Effects Of Used Lubricating Oil On The Morphology, Anatomy, Physiology And Development Of Mucuna Pruriens Var. Utilis:- Afugbuom, Uchenna J

ABSTRACT

Used lubricating oil, a toxic waste product is indiscriminately dumped onlands destroying vegetation and soil nutrients. This study examined the effects of used lubricating oil on the morphology, anatomy, physiology and development of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis. The study was conducted with used lubricating oil contaminated soil in a completely randomized design. Mean,Standard Deviation and T-test statistics were used for the statistical analysis. The results of the study showed that used lubricating oil had no significant effect on seedling emergence, plant survival and plant diy weight. However, morphological, anatomical and physiological abnormalities were observed in contaminated plants. These negative effects include reduced plant height, reduction in number of leaves, inhibition of nodulation, leaf chlorosis, leaf abscission, epidermal and cortical damage creating large intercellular spaces, and stomatai blockage affecting physiological processes. Proper collection and distribution of used lubricating oil in waste bins will help reduce the hazards of used lubricating oil xi