Bioremediation Efficacy and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Reduction in Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Cow Dung

Abstract

Crude oil contamination poses significant ecological and agricultural challenges, particularly in oil-producing regions such as Nigeria's Niger Delta. The persistence of toxic petroleum hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), adversely affects soil health, plant growth, and food security. Rich in essential nutrients, cow dung enhances the growth and activity of oil-degrading microorganisms such as Marinobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp., promoting the breakdown of these hydrocarbons. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the bioremediation efficacy and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) reduction in crude oil contaminated soil using cow dung using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained indicates a reduction range of between 54.48 - 60.19% of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content in the crude oil contaminated soil after bioremediating with the cow dung. This result is attributed to increased nutrient availability and improved oxygen diffusion associated with optimal amendment rate. In comparison, natural attenuation in untreated soil achieved only a 17.22% reduction. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12 and SDG 15) which is to promote responsible waste utilization and ecosystem restoration. The findings underscore cow dung's viability as an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of crude oil pollution.