| 1 |
Author(s):
Ikpesu Thomas Ohwofasa, Ariyo Adenike Bosede.
Page No : 1-14
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The Use Of Microbes In Restoration Of Deteriorated Environment
Abstract
Bioremediation is a national goal for restoration and cleanup of contaminated land and water bodies. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae can be enhanced to remove pollutants from the environment, as this organism obtain both energy and tissue building materials when they feed on wide variety of compound found in environmental contaminants. These microbes are often isolated from the nature or have been modified through genetic engineering to break down and convert heavy compounds to harmless organic compound. Growing microbes in the laboratory require maximum concentration and should not be considered as safe.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Onyinyechi G. Onyele, Emeka D. Anyanwu.
Page No : 15-23
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Human Health Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in a Rural Spring, Southeastern Nigeria
Abstract
Human health risk of some heavy metals in a rural spring, Southeast Nigeria was assessed between January and June 2017 in 3 stations to determine its suitability for human consumption. Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) were assessed by evaluating the chronic daily intake (CDI), the hazard quotient (HQ) to determine the hazard indices (HI) in the stations. The heavy metals considered exceeded the standards set by Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality and World Health Organisation. Health risk assessment for all the sites indicated that there is no particularly dangerous single heavy metal, but their cumulative effect, indicated by the hazard index (HI) calls for concern. Hazard Index (HI) for all the stations highly exceeded threshold value (1). This concern is for both adults and children exposed to the spring water through ingestion. The heavy metal contamination observed was of geogenic source and more difficult to manage.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Eni D. Imoke, Muma C. Bili.
Page No : 24-32
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Estimation Of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) in Real Oil Mills Palm Plantation, Odukpani L.G.A., Nigeria
Abstract
This study evaluated extractable biogas from anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent (POME). This study made use of a laboratory experiment involving a simple batch experimental setup employing the volumetric displacement principle for quantifying the amount of biogas produced from organic waste using a bio-digester and a gasometric chamber. Biogas was extracted anaerobically using locally manufactured bio-digesters and a comparison in production rates was made between the control and catalysed experimental setups. The catalysed substrate produced more biogas (19,402.5ml, equivalent to 0.0194025m3) than the controlled (27.00ml, equivalent to 0.000027m3). Biogas production was highest on the 70th day of the experiment (5,000ml, equivalent to 0.005m3). The result revealed that it is possible for biogas to be generated without methane or with just very low methane content. Burning of biogas tells whether or not it contains methane whereas the intensity and colour of the flame could serve as good indicator of the methane concentration in biogas. The result of this study also led to the conclusion that biogas production during anaerobic digestion gradually builds up with time and then starts dropping with depleting nutrient content of the feedstock. From the findings of this study, it is recommended that; more research on other microbial manipulations of the substrate should be done with the aim of improving on the amount of biogas that can be obtained from POME; also, other catalysts should be used to increase the volume of biogas generated within a shorter period of time
| 4 |
Author(s):
Y.M. Ngulde, Yerima I., Abubakar Mustapha.
Page No : 33-43
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Evaluation of Cow Dung and Goat Pellets for Production of Biogas in University of Maiduguri, North – Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Domestic energy is becoming more expensive in Nigeria, so efforts are being made towards sourcing for alternative, cheaper and more affordable energy sources especially those that are environmentally friendly. In view of this assertion, the present study was conducted to determine biogas production of cow dung and Goat pellets. The proximate composition of both raw-materials, and physiochemical characteristics were analysed and the results revealed that cow dung is richer in all the parameters analyzed except in total solids (TS) and calorific value than Goat pellets. The percentage (%) composition of organic elements in both raw-materials shows higher concentrations of N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, C, Mg, and Ca, in cow dung and Na in Goat pellets. The digestion periods of cow dung and Goat pellets was 8days and the retention period was 36and 26 days respectively. The cumulative volume of biogas generated from both raw-materials was determined and it was observed that cow dung produced 0.57m3 x 10-6 of cumulative biogas, while Goat pellets produced only 0.26m3 x 10-6. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) result revealed that there were significant differences between the volumes of cumulative biogas generated from the organic materials. Higher volume of cumulative biogas was generated from cow dung which was an indication that cow dung had higher yield potentials for biogas production than goat pellets. Details of this finding are presented. It can be concluded that Cow dung generates more methane gas (biogas) than Goat pellets.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ifediora Nonyelum Helena, Onyebuchi Chinonyerem Oluchi.
