Impact Of Oil-Related Activities on the Abundance, and Diversity of Herbaceous Plants in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was necessary to establish a baseline understanding of how oilrelated
activities in Delta State, Nigeria, impact the abundance, diversity, and
conservation status of herbaceous plants, which is crucial for developing effective
environmental management strategies. This study provided a detailed analysis of
plant diversity and distribution patterns across five sampling locations: MW1,
MW2, OE1, OE2, and CT. The inventory revealed the area's rich botanical
diversity, documenting numerous plant families and species, many of which have
reported medicinal uses, highlighting their value to local communities. However,
the conservation status of several species remains uncertain, with many classified
as "Data Deficient" or "Not Evaluated" by the IUCN, underscoring the urgent
need for further conservation assessments. The quantitative analysis showed clear
variations in plant abundance and community structure across the sites. The
Poaceae family was the most abundant, with specific species like Eleucine indica,
Euphorbia aphylla, and Ipomoea eriocarpa also showing high individual
abundances. Diversity indices revealed that site MW1 generally had the highest
diversity and evenness, suggesting a more balanced and complex plant community
compared to other locations. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and cluster
analysis were used to explore relationships between plant species and sampling
locations, providing insight into community composition and patterns of similarity
and dissimilarity among sites. The study's findings provide a crucial ecological
baseline for the area, informing future conservation strategies, resource
management, and ongoing ecological research, particularly regarding the factors
influencing plant distribution and diversity in this specific ecosystem.