Microbial-Assisted Nanoparticle Strategies for Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils in Eastern Libya

Abstract

Hydrocarbon contamination represents a major environmental challenge in oil-producing regions, particularly in arid environments such as Eastern Libya, where natural attenuation processes are severely limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined nano-bioremediation approach using indigenous bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the remediation of diesel-contaminated soils collected from the Tobruk region. Laboratory experiments were conducted over a 28-day period under controlled conditions. Hydrocarbon degradation was assessed using gravimetric analysis, and statistical evaluation was performed to compare treatment efficiencies. The results revealed that the combined treatment achieved the highest degradation efficiency (70%), followed by nanoparticles alone (44%) and bacterial treatment alone (36%), whereas the control showed minimal degradation (8%). The enhanced performance of the combined system is attributed to the synergistic interaction between microbial metabolism and nanoparticle-induced improvements in hydrocarbon bioavailability. This study highlights the potential of nano-bioremediation as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for environmental restoration in arid regions.