Journal of Bioremediation & Biodegradation

Abstrait

Bioremediation of Soil Contaminated With Used Motor Oil in a Closed System

Abdulsalam S, Adefila SS, Bugaje IM and Ibrahim S

A study was carried out on biodegradation of soil contaminated with used motor oil in aerobic fixed bed bioreactors. Six treatments, labeled TR1 to TR6, were investigated in an experimental rig for 70 days continuously. Bioremediation indices such as Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Oil and Grease content (O&G), Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Count (THBC), Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria Count (HDBC) and CO2 respiration rates were monitored. In addition, environmental factors such as temperature, pH and moisture content were also monitored. Results revealed that 50, 63, 66, 57, 68 and 75% biodegradation were achieved for TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5 and TR6, respectively, in terms of the O&G content removal. Furthermore, CO2 respiration showed cumulative generations of 4 472, 5 226, 5 493, 5 279, 5 667 and 6 242 mg/kg CS for TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5 and TR6, respectively. From the results obtained, the biostimulation option (TR6) gave the best result and thus, can be used to develop a safe, robust and economical treatment technology for SCUMO.