JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7064
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JBBD
Start Year: 2016
Email: jbbd@integrityresjournals.org
Microbial pathways to sustainable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon remediation
https://doi.org/10.31248/JBBD2025.246 | Article Number: CC2264B82 | Vol.10 (5) - December 2025
Received Date: 14 November 2025 | Accepted Date: 15 December 2025 | Published Date: 30 December 2025
Authors: Nkantion, N. U. , Thomas, T. L. , Umoyen, A. J. , Etukudo, O. M.* and Bassey, N. S.
Keywords: spent engine oil, Bioaugmentation, natural attenuation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Spent engine oil seriously disrupts microbial communities in both soil and water, leading to cascading effects on many ecosystem processes critical for the functioning of ecosystems, which include nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, and degradation of organic matter. This work examines the potential of Alcaligenes aquatilis, isolated from farmland adjoining the Mechanic Village in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for the degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The biodegradation competence of A. aquatilis was measured indirectly through viable cell density, optical density, and pH variation during the incubation period (up to 15 days). Bioremediation efficiency was also assessed through the percentage removal of total PAHs from day 0 to day 60, estimated by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. The results indicated that A. aquatilis degraded 98.79, 95.58, 97.57, and 98.41% of the total PAH fractions in 4 kg of garden soil contaminated with 5, 10, 15, and 20% spent engine oil, respectively. In addition, monitored natural attenuation recorded 96.35% degradation at 5% contamination. Statistical analysis by ANOVA showed a highly significant difference, p<0.001, between the initial and residual PAH concentrations. Based on these findings, bioremediation with Alcaligenes aquatilis is strongly recommended for the cleanup of spent engine oil–impacted soils in contaminated environments.
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