Affiliation:
1. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi, Nigeria
2. Department of Plamt Science and Biotechnology, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi, Nigeria
Abstract
The study looked into how different soil properties and Amaranthus hybridus growth were affected by palm oil wastes. Comparing the contaminated soil with the control sample, physico-chemical examination showed that the contaminated soil had greater amounts of Na, K, Mg, Ca, TEB, EA, ECEC, AP, WHC, pH, OC, and TN. Particle size measurement revealed differences in the amounts of silt, clay, and sand; samples closer to the dumpsite and in the vicinity were primarily classified as sandy clay loam, whereas those farther away were classified as sandy loam. The palm oil waste soil had a substantial impact on the germination count and growth characteristics of A. hybridus, with greater counts and growth noted in contaminated soil compared to control. Significant effects were also observed in antioxidant activity, with the dumpsite showing the strongest suppression of DPPH radicals. Furthermore, there were notable differences in the proximate and mineral elements of A. hybridus. Plants grown in soil contaminated with palm oil waste were found to have higher levels of protein, ash, fiber, moisture, carbohydrates, and lipids than the control. The contents of soil samples differed in terms of calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus, but there was no discernible difference in sodium and zinc. The study's overall findings demonstrate the profound effects of palm oil wastes on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil, plant growth, and nutritional value.