My research focus is in the area of Petroleum Microbiology. I am studying the ecological impact of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution, with special interest on the microflora, and the bioremediation of crude oil contaminated environments. Crude oil since its discovery as an energy source has been one of the prime determinants of the trend and pace of civilization in the modern world. In spite of its enormous contribution to development, it is a potent environmental pollutant, which deserves an overriding attention. Because of increase in oil exploration, mining and transportation, the frequency of oil spill incidents on the global scale is on the increase. For this reason, the design and development of strategies and systems for the remediation of petroleum polluted environments are paramount issues in oil-rich nations of the world today.
I have done a comparative study of the effects of crude petroleum on some microbial groups in different habitats and how habitat factors affect their tolerance or susceptibility to petroleum toxicity. Study of the genetic basis for either high or low tolerance for crude oil by these organisms is one of the objectives of this aspect of the work to be undertaken.
I am presently investigating the phytoremediation potentials of some plants and also developing biostimulation strategies for rhizomicroorganisms. The efficacies of current bioremediation techniques are being assessed and novel ‘bio-clean-up’ strategies for polluted sites are under investigation.
