Abstract
The study investigated microbial population dynamics in soils of Greater Port Harcourt Area, Nigeria. The study involved the quantification of petroleum pollutants and the enumeration and characterization of culturable fungi and bacteria. Gas Chromatograph FID method was used to quantify total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in the soil while morphological and biochemical tests were used to characterize the microorganisms. The highest TPH was 9,759.37±883.36 ppm which exceeded the Department of Petroleum Resources’ (DPRs’) intervention value of 5,000 ppm. The percentage of hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (% HUF) ranged between 1.93±0.57 and 66.55±5.60 which were observed in sites A1 (Aluu) and CA (Agricultural control), respectively. The percentage of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (% HUB) ranged between 0.12±0.01 and 7.89±1.25 which was observed in sites A3 (Emuoha) and CU (Urban control), respectively. The most prevalent bacterial species includes Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus lylae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Alcaligen faecalis. The most prevalent HUB isolate was Bacillus subtilis. The most prevalent fungal isolates were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida torulopsis. A. niger was the most prevalent among the HUF isolates which was identified in 12 sites. It was concluded that the study sites harboured TPH degrading microorganisms that are appropriate for bioremediation of TPH polluted sites. Key words: Total petroleum hydrocarbons, soil pollution, biodiversity, fungi, bacteria.
Highlights
The eruption of oil spills is on the rise due to increased exploration and insufficient environmental management strategies and this has led to the accumulation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) over time in sensitive natural habitats
The analysis shows the presence of microorganisms in soils contaminated with cyanide at a concentration of 3.0 mg/kg, showing that microorganisms can survive in cyanide contaminated habitats
The present study showed that %Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) was lower as related to %Hydrocarbons utilizing fungi (HUF)
Summary
In Nigeria, the Niger Delta region is a major centre of activities of oil mining and its’ associated industrial sectors This oil-rich region accounts for more than three quarters of Nigeria's total annual revenue. The eruption of oil spills is on the rise due to increased exploration and insufficient environmental management strategies and this has led to the accumulation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) over time in sensitive natural habitats. Such chemical spills have intensified, contaminating soils not just in industrial areas and in the agricultural areas. Yield improvements cannot be accomplished unless the ecosystem is controlled to protect the integrity of the soil ecosystem
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