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Three long-term field experiments were established in the spring of 1978 and continued through 1988 to evaluate corn (Zea <i>mays</i> L.) response to high Cu levels from Cu rich swine manure and CuS0₄ applications. The field research was conducted on soils with diverse properties, i.e., on a Bertie fine sandy loam (Aquic Hapludults), a Guernsey silt loam (Aquic Hapludalfs), and a Starr-Dyke clay loam (Fluventic DystrochreptsTypic Rhodudults). Three treatments in the long-term field experiments on the three soils were a control, annual applications of eu as eu rich swine manure, and annual applications of Cu as CuS0₄ equivalent to that in the manure. After the 11 years, 1109 mt ha⁻¹ of wet Cu rich swine manure were applied for the manure treatment. The Cu rich manure contained an average of 1316 mg Cu kg⁻¹, An average of 325 kg Cu ha⁻¹ added to the soils from the manure application over the 11 years exceeded U.S.E.P.A. guidelines for safe copper loading levels for cropland by 45 kg ha⁻¹. Copper concentrations in corn ear leaves were within the normal range of 3 to 20 mg kg⁻¹ where the 325 kg Cu ha⁻¹ were applied to the soil as either Cu rich manure or CuS0₄. Concentrations of Cu in the grain were also in the normal range of 1 to 5 mg kg⁻¹ where the high level of the two Cu sources was applied to soils. There was no decrease in corn yield on the three soils from application of either Cu source. / Master of Science

This study was conducted to measure the reduction in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in oil sludge by co-composting the sludge with pig, cow, horse and poultry manures under laboratory conditions. Four kilograms of soil spiked with 800g of oil sludge was co-composted differently with each manure in a ratio of 2:1 (w/w) spiked soil: manure and wood-chips in a ratio of 2:1 (w/v) spiked soil: wood-chips. Control was set up similar as the one above but without manure. Mixtures were incubated for 10 months at room temperature. Compost piles were turned weekly and moisture level was maintained at between 50% and 70%. Moisture level, pH, temperature, CO2 evolution and oxygen consumption were measured monthly and the ash content at the end of experimentation. Bacteria capable of utilizing PAHs were isolated, purified and characterized by molecular techniques using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), amplification of the 16S rDNA gene using the specific primers (16S-P1 PCR and 16S-P2 PCR) and the amplicons were sequenced. Extent of reduction of PAHs was measured using automated soxhlet extractor with Dichloromethane as the extraction solvent coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Temperature did not exceed 27.5OC in all compost heaps, pH ranged from 5.5 to 7.8 and CO2 evolution was highest in poultry manure at 18.78μg/dwt/day. Microbial growth and activities were enhanced. Bacteria identified were Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus species. Results from PAH measurements showed reduction between 77 and 99%. The results from the control experiments may be because it was invaded by fungi. Co-composting of spiked soils with animal manures enhanced the reduction in PAHs. Interestingly, all bacteria isolated and identified in this study were present in all treatments, including the control. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Sciences)

This study was conducted to measure the reduction in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in oil sludge by co-composting the sludge with pig, cow, horse and poultry manures under laboratory conditions. Four kilograms of soil spiked with 800g of oil sludge was co-composted differently with each manure in a ratio of 2:1 (w/w) spiked soil: manure and wood-chips in a ratio of 2:1 (w/v) spiked soil: wood-chips. Control was set up similar as the one above but without manure. Mixtures were incubated for 10 months at room temperature. Compost piles were turned weekly and moisture level was maintained at between 50% and 70%. Moisture level, pH, temperature, CO2 evolution and oxygen consumption were measured monthly and the ash content at the end of experimentation. Bacteria capable of utilizing PAHs were isolated, purified and characterized by molecular techniques using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), amplification of the 16S rDNA gene using the specific primers (16S-P1 PCR and 16S-P2 PCR) and the amplicons were sequenced. Extent of reduction of PAHs was measured using automated soxhlet extractor with Dichloromethane as the extraction solvent coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Temperature did not exceed 27.5OC in all compost heaps, pH ranged from 5.5 to 7.8 and CO2 evolution was highest in poultry manure at 18.78μg/dwt/day. Microbial growth and activities were enhanced. Bacteria identified were Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus species. Results from PAH measurements showed reduction between 77 and 99%. The results from the control experiments may be because it was invaded by fungi. Co-composting of spiked soils with animal manures enhanced the reduction in PAHs. Interestingly, all bacteria isolated and identified in this study were present in all treatments, including the control. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Sciences)