THE EFFECT OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTION AND BIOREMEDIATION ON THE NEUTRACEUTICAL CONSTITUENTS OF Cucurbita maxima DUCHESNE

The effect of crude oil polluted soil and amelioration treatments using green manure (Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. and Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams) on the proximate composition, mineral content and vitamin A and C content of Cucurbita maxima was studied. Polluted soils were obtained by mixing thoroughly 4 kg of sandy-loam with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml of crude oil. Unpolluted garden soil was served as control. The amelioration treatment was carried out by adding 3 kg of green manure (Calopogonium mucunoides and Aspilia africana) to various levels; 10 - 50 ml of crude oil polluted soils. The experimental work was undertaken in perforated polythene bags (18 x 36 cm). Results of this study showed that crude oil pollution significantly (P<0.05) reduced Proximate composition, vitamin A and C content and mineral contents of C. maxima with increasing concentration of crude oil. The addition of green manure (Calopogonium mucunoides and Aspilia africana) to ameliorate the impeding conditions in the crude oil polluted soil significantly (P<0.05) improved the growth parameters of Cucurbita maxima when compared with that of the pollution treatment. This study revealed that crude oil pollution negatively affected the neutraceutical constituents of Cucurbita maxima, reducing its growth and quality.