Potentials of Sugarcane Bagasse and Poultry Manure in the Remediation of Spent Motor Oil Contaminated Soil

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the potential of sugarcane bagasse, poultry manure and their combination in the remediation of spent motor oil contaminated soil. About 1.5 L of spent motor oil was sprinkled on plots measuring 0.5 m x 0.5 m dimension in 12 replicate plots to simulate a major spill. Poultry dung (PD), Sugarcane bagasse (SB) and hybrid of bagasse and Poultry dung (SB - PD) were applied as organic amendments and bulking agents. The amendments were randomly administered twice within two weeks to treatment plots except the control at rate of 24tons/ha. The soil was tilled to enhance aeration and watered twice a week for 56 days. A significant decrease in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, TPH of 61, 53, 46 and 23% for PD, SB - PD, SB and Control plots respectively was observed. TOC and TN decreased in all the plots except the control. Soil moisture contents between 21 and 24% while soil pH within the range of 6.9 to 7.5 enhanced biodegradation process. The Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Counts (THBC) varied in all the plots while heavy metals content remained unchanged during the study. The application of these biostimulants gave promising results on hydrocarbons removal from contaminated soil.