The Effect of Fertilizer on Epipremnum Aureum in Phytoremediating Soil Contaminated with Crude Oil

Abstract

Epipremnum aureum is a common ornamental foliage which is used mainly for indoor decoration. It demonstrates tolerance to low light environment and the ability to remove atmospheric chemicals such as gasoline and formaldehyde. A previous screening study showed the ability of Epipremnum aureum to remove crude oil from soil. Further to the screening study, this study examined the effect of fertilization on phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil by Epipremnum aureum Epipremnum aureum was grown in pots with soil contaminated with 5%, 10% and 15% of crude oil by weight respectively, with and without the addition of fertilizer. In line with previous study, Epipremnum aureum showed the ability to remove crude oil contaminants. The plant demonstrated highest crude oil removal rate in pots with 15% contamination. Application of fertilizer enhanced the removal of crude oil in all experimental pots by Week 6, hence increasing the rate of crude oil decline over the experimental duration. It is deemed that application of fertilizer provides nutrients to promote plant growth and proliferation of roots which enhance rhizodegradation of crude oil in soil. This study extends on the existing knowledge that Epipremnum aureum can phytoremediate crude-oil contaminated soil by characterizing its tolerance to crude oil and its response to fertilization, which is crucial to its practical application in phytoremediation. Phytoremediation presents a promising yet cost-effective measure in treating contaminated land. Further study can examine the optimum fertilizer concentration for phytoremediation and the tolerance level of Epipremnum aureum to crude oil contamination.