Effects of soil pollution on the germination, growth, fruiting and leaf anatomy of Abelmoschus caillei (A Chev.) stevels malvaceae

Abstract

Spent engine oil is one of the most common pollutants in the world. Its Disposal has been persistently problematic and adversely affects plant growth. Effects of different levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ml respectively in 5 kg of soil) of spent engine oil application on germination, survival, growth and leaf anatomy of Abelmoschus caillei (A Chev.) Stevels was investigated using completely randomized design in five replicates. Data collected on germination, seedling survival, growth and fruiting were subjected to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analyses version 21.0; while leaf epidermal features were determined using standard methods. Spent engine oil at 200 ml significantly (P<0.05) delayed and reduced seed germination from 4 days to 2 weeks for all plants and by 85.71%; plant height was reduced by 65.74%; number of leaves by 84.74%; and leaf area by 84.41% compared to the control. Number of stomata on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces was increased by 27.99% and 35.02%, respectively; stomata area on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces was reduced by 97.35%, and 95.59 (p< 0.05) respectively. There was no fruiting. Application of high concentration of spent oil in soil affected all the parameters considered in this study. Therefore, soil contamination with spent engine oil should be properly checked in order to ensure sustainable plant productivity.