Evaluation of the effect of Physicochemical Parameters on the Biodegradation of spent engine oil using selected Oleophilic Bacteria

Abstract

Pollution emanating from the disposal of the auto-mechanic’s workshop is of significant challenge globally. This study presents an evaluation of physicochemical parameters on Biodegradation of spent engine oil using selected Oleophitic bacteria. The effect of nitrogen sources (Casein, Urea, Ammonium Sulphate and Potassium Nitrate), pH (4-10) and temperature (25°C to 45°C) were varying on the Biodegradation of spent engine oil using isolated hydrocarbon degraders;Klebsiella sp., Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Bacillus sp obtained from auto-mechanic’s workshops. The assessment of the growth of these hydrocarbon degraders was assessed in Minimal Salt medium (MSM) supplemented with 1% Spent engine oil for seven days. The turbidity of the inoculated MSM was assayed using U.V. Spectrophotometer. The study revealed that the most preferred Nitrogen sources that supported the optimum growth of these hydrocarbon degraders were Casein, while the best pH was 8 and 9. The temperature that supported the optimal growth of the isolates varied with each strain which ranges between 35°C and 40°C. The growth of these bacterial isolates revealed that Biodegradation of the used engine oil is proceeding.