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1714470 Vol 9 · Issue 8 Download Paper

Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State

Uloma Linda Nwaehiri Okpe Chioma

Subject area: Biological & Medical Sciences  ·  Area of research: Environmental Microbiology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470

Abstract

This study investigated the presence and hydrocarbon degrading capabilities of indigenous heterotrophic bacteria in oil polluted soils from Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples collected at 500 m and 1000 m from major spill points were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and microbial composition using standard microbiological and analytical methods. Results revealed diverse bacterial genera, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Citrobacter, and Serratia, with several strains demonstrating strong hydrocarbon utilizing abilities. Biodegradation experiments conducted over 30 days showed significant reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), with Acinetobacter sp. exhibiting the highest degradation efficiency (99.70%), followed closely by Pseudomonas sp. (99.60%) and Alcaligenes sp. (99.20%). Physicochemical analyses indicated that crude oil contamination altered soil properties, notably reducing nitrate and phosphate levels and increasing acidity. The findings confirm that indigenous bacterial communities in Izombe possess functional genes and metabolic potential necessary for effective biodegradation of Bonny light crude oil. The study concludes that microbial consortia are critical for efficient bioremediation and recommends Acinetobacter sp. as a promising candidate for remediation of hydrocarbon impacted environments in the region.

Keywords

Heterotrophic Bacteria, Degradation, Hydrocarbon, Soil Samples

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How to cite this paper

Uloma Linda Nwaehiri, Okpe Chioma "Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 8 2026 Page 1319-1334 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470
Uloma Linda Nwaehiri, Okpe Chioma "Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 8, Feb. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470
Uloma Linda Nwaehiri, Okpe Chioma (2026). Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(8). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470
Uloma Linda Nwaehiri, Okpe Chioma "Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 8, Feb. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470
@article{1714470,
      author = {Uloma Linda Nwaehiri, Okpe Chioma},
      title = {Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {8},
      pages = {1319-1334},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714470.pdf},
      abstract = {This study investigated the presence and hydrocarbon degrading capabilities of indigenous heterotrophic bacteria in oil polluted soils from Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples collected at 500 m and 1000 m from major spill points were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and microbial composition using standard microbiological and analytical methods. Results revealed diverse bacterial genera, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Citrobacter, and Serratia, with several strains demonstrating strong hydrocarbon utilizing abilities. Biodegradation experiments conducted over 30 days showed significant reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), with Acinetobacter sp. exhibiting the highest degradation efficiency (99.70%), followed closely by Pseudomonas sp. (99.60%) and Alcaligenes sp. (99.20%). Physicochemical analyses indicated that crude oil contamination altered soil properties, notably reducing nitrate and phosphate levels and increasing acidity. The findings confirm that indigenous bacterial communities in Izombe possess functional genes and metabolic potential necessary for effective biodegradation of Bonny light crude oil. The study concludes that microbial consortia are critical for efficient bioremediation and recommends Acinetobacter sp. as a promising candidate for remediation of hydrocarbon impacted environments in the region.},
      keywords = {Heterotrophic Bacteria, Degradation, Hydrocarbon, Soil Samples},
      month = {February},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470}
  }