IMPACT OF DIESEL ON THE GROWTH, SURVIVAL AND MORPHOLOGY OF EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of diesel on the growth and morphology of Eichhornia crassipes. Samples of Eichhornia crassipes were collected from Ologbo pond, Edo State, Nigeria. Diesel was purchased at the Faculty of Agriculture Cooperative gas station, University of Benin, Benin city. The plants were then exposed to different concentration of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% (v/v ) and 0% control. Parameters used in the study include plant height, root length, stolon length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, stolon girth, leaf diameter and determination of fresh and dry weight. Using three replicates per treatment, the plants were exposed to all concentration for 8 days. The results showed that all morphological parameters had a low mean value as compared to control, which shows that diesel was dentrimental to the plant. The effects were concentration dependent. The leaves of the test plants also showed changes in morphology. Chlorotic and necrotic lesions were noticed on the adaxial and abaxial surface. Further research should be carried to better understand the effects of diesel on E. crassipes and other aquatic macrophytes. Also adequate measures should be put in place to avoid pollution of the environment with diesel. Early response should be ensured in the case of diesel oil spillage in order to reduce the duration of exposure of ecosystems to oil pollution.