Ozonation of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): effect of column height on the saturation process and changes in quality / Ozonização de castanha-do-Brasil (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): efeito da altura da coluna no processo de saturação e alterações na qualidade

The objective of this study is to examine the saturation process in a column containing Brazil nuts and possible changes in the quality of the product. Brazil nut samples were initially placed in a cylindrical PVC column 15 cm in diameter and 110 cm in height. The ozone gas concentrations of 2.5, 4.5, 9.0, and 14.0 mg L-1 and a flow rate of 3.0 L min-1 were applied at a temperature of 25 ºC. Ozone gas was injected at the base of the cylindrical column, and the seed column height values adopted were 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 m. Saturation concentration and time were determined. To measure possible changes in the quality of ozonized Brazil nuts, moisture and color, as well as qualitative variables of the crude oil were evaluated at the exposure times of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. To evaluate the quality of the crude oil extracted from ozonized nuts, the free fatty acid content, peroxide value, and iodine value were analyzed. Increasing ozonation times increased ozone concentration at all inlet gas concentrations. Saturation time decreased as the inlet gas concentration was increased, at the different product column heights. There was no change in product moisture in response to ozonation. Ozonation did not induce significant changes in color or in the crude oil, due to the triple interaction between column height, ozone concentration, and exposure time. In conclusion, the height of the product's column influences saturation time and concentration during the ozonation process. Considering the color of the product and characteristics of its crude oil, the use of ozone under the conditions adopted in the present study does not affect the quality of Brazil nuts to the point of rendering them unmarketable.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é estudar o processo de saturação em coluna contendo castanha-do-Brasil e possíveis alterações na qualidade do produto. Inicialmente as amostras de castanha-do-Brasil foram acondicionadas em coluna cilíndrica de PVC de 15 cm de diâmetro e 110 cm de altura. Foram adotadas as concentrações do gás ozônio de 2,5, 4,5, 9,0 e 14,0 mg L-1 e vazão de 3,0 L min-1, na temperatura de 25 ºC. O gás ozônio foi injetado na base da coluna cilíndrica e os valores adotados de altura da coluna de grãos foram de 0,25, 0,50, e 0,75 m. Determinaram-se o tempo e a concentração de saturação. Na avaliação de possíveis alterações na qualidade de castanhas-do-Brasil ozonizadas foram determinados a umidade, coloração e variáveis qualitativas do óleo bruto, com tempos de exposição de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 h. Para avaliação da qualidade do óleo bruto extraído de castanhas ozonizadas foram analisadas o teor de ácidos graxos livres, o índice de peróxido e o índice de iodo. A elevação do período de ozonização promoveu aumento da concentração do ozônio para todas as concentrações de entrada do gás. No que se refere aos valores de tempo de saturação, à medida que se elevou a concentração de entrada do gás, houve redução do tempo de saturação, nas diferentes alturas de coluna do produto. Não houve variação da umidade do produto em decorrência da ozonização. A ozonização não provocou alterações significativas na cor e no óleo bruto, em decorrência da interação tripla entre altura da coluna do produto, concentração do ozônio e tempo de exposição. É possível concluir que a altura da coluna do produto influencia o tempo e a concentração de saturação, durante o processo de ozonização. O uso do ozônio nas condições adotadas no presente estudo não afeta a qualidade da castanhado-Brasil, considerando-se a cor do produto e características do óleo bruto, de tal forma a inviabilizar a comercialização.

Comparative Roles of HBB5 Biosurfactant and Poultry Wastes in Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradiation of Crude Oil-contaminated Sediment

