TO SCREEN SOIL FUNGI ISOLATED FROM BAUCHI STATE, UNIVERSITY GADAU FOR THEIR POTENTIAL IN BIOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS.

Abstract Screening and Evaluation of Bioremediation Potential of Soil Fungi Isolated from Bauchi State University, Gadau Environmental pollution from hydrocarbons and heavy metals remains a critical threat to ecosystems in Nigeria, necessitating sustainable and cost-effective cleanup strategies. Bioremediation using indigenous microorganisms offers a promising alternative to expensive conventional methods. This study focused on the isolation, identification, and screening of soil fungi from Bauchi State University, Gadau, to evaluate their potential for environmental remediation. Using a descriptive research design, soil samples were collected from various locations within the university campus. Fungal isolates were obtained through standard microbiological culturing techniques and identified based on morphological and microscopic characteristics. The study specifically assessed the tolerance of these isolates to heavy metals and hydrocarbons, alongside their biodegradation efficiency in vitro. Preliminary findings highlight the role of soil fungi as vital components of the ecosystem, producing extracellular enzymes capable of degrading complex organic pollutants. The results suggest that indigenous fungal strains from the Gadau region possess significant metabolic versatility, offering a viable, eco-friendly approach to managing contaminated environments. This research contributes to the local database of microbial diversity and provides a foundation for developing fungal-based bioremediation technologies in Northern Nigeria.