Growth and development of selected plant species in the phytoremediation of diesel oil contaminated soil

Effect of soil contamination with diesel oil on the growth of two plant species – faba bean (Vicia faba ssp. minor) and rape (Brassica napus var. napus) was assessed. It was demonstrated that the presence of diesel oil initially reduced the number of germinating seeds and then limited their development. Negative effect of the contamination was visible also in relation to the length of the roots and above-ground plant parts. The plants stimulated the process of degradation of diesel oil, however, it occurred only in the initial incubation period.