Potential use of Algae Microcystis aeruginosa (Chroococaceae) in bioremediation

A comparison of growth response of algal species in varying concentrations of petroleum products to assess their bioremediation potentials was carried out using Microcystis aeruginosa as test organism. The modified Chu #10 standard medium for algal culture was used for the experimental set up which lasted for twenty-one days. The test alga was subjected to growth medium with varying concentrations of petrol and kerosene. Algal growth was determined by measuring optical density of inoculated medium at three days’ interval using a spectrophotometer at 750nm wavelength. The effect of the hydrocarbons on algal growth was either stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the concentration. The inhibitory effects of the hydrocarbons increased with increasing concentrations. Comparatively, petrol had more inhibitory effect than kerosene which did not appreciably alter growth either at lower or higher concentrations. The experiment concludes that Microcystis aeruginosacan be used for bioremediation of soil or water impacted by crude oil or petroleum products.Keywords: Algal culture, Petroleum hydrocarbons, Bioremediation, Microcystis aeruginos