The Subsequent Effects of Soil Pollution by Petroleum Products and Its Bioremediation on the Antioxidant Response and Content of Elements in Vicia faba Plants

Abstract

Petroleum-derived substances (PDSs), which are one of the most significant sources of energy, have become key factors that affect soils and, consequently, plants. The aim of this study was to determine the subsequent effects of soil contamination by PDSs such as petrol (P), diesel fuel (DF) and used engine oil (EO), in addition to its bioremediation using a ZB-01 biopreparation, on the activities of antioxidising enzymes as well as on the content of antioxidants in the leaves of Vicia faba L. The effects on the growth of the plants and their chemical composition were also determined. The results showed that as many as five years after contamination, engine oil and diesel fuel adversely affected the growth of plants. PDSs caused a significant increase in the activity of peroxidase and an increase in the content of proline. The contamination of the soil with oils (EO and DF) resulted in a decrease in the content of nutrients (Ca, Mg and P) in the plants. DF also decreased the content of K and N while EO decreased the content of Fe. PDSs also increased the content of lead and cadmium, and some resulted in a decrease in the content of zinc, manganese and copper. The ZB-01 biopreparation generally had a beneficial effect on the growth of plants, and contributed to a lowering of the activities of the analysed antioxidative enzymes as well as the content of antioxidants in plants in the soil that had been contaminated with diesel fuel. Furthermore, it most often caused an increase in the nutrient levels in the leaves of plants. The effect of the ZB-01 biopreparation on the content of heavy metals varied and was dependent on the specific contaminant and metal that were analysed.

Role of Different Material Amendments in Shaping the Content of Heavy Metals in Maize (Zea mays L.) on Soil Polluted with Petrol

“…Petroleum substances affect the chemical composition of crops grown on polluted soils, modifying the content of macronutrients [ 54 , 55 ] and heavy metals in various plant organs [ 25 , 56 , 57 ], and in the soil itself [ 58 ].…”

“…Petroleum has a negative effect on the growth and development of plants [ 55 , 59 ]. This study demonstrated the stimulating influence of increasing petrol doses on the content of all heavy metals, except copper, in the aerial biomass of maize in the series without material amendments.…”

“…Petroleum derivatives (e.g., heavy fuel spill) cause a rise in the soil content of cadmium, lead, copper, and manganese, leading to their higher mobility and bioavailability to plants [ 63 , 64 ]. Gospodarek et al [ 55 ] observed an increase of some heavy metals (zinc, lead, and cadmium) in Vicia faba after contamination with petrol. Petroleum derived substances increased the zinc content in the leaves of some plant species ( Vernonia amygdelina , Talinum triangulare , Manihot esculenta , and Xanthotosoma sagittifolium ) [ 65 ].…”

Applicability of Compost and Mineral Materials for Reducing the Effect of Diesel Oil on Trace Element Content in Soil

“…Soil contamination with petroleum derivatives, including diesel oil, reduces soil fertility, disturbs soil ecological homeostasis [ 15 ], suppresses the activity and reduces the biodiversity of microorganisms [ 16 ], impairs biochemical cycles and adversely affects plant production [ 17 , 18 ]. When diesel oil pervades the soil, it adversely affects air and water management and reduces the capacity of the soil sorption complex [ 19 , 20 ], as well as distorts the proportions of carbon to nitrogen and phosphorus [ 20 ] and modifies the contents of trace elements in plant organs [ 21 ]. Soil contamination with diesel fuel can also increase the contents of many trace elements in soil, such as cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and manganese [ 20 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…When diesel oil pervades the soil, it adversely affects air and water management and reduces the capacity of the soil sorption complex [ 19 , 20 ], as well as distorts the proportions of carbon to nitrogen and phosphorus [ 20 ] and modifies the contents of trace elements in plant organs [ 21 ]. Soil contamination with diesel fuel can also increase the contents of many trace elements in soil, such as cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and manganese [ 20 , 22 , 23 ]. However, its effect on trace element contents in soil depends on the level of diesel pollution, as well as the soil properties [ 23 ].…”