Phytochemical effect of petroleum on peanut (Arachis hypogea) seedlings

Abstract

Investigation were carried out on the effect of various concentrations (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00%), of Odidi well specie crude oil on the growth and organic constituents of peanut (Arachis hypogea) seedlings. Levels of total soluble sugars, proteins and free amino acids were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in plants grown in hydrocarbon polluted soil, than those grown in control soil. However, the chlorophyll content was significantly (p<0.05) lower in plants grown in petroleum treated soil relative to control plants. The growth parameters, such as seed germination, leaf areas, stem length and root length reduced as the concentration of petroleum increased. These finding seem to suggest that crude oil induced environmental stress in seedlings. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.