Abstract: Contamination by petroleum products and its derivatives promotes serious environmental damage. Biodegradation capacity studies are important when deciding the correct bioremediation strategy to employ. The use of redox indicator 2, 6-Dichlorophenol Indophenol (DCPIP) is a rapid, simple and low cost model for evaluating capability of microorganisms to utilize and/or degrade petroleum hydrocarbons. This study involved isolation and screening of bacterial species capable of utilizing hydrocarbons from soil at two auto-mechanic workshops in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Results of the physicochemical analysis of the soil samples showed higher levels of properties (Moisture content, Organic Carbon content, Total Hydrocarbon Content) in the polluted soil samples when compared with unpolluted (control) soil sample. Total heterotrophic bacterial populations in polluted soil samples ranged between 4.4±1.90x107 and 6.0±32.0x107 CFU/g while hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts were between 3.2±0.05x107 and 5.2±25.2x107 CFU/g. Eight bacteria species capable of utilizing petroleum were isolated from these soils by enrichment technique. Isolated bacteria include: Corynebacterium spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus agilis, Flavobacterium aquatile, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Serratia odorifera and Bacillus substilis. Screening of bacterial isolates for efficiency in hydrocarbon utilization using DCPIP, measured by using colorimetry, revealed Bacillus substilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococccus agilis, Flavobacterium aquatile Micrococcus luteus and Corynebacterium spp to be able to rapidly utilize hydrocarbons from waste engine oil.Abstract: Contamination by petroleum products and its derivatives promotes serious environmental damage. Biodegradation capacity studies are important when deciding the correct bioremediation strategy to employ. The use of redox indicator 2, 6-Dichlorophenol Indophenol (DCPIP) is a rapid, simple and low cost model for evaluating capability of microorganisms ...Show More