IMPACTS OF BAKERY EFFLUENTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ABRAKA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of bakery effluent on the growth of maize and soil physicochemical parameters. The study took place at botanical garden at site III Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. The maize grains were purchased from Abraka main market and the bakery effluents were obtained from Menaces Bakery Abraka. The treatments used were 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per 2kg of soil. The results showed that bakery effluents have significant effects of reducing the germination percentage, delayed germination and reduced growth characteristics such as plant height, stem girth, leave area as well as the physicochemical properties of the soil. It is recommended that bakery waste water should be carefully disposed in areas where it would not affect the performance of plants. More research should be encouraged to examine the effects of this effluents on humans since bakery is widely used by people around the world. The study has great implications on soil degradation and environmental management.