Crude Oil Bioremediation Efficiency of Indigenous Soil Fungal Community Spiked with Cassava Peels in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The bio-stimulation potential of cassava peels (CP) on crude oil degradation by indigenous fungal flora was investigated in soil microcosm. Air dried, sieved (2.00 mm) composite top soil (0-20 cm depth) samples were measured into four plastic buckets (2 kg each) and artificially contaminated by applying 200 ml of crude oil and left for one week. Each contaminated soil sample was then mixed thoroughly with pulverised pre-sieved (2.00 mm) cassava peels (CP) at various concentrations (100-400 g) and incubated at room temperature with periodic addition of moisture and thorough mixing for 42 days. Soil sampling was done at 14 days' interval post one-week soil acclimatization period for hydrocarbon degradation, total heterotrophic fungi counts and utilization, and pH using standard techniques. Results revealed that the percentage of crude oil hydrocarbon degradation was higher in CP amended crude oil treated soils. The highest hydrocarbon degradation (78.67%) recorded was observed in the 400 g CP amendment as against 45.21% biodegradation in un-amended control.