Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry ISSN 2089-6514 (paper) Volume 12, Number 1, April 2023 | Pages: 295-303 | DOI: 10.14421/biomedich.2023.121.295-303 ISSN 2540-9328 (online) Effect of Quarry Activities on Some Morphological Parameters of Two Maize Varieties (SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52) Bridget Odiyi, Olubukola Maku, Foluso Akinbode Ologundudu*, Sylvanus Efetobor Abiya Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Corresponding author* akinbodefoluso@gmail.com Manuscript received: 11 February, 2023. Revision accepted: 11 March, 2023. Published: 28 March, 2023. Abstract The effect of quarry activities on some morphological parameters of two maize varieties (swan 1 and sammaz 52) was investigat ed with the aim of determining the impact of quarry activities on some growth parameters of the maize varieties under study. The seeds were collected from the Seed Bank Department of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State. They were authenticated at the Herbarium unit of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the voucher was deposited. Soil sampl es were collected at 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, and 250m from the quarry site and transferred to the laboratory for analysis. A screen house experiment was set up to house the pots. Seeds of SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52 were sown into perforated plastic pots (30 cm diameter and 33 cm depth) filled with 10 kg of quarry soil. The following morphological parameters were determined; shoot height, leaf area, plant dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root-shoot ratio, leaf area, and determination of photosynthetic parameters especially chlorophylls a and b. The result revealed that at 50 meters from the quarry site, SAMMAZ 52, one of the maize varieties grown in soil taken from the site, had the highest shoot height (94 cm). which showed that plants growing in higher concentrations of dust pollution respond to nutrient stress by devoting more of their available carbon to shoot growth, resulting in elongated stems, were consistent with the observed high er shoot height in SAMMAZ 52, daily variations in photosynthetic activity and the rate of nitrogen uptake are to blame for these alterations in plant behavior. The efficiency with which plants use the available nutrients determines whether they will survive in an area where there is quarry dust. The observed higher biomass (3.84g) under SAMMAZ 52's management regime can be attributed to the best possible rates of photosynthesis and nutrient assimilation, as well as to the presence of more chlorophyll and larger leaf surfaces. Keywords: dust pollution; quarry, maize; morphological. INTRODUCTION Despite its importance as a major food in many parts of the world, corn is inferior to other cereals in nutritional value. Its protein is of poor quality, and it is deficient in niacin. Diets in which it predominates often result in pellagra (niacin-deficiency disease). Corn is high in dietary fiber and rich in antioxidants. Corn oil can be converted into margarine by hydrogenation, a process in which the oil is combined with hydrogen at high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst. Corn is also used to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol), a first-generation liquid biofuel (Upadhay et al., 2015). The response of the plant to dust accumulation may vary according to different species, as dust deposition fluctuates with plant species due to leaf orientation, leaf surface canopy, phyllotaxy, epidermal and cuticular features, leaf pubescence, height and canopy of roadside plants (Wang et. al.,2019; Yun et. al., 2017) With the accumulation of dust, the roadside plant may exhibit adaptive response by changing morphological and physiological attributes. Air pollution stress leads to stomatal closure, which reduces CO2 availability in leaves and inhibits carbon fixation. The net photosynthetic rate is a commonly used indicator of the impact of increased air pollutants on tree growth (Cao et al., 2015). Plants that are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants absorb, accumulate and integrate these pollutants into