Assessment of acidity levels in Eucalyptus Camaldulensis 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).