The Potential ofChromolaena Odorata(L) to Decontaminate Used Engine Oil Impacted Soil Under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

This study reports on the use of Chromolaena odorata (L) R.M. King and H. Robinson, an Asteraceae (compositae) and an invasive alien weed in Africa for the remediation of soil contaminated with used engine oil. Used engine oilfrom a motor service garage was used to artificially contaminate soil taken from a garden to give total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) of between 1 and 40 g kg(-1). Chromolaena odorata (L), propagated by stem cuttings were transplanted into the contaminated soil and watered just enough to keep the soil at about 70% water holding capacity for 90 day. A set of control experiments containing 40 g kg(-1) used engine oil but without plants was set up. All experiments were set up in triplicates. Although the plants in the experiments containing higher than 30 g kg(-1) used engine oil showed relatively slower growth (fewer branches and leaves, and shorter in height) compared to those containing lower concentrations, the plants in all the experiments continued to grow until the end of the 90 day period. Residual TPH after 90 days showed that between 21 and 100% of oil was lost from the planted soil while only 11.5% was lost in the control, which did not contain plants during the same period. Analysis of plant tissues showed that both shoot and root tissues contained detectable levels of TPH and selected PAHs were also detectable. Biomass accumulation by Chromolaena odorata was affected adversely by concentrations of oil higher than 20 g kg(-1). Results of germination rates and germination energy measurements showed that Chromolaena odorata was able to reduce the toxicity of the contaminated soil after 90 days as compared to soils containing freshly contaminated soiL

Towards understanding the Effect of Oil on Phytoremediation of PCB CoContamination in Transformer Oil Using Chromolaena Odorata

“…This could be attributed to the toxicity of transformer/hydrocarbon containing oil in plants. Increase in concentration of oil in soil has been reported to increase the phytoxicity in plants until such concentration that it became harmful to the plants [8][9][10][11][12]. In this study, the growth of C. odorata was tremendously affected by the presence of transformer oil in the soil especially when the oil is in direct contact with the plant (T/OD).…”

“…In the present study, C. odorata (Siam weed), was grown in Aroclor 1260 amended transformer oil-contaminated soil in order to study the effect of oil on the ability of plants in the remediation of soil-PCB from a transformer oil impacted soil. This is of importance as literatures have only reported on plants remediation of PCB without considering the impact of co-contamination of the oil, considering the fact that PCB has not been used in isolation [8] 151-2 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a family of anthropogenic organic compounds that is persistent in the environment causing its bioaccumulative phenomenon that enables the contaminant to be found in every part of the environment. PCB is commercially produced by direct chlorination of biphenyls [2].…”

“…PCB is commercially produced by direct chlorination of biphenyls [2]. A good commercial form of PCB is Aroclor 1254 and 1260, although other brand names exist [7][8][9].…”

“…King & H. Robinson (Siam weed) is an invasive bushy shrub of South American origin. The plant is a member of the tribe Eupatoreae in the sunflower family Asteraceae and is been regarded as one of the most notorious invasive alien plant in the plant community [8]. C. odorata have been found to possess amongst its strong morphological status, to possess most qualities of a phytoremediation plant.…”

Bacteria-Endophyte Enhanced Phytotreatment of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil by Nicotiana Tabacum

“…Rhizospheric bacteria refer to bacteria living on the surface or around the roots, in contrast to epiphytic bacteria living on the leaves [11,24]. On the other hand, endophytic bacteria can be defined as bacteria colonizing the internal tissues of plants without causing negative effects on their host [18,25]. In the last decade, endophytic microorganisms have been taken into account for applications in assisted phytoremediation protocols.…”