Spectral and Growth Characteristics of Willows and Maize in Soil Contaminated with a Layer of Crude or Refined Oil

Remote sensing holds great potential for detecting stress in vegetation caused by hydrocarbons, but we need to better understand the effects of hydrocarbons on plant growth and specific spectral expression. Willow (Salix viminalis var. Tora) cuttings maize (Zea mays Lapriora) seedlings were grown pots loam soil containing a hydrocarbon-contaminated layer at base pot (crude or refined oil) concentrations 0.5, 5, 50 g·kg−1. Chlorophyll concentration, biomass, plants determined through destructive nondestructive sampling, whilst reflectance measurements made using portable hyperspectral spectrometers. All biophysical (chlorophyll concentration growth) variables decreased presence high lower an increase chlorophyll often observed with respect nonpolluted plants, suggesting biphasic response hydrocarbon presence. Absorption features identified that related strongly pigment biomass. Variations absorption feature characteristics (band depth, band area, width) dependent upon type, showed same pattern noted measurements. This study demonstrates pollution varies according remote has both detect monitor variable impacts landscape.