Assessment of Degradative Potentials of Bacteria Isolated from Palm Oil-Polluted Site Using Spectrophotometric Method

Bioremediation is one of the current approaches in environmental microbiology or environmental biotechnology that has been exercised for the reduction and removal of hydrocarbon pollutants. Microorganisms, typically bacteria that have particular metabolic capacities, are essential for the biodegradation of hydrocarbon pollutants. This study was undertaken to assess ex situ degradative potentials of Pseudomonas species isolated from palm oil effluent-polluted site using spectrophotometric method. Soil sediments were collected from different points at palm oil effluent disposal site located at different local palm oil producers at Uli community, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State. The samples were analyzed for the presence of palm oil effluent degrading bacteria using a modified mineral basal medium. The bacterial isolates were characterized based on their cultural characteristics, microscopy, and biochemical characteristics. The hydrocarbon adaptation utilization potentials of the bacterial isolates were evaluated using spectrophotometric method. The biodegradative potentials of the bacterial isolates were evaluated using hydrocarbon supplemented modified mineral basal medium and spectrophotometer. The Gram negative bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas species. The optical diameter of the adapted bacterial isolates showed that the isolates adapted to the hydrocarbon medium while the biodegradative potentials of the isolates showed that the hydrocarbon was biodegraded as revealed in the weight loss, which increased as the day of degradation increased. The study has shown that Pseudomonas species are good hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, which can be optimized in bioremediation of palm oil effluent-polluted site.