BIODEGRADATION OF SPENT ENGINE OIL USING Aspergillus niger AND Fusarium solani

ABSTRACT

Bioremediation, the use of biological organisms to eliminate environmental pollutants, has gained considerable attention due to its eco-friendly and sustainable approach. This study was conducted to investigate the synergistic biodegradation potential of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani. Top soils from two different auto mechanic workshops were collected. Fungi were isolated from the soil samples. Phenotypic characterization was used to identify the fungal isolates. The identity of the fungi was confirmed using the molecular technique. Five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) of spent engine oil were used to contaminate potato dextrose broth (v/v). The contaminated media were inoculated with the fungal isolates, singly and in consortium. The cultures were incubated at room temperature for 4 days. Parameters such as pH, temperature, and total fungi counts were obtained at 24-hour intervals. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) was also determined at the beginning and after four days of culture incubation. The results showed that the fungi isolated from the auto mechanic workshops included Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani. The reduction in the pH values and the total hydrocarbon content from their initial values indicated biodegradation activity by the fungal isolates. The highest biodegradation activity was observed in the consortium of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani according to the THC, followed by Aspergillus niger when inoculated singly. The findings of the study showed that enhanced biodegradation activity of spent engine oil could be achieved through the synergistic interaction of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani, which could be explore for microbial remediation of contaminated environment.