Effect of Biochar from Plantain Trunk Wastes’ Remediation on Microbial Community Dynamics of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil

Abstract

The effect of plantain trunk biochar (PTB) remediation on microbial community dynamics of crude oil-contaminated soil was studied. The microbial load in the experimental soil (both treated and untreated soil) significantly (p<0.05) increased as the remediation time increased from week 1 to week 3 after which a significant decrease was recorded for biochar-amended soil at week 4, while control treatment continued increasing. Soil remediated with 100%, Plantain trunk biochar, PTB had significantly (p<0.05) high microbial count (108.34±2.39to 207.67±5.34 x10^-2 Cfu/g) throughout the 4 weeks of the study. The high microbial counts in bio-remediated soil may be the result of the presence of appreciable quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus provided by the biochar which is a necessary nutrient for bacterial biodegradative activities. These higher microbial counts would favor hydrocarbon degradation and this study suggests that soil nutrient enhancement through biochar amendment biostimulates and optimizes bioremediation by increasing microbial biomass activities.