their systems. The relationship between traffic density and photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance, total chlorophyll content, and leaf senescence has been reported (Silva et al., 2016). One of the most common impacts of air pollution is the gradual disappearance of chlorophyll and concomitant yellowing of leaves, which may be associated with a consequent decrease in the capacity for photosynthesis (Gupta et al., 2015). METHODS Seed collection/authentication Seeds of two maize varieties SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52 were utilized in the experiment. The seeds were collected from the Seed https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2023.121.295-303 296 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 295-303 Bank Department of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State. They were authenticated at the Herbarium unit of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the voucher was deposited. Study site The study was conducted in a screen house behind the Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure. Soil sample collection Soil samples were collected at 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, and 250m from the quarry site. The soil samples were taken at a plowing depth of 0 - 10 cm using a calibrated soil auger. The samples from each site were bucked together to obtain a composite sample and the replicate samples were packed in polyethylene bags, labeled appropriately, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The topsoil taken from the garden served as the control. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up which comprises two maize varieties, six plowing depths, and 3 replicates. Experimental setup A screen house experiment was set up to house the pots. This was necessary to protect the plants from rainfall contaminations and to avoid being destroyed by rodents as the plants develop. Soil analysis Soil analysis was carried out at the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure. The following physicochemical properties of the quarry soil were determined; dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, iron, organic matter, and organic carbon. Planting procedure Seeds of SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52 were sown into perforated plastic pots (30 cm diameter and 33 cm depth) filled with 10 kg of quarry soil. The seedlings were allowed to establish for 14 days before data were taken. Weight Analysis On the zero-day i.e. the day when feeding with appropriate nutrient solution commenced and at intervals of seven days, weight analysis was carried out on five seedlings harvested at random. The plants were carefully uprooted, blotted dry, weighed fresh, and then placed inside a labeled envelope and kept in a Gallenkamp drying oven set at 80oC to dry to constant weight. Measurement of growth parameters A meter rule was used to measure the following; leaf length, leaf width, and shoot height from soil level to the terminal end, and the number of leaves per plant were noted. The fresh weight was taken after which the plants were dried at 80oC in a Gallenkamp oven until a constant weight was achieved. After cooling, the dry weight was determined. The dried samples were separated 19 into leaves, shoots, and roots and their different dry weights were determined. These were kept for further analysis. Growth parameters: The following plant growth parameters were determined from the data obtained from the physical parameters: Leaf Area (LA) = The unit of LA is cm2 L and W are leaf length and width respectively while 2.75 is the correction factor for maize respectively. LA = L x W x 2.75 (maize) Anderson et al (2005) 3.4.5.2. Root Shoot Ratio (RSR) RSR = W3/W2 Root shoot ratio defines the method of assimilate partitioning, W2, and W3 are shoot and root dry weights respectively, the unit is g-1 3.5. Photosynthetic Pigment Analysis Chlorophyll Extraction: 5g each of the leaves of the seedlings were grounded in 20 ml of 80% (%) acetone using a mortar and pestle. The brew was filtered through a Whatman’s No 1 filter paper. The pigment quantities in the acetone extract were determined on a CE 373 (visible) linear readout spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 664nm and 647nm, chlorophyll “a” and “b” and the total chlorophyll quantities were determined using the formula. Chlorophyll ‘a’ (µM) = 13.19A664 – 2.37A647 Chlorophyll ‘b’ (µM) = 22.10A647 – 5.26A664 Total Chlorophyll (µM) = 7.93A664 + 19.53A67 20 A664 is the absorbance at 664nm A647 is the absorbance at 647nm (Coombs et al; 1993). RESULT AND DISCUSSION Particulate emissions from a wide range of industrial operations may hinder plant growth and development. At 50 meters from the quarry site, SAMMAZ 52, one of the maize varieties grown in soil taken from the site, had the highest shoot height (94 cm). Given that stem extension and apical dominance were more pronounced in the plants than in SWAN 1, it can be said that they devoted more of their nutrients to these processes. The ability to measure changes in the general growth habit of soybeans caused by the environment using apical dominance has been found to be valuable (Thomas and Raper, 2013). The results of Bouma et al. (2010) and Bonifas et al. (2015), show that plants growing in higher concentrations of dust pollution respond to nutrient stress by devoting more of their available carbon to shoot growth, resulting in elongated stems, were consistent with the observed higher shoot height in SAMMAZ 52. According to Reynolds et al. (2016), daily variations in photosynthetic activity and the rate of nitrogen uptake are to blame for these alterations in plant behavior. The efficiency with which plants use the available nutrients determines whether they will survive in an area where there is quarry dust (Ralphs et al; 2013). The observed Odiyi et al. – Effect of Quarry Activities on Some Morphological Parameters of … 297 higher biomass (3.84g) under SAMMAZ 52's management regime can be attributed to the best possible rates of photosynthesis and nutrient assimilation, as well as to the presence of more chlorophyll and larger leaf surfaces. The findings of Peace and Grubb (2018) and Tischer et al (2010) that higher dry weight was due to ideal leaf expansion rates were supported by an increase in the generation of dry matter under optimal conditions. Plants SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52 accumulated less biomass, as nutritional effects on photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (Greenwood, 2016). The low shoot biomass (0.04g) under SWAN 1 was because more carbon was diverted for greater root growth than in SAMMAZ 52 plants and this carbon may be from the stem tissues (Peace and Grubb, 2018). When the nutrient supply was high, in the control regime (normal soil), SAMMAZ 52 plants had more stem components than SWAN 1 plants because the soil had an adequate nutrient supply. The lowering of the shoot biomass under a low nutrient supply may not be unconnected with the reduction in the production of photosynthates as more carbon was diverted to root growth from both stem and leaf tissues (Morgan and Smith, 2011). Plants reduce root growth relative to leaf area as an adaptation to dust pollution (Chung et al; 2013). The reduced root and shoot biomasses in SWAN 1 at 250 m and 200 m from the Quarry site, respectively, were explained by the aforementioned. According to Thompson et al. (2008), low carbon content caused root growth to be reduced at low nutrient delivery levels. Richer soil encourages better shoot development with roots that are less compact and branches out less (Oke, 1985). Nutrient-stressed plants expanded their roots quickly in search of nutrition. There was an increase in vegetative growth with maximum leaf production in SAMMAZ 52 at the control regime compared to SWAN 1. Lindquist et al (2016) reported that in Velvetleaf, a reduction in nitrogen content increased leaf number but decreased leaf area. In Phaseolus vulgaris, Bridges (2012) found leaf number to increase with increased nitrogen application. The production of more leaves under the control regime may be a mechanism evolved by maize plants to increase the total surface area for photosynthesis due to reduced leaf area (Morgan et al, 2018). In SWAN 1, at 200m from the quarry site, there was an increase in leaf abscission and a reduction in the number of leaves