Effect of spent engine oil on the germination and growth of Amaranthus hybridus L.

Abstract

The susceptibility of Amaranthus hybdridus L. to spent engine oil was examined in soil treated with concentrations of oil ranging from 1 – 5%v/w (oil/soil).  A relationship exist between the inhibitory effects and the treatment concentrations.  Treatment of soil with 4 and 5% spent engine oil consistently inhibited germination.  Fifty four days after sowing, the mean height and leaf area of plant in soil treated with 1% spent engine oil were 6.57 ± 0.01cm and 1.04 ± 0.01cm².  These were significantly different at p = 0.05 from the respective values of 13.96 ± 0.00cm and 5.97 ± 0.01cm² for the control plants.  However, plants grown in soil treated with 2 and 3% spent engine oil died prematurely.