Biodegradation of Vegetable Oil Factory Effluent Using Extracellular Lipase Obtained from Alcaligenes Spp.

Abstract

This study determined the degradation of vegetable oil factory effluent by extracellular lipase obtained from Alcaligenes spp. The extracellular lipase produced by isolated Alcaligenes spp was obtained and concentrated using Glycerol before Gel Filtration Chromatography. The partially purified enzyme obtained from the Gel Filtration Chromatography purification showed optimum activity at a temperature of 55° C and pH 7. The enzyme was then concentrated using glycerol prior to treatment. The raw effluent samples (from the vegetable oil factory) were treated with the partially purified enzyme for 20 days. The degradation activity of the enzymes on contaminant concentrations was monitored at every 5 days. A control experiment was also set up for possible natural degradation of contaminants. Effluents were analyzed for metals (Fe, Mn and Zn), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Lipid Content using the standard method. Data were analysed for graphical presentation using the Microsoft Excel package. Results showed reduction in Fe, Mn, Zn, COD and Lipid Contents between day 5 and 20 as 46.28%, 68.71%, 62.53%, 71.45% and 72.57% respectively. The application of extracellular enzyme in the treatment of the effluent enhanced the degradation of the effluent at a higher percentage than the natural attenuation process of the effluent. This showed the promising bioremediation potential of Alcaligenes spp.