produced due to the fact that the extra carbon needed for greater root growth as a result of low nutrient supply was taken from their non-assimilatory tissue as well as leaf tissue (Peace and Grubb, 2012). Roots are very important not only for absorbing water and nutrient but also for optimizing plant growth (Renalto et al; 2017). The ability of a plant to compete for soil nitrogen is dependent upon root morphological characteristics such as root radius, root length, and root surface area (Hilbert, 2010). Previous research has shown that excessive dust pollution can inhibit root growth in corn (Wang et al, 2018). The above is in agreement with the low root biomass accumulation recorded in SWAN 1 at 250m. Plants respond to limiting soil nutrients by increasing the amount of biomass allocated to roots (Bonifas et al; 2015). This substantiates the observation recorded in SWAN 1 plants. Plants may modify their root morphology to further aid their capacity to take in nutrients (Clemens, 2018). The relationship between nitrogen uptake and root growth was demonstrated in the result observed in the root-shoot biomass ratio. According to Bonifas et al (2000), velvetleaf had greater nitrate uptake efficiency than corn, suggesting that velvetleaf may have more roots with a smaller radius and/or greater specific root length which would increase the surface area available for uptake. In the SWAN 1, there was a reduction in leaf length, leaf width, and consequently leaf area. This can be attributed to the transfer of photosynthates (assimilates) for stem elongation and the production of new leaves. According to Cracker, 2013, one of the most important factors affecting leaf development is a nutrient. According to Junk et al; 2012, the size of the leaf is determined by nutrient and carbon supply. Since SWAN 1 plants had a lower assimilation rate, they were expected to have lower leaf areas. According to Cardwell et al; 2016, nitrogen- stressed plants adapt by producing leaves with longer internodes and an increase in leaf surface area at the expense of food allocation to the roots. Leaf area may be decreased by nitrogen deficiency depending on the severity (Bonifas et al; 2005). Nutrient stress reduces crop photosynthesis by reducing leaf area development and leaf photosynthesis rate and by accelerating leaf senescence (Pandy et al; 2000). The trend in root shoot ratio showed that the SAMMAZ 52 higher leaf area ratio than the SWAN 1 plants as a consequence of nutrient addition; more leaves led to a higher surface area for photosynthesis and so a proportionate high dry matter in plant tissues. The lower leaf area ratio observed in the SWAN 1 plants may be due to reduced carbon allocation to the leaf tissues for leaf development (Morgan and Smith, 2018). There was more or less a direct correlation between the root shoot ratio (RSR) and shoot dry weight. In the study conducted, the proportionate decrease in the root shoot ratio noticed in SWAN 1 plants compared to the SAMMAZ 52 plants could be attributed to lower biomass partitioned to the root than to the shoot. Hong et al (2000) while working with cucumber plants found dust particles to affect root shoot ratio. According to Summerfield et al (2016), the root shoot ratio declines with an increase in nutrient application in cowpea because there is a decline in the symbionts and therefore a reduced carbon allocation to the roots. The relationship between photosynthetic capacity and dust pollution had been documented by Evans and Seemann, 2009. Also, Alt et al; 2010, reported a correlation between photosynthetic capacity dust emissions from industries in Vernonia herbacea. Nitrogen deficiency leads to disruption of the fine structure of chlorophyll and instability of the pigment- 298 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 295-303 protein complex (Reddy et al; 2017). Reddy et al (2017) also reported a positive correlation between leaf nitrogen, net photosynthetic rate, stomata conductance, and ion transport in cotton. Hence, this was in agreement with the result obtained under SWAN 1 (10.54µm) at 250m from the Quarry site plants which showed a lower accumulation of chlorophylls a and b. About 75% of leaf nitrogen is allocated to