INFLUENCE OF SOIL CHARACTERISTICS ON BIOREMEDIATION OF PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SOILS
The overall objective of the project was to conduct a series of laboratory experiments with the final goal of developing a new method of bioremediation that, besides other controlling factors, took into account the geochemical and physical characteristics of soils for remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites. The project aimed at identifying the most suitable soil type in terms of its geochemistry and physical properties and determining its control on bioremediation potential of petroleum-contaminated soil, utilizing both microorganisms and plants.
The research utilized a consortia of oil-degrading bacteria commonly found in petroleum-contaminated soils, along with three species of plants alfalfa, mustard and tall fescue in various combinations, to evaluate their potential in cleaning up petroleum contamination. Four different soil types silt, silt loam, loam and sandy loam were utilized in the lab-scale experiment. It was observed that individually, tall fescue and alfalfa in association with a consortium of pre-isolated oil-degrading bacteria were most effective in remediating contaminated silt-loam. On an average 80% reduction of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was noted. Field scale studies are being proposed to validate the laboratory results.