Impact of palm oil mill effluent on the activities of some antioxidative parameters in maize plant (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on some antioxidative parameters in maize plant. Fresh POME was used to pollute the soil at concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% (w/w). Analysis of the maize plants after two, three and four weeks of planting showed alterations in the activities of the antioxidative enzymes measured. There was significant increase (p< 0.05) in catalase and peroxidase activities for plants grown in 20% and 30% POME-treated soils for 2, 3 and 4 weeks after planting. Significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was observed in the fourth week for maize grown in 20% and 30% POMEtreated soil. Increase in the level of these enzymes and in MDA levels suggests that, palm oil mill effluent induces oxidative stress in the maize plant and may be deleterious to the growth of the maize plant.