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By: Ozioko Fabian Chidiebere, Okirie Faith Uchendu, and Aghogho Uwanogho.
1Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delta State
University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
2Research Student, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical
Engineering, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, Rivers
State, Nigeria.
3Researcher, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal
University of Petroleum Resources, Effurum, Delta State, Nigeria.
This study investigates the remediation potential of Bryophylum pinnatum extracts (water and ethanol-based) for degrading total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in loamy and clay soils. Crude oil contaminants used in the study exhibited a pH of 6.76, density of 0.878 g/mL at 15 °C, kinematic viscosity of 147.4 mm²/s at 40 °C, and a flash point of 193.2 °C. The baseline TPH concentration in the soils was 48,291.14 ppm. Soils were treated with varying volumes (100, 200, and 300 mL) of water and ethanol extracts for 42 days. The pH of B. pinnatum extracts was 6.71 (water) and 6.83 (ethanol), while their total organic carbon ranged from 10.65%–13.89%. Results revealed significant TPH reductions in both soils, with ethanol-based extracts outperforming water extracts. For loamy soil, TPH reductions ranged from 57.89%–87.18% across ethanol treatments, compared to 57.89%–65.78% for water treatments. In clay soil, reductions ranged from 54.97%–62.63%, with ethanol extracts achieving the highest degradation. TPH reduction correlated positively with both treatment volume and remediation duration. This study demonstrates the efficacy of B. pinnatum extracts, particularly ethanol-based, as a biostimulant for hydrocarbon remediation, offering an environmentally friendly approach for restoring contaminated soils.
Citation:
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