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Author(s):
Anyanwu Daniel Chimeriri.
Page No : 1-12
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Evaluation of Dump Site Soil on the Growth Parameters and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L) Monech).
Abstract
The use of urban waste as soil amendment is increasingly gaining attention in developing countries due to its potential to improve soil fertility and reduce waste accumulation. This study evaluated the effect of dumpsite soil manure on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria. A field experiment was conducted during the 2020 cropping season using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t/ha of dumpsite manure), replicated three times. Data were collected on percentage emergence, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, fruit number, fruit weight, and fruit yield. Results revealed that dumpsite soil manure contained higher organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the topsoil, but also elevated levels of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, and Zn. Application of manure significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth parameters and yield attributes relative to the control. The highest manure rate (25 t/ha) consistently recorded superior performance in plant height (49.30 cm at 8 WAP), stem girth (3.30 cm at 10 WAP), leaf number (9.67 at 6 WAP), leaf area index (7.38 at 10 WAP), and fruit yield (75.67 kg/ha). Although heavy metals were present in the manure, their concentrations in okra leaves and seeds remained below FAO/WHO permissible limits, and no visible toxicity symptoms were observed. The findings demonstrate that dumpsite manure is a valuable low-cost organic fertilizer that improves soil fertility, growth, and productivity of okra. However, the elevated heavy metal content raises concerns about long-term food safety and soil health. The study recommends manure application at 20–25 t/ha for optimal yield, alongside regular monitoring and co-composting with safer organic residues to mitigate heavy metal risks.
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Author(s):
Eid I. Brima, Parvez I. Haris.
Page No : 13-30
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Analysis of Essential and Toxic Elements in Tap and Bottled Water from the UK and its Comparison with Literature Data for Drinking Water from African Countries: Implications for Human Health.
Abstract
This study compares the presence of essential and toxic elements in UK and African waters. Drinking water samples (n=93) were collected from Leicester, UK [45 bottled drinking water (BDW) and 48 tap drinking water (TDW)]. Concentrations of 26 elements were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Notably, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were detected only in TDW samples, with detection percentages of 25% and 60.4%, respectively. In contrast, very low concentrations of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) were detected in 82.2% and 100% of BDW samples and in 88.9% and 95.6% of TDW samples, respectively. All detected element concentrations were within World Health Organization safety limits. The hazard quotient (HQ) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values for toxic elements were below the permissible limits, suggesting no significant long-term health risks. In contrast, recent literature from some African countries has revealed high concentrations of toxic elements, such as Pb and As, with HQ and ILCR exceeding guidelines. Consumption of water can be higher in African countries, which have warmer climates, and this will further increase their exposure to toxic elements compared to the UK. There is an urgent need to lower toxic elements in African drinking waters through improvements to the water treatment and distribution systems.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Okelola O. E., Alufohia G. O., Babalola D. A., Balogun O. L., Ayantoyinbo A. A..
Page No : 31-48
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Value Addition and Profitability in Fish Marketing: Evidence from Southwest, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study investigates the role of value addition in enhancing profitability among fish marketers in Southwest Nigeria. Using data from 769 marketers in Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States, the research evaluates the types of value-added products, returns on investment (ROI), and the factors influencing product choice. A descriptive survey design, and ROI analysis were applied. The research analyzes pooled data on nine fish products (Fresh, Smoked Fish, Fried Fish, Fish Fillets, Dried Fish, Fish Powdering, Frozen Fish, Fish Barbecue, and Fish Kilichi) and ten fish types (Catfish, Tilapia, Shiny Nose, Panla, Asa Fish, Croaker, Barracuda, Abo, Okodo, and Obokun). Data were gathered from fish marketers and processors, targeting nine fish products. Results indicate that fresh fish dominates the market (57.26%, 769 instances), with Catfish leading (31.20%), followed by Asa Fish (13.74%) and Shiny Nose (11.14%). Value-added products, notably Smoked Fish (27.78%) and Fried Fish (21.28%), are prevalent, reflecting significant adoption of processing techniques to enhance shelf life and profitability. Niche products like Fish Powdering (1.30%) and Fish Kilichi (0.65%) are limited to specific fish types, indicating specialized market niches. Findings reveal that smoked fish is the most common and profitable value-added product. Female marketers dominate the sector, and their product choices are influenced by experience, credit access, and training. The study also highlights regional variations, with Ogun State leading in dried and smoked products due to its proximity to aquaculture hubs, while Lagos excels in frozen and filleted fish owing to better infrastructure and market access. Overall, value addition not only boosts profitability with profits per kg reaching
₦4,600 for dried Asa fish but also contributes to food security by increasing fish supply and nutritional value, aligning with Nigeria's evolving blue economy.
