Utilizing Bioresources to Optimize the Recovery of Contaminated Soil

Student: Emmanuel Kofi Kwada (Project, 2025)
Department of Civil Engineering
Cross Rivers University of Technology, Calabar, Cross Rivers State

Abstract

The environmental impact of oil spills and subsequent soil contamination poses major global challenges. Traditional remediation methods are costly and disruptive. This study explores rice husk ash and chicken manure as bioresources to restore contaminated soils. Lateritic soil samples were treated with varying proportions of these materials and tested for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), microbial count, porosity, and unconfined compressive strength over nine weeks. Findings revealed that RHA showed superior performance, achieving TPH reduction to 600 mg/kg. Results demonstrated that longer treatment duration and increased bioresource concentration enhanced remediation effectiveness. The combination of RHA and CM improved microbial activity, soil porosity, and strength, confirming their potential in sustainable soil restoration.

Keywords
Bioremediation Bioresources Oil contamination Rice husk ash Chicken manure Soil recovery Hydrocarbon degradation Sustainable remediation Soil strength Environmental engineering
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