• Version
• Download 149
• File Size 718.44 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date 26th November 2012
• Last Updated 26th November 2012

Biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in Shambat soil, Sudan, Nuhad M. A. Eltayeb, Dr. Sarra A. M. Saad, Rayan M. A. Madani and Elamin A. Elamin

Nuhad Mergani Ali Eltayeb, Sarra Ahmed Mohamed Saad and Rayan Mohammed Ahmed Madani, National Center for Research, Sudan
Elamin Abdelmagid Elamin, University of Khartoum, Sudan

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in crude oil when added to Shambat soil in Sudan.
Design/methodology/approach: A laboratory experiment was conducted in the Soil Science Unit laboratories at the Department of Environment and Environmental Pollution, ENRRI, National Center for Research. The experiment aimed to study the biodegradability of light crude oil, which was refined by the Petrodar Oil Company. Petri dishes were filled with Shambat soil, amended with three different concentrations of light crude oil and incubated at optimum temperature (37oC). Samples were taken after 2, 14 and 28 days following crude oil addition. The recovery of petroleum hydrocarbons was determined to calculate the biodegradation percentage.
Findings: The results indicated highly significant differences among the various concentrations and sampling durations. The highest concentration of crude oil showed a significant decrease in biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons.
Originality/value: This research was carried out by four researchers from two institutions concerned with the environmental aspects of soil pollution due to the implementation of the oil industry in Sudan. The paper emphasizes the microbial degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soils in order to facilitate management practices in polluted sites.
Keywords: Biodegradation; Crude oil; Total petroleum hydrocarbons; Sudanese soil

Attached Files