Evaluation of Industrial and Municipal Wastewaters as Bio-Stimulants for the Treatment of Crude oil Contaminated Soils

The prevalence and high rate of soil contamination have contributed immensely to the reduction of arable lands which might lead to the total annihilation of the ecosystem if not mitigated. Bioremediation employs microorganisms that offer a sustainable approach for the remediation of contaminated soils. This study focus on the evaluation of industrial (brewery) and municipal effluents for the treatment of crude oil-contaminated soil. A microcosm containing 1kg of crude oil-contaminated soil was amended with the brewery and municipal wastewater at different ratios to investigate the possible synergy. The result of the 28 days study conducted at mesophilic condition recorded 58.39% and 56.62% TPH removal efficiencies for the brewery and municipal wastewater which represents 29195 and 28310mg/kg respectively average TPH removal from 50,000mg/kg initial concentration. The study showed that wastewater could serve as a potentially cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for the remediation of crude oil contaminated soils.