Effectiveness of Magathyrsus Maximum in the Phytoremediation of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The Niger Delta region grapples with widespread soil contamination due to crude oil spills. To address this issue using locally available and cost-effective materials, Magathyrsus maximum, a type of grass, was employed to assess its potential for remediating contaminated soil samples labeled B1 and B2, with B1 serving as the control, over an eighteen-week period. The experiment involved mixing 70g of crude oil thoroughly with 4000g of loamy soil in plastic containers. Soil samples were collected using a hand trowel and analyzed at the beginning and end of the investigation. At the conclusion of the eighteen-week period, significant changes were observed in various soil parameters for sample B2. The pH values increased from 5.750±0.034 to 6.990±0.041, while electrical conductivity (EC) values decreased from 427 dS/m to 261 dS/m. Moisture content (MC) values increased from 17.3 ± 0.016% to 26.3 ± 0.057%, and bulk density decreased from 1.386 ± 0.004 g/cm³ to 1.349 ± 0.025 g/cm³. Total nitrogen content (TNC) values decreased from 0.131 ± 0.316% to 0.101 ± 0.701%, available phosphorus (AP) values decreased from 11.610 ± 0.097 mg/kg to 4.000 ± 0.054 mg/kg, and total organic carbon (TOC) values decreased from 3.990 ± 0.082% to 1.920 ± 0.035%. However, total organic matter (TOM) values increased from 1.101 ± 0.017% to 1.267 ± 0.048%, and total hydrocarbon content (THC) values decreased from 89.280 ± 0.108 mg/kg to 7.900 ± 0.082 mg/kg. The findings indicate that Magathyrsus maximum demonstrates potential for remediating crude oil-contaminated soil based on the observed changes in soil parameters.
Author: OGAH Isaac Eguarkhide
Institution: Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405951433