International Journal of Biotechnology and Allied Fields

The trace metal components of Telfairia Occidentalis seedlings grown in spent engine oil contaminated soils were evaluated in saba, Bulgeria in 2011. Five crude oil levels (0.00, 2.07, 4.15, 6.23 and 8.30% w/w) in soil constituted the treatments. The results showed that spent oil contaminated soils significantly led to the build up of trace metals including lead, chromium, iron, nickel and cadmium when compared with values obtained for both soil and plant tissues of G. albida seedlings grown in the uncontaminated soils. Values of metals from the oil treated soils, and plant tissues grown there were significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher. The study has demonstrated that spent engine oil contamination of soil leads to a gradual build up of trace metals which when absorbed by G. albida shoots and roots could be potentials toxic and harmful hence constituting health risk if consumed as food by man and other animals.