MICROBIAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL QUALITIES OF MECHANIC WORKSHOP POLLUTED SOIL SUPPLEMENTED WITH GROUNDNUT SHELL

This study assessed the use of roast shredded Groundnut shells supplemented in mechanic workshop-polluted soil over four weeks. Soil samples obtained from the mechanic workshop soil were collected in two plastic bowls labelled MPS and AMD while soil opposite the mechanic shop was collected in the third bowl, UPS, to serve as a control. MPS was without Groundnut shell supplement while AMD was treated with roast Groundnut shell. The soil was analyzed for Bacteria and physicochemical qualities. The bacteria count was low in MPS compared to UPS and AMD. The viable bacteria count ranged from 1.3×105 to 46×104 cfu/g for UPS, 7.0 ×104 to 5.8×105 cfu/g for MPS and 19×104 to 30.4×105 cfu/g for AMD. There were no significant differences in the bacteria counts at 0.05 probability limits. The bacteria isolated were Genera of Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus and Bacillus spp. Physico-chemical analysis revealed favourable properties in AMD compared to MPS and UPS. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the organic carbon, organic matter content and nitrate levels while there were no significant differences in the pH, phosphate and moisture levels at 95% confidence interval. The study demonstrates the potential of roast Groundnut shell in bioremediation of mechanic workshop-polluted soil.