SCREENING FOR HEAVY MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYDROCARBON UTILIZING BACTERIA FROM OIL IMPACTED, NON OIL IMPACTED SOIL AND NATURAL DEPOSITS

Control and treatment of hazardous effects of heavy molecular weight oil (bitumen) pollution are essential in contaminated soil. This study involved the isolation and screening of microorganisms capable of utilizing heavy molecular weight hydrocarbon from oil impacted, non oil impacted soil and natural deposits of bitumen. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts in the samples ranged from 1.4 ªª? 105 CFU/g to 2.0 ªª? 106 CFU/g. Total oil utilizing bacterial counts varied from 1.5 ªª? 104 CFU/g to 3.6 ªª? 105 CFU/g. Isolates were identified using API 20E kit. They belong to the genera Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Serratia. Degradation efficiency of the isolates on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Low Pour Point Fuel Oil (LPFO) were carried out by a colorimetric rapid screen test using 2, 6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) reduction test which was monitored by measuring absorbance at 600 nm at every 24 hrs for 120 hrs. Order of ability of the isolates to degrade PMS: P. aeruginosa > P. mendocina > P. borbori > S. rubidae > P. cichorii > B. cepacia while for DPK is P. cichorii > P. borbori > S. rubidae > P. mendocina > B. cepacia > P. aeruginosa. Ability to degrade LPFO: P. cichorii > P. borbori > P. aeruginosa > P. mendocina > B. cepacia > S. rubidae.ª¤

Bacteriological pollution indicators in Ogun River flowing through Abeokuta Metropolis

Water resources are significant part of integrated community development policy and good health. Hence, the need to reduce the impact of natural and anthropogenic pollution causes so as to enhance water quality. The bacteriological quality of the Ogun River was investigated to determine the sanitary conditions of the water body between March and August, 2014. Total heterotrophic bacteria counts (THBC), total coliform counts (TCC) and total Escherichia coli counts (TEC) using standard plate count and Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques were determined. The isolates were identified using 16SrRNA gene. Total heterotrophic bacteria counts varied between 1.13 × 106 and 4.1 × 107 CFU/ml, TCC ranged between 2.5 × 105 and 2.33× 107 CFU/ml and TEC was between 5 × 104 and 1.3 × 106 CFU/ml. Most Probable Number of coliforms in all samples varied between 120 and 1600 MPN/100 ml. Isolated microorganisms include Escherichia coli strain SUS9EC, Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain SSI7, Escherichia coli strain BW25113, Escherichia coli strain C-X1B, and Klebsiella oxytoca strain KU-5. One-wayanalysis of variance showed significant difference within the samples at (P<0.05).The results revealed high bacteria counts which is higher than the recommended value of 1.2 × 102 for THBC, a zero E. coli count and not more than 10 coliforms per 100 ml by World Health Organization standards for drinking water.Keywords: Water, bacteria, Escherichia coli, pollutio

Genomic exploration of Bacillus thuringiensis MORWBS1.1 - candidate biocontrol agent,predicts genes for biosynthesis of zwittermicin, 4,5-DOPA dioxygenase extradiol, and quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase

Many strains fromBacillus thuringiensisare known for theirgenomic robustness and antimicrobial potentials. As a result, thequest for their biotechnological applications, especially in theagroindustry (e.g., as biopesticides), has increased over the years.This study documents the genome sequencing and probing of aFusariumantagonist (B.thuringiensisstrain MORWBS1.1) withpossible biopesticidal metabolite producing capacity from SouthAfrica. Based on in vitro evaluation and in silico antiSMASHinvestigation,B.thuringiensisstrain MORWBS1.1 exhibited dis-tinctive genomic properties that could be further exploited for inplanta and food additive production purposes