ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the isolation and identification of biodegrading fungal species. The sites (Umudike mechanic workshop and Imo lane mechanic workshop) used for this study are designated areas for automobile repairs, petrol/diesel pump sites and generator repairs. Samples collected were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar using both streak and pour plate techniques. Two (2) fungal species, namely Penicillium spp, and Rhizopus spp were isolated and identified based on Morphological and cultural features from engine oil–contaminated soil in this study as responsible for the biodegradation of the engine oil. The presence of these fungi in soil samples indicated that the isolates were able to exist in the oil contaminated environment while those that could not survive in this environment being eliminated by the unfavorable conditions caused by the oil. The results from the Zone Diameter Produced on Modified 1% Condemned Oil Agar showed that Penicillium spp had higher ability to degrade the engine oil as the day of incubation increased.  Rhizopus spp also exhibited the ability to utilize the engine oil as its sole source of energy at day 6 but had lesser zone of inhibition compared to Penicillium spp. Therefore, it was seen that the rate of engine oil degradation by Penicillium spp. was faster as the days increased compared to the rate of degradation of engine oil by Rhizopus spp and mixture of Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. Therefore, the study has also shown that fungi play a role in the biodegradation of oil contaminating soils in the environment. Studies have indicated that biodegradation by fungi could be due to their massive growth and enzyme production responses during their growth phases. Thus in future they can be effectively utilized for the degradation of oil and petroleum products as well as for biodegradation of soil already polluted with oil.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page     i

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of Contents vi

List of Tables vii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aim of Study 4

1.2 Specific Objectives 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 5

2.1 Oil Pollution 5

2.2 Bioremediation Strategies Oil Contaminated Surfaces 6

2.3 Micro Organisms Important for Petroleum Product Biodegradation 8

2.4 Factors Affecting Biodegradation of Hydrocarbon 8

2.4.1 Temperature 9

2.4.2 Nutrients 9

2.4.3 Oxygen 9

2.4.4 pH 10

2.5 Mechanism of Hydrocarbon Degradation 10

2.5.1 Degradation Pathway for Aliphatic Compounds 10

2.5.2 Degradation Pathway for Aromatic Compounds 10

2.6 Isolation and Identification of Some Micro Organisms from Polluted Soil with 

Diesel around Powered Generators 11

2.7 Isolation of Oil Degrading Microorganisms, Identification of Catechol 

Gene and Its Biogas Production 12

2.8 Isolation Identification and Characterization of Potential Oil Degrading 

Bacteria from Oil Contaminated Sites 14

2.8.1 Enrichment of Microorganisms and Screening of Microorganisms 14

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 16

3.1 Study Area 16

3.2 Source of Sample/Collection 16

3.3 Sterilization of Materials 16

3.4 Media Preparation 16

3.5 Fungal Evaluation 17

3.6 Sample Preparation and Isolation of Fungi 17

3.6.1 Sample Inoculation/Serial Dilution 17

3.6.2 Isolation and Culturing of Fungi 17

3.6.3 Isolation of Fungi 18

3.6.4 Purification of Fungi Isolates 18

3.6.5 Test for Biodegradation of Fungi spp From Contaminated Soil of Spent Oil 18

3.7 Identification of the Fungi Isolates 19

3.8 Morphological Identification 19

3.8.2 Colonial Morphology 19

3.8.1 Cultural Characteristics 19

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 20

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations 23

5.1 Discussion 23

5.2 Conclusion 25

5.3 Recommendation 25

References