Impact of crude oil on the performance of pararubber, Hevea brasiliensis (Kunth) Muell in Delta State, Nigeria
Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Agbogidi, M.O., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Onosode, A.T., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria; Ofuoku, A.U., Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
An investigation on the impact of crude oil on the performance of paraubber, Hevea brasiliensis (Kunth) Muell was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments (0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8%) replicated thrice. Data collected were percentage germination, plant height, number of leaves, collar girth and leaf area. The results indicated a significant (P<0.05) higher percentage germination, plant height, number of leaves, collar girth and leaf area in the unpolluted (control) soil compared with those sown in crude oil treated soils. The highest values for the plant characters were obtained in soils without crude oil while the least values were recorded in soils treated with 4% crude oil. No germination occurred in pararubber seeds sown in soils treated with 8% of the oil. The study indicates that the performance of pararubber was significantly affected in the presence of crude oil. The effects being proportional to the concentration of the oil applied. The study further suggests that pararubber can serve as bio-indicator of oil pollution in oil producing areas of the Niger Delta. Pararubber can therefore be recommended for a long-term bio-remediation after crude oil spillage on land because the study has important implications for restoration of crude oil degraded areas of the Niger Delta. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006.