Physicochemical characteristics and mycoremediation of Ejamah-Ebubu oil spill site located at Eleme Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mycoremediation is the application of fungi isolate to contaminated sites. The mycological content of Ejamah- Ebubu oil polluted site was carried out. Using composite sampling technique, five sets of samples were collected; At₁₅, Bt₁₅, Ct₁₅, Dt₁₅, Et₁₅ at depth (0 - 15cm) and Ab₃₀, Bb₃₀, Cb₃₀, Db₃₀, Eb₃₀ at depth (15 - 30cm). The parameters analyzed include; pH, conductivity, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, total heterotrophic fungal count (THF) and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count (HUF). The total heterotrophic fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count for A15 ranges between 5.0 x 10 ³- 1.5x10⁴cfu/g and 1.1 x10³ - 2.3x10³ cfu/g while A30 ranges between 4.0 x 10³- 1.3x10⁴cfu/g and 3.0 x 10³ - 1.3x10³cfu/g. A total of nine fungal isolate were obtained and identified to belong to the genera: Aspergillus (44.44%), Microsporum (11.11%), Fusarium (11.11%), Penicillium (22, 22%) Acremonium (11.11%). The frequency of occurrence of the isolates have Aspergillus>Penicillium while Microsporium, Fusarium and Acremonium are the same. The unique ability of these isolates to adapt to such conditions of petroleum hydrocarbon content in soil can be effectively used in bioremediation of oil impacted areas in the Niger Delta.

Keywords: Mycoremediation, Hydrocarbon, Aspergillus, bioremediation, Impacted, Delta