The Effects Of Spent Engine Oil On The Germination And Seedling Growth Of Maize (Zea Mays Subsp. Mays), Groundnut (Arachis Hypogea L.), And Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L) Walp):-Okoro, Chinedu Kingsley

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effects of crude oil contaminated soil on the germination and seedling growth of Z. mays, A. hypogaea, V. unguiculata. This study was conducted in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State. The experiment was done using perforated bucked filled with soil. The experimental design was complete randomized design replicated three (3) times. Six (6) spent engine oil (control (0), 50, 100, 150, 200, 250mL); was applied and exposed to sunlight and rainfall for proper absorption ofthe oil for one week before planting. The experiment was carried out for 12 weeks. The result showed that germination (%), days to germination, and rate of germination and seedling growth (number ofleaves, plant height, leaf area and plant biomass) decreases as the concentration increases. This study indicates that A. hypogaea have more potential for use ofphytoremediation ofspent engine contaminated soil than Z. mays and V. unguiculata.