Combined use of earthworm (Alma millsoni) and bacterium (Bacillus sp.) improved the bioremediation of spent engine oil contaminated soil

This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the combined use of earthworm (Alma millsoni) and bacterium (Bacillus sp.) in the bioremediation of spent engine oil (SEO) contaminated soils. A. millisoni were collected from the Botanical Garden of University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The stock culture of hydrocarbonoclastic Bacillus sp. was used for the bioremediation study. A set-up of eight pots containing 1000?g soil sample and 20?g of cow dung were mixed with 100, 75, 50 and 0?mL SEO respectively. Each of the set up was subjected to bioremediation agents; A. millisoni alone, Bacillus sp alone, A. millisoni and Bacillus sp, no treatment (control) in duplicate. Treatment of 100?ml SEO contaminated soil with combined A. millisoni and Bacillus sp resulted in significantly (P? bacterium > vermi-remediating agents. Earthworms exposed to 100?mLSEO-contaminated soil had higher CAT, SOD, and GPx activities compared to the control. Findings indicated that A. millisoni with Bacillus sp. can synergistically improve bioremediation of SEO contaminated soils.     

Bio-accessibility and health risk assessment of some selected heavy metals in indoor dust from higher institutions in Ondo State,Nigeria

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Risks of heavy metal exposure from contaminated indoor dust constitute a major threat to human health. In this paper, heavy metals in deposited indoor...     

Mechanical performance and Taguchi optimization of kenaf fiber/cement-paperboard composite for interior application

Demand for particleboards keeps increasing and as such more trees are fell for its production, engendering deforestation. For the purpose of reducing falling of trees, this study, focused on recycling of waste paper in the development of paperboard as alternative to particleboards used for furniture and interior household applications. Kenaf fiber (KF) was blended at varying proportions of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt.% with 20 wt.% constant cement and 20 wt.% constant coconut shell powder while the remaining was paper pulp. Board specimen developed were cured for 14, 28, and 90 days and mechanical properties were examined. Results obtained showed that fiber dosage improved bond strength and screw holding strengths as compared with the control mix. Similarly, modulus of rupture was enhanced with KF loading as compared with control mix while 1 to 3 wt.% KF spawned enhancement of modulus of elasticity. However, 4 and 5 wt.% KF led to a reduction in the modulus. Infusion of the fiber enhanced tensile strength from 1 to 3 wt.% content. 14-day and 28-day curing periods were observed to improve properties while the 90-day curing period is detrimental to all properties. Optimization via signal-to-noise ratio revealed an optimum mix of 2 wt.% obtained for fiber and an optimum curing duration of 28 days.

     

Recycling of synthetic waste wig fiber in the production of cement-adobe for building envelope: physio-hydric properties

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Waste wigs are often disposed off in their volume on landfills, thus constituting a nuisance to the environment. Recycling these wigs in masonry...     

Reuse of walnut shell waste in the development of fired ceramic bricks

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The development of agricultural waste–doped fired bricks is an important step toward achieving lightweight eco-efficient bricks with improved...     

COVID-19 disposable face masks: a precursor for synthesis of valuable bioproducts

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Disposable face mask has become a mandatory personal protective equipment in order to prevent contracting COVID-19. With the significant...