| One major problem facing the petroleum industry today is to find an acceptable approach to manage oily sludge generated during the petroleum processes. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium sp. "Frensham") have demonstrated a great ability to survive rough conditions (poor soil, high/low temperatures, high heavy metals concentrations, low water content, etc.). Subsequently, an investigation using Scented Geraniums was performed in a series of pots containing oily sludge where heavy metal concentrations were artificially increased up to 2000 ppm. In a period of 50 days, plants were grown in two systems: (1) oily sludge-soil, and (2) oily sludge-soil-compost. The study took place in greenhouse facilities under the following parameters: 12 h light, 28--34/20°C temperature day/night, and around 30 to 40% relative humidity. During the investigation period, soil was sampled periodically and subjected to physico-chemical analyses. The results showed differences related to the sludge system and type of heavy metal. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
