BIOREMEDIATION OF HEAVY METALS PRESENT IN SPENT ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED SOIL OF AUTO-MECHANIC WORKSHOPS USING A MIXED MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM

In this work, studies were done to check the bioremediation potentials of Micrococcus, Bacillus, Veilonella, Aspergillus and Penicillium species on heavy metals present in spent engine oil of Auto-mechanic workshops within Lokoja metropolis of Kogi state. Prior to inoculation, zinc and iron gave a concentration of 3.3496 mg/L and 29.2248 mg/L which eventually reduced to a concentration of 0.2180 mg/L and 25.1022 mg/L, giving rise to 93.4% and 14.1% reductions respectively. The physico-chemical parameters (Moisture content, Organic matter, etc) determined shows that the microorganisms possesses good qualities suitable for the observable degradation on the soil samples used in the work. This studies reveals that under good environmental conditions, heavy metals present in the spent engine oil can be degraded using a mixed microbial consortium.