Identification of Potential Hydrocarbon Utilizing Microbes from Crude Oil Polluted Soil

Student: Precious Chinemere Ohuabunwa (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to identify potential hydrocarbon utilizing microbes from crude oil polluted soil. Soil samples were collected from mechanic workshopsthat had heavy spillage of used engine oil located in Owerri Metropolis. The locations had no grasses growing on them. Soil samples were collected from area free from oil spillage which has grasses growing on it. This was used for control. Soil samples were analyzed using microbiological standard techniques. Results obtained from microbial identification tests showed that four bacteria and three fungi were isolated which are; Streptococcus spp.,Bacillus spp.,Pseudomonas spp., Acinotobacter spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum spp. were identified through biochemical determinative test.Conclusively, these organisms namely; Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Acinotobacter spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum spp. were found able to utilize and/or degrade crude oil as energy source. Hence,it is evident from the outcome of this study that hydrocarbon utiliing and/or degrading microorganisms could possibly be used for bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted soil.

Keywords
hydrocarbon crude polluted samples identification potential utilizing microbes collected spillage
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