Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Using Mangrove Species

Ahmed Jary Al-Shemary

Authors

Ahmed Jary AL-Shemary Department of Marine Biology, Marine Science Centre, University of Basrah https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8549-0464

Keywords:

Contamination oil soil, Biodegradation Mangrove.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the extent of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in soils from the Zubair oil field and evaluate the efficacy of mangrove-mediated bioremediation. Soil samples were collected from four distinct locations within the field, designated Zubair1, Zubair2, Zubair3, and Zubair4. Two experimental conditions were established for each location: soils amended with NPK fertilizer and unamended control soils according to the fertilizer recommendation. Mangrove seeds were sown in all treatments and cultivated for a period of six months. Following the growth period, 100 g of soil from each treatment was subjected to solvent extraction to quantify the residual hydrocarbon concentration and determine the percentage of biodegradation. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences in biodegradation efficiency between fertilized and non-fertilized soils. The highest biodegradation rate, 77%, was observed in the fertilized soil from Zubair2. Conversely, the lowest rate, 51%, occurred in the unfertilized soil from Zubair4. These findings indicate that NPK fertilization enhances the bioremediation potential of mangroves in petroleum-contaminated soils, with Zubair2 exhibiting the greatest remediation capacity.

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References

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