Environment

• Motor oil poured onto the ground breaks down the texture of the soil, according to the departments of botany of Nigeria's Ondo State University and the University of Benin. The deterioration of the soil's texture is followed by dispersion of the soil.
  
  

Plant Growth

• In a study conducted by the University of Lagos department of botany and microbiology, researchers found that discarded motor oil adversely affected the height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth and moisture contents of plants. Seeds sown in contaminated areas failed to germinate.
  
  

Solution

• Only through responsible, environmentally safe methods of disposal of petroleum products can people eliminate the threat that such products pose to plants.
  
  Used motor oil removed from a vehicle should be recycled. As of 2010, many automobile service centers and auto parts stores serve as recyclable oil collection points and accept used motor oil free of charge.
  
  Having oil changed professionally by an authorized dealership or other service center also helps ensure that the used oil will not be discharged in an indiscriminate manner.