Comparative Evaluation of Plantain Peel Biochar and Coconut Husk Powder for Enhanced Bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Sandy Soils

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of aquatic environments poses significant environmental and ecological challenges due to its persistence and adverse effects on water quality. This study investigated the influence of temperature, contact time, and plantain-clay-based adsorbents on crude oil degradation and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) removal in a contaminated water medium. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, chloride concentration, and total dissolved solids (TDS), were monitored under varying temperature conditions to evaluate their roles in the remediation process. Results showed that pH values decreased with increasing temperature and contact time, indicating that environmental conditions strongly influence microbial and degradation activities. Chloride concentration increased progressively between 15°C and 45°C but exhibited fluctuating behavior at higher temperatures, suggesting complex interactions between degradation processes and temperature variation. Similarly, TDS concentration was significantly affected by both temperature and retention time, demonstrating the influence of these parameters on contaminant transformation and dissolution. The adsorption performance of various plantain-clay composite adsorbents was also evaluated. Significant reductions in TPH concentration were observed across all treatment systems, confirming the effectiveness of the adsorbents in hydrocarbon removal. Among the tested formulations, adsorbent performance varied according to particle size and mixing ratio, with certain formulations exhibiting superior adsorption capacity. The findings demonstrate that temperature, contact time, and adsorbent characteristics are critical factors influencing crude oil degradation and TPH removal in water. The study highlights the potential application of plantain-clay composite materials as low-cost, environmentally sustainable adsorbents for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated aquatic systems.