Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
cjpl

Articles

CJPLS: VOL. 13, NO. 2, DECEMBER 2025

Comparative Biochemical Characterization of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria on Petroleum-Contaminated Soils from Baranyonwa-Dere in Gokana and Non-Contaminated Soils from Rukpokwu in Obio/Akpor L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria

Submitted
November 6, 2025
Published
2025-11-14

Abstract

This study presents a comparative biochemical evaluation of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (HDB) isolated from petroleum
contaminated soil in Baranyonwa-Dere (B-Dere), Gokana LGA, and non-contaminated soil from Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers
State, Nigeria. Using culture-dependent methods and standard biochemical assays, five bacterial genera were identified across both sites: Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella sp., Citrobacter sp., Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. However, isolates from the contaminated site demonstrated significantly higher enzymatic activities, including catalase, urease, succinate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, and protease. Among the isolates, Bacillus subtilis from the polluted soil exhibited the highest catalase (730.73 ± 79.92 µmol/mL/min) and urease (0.25 ± 0.01 mg/g/min) activities, while Pseudomonas sp. recorded peak succinate dehydrogenase activity (5.67 ± 0.01 µmol/mL/min). Bacillus megaterium excelled in peroxidase (76.04 ± 0.01 µmol/mL/min) and protease (91.08 ± 0.68 units/mg) activities. In contrast, isolates from the non-contaminated site exhibited comparatively lower enzymatic expression, indicating reduced metabolic demand and hydrocarbon stress. Catalase activity was significantly dominant (p < 0.001) in the polluted environment, suggesting its pivotal role in microbial oxidative stress management and survival in petroleum-rich soils. These findings confirm that oil contamination selectively enhances the diversity and enzymatic adaptation of indigenous bacteria, equipping them for effective hydrocarbon degradation. The elevated metabolic activities in contaminated soils underscore the potential of these native strains as viable bioremediation agents. Harnessing their enzymatic profiles offers a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for restoring oil-polluted environments in the Niger Delta and similar regions globally.

