Response of ZEA MAYS to Oilfield Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the impact of various concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of oilfield wastewater treatment on the physiology of Zea mays L( maize) which is commonly cultivated in the Niger Delta. The Physiology of the plants such as plant height and girth, leaf length, width and area and root density were determined (Akonye and Nwauzoma,2003); chlorophyll content, crude fibre and total ash were also determined using AOAC(1984) method difference at . Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA showed significant difference P= 0.005 for all the physiological characteristics of the plant. Chlorophyll content was highest at 50% for Z. mays . The girth and height of Z. mays were highest at 50% on the 56^th day after planting (DAP). Generally, the leaf area was highest at 50% concentrations except at the 14^th DAP. The control plants were consistently taller and had highest values  at 14 DAP; leaf area was generally highest in the control. At 56 DAP; the leaf area was also highest at the 50% concentration. Fibre content and total ash for Zea mays was highest in control and the 100% concentrations respectively. Absorption of total hydrocarbon and other hazardous constituents of the oilfield wastewater by the plants which serve as sources of food for humans pose a serious health hazard. The oilfield wastewater has been shown to have serious deleterious effect on soil and plants, leading to eco-toxicological and agro soil fertility problems that could create an artificial food scarcity.