Ex-Situ Assessment of Degradative Potentials of Micrococcus Species Isolated from Kerosene-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 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 Micrococcus species isolated from kerosene-polluted site using
spectrophotometric method. Soil sediments were collected from different points at local kerosene
retail site located at Umuaku Uli. 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 Micrococcus 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
Micrococcus species are good hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, which can be optimized in
bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted site.