The Effect of Oil Pollution of Soil on Germination, Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Corn

Abstract

The effect of crude oil pollution of soil on the growth of plants and uptake of nutrients was investigated by growing corn (Zea mays L.) on a soil polluted by crude petroleum. The levels of the crude oil application varied from 0 to 10.6% by weight of soil. Three corn crops were raised in succession, each for a period of 6 weeks, in the same soil. The yields and plant contents of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and Mn were determined. The soil was analyzed for organic C, total and available N, extractable P, and exchangeable K, Ca, Fe, and Mn after each cropping. Germination and yields were drastically reduced as the level of pollution increased. At 4.2% crude oil pollution level, the average reductions were 50% and 92°/0 in germination and yield, respectively. The amount of organic C, total N, and exchangeable K, Fe, and Mn increased in the soil with level of crude oil addition, while extractable P, NO3-N, and exchangeable Ca were reduced. The poor growth was attributed to suffocation of the plants caused by exclusion of air by the oil or exhaustion of oxygen by increased microbial activity, interference with plant-soil-water relationships, and toxicity from sulfides and excess available Mn produced during the decomposition of the hydrocarbons.Additional Index Words: carbon-nitrogen ratio, crude petroleum, hydrocarbons in soil, manganese toxicity, nitrate immobilization, nitrogen fixation, reducing conditions.

Effect of Crude Oil Pollution on some Soil Physical Properties

“…Crude oil which is abundantly located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is spilled on soil due to pipeline destruction [5]. Previous studies on crude oil pollution in soil had revealed its adverse effects on soil productivity [6,7].These studies had been majorly on the effects of pollution on chemical properties of the soil. There is therefore a need for continuous research on the problems associated with pollution resulting from spillage and the effects on the soil environment which has a negative impact on crops grown on it.…”

Bioremediation Potential of Native Hydrocarbons Degrading Bacteria in Crude Oil Polluted Soil

“…Plants are also susceptible to the crude oil exposure, due to phytotoxic nature of crude oil and immobilization of availability of plant nutrient in soil (Udo, and Fayemi, 1995)]. Physical, chemical and thermal methods have commonly been employed to clean up the crude oil polluted soils (Roy et al, 2016).…”

Growth performance of cucumber (<i>Cucumis sativus</i> L.) in spent engine oil contaminated soil amended with compost of <i>Urena lobata</i> L.

“…Contamination of the soil by spent engine oil creates an unsatisfactory condition for life in the soil, which is due to the poor aeration it causes in the soil, immobilization of soil nutrients, loss of water-holding capacity, lowering of soil pH, and reduction in soil catalase enzyme activity (Sathiya-Moorth et al, 2008) According to Udo and Fayemi (1975) growth of plants in oil polluted soil was generally retarded and chlorosis of leaves results, coupled with dehydration of the plants indicating water deficiency. High oil concentrations in soil not only reduce the amount of water and oxygen available for plant growth (McGill,1980) but also can interfere with soil-plant-water relations through direct physical contact, (coating of root tissues) thereby adversely affecting plant growth (Baker,1971).…”