Title: Effect of Larva Cast, Saw Dust and Groundnut Shell in Reduction of PAH in Crude Oil Contaminated Soil
Authors: Jesinta Osere, Miebaka Josiah Ayotamuno, Reuben Nwomanda Okparanma
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 26-35
Publication Date: 2025/02/28
Abstract:
Larva Cast, saw dust and groundnut shell are agro-waste which are in abundance in the tropical region of Nigeria known as Niger Delta. The Niger Delta region houses the commercial exploration of crude oil in Nigeria. The region is been threatened by crude oil pollution which has impacted negatively on their agricultural lands and water. Most additives employed for remediation of the polluted sites are imported. Identification of agro-wastes within the region for the purpose of remediating the contaminated sites will reduce cost. Hence, this research was undertaken. The research was undertaken in the Rivers Institute of Agricultural Research Training Centre (RIART) in Rivers State University Nkpolu, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study examines the effect of Larva Cast (LC), Saw Dust (SD) from soft wood and blended Groundnut Shell (GS) in crude oil contaminated soil. The remediating process was for single and combined effects of the biostimulants. Soil sample of 1000g polluted with crude of concentration of 2.06 kg/litre were bulk in seven reactors (T1, T2, T3, T5, T6, and T7). Six reactors received treatment of 400g each except T7 (control) with three replications. The chemical properties of the soil before and after contamination were analyzed alongside the nutritional values (NPK) of the nutrients. Total PAH of the polluted soil was analyzed before and after the application of the biostimulants. Result shows percentage reduction of 83.5% except T7 (control) and concentration reduction of 158.21 to 26.01mg/kg according to decreasing order within the 120 days remediation period. The ANOVA (RCBD) showed significant difference at 95% confidence. This suggests that with 95% confidence, the difference in treatment was due to the biostimulants applied.