Comparative Evaluation of Plantain Peel Biochar and Coconut Husk Powder for Enhanced Bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Sandy Soils

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of aquatic environments poses significant environmental
and ecological challenges due to its persistence and adverse effects on water quality. This study
investigated the influence of temperature, contact time, and plantain-clay-based adsorbents on
crude oil degradation and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) removal in a contaminated water

medium. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, chloride concentration, and total dissolved
solids (TDS), were monitored under varying temperature conditions to evaluate their roles in the
remediation process. Results showed that pH values decreased with increasing temperature and
contact time, indicating that environmental conditions strongly influence microbial and
degradation activities. Chloride concentration increased progressively between 15°C and 45°C
but exhibited fluctuating behavior at higher temperatures, suggesting complex interactions
between degradation processes and temperature variation. Similarly, TDS concentration was
significantly affected by both temperature and retention time, demonstrating the influence of
these parameters on contaminant transformation and dissolution. The adsorption performance of
various plantain-clay composite adsorbents was also evaluated. Significant reductions in TPH
concentration were observed across all treatment systems, confirming the effectiveness of the
adsorbents in hydrocarbon removal. Among the tested formulations, adsorbent performance
varied according to particle size and mixing ratio, with certain formulations exhibiting superior
adsorption capacity. The findings demonstrate that temperature, contact time, and adsorbent
characteristics are critical factors influencing crude oil degradation and TPH removal in water.
The study highlights the potential application of plantain-clay composite materials as low-cost,
environmentally sustainable adsorbents for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated aquatic
systems.