Molecular Identification of Non-Cultured Bacteria in Soils of Three Communities in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Abstract

Nucleic acid analytical methods were used for species identification of bacterial diversity not culturally identified in soils of three communities flow stations owned by an oil exploration company operating and flaring gas for about 45 years now in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria (Ubi, Riri and Aboma flow stations).  Surface soil samples were collected from mini pits using sterile bottles at 50, 100 and 150 meters from the flare barrier of each community flow station while the control sample was taken outside the flaring environment at a distance of 2 to 2.5 kilometers during the dry and wet seasons. The bacterial properties were first assessed using the cultural methods after serial dilution method which revealed the presence of the following bacteria in both seasons Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pedicocccus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, and Kurthia spp. However, the bacteria cultured appeared on the plate as monocultures.  Bacterial DNA extraction was done using Norgen Bacterial Genomic DNA extraction kits for the molecular analysis to ascertain the true identity of the isolates not properly identified using cultural methods and it revealed the    presence of the following bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus atrophaues, Bacillus licheniformis. Streptococcus auginosus that were identified by comparison with database sequences. Molecular evaluation of prominent bacteria in these study soils would enhance better catalogue and understanding of microbial biodiversity for possible bioremediation measures as it will identify some beneficial bacteria which cannot be identified using the cultural methods and biochemical tests.

Keywords: Identification, Molecular, flow station and Bacteria

DOI: 10.7176/ALST/93-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2022