Evaluating the Effects of Air Pollution on the Agricultural Yield of Selected Crops in Eleme, Nigeria

This study evaluated the effects of air pollution on agriculture in Eleme, Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The air quality in selected locations in Eleme were monitored, as well as crop pathology and laboratory analysis of crops. Although, small-scale subsistence agriculture is the most common farming system practiced in the area. Cassava, pumpkins, plantains, maize and yams are the dominant crops found on the farmlands. It was observed that concentration of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), ozone (O³) and exceeded the USEPA standards for the protection of crops significantly. While suspended particulate matter (SPM) is slightly high in all sampling locations. However, O³, SO₂ and NO2 and SPM are the most significant air pollutants that adversely affected the agricultural crops within the area. Although, Cucumber, cocoyam, yams, maize, okras, plantains, cassavas, pumpkins and pawpaw were found to be susceptible to air pollution damage. Statistical analysis showed that there is significant decrease in crop yield between the 2017/2018 harvest season and the 2016/2017 harvest season (F = 20.3; p< 0.05; 95%Cl.). These pollutants can lead to serious reductions of crop growth and yields, a situation which may be aggravated in the future. Air pollution causes approximately 38.3% crop losses in Eleme annually. Hence, there is need for efficient monitoring and implementation of environmental standards for air quality control by regulatory agencies.

Keywords
statistical analysis; effect of air pollution; agricultural yield; plant pathology; selected crops