The Effect of Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) Biodiesel-Contaminated Soil on Morphological and Biochemical Properties of Zea mays

Olalekan A

doi:10.4172/2329-9029.1000138

Abstract

The effect of palm kernel oil (PKO) biodiesel-contaminated soil on morphological and biochemical properties of Zea mays (corn) was investigated. Thirty polythene pots with drainage holes at the bottom, each containing 10 kg of surface soil, were randomly placed on a table in the screenhouse in a factorial combination of five treatment levels (4%, 3.0%, 2.0%, 1.0% and 0% w/w) of PKO biodiesel and were designated S4, S3, S2, S1 and S0 respectively. Three seeds of maize per pot were planted. Growth parameters (plant height, stem girth, relative water content (RWC), selected leaf properties (chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and soluble protein content (SPC)) and antioxidant indices were determined in the corn over a period of eight weeks after planting (WAP). Results showed that growth of corn planted in contaminated soil was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of control. Corn planted in the contaminated soil also showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in leaves when compared with control plants. The results suggest that PKO biodiesel-contaminated soil hindered availability of water, air and nutrients to corn roots, creating a drought condition which could induce oxidative stress in the plant and consequently retarding growth and yield of corn plant.

Highlights

Biofuel has gained considerable recognition in recent times as it is widely believed to be environmental friendly
At 2WAP, the plant height of corn planted in 3% (S3) and 4% (S4) Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) biodiesel-contaminated soil were significantly lower than the control (p0.05)
The stem girth of corn planted in PKO biodiesel-contaminated soil was significantly lower than that of control (p

Summary

Introduction

Biofuel has gained considerable recognition in recent times as it is widely believed to be environmental friendly. Transportation of petroleum and petrochemicals is through pipelines that cut across land and water. Accidentals spills and pipeline damage result in pollution of land and water. On the other hand, cannot be transported by pipelines except by truck, rail, boat or ship which pose greater risk of environmental pollution. Oil spills are most often caused by accidents involving tankers, barges, pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities during the transportation of the oil [1,2]. Spill of biofuel may have serious impacts. Tanker accidents contribute 5% and tanker operation account for 7% of oil spills [3]. Pollution of the soil with petroleum derivatives is often observed in Municipal Soils, around industrial plants and in areas where petroleum and natural gas are obtained [4,5]

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