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ISSN 2063-5346
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CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOIL AMENDMENT USING DRIED FRUIT WASTE IMPROVES SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL INDEX AND ENZYME ACTIVITIES; A LABORATORY CONTROLLED STUDY WITH POTENTIAL FOR FIELD TRIAL

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Mordi, Joseph Chukwufumnanya , Ewenode, Ukane Ejaita, Ichipi-Ifukor, Patrick Chukwuyenum , Asagba, Samuel Ogheneovo
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.si5.099

Abstract

Purpose: The search for a cheap source of crude oil bioremediation agent is in continuum. Waste fruits are a national issue due to increasing volumes of poor storage facilities, urbanization, population growth, and poor standards of living; however, they could besides be employed for several beneficial purposes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dried waste fruits on physicochemical index and enzyme activities of crude oil contaminated soil. Method: Crude oil defiled soil was obtained from Oleh/Olomoro flow station in Delta State and grouped into 5 followed by amendment with various combinations of the dried waste fruits (Orange, Pineapple and Water melon), obtained from Merogun wasteland, Warri Delta State. Group 1 is the unamended polluted soil. Groups 2 and 3 comprised of a polluted soil amended with 20% and 40% w/w respectively for one week; Groups 4 and 5 comprised of a polluted soil amended with 20% and 40% w/w respectively for three week. Group 6 is a non-polluted soil collected from a virgin land along Abraka-Aragba express way. Result: The results after three weeks soil amendment (169.34±1.15 mg/l) showed that there was a significant reduction in the total hydrocarbon content compared to the unamended soil (242.98±3.70 mg/l). Soil physiochemical properties also improved significantly (P<0.05). The result further revealed a marked increase in soil microbial populace in amended soils relative to the unamended group. Conclusion: The results suggest that nutrient supplementation using the dried waste fruits was effective in the improvement of crude oil contaminated soils.

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