chloroplasts (Hak, 2013), most of which is being used for the synthesis of components of photosynthetic apparatus, in particular, “Rubisco”, the most representative leaf protein, playing a key role in carbon assimilation (Evans and Terashima, 2017). The above accounted for the chlorosis, necrosis, abscission, and senescence of older leaves noticed in the latter part of the experiment in SWAN 1 plants. The chlorosis spreads from older to younger leaves because of the mobility of nitrogen from older to younger leaves. (Mengel et al; 2017). The accumulation of chlorophylls “a” and “b” showed consistent patterns. This was in agreement with the findings of Ashraf and Rehman (2019) that with adequate nutrients, chlorophylls “a” and “b” are increased, hence these substantiated the highest chlorophylls accumulation (“a” and “b”) recorded in SAMMAZ 52 plants compared to SWAN 1. The lowest values of photosynthetic apparatus in SWAN 1 plants could be a result of low stomata conductance and protein contents, affecting Rubisco activity and electron transport (Evans, 2013). The higher accumulation of calcium in SAMMAZ 52 plants at 100m from the Quarry site substantiates the earlier findings of Ashraf et al (2019) while working on sorghum. A comparison of calcium ion and magnesium ion concentrations in both regimes reveals that the two ions show antagonism in uptake (Ashraf et al; 2000). The calcium and magnesium contents in the two varieties followed inconsistent patterns. This confirms the result of the experiment indicating the highest magnesium accumulation in SWAN 1 plants while calcium accumulation was observed to be relatively low. There is a correlation between nitrogen and magnesium accumulation as magnesium ion plays a vital role in chlorophyll biosynthesis (Walker et al; 2011), protein synthesis, and photosynthesis (Marschner et al; 2017). Analysis of potassium ions showed different patterns of accumulation in SAMMAZ 52 and SWAN 1. The percentage of potassium content which decreases in the latter part of the distance from the Quarry site can be explained in view of the argument that a high amount of potassium is needed to maintain nitrogen metabolism when large amounts of nitrogen are supplied in the external medium (Leigh et al, 2014). However, these results were at variance with the observation of Ashraf et al, (2000) who found a lower accumulation of potassium in nutrient-stressed plants grown under normal conditions. Magnesium limitation resulted in a reduction in shoot growth and photosynthetic capacity in maize (Foyer et al; 2010). Supraoptimal levels of magnesium have been reported to increase in corn (Diao et al; 2018, Tsialtas et al; 2018). This can therefore be interpreted to mean greater metabolic activities, utilization and uptake noticeable in both SAMMAZ 52 and SWAN 1 plants. However, this was at variance with the observation of Tischer et al (2000) that an increase in magnesium supply not only delays senescence and stimulates growth but also changes plant morphology in a typical manner, particularly if the magnesium availability is high in the rooting medium during the early growth, shoot elongation is enhanced and root elongation inhibited, a shift which is unfavorable for nutrient acquisition and water uptake in later stages. The efficient translocation of photosynthate from source to sink organs is the key factor driving plant growth and increased crop yield (Dakora, 2003; Cornu, 2007). Photosynthesis was reported to be affected by sink strength as an increased photosynthate supply is required to meet the increasing demand for photoassimilates during early vegetative growth and seed development in Zea mays (Richards, 2000). Strong positive correlations have been found between the photosynthetic capacity of leaves and their magnesium content, most of which is used for the synthesis of components of the photosynthetic apparatus (Gastal et al, 2012). CONCLUSION The efficiency with which plants use the available nutrients determines whether they will survive in an area where there is quarry dust. The observed higher biomass (3.84g) under SAMMAZ 52's management regime was attributed to the best possible rates of photosynthesis and nutrient assimilation, as well as to the presence of more chlorophyll and larger leaf surfaces. This can be attributed to the transfer of photosynthates (assimilates) for stem elongation and the production of new leaves. There were correlations between nitrogen and magnesium accumulation as magnesium ion plays a vital role in chlorophyll biosynthesis, protein synthesis, and photosynthesis. There were clear inconsistent patterns in the accumulation of the chlorophylls a and b. Abbreviations: Not applicable. