Abstract
This work is aimed at isolating and identifying phenol-degrading bacteria from oil-contaminated sites. Five soil samples from three auto-mechanic workshops within Katsina metropolis were collected. The samples were analyzed by selective enrichment technique, which resulted in the isolation of four bacterial species. The species were further subjected to the Vitek 2 compact microbiological system analysis. Cupriavidus pauculus, Pontoea spp, Proteus mirabilis 1 and Proteus mirabilis 2 were identified. Result from the present study showed that the bacteria could utilize phenol as their carbon source. Proteus mirabilis 1 and Proteus mirabilis 2 showed lower phenol degradation potential, under similar conditions. Cupriavidus pauculus and Pontoea sp. showed significant increases (p<0.05) in their optical densities. The optical density increment is strongly correlated with increase in colony forming units of the bacteria. This study further showed that the isolates could tolerate high phenol concentrations and may serve as strong putative isolates in bioremediation of phenol-contaminated sites.
Highlights
The exploration of the environment by man in the quest to survive has generated some negative impact on the ecosystem (Ojuederie and Babalola, 2017)
Result from the present study showed that the bacteria could utilize phenol as their carbon source
This study further showed that the isolates could tolerate high phenol concentrations and may serve as strong putative isolates in bioremediation of phenol-contaminated sites
Summary
The exploration of the environment by man in the quest to survive has generated some negative impact on the ecosystem (Ojuederie and Babalola, 2017). Pollution is one of the major impacts of man’s activity which has caused threat to life. Phenol is one of the major pollutants found in oil contaminated sites (Gami et al, 2014). Phenol and its compounds like chlorophenols and nitrophenols, among others, are injurious to humans and other flora and fauna at oil-contaminated sites even at low concentrations. Symptoms including irritation of the skin and eyes, diarrhea and vomiting have been associated with hydrocarbon pollutants. Other significant morbidities like cancers, coronary heart diseases, kidney, and liver failure have been reported in individuals exposed to phenol and other aromatic pollutants (Abubakar and Shukor, 2017)
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