PROGRESS IN ENHANCING BIOSURFACTANT-IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLE-BIOCHAR BLENDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOILS

PROGRESS IN ENHANCING BIOSURFACTANT-IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLE-BIOCHAR BLENDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOILS

ABSTRACT

The practical and safe remediation of environmental contaminants through biosurfactant-mediated degradation is well-established. Alongside this, bioremediation agents such as iron oxide nanoparticles and biochar exhibit significant potential due to their robust adsorption capabilities, facilitation of microbial growth, and chemical stability. Combining these elements—biosurfactants, iron oxide nanoparticles, and biochar—offers a highly effective and desirable alternative to traditional methods of environmental contaminant treatment.

This study primarily aimed to develop a formulation involving biosurfactants, iron oxide nanoparticles, and biochar (referred to as BS/NP/BC) for the purification of soil contaminated with crude oil. An isolated bacterium with known biosurfactant-producing capabilities, identified as Alcaligenes faecalis strain ADY25, was obtained from the Microbiology Department at Federal University of Technology, Minna. This isolate was validated for its biosurfactant production and subsequently utilized to yield a biosurfactant output of 4.5 g/L.

Iron oxide nanoparticles and biochar were synthesized utilizing corn silk extract and plantain trunk, respectively. The biosurfactant was produced via Alcaligenes faecalis strain ADY25, and its composition was confirmed as Lipoprotein using Raman spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a characteristic wavelength range of 262-269 nm, indicative of iron oxide nanoparticles, as shown through UV spectroscopy. Through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, the resulting biochar displayed an average surface area of 209.106 m²/g, a micropore volume of 0.074 cc/g, and an average pore width ranging from 6 to 522 nm, with an adsorption energy of 3.987 kJ/mol.

To address crude oil-contaminated soil, the synthesized biosurfactant/iron oxide/biochar nano-composites were employed in a bioremediation effort spanning 35 days. Over this period, the total microbial count was assessed at seven-day intervals. Statistical analysis of bacterial growth revealed insignificance in differences among treatments during weeks 0 and 1, with notable differences emerging from weeks 3 to 5. Conversely, fungal growth displayed significant differences across all weeks. Notably, treatment involving a balanced mixture of BS/NP/BC (1:1:1a) exhibited the highest growth during week 3 for both bacteria and fungi. Ultimately, the biodegradation rate was determined upon treatment conclusion, with the BS/NP/BC (1:1:1a) formulation yielding the highest degradation rate at 75%.

This investigation underscores the potential of biosurfactant-iron oxide-biochar nano-composites for effectively remediating crude oil-contaminated soil, with the optimal formulation ratio being 1:1:1, each at 100 mg.

PROGRESS IN ENHANCING BIOSURFACTANT-IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLE-BIOCHAR BLENDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOILS,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

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