Assessment of Surfactant Degrading Potential of Fungal Isolates from Detergent Contaminated Soil in Ondo State, Nigeria

Aim: To isolate and identify fungal flora from the detergent contaminated soil in Ondo State, Nigeria and also to evaluate biodegrading potentials of the potent isolates by comparing and quantifying their enzyme activity.

Place and Duration of Study: Ondo State, Nigeria, between June and October, 2017.

Methodology: Detergent degrading fungi were isolated from detergent contaminated soil by supplementing culture media with test surfactant. The isolated fungi were subjected to enzyme analysis to study the alkylsulphatase enzyme production/activity.

Results: Six fungal isolates showed remarkable potential for alkylsulphatase production. In the enzyme study, Aspergillus clavatus (1.48 mM/min), Aspergillus flavus (1.46 mM/min) and Geotrichum candidum (1.40 mM/min) showed better enzymatic action in the enzyme study as compared to others.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus and Geotrichum candidum can be found in soil environment polluted with detergent. They possess the mechanism involved in the degradation of detergent thus they are capable of surviving the toxic effect of the pollutant. They can efficiently produce alkylsulphatase; thus can be employed in enzyme production and utilised in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with surfactants.