Progress in biostimulation-based remediation of TPH-contaminated soils: a comprehensive review.

Yuanyuan Li, Jinqiang Yang, Yaru Song, Mingli Wei

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in PeerJ, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it

0cells of the map it votes in

1citing papers in PubMed

–field-weighted citation impact

1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

Engineering Plant-Microbiome Interaction Networks for Predictive Soil Bioremediation Under the Stress-Stability Paradox.Physiologia plantarum
Review

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Yuanyuan LiSchool of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Jinqiang YangSchool of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Yaru SongSchool of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Mingli WeiState Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Petroleum pollution in soils poses a significant global environmental threat, primarily due to increased industrial activities and oil spills. Biostimulation, a bioremediation strategy that enhances indigenous microbial activity through nutrient amendment, has gained prominence for its sustainability and effectiveness. Methods: This review consolidates findings from 276 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025, covering the application of organic amendments, mineral nutrients, and biochar. It further analyzes microbial community responses, degradation efficiency, and synergistic treatment outcomes under varied environmental conditions. Results: Biostimulants such as compost, nitrate, and phosphate significantly enhance microbial degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), especially when used in combination. Biochar improves soil aeration and supports functional gene expression. Integrated treatments demonstrate superior removal efficiencies compared to single-agent approaches. Conclusion: Biostimulation is a promising, scalable solution for TPH-contaminated soils. However, optimization of nutrient ratios, consideration of site-specific variables, and real-time monitoring systems are essential for effective field deployment.

Indexed as

Environmental Restoration and RemediationHydrocarbonsPetroleumPetroleum PollutionSoil PollutantsBiodegradation, EnvironmentalCharcoalSoilSoil MicrobiologybiocharCharcoalHydrocarbonsPetroleumSoilSoil PollutantsBiostimulationMicrobial remediationPetroleum contaminated soilSoil pollutionTPH contaminated soil

Identifiers

PMID40949731

DOI10.7717/peerj.19991

PMCPMC12424616

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata

LicenceCC BY

Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.