Effects of community-accessible biochar and compost on diesel-contaminated soil

Abstract

Petroleum pollution is a global problem that requires effective and accessible remediation strategies that takes ecosystem functioning into serious consideration. Bioremediation can be an effective tool to address the challenge. In this study, we used a mesocosm experiment to evaluate the effects of locally sourced and community produced biochar and compost amendments on diesel-contaminated soil. At the end of the 90-day experiment, we quantified the effects of the amendments on total petroleum hydrocarbons (C9-C40) (TPH) and soil pH, organic matter, aggregate stability, soil respiration, extractable phosphorus, extractable potassium, and micronutrients (Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn). We observed significantly higher TPH degradation in compost-amended soils than in controls and soils amended with biochar. We propose that the addition of compost improved TPH biodegradation by augmenting soil nutrient content and microbial activity. Our results suggest that community-accessible compost can improve TPH biodegradation, and that implementation is possible at the community level.

Keywords:

• Amendments
• biodegradation
• bioremediation of hydrocarbons
• remediation of contaminated sediments
• nutrients
• total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Biology and Chemistry Departments of Keene State College for granting access to essential facilities. The authors also thank Dr. Lisabeth Willey from Antioch University New England for her expert assistance on statistical analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Salt Cove Foundation.