Assessment of Bioaccumulating Ability of Mariscus longibrateatus and Effects of Effluents from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company on the Plant

Abstract

The operations of Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) lead to the generation of effluents. Plants growing in the drain are in constant exposure to these effluents. Mariscus longibrateatus, which is the most abundant plant species growing in the drain, was studied to determine the effects of the effluents on the plant. Plant samples and soil on which the plant grows, were analyzed for heavy metals. Manganese (1.30mg/g) and copper (1.30mg/g) had the highest concentration of heavy metals in the roots. The plant samples had thinner leaves than the control plant, which may be attributed to dehydration and some hidden injuries. The leaf whole vascular bundle of the studied plants ranged from 19085–20790µm2 whereas phloem and xylem area ranged from 3995 – 4290µm2 and 6584-7004µm2 respectively. Transfer and bioaccumulation factors revealed that heavy metals were not effectively transferred from the root to the stem, but the plant was able to survive in the drain containing KRPC effluents. It is concluded that the effluents caused some changes in the plant. It can be inferred that Mariscus longibrateatus are tolerant to the toxicants in the effluents, and therefore, this plant species is recommended for bioremediation study because of its tolerant ability to heavy metals.