Potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterial Isolates to Contribute to Soil Fertility

Abstract

Restoration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon- (PAH-) polluted sites is presently a major challenge in agroforestry. Consequently, microorganisms with PAH-degradation ability and soil fertility improvement attributes are sought after in order to achieve sustainable remediation of polluted sites. This study isolated PAH-degrading bacteria from enriched cultures of spent automobile engine-oil polluted soil. Isolates' partial 16S rRNA genes were sequenced and taxonomically classified. Isolates were further screened for their soil fertility attributes such as phosphate solubilization, atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and indoleacetic acid (IAA) production. A total of 44 isolates were obtained and belong to the genera Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Microbacterium, Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Rhodococcus, and Stenotrophomonas. Data analysed by principal component analysis showed the Bacillus and Ochrobactrum isolates displayed outstanding IAA production. Generalized linear modelling statistical approaches were applied to evaluate the contribution of the four most represented genera (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, and Rhodococcus) to soil fertility. The Pseudomonas isolates were the most promising in all three soil fertility enhancement traits evaluated and all isolates showed potential for one or more of the attributes evaluated. These findings demonstrate a clear potential of the isolates to participate in restorative bioremediation of polluted soil, which will enhance sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection.

Potential microbial drivers of biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil sludge using a composting technique

“…Compost bioremediation of crude oil sludge had many role players, it enthused the growth and activities of indigenous fungi and bacteria for the subsequent degradation of PAH‐contaminated waste. A number of studies confirm the metabolism of petroleum hydrocarbons by fungi and bacteria that were isolated in the course of this study . The presence of fungi and bacteria in the compost depicts their co‐existence in a PAH‐contaminated environment and possibly co‐metabolism.…”

“…A number of studies confirm the metabolism of petroleum hydrocarbons by fungi and bacteria that were isolated in the course of this study. [49][50][51][52] The presence of fungi and bacteria in the compost depicts their co-existence in a PAHcontaminated environment and possibly co-metabolism. A combination of fungi and bacteria synergistically enhanced the rate of degradation of HMW PAHs.…”

Early colonisation and temporal dynamics of the gut microbial ecosystem in Standardbred foals

“…In particular, Acinetobacter , Stenotrophomonas and Sanguibacter were found to dominate the meconium ecosystem. These aerobic microorganisms are common inhabitants of soil or aquatic ecosystems, but occasionally they have been isolated as opportunistic bacteria from animal hosts . On the other side, meconium also contained Aerococcus at relevant percentages (relative abundance 9%).…”

Microbial Community Changes in the Rhizosphere Soil of Healthy and Rusty Panax ginseng and Discovery of Pivotal Fungal Genera Associated with Rusty Roots

“…Soil microorganisms play vital roles in the maintenance of soil function [15] and significantly influence agricultural soil productivity, plant growth, and crop quality [16][17][18]. Numerous studies have suggested that microbial diversity can serve as an indicator of disease susceptibility in medicinal plants, and microbial communities have important roles in the maintenance of plant health and soil fertility [19][20][21].…”