Assessment of acidity levels in <i>Eucalyptus Camaldulensis</i> barks from Bauchi and Gombe states, Nigeria

Abstract

Bark samples of Eucalyptus camaldulensis obtained from Bauchi and Gombe States were analysed spectrophotometrically for their sulphate-sulphur content. The aim was to assess the extent of sulphur pollution in the environment. The results showed that S concentration ranged from 0.79 to 1.70mg/g for samples from Bauchi with a mean value of 1.11±0.26mg/g while a corresponding mean value of 1.20±0.31 mg/g S was obtained in samples from Gombe state with a range of 0.72-2.13 mg/g. The values obtained are high indicating that the environments under study were polluted with respect to the normal level of 0.5mg/g S in unpolluted plants (Yagodin, 1984). Vehicular exhausts from combustion of fossil fuel is a good source of S as SO2 which can be absorbed by plants within the vicinity. Manufacturing industries and the use of electrical generators of various sizes using petrol as fuel release S as SO2 which is readily absorbed by trees. High level of acidity from oxides of sulphur could lead to deterioration of building qualities as lead painting on buildings turn black as a result of formation of PbS (Peavy and Rowe, 1988).