The complementary role of the fungus (Aspergillus niger) and the corn plant (Zea mays) in improving the efficiency of phytoremediation of soil contaminated with oil residues
Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(02), 214-223.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.2.0064
Publication history:
Received on 14 May 2026; revised on 28 June 2026; accepted on 30 June 2026
Abstract:
This study was conducted in the city of Samarra due to the serious health effects of oil waste-associated soil pollution, which is a prevalent phenomenon that negatively affects the quality of soil and plant growth. The study was conducted to investigate the synergistic mechanism of fungal roots and the root system of plants in the bioremediation process and to analyze the effectiveness of plant bioremediation of soil contaminated with oil waste. Experiments were carried out as described in the section (Study Site and Field Experiment Design).
The inclusion of Aspergillus niger fungus, oil residues and Zea mays maize in the soil changed its physical and chemical properties throughout the experiment. Treatment (T0P2) recorded the highest conductivity (4.85) dS.m-1, but it decreased to (1.82) dS.m-1 in treatment (T3P2). Treatment (T3P2) had the highest pH value (7.98) whereas therapy (T1P1) gave the lowest value (7.1). The concentration of soluble bicarbonates was greatest in treatment T0P1 (20.81 cmol.L-1) and lowest in treatment T2P1 (14.43 cmol.L-1 Treatment T3P0 showed the most percentage of organic matter (3.50 g.kg-1 soil) whereas the minimum percentage of organic matter was seen in treatment T2P0 (1.25 g.kg-1 soil).
The therapy (T1P1) had the greatest sodium content (56.85 cmol/L), whereas the treatment (T3P1) had the lowest (32.75 cmol/L). Treatment (T1P0) had the maximum plant height (91.55 cm), whereas treatment (T3P0) had the lowest (71.66 cm). Treatment (T1P1) had the highest dry weight at 34 g, whereas treatment (T1P2) had the lowest dry weight at 25 g.
Based on the information above, we may conclude that the fungus A. niger has the ability to use, digest, and grow oil waste in order to lessen soil contamination.
Keywords:
Bioremediation; Oil residues; Corn (Zea mays); Fungus (Aspergillus niger)
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