Ex-Situ Assessment of Degradative Potentials of Bacillus Species Isolated from Diesel-Polluted Site Using Spectrophotometric Method

ABSTRACT Bioremediation is one of the current approaches in environmental microbiology or environmental biotechnology that has been exercised for the reduction 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 Bacillus species isolated from diesel-polluted site using spectrophotometric method. Soil sediments were collected from different points at diesel contaminated site located at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University power zone. The samples were analyzed for the presence of hydrocarbon 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 positive bacteria isolated were Bacillus 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 with time. The study has shown that Bacillus species are good hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, which can be optimized in bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted site.