Evaluating the Bioremediation Potential of Jatropha curcas and Ficus exasperata Vahl Composts in Removing Phthalate Esters from Dumpsite Soils: Implications for Human Health

Abstract

Abstract The present study evaluated the bioremediation potential of Jatropha curcas and Ficus exasperata composts in removing phthalate esters (PAEs) from dumpsite soils and its implication for human health. A total of 49 untreated and remediated soil samples were collected from three major dumpsites in Ogun State, Nigeria, and treated with J. curcas and F. exasperata composts for PAE removal, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS for Windows (version 23.0). Geospatial maps of PAEs in the dumpsites were generated using ArcGIS (Geographical Information System). The health risk assessment of PAEs was conducted for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic efects using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model. The results showed that Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (1.391±0.741 mg kg−1) was the highest measured phthalate congener in the dumpsite soils, fol lowed by Diethyl phthalate (DEP) (0.173±0.051 mg kg−1). The distribution of phthalate congeners in the dumpsite soils followed this pattern: DBP>DEP>Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)>Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)>Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)>Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). Jatropha and Ficus composts were able to remove 39–100% and 49–100% of phtha late congeners, respectively, from the contaminated dumpsite soils. Human health risk data on phthalate esters indicated no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic adverse efects in both treated and untreated dumpsite soils. Keywords Phthalate esters · Bioremediation · Removal efciency · Jatropha curcas · Ficus exasperata