Effect of Eleusine indica to Different Concentrations of Crude Oil Contaminated Soils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Contamination of existing and potential agricultural lands is a major problem associated with the processing and distribution of crude and refined petroleum products in many oil-producing countries (Ayatamuno et al.,2006). The problems of pollution have led to the exploration of many remedial approaches that will clean up the polluted soils. However, pollution control strategies have often aggravated the problem rather than eliminate it. This research study aimed to assess the Effect of Paragis(Eleusine indica) in different concentrations of crude oil in the soil. This research intended to determine the significant relationship between the soil moisture content and the amount of crude-oil in soil. The study also included soil organic matter content and amount of crude-oil in the soil; and plant longevity and amount of crude-oil in the soil to remediate crude oil in an affordable and eco-friendly way.

METHODS

Three (3) samples were formulated with 1/2, 1/3, and 1/6 ratio of crude oil tothe soil, that started from a five(5) day soil preparation to the planting of E.indica grass. In a span of 30 days of observation, each sample was put to soil analysis in terms of Soil moisture content, Soil organic matter content and plant longevity. To test the moisture content of each soil sample, the plants were removed, and the soils were heated on a pan at 105 degrees Celsius until dry and weighed. For the Organic Matter test, the pan-dried soils were burned using a casserole in 150 degrees Celsius and weighed. Lastly, to assess the plant longevity, the researcher simply counted the number of days the grass was alive within 30 days.

RESULTS

Based on all the three(3) tests performed, results showed that 1/3 ratio of crude oil to soil or 50g of crude oil on 150 g of soil showed the most favorable results in terms of soil moisture content, soil organic matter content and plant longevity. Based on the data gathered, it was found out that there is a significant linear relationship between each assessment (soil moisture content, soil organic matter content and plant longevity) and amount of crude oil. In addition, on the 28th day of observation of the 1/3 ratio sample, an unidentified plant life sprouted on its soil surfaces and is the only sample to survivethe period of observation. Meanwhile, ½ and 1/6 ratio samples died in the 18th and 8th day respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that growth of E. indica in crude oil contaminated soils affects the physical-chemistry of the soil enhancing the degradation of crude oil.