The comparative study of poultry wastes- and HBB5 biosurfactant-mediated polyaromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation in sediment polluted with crude oil were investigated. The experiments were carried out for a period of 28 days by monitoring pH, nitrate, phosphate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and microbiological parameters using standard procedures. The pH values obtained ranged between 6.21 and 6.93 in days 1 and 28 for the most effective treatment recipes. Generally, there was depletion in the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate for all set ups, but the most effective recipe witnessed highest reduction. For the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the recipe with highest limiting nutrients depletion also recorded the most hydrocarbon loss, and yet highest increase in density of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and fungi. The sample containing polluted sediment + poultry wastes + HBB5 biosurfactant recorded PAH values of 1932.6472ppm on day 1 and 481.2272ppm on day 28. Total hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial counts ranged from 1.48×104 cfu/g to 9.70×106 cfu/g, while hydrocarbon-utilizing fungal counts ranged between 2.30×103 cfu/g and 3.90×105 cfu/g. From the results obtained, poultry wastes combined with HBB5 biosurfactant recorded the highest efficiency in the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments, and HBB5 biosurfactant in isolation recorded higher degradation efficiency for polyaromatic hydrocarbons than the degradation effect mediated by poultry wastes alone. It is therefore recommended that a combination of surface-active agent, nutrient amendment source and viable microbial biomass be adopted and employed as potent recipe for the degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil-contaminated sediments.

A Study on relationship between Gold, Silver, Crude Oil and Exchange rate during Covid – 19

COVID – 19 is not only impact on heath of the society but also influence the wealth of the country. Any disaster uncertainty affect directly or indirectly to the Economy. The main purpose behind this study is to know the relationship between Gold, Silver, Crude Oil and Exchange rate during Covid – 19. This research is based on Covid – 19 during the 1st Lockdown from April - 2020 to March – 2021. This study shows that there is correlation between Gold, Silver and Crude oil. There is an interdependence between Silver, Crude Oil and Exchange rate.

Occurrence of hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria in oil-polluted arid soils in Sudan

Aims@#This study aimed to isolate and identify hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria from oil- polluted sites and to develop a microbial consortium for use in pilot trial and commercial scale bioremediation treatment systems in the future.@*Methodology and results@#Ten hydrocarbon-utilising bacterial strains were isolated using enrichment culture technique from oil-polluted sites using crude oil as sole carbon source. The strains were tentatively identified on the basis of colony morphology, microscopic examination and biochemical characteristics. The growth of each strain was assessed by growing the bacteria in mineral salt medium amended with diesel oil as sole carbon source. The isolates exhibited differences in growth with the order of biomass production being Enterobacter sp. (OD620=1.283)> Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (OD620=1.245) > Aerococcus sp. (OD620=1.100) > Bacillus firmus (OD620=0.970) > Corynebacterium sp. (OD620=0.886) > Bacillus lentus (OD620=0.743) > Micrococcus luteus (OD620=0.656) > Bacillus subtilis (OD620=0.367) > Bacillus cereus (OD620=0.110) > Kocuria flavus (OD620=0.065). @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study is a prerequisite for the design of future full-scale bioremediation treatment of oil-polluted sites using hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria. An efficient consortium was developed comprising the best three hydrocarbon-utilising strains, which include Enterobacter sp., Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis and Aerococcus sp. This efficient microbial consortium is suggested to be used in future to rehabilitate oil-polluted sites in Sudan.

Nephrotoxicological Effect of Water Soluble Fraction of Bonny Light Crude Oil in Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluated the Nephrotoxic effect of water soluble fraction (WSF) of Bonny Light Crude Oil (BLCO). After preparation of the WSFand a range finding test, the Wistaralbino rats were administered three concentrations (25%, 50% and 100%) of WSF of BLCO for 30 and 60days. Data from the study showed that Urea concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing dose of BLCO ranging from 14.71mg/dl in the control to 35.28mg/dl in the 100% group after 30days and 14.28mg/dl in the control to 41.08mg/dl in the 100% group after 60days, Creatinine concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) from 0.22mg/dl in the control to 0.82mg/dl in the 100% group after 60 days administration while electrolyte (Na, K, Cl) concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing dose of BLCO after 60days administration. Histopathological examination of the kidney was characterized by partial partitioning of the glomerular tufts, obliteration of the Bowman’s capsule and distortion of the renal tubules. The findings in this research suggest that WSF of BLCO induced nephrotoxicity.

IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL ON FUNCTIONAL GROUPS OF CULTURABLE BACTERIA AND COLONIZATION OF SYMBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS IN THE Clitoria-Brachiaria RHIZOSPHERE GROWN IN MESOCOSMS / Impacto del petróleo crudo sobre grupos funcionales de bacterias cultivables y colonización de microorganismos simbióticos en la rizosfera de Clitoria-Brachiaria crecidas en mesocosmos

ABSTRACT This research evaluated the changes on populations of culturable N-fixing free bacteria (NFFB) and P-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), as well as on the root nodulation by native rhizobia, the root colonization and spore number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in the rhizosphere of Clitoria ternatea and Brachiaria brizantha grown in mesocosms contaminated with crude oil (0, 3000, 6000, 9000, and 12000 mg kg-1), for 240 days. After 24 h of soil contamination, the highest populations of NFFB and PSB (5.5 and 4.9 LogUFC, respectively) were found in control, and the lowest populations were obtained at 12000 mg kg-1 (5.1 and 4.2 LogUFC, respectively). In contrast, at 60 and 240 days, the control showed lower populations of NFFB and PSB (5.4 and 4.8 LogUFC, respectively) than contaminated treatments. The highest number of root nodules in C. ternatea was quantified in control at 60 and 240 days (25 and 27 nodules, respectively) in comparison to those observed at the treatment with 12000 mg kg-1 (7 and 1 nodule, respectively). At 60 days, AMF colonization in both plant species, and the number of spores significantly decreased as the crude oil concentration increased; however, at 240 days, the highest number of AMF spores was recorded at treatments with 6000 and 12000 mg kg-1. The dry weight of both plant species significantly decreased as crude oil concentrations increased. Although C. ternatea was more susceptible to the toxic effects of crude oil, this plant species showed greater content of total chlorophyll than B. brizantha.

RESUMEN Esta investigación evaluó los cambios en la población cultivable de bacterias de vida libre fijadoras de nitrógeno (BVLFN) y de bacterias solubilizadoras de fósforo (BSP), así como en la nodulación de raíces por rizobios nativos, y en la colonización y número de esporas de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) en la rizósfera de Clitoria ternatea y Brachiaria brizantha cultivadas en mesocosmos contaminados con petróleo crudo (0, 3000, 6000, 9000 y 12000 mg kg-1), durante 240 días. A las 24 h de la contaminación del suelo, las poblaciones más altas de BVLFN y BSP (5,5 y 4,9 LogUFC, respectivamente) se encontraron en el control, mientras que las poblaciones más bajas se obtuvieron a 12000 mg kg-1 (5,1 y 4,2 LogUFC, respectivamente). En contraste, a los 60 y 240 días, el control mostró bajas poblaciones de BVLFN y BSP (5,4 y 4,8 LogUFC, respectivamente) que los tratamientos contaminados. El mayor número de nódulos en raíz de C. ternatea se cuantificó en el control a los 60 y 240 días (25 y 27 nódulos, respectivamente) en comparación con el tratamiento con 12000 mg kg-1 (7 y 1 nódulos, respectivamente). A los 60 días, la colonización de HMA en ambas especies vegetales y el número de esporas disminuyeron significativamente al aumentar la concentración de petróleo crudo; sin embargo, a los 240 días, se registró el mayor número de esporas de HMA en los tratamientos con 6000 y 12000 mg kg-1. El peso seco vegetal disminuyó significativamente al aumentar las concentraciones de petróleo crudo. Clitoria ternatea fue más susceptible a la toxicidad del petróleo, aunque esta especie vegetal mostró mayor contenido de clorofila total que B. brizantha.

A comparative study on the effect of dispersed and undispersed Kuwait crude oil on egg hatching and larval survival of Epinephelus coioides

Aim: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dispersed and undispersed Kuwait crude oil on egg hatching and larval survival of Epinephelus coioides. Methodology: In the present study, the toxic effects of crude and dispersed oil using three formulations of oil dispersants against multiple life stages of Epinephelus coioides was assessed. The lethal concentration was calculated by ToxCal® software developed by Tidepool Scientific, LLC. Results: Specifically, the following life stages were investigated: embryonated eggs (EE), larvae hatched during exposure (LHE) and hatched larvae (HL). Chemical analysis showed that Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations were higher in dispersed than undispersed oil solutions, indicating accommodation of more petroleum hydrocarbons in the aqueous phase. Acute static toxicity tests produced variable LC50 values for all chemical preparations and all fish life stages. Crude oil dispersed with both Corexit® EC 9500A and Corexit® EC 9527A separately was more toxic to both EE and LHE stages than undispersed oil, but crude oil dispersed with Slickgone® NS resulted in lower toxicity. Furthermore, all three types of dispersed oil exerted higher toxicity than undispersed oil at HL stage. Interpretation: A life stage dependent effect demonstrated variation in the toxicity of both dispersed and undispersed crude oil to fish. Few life stages were more sensitive than others to either dispersed or undispersed crude oil toxicity. While dispersion of an oil slick with oil dispersant has proved to be an effective tool in the oil response strategy, the fate of dispersed oil can exert lethal effects on embryo-larval stages of marine fish present near the spill.