References

  1. A. A. Eli, T. C. N. Angaye, and J. F. N. Abowei, “Environmental impact, health implications, and socio-economic consequences of artisanal crude oil refining in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: A comprehensive review,” International Journal of Environment and Pollution Research, vol. 13, pp. 19-33, 2025.
  2. A. Abdi, E. Gatri, J. Guilbaud, H. Bouallagui, K. Fadhlaoui, G. Garrait, and L. Ayed, “Co-cultivation of potential probiotic strains isolated from water kefir for fermented green tea beverage,” Fermentation, vol. 11, p. 169, 2025.
  3. A. Abubakar, O. P. Abioye, S. A. Aransiola, N. R. Maddela, and R. Prasad, “Crude oil biodegradation potential of lipase produced by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soil,” Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, vol. 6, pp. 26–32, 2024.
  4. A. Denedo, A. Rotu, and O. Orororo, “Biochemical assessment of oxidative stress in African catfish (Clarias heterobronchus) from oil-polluted rivers in the Niger Delta, Nigeria,” Asian Journal of Research in Zoology, vol. 8, pp. 39–51, 2025.
  5. A. Gunina and Y. Kuzyakov, “From energy to (soil organic) matter,” Global Change Biology, vol. 28, pp. 2169–2182, 2022.
  6. A. J. Mwaura, B. N. Mbatta, E. K. Muge, and P. W. Okanya, “Screening and characterization of hydrocarbon bacteria isolated from oil contaminated soils from auto garages,” International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 3, pp. 11-24, 2018.
  7. A. Koššuthová, M. Antošová, V. Bauerová-Hlinková, J. A. Bauer, and M. Polakovič, “β-Galactosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation of tyrosol: substrates and deep eutectic solvents affecting activity and stability,” Biomolecules, vol. 15, pp. 801-810, 2025.
  8. A. R. R. Nordin, A. R. Navarro, J. C. Reyes, S. Maragathavalli, R. A. Kristanti, R. Wulandari, and S. Bunrith, “Microbial bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil: a sustainable approach,” Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution, vol. 5, pp. 71–87, 2025.
  9. A. S. NeeBee, A. A. Wordu, T. O. Goodhead, and F. B. Ugi, “Bioremediation and kinetic process of contaminated soil with hydrocarbon using Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger,” Journal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology, vol. 6, pp. 17–28, 2024.
  10. A. Sarkar and S. Bhattacharjee, “Biofilm-mediated bioremediation of xenobiotics and heavy metals: a comprehensive review of microbial ecology, molecular mechanisms, and emerging biotechnological applications,” 3 Biotech, vol. 15, pp. 1–30, 2025.
  11. African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), “Eco-friendly innovation: Harnessing the remarkable bioremediation potential of Vernonia spp.,” AS 10, vol. 5, 2025.
  12. C. Muanya, “Nigeria adopts bioremediation as key strategy for oil spill cleanup,” Nigerian Environmental Health Bulletin, vol. 8, pp. 3–5, 2024.
  13. C. O. Igwe, V. C. Eze, and C. Nwachukwu, “Petroleum hydrocarbons in soil: Ecological implications and remediation strategies,” African Journal of Environmental Research, vol. 17, pp. 21–32, 2024.
  14. E. A. Chingizova, O. D. Novikova, O. Y. Portnyagina, and D. L. Aminin, “Components of bacterial cell walls as targets for searching for new antibacterial compounds: methods of study,” Molecular Biology, vol. 59, pp. 293–319, 2025.
  15. E. I. Ndekhedehe, O.H. Obueh, E.K. Akpan, and E.P. Egharevba, “Assessment of the physicochemical properties of petroleum contaminated soils in Baranyonwa Dere, Gokana, Rivers State, Nigeria,” BIU Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, vol. 10, pp. 68-78, 2025.
  16. E. R. Tatta, M. Imchen, J. Moopantakath, and R. Kumavath, “Bioprospecting of microbial enzymes: current trends in industry and healthcare,” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 106, pp. 1813–1835, 2022.
  17. F. B. Okorhi-Damisa and T. L. Ataikiru, “Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and organic amendments of oil contaminated site of an abandoned artisanal refinery in Obi-Ayagha of Ughelli South, Delta State, Nigeria,” Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, vol. 29, pp. 1528–1536, 2025.
