Biofilm and Biosurfactant Mediated Aromatic Hydrocarbons Degradation by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Marine Environments of Niger Delta
Bright Obidinma Uba *
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Edna Ifeoma Chukwura
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ebere Linda Okoye
Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Amala Amechi Umebosi
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Uchechukwu Fidelia Agbapulonwu
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Olisaemeka Charles Muogbo
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chidiogo Leticia Okoye
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Lilian Onyinyechukwu Oranta
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Adaeze Mercy Odunukwe
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chinonso Peace Ndurue
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ogechi Salvation Ehirim
Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B. 02 Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To examine the effects of biofilm and biosurfactant associated cells of marine bacteria isolated from contaminated marine environments of Niger Delta on aromatic hydrocarbon degradation.
Study Design: Nine treatments and the controls designs were set up in triplicates containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium in 250 mL conical flasks supplemented with 50, 100, 200 and 300 ppm of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each and nine marine hydrocarbon degraders; incubated at 24°C for 5 - 7 days. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL (without hydrocarbons) were used to examine the effects of biofilm and biosurfactant produced by the marine bacteria on aromatic hydrocarbon degradability.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Nigeria between September, 2014 and August, 2017.
Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, selection, morphological, biochemical, growth effect, emulsification, surface tension, bacterial adherence to hydrocarbon (BATH), salt aggregation (SAT) and microtitre plate biofilm formation tests.
Results: The findings revealed that the three sampling sites harbour a lot of efficient aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus able to significantly (P = .05) degrade the aromatic hydrocarbons. Significant positive correlation between biofilm formation and emulsification activity (r = 0.670; P = .05), was observed while surface tension (r = 0.134; P > .05), BATH (r = 0.142; P > .05) and SAT (r = 0.227; P > .05) had no significant positive correlation with biofilm formation.
Conclusion: Thus, the metabolic traits potentials of these strains could be exploited for in situ bioremediation intervention in the coastal areas of Nigeria.
Keywords: Aromatic hydrocarbons, aquatic pollution, bioremediation, biosurfactants, biofilm formation marine bacteria, Niger Delta