Phytoremediation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) using plant species in Iran

Plant-based remediation is a relatively new, efficient, and environmentally friendly technology, which can be promising for removing many contaminants like hydrocarbon pollutants. The main objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of petroleum hydrocarbons with high initial concentration (about 3.5% by weight) on growth characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) as well as to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of the 2 mentioned plant species in highly contaminated, aged soil. In order to improve the condition of soil nutrients and also study the effect of soil amendment on plant growth, peat amendment was also considered. Soil samples were analyzed for TPH removal by GC-FID. Used plant species showed promising growth behavior in highly contaminated soil. A decrease of TPHs was found over the course of the experiment in all treatments. The maximum removal was obtained in tall fescue, in which tall fescue removed 96.3% of the initial TPHs from soil. Peat amendment showed positive effect on plant growth on contaminated soil. Results demonstrated that the 2 studied plant species were effective and promising in removing TPHs from contaminated, aged soil.