Phytoremediation Potential of Zea mays L. and Panicum coloratum L. on Hydrocarbon Polluted Soils

F.A. Anukwa, E.M. Onuoha, A. Nkang and J. Nkereuwem

Background and Objective: Contamination of soils by heavy metals poses a big risk to humans and the ecosystem through direct ingestion or contact with contaminated soil and some plants can absorb, accumulate and immobilize environmental contaminants in a growth matrix. The ability of Zea may and Panicum coloratum to take up heavy metals from a hydrocarbon polluted soil was investigated. Materials and Methods: A Hydrocarbon polluted soil Sample was treated with OMF (Organo-mineral Fertilizer) for 10 weeks. Zea may and Panicum coloratum were planted on the soil and left to grow for another 10 weeks. The plants were then harvested and analyzed for selected heavy metals. Results: Results showed that spent engine oil caused a reduction in soil nutrients and increased heavy metals concentrations in the soil. The use of Organo-mineral Fertilizer amendment and planting of Zea may and Panicum coloratum for 10 weeks improved the soil nutrients with the plants accumulating between 7.86-93.32% heavy metals from the soil. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Zea may and Panicum coloratum were able to grow in a hydrocarbon polluted soil, with nutrients support from the OMF used and were able to absorb heavy metals from the soil.

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