EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL ON THE GERMINATION AND EMERGENCE OF SENNA SIAMEA
Chioma Abara , Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, NigeriaAbstract
This study investigates the effects of crude oil contamination on the germination and emergence of Senna siamea, a species known for its ecological and economic significance. A controlled experiment was conducted to assess seed germination rates and seedling emergence in soils treated with varying concentrations of crude oil. Results indicated that increasing levels of crude oil negatively impacted both germination rates and seedling emergence, with higher concentrations leading to significant reductions in both metrics. Specifically, seed germination decreased by 40% at the highest crude oil concentration compared to the control group. Additionally, seedling emergence was delayed and resulted in lower survival rates in contaminated soils. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of crude oil pollution on Senna siamea, emphasizing the need for further research on remediation strategies to mitigate the impact of oil spills on native flora.
Keywords
Senna siamea, Crude Oil Contamination, Seed Germination
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