Page No : 44-52
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Study on Growth Parameters of Brachiariadeflexia (Schummach.) C.E. Hubb. EX Robyns and Paspalum Scrobiculatum (L.) Grown on Waste Engine Oil Contaminated Soil
Abstract
In this study, the growth response of the two indigenous Nigerian plants; B. deflexa and P. scrobiculatum grown on waste engine oil contaminated soil were investigated. The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design (CRD). 4 kg of air-dried soil was measured into 4 kg perforated plastic buckets. Waste engine oil was added to obtain different concentrations on weight basis: 0 % (control), 2 %, 4 %, 7 % and 10 % v/w oil- in-soil. The mixing was gradually done to ensure thorough and even mixing. After the mixing, the soil was left for a period of seven days without planting. At the end of the seventh day, the plant materials collected from the wild were transplanted into the buckets. The growth parameters measured at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks after planting were plant height, leaf number, leaf area and shoot girth. It was observed that as the concentration of waste engine oil in the soil increased there was reduced growth of the two-grass species studied as was evident in the growth parameters studied. In conclusion, the two-grass species studied showed evidence of sensitivity to waste engine oil contaminated soil and their sensitivity were determined by the five different concentrations of waste engine oil used.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Alarape A. A, Yager G. O, Akuse V. H.
Page No : 53-66
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Analysis of Vegetation Cover Dynamics and its Implication on Herbivores Species of Pandam Wildlife Park in North-Central Nigeria using Remote Sensing and GIS
Abstract
Assessment of Land use/ Land cover dynamics is critical for conservation, sustainable use and development of natural resources in protected areas. In the present study Pandam Wildlife Park (PWP) has been considered for the evaluation of land use/land cover changes and the effect these could have on herbivores. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), an indicator of vegetation growth and coverage, has been employed to describe the spatiotemporal characteristics of land use/ land cover, including percent vegetation coverage using multi spectral remote sensing. The Land use/Land cover (LULC) classification was done based on four classes and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) using LANDSAT datasets of TM, ETM+ and OLI satellite imageries between 1987 and 2017 using maximum likelihood classification scheme. The result of the LULC assessment based on NDVI for PWP between 1987 and 2017 reveals that riparian habitat has been decreased drastically by 33.29 sq km and swampy area has been increased by 156.75 sq km between 1987 to 2017. Changes were noted in the aerial extents of water bodies as well. There were clear and consistent trends of land cover changes with superiority of area coverage of vegetated land completely lost over the decade. This caused a reduction in forage resources and decline in population of herbivores in the park. Thus, riparian vegetation has been on the decreasing trend whereas other land covers features especially swampy areas are on the increase as affirmed by various LULC maps affirmed to this change. There is the need to prevent logging, fuel-wood collection/charcoal production and bush burning in PWP to make forage sufficiently available for herbivores. Regular follow up to this study would provide a guideline on securing habitats and forage for PWP’s fauna.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Onyebuchi Chinonyerem Oluchi, Osuagwu G. G. E, Kalu P. E..
Page No : 67-75
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Effects of Salt Stress on the Growth and Nitrogen Assimilation of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) (L)
Abstract
The effect of salt stress on the growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (African yam bean) was investigated. There were five (5) treatments (0.01mol/l, 0.03mol/l, 0.07mol/l, 0.10mol/l) and distilled water without salt, served as control. Treatment started three (3) weeks after germination and was carried out once. The measurement of the plant started immediately after treatment was done for one month. The research lasted for three months. Four seeds were planted per plastic bucket and were thinned down to two. Salt stress significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (African yam bean), at higher salt (NaCl) concentration (0.07mol/l and 0.10mol/l), the length of shoot, number of branches, number of leaves, root biomass, shoot biomass, germination and the nitrogen content of the plant’s leaf and soil were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. However, at a lower concentration (0.01mol/l to 0.03mol/l) the effect of salt stress on these parameters was not significant. The reduction in growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa as a result of salt stress might be due to the deleterious effect of salt stress on the cellular as well as all other aspects of plant metabolism. Germination test was also carried out and lasted for only four days. At 0.07mol/l it tends to be retarded compared to the other treatment. The results obtained were discussed in the light of current literatures.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Onsachi J. M, H. M Yakubu, Shaibu M. M.
Page No : 76-106
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Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigation into the Causes of Cracks in Building: Case Study of Some Buildings in School of Engineering Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe Campus, Kogi State North Central Nigeria
Abstract
The aim of study is to investigate the major cause of cracks observed in majority of the buildings in school of engineering Itakpe campus of Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi state. To achieve this aim, both geotechnical and geophysical approaches were adopted to study the soil properties and subsurface formations respectively. Soil samples were collected around the area of the affected building for laboratory study. The properties determined were natural moisture content, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, proctor compaction, and specific gravity. The results of the tests show that the site is dominated with poorly graded soil with specific gravity (2.2 - 2.7), liquid limit (25.8 % - 39.0 %), plastic limit (18.8 % - 35.1 %), Natural moisture content (3.89 % - 27.91 %) and maximum dry Density (620 kg/m3 - 825kg/m3). Geophysical survey involving the electrical resistivity method utilizing the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques conducted around the crack walls of some building with the aim of studying the causes of crack in the walls and characterizing the soil conditions of the area. A total of 8 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were occupied using Schlumberger Configuration with AB/2 varying from 1 to 65 m. Three geoelectric sequences were delineated within the study area. These include the topsoil, weathered layer, and fresh basement. Results identified differential settlement resulting from incompetent subsoil materials are the possible causes of the failure.
