Myco-Flora of a Kerosene-Polluted Soil in Nigeria

Abstract

The myco-flora of a Kerosene-polluted soil was investigated. Soil samples collected from a fallow patch of land were polluted with 90 ml, 180 ml, and 270 ml concentrations of kerosene. The 0 ml (untreated soil) served as control. Cultivation of the organisms was done on potato dextrose agar (PDA) after 2 days, 7 days and 14 days of soil contamination. The study revealed that various fungal genera were associated with kerosene-polluted soil. The fungal genera isolated include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces and Mucor species. The growth of fungi observed showed delayed growth in polluted samples whereas growth was rapid in control samples for all the concentrations. The fungal counts were generally high in the control when compared to those of the polluted samples. This revealed that kerosene had depressing effect on the growth and activity of the soil fungi. (Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2002 6(1): 14-17)