger, Mechanic workshop, Bida.