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ABSTRACT
The use and discharged of engine lubricating oil, diesel, petrol in soil of automobile mechanic workshops is on daily basis. Hence this study will determine the isolation and characterization of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria from automobile dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Fifteen soil samples were collected from automobile workshops at Irediawa junction along Ekenwa Road. Microbiological analysis of soil samples were characterized on nutrient agar (NA) and mineral salt medium (MSM). The media used were prepared according to standard procedure. The results shows that the total heterotrophic bacterial count of soil samples cultured on nutrient agar ranged from 10.0±0.51 - 198.5±4.12 Cfu/ml x 105, while on mineral salt medium ranged from 2.0±0.54 - 18.5±0.73. The hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria isolates were Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Serratia marcescens, Bacillus sp. I and Bacillus sp. II respectively. The distribution of bacterial isolates on soil sample revealed that Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp. I and II was present in all soil samples. While Staphylococcus sp. was detected in 10 soil sample, follow by Serratia marcescens in 5 soil samples. The various microbial genera isolated from automobile dumpsites soil suggest that they have pivotal role in the transformation of hydrocarbon and biodegradation activity. In view of this study suggest that hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria isolated from contaminated soil of motor vehicle workshop should be screened for biodegradation of hydrocarbon using spectrophotometric DCPIP test.
