Molecular Identification and Characterization of Lipolytic Bacteria Isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent in Osun State, Nigeria

This study focused on the molecular characterization of lipolytic bacteria isolated from Agbogbo stream impacted by Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) in Nigeria, utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipolytic bacteria play a crucial role in the degradation of lipids present in POME, offering potential for bioremediation. The study identifies and characterizes bacterial isolates with lipolytic activity, providing insights into their potential for bioremediation in POME-impacted environments. Raw POME samples and water samples were collected from the palm oil mill processing unit and designated sampling location respectively for bacteriological analysis. The pure bacterial isolates were further identified by microscopic and biochemical examination.  Bacterial isolates were screened for lipolytic activity using tributyrin Agar by spot inoculation on modified agar medium and Molecular characterization was subsequently performed. A total of fifteen (15) bacterial species were isolated from palm oil processing effluent and screened for lipase production while ten (10) bacterial isolates were selected as the lipase-producing organisms and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing.PCR amplification. The results showed that Geobacillus sp, Bacillus altitudinis, Staphylococcus equoroum, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus Saprophyticus, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Bacillus cabrialesii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus were isolated across the stations of Agbogbo stream. The presence of diverse lipolytic bacteria in the POME-impacted stream suggests their potential role in the natural degradation of lipids, may possess significant bioremediation significances.