Adaptation and carbon reduction for petroleum contaminated soil remediation in response to climate change-a case study of phytoremediation combined with biochar

Abstract

Petroleum serves as a critical energy source and industrial raw material, yet its leakage frequently leads to severe soil contamination. Traditional remediation methods for petroleum-contaminated soil are often energy-intensive and associated with high carbon emissions. To address climate change challenges, it is imperative to adopt green and sustainable remediation technologies that reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints simultaneously. Phytoremediation not only treats contamination but also captures atmospheric CO₂ through biomass production, while biochar application enhances carbon sequestration through its stable structure. This study conducted a field trial to evaluate the combined effects of biochar amendment (2.5 %) and vetiver planting on total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation efficiency and CO₂ mitigation in both freshly contaminated and weathered soils. The results demonstrated that biochar application enhanced vetiver plant biomass by approximately 1.6-fold in both soil types. After six months, TPH removal efficiencies reached nearly 90 % in biochar-amended soils planted with vetiver. Furthermore, the estimated carbon reduction potential reached approximately 440.7 tons CO₂e per hectare in freshly contaminated soil and 482.4 tons CO₂e per hectare in weathered soil, highlighting the dual benefits of contaminant remediation and climate change mitigation.

Keywords: Biochar; Climate change; Petroleum; Phytoremediation.