Integrating enzymatic catalysis and microbial stimulation: Garbage enzymes for hydrocarbon degradation and Total Organic Carbon / Chemical Oxygen Demand reduction in well water stations

Hydrocarbon contamination in water resources poses a significant threat to environmental and public health due to its persistence, toxicity, and potential for bioaccumulation. Accidental leaks, industrial discharges, and crude oil spills contribute to the widespread presence of hydrocarbons in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a biological treatment approach using crude Garbage Enzymes (GE), produced through household food waste, for the remediation of hydrocarbon‑polluted well water (HPWW) collected from two stations in the Diyala region of Iraq. Crude GE was applied at concentrations of 10% and 25% (GE: HPWW at 1:10 vol/vol), followed by a 24 h incubation period at ambient temperature. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis demonstrated substantial hydrocarbon degradation, achieving removal efficiencies of 89.66% and 99.61% at Station 1, and 96.24% and 98.62% at Station 2, respectively. In addition to hydrocarbon breakdown, significant reductions in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) were observed, with removal rates of 74.4% and 80.8% at Station 1 and 90.7% and 94.4% at Station 2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values also declined markedly, decreasing by 73.4% and 81.1% at Station 1 and by 84.6% and 90.7% at Station 2 under the same treatment conditions. The findings highlight the potential of crude GE as a low‑cost, eco‑friendly, and efficient biocatalyst for hydrocarbon remediation. Compared with conventional microbial treatments, enzyme‑based approaches offer enhanced safety, operational simplicity, and reduced ecological risk, without the need to introduce foreign or genetically modified microorganisms into the environment. Overall, this study underscores the promise of crude GE as a scalable and sustainable tool for mitigating hydrocarbon pollution and supports further research into enzyme‑driven bioremediation technologies