Biodegradation Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Degrading Microbes Sourced from Petroleum Polluted Soil in Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Abstract The extensive global application of petroleum hydrocarbon for energy results in petroleum spillage leading to significant environmental hazards. The conventional remediation methods for these pollutants is often capital intensive as it relies mainly on chemical treatment, which is also contrary to sustainable development principles. Hence, the need for green technology-based alternatives for remediation of petroleum polluted soil. In this study, artificially Escravos light crude oil polluted soil was remediated using oil degrading microbes isolated from petroleum polluted soil. Consortium of bacteria applied comprise the Enterobacter-aerogenes, Proteus myxofaciens and Serratia-marcescens immobilized in coconut fibre and groundnut husk cellulosic materials. Laboratory results indicate that immobilized consortium of bacterium exhibited outstanding self-life having bacteria loads of 3.33 × 1022 Cfu/ml and 3.20 × 1019 Cfu/ml on day one and day 28 respectively. The immobilized bacteria consortium offers remarkable potential in degrading of hydrocarbons. Post twenty one days application of oil degraders at laboratory scale on Forcados sourced oil displayed that residual concentrations of hydrocarbon reduced to 14.87 % in comparison to residual concentrations of 58.97 % in control samples. Hence, immobilized bacteria consortium utilizing cellulosic-material as carrier could be utilized as efficient as well as quick bioremediation too for remediation of petroleum polluted soil and minimal costs.