IMPACTS OF PLASTIC ENRICHED COMPOSTING ON SOIL MICROBIAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS

Abstract

A study of the impacts of plastic (polyethylene) enriched composting on soil microflora and physiochemical properties were investigated using soil samples from Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. The field experiment was carried out using 15 perforated plastic buckets, set out in the field. The plastic granules thoroughly mixed with the soil were, A (Control, untreated soil), B (0.83% treatment level), C (1.67% treatment level), D (2.50% treatment level) and E (3.33% treatment level). Physico-chemical parameters of soil before and after the experiment were analysed. The soil mean aerobic bacterial and fungal counts were determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks of experimental study. The results of soil analysis before the study show that the soil of Okada area was loamy sand with relatively low pH value of 5.2. The values of organic carbon (0.58%), Nitrogen (0.056%), Phosphorus (26.36%) and Potassium (0.20 mol/kg) show that the soil of the experimental area was poor in fertility. The addition of plastic granules had no significant effect on soil chemical properties but there was slight increase in soil organic carbon relative to control with the value range from 0.26% in the treatment A (control) to 1.24% in the treatment E. There were increases in soil bulk density values with corresponding decreases in total porosity. The plastic granules treated soils significantly affected the soil microbial load, but did not bring variation in diversity of major microbial species found in the soil.