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: All authors are aware of the publication of this manuscript. Odiyi et al. – Effect of Quarry Activities on Some Morphological Parameters of … 299 Availability of data and material: The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on request. Competing interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interest. Funding: The research was self-funded. Authors’ contributions: Prof Mrs B. O. Odiyi designed the experiment, Maku Olubukola carried out the laboratory works. Dr. F. A. Ologundudu carried out the statistical analysis and interpretation of the results. The author(s) read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgement: The researchers want to appreciate the Technical Staff of the Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. REFERENCES Ahmad, S.D., M. 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Soil Sci.49:211-238. . 300 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 295-303 Table S1. Shoot height of Zea mays at different distances from the Quarry site. Varieties Days Distance (m) Control 50 100 150 200 250 VAR 1 28 43.67±1.86a 39.33±1.33a 37.33±1.33a 36.00±5.29a 39.00±4.58a 33.00±5.19a 35 51.33±1.76b 45.33±1.76b 43.33±2.40ab 38.67±4.81a 44.00±3.06ab 37.33±4.67a 42 58.00±1.16c 56.00±1.16c 48.67±2.33ab 42.67±5.18a 49.33±0.67ab 46.00±2.31a 49 61.33±0.67b 58.67±0.67b 50.33±2.03a 45.67±5.67a 50.67±1.59a 49.33±0.67a 56 63.67±0.88b 62.00±1.16b 52.33±1.45a 46.67±5.69a 54.00±1.16a 51.33±0.67a 63 70.67±0.67b 67.67±1.45b 57.67±1.45a 52.67±4.67a 59.33±0.67a 57.00±0.58a 70 77.67±2.19c 72.33±1.45bc 63.67±0.88a 57.33±5.46a 64.67±0.67ab 63.67±0.33a VAR 2 28 49.67±3.28b 48.00±1.16b 38.33±2.03a 33.33±1.76a 38.67±1.20a 39.33±2.96a 35 57.00±1.53c 56.00±1.16c 46.33±0.88b 37.33v0.67a 44.33±2.33b 45.00±2.52b 42 66.00±1.00c 67.33±1.76d 54.00±1.16b 40.67±0.67a 51.00±2.08b 49.00±2.08b 49 72.67±1.76d 73.67±2.03e 60.00±0.00c 46.67±0.67a 55.33±1.76bc 53.33±1.76b 56 80.00±1.16d 80.00±1.16e 64.00±1.16c 52.33±1.45a 58.00±1.16b 57.00±1.53b 63 86.00±1.16d 86.33±0.88f 69.33±0.67c 58.67±0.67a 63.33±2.40b 61.67±1.67ab 70 92.67±1.76c 94.00±2.08g 76.00±0.58b 65.00±0.00a 68.67±2.40a 68.00±2.31a Mean follow by the same alphabet in a row are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test, VAR 1 = SWAN 1, VAR 2 = SAMMAZ 52 Shoot height of Zea mays at different distances from the Quarry site ranged between 33cm and 94cm respectively relative to the control. The highest shoot height (94cm) was observed in SAMMAZ 52 in the 7 th at 50m from the quarry site. The lowest shoot height was however noticeable in SWAN 1 at 250m. There is a significant difference in the shoot height of SWAN 1 at 50m from the quarry site between the first and the third week. Also, significant differences were also observed in SAMMAZ 52 at 50m from the quarry site and from the beginning till the end of the experimental period. Table S2. Plant dry weight (PDW) of maize at different distances from the quarry site. Varieties Distance Dry weight (g)/days after planting (DAP) 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 SWAN 1 0 0.06±0.02a 0.36±0.00ab 0.16±0.00a 0.80±0.00b 0.65±0.00a 0.48±0.00abc 0.52±0.07bc 50 0.04±0.01a 0.40±0.04a 0.21±0.04a 1.01±0.11abc 0.62±0.12a 0.40±0.04ab 0.55±0.04c 100 0.05±0.02a 0.48±0.02c 0.21±0.02a 1.19±0.14abcd 0.69±0.42a 0.32±0.07a 0.54±0.06bc 150 0.04±0.01a 0.46±0.05bc 0.28±0.02ab 1.21±0.10abcd 0.70±0.29a 0.31±0.11a 0.31±0.04a 200 0.09±0.03a 0.51±0.02c 0.16±0.04a 1.51±0.08bcd 1.11±0.30a 0.48±0.10abc 0.32±0.07a 250 0.04±0.00a 0.42±0.04abc 0.23±0.04a 2.06±0.43cd 1.40±0.49a 0.71±0.27abc 0.38±0.06ab SAMMAZ 52 0 0.07±0.01a 0.45±0.02abc 0.18±0.04a 3.84±0.23e 3.29±0.54b 0.98±0.31c 0.47±0.07abc 50 0.07±0.01a 0.34±0.04a 0.21±0.03a 