Evaluation of some Medicinal Plants for Green Belt Development in Rock Quarrying Locations at Lokpaukwu, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated air pollution tolerance plants as well as anticipated performance indices of some medicinal plants growing in the Lokpaukwu rock quarrying area in order ascertain their suitability for green belt development. Two quarry locations A which is older and has a higher level of activity, and B were used for the study with a control location at Abia State University, Uturu. Out of the sixteen dominant plant species identified, five species; Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia pubescens, Napoleona imperialis, Nauclea latifolia and Vitex doniana. were randomly selected for the study. Leaf samples were randomly collected in triplicate from the lowest branch of each selected plants with similar characteristics. Relative water content of plants was significantly higher (p<0.05) at the study area suggesting stomatal occlusion by dust while chlorophyll content was significantly lower at the quarry sites, a clear indication of pollution stress. Chlorophyll content was also lower in all plants at site B, being significant in N. imperialis and V. doniana. N. imperialis had the highest APTI of 19.15 at the quarry site suggesting suitability for green belt development at the quarry site. Based on API, V. doniana is the most suitable for green belt development among the five plant species.