Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer on the Microbial degradation of Diesel Polluted Soil in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of Inorganic Fertilizer (IF) on the microbial degradation of diesel polluted soil in Abeokuta was assessed by collecting Top soil (0 – 15 cm depth) from diesel polluted site of Information and Communication Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Inorganic fertilizer was added to the polluted soil in the ratio: 0:1 (control), 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1. Microorganism identification, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) were determined using standard methods. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Microorganism identified were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Klebsiella sp., Saccharomyces sp., Candida sp., Fusarium sp., Trichoderma sp., Neurospora sp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus flavus, and Aspergilus oryzaeas. pH of the soil ranged between 5.8 and 7.8. Electrical conductivity, NO₃, Na, Mg and Ca contents decreased with inorganic fertilizer application. Organic Carbon, PO4 and K increased with fertilizer application. TPH degradation observed at 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1were 13.38 %, 6.45 % and 10.62 %
 respectively.