Comparative Study of Trace amount of Hydrocarbon in Polluted soil on Bean (Vigna unguiculaga) and Waterleaf (Talimum triangulase)

Abstract

The effect and comparison of plants grown in polluted soil containing trace amount of hydrocarbon was investigated and the stem length, leaf length, leaf width, and germination were observed and measured in water leaf and bean plants. Loamy soils (3kg) were measured into a container and polluted with a 1:1 dilution of hydrocarbon (diesel) giving a 1M concentration. The same loamy soils were measured into another container which was not polluted. These crops planted on polluted soil were compared with the same crops planted on unpolluted soil in a container. Observation on growth and morphology were noted and recorded. Percentage germination in the bean crop in polluted and unpolluted soil was 67% and 100% respectively. Plant height, leaf width and leaf length of bean crop were measured in centimeters in polluted and unpolluted soil as 2.9, 1.0, 1.8 and 3.2, 1.5, 2.0 respectively. The same measurement and unit was done in water leaf plant in polluted and unpolluted soil which resulted in 2.1, 0.7, 1.0 and 2.5, 0.9 1.25 respectively. The percentage germination in water leaf plant was 67% in polluted soil as against 83% in unpolluted soil. From the data obtained, it was concluded that trace amount of hydrocarbon can affect plant germination and growth.