Effect of spent Engine oil on the growth of Spinach

ABSTRACT The effect of spent engine oil on soil properties and growth of Spinach (Spinacia olereacea) was investigated. Five treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, 80)ml of the spent oil were applied to soil in perforated poly bags with Spinach strands at four weeks after stabilization. Soil analysis showed that spent engine oil had no effect on both the pH and texture of the soil. Organic C, Na and Mg in the contaminated soil increased compared to control. There was decreased in concentration of P due to soil contamination. Heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb) concentration of soil increased with increasing concentration of oil. Plant height, number of leaves and leaf area and internode length of spinach plants grown in the contaminated soils were adversely affected. The yield of the contaminated soils was significantly reduced.