Abstract
Ultimate biodegradability of Industrial detergent; Teepol and Gamazyme used in the upstream sector of the Nigeria petroleum industry were investigated in fresh, brackish and marine water systems. The methodology of ultimate biodegradability estimated from the ratio of Biochemical Oxygen Demand to Chemical Oxygen Demand was used to determine biodegradability. Evaluation of percentage (%) ultimate biodegradation at day 20; showed T-pol (71.2%) to be more biodegradable in brackish water system while Gamazyme (31.1%) in fresh water system is least. Comparatively, biodegradability potential of the Industrial detergents in the tri-aquatic systems were; Fresh water system: T-pol (46.6%) >Gamazyme (31.1%). Brackish water system: Gamazyme BTC (73.1%) > T-pol (71.2%). Marine water system: T-pol (55.6%) >Gamazyme (44.7%). Industrial detergent utilizing bacteria genera isolated and their frequency were; <i>Pseudomonas</i> 35.7%, <i>Bacillus</i> 30.7%, <i>Micrococcus</i> 15.4% and <i>Enterobacter</i> 15.4% while fungi genera were; <i>Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopusand Mucor</i>. Conclusively, the study showed that Industrial detergent Gamazyme BTC had a very low biodegradation potential in fresh and marine water environment especially in fresh water. Based on these findings; the use of Industrial detergent Gamazyme should be with high caution or discontinued in the upstream sector of the Nigeria Petroleum Industry.
Highlights
Biodegradation is the breakdown of a complex chemical through biological processes
The study revealed that Pseudomonas, Proteus, Micrococcus, Bacillus, Rhizopus, Asprgillus and Penicilium genera isolated from the tri – aquatic ecosystems were capable of utilizing industrial detergents as their carbon source
This study reveals that the three aquatic systems are heavily impacted with toxic substances from oil companies constantly using these petroleum products in Rivers State and Nigeria in general
Summary
Biodegradation is the breakdown of a complex chemical through biological processes. An increased rate of technological development has brought about the production of these synthetic materials, a factor that has supported the need for an enhanced biodegradability studies. The need for these studies has become important especially as a result of consumer use and disposal pattern of these detergent chemicals, prior to discharges into streams, rivers and estuaries. Considerable level of detergents biodegradation activity take place in the environment (Lawson and Payne, 1980), such problems have been reported to include: destruction of the external mucus layer that protects fish from bacteria and other pathogens, severe damage to the gills, lowering of the surface tension of the water, algal blooms that releases toxins and decrease oxygen in waterways and decrease in the breeding ability of aquatic organisms.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
