Effect of Crude Oil Pollution and Bioremediation on Cucurbita Maxima

The effect of crude oil polluted soil and amelioration treatments using green manure (Calopogonium mucunoides Desvaux and Aspilia africana (Persoon) C. D. Adams) on the growth, heavy metal content, proximate composition, mineral content, vitamin A and C content and phytochemical constituents of Curcubita maxima was studied. Polluted soils were obtained by mixing thoroughly 4 kg of sandy-loam with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml of crude oil. Unpolluted garden soil served as control. The amelioration treatment was carried out by adding 3 kg of green manure (Calopogonium mucunoides and Aspilia africana) to various levels; 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml of crude oil polluted soils. The experimental work was undertaken in perforated polythene bags (18 x 36cm). Measurement of selected growth parameters (percentage emergence, shoot length, petiole length, internode length, number of nodes per plant and leaf area) was carried out every two weeks. Results of this showed that crude oil pollution significantly (p<0.05) reduced the growth parameters,Proximate composition,minerals, vitamin A and C content of C. maxima, increased concentrations of heavy metals with increased crude oil pollution levels.