PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CRUDE OIL SPILL USING ELEPHANT GRASS (CENCHRUS PURPEREUS)

SANC ABSTRACT Crude oil contamination presents a significant environmental challenge, particularly in regions like Nigeria's Niger Delta, where it threatens soil health, biodiversity, and local communities' livelihoods. Traditional remediation methods, including excavation and chemical treatments, are costly, environmentally invasive, and unsustainable. This study explores the phytoremediation potential of Elephant Grass (Cenchrus purpureus) as a low-cost, sustainable alternative for remediating crude oil-contaminated soils, in comparison with Bamboo (Bambusoideae) and Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), chosen for their resilience in degraded environments. The study aimed to evaluate plant tolerance, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) degradation, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial activity during a 15-week experimental period under controlled conditions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess phytochemical changes and pollutant absorption mechanisms. The results demonstrated that Elephant Grass outperformed the other species, achieving a TPH reduction of 65%, with robust biomass production and minimal foliar damage, compared to Bamboo (45%) and Barnyard Grass (38%). Additionally, Elephant Grass improved soil pH, nutrient content, and microbial activity more effectively. The findings highlight the suitability of Elephant Grass for phytoremediation due to its rapid growth, deep root system, and ability to enhance soil health and ecosystem restoration. This study supports the adoption of Elephant Grass in large-scale environmental rehabilitation projects and advocates for further research into plant-microbe interactions to optimize remediation efficacy.