Assessing the Effects of Artisanal Refineries on Soil Fungal Communities in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The alarming escalation of pollution across various ecosystems has underscored the critical importance of preserving environmental integrity and assessing the detrimental impact of contamination among the myriad forms of pollution. Oil pollution predominantly stemming from leaks and spills from oil refineries has garnered significant attention due to its widespread and deleterious consequence on soil ecosystem. This study was undertaken to observe the effects of artisanal crude oil refinery operations on fungal community in the soil from three locations namely Okarki, Ododa (Rivers State), and Agba (Bayelsa State) in the Niger Delta. About eighteen soil samples were collected and evaluated according to standard microbiological methods, and fungi isolates were characterized using the genomic approach. Additionally, the amount of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soil sample concentration was evaluated. Total Heterotrophic Fungi Count (THFC) was 2.55 x 103 to 3.78 x 103 CFU/g, and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi Count (HUFC) was 2.14 x 103 to 2.31 x 103. Within the refinery sites, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) values varied from 107 mg/kg to 7489 mg/kg, suggesting a soil contamination from the artisanal refinery activities. About five fungi species were isolated on culture dependent methods and they include Mucor, Penicillium, and Candida, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillu speices. Genomic identification method revealed the following fungi strains: Aspergillus sclerotorum, Aspergillus novoparasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, and Penicillium sp. The study emphasizes the intricate nature of soil fungal communities in artisanal refinery-affected soil and the need to understand the ecological impacts on the soil after a long term artisanal activities. The complexity of fungi diversity observed in this study, revealed the resilience of the fungi community in the face of challenges posed by artisanal refineries.