Victor Chukwuemeka Ukpaka,
Joy Chukwuemeka Peter Ukpaka,
Abraham Peter Ukpaka,
Ukpaka, Chukwuemeka. Peter,
- Research Student, College of Engineering, Computer Studies and Architecture, Department of Industrial Engineering, Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, Cavite, Philippines
- Research Student, Department of Pharmacy, MSB Medical School Berlin GmbH – Hochschule für Gesundheit und Medizin, Berlin, Germany
- Research Student, Department of Computer Engineering, Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, Cavite, Philippines
- Professor, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
The investigation of the effect of temperature on the characteristics and properties of microorganisms isolated and identified in freshwater and saltwater media mixed with crude oil demonstrates the potential impact of temperature variation under different bioreactor conditions. However, temperature was identified as an inhibitor of microbial growth, resulting in a decrease in the population of individual organisms sampled during the investigation. This trend was observed in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Other parameters may also cause a decline in microbial counts or population; however, this research focuses mainly on the significance of temperature on microbial activity during crude oil remediation or the treatment of effluents before their discharge into the environment. The investigation of the effect of temperature on the characteristics and properties of microorganisms isolated and identified in fresh- and saltwater media mixed with crude oil demonstrates the potential of microorganisms to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures under superthermophilic conditions. The microorganisms identified included Bacillus coagulase, Bacillus niacinic, and Micrococcus sp. as bacteria, whereas Penicillium sp., yeast sp., and Niger were identified as fungi. This investigation was able to identify the possible operational temperatures at which some microorganisms can effectively degrade petroleum hydrocarbons under the influence of temperature. However, the treatment of pollutants in some cases requires heating to disintegrate toxic substances that may adversely impact the environment. The application of heating in some cases enhances microbial activity, mitigates excessive microbial growth, and increases the rate of pollutant degradation or remediation. This investigation has demonstrated the effect of temperature on the growth mechanisms of some bacteria and fungi isolated and identified from the experimental setups involving freshwater polluted with crude oil and saltwater contaminated with crude oil.
Keywords: Effect, temperature, microorganisms, isolated, identified, fresh, salt
[This article belongs to Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology ]
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Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology
| Volume | 17 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 14/04/2026 | |
| Accepted | 21/05/2026 | |
| Published | 10/06/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 57 Days |