A Full Factorial Design Approach to Evaluating the Impact of Hyperthermia on the Phytotoxicity of Fuel Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of hyperthermia on test plants as a proxy for complex stress factors affecting growth activity under kerosene-induced toxicity. A full factorial experimental design was employed to quantitatively evaluate the non-additive interactions (synergism or antagonism) between thermal seed treatment and soil kerosene content. Morphological parameters, specifically shoot and root length, were monitored over a nine-day period to establish the dynamics of these effects. Based on the empirical data, regression models were developed to assess the impact of these factors on growth characteristics within a petrochemical-polluted soil biotesting framework. The results indicate that at kerosene concentrations equivalent to or below the Allowable Permissible Concentration (APC), pre-sensitization via hyperthermia does not amplify the toxic effect. Conversely, potentiation between the factors was observed only at elevated kerosene concentrations, particularly within ranges previously associated with stimulatory responses in plant bioassays.