Abstract

Diesel contaminated soil sample was collected in a clean polythene bag from Oando-filling station along Ahmadu Bello way Sokoto. Total heterotrophic bacteria and diesel degrading bacteria were isolated using standard procedures. The bacteria were tested for their ability to
degrade diesel oil. Haemolytic test and Emulsification stability test were also conducted to assess the biosurfactant production from these bacteria. The residual diesel oil was extracted and subjected to analysis using GCMS to assess the extent of degradation. The results obtained indicate a reasonable reduction of some compounds in the diesel. The bacteria involved can be used in bioremediation of diesel contaminated environments particularly filing stations and mechanic villages. This is particularly important because runoffs from these places can contaminate farms and sources of drinking water in their neighbourhood.

Key words: Bioremediation, Biosuffactants, Degradation, Bacteria, Diesel