Indagación exploratoria in vitro de la capacidad degradadora de la cepa comercial Pleurotus ostreatus sobre dos concentraciones de petróleo crudo / In vitro inquiry on two concentrations of crude oil degradation ability by a commercial strain of Pleurotus ostreatus

Resumen Objetivo. Evaluar la potencial actividad degradadora de la cepa comercial Pleurotus ostreatus sobre petróleo crudo como única fuente de carbono. Método. Se empleó un inóculo de 10mg del hongo en medio mínimo líquido de sales con volúmenes de 0,5% y 1% de petróleo en agitación constante durante 21 días a temperatura ambiente, registrando peso seco a los 0, 8,15 y 21 días. Resultados. Se obtuvo un máximo de biomasa 45mg para 0,5% de 39mg para 1%. Esto sugiere que el hongo sufre una adaptación fisiológica para utilizar el petróleo crudo para su crecimiento.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the potential crude oil-degrading activity of Pleurotus ostreatus using it as the sole source of carbon and energy for growth. Methods. An inoculum of 10 mg of the fungus in the minimal liquid of salt with 0.5% or 1% crude oil in constant agitation for 21 days was used. Dry weight at 0, 8, 15 and 21 days was obtained. Results. The maximum biomass with a value of 45mg of 0.5% oil treatment registered while the 1% oil treatment reached a value of 39mg. These values suggest physiological adaptation of the fungus to crude oil as its sole carbon source for growth.

Impacts of Crude Oil on Reproductive Indices of Residents of Oil Producing Area; a Case Study of Olomoro

Several toxic effects of crude oil and some of its products on reproduction have been reported. High rate of child malnutrition and mortality, including increased birth defects and rashes have also been reported in areas impacted by oil development. This study therefore considers the impact of crude oil on reproduction as information in this area is still scanty. With informed consent, blood samples were collected (through the median cubital vein) from a total of one hundred and eighty apparently healthy human subjects (60 males and 30 females) from two locations; Olomoro (an oil producing community) and Owa (a non-oil producing community). Next, socio-economic and educational status of participants where ascertained. Using the Z statistics, student’s t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), Statistical measures for such parameters as RBC, WBC, PCV, Total serum protein (TSP), serum Albumin (SA), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), FSH, Estrogen and Testosterone were conducted. A Significant reduction was observed in Haemoglobin concentration, TSP and SA of subjects in oil impacted community. Also, Significant reduction in number of surviving children, save deliveries and ante natal attendance was seen, along with a significant increase in the number of assisted delivery, still births, complications and gestation periods in oil impacted community, suggesting a poorer maternal and child health indication in crude oil impacted community. Study also observed a significant reduction in WBC, RBC and PCV of inhabitants of the crude oil impacted community.

Antimutagenic Effect of Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) Oil in BALB/c Mice

Aims: Oils with high levels of omega-3 are being commercialized as the natural supplement to avoid serious consequences related to metabolic syndrome. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil is a natural product used as a nutraceutical in Peru. Otherwise, genotoxicity is the main test for assessing the toxicity of drugs, food and other substances. Sacha inchi is known as an oil with high content of omega-3 and others polyunsaturated fatty acids. The objective of this study was to determine the antimutagenic effect of Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) oil in BALB/c mice. Study Design: Sacha inchi oil was obtained using standardized methods in order to determine its antimutagenic effect in BALB/c mice by using micronucleus test, according to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru, from January to February 2017. Methodology: A total of 100 Balb/C albino mice (20 - 30 g) of male sex were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20). The groups were normal saline group (NS), cyclophosphamide group (CP; 40 mg/kg i.p.) and the three other groups received cyclophosphamide and Sacha inchi oil of concentrations 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg respectively. The substances were administered three times during 24 hours. The genotoxicity in mice was evaluated determining micronucleus levels in blood and bone marrow. Results: CP group showed higher micronucleus levels in blood and bone marrow compared with Sacha inchi oil 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg groups (ANOVA Test P < 0.001 Scheffe’s Post Hoc P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our findings, Sacha inchi oil was not mutagenic under experimental conditions.

