Effect of earthworm inoculation on the bioremediation of used engine oil contaminated soil

Abstract

The effect of earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) on the bioremediation of used engine oil contaminated soil, amended with poultry manure, was investigated. Investigation into the effect of initial concentration of used engine oil, in soil, for earthworm inoculated samples showed that the biodegradation rate of used engine oil contaminant increased with increasing initial concentration of used engine oil. For initial used engine oil concentration of 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg soil, the drop in total petroleum hydrocarbon was found to be -16.91, 20.82, 34.68 and 36.28% respectively after 42 days of treatment. Investigation into the effect of earthworm concentration showed that the use of earthworms did not result in catalysis of the bioremediation process as the extent of biodegradation for the sample without earthworm was found to be higher than those of all concentrations of earthworm considered (5 -20 worms/kg soil). However, the rate of bioremediation was found to increase with increase in earthworm concentration (as earthworm concentration was increased from 5 to 20 worms per kg of used engine oil contaminated soil). Similarly when the rate of bioremediation in the without-earthworm but manually tilled and the without-earthworm and untilled samples where compared with samples inoculated with earthworm for bioremediation, both samples without worms recorded higher bioremediation rates.

Investigating the reduction of BTEX in automotive paint sludge combined with biological sludge by vermicomposting process using Eisenia fetida

“…This study showed that BTEX was significantly reduced during the mixed sludge vermicomposting process. Therefore, in general, the results of this study are consistent with the results of other similar studies (33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40). However, the results of this study have some differences with those of some previous studies according to the method of work, bed characteristics, sludge type, treatment method, test conditions, study time, number and characteristics of earthworms and bed microorganisms.…”

Earthworm-assisted bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil from mechanic workshop

“…They reported that used engine oil concentration level tolerable to earthworms was dependent on the source of the used engine oil. Ameh et al (2011b) investigated the effect of earthworm on the bioremediation of simulated used-engine oilcontaminated soil and reported that the presence of earthworms can influence the rate of bioremediation of used engine contaminated soil, given right conditions.…”

Bioremediation of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in diesel contaminated soil with the earthworm: Eudrilus eugeniae

“…This reduction in TPH far exceeded that of Schaefer and Filser ( 2007 ) with 30–42 % in samples with E. eugeniae and 9–17 % without earthworms after 28 days. Ameh et al ( 2012 ) reported 36.28 % TPH decrease with E. eugeniae after 42 days of treatment. The longer duration of 90 days in our study may have resulted in the higher reduction in TPH.…”