Eco-physiological assessment of crude oil pollution using avocado pear (Persea americana Miller).

This study examined the eco-physiological effects of soil contaminated with crude oil level (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0% w/w) on some growth characters of Persea americana with a view to determining their contributions to yield biomass in 2006 in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that soil treatment with crude oil significantly reduced (P0.05). As from 2.0% w/w, however, performance significantly reduced. This study has demonstrated that soil treatment with crude oil has a highly significant effect of reducing the growth characters of P. americana and consequently, the yield. Based on the findings, the actual level at which oil may begin to damage plants especially P. americana may be 2% w/w contamination, although variations may exist depending on the oil type, stage of seedling development,presence of other pollutants in the soil and other environmental factors.Keywords: Assessment, growth, Persea americana seedlings, crude oil, contamination, soil