The effectiveness of Single and mixed Culture of Fungi Isolated from Oil-Polluted Soil in crude oil Degradation

This study aimed to explore the potentials of indigenous soil Fungi with the best degrading ability for effective and perpetual remediation. Soil sample was collected from a polluted site in Gbokoda, Warri, Delta state. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated using standard microbiological procedures. The degrading ability of each isolates was examined for forty days at 280C±20C in an enriched medium containing 2% crude oil. From the degradation test results, the total mean dry weight of the mycelia increases as the residual oil and pH value decreased; proven mixed culture of the four fungal isolates having better degradative results, followed by A. niger. From this study, the pollution by crude oil should be avoided as much as possible. However, when it occurs, mixed culture of the four fungal isolates is recommended to remediate the spilled area. However, Aspergillus niger can as well be singly used.