ABSTRACT

This study was to determine the biodeterioration potential of an unorthodox hydraulic fluid. Lard used in this study was processed after being purchased from local sellers within Umuahia metropolis. After the samples were cultured solid media using pour plate techniques. The bacterial species were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species while the fungi species includes; Aspergillus niger, and Aspergilius flavus. Counts from the used samples were higher than those of unused samples. It was also observed that used sample obtained from Umuariaga Junction recorded the highest bacterial and fungal counts at 2.26 x105(cfu/ml) and 2.31 x10 (cfu/ml) respectively, while the unused samples which recorded a count of 1.20 x10 (cfulml) and 1.67 x105 (cfulml) for bacteria and fungi respectively. From the findings in this study, it was observed that Bacillus species was the most frequently occurring isolates with a percentage occurrence of (26.12%), while Aspergillus niger was observed to be the most predominant and occurring fungal species at (57.14%). Additives were added to stop rancidity, corrosion, foaming and improve oxidative stability. The help of these additives made this fluid better than those available in the market. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between mean count of the used and unused formulated oil samples at P< 0.05