Effect of unspent and spent diesel fuel on two agricultural crop plants: Arachis hypogea and Zea mays

摘要

The effect of five levels (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) of spent and unspent diesel fuel on two agricultural crop plants –Zea maysandArachis hypogaeawas investigated. Significant differences (p & 0.05) were observed between lower percentage levels and higher percentage levels of diesel fuel contamination. From the spent diesel fuel contamination- 4 and 5% levels of contamination had 40% seed germination forZ. maysand 22% forA. hypogaearespectively. In the unspent diesel fuel contamination, the values obtained were 10% forZ. maysand 0.5% forA. hypogaeain 5% level of contamination. The growth of plumule and radicle were negatively affected in all levels of contamination. The values obtained from the control were higher than those obtained from treatment, 100% seed germination was recorded for both species in control. There was no significant difference observed in 1 to 2% level of contamination in the treatment in spent and unspent diesel fuel contamination. However, seed germination, plumule and radicle growth were inhibited in comparison with the control, that test crops survived in all levels of contamination is suggestive of the test crop species being possible candidates for phytoremediation. Using the results from this study as indices, it is clear that the environment where oil spillage occurs suffer degradation. Agricultural crop producers in such areas equally suffer poor yield from their farms and poor income which indicates poor wellbeing. The study suggests that the relevant control agencies should protect petroleum products pipe lines from vandals and possible leakages. This is with a view to ensuring environmental protection and stability. National effective policy on fuel leakages and spillage backed by Legislation is suggested.