Laboratory Evaluation of the Impact of Contaminants on Soil Resistivity and the Consequent Effect on Plant’s Growth

Abstract

This study is focused on investigation of the resistivity property of polluted soils and the consequent effect on the growth rate of plants. The method involves construction of an inexpensive apparatus for measuring the electrical resistivity of polluted soil in the laboratory based on application of Ohm’s law. Some pollutants such as petrol, kerosene and brine were added to the soil samples and the electrical resistivity was determined. The results showed that the quantity of petrol and kerosene added to the soil were directly proportional to the resistivity of the soil while the salt concentration varied inversely with resistivity. On the other hand, the study showed that Kerosene, Petrol and Salt solution of different concentrations have an adverse effect on the growth and development of the bean plants.