ISSN: 2576-7771
Authors: Ebah EE, Odo JI* and Tiav KT
This work was carried out to perform the comparative analysis on the effects of palm oil processing waste (POPW) on soil Microorganisms. Three soil samples were collected from three different locations, North bank, Wurukum, and High-level where palm oil processing waste are being discharged. The samples were analyzed, Soil samples unimpacted with POPW served as control. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples that are pH, moisture, Temperature and particulate nature were analysized using standard methods. The total coliform count, total viable count and total fungal counts were evaluated using the pour plate method. Result showed that the Total Coliform, Total viable count and Total fungal counts (200.77 ±16.525 mean of the three samples, 22.55 ±2.041 mean of three samples and 28.88 ±2.590 mean of the three samples) of the impacted soils were lower compared to the values (291.00 ±13.00 in control soil, 118.33 ±18.717 control soil and 44.33 ±1.527 control soil respectively) of the un-impacted soils which served as control. The bacterial genera isolated from these soil samples include; Bacillus spp, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus spp, Salmonella spp and Proteus spp. The fungal genera isolated from soils with POPW includes; Aspergillus spp, Rhizopus spp, and Mucor spp, the results obtained indicates that POPW have immediate negative impact on soil microbiota as their application could lead to changes which affects soil microbial communities. Therefore, it would be advised that proper guidelines be set up for possible pre-treatment and safe discharge of POPW, in other to avoid its effect on soil micro biota and soil fertility.
Keywords: Soil; Palm Oil; Bacteria; Fungi; Waste Water
