A split plot design analysis on the effect of aquatic species in determining oil severity

Abstract

The Split plot design is used to analyze the effect of factors affecting oil spill severity with TPH value as a measure of the concentration of oil spilled. The TPH value is measured from the four aquatic organisms at a particular carbon range (C-8 to C-40). The results showed that the carbon levels, organisms and the interaction between carbon levels and species causes a significant effect on the TPH value and therefore the concentration of the spill in any specie at any place. Further analysis using Duncan’s multiple range test shows which species differ significantly from another and the carbon levels within the carbon range contributing to the significant effect of the carbon range.

Key Words: Split plot design, Duncan’s Multiple-range test, Total petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Main plot, Sub Plot.