Abstract

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The Niger Delta area, renowned for its biodiversity, has suffered severe environmental degradation due to crude oil spills resulting from oil exploration and exploitation activities. To address this, researchers have explored biosurfactant-producing bacteria as eco-friendly solutions for remediating polluted sites. Indigenous strains, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, have been identified for their hydrocarbon-degrading and biosurfactant-producing capabilities. Molecular techniques, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, aided in their identification. Biosurfactants, surface-active compounds produced by microorganisms, enhance hydrophobic pollutant biodegradation by reducing interfacial tension. These biosurfactants also exhibit diverse substrate specificities, enabling them to degrade various hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Despite their environmental benefits, concerns have expressed regarding antibiotic sensitivity due to rising global antibiotic resistance. Studies in the Niger Delta have revealed varying antibiotic sensitivity profiles among these bacteria, including resistance to common antibiotics like ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Mechanisms contributing to this resistance include efflux pumps, enzymatic degradation, genetic mutations, and mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. This resistance raises environmental concerns, as these strains, if released during bioremediation, could transfer resistance genes to other bacteria, including pathogens. To mitigate this, integrated approaches combining genetic studies, metagenomics, and environmental modeling are crucial. Responsible antibiotic use in clinical and agricultural practices is pivotal. This review critically examines the molecular characteristics, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and substrate specificity of biosurfactant-producing bacterial isolates from crude oil spill sites in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for sustainable environmental management strategies.

Keywords: Characteristics, Antibiotic Sensitivity, and Substrate Specificity of Biosurfactant-Producing, Bacteria