COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FUNGAL ISOLATES FROM OIL SATURATED SOIL IN SOME MECHANIC WORKSHOPS WITH THOSE FROM FOOT PATH/ GARDEN SOIL IN ENUGU TOWN.

Environmental pollution has become a significant threat to the soil ecosystem, disrupting delicate balance of the rhizosphere. In Nigeria, mechanic workshops generate substantial waste, including oil spills containing various hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Soil contamination, particularly from petroleum compounds, leads to changes in microbial diversity and soil properties, such as aeration and nutrient content. The study aims to comparatively analyze fungal isolates from oil saturated soil in mechanic workshops with those from footpaths/ gardens in Enugu municipal. Oil saturated soil samples from mechanic workshops and footpath soils collected were analyzed. Potato dextrose agar was used for culturing, macroscopic and also microscopic examination using Lactophenol cotton blue stain. Sprinkle inoculation method was used for fungal isolation, followed by cross inoculation experiments to compare and identify fungal species ability to degrade oil. Data analysis involved observing and comparing fungal growth, colony characteristics, and microscopic features to identify and differentiate fungal species in both soil types. The result showed the presence of Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, and Mucor spp in both mechanic workshops and footpath locations. Aspergillus spp was the most prevalent. Cross-inoculation experiments revealed that Mucor spp, Penicillium spp, and Aspergillus spp could survive in both soil types, and they can also degrade engine oil, particularly Aspergillus spp, was more effective in degrading engine oil. The findings suggest that these fungal species can break down used engine oil, which can be used for bioremediation. Oil-degrading microbes are common in mechanic workshops and footpaths, which can be used for oil-spill cleanup.