Comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS)

Abstract

The comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS) was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of using these microorganisms in cleaning and restoring the ecosystem when polluted by petroleum products. These fungi were observed to grow at all concentrations of the petroleum products (pollutant) used, but the growth on AGO was considerably reduced compared to the growth on PMS. The mycelia growth of A. niger was observed to be faster in PMS than in AGO. The ability of A. niger and Penicillium sp. to
tolerate these pollutants and grow on them, suggest that they can be employed as bioremediation agents and can be used in restoring the ecosystem when contaminated by these pollutants.