Assessment of the Biodegradable Ability of Palm Bunch Enhance Stimulant for the Bioremediation of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil

Abstract

The work is focused on the application of palm bunch enhance stimulant (PES) and modified crude oil dispersant (MCD) in the remediation of crude oil polluted soil. The precursor MCD was synthesized and used in the synthesis of PES. Batch remediation studies were carried out on the polluted soil. Concentration of PES/MCD (mg/l), concentration of crude oil (mg/l) and depth of soil (cm) were the factors considered. The results showed that the % total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal increased as the concentration of PES increased from 400 mg/l to 500 mg/l. Increased concentration of crude oil from 100 mg/l to 300 mg/l also resulted to decreased % TPH removal. The % TPH removal decreased as the soil depth increased from surface to 4cm depth. The PES was found to be more efficient in the removal of TPH than MCD due to the presence of nutrient to support microbial growth. Application of PES to stimulate the degradation of crude oil polluted soil can enhance the degradation of crude hydrocarbon through increased bioavailability of petroleum hydrocarbon to soil microorganism.