Detection of Heterotrophic Bacteria That Are Able to Degrade Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State
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
Citations
IRE Journals:
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
IEEE:
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, 9(8) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714470
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 8:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12