Process formulation and utilization of fertilizer admixture on the reduction of petroleum hydrocarbon polluted soil leachate

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbon leachate alters the physiochemical properties of ground water especially in areas with a higher water table. Failure to mitigate hydrocarbon polluted soils with the right fertilizer leads to ground water pollution. In this research, weathered crude oil was used as the soil polluter, and the biostimulants of pig manure (PM), pig manure biochar (PMB), inorganic fertilizer (IF) and their admixtures were used to examine their soil treatment capabilities. The effects of these biostimulants on pH, nitrate, phosphate and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels in petroleum hydrocarbon polluted soil leachate were also investigated. The results obtained in this study indicate that as the percentage of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination increases, the pH, nitrate and phosphate contents of the soil leachate decreases. The results also revealed that there was a slight reduction in the levels of pH, nitrates, and phosphates as the incubating contact time increased. Furthermore, combined amendments, particularly PM+PMB application showed a remarkable reduction in the residual (<95%) TPH leachate levels. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the biostimulant application of PM+PMB combinations is eco-friendly and more effective in the reduction of TPH, nitrates and phosphates in petroleum hydrocarbon soil leachate for agricultural and ground water security.