EFFECTS OF METALIC NANOPARTICLES ON THE BIOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF Penicillium species

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of metallic oxide nanoparticles on the bioremediation potentials of Penicillium species. Agricultural soil samples were obtained from three different locations in Benin City. Fungi were isolated and purified from the agricultural soil samples. Phenotypic characterization was used to identify the fungal isolates. The dominant fungal isolate was further characterized using the molecular technique. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were biologically synthesized using plant extract from moringa (Moringa oleifera) and zinc nitrate precursor solution. The biologically synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by spectrophotometric analysis. A bioremediation experiment was set up to investigate the potential of the isolated fungal isolate in a potato dextrose broth (PDB) supplemented with different concentrations (0 %, 10, 20 and 30%) of ZnONPs contaminated with waste engine oil (5%). Some physicochemical parameters and viable cell count were determined after the 3 rd , 5 th , and 6 th day of incubation. The results showed that the fungal isolates from the agricultural soil samples were species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, and Penicillium. The molecular characterization revealed the dominant isolate as Penicillium chrysogenum, which was used for the bioremediation experiment. Supplementation of PDA with ZnONPs enhanced the bioremediation potential of Penicillium chrysogenum compared to the control. The findings of this study suggest that the synergistic effect of ZnONPs could lead to an effective bioremediation activity. Further study is required to understand the mechanism underlying the synergistic relationship between ZnONPs and Penicillium chrysogenum towards bioremediation process.