The study recommends investment in infrastructure, financial support, and capacity building to improve market outcomes. These results provide empirical insights to strengthen Nigeria's fishery value chain in line with SDG targets.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Ekanem M. C., Inyang U. E., Elijah A. I..
Page No : 49-71
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Chemical Composition of Water Yam (Dioscorea Alata)–Cocoyam (Colocasia Esculenta) Composite Flour Supplemented with Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata) Flour and Consumer Acceptability of Ekpang Nkukwo Made from the Flour Blends.
Abstract
This study evaluated the chemical composition of water yam-cocoyam composite flour (70: 30) supplemented with cowpea flour and sensory characteristics of Ekpang nkukwo prepared from the flour blends. Water yam-cocoyam composite flour was supplemented with cowpea flour as follows: 100:00, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. A 70:30 water yam flour: cocoyam flour served as the control. Proximate, mineral and vitamin composition were evaluated to assess the nutritional quality of the flour blends while sensory evaluation was carried out on Ekpang nkukwo prepared from the flour blends. Result showed that protein, fat, ash and fibre increased significantly (p<0.05) from 1.89-20.54%,0.98-1.28%, 2.00-6.17%, 2.23-3.65% respectively while carbohydrate and energy decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 92.90-68.38%, 387.98-367.12 kcal/100 g respectively with increase in cowpea flour supplementation. Similarly, mineral (potassium, calcium, zinc, iron) and vitamin (beta carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B9 and C) contents increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in cowpea flour supplementation. However, sodium content of the flour blend decreased significantly (p0.05) difference in appearance, taste, aroma, mouthfeel, consistency and general acceptability scores between Ekpang nkukwo prepared from the control sample (water yam-cocoyam composite flour without cowpea supplementation) and that of 10% cowpea supplemented flour blend. However, beyond the 10% cowpea flour supplementation, sensory scores decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in cowpea flour supplementation. This study recommends the use of 10% cowpea flour supplemented yam–cocoyam composite flour for preparing nutritionally enhanced Ekpang nkukwo without compromising consumer acceptability of the product.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Olayemi W. A., Olatidoye O. P., Shittu A., Omofunmilola E. O..
Page No : 72-88
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Assessments of Productive Performance, Egg Quality Traits, Storage Status Index, and Excreta Gas Emission on Laying Hens Fed Blend of Biochar, Zeolite, And Chromolaena Leaf Meal.
Abstract
Sustainable solutions for intensive poultry production can help farmers, rural communities, consumers, and regulatory agencies. The movement of eggs from farms to end users usually takes a period of time due to bad road, vehicular breakdown, poor logistics and the situation could be more apparent during a period of lockdown. Hence, the study assessed supplementation of laying hens diet with biochar (0.33- 0.50%), zeolite (0.33~0.50%) and chromolaena leaf-meal (0.33-1.00) to lower the environmental impact while maintaining egg quality. The effect on feed intake, laying performance, egg quality, ammonia (NH3) emissions from excreta, and the excreta composition, were evaluated. The result showed that that dietary treatments had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on parameters such Hen-day production (HEDP), egg mass, feed intake g/bird, total feed intake, feed/dozen egg and total number eggs but chicken on supplemented diet laid highest number of eggs (449) with (HEDP) percentage of 66.81 and feed /dozen egg at 1.93. CH4 concentration reduced by 59% in the excreta chickens in T3, Reduction in CO2 value by 50.5% and Hydrogen gas concentration by 18.6% when compared with control. Studies on storage revealed that pH values of the stored eggs changes on a weekly basis during the storage period of 35days while T3 and T4 maintained slightly acidic medium (5.8 and 5.6) respectively. Bacteria load in eggs reduced by (25.3% and 28%) respectively at day 35. It can be concluded that inclusion of zeolite, biochar and leafmeal combination improved laying parameters, reduced gaseous emission and extend shelf life eggs.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Ravaka F. Andriatsitohaina, Ravaka S. H. Rahantalalao, Rado Rasolomampianina.
Page No : 89-102
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Effects of Using Coal as Amendment on Soil Microbial Community and Activity.
Abstract
The use of biochar as a soil amendment to enhance soil fertility and agricultural productivity is being explored. This study investigates the impact of using coal as biochar on the availability and dynamics of organic elements, as well as its effect on soil microbial activity. The experiment was conducted on ferralsols in Mahitsy, Antananarivo, Madagascar, during the 2024 bean-growing season. Coal was applied at rates of 25, 50, 75, 100, or 125 g per planting hole, along with organic fertilizers: bat guano (30 g) or manure (150 g). Samples were collected at the pod ripening stage (R8). The results showed that applying 50 g of coal per hole significantly increased the microbial population to 1.85×10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU)/g and boosted microbial activity to 3.1 µg fluorescein-H/g soil. These results suggest that using coal as biochar positively influences soil microbial dynamics and could enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.