Characterization of dioxygenases and biosurfactants produced by crude oil degrading soil bacteria

ABSTRACT Role of microbes in bioremediation of oil spills has become inevitable owing to their eco friendly nature. This study focused on the isolation and characterization of bacterial strains with superior oil degrading potential from crude-oil contaminated soil. Three such bacterial strains were selected and subsequently identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Corynebacterium aurimucosum, Acinetobacter baumannii and Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans respectively. The specific activity of catechol 1,2 dioxygenase (C12O) and catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (C23O) was determined in these three strains wherein the activity of C12O was more than that of C23O. Among the three strains, Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans exhibited superior crude oil degrading ability as evidenced by its superior growth rate in crude oil enriched medium and enhanced activity of dioxygenases. Also degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in crude oil was higher with Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans. The three strains also produced biosurfactants of glycolipid nature as indicated d by biochemical, FTIR and GCMS analysis. These findings emphasize that such bacterial strains with superior oil degrading capacity may find their potential application in bioremediation of oil spills and conservation of marine and soil ecosystem.

Comparative Effects of Kerosene and Diesel on Ion Regulatory Characteristics in Tympanotonus fuscatus after Subchronic Exposure.

This study was done to examine the comparative effect of different concentrations of kerosene and diesel on the ion regulatory characteristics in Tympanotonus fuscatus after exposure. Tympanotonus fuscatus were exposed to different concentrations of kerosene and diesel (10.40, 15.60, 21.00 and 26.00 ml/L) and a control to examine their effect on sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the muscle and viscera for six days. In the muscle, kerosene generally increased the levels of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the lower concentrations (10.40 and 15.60 ml/ L) above the control values. In the higher concentrations (21.00 and 26.00 ml/L), these parameters were observed to be lower than the control value. Whereas the levels of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the viscera increased above the control value in all the exposure concentrations except potassium 15.60 ml/L and chloride at 21.00 and 26.00 ml/L concentrations. In the viscera, sodium ion levels were lower than the control value in both kerosene and diesel media except at 21.00 ml/L concentration. Potassium ion levels in kerosene increased above the control values except at 26.00 ml/L, while lower levels of potassium ions were recorded in all the exposure concentrations. Chloride ions were lower than the control value in all the exposure concentrations of kerosene and diesel. The results of this study showed that both kerosene and diesel altered the ion regulatory and osmolality of Tympanotonus fuscatus and kerosene being more effective. The toxicants seem to be parameter and tissue specific in their mode of action.

Optimization of Operating Conditions Affecting Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion of Mild Steel Exposed to Crude Oil Environments Using Response Surface Methodology.

In this study, the influence of four operating parameters (pH, salinity, nitrate concentration and immersion time) and their interactions on the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) rate of mild steel in simulated crude oil environments were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). 4-level historical data design: pH (A) at 4, 6, 8, 10, salinity (B) at 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l, nitrate (C) at 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l and immersion time (D) at 168, 336, 504 and 672 h, was employed to correlate the factors with the corrosion rate as response. A polynomial regression model was developed and validated prior to optimization studies. The result showed that pH has the most influential effect on the response and that the predicted data had a reasonable agreement with the experimental data with the values of R2 = 0.9660 and Adj-R2 = 0.9516. The optimum conditions of the crude oil environments were observed at: pH (9.37), salinity (94.73 g/l), nitrate concentration (37.97 g/l) and immersion time of mild steel (168 h) in order to achieve minimum corrosion rate of 0.155196 mpy. The study has revealed that the historical data RSM design is an efficient statistical technique for predicting the optimum operating conditions of crude oil environments required to minimize mild steel corrosion in oil pipelines by incorporating all factors under consideration.

Adenosine Triphosphatase Activities of Zea Mays and Vigna unguiculata Exposed to Different Crude Oil Fractions.

