Abstract

Olusola Abayomi Ojo1* and Benjamin A. Oso2

The ‘Tens Mini–prep’ (Alkali – lysis) and the large – scale plasmid–DNA isolation methods were used to extract bacterial plasmids from the synthetic detergent–degraders from a tropical wastewater environment. The plasmid-profile of selected bacterial detergent–degraders was successfully detected with the large-scale (Maxi. Prep.) plasmid preparation method and the curing of the plasmids was successfully conducted which showed that the isolates harbor single plasmids (14 – 15 kbp) within the size range of the – PST marker (0.2 – 12 kbp) used. It was evident that the genetic information for detergent–hydrocarbon utilization was not plasmid mediated since the cured isolates grew on detergent supplemented medium after plasmid was removed. The bacterial and fungal isolates were characterized and identified by standard and conventional methods. Future studies with PCR and DNA sequence analysis would reveal the DNA fingerprint of each species of the detergent – degraders; this would enhance the processes of surveillance for these organisms in similar ecosystems and the detection of new serotypes as well as assist in environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for sustainable development.