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By: Uku Eruni Philip.
Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Chemical Engineering Department , FUO, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
This study investigates the effectiveness of bioremediation in crude oil-contaminated soils from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, an area that has long suffered environmental degradation due to recurrent petroleum exploration and oil spills. The research emphasizes the degradation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in two distinct soil types – swampy and clay soils – while assessing the influence of various organic and inorganic amendments. Organic amendments, specifically Moringa seed shells and Elephant grass, were combined with yeast and NPK fertilizer to evaluate their effectiveness in stimulating microbial growth and enhancing hydrocarbon degradation. The experimental design included varying amendment concentrations to determine the relationship between treatment level and hydrocarbon breakdown efficiency. Results indicated that amendment application substantially accelerated TPH degradation compared to untreated control samples. Moreover, higher treatment concentrations produced more significant hydrocarbon reduction, highlighting a dose-dependent response. Swampy soils demonstrated slightly greater biodegradation potential than clay soils, suggesting that soil texture and composition also influence remediation outcomes. The combined use of organic amendments with nutrient supplementation provided a synergistic effect, enhancing microbial activity and improving the overall efficiency of the remediation process. The positive correlation between amendment dosage and degradation rate emphasizes the importance of optimizing both amendment type and application levels. Overall, the findings of this study provide evidence that cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials, such as Moringa seed shells and Elephant grass can play a significant role in the remediation of oil-polluted soils. This approach represents a sustainable solution for soil restoration in the Niger Delta and other oil-impacted regions.
Citation:
Refrences:
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