Performance ofDacryodes edulis(Don. G. Lam H. J.) Seeds and Seedlings in a Crude Oil Contaminated Soil

Abstract

Environmental pollution from oil activities in a major oil producing country like Nigeria is inevitable. Studies on the effects of crude oil contamination on forest tree species is vital because of the great deal of crude oil spillage in the coastal regions of Nigeria. This paper evaluates the performance of Dacryodes edulis seeds and seedlings in a crude oil contaminated soil in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Four crude oil concentrations (% by weight) in soil constituted treatments. These were 0.00%, 2.07%, 4.15% and 6.23% by weight per 1.3 kg weight of the soil samples. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted with three replicates. The results showed that oil concentrations of 4.15% and 6.23% adversely affected percent (%) germination (62.33% and 37.67%) and performance of D. edulis seedlings in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, collar girth and dry mass at the 5% probability level. The study shows that crude oil pollution has a highly significant effect on the germination and seedling growth of this locally available multi-purpose forest fruit tree species. This further suggests that D. edulis can serve as bio-indicator of pollution in oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta. The present study has important implications for restoration of degraded areas.

Effect of petroleum-derived substances on life history traits of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) and on the growth and chemical composition of broad bean

“…However, once they pervade the natural environment, these compounds can adversely affect the growth and development of cultivated plants (Shirdam et al 2008; Gbadebo and Adenuga 2012). They contribute to the increase of heavy metal content in plants (Onweremadu and Duruigbo 2007; Ujowundu et al 2011; Rusin et al 2015), they reduce chlorophyll, protein and carotenoid levels (Achuba 2006; Adenipekun et al 2008), they constrain plant germination, decrease photosynthetic activity (Agbogidi and Eshegbeyi 2006; Besalatpour et al 2008; Njoku et al 2008), and modify the content of micro- and macroelements in plants (Odjegba and Atebe 2007; Shukry et al 2013). The effect of PDSs on nutrient levels depends chiefly on the type and dose of compounds applied as well as plant species (Wyszkowski and Wyszkowska 2005; Wyszkowski and Ziółkowska 2009a).…”

Phytoremediation of Petroleum Products Contaminated Soil

“…Peng et al [4] reported that the population of living microorganisms was highly dependent on the concentration of petroleum contaminants in the soil, as uncontaminated soils favoured high bacteria population more than petroleum contaminated soil. Reduced dry mass accumulation of Gambaya albida and Dacryodes edulis plants caused by spent oil contamination had been reported [5,6] where they noted that hydrocarbons from oil contaminated soils accumulate in the chloroplast of plant leaves.…”

Effect of Planting Media on the Germination and Early Growth of Dacryodes Edulis (G. Don) H. J. Lam

“…This became necessary due to the recalcitrant nature of the seeds and the seasonality in seed production of the tree species (Agbogidi et al, 2007). Viable seeds were sorted out by simple flotation techniques following the procedure of Agbogidi and Eshegbeyi (2006). Seeds are recalcitrant and thus could not be stored for a long time.…”