Indiscriminate handling and disposal of industrial effluents into the environment represents one of the major sources of environmental pollution which invariably affects the health of man, plants and animals. The toxic effect of effluent from a candy-producing industry was investigated in terms of root growth inhibition and overall phytotoxicity using bio-indicator plants; Allium cepa and Zea mays. The presence and concentrations of some metals of environmental concern as well as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the effluent were also determined. The Allium cepa and Zea mays tests were carried out at concentrations of 1, 5,10,25,50 and 100% of the untreated effluent. There was statistical significant (P<0.05) inhibition of root growth in both plants, the shoot length measurement also showed significant difference (P<0.05) at the different concentrations of the effluent as compared with the control. Morphological abnormalities were observed in the roots of the bio-indicator plants, it is therefore recommended that industrial effluents be treated before being disposed into the environment.
Keywords: Allium Cepa, Bio-Indicators, Environment, Industrial Effluent, Phytotoxicity, Zea Mays
