JAMB - Chemistry (2003 - No. 18)
Farmlands affected by crude-oil spillage can be decontaminated by
Adding acidic solution
Using aerobic bacteria
Pouring water on the affected water area
Burning off the oil from the area
Paliwanag
Biological methods use microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to break down petroleum hydrocarbons. You can till the contaminated soil. This allows for aerobic action that will break down the oil. Wetting the contaminated soil with a bio-friendly detergent will help break down the oil faster. Hydrogen peroxide is also used to aid in breaking down the oil as the oxygen helps the microbes.