EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATED SOIL ON THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (TOMATOES)
Abstract
This study examines the impact of crude oil contamination on the physical and biochemical properties of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and its growth in polluted soil. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken, detailing the importance of soil fertility, the nutritional and economic benefits of tomatoes, and the adverse effects of crude oil pollution on agricultural soils. Experimental results demonstrated that crude oil contamination significantly altered soil properties, including reduced levels of pH, potassium, phosphorus, and electrical conductivity, while nitrogen content increased. These changes negatively affected soil fertility and hindered plant growth, as observed in the performance of contaminated soil samples compared to the uncontaminated control. The study underscores the detrimental impact of crude oil pollution on agricultural productivity, stressing the need for public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks of soil contamination. It also calls for strict measures to prevent crude oil spills, pipeline vandalism, and the indiscriminate disposal of petroleum products on arable lands to ensure the sustainability of food production systems. The findings emphasize the importance of protecting agricultural resources from petroleum-related activities to safeguard soil health and crop yields.
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