Environmental Pollution Journals

Environmental Pollution Journals

 

Environmental pollution and degradation resulting from oil spillage in major oil-producing regions of the world as in the Niger Delta cannot be eschewed. The effects of oil spillage on the germination of seeds have been reported by several researchers. Udo and Fayemi (1974) reported that oil spillage accounted for a 50% reduction in the germination of Zea mays L. seeds and seedling development. The poor growth of the seedlings was attributed to suffocation of the plants due to exclusion of air by the oil, which interfered with the plants’ soil-water relationships. Similarly, Agbogidi and Eshegbeyi (2006) showed that the germination and seedling growth of a cash crop, Dacryodes edulis (African pear) (an endangered species) in oil-producing areas of Delta State was affected by oil spillage. Amadi, Dickson, and Moate (1993) and Amadi, Abbey, and Nma (1996) reported that crude oil concentration above 3% in the soil will reduce germination by suffocating seeds, thereby affecting their physiological activities. Anoliefo and Vwioko (1994) similarly reported that contamination of soil with 4% and 5% spent oil consistently inhibited germination of hot pepper and tomatoes seeds. Evidence on the toxic effects of crude and spent oil on plant seed embryos abounds (Baker, 1970; Gill, Nyawuame & Eruikhametalor, 1992; Kolattukudy, 1979). Their findings show that penetration of crude and/or spent oil into seed embryos, plant tissues, and cells is lethal and can lead to plant injury and/or death


Last Updated on: Nov 28, 2024

Global Scientific Words in General Science