  18. F. Gbadamosi and J. Aldstadt, “The interplay of oil exploitation, environmental degradation and health in the Niger Delta: A scoping review,” Tropical Medicine & International Health, vol. 30, pp. 351–367, 2025.
  19. H. Chen, C. Yin, C. Li, H. Yan, Z. Shi, G. Li, and H. Gao, “Immobilized microorganisms to remove petroleum hydrocarbon from wastewater and soil: mechanisms of enhanced remediation and response of microbial communities,” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, vol. 13, p. 116032, 2025.
  20. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre, “Leadership approval rating: Impact of oil and gas exploration on health and biodiversity in the Niger Delta,” Environment Africa Magazine, Dec. 29, 2024.
  21. I. U. William, A. I. Frank-Briggs, and G. S. Oladipo, “Assessment of parental knowledge of long-term health risks in infants due to environmental pollution from crude oil refineries in Eleme and Tai LGAs, Rivers State,” ISA Journal of Medical Sciences (ISAJMS), vol. 2, pp. 78–83, 2025.
  22. J. I. R. Udotong, U. P. Udoudo, and I. R. Udotong, “Effects of oil and gas exploration and production activities in production and management of seafood in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria,” Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health, vol. 1, pp. 202-228, 2017.
  23. J. Mordecai, A. Al-Thukair, M. M. Musa, I. Ahmad, and A. Nzila, “Bacterial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in Saudi Arabia,” Toxics, vol. 12, pp. 800-814, 2024.
  24. J. O. Williams, J. Olufunmilayo, R. R. Nrior, and E. J. Nkpornwi, “Synergistic bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil: Role of bioreactor and pigeon droppings,” Journal of Advances in Microbiology Research, vol. 6, pp. 23–33, 2025.
  25. J. P. S. Monteiro, A. F. da Silva, R. T. D. Duarte, and A. J. Giachini, “Exploring novel fungal–bacterial consortia for enhanced petroleum hydrocarbon degradation,” Toxics, vol. 12, pp. 913-920, 2024.
  26. J. S. Dummene, “Hydrocarbon pollution in the South South region of Nigeria: A historical overview,” Niger Delta Environmental Journal, vol. 12, pp. 1–10, 2025.
  27. L. Díaz-Orozco, M. Moscosa Santillán, R. E. Delgado Portales, L. M. Rosales-Colunga, C. Leyva-Porras, and Z. Saavedra-Leos, “Advances in L-lactic acid production from lignocellulose using genetically modified microbial systems,” Polymers, vol. 17, pp. 322-330, 2025.
  28. M. A. Kodiya, M. A. Modu, K. Ishaq, Z. Yusuf, A. Z. Wakili, N. Dayyabu, et al., “Environmental pollution in Nigeria: Unlocking integrated strategies for environmental sustainability,” African Journal of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Energy, vol. 18, pp. 30–50, 2025.
  29. M. F. Khan, “Recent advances in microbial enzyme applications for sustainable textile processing and waste management,” Science, vol. 7, pp. 46, 2025.
  30. M. Khalaf Mohammed, S. H. Khudhair, and A. D. Jabbar, “Enhancement of oil biodegradation by using the biosurfactant produced from local Bacillus subtilis isolate,” Advances in Life Sciences, vol. 11, pp. 482–487, 2024.
  31. M. L. Dotaniya, V. D. Meena, and S. Rajendiran, “Role of soil enzymes in petroleum hydrocarbon degradation,” Environmental Biocatalysis, vol. 7, pp. 55–64, 2024.
  32. M. M. Stancu, “Characterization of a new Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from petroleum-polluted soil,” Waste and Biomass Valorization, vol. 16, pp. 2013–2027, 2025.
  33. M. Maina, O. K. Likkason, S. Ali, and N. K. Samaila, “Impact of crude oil pollution on soil thermal properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and thermal resistivity) in Ogoniland, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria,” FUDMA Journal of Sciences, vol. 9, pp. 324–334, 2025.
  34. N. S. Muhammad, R. Dhakar, and P. K. Teli, “Isolation, characterization, and comparative biodegradation efficiency of oil-degrading bacteria from oil-contaminated environments,” Advances in Research, vol. 26, pp. 265–274, 2025.
  35. P. Kumari, S. Sinha, D. Raj, P. Kumar, and U. Gupta, “The potential of fungi in the bioremediation of xenobiotics: a mycological approach to water treatment,” Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry, vol. 107, pp. 1208–1245, 2025.
  36. P. Sharma, R. Vaiwala, A. K. Gopinath, R. Chockalingam, and K. G. Ayappa, “Structure of the bacterial cell envelope and interactions with antimicrobials: insights from molecular dynamics simulations,” Langmuir, vol. 40, pp. 7791–7811, 2024.
