Igwo-Ezikpe M.N., Gbenle O.G., Ilori M.O., Okpuzor J., Osuntoki A.A.
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Nigeria; Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Cell Biology and Genetic, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Igwo-Ezikpe, M.N., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Nigeria; Gbenle, O.G., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Nigeria; Ilori, M.O., Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Okpuzor, J., Department of Cell Biology and Genetic, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Osuntoki, A.A., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Nigeria
Alcaligenes faecalis was evaluated for its potential to degrade varying concentrations of chrysene and diesel oil with concomitant biosurfactant production. Biodegradation was set up for 7 days utilizing the substrates as sole carbon and energy sources. Residual chrysene obtained after degradation of 30, 50 and 100 mg L-1, respectively was 17.4±1.5, 27.2±1.2 and 28.7±1.4 mg L-1 while total petroleum hydrocarbon remaining after degradation of 3, 5, 15 and 30% (v/v) diesel oil respectively was 2.58±0.5,3.09±1.2,21.65±5.4 and 63.92±8.1%. Microbial cells of A. faecalis and sterilized cell-free extract from diesel oil media showed emulsifying activities against kerosene, diesel oil, engine oil, hexadeeane, dodeeane, xylene and hexane whereas no emulsifying activity was observed of microbial cells and sterilized cell-free extract from chrysene media, Alcaligenes faecalis cells harvested from diesel oil media also showed haemolytic activity unlike the microbial cells from chrysene media. Growth of the isolate in chrysene and diesel oil media induced secretion of protein and carbohydrate into the media which were statistically significantly (p<0.05) different compared to controls. This study portrays the potential of Alculigenes faecalis to degrade and grow on chrysene and diesel oil and induce extracellular protein and carbohydrate with concomitant production of biosurfactant for industrial purposes and in hydrocarbon bioremediation. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.
biosurfactant; carbohydrate; chrysene; diesel fuel; dodecane; emulsifying agent; hexadecane; hexane; kerosene; petroleum derivative; protein; xylene; Alcaligenes faecalis; article; bacterial growth; bioremediation; carbon source; controlled study; exhaust gas; hemolysis; microbial degradation; nonhuman; protein secretion; Alcaligenes faecalis