Wheat as a test object for determining the degree of soil contamination with petroleum products

Abstract

Currently, the oil and gas industry remains the leader in meeting the global need for energy resources. The high intensity of hydrocarbon production naturally leads to an increase in the volume of petrochemical waste that ends up in the natural environment. In this regard, the implementation of toxicological assessment of oil-containing soils and water bodies is one of the most important environmental tasks. Biotesting allows for a quick integral assessment of the properties of a contaminated environment. This method of toxicity analysis is economical and does not require the use of special chemical reagents and equipment. The seeds of higher vegetation are the most accessible, easy to use and universal test objects. However, it is necessary to use only species that are highly sensitive to pollutants. This article is based on the results of a study of the phytotoxicity of gray forest soil contaminated with petroleum products using wheat. Experiments have shown that soil contaminated with oil waste has a strong inhibitory effect on wheat seedlings. It was found that small doses of petroleum products (0.31% oil) have a stimulating effect on seed germination in the analyzed soil.