ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROORGANISMS IN WASTE OIL CONTAMINATED SOIL FROM NEKEDE MECHANIC VILLAGE
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted in order to decipher the microorganisms from oil contaminated sites for
oil degradation abilities. Four used oil degrading Bacterial samples were isolated from oil
contaminated sites in Lucknow. One isolate MJH1101 showed maximum oil degradation
abilities, only 1 ml oil was recovered out of 25 ml after seven days incubation period and there
was a decrease in width of oil layer from 6mm to 1mm after seven days incubation. The isolate
was characterized for staining and biochemical activities based on Bergey’s Manual.
INTRODUCTION
Oil spills have been a major issue across decades. One of the famous oil spill which is also
ongoing is in Taylor Energy Well in Gulf of mexico ,U.S.A caused due to Hurricane (sept 16,
2004 till present date) and almost 0.03- 0.05 tonnes oil/perday is estimated to leak. Another
recent oil spill is in Mumbai (India) and caused due to the leakage in Mumbai-Uran pipeline
dated january 21 2011 and about 55 tonnes of oil was leaked in Arabian sea.
Various such accident occurs throughout the years and it causes damage to our surrounding
ecosystem.
Used engine oil can be considered as one of the source responsible for polluting the soil with
hydrocarbons. Used engine oil consists of Petroleum ether or Benzine ,Gasoline, Naptha,
Mineral spirits, Kerosene, Fuel oil, Lubricating oil, Paraffin wax, Asphalt or Tar. Used motor oil
typically has much higher concentrations of PAHs (polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons)
