Impact of Assam petroleum crude oil on the germination of four crude oil resistant species

The impact of Assam petroleum crude oil on the germination of Axonopus compressus (Sw) Beauv., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Cyperus brevifolius (L.) Mant. and Eclipta prostrata (Rottb.) Hassk were analysed. The parameter studied were percentage of germination, effect of time of storage period of seeds (unto 180 days after collection of seeds) on germination, percentage inhibition of germination and commencement of germination. Reduced germination percentage, increase inhibition percentage and delayed commencement of germination were observed in crude oil contaminated water and soil of oil fields and no germination was observed in fresh crude oil even 180 days after collection of seeds. In both the species, the maximal germination was found in 120 days stored seeds and minimal germination was found in 180 days stored seeds in all the treatment and fell significantly (p < 0.001) with controls. Seeds treated with fresh crude oil were found to be in viable in all the durations. Fresh crude is more toxic than weathered crude oil regarding germination of seeds.

Author(s): Debojit Barua*, Jitu Buragohain and Sarada Kanta Sarma

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