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<p>Cement production in Nigeria represents a major industrial activity contributing to environmental pollution through particulate matter (PM2.5) and heavy metal emissions. This study investigated the spatial and seasonal dynamics of cement dust deposition and heavy metal accumulation in two economically important crops—cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>) and sugarcane (<i>Saccharum officinarum</i>)—growing along industrial gradients near Lafarge WAPCO and Dangote Cement facilities in Ogun State. We established distance gradients (0–5&#xa0;km, 5–15&#xa0;km, &gt; 15&#xa0;km) and conducted seasonal sampling (wet and dry periods) to quantify PM2.5 concentrations, heavy metal loads (Pb, Cd, Cr), chlorophyll content, and rbcL genetic diversity. Results showed significant PM2.5 reduction from proximal (89.7 ± 28.4&#xa0;μg/m<sup>3</sup>) to distal zones (52.8 ± 19.2&#xa0;μg/m<sup>3</sup>), representing 41% decrease (p &lt; 0.001). Chlorophyll content increased 34% with distance (24.8 ± 4.1 to 33.2 ± 3.8 SPAD units; p &lt; 0.001), inversely correlating with pollution intensity. Facility-specific analyses revealed Lafarge environments exhibited 33% higher PM2.5 and 41% elevated Cd compared to Dangote locations. Molecular analysis of rbcL sequences (n = 15; 8 cassava, 7 sugarcane) demonstrated high nucleotide diversity (π cassava = 0.6064, π sugarcane = 0.5748) coupled with &gt; 95% intraspecific identity across pollution gradients, indicating functional conservation under stress. Negative Tajima's D values (cassava −5.48, sugarcane −5.86; both p &lt; 0.001) suggested purifying selection maintaining core photosynthetic function. Seasonal comparisons showed 41% PM2.5 reduction during wet periods due to atmospheric washout and reduced production activities. Cement pollution alters crop physiology but not rbcL stability; findings provide baseline data supporting pollution monitoring, precautionary buffer zones, and evidence-based agricultural and environmental management in Nigeria’s cement-industrial landscapes.</p>

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Seasonal cement-dust deposition and heavy-metal uptake in cassava and sugarcane along industrial gradients in Ogun State, Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月18日

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  • Emmanuel T. Fashagba,
  • Opeyemi I. Ayanda,
  • Conrad A. Omonhinmin

摘要

Cement production in Nigeria represents a major industrial activity contributing to environmental pollution through particulate matter (PM2.5) and heavy metal emissions. This study investigated the spatial and seasonal dynamics of cement dust deposition and heavy metal accumulation in two economically important crops—cassava (Manihot esculenta) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)—growing along industrial gradients near Lafarge WAPCO and Dangote Cement facilities in Ogun State. We established distance gradients (0–5 km, 5–15 km, > 15 km) and conducted seasonal sampling (wet and dry periods) to quantify PM2.5 concentrations, heavy metal loads (Pb, Cd, Cr), chlorophyll content, and rbcL genetic diversity. Results showed significant PM2.5 reduction from proximal (89.7 ± 28.4 μg/m3) to distal zones (52.8 ± 19.2 μg/m3), representing 41% decrease (p < 0.001). Chlorophyll content increased 34% with distance (24.8 ± 4.1 to 33.2 ± 3.8 SPAD units; p < 0.001), inversely correlating with pollution intensity. Facility-specific analyses revealed Lafarge environments exhibited 33% higher PM2.5 and 41% elevated Cd compared to Dangote locations. Molecular analysis of rbcL sequences (n = 15; 8 cassava, 7 sugarcane) demonstrated high nucleotide diversity (π cassava = 0.6064, π sugarcane = 0.5748) coupled with > 95% intraspecific identity across pollution gradients, indicating functional conservation under stress. Negative Tajima's D values (cassava −5.48, sugarcane −5.86; both p < 0.001) suggested purifying selection maintaining core photosynthetic function. Seasonal comparisons showed 41% PM2.5 reduction during wet periods due to atmospheric washout and reduced production activities. Cement pollution alters crop physiology but not rbcL stability; findings provide baseline data supporting pollution monitoring, precautionary buffer zones, and evidence-based agricultural and environmental management in Nigeria’s cement-industrial landscapes.