PHYTOREMEDIATION CAPACITY OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) ON DIESEL OIL POLLUTED SOIL

The potential of maize plants in the remediation of diesel oil-polluted soil was evaluated. Soil samples were polluted with diesel oil in concentrations of 100ml, 200ml, 300ml, and 400ml and amendedseparately with poultry droppings. Samples wereanalyzed at two weeks intervals for 9 weeks. Results show a significant reduction of diesel oil in polluted soil.The effect was concentration dependent. Agromorphological parameters that were observed were Petiole Length, Plant Height, Leaf Length, Leaf Width, and Number of Leaves. Results obtained showed that as the concentration increased the more it reduced the growth of the plant. TPH content of diesel oil showed a significant reduction through the growth period, reducing from a baseline data of 8502mg/kg to 2843mg/kg. Hence, theplants have a higher potential for phytoremediation of diesel-contaminated soils.