Simulating Biodegradation of Hydrocarbon Pollutants under Slow Nutrient Delivery Conditions
Journal Title: Microbiology Research Journal International - Year 2016, Vol 14, Issue 5
Abstract
Aim: Bacterial growth and petroleum hydrocarbon degradation kinetics was studied under controlled laboratory conditions, to determine and numerically simulate the fate of hydrocarbon pollutants. Study Design: A 35-day study was setup to investigate crude oil degradation and bacterial growth dynamics in water, using slow-release fertilizer formulations. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between January and June 2015. Methodology: Crude oil degradation studies were carried out in six (6) 500 ml capacity conical flask containing 200 ml mineral salt solution and 0.25% crude oil. The setups were inoculated with suspensions of 24-h old pure cultures of bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Micrococcus sp.). Results: At the end of the study, the crude-oil concentration (S) was reduced from an initial value of 11250 ppm to 6360.6 ppm and 1471.3 ppm at weeks 5 and 10, respectively. The bacterial biomass on the other hand increased from 4.69 at the start of the experiment, to 19.36 and 34.03 (Log.10 cfu/ml) at weeks 5 and 10, respectively. Results from the numerical simulations showed that a 50% variation (reduction) on the maximum degradation rate (qmax) led to 332.32% biodiversity gain in hydrocarbon substrate (S) and a concomitant 43.11% biodiversity loss on bacterial biomass (X) after a ten-week period of simulation. Also, an 80% variation (reduction) on qmax led to a 132.93% biodiversity gain on hydrocarbon substrate and a 17.24% biodiversity loss on bacterial biomass. Conclusion: This study revealed that lower rates of crude oil utilization leads to increased volume of petroleum hydrocarbon in the environment as well as a concomitant loss in species diversity. Nutrient amendment as well as seeding with bacteria consortium is recommended for faster rates of crude oil degradation.
Authors and Affiliations
T. Sampson, C. J. Ogugbue, G. C. Okpokwasili
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP350917
- DOI 10.9734/BMRJ/2016/25956
- Views 96
- Downloads 0
Antibiotic Susceptibilities and Plasmid Profile of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase- producing Escherichia coli from Community Acquired Urinary Tract Infection at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Background: Globally, the emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli has been noted in community acquired strains as against the hospital acquired origin. This study was designed to a...
Field and In-vitro Studies on Corynespora Leaf Fall Disease of Hevea brasiliensis in Nigeria
Aims: This study evaluated the current incidence and severity of Corynespora leaf fall disease (CLFD) in the fields among cultivated rubber clones grown in Nigeria and the growth performance of selected isolates of the p...
Antibacterial Effect of Bacillus Strains and Partial Characterization of Their Extracts
Aims: The focus of this study was to isolate and to identify strains with antibacterial activity followed by a partial characterization of their extracts. Study Design: Screening and identification of bacteria having an...
Profiling Rhizosphere Microbes on the Root of Maize (Zea mays) Planted in an Alfisol for Selection as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)
Maize (Zea mays L. Merill) root rhizosphere, being a metabolite-enriched niche was profiled with the objective of isolating Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for bio-fertilizer production. Isolation was carried...
Ebselen a Seleno-organic Molecule Inhibits Alteration in the Biological Responses in Hypoxic Human Alveolar Lung Epithelial Cells
Ebselen is a lipid-soluble seleno-organic compound whose benefits have been shown in a variety of diseases and in experimental studies including anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, anti carcinogenes...