  37. P. T. Nguyen, R. Singh, and Y. Zhao, “Towards autonomous in-situ soil sampling and mapping in large-scale agricultural environments,” arXiv preprint, June 6, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.05653.
  38. R. D. Nanekar and S. S. Kokitkar, “Enzyme profiling of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria isolated from oil contaminated soils,” Indian Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 17, pp. 2412–2420, 2024.
  39. R. W. Coppock and R. G. Christian, “Petroleum,” in Veterinary Toxicology, pp. 665–682, Academic Press, 2025.
  40. S. A. U. Zaman, A. Bhrdwaj, A. Nayarisseri, K. A. Khazanehdari, and R. Bhuyan, “Isolation and characterization of novel hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from oil polluted soil near Nacharam, Hyderabad, India,” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, pp. 1–26, 2025.
  41. S. Bhandari, D.K. Poudel, R., Marahatha, S. Dawadi, K. Khadayat, S. PhuyKal, S. Shrestha, S. Gaire, K. Basnet, U. Khadka, and N. Parajuli, “Microbial enzymes used in bioremediation,” Journal of Chemistry, vol. 11, pp. 512- 536, 2021.
  42. S. M. Wilcox, C. N. Mulligan, and C. M. Neculita, “Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation as a carbon sequestration technique for mining waste,” in Geo-EnvironMeet 2025, pp. 165–177, 2025.
  43. S. Mishra and P. Sharma, “Isolation and characterization of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria isolated from oil contaminated soil,” International Journal of Pharmacy Research & Technology (IJPRT), vol. 15, pp. 228–232, 2025.
  44. S. Panicker, “Glycolipids from Pseudomonas and their applications in health and medicine,” in Microbial Surfactants in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics, pp. 291–313, CRC Press, 2025.
  45. S. Paul, B. Thyrniang, S. Deb, and S. Adhikari, “Harnessing the ability of cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis for bioremediation of waste generated from oil refineries,” in Mineral Transformation and Bioremediation by Geo-Microbes, pp. 525–543, Springer Nature Singapore, 2025.
  46. S. Revina, T. Minnikova, A. Ruseva, S. Kolesnikov, and A. Kutasova, “Catalase activity as a diagnostic indicator of the health of oil-contaminated soils after remediation,” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, vol. 196, pp. 449-459, 2024.
  47. S. Singh, “The role of environmental microbiota in bioremediation: harnessing bacteria for pollutant degradation,” Clinical Medicine and Health Research Journal, vol. 5, pp. 1228–1240, 2025.
  48. S. Suhaimi, N. N. Ramlee, and N. H. A. Rahman, “Enzymatic and microbial-based systems for bioremediation of wastewater,” in Wastewater Treatment Through Nature-Based Solutions, pp. 341–380, Springer, Singapore, 2025.
  49. Y. Qattan, “Harnessing bacterial consortia for effective bioremediation: targeted removal of heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and persistent pollutants,” Environmental Sciences Europe, vol. 37, pp. 1–35, 2025.
  50. U. Tahir, M. Zameer, S. Y. Frrukh, B. A. Ghauri, M. A. Javed, Q. Ali, et al., “Isolation and characterization of petroleum oil-degrading bacteria from petroleum contaminated soil,” Geomicrobiology Journal, vol. 41, pp. 691–698, 2024.
  51. W. Mhuantong, V. Charoensawan, and L. Eurwilaichitr, “Genomics of microbial biocatalysts in oil remediation,” Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, vol. 39, pp. 90–101, 2025.
  52. Y. Fu, T. Zhang, C. Qin, C. Zhang, J. Ru, R. Tang, et al., “Enhanced effects and mechanisms of Tween80 on aniline biodegradation by newly isolated Pseudomonas veronii T1,” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, vol. 13, p. 115843, 2025.
  53. Y. Liu, S. Xu, J. Li, Y. Ouyang, S. Gao, P. Yang, et al., “Limnobacter olei sp. nov., a novel diesel-degrading bacterium isolated from oil-contaminated soil,” Current Microbiology, vol. 82, pp. 69-79, 2025.
  54. Z. Ullah, S. Wadood, A. Saboor, A. A. Ali, A. S. Khan, K. A. Shah, et al., “Molecular and biochemical analysis of Bacillus altitudinis from freshwater sources: Implications for water quality and ecosystem health,” Annual Methodological Archive Research Review, vol. 3, pp. 1–21, 2025.