Bioremediation of Crude Oil-Contaminated Loamy Soil Using Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Stem Waste as a Biostimulant

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 11
    By

    Obomanu Cecilia Alex,

  1. Skill Training Centre, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Crude oil contamination of soil is a pressing environmental challenge in oil-producing regions, especially in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. It degrades soil fertility, disrupts microbial ecosystems, and poses long-term ecological and health risks. Traditional remediation methods are often cost- prohibitive and environmentally intrusive, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the potential of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) stem waste – a readily available agricultural byproduct – as a biostimulant to enhance the biodegradation of crude oil in loamy soil. The experiment involved treating artificially contaminated loamy soil with 100 ml of crude oil and different dosages (20g–100g) of either room-dried or sun-dried plantain stem powder. Each treatment was incubated in a controlled setup for 35 days. Parameters assessed included total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels, microbial counts (hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria), soil pH, and nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Analytical techniques such as Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID), Kjeldahl digestion, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were employed. The results revealed a marked decrease in TPH concentrations across all treatments, with the highest degradation observed in the 100g plantain stem-amended soils. Nutrient levels increased, especially in higher concentration treatments, indicating enhanced microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. Microbial counts confirmed a proliferation of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, particularly in sun-dried treatments. Kinetic modeling using the Michaelis-Menten equation further validated the efficiency of the bioremediation process. This study concludes that plantain stem waste is an effective, low-cost biostimulant for crude oil remediation in loamy soils. Its use promotes microbial activity, enhances soil fertility, and aligns with sustainable waste management practices. The findings support the feasibility of using agricultural residues in eco-friendly soil restoration strategies, especially in regions burdened by oil pollution. Field-scale trials are recommended to optimize dosage, application methods, and long-term environmental effects.

Keywords: Bioremediation, biostimulant, crude oil contamination, loamy soil, Nigeria, plantain stem waste, TPH degradation.

[This article belongs to Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering ]

How to cite this article:
Obomanu Cecilia Alex. Bioremediation of Crude Oil-Contaminated Loamy Soil Using Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Stem Waste as a Biostimulant. Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering. 2026; 13(01):1-11.
How to cite this URL:
Obomanu Cecilia Alex. Bioremediation of Crude Oil-Contaminated Loamy Soil Using Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Stem Waste as a Biostimulant. Emerging Trends in Chemical Engineering. 2026; 13(01):1-11. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/etce/article=2026/view=237766


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 30/01/2026
Accepted 31/01/2026
Published 27/02/2026
Publication Time 28 Days
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