Vol. 14 No. 102-112 (2023): Detection of alkB and nahAc Genes in Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Petroleum Contaminated Soil

Petroleum and its byproducts are still the main sources of energy for many different types of

businesses and daily living. However, because some products are acutely poisonous or have

mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic qualities, their discharge into the environment is a

global problem. Indiscriminate disposal of crude oil into the environment has no doubt

increased hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria. Microorganisms have been identified as major

contributors in fighting pollution by utilizing hydrocarbons to enhance cell growth and

energy needs. This study was aimed at detecting alkB and nahAc genes from Pseudomonas

sp. isolated from petroleum contaminated soil of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical

Company (KRPC), Kaduna, Nigeria. Bacteria from the petroleum contaminated soil were

isolated and confirmed using standard biochemical tests and molecular methods. The

bacterial isolates were screened using soil enrichment technique. Out of the 18 bacteria

isolated, Pseudomonas sp. having the highest hydrocarbon utilizing ability was selected for

further studies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments with specific primers

confirmed the presence of alkB and nahAc genes in Pseudomonas sp. The presence of alkB

and nahAc genes in Pseudomonas sp. from this study indicates that Pseudomonas sp. from

the petroleum contaminated soil may have the potential to degrade petroleum and therefore

be useful in the bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soil.