Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons polluted soils using augmentation by inoculating with bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Penicillium expansum

Abstract

Crude oil polluted soil was treated with bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Penicillium expansum. The results of physical and chemical analysis of soil revealed that soil was sandy loam, slightly alkaline pH, moisture content of polluted soil was less than that of unpolluted soil. Augmentation teqnique was applied by inoculating polluted soil with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Penicillium expansum fungi. Results revealed that total CFU count of bacteria was increased while total CFU fungal count was decreased after two months. PAHs concentrations were decreased gradually during two months, results showed a complete removal of many compounds after the treatment with bacteria while fungi was not effective.