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By: Achinike Okogbule-Wonodi.
Lecturer, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
This study evaluates the effectiveness of two plant-based treatments, Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) and Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) leaves, in the bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) from polluted swampy soil. The performance of these treatments was assessed over an 84-day period using 100g of each treatment. The results demonstrated significant degradation of TPH, with Tangerine leaf showing a slight edge over Cashew leaf in the remediation process of crude oil- contaminated swampy soil. While TPH removal was faster in clay soil during the first six weeks, the performance in swampy soil dominated in the later stages of the study. Both treatments showed comparable effectiveness to other agricultural and organic waste treatments, indicating their potential as sustainable bioremediation agents. The experiment was designed to mimic real-world contamination scenarios, ensuring that the findings could be applicable to large-scale remediation efforts. The degradation rates were monitored at intervals using gas chromatography to quantify the remaining TPH concentrations. The results revealed that while both plant-based amendments facilitated microbial activity, the Tangerine leaf treatment led to slightly higher microbial proliferation, enhancing hydrocarbon breakdown. Cashew leaves, though slightly less effective, still contributed significantly to the remediation process by providing essential nutrients that supported microbial consortia. Soil moisture content and aeration played crucial roles in the degradation dynamics, with swampy conditions promoting a gradual yet sustained breakdown of hydrocarbons. The study highlights the feasibility of utilizing locally available plant materials for environmentally friendly bioremediation. Further research could explore optimization techniques such as combining these treatments with bioaugmentation strategies to accelerate hydrocarbon degradation further.
Citation:
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