NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CRUDE-OIL CONTAMINATED MANGROVE SOIL BY Rhizophora racemosa
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.16.025.2 | Article Number: AFDD4922 | Vol.12 (2) - September 2013
Authors: Atuanya E.I , Bolanle R.O and Ajuzie C.U
Keywords: Phytoremediation, oil polluted mangrove soil, Rhizophora racemosa
This study examined the phytoremediative potentials of Rhizophora racemosa in remediation of crude-oil contaminated mangrove soil ecosystem. Results revealed that hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial load increased substantially over the ninety days growth period. The highest increase (77.5%) was recorded in acute crude-oil contaminated soil with three R. racemosa seedlings and poultry manure and lowest increase was recorded in acute oil treatment without poultry manure. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and heavy metals levels decreased substantially at the end of period of growth. The highest percentage reduction in TPH of 96.16% was recorded in acute crude-oil contaminated soil containing three R racemosa seedlings and poultry manure. The lowest percentage reduction of 38.3% was recorded in acute crude-oil contaminated soil without poultry manure. Generally, mangrove seedlings with acute and chronic treatments showed potentials for phytoremediation of crude-oil contaminated soil, the former demonstrated greater phytoremediation than the later. Seedlings treated with poultry manure showed more remarkable potentials and promptness for phytoremediation of crude-oil contaminated soil than untreated ones. Equally, there was gradual reduction in pH during the ninety-day growth period. Results from this study also indicated that acute contamination of crude-oil has more adverse effect on the mangrove ecosystem than chronic contaminations. The stem height, stem girth (diameter), number of leaves and leaf area (length and width) of the mangrove seedlings, Rhizophora racemosa increased comparably fortnightly in the ninety days growth period. This study has shown that mangrove plants together with microbial actions are efficient and fast in phytoremediation of crude-oil in a mangrove ecosystem.
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