Changes in Microbial Population of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Polluted Soil Amended with Chicken Droppings and Cow Dung.

Aim of Study: To assess changes in microbial population in palm oil mill effluent (POME) polluted soil amended with chicken droppings and cow dung. Study Design: 32 plots measuring 4 m2 were mapped out in a randomized complete block design of five main plots with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria: July 2011 to November 2011. Methodology: Plots were polluted with palm oil mill effluent and subsequently remedied using varying amounts of chicken droppings and cow dung (5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg). Microbiological analysis was carried out using Nutrient agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar for the enumeration of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (TAHB) and fungi (moulds and yeasts) respectively. Results: Significant difference (P=0.05) in TAHB counts after 1 month and 2 months in all treatments with the exception of unamended polluted and unpolluted control soils. The counts however, increased after 2 months in all treatments with the exception of unamended polluted soil. The overall data suggest that amendment of the POME polluted soil enhanced microbial growth, particularly after 2 months meaning that bioremediation of the polluted soil can be achieved with the organic wastes within a short time. Conclusion: Chicken droppings (at 10 kg and 15 kg/4m2 plot) and a combination of chicken droppings and cow dung (at 10 kg and 15 kg/4m2 plot) have the ability to significantly increase microbial populations in palm oil mill effluent (POME) polluted soil thereby stimulating the bioremediation of the polluted soil.

Biodegradation of Petroleum by Fungi Isolated From Unpolluted Tropical Soil.

Bioremediation studies on the capabilities of Aspergillus niger A1, Candida sp C10 and Rhizopus stolonifer R7 isolated from unpolluted soil in Minna, Niger State Nigeria was investigated and rate of degradation measured by weight loss. Aspergillus niger A1, exhibited the highest ability in degrading the crude oil than Candida sp C10, and Rhizopus stolonifer R7. Aspergillus niger A1 degraded 53.7% of the crude oil after 16 days period of incubation while Candida sp C10 and Rhizopus stolonifer R7 degraded 45.0% and 35.0% respectively over the same period of incubation.. The result obtained demonstrated that the three fungi isolates are competent petroleum degrading organisms and may be used as best approaches to restoring oil contaminated environments through bioremediation process.