Changes in Physicochmical Properties and Fungal Population of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Treated with Locally Formulated Bioremediation Agent

Abstract

This research was aimed at assessing the effects of locally formulated 
bioremediation agent (LOFBA), on physicochemical properties and fungal 
population of soil remediated with the LOFBA. Four soil treatments comprising 
unpolluted soil, polluted soil with crude oil, polluted soil remediated with LOFBA and 
polluted soil remediated with NPK were setup in a completely randomized block 
design (CRBD). The fungi isolates were identified on the basis of cultural and 
morphological characteristics. Physicochemical properties of the soil (pH, total) 
nitrogen, sulphate, phosphate, total organic carbon, moisture content, 
exchangeable cations, heavy metals) were estimated using standard procedures. 
The LOFBA had pH 5.6, high calcium (47.325%), Nitrogen (1.49%), phosphorus, 
electrical conductivity (194.81 mho/cm) and high counts of fungi. The fungal 
isolates identified in the study were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and 
Penicillium italium. Soil remediated with LOFBA showed a significantly (p < 0.05) 
higher fungi count, total nitrogen and exchangeable ions (K, Mg, Na and Ca) than 
other treatments.