Isolation, Characterization and use of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria in degradation of motor oil contaminated soil sample

Yemisi Ajoke Olawore^1,2* and Abdullahi Hassan Kawo¹

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

²Department of Applied Mathematics, National Mathematical Centre, Sheda-Abuja, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Authors’ Contact Details: E-mail Address ✉: olaworeyemisi1@yahoo.com; Phone no ☎: +234 8094242531

Accepted December 20, 2021

Spent motor oil represents one of the most prominent and tenacious contaminants of soil within mechanic workshops across Nigeria as well as in several other countries around the globe. Adaptation and natural evolution proffer a rich array of microorganisms capable of producing bio-surfactants which are of high value to industry particularly in hydrocarbon degradation. This study was aimed at investigating the removal of hydrocarbon contaminants in soil samples contaminated with motor oil (SAE 20-50) using biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from Apo mechanic village in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. In this study, the microbes were isolated from spent motor-oil contaminated soil samples; screened for biosurfactant production through haemolytic assay, emulsification and foam capacity tests. Biosurfactant obtained were then used in bioremediation tests on motor oil contaminated soil samples. All these were carried out after a background study of the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the contaminated soil samples. Based on the results of this work, the hypothesis has been confirmed, indicating that indigenous bacteria isolated from Apo mechanic village (Pseudomonas species and Klebsiella species were the primary organisms isolated) are biosurfactant producers and displayed the ability to degrade motor oil. Molecular identification of the isolated bacteria was performed via respective sequenced 16S rDNA gene fragments. Sequenced 16S rDNA gene amplicons were compared with those in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and two major clusters were identified, isolates with designation B1 and C8 belonging to Pseudomonas species (Pseudomonas putida strain P11 and Pseudomonas alcaligenes strain 14909-1) while A2 belonged to Klebsiella species (Klebsiella aerogenes strain BR16). .

Key words: Biosurfactant, Bacteria, Degrade, Engine-oil, Bioremediation.

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