Effect of Petroleum Products on Soil Catalase and Dehydrogenase Activities

Abstract

The effect of spent engine oil on soil pH as well as activity of selected enzymes (catalase and dehydrogenase) was studied. The results indicate that spent engine oil caused a slight change in soil pH relative to the control. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in catalase activity in contrast to a significant increase (p<0.05) observed in dehydrogenase activity. On the whole the data suggest that spent engine oil alters soil biochemistry.