This study was carried out to investigate the activities of some adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) in the radicle of maize and cowpea grown in soils contaminated with crude oil and its fractions. Total ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, Na+/K+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase activities were evaluated. Cowpea and maize seeds were planted in polythene bags containing 500g of sandy loam soil each. The soils used had no known history of crude oil contamination and the study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin garden and laboratory. A total of 660 bags were used in the study. Of these, 60 bags were used for planting maize and cowpea (30 bags for each plant) in soils not contaminated, which served as controls for the plants and another 60 bags with soils from Ubeji (a crude oil contaminated site in, Delta State, Nigeria) was planted maize or cowpea (30 for each plant). The remaining 540 bags had soils that were contaminated with 2%, 5%, or 10% whole crude oil or its water soluble or water insoluble fraction, and in it were planted either maize or cowpea and they served as the test groups. The experiment lasted for a period of one month. Seedlings in 10 bags from each group of 30 bags were harvested after 7, 14, or 21 days post germination and the activities of ATPases were determined. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistic of variance analysis. In a general sense, contamination of soils with crude oil or its fractions or in Ubeji significantly increased (P<.01) the activities of total ATPase, Ca2+-, Mg2+-, and Na+/K+- ATPases of cowpea compared with the uncontaminated control. In maize the effect of crude oil was mixed however Mg2+- ATPases was consistently reduced with crude oil contamination. The study indicated that crude oil and its fraction affects the activities of adenosine triphosphatases in ways which are species related.

Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms from Crude oil Contaminated Soils of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Aims: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify microorganisms in crude oil polluted soils in Eastern Tanzania. Study Design: Isolation and identification of microorganisms using conventional and molecular techniques. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam; October 2012 to June 2013. Methodology: Soils were collected from Mlalakua (ML), University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Ubungo (Ub) local garages in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The selective isolation of microorganisms was done based on colony morphological appearance on agar plates and Gram reaction. Three isolates (one from each site) were subjected to molecular methods for the identification purposes. Phylogenetic analyses of bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region sequences were employed in this study to identify and determine the evolutionary relationships of the ML, Ub and UDSM isolates. Results: The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that the ML isolate belonged to the genus Klebsiella, while the ITS analysis on Ub and UDSM isolates assigned them to the genus Trichosporon and Candida, respectively. Conclusions: From these findings, further studies are recommended to assay for the biodegradative potentiality of the identified isolates for bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soils.

Histopathological, Hemochromatotic Hypercholesterolemic, and Androgenic Effects of Escravos Crude oil on the Testis in Male Chinchilla Rabbits.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Escravos crude oil on serum concentrations of testosterone, total cholesterol, body weight, relative weight and microanatomical architecture of the testis using male Chinchilla Rabbits. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus between May and June 2013 (28 days). Methodology: A total of thirty male Chinchilla Rabbits aged 12 to 14 weeks and weighing 1.2kg to 1.45kg was used. Crude oil was administered orally at the doses of 15, 20, 25 and 30mg/kg body weight to groups designated B, C, D and E respectively for 28 days, while group A was given normal saline. Serum concentration of testosterone and total cholesterol were estimated using the microplate enzyme immunoassay and enzymatic end point methods, respectively. The SPSS software (version 20) was used for the statistical analysis and the result expressed in mean ± SD. Result: The results showed dose dependent effects on the hormone and biochemical assays, especially at the concentration of 25mg/kg body weight of the administered crude oil. Significant increases in serum concentrations of testosterone (0.32+/-0.05 to 0.46+/- 0.14) and total cholesterol (1.35+/-0.17 to 1.76+/-0.15) concentrations (p≤.05), and insignificant increase (p≥.05) in the relative weight of the testis (4.80+/-0.40 to 6.50+/- 0.90) were observed. The histology of the testes revealed hypertrophy of the seminiferous tubules, atrophy of the basal lamina and interstitial cells, and hemochromatosis. The histological findings agree with the hormonal and biochemical findings. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Escravos crude oil might be a potential endocrine disruptor and toxic substance which can affect the micro-anatomical architecture of the testis.

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.

