Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by using Zea mays and inoculating with bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Penicillium expansum)

Abstract

Corn plant (Zea mays) was used to remediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from crude oil polluted soil. The results of physical and chemical analysis of soil revealed that soil was sandy loam, slightly alkaline pH and poor of phosphorus. Zea mays plant and its roots associated microorganisms applied to treat polluted soil with crude oil (rhizoremedation) applying augmentation teqnique by inoculating polluted soil with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Penicillium expansum fungi. Total CFU count of bacteria was increased with time while total CFU fungal count was decreased. PAHs were decreased gradually with time, there is a complete removal for many compounds after two months specially when treated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa while inoculation with Penicillium expansum was less efficient.