Research article

Environmental impact analysis through aeropalynology, Kogi State, Nigeria

^*1Essien, B.C and ²Aniama, S.O

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria

²Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Okene, Nigeria

*Corresponding Authors E-mail: benjaminessien8@gmail.com

Accepted 12 March 2014

Abstract

Airborne bioparticles of Anyigba environment, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria were acetolysed and analysed palynologically to determine the taxa of biological importance present in the atmosphere. A total of three hundred and eight (308) pteridophyte spores, two hundred and thirty eight (238) diatoms, sixty (60) dinoflagellate cysts, sixty six (66) algal cysts, one thousand five hundred and thirty three (1533) charred Poaceae cuticle/ trichomes, three thousand three hundred and seventy one (3371) burnt plant epidermis and three hundred and twenty four (324) insects/ insect parts were documented. The excessive increase in the relative abundance of burnt plant parts is an indication of annual bush fire and residual precipitation associated with the vegetation of the study area. The presence of burnt plant parts and fungal spores in the atmosphere from aesthetic plants affirms the great influence of anthropogenic activities on the local vegetation. Analysis of variance for the various airborne bioparticles showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the various groups. This study would provide a good template which could be used to monitor the frequency and intensity of indiscriminate bush fire in the surrounding savanna vegetation and provide adequate restoration and conservation measures for safety health and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Airborne, Bioparticles, Taxa, Palynological, Ecovegetational, Anyigba Environment