Sound Pollution Effect on the Germination, Growth and Yield Rate of Some Potted Plants

The concept of sustainable development has broaden the need to investigate the impact of our industrial and anthropogenic activities on the biota. This literally imply, the animals, plants. Microbes and the human element, using sound pollution as an index. Literature reviews reveals that past studies has been on impact of noise from traffic, electronics and engine source on human health and wellbeing. The focus of this study is to investigate the impact of environmental noise on plants which is part of the biota. The method involves conducting noise survey of the oil and gas industries in the Niger Delta which gave an average of 87dBA5. The experimental site was chosen to be Nigerian Agip gas plant Port Harcourt and the control was chosen at the Eagles Island with an average noise level of 57dBA5. The potted experimented plants are Zea maize SPA, vigna inguculata SPB and Arachis by Hypogea SPC, which were monitored for 15days intervals across four seasons. The analysis of variance shows no significant deference between growth rate at the experimental site and control for the 87dBA5 noise level but observation indicate 6 to24 hours early sprouting at the experimental site and better vegetative yield but poor seed yield, possibly because the high tune noise prevented insect pollination and reduced larver and other pest attack as against the control. There is no doubt that ultrasonic sound could have effect on plant but not environmental noise of 87dBA5.