ANAGUN SOLOMON OLAJIDE

Microbiology

At the Microbiology department office

Appointment on Visitation important

Topic: Biocorrosion And Bioleaching Of Metals

Description:

My research interest lies in understanding the dual role of microorganisms in shaping the fate of metals, particularly in the contexts of biocorrosion and bioleaching. Metals are indispensable to industrial infrastructures, from pipelines and storage tanks to electronic wastes and mineral resources. However, their interaction with microbial communities poses both challenges and opportunities: on one hand, microbes accelerate biocorrosion, leading to enormous economic losses and environmental risks; on the other hand, they drive bioleaching processes, which can be harnessed for sustainable recovery of valuable metals. This duality motivates my pursuit of knowledge at the intersection of materials protection and resource biotechnology. The aim of my research is to investigate how microbial communities contribute to both metal deterioration and recovery. To achieve this, I plan to design laboratory experiments using steel coupons and printed circuit boards (PCBs) as study models. Corrosion processes will be monitored through weight loss measurements, electrochemical assays, and biofilm characterization. For bioleaching, I intend to culture selected microbial consortia under optimized growth conditions, monitoring parameters such as pH, redox potential, and metal solubilization using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Molecular techniques, particularly 16S rRNA sequencing, will be applied to identify and characterize the active microbial populations. Through this work, I expect to identify key microbial drivers of corrosion, quantify the influence of biofilms on metal integrity, and optimize bioleaching strategies for metals such as copper and zinc. Ultimately, my contribution will be to deepen understanding of microbial–metal interactions and to propose strategies that both mitigate industrial metal losses through biocorrosion control and advance environmentally friendly bioleaching for metal recovery. My long-term vision is to bridge materials science and environmental biotechnology in developing sustainable approaches that reduce industrial risks while enhancing resource circularity.

#	Certificate	School	Year
1.	Ph.D (Environmental Microbiology (In View))	Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University, Ojo.	2028

Isolation and characterization of biosurfactant produced by Pseudomanas aeruginosa and Bacillus spp isolated from crude oil polluted soil

Introduction: The global dependence on petroleum products has led to frequent crude oil spills and contamination of the environment. Such pollution creates selective pressure for microorganisms capable of degrading hydrocarbons and producing biosurfactants, which enhance oil degradation and have wide industrial applications.

Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant-producing bacteria from crude oil–contaminated soil in an automobile workshop and to determine their tolerance to heavy metals.

Methodology: Bacteria were isolated using continuous enrichment techniques. Heavy metal tolerance was assessed on agar media supplemented with nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Biosurfactant production was screened using hemolytic activity, emulsification index (E₂₄), blue agar plate, and oil spread methods. Biosurfactants were further characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Selected isolates were identified based on distinct profiles.

Results: Four isolates were identified: Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Emulsification indices ranged from 46.6% to 57.14%, with P. aeruginosa and B. megaterium showing the highest values. All isolates tolerated 2 mM concentrations of Ni, Pb, Co, Cd, and Cr, but only B. megaterium tolerated 6 mM Cr. Further characterization revealed B. megaterium produced glycolipids, while P. aeruginosa produced rhamnolipids.

Contribution to Knowledge: The isolates demonstrated high biosurfactant activity and heavy metal tolerance, making them promising candidates for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted environments and potential sources of surface-active molecules for industrial use.

ANAGUN OLAJIDE is a Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology

ANAGUN has a Ph.D in Environmental Microbiology (In View) from Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University, Ojo.