Factors influencing crude oil biodegradation by Yarrowia lipolytica

Yarrowia lipolytica is unique strictly aerobic yeast with the ability to efficiently degrade hydrophobic substrates such as n-alkenes, fatty acids, glycerol and oils. In the present work, a 2(4) full factorial design was used to investigate the influence of the independent variables of temperature, agitation, initial cell concentration and initial petroleum concentration on crude oil biodegradation. The results showed that all variables studied had significant effects on the biodegradation process. Temperature, agitation speed and initial cell concentration had positive effects, and initial petroleum concentration had a negative effect. Among the crude oil removal conditions studied, the best temperature and agitation conditions were 28ºC and 250 rpm, respectively.

Phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil using nut grass, Cyperus rotundus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Cyperus rotundus (nut grass), that could be effective in phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil. A net house experiment was conducted with different concentrations (2.05, 4.08, 6.1, 8.15 and 10.2%) of crude oil-contaminated soil for 180 days. Plant growth, biomass, total oil and grease (TOG) degradation and microbial numbers were analyzed at different intervals i.e. 60, 120 and 180 days in different percentages of crude oil contaminated soil. In presence of crude oil, plant biomass and heights reduced up to 26 and 21.9% respectively. Concerning TOG content in soil, C. rotundus could decrease up to 50.01, 46.1, 42.6, 38.8 and 32.6% in treatment I, II, III, IV and V respectively in vegetated pots during 180 days. In case of unvegetated pots, the reductions of TOG were 4.4, 5.6, 6.6, 7.6 and 9.6% in treatment A, B, C, D and E respectively. However, there was significant degradation (P=0.05) of TOG in vegetated pots in comparison to unvegetated pots thereby proving the efficacy of this plant species for use in phytoremediation.

Culture-Independent Analysis of Bacterial Community Composition during Bioremediation of Crude Oil-Polluted Soil.

Aim: To use cultivation-independent techniques based on DGGE of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene and to evaluate bacterial community composition during bioremediation of crude oil-polluted soil. Study Design: Molecular fingerprints of bacterial populations involved in the active phase of crude oil biodegradation were generated with DGGE after 16S rRNA gene amplification. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, between March and August 2008. Methodology: Crude oil-degrading bacteria in soil microcosms contaminated with 4% crude oil and then biostimulated with nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium inorganic fertilizer (NPK: designated PN soil), calcium ammonium nitrate (designated PU soil) and poultry droppings (designated PP soil) respectively were characterized with PCR of the gene for the small subunit (SSU) of the bacterial ribosome. Total culturable heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria were enumerated using plate count and Bushnell Haas media. Total organic carbon content was measured throughout the study period to indirectly determine the effect of microbial activity on carbon content in biostimulated treatments as against controls. Gas chromatography was used to monitor hydrocarbon degradation with time while electron microscopy examined community richness during hydrocarbon degradation. Reamplified dominant DGGE bands (550bp) were cleaned up and sequenced using an ABI 3130XL genetic analyzer. Electropherograms were inspected with Chromas Lite 2.01. Sequence identification was performed using BLAST. Results: Dendogram of the DGGE bands constructed using Jaccard coefficient algorithm revealed that communities from PU and PP-amended soils each formed distinct clades whereas PN treated soil showed less association when compared with PU and PP respectively. Fifty distinct bands were excised, reamplified by PCR and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of phylogenetically distinct known hydrocarbon degrading bacteria like Corynebacterium spp., Dietzia spp., Janibacter sp. low G+C Gram positive bacterial clones Nocardioides spp., Rhodococcus erythropolis and uncultured bacterial clones. Forty successful sequence data obtained from the excised DGGE bands were submitted to GenBank database under accession numbers GU451069 to GU451108. Chromatograms of the residual hydrocarbons in test treatments and controls showed that biodegradation occurred markedly in treated soils in this order PN>PU>PP while no significant loss was observed in the oil-contaminated control on days zero and 42 respectively. Bacterial counts increased significantly in PN, PU and PP treatments and not in controls PC and OC. Total organic carbon increased appreciably in PN, PU and PP respectively from day zero to day 28. Electron micrographs of microbial consortia in the nutrient-amended soils revealed presence of active populations induced by biostimulation as against the sparsely populated controls. Conclusion: The results suggest that nutrient amendment stimulates and selects indigenous soil bacteria that are able to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons.