Evaluating the Degradation Effect of Bacterial Consortium from the Feces of Bos tarus and Fecal Matter on Crude Oil Polluted Soil

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of degradation of bacterial isolates from the feces of Bos tarus and fecal matter on crude oil polluted soil in a laboratory scale.

Study Design: This study covered the isolation of bacterial consortium from the fecal matter of Bos tarus obtained from Giriki Farms located at Gariki barn Uti, Delta State, Nigeria used to treat soil sample spiked with crude oil obtained from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC)

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Environmental Science laboratory, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. The research lasted for four months.

Methodology: Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria consortium was isolated from the dung of Bos tarus using a carbon free medium employing pour plate/vapor phase techniques. The identified consortiums were screened to select the fastest degrader of hydrocarbons by 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP). The best fit consortium was subjected to purification and identification of its bacterial make up using standard microbiological procedures. The selected consortium was standardized after washing to 0.1 optical density at 600nm and used to treat soil spiked with crude oil alone and with fecal matter. The degradation effect of the residual crude oil was determined by Gas chromatography.

Results: Results showed that isolates were capable and effective in degrading crude oil with performance enhanced in crude oil polluted soil with bacterial consortium andfecal matter (90.29%) and 78.00% in polluted soil with only bacterial isolates. This clearly points to the roles of elemental constituents of the fecal matter acting as a catalyst and bio-stimulant to hasten the rate of degradation of crude oil although not undermining the role of microorganisms.

Conclusion: The study revealed that microorganisms from the waste of Bos tarus are capable of degrading short and long chain hydrocarbons present in crude oil and the degradation process is enhanced if the ecological niche from which the isolates are drawn is maintained.