ABSTRACT

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are a source of widespread pollution in the environment and bioremediation is one of the methods used to remove these pollutants. The degradation of Anthracene and Naphthalene using the microorganisms; E. coli and Pseudomonas, was studied.

A specified amount of anthracene and naphthalene was introduced separately into four different soil samples each. The microorganisms; E. coli, Pseudomonas and a consumption of both was then introduced to these soil sample, leaving two of these samples; one containing only anthracene and the other naphthalene. A UV spectrophotometer was then used to obtain absorbance after n-Hexane was used to dissolve the PAHs in the soil sample. Result shows that higher percentage of PAHs was degraded in the first seven days of the procedure. Also, a consumption of E. coli and Pseudomonas was more efficient in degrading PAHs, followed by Pseudomonas.