3.35±0.23e 2.84±0.61b 0.89±0.34bc 0.46±0.03abc 100 0.12±0.11a 0.46±0.06bc 0.28±0.14ab 2.19±0.98d 1.57±0.72a 0.22±0.05a 0.54±0.03bc 150 0.28±0.07b 0.47±0.02bc 0.29±0.08ab 0.26±0.05a 0.38±0.09a 0.28±0.04a 0.52±0.03bc 200 0.28±0.04b 0.51±0.03c 0.28±0.03ab 0.27±0.03a 0.36±0.15a 0.33±0.07a 0.56±0.04c 250 0.33±0.07b 0.52±0.04c 0.45±0.05b 0.26±0.04a 0.33±0.09a 0.38±0.05ab 0.46±0.04abc Mean follow by the same alphabet in row are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test Biomass accumulation in the two maize varieties ranged between 0.04g and 3.84g. The highest biomass was recorded in SAMMAZ 52(3.84g) in the 4th week while the least was recorded in SWAN 1(0.04g) at the beginning of the experimental period. There was no significant difference in the PDW of the varieties relative to the control. Odiyi et al. – Effect of Quarry Activities on Some Morphological Parameters of … 301 Table S3. Root dry weight (RDW) of the varieties at different distances from the quarry site. V a rie tie s D a y s Distance (m) Control 50 100 150 200 250 V1 28 0.033±0.003c 0.027±0.003bc 0.023±0.003b 0.010±0.000a 0.063±0.003d 0.030±0.000bc 35 0.117±0.072a 0.193±0.013ab 0.270±0.034b 0.273±0.013b 0.307±0.024b 0.227±0.052ab 42 0.217±0.087a 0.467±0.012b 0.480±0.047b 0.483±0.063b 0.500±0.020b 0.500±0.030b 49 0.050±0.012a 0.063±0.012a 0.037±0.003a 0.050±0.027a 0.050±0.012a 0.067±0.003a 56 0.391±0.015a 0.391±0.028a 0.452±0.054a 0.421±0.022a 0.437±0.032a 0.456±0.019a 63 0.113±0.002a 0.111±0.002a 0.134±0.021a 0.119±0.008a 0.116±0.008a 0.123±0.006a 70 0.550±0.072bc 0.580±0.042c 0.560±0.050bc 0.317±0.047a 0.377±0.068ab 0.407±0.056abc V2 28 0.073±0.003d 0.040±0.000c 0.017±0.003a 0.010±0.000a 0.033±0.003bc 0.027±0.003b 35 0.217±0.038a 0.277±0.012a 0.240±0.055a 0.553±0.209b 0.560±0.021b 0.563±0.013b 42 0.510±0.25b 0.289±0.008a 0.277±0.004a 0.351±0.038a 0.305±0.015a 0.312±0.023a 49 0.317±0.020a 0.347±0.026ab 0.447±0.015c 0.380±0.017ab 0.373±0.013ab 0.387±0.022b 56 0.193±0.003a 0.233±0.039a 0.230±0.015a 0.290±0.023a 0.223±0.038a 0.257±0.044a 63 0.112±0.002a 0.144±0.025ab 0.164±0.015b 0.141±0.001ab 0.146±0.008ab 0.132±0.002ab 70 0.540±0.070a 0.500±0.025a 0.550±0.032a 0.523±0.034a 0.593±0.043a 0.490±0.035a Mean follow by the same alphabet in a row are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test. VAR 1 = SWAN 1, VAR 2 = SAMMAZ 52 Root dry weight of the varieties at different distances from the quarry site ranged from 0.030g at 250m (SWAN 1) from the quarry site and 0.593g at 200m (SAMMAZ 52) from the quarry site. There were significant differences in RDW at 50m in SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52 respectively between the first and the second week. However, there were no significant differences between the varieties at 100-250m from the quarry site. Table S4. Shoot dry weight (SDW) of the maize varieties at different distances from the quarry site. V a rie tie s D a y s Distance (m) Control 50 100 150 200 250 V1 28 0.030±0.006c 0.025±0.000b 0.015±0.001a 0.008±0.000a 0.037±0.001c 0.029±0.001b 35 0.173±0.001a 0.170±0.015a 0.187±0.009a 0.190±0.025a 0.197±0.013a 0.170±0.006a 42 0.064±0.005d 0.051±0.001c 0.038±0.004b 0.016±0.001a 0.099±0.003e 0.059±0.002cd 49 0.079±0.003ab 0.073±0.003a 0.082±0.003ab 0.089±0.006b 0.08±0.003b 0.082±0.004ab 56 0.088±0.003d 0.080±0.002bc 0.069±0.000a 0.074±0.003ab 0.09±0.005d 0.092±0.004d 63 0.080±0.003b 0.073±0.002a 0.082±0.004b 0.092±0.002c 0.115±0.005d 0.067±0.004a 70 0.750±0.067d 0.559±0.034c 0.399±0.009b 0.178±0.018a 0.71±0.014d 0.602±0.018c V2 28 0.066±0.003c 0.049±0.005b 0.035±0.002a 0.028±0.004a 0.046±0.002b 0.035±0.001a 35 0.023±0.005a 0.026±0.003a 0.033±0.003a 0.033±0.004a 0.029±0.002a 0.032±0.002a 42 0.138±0.004e 0.088±0.006d 0.050±0.003b 0.037±0.003a 0.079±0.017d 0.062±0.004c 49 0.061±0.011a 0.081±0.010a 0.108±0.07b 0.078±0.005a 0.076±0.001a 0.068±0.005a 56 0.065±0.009a 0.087±0.005b 0.125±0.002c 0.930±0.003b 0.095±0.003b 0.084±0.003b 63 0.056±0.008a 0.086±0.009bc 0.099±0.004bc 0.079±0.005b 0.103±0.004c 0.095±0.006bc 70 0.095±0.009d 0.783±0.034c 0.512±0.016b 0.258±0.013a 0.733±0.048c 0.588±0.057b Mean follow by the same alphabet in the columns are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test. VAR 1 = SWAN 1, VAR 2 = SAMMAZ 52 There