Response and capability of Scirpus mucronatus (L.) in phytotreating petrol-contaminated soil

The greenhouse phytotoxicity experiment was conducted to analyse and assess the capability of Scirpus mucronatus (L.) in tolerating and removing petrol in contaminated soil. This research was conducted for 72 days by using 5, 10 and 30 g/kg petrol as soil contaminants. Results showed that the system planted with S. mucronatus (L.) had high potential to treat the 10 g/kg petrol-contaminated soil and had an average Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) removal of 82.1%. At 5 and 30 g/kg petrol, the planted system removed 74.9% and 75.8% TPH, respectively. The petrol (10 g/kg) affected the plant growth positively, which was indicated by the increase in dry and wet weights throughout the research period. The removal of the TPH in the system was performed because of the interaction of plants and rhizobacteria. SEM showed that a high concentration of petrol (30 g/kg) affected the plant tissue negatively, as indicated by the altered structures of the root and stem cells. EDX results also confirmed that petrol was absorbed by the plant, as shown by the increased carbon content in the plant’s root and stem after the treatment. •Scirpus mucronatus (L.) showed capability in tolerating petroleum contamination.•Scirpus mucronatus (L.) removed TPH from contaminated soil.•High removal up to 82.1% in 10 g/kg concentration of TPH was obtained.•Concentration of 30 g/kg of TPH negatively affect the structure of plant.