Effect of heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of a heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil. The soil sample was collected from Agbura Community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) also called garbage enzyme (GE) was produced from three substances; water, fruits skin (orange, pineapple, plantain, watermelon and banana peels) and brown sugar in a ratio of 10: 3: 1, and were allowed to ferment for 90 days. The soil sample was divided into six Groups (1 - 6). Groups 1 and 2 served as control; (unpolluted) and (polluted but not treated soil) while Groups 3 to 6 were given different treatments. The samples were prepared and selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Co) concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). After treatment of the crude oil-polluted soil with the HBRC for 180, there were significant reductions in Fe, Cu, Zn and Co were observed in Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared to Groups 1 and 2. The highest iron concentration reduction was observed in Group 3 (76.58%). Similarly, the highest Cu concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (73.55%). Also, the highest Zn concentration reduction was observed in Group 6 (86.30%) while Co highest concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (86.56%). Hence, the result reveals that HBRC can be used as a remediation cocktail for heavy metals.