The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of soil contamination by selected metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, lead or zinc) on the antioxidant response of Vicia faba plants. The levels of the antioxidants: glutathione, proline, non-protein thiols, as well as guaiacol peroxidase and catalase activities were measured in the upperparts of plants. Additionally, the potential bioavailability of metals in the soil and their concentrations in V. faba plants were compared. Treatment with metal caused the problem of an elevation in its bioavailability in soil and its concentration in leaves and stems. The most serious problems seemed to be metal elevations in soil, especially Zn and Ni as well as in the aerial parts of V. faba plants. The antioxidant responses appeared to be metal specific. The elevation of guaiacol peroxidase activity in leaves and stems as well as the proline in leaves was the only more general reaction to metal exposure. Upon analysis of the effects of soil metal contamination on V. faba plants, we recommend the use of some measurements such as guaiacol peroxidase activity and proline level as useful tools in biological monitoring.

Petroleum and petroleum-derived products can contribute to the inhibition of growth and development of plants. Soil contamination by these compounds either hampers or makes difficult the intake of water and mineral salts from the substrate, and also breaks a number of metabolic processes. As a result of the deficiency of chlorophyll and nutrients, the affected plants grow deformed roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers, and show numerous chloroses and necroses.The objective of our research was to determine the effects of petrol, used engine oil, and diesel oil on select morphological parameters of Vicia faba L., and on the content of select nutrients and heavy metals in the leaves of plants. The effect of the bioremediation process initiated by biopreparation ZB-1 on the above-mentioned parameters was also determined. The analyzed plants were obtained from the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Cracow, located in Mydlniki near Cracow. In June 2010, the soil placed in special containers was contaminated with petroleum-derived substances at a quantity of 6,000 mg per 1 kg of dry mass, by pouring it on the soil. Half of the objects were subjected to bioremediation. The evaluation of the morphology of plants and the structural elements of yield was made at the stage of technological maturity of broad bean seeds. The evaluation of heavy metals content was conducted using flame absorption spectrometry. The carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur content was determined in a Variomax CNS analyzer. The results of the experiment showed that diesel oil had the most adverse effects on the morphological parameters of plants. Engine oil caused a decrease in the nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur contents in the leaves of plants, but on the other hand this substance, like other petroleum-derived compounds, increased the content of most heavy metals. The effect of biopreparation was diverse and depended on the type of substance and on the analyzed parameter.The conducted experiment showed that petroleum-derived substances continued to adversely affect the growth of plants even three years after soil contamination. Additionally, it increased the accumulation of harmful substances in the organs of plants which could, in turn, seriously impact the economy and human health. However, the intensity of the impact depends on the type of derivative. Bioremediation supported by the use of microorganisms is an advantageous solution that permits the improving of the growth parameters of plants, as well as offsetting the harmful effects of petroleum-derived products upon the majority of the analyzed elements.

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The aim of the study was to determine the effects of various petroleum-derived substances, namely petrol, diesel fuel and spent engine oil, on life history traits and population dynamics of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop. and on growth and chemical composition of its host plant Vicia faba L. Each substance was tested separately, using two concentrations (9 g kg−1 and 18 g kg−1). The experiment was conducted in four replications (four pots with five plants in each pot per treatment). Plants were cultivated in both control and contaminated soils. After six weeks from soil contamination and five weeks from sowing the seeds, observations of the effect of petroleum-derived substances on traits of three successive generations of aphids were conducted. Aphids were inoculated separately on leaves using cylindrical cages hermetically closed on both sides. Contamination of aphid occurred through its host plant. Results showed that all tested substances adversely affected A. fabae life history traits and population dynamics: extension of the prereproductive period, reduction of fecundity and life span, reduction of the population intrinsic growth rate. In broad bean, leaf, roots, and shoot growth was also impaired in most conditions, whereas nutrient and heavy metal content varied according to substances, their concentration, as well as plant part analysed. Results indicate that soil contamination with petroleum-derived substances entails far-reaching changes not only in organisms directly exposed to these pollutants (plants), but also indirectly in herbivores (aphids) and consequently provides information about potential negative effects on further links of the food chain, i.e., for predators and parasitoids.

Winter common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were cultivated on petroleum products contaminated soils with and without using biopreparation ZB-01. We determined the impact of soil contamination with petrol, diesel fuel and engine oil on selected antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the leaves of winter wheat. The impact of petroleum products on selected morphological characteristics of the plants, levels of nutrients and heavy metals was also assessed. Winter wheat was relatively resistant to soil contamination with petroleum products, and did not show a significant impact on the morphological characteristics of the plants. The levels of nutrients and heavy metals in the plants depended on the type of pollutant and the analyzed component.‬ Biopreparation ZB-01 generally resulted in an increase in calcium levels in the plants.‬ The winter wheat plants growing in soil contaminated with engine oil were characterized by higher levels of zinc, lead, manganese and cadmium than the control plants.‬ Biopreparation applied to the soil contaminated with petrol resulted in a slight increase in the levels of lead and zinc in the plants.‬ The petroleum products affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the plants.‬ The general markers of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and petrol were POD activity and proline levels. Use of the ZB-01 biopreparation caused an increase in the levels of proline and -SH groups and an increase in the levels of carbon and calcium in the plants and had no effect on the morphological characteristics of plants.‬

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Petroleum-derived substances (PDSs) as main pollutants of the natural environment can negatively affect the microbiological, biochemical, and biological properties of agricultural soils and, consequently, plant production. The present study aimed to determine the after-effect of PDSs such as petrol, used engine oil, and diesel fuel on the activity of selected soil enzymes (phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and urease) and on the occurrence of soil invertebrates. Moreover, changes in the analyzed parameters in response to bioremediation of the polluted soil by using ZB-01 preparation were investigated. The field experiments were performed four- and five-years post contamination. The results showed that even after five years, PDSs significantly modified the activity of soil enzymes; however, this effect was often varied, depending on the pollutant, enzyme, and time after soil contamination. Dehydrogenase seems to be a good indicator of soil contamination with PDSs, particularly diesel fuel. Engine oil and diesel fuel limited still the occurrence of soil invertebrates, particularly Collembola from the families Hypogastruidae, Isotomidae, and Entomobryidae, even after four and five years of contamination. This finding suggests the usefulness of these organisms in assessing soil pollution and in monitoring the progress of bioremediation. The effect of ZB-01 biopreparation on the activity of selected enzymes was varied. Its effect on the occurrence of soil invertebrates was usually beneficial, which was evident in diesel fuel-contaminated soil.

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