Effects of Phytoremediation on Soil Total Hydrocarbon Content

Abstract

Experiment was conducted in Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma to determine soil total hydrocarbon content (THC) after contamination and remediation with sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) (phytoremediation). Thirty six plastic pots were filled with 5 kg surface soils (0-15 cm). The potted soils were contaminated with six rates of crude oil: 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ml/pot. Potato vine with 2 nodes was planted in each pot. The pots were laid out using completely randomized design replicated thrice. Results showed that phytoremediation activities reduced soil total hydrocarbon content (THC) from 100 and 200 mg/kg to 22.49 and 49.10 mg/kg i.e. net phytoremediation of 77.51 and 75.45 % respectively. Sweet potato plant is effective in the restoration of crude oil contaminated soils.

Keywords: contamination, crude oil, phytoremediation, remediation, sweet potato.