Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Oyedeji, Ayodele Adelusi [1], Kayode, Joshua [2], Besenyei, Lynn [3], Fullen, Michael A. [3].

Phytoremediation potential of selected Nigerian indigenous leguminous tree species on crude oil-contaminated soils: 1. Early growth response and vegetative establishment.

The study investigates the early growth responses and vegetative establishment of selected indigenous leguminous tree species, in crude oil-contaminated soil as possible tools for phytoremediation. Replicated experiments were conducted within a greenhouse in Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Selected tree species: Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F. Wright, Albizia odoratissima (L.F.) Benth. and Pelterophorum pterocarpum (DC.) K. Heyne, all members of the Fabaceae family, were planted in 4000 g pots filled with locally sourced loamy sand soil contaminated with different concentrations of crude oil (25, 50, 75 and 100 ml). A control experiment was also set up on unpolluted soil. These treatments represented low, medium, high and very high pollution rates, respectively. Growth parameters - plant height, girth, number of leaves, root and shoot biomass were determined on specimens of each tree species at two week intervals for their first 16 weeks of growth. The results revealed that the early growth of these species were proportional to the concentrations of crude oil. P. pterocarpum was observed to tolerate and grow best out of these species in the contaminated soils. The results obtained tend to suggest the suitability of these species, particularly P. pterocarpum, for the revegetation and phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soils. However, further studies are required to substantiate this assertion.

1 - University of Wolverhampton, Environmental & Analytical Sciences, Wulfruna street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1LY, UK
2 - Ekiti State University, Plant Science Dept, PMB 5363, Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
3 - University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Wulfruna street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1LY, UK

Keywords:
indigenous tree species
Fabaceae
crude oil
Contamination
phytoremediation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 68
Location: Salon 8/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: 68006
Abstract ID:651
Candidate for Awards:None