were significant differences in the shoot biomass of SWAN 1 at 50m and at 200m between the first and the 5th week relative to the control. Similarly, significant differences were also observed in SAMMAZ 52 between the 28 th and the 42nd day at 50m relative to the control. The highest shoot dry weight (0.71g) was observed in SWAN 1 at 200m while the least SDW was noticeable at 150m. 302 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 12 (1), 2023: 295-303 Table S5. Mineral nutrient composition of maize varieties at different distances from the quarry site. Varieties Distance Nutrients Na K Mg Ca SWAN 1 0 0.31±0.05b 0.57±0.03b 0.23±0.05ab 0.23±0.05ab 50 0.33±0.04bc 0.47±0.25b 0.26±0.03abc 0.26±0.03ab 100 0.21±0.02a 0.48±0.02b 0.34±0.04bc 0.33±0.03b 150 0.18±0.01a 0.56±0.04b 0.36±0.04c 0.33±0.04b 200 0.33±0.01bc 0.59±0.06b 0.55±0.03d 0.29±0.02ab 250 0.42±0.05cd 0.50±0.06b 0.17±0.02a 0.32±0.02b SAMMAZ 52 0 0.38±0.01bc 0.27±0.09a 0.28±0.01abc 0.34±0.05b 50 0.36±0.02bc 0.51±0.07b 0.34±0.04bc 0.29±0.03ab 100 0.50±0.03d 0.75±0.04c 0.25±0.04ab 0.33±0.04b 150 0.43±0.04cd 0.50±0.06b 0.29±0.02bc 0.27±0.02ab 200 0.40±0.03bc 0.55±0.03b 0.48±0.01d 0.21±0.02a 250 0.40±0.02bc 0.44±0.03b 0.51±0.06d 0.24±0.04ab Table S6. Leaf area (cm2) of maize varieties at different distances from the quarry site Leaf Area (cm2) Distance (m) SWAN 1 SAMMAZ 52 50 32.50±0.07d 33.06±0.03d 100 18.50±0.01b 22.18±0.04b 150 29.00±0.07c 28.37±0.02c 200 17.50±0.04b 19.32±0.01a 250 12.45±0.12a 15. 24±0.07a Control 35.50±0.08d 35.24±0.06d The leaf area of both varieties increased gradually for a greater part of the experimental period. Similar growth patterns were recorded throughout the experimental period. Gradual increases were observed at 200m and at 250m from the quarry site. The highest leaf area was recorded in the control regime followed by 50m while 250m was observed to be the least. Results of the ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the varieties grown on the soils from the quarry site. Chlorophyll ‘’a’’ accumulation of maize varieties at various distances from the quarry site There were gradual decreases in a linear fashion in chlorophyll ‘a’ accumulation for a greater part of the experimental period in the two maize varieties. Both maize varieties had approximately equal chlorophyll accumulation at 150m from soil collected from the quarry site. These were followed by a gradual increase between 50 and 100m from the quarry site. The highest chlorophyll ‘a’ accumulation was recorded in control, while 250m was ob served to be the lowest (SWAN 1). Results of the ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) at 50 and 250m respectively relative to the control. Table S7. Chlorophyll ‘’a’’ accumulation of maize varieties at various distances from the quarry site. Chlorophyll a (µm) Distances (m) SWAN 1 SAMMAZ 52 50 8.57±0.07a 24.55±0.02d 100 10.27±0.05b 12.50±0.04a 150 10.78±0.01b 10.45±0.03a 200 8.23±0.02a 16.99±0.02c 250 7.52±0.02a 17.72±0.01c Control 24.52±0.04c 35.76±0.02d Mean follow by the same alphabet in the columns are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test Odiyi et al. – Effect of Quarry Activities on Some Morphological Parameters of … 303 Table S8. Chlorophyll ‘’b’’ accumulation of maize varieties at various distances from the quarry site. Chlorophyll b (µm) Distance(m) SWAN 1 SAMMAZ 52 50 11.64±0.02a 25.43±0.01c 100 16.24±0.02b 23.23±0.02c 150 14.58±0.01b 18.76±0.06b 200 12.58±0.01a 15.57±0.05a 250 10.54±0.03a 12.78±0.05a Control 18.76±0.04c 38.56±0.08d Mean follow by the same alphabet in the columns are not significantly different (P>0.05) from one another, using Duncan New Multiple Range Test In the same pattern like chlorophyll ‘a’ contents, the chlorophyll ‘b’ contents in maize followed similar pattern except that initial contents of chlorophyll ‘a’ were lower than those of chlorophyll ‘b’ Also, both varieties decreased gradually between 100 and 200m in the soil collected from the quarry site. SAMMAZ 52 had the highest accumulation under the control regime while the least was observed in SWAN 1 at 250m. Results of the ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the two maize varieties. THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK