Phytodiversity Assessment in Abandoned Solid Waste Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: Assessments of phytodiversity at two abandoned solid waste dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Study Design: A systematic sampling approach comprising three line-transects of 5 m and 10 m interval was used.
Methodology: At each of the sites, an area of 15 m x 30 m was measured and demarcated. A total of nine 2 m x 2 m sample plots located along transects were used for the study. The species found at each sample plot were identified and counted.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Alakahia and Eastern-Bypass dumpsite, Port Harcourt alongside their controls in August, 2013.
Results: The total number of species found at Alakahia (site 1) was 36 species with 28 species found at the dumpsite and 17 species found at the control site. Eastern by-pass (site 2) presented a total of 38 species, with the dumpsite having a total of 29 species while the control site had a total of 26 species. 21 plant families were found at site1; and site 2 had 25 plant families. The family with the highest number of species was Poaceae. The dumpsites had higher species diversity than the control. The control site had higher frequency of species occurrence than the dumpsite. Chromolaena odorata and Luffa aegyptiaca were dominant at the dumpsites while the dominant species at the control site was Eleusine indica. Density of the species was also higher at the dumpsites compared to the control.
Conclusion: Solid waste dumpsites altered and favoured the growth of diverse species.