Evaluation of the Air Quality of Two Cites in the Niger-Delta, Delta State Nigeria

Abstract

The air quality of two cities in the Niger-Delta, Delta State, Nigeria was assessed via the Air Pollution Tolerance Indices (APTI) of plants. This is a bio-monitoring technique using the biochemical parameters of the plant species. Twenty plant species were taken from each city along the major highways in the cities. Standard methods of analysis were employed for leaf extract pH, leaf extract total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid content of leaf and the relative water content of leaf. The APTI were then computed of the different plant species according to standard procedure. The APTI values for the cities ranged from 3.18 – 8.27 for Abraka and 4.28 – 9.45 for Ughelli. The mean APTI value for Abraka was 5.69 ±0.35 and Ughelli, 7.28 ±0.32. The result showed that the air quality in Ughelli is more compromised when compared with that of Abraka. Using the students’t-test, there was a significant difference between the qualities of air in these cities. It is therefore recommended that tolerant plant species be planted in these areas to mitigate air pollution and improve the quality of air.

Keywords: Ughelli, Abraka, APTI, Air Quality, Niger – Delta