EVALUATION OF GROWTH OF SOME FUNGI IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT

The vegetative growth response of some fungi to different concentrations of crude oil was investigated. The result showed a variable degree of sensitivity to crude oil. The radial growth of Rhizopus sp. was not affected by the oil irrespective of the concentration. The two species of Aspergillus A. niger and flavus used in the study appreciably tolerated the oil though the growth of A. flavus was retarded as the concentration of oil increased. Botrytis cinerea, Curvularia lunata and Colletotrichum sp. could not grow beyond the concentration of 1ml/10mls of oil Potato Dextrose Dextrose Agar (PDA). The three fungi could serve as sensitivity index for monitoring oil pollution in an environment. KEY WORDS: Crude oil, pollution, fungal growth. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 80-8