Influence of Biopreparations on phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil

Abstract

We analyzed the effects of biosurfactants and microbial preparation on the efficacy of phytoremediation of soil contaminated with petroleum (2, 5, and 8%) with the use of field pea (Pisum arvense L.). We also studied their effect on the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in plants. It has been shown that field peas can be used in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with crude oil. The best effect of the remediation process was achieved through the use of biosurfactants and a preparation containing petroleum-degrading microorganisms. In the first stage the biodegradation process was stimulated using biopreparation; in the second stage the seeds treated with biosurfactant solutions (rhamnolipid biocomplex or trehalose lipids) were planted on the polluted soil. As a result, the content of pollution in soil was reduced by 60-65% after two months. The reduction of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content) as a result of the combined effect of petroleum-degrading microorganisms and biosurfactants on field pea seedlings grown in contaminated soil was observed. The method used provides a preliminary partial degradation of petroleum in soil by microorganisms, while biosurfactants can promote better absorption of nutrients and water, thereby reducing the toxic effects of petroleum and oxidative stress in the plants. The results demonstrate the applicability of this combined approach in the process of remediation of soils contaminated by petroleum.