Rhizoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using (Mill) and associated fungi.

The potentials of and its rhizospheric, non-mycorrhizal fungi in biodegrading and bio-remediating hydrocarbon contaminated soil were investigated and Biodegradation study was done in two stages: preliminary study using hydrocarbon treated filter paper and with Mineral Salt Media (MSM) read on Spectrophotometer at two photo synthetically active wavelengths (530 nm and 620 nm) while rhizoremediation study was done in contaminated plot of land. Hydrocarbon utilization ability of the fungi and plant were confirmed using total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) analysis and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results show differing rates of hydrocarbon utilization by isolated fungi. biodegradation study showed that and were best in degrading kerosene (78%), diesel (70%), spent engine oil (83%) and crude oil (77%) respectively. Rhizoremediation study using and show that remediation was enhanced to 72.15% as against 32.32% and 14% when only the plant or fungus is used respectively. Hydrocarbon accumulation by also decreased in the presence of the fungus. is shown in this study to enhance the germination, survival, growth and bioremediation efficiency of in polluted environment. The potentials of , a non-mycorrhizal fungi associated with in survival, growth and phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon polluted soil by is highlighted in this study. and its associated fungi is shown to bio-remediate petroleum hydrocarbon through phyto-accumulation and rhizosphere effect.