| 1 |
Author(s):
Bessie Effang Solomon, Vincent Ishmael Egbulefu Ajiwe, Edidiong Asuquo Enoh.
Page No : 1-13
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Heavy Metal Pollution of Seawater, Sediment and Shrimps of Qua Iboe River, Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution of seawater, sediment and shrimps of Qua Iboe River, Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was studied for six months in dry and wet seasons. Seawater, sediment and shrimp samples were collected from five different points from the upper to the lowest course of Qua Iboe River flowing along Mkpanak Community. Heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni) concentration in seawater, sediment and shrimps from the studied river were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS). The mean concentrations of heavy metals in seawater were 0.628, 0.072, 0.381, 0.486 and 0.631mg/l for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively for dry season and 0.427, 0.049, 0.214, 0.289 and 0.408mg/l for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni in wet seasons. The corresponding values in the sediments were 3.552, 1.327, 2.578, 2.829 and 4.926mg/g for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively for dry season and 2.121, 0.943, 1.517, 1.777 and 3.675mg/g for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively in wet season. Also, the mean values of heavy metals in shrimps were 0.008, 0.308, 0.004, 0.039, 0.025mg/g for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively for dry season and 0.005, 0.196, 0.002, 0.020 and 0.017mg/g for Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively in wet season. The results of heavy metals in seawater, sediment and shrimps were compared with International Standards. It was observed that all the heavy metals studied in both seasons were above the safe limit with exception of Ni in shrimp which was within the safe limit. Hence, this study recommended the need for appropriate regulatory legislation on the control, treatment and discharged of oilfield effluents into Qua Iboe River.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Olayemi Temitope Emmanuel.
Page No : 14-44
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Study on the Balance of Phosphate and Nitrate Concentrations in the Lagos Lagoon’s Water System
Abstract
The effect of nutrient enrichment on surface water has continued to be a major environmental problem. The balance of nitrogen to phosphorus in water often determines the productivity of the water. This study was carried out to determine the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio in the Lagos lagoon, hence the nutrient availability in the water. Water samples were obtained at six different locations in the Lagos lagoon at different months; March, June and August 2015. The physico-chemical properties were determined in the laboratory by titrimetry. Phosphates and nitrates were determined spectrophotometrically; pH, 7.09-8.37 (7.704±0.18); alkalinity, 50-180 (93.89±0.2.45mgL-1); dissolved oxygen, 3.38-5.31 (4.65±0.53 mgL-1); biochemical oxygen demand, 75.3-233 (151.65±6.49 mgL-1); Phosphates, 0-0.892 (0.285±0.13mgL-1) Nitrates, 0.149-0.312 (0.198±0.01mgL-1). High concentrations of Nitrates and Phosphates in the water samples from the Lagoon indicated that the waters flowing into the Lagoon were highly polluted, is highly contaminated and therefore not suitable for drinking purposes by man. In conclusion, this study is baseline data toward future ecological study, conservation and management of the resources of this economically important wetland in Nigeria.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Yuguda Abubakar Umar, Jalam Abdullahi Muhammed, Ibrahim Hussaini Gital, Sadiq Lukman Shinji, Garba Mijinyawa, Natu Bemshima Simon.
Page No : 45-52
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Assessment of Water Quality in Relation to Palm Oil Mill Effluent Discharge, Ogele Stream, Ogbadibo, Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The processes of palm oil production generated a huge amount of contaminated water usually referred to as palm oil mill effluent. Waste generated from palm oil milling or manufacturing process is often discharged untreated into nearby streams, rivers, and lands. In this study, the quality of the Ogele water stream was assessed in relation to Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Discharge. Stream water samples were collected using simple surface‐grab methods from the three-segmented portions of the stream level as Upstream, midstream, and downstream. Laboratory analysis of Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters that include pH, temperature, turbidity, EC, TSS, TDS, BOD, COD, Cr, Pb, Cu, Mn, Mg, and TBC were conducted. Mean differences between the sampling points were tested with one-way analysis of variance with fisher’s exact test for the least significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. The results indicate that measured parameters that include pH, temperature, EC, TSS, TDS are all within the normal range of the WHO threshold limit. But turbidity in all the sampling points exceeds the WHO limit of 5 NTU. Also, the minimum and a maximum mean of 44.67 and 69.33 for TBC in all the sampling points significantly exceed the WHO threshold limit of 10 cfu/ml. A relatively low BOD, COD, TSS, TSD was observed in all the sampling point. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in values of pH, temperature, and EC with sampling points between Upstream, midstream, with downstream. The heavy metals analysis shows that Cr, Pb, Mn, and Mg all exceed the threshold limit of WHO. The water quality of the ogele stream is fit to support aquatic life but not adequately suitable for domestic consumption. The impact of discharging untreated palm oil mill effluent into our water bodies cannot be overemphasized. hence the need for the treatment actions to lessen these impacts prior to discharge.
| 4 |
Author(s):
J. O. Okechukwu, S. A. Osemeahon, B. J. Dimas.
Page No : 53-61
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Development and Evaluation of the Performance of Ceramic Water Filter Prepared from Dried Duckweed Plant
Abstract
Most of the available water sources such as streams, rivers and wells have been impaired by anthropogenic activities thereby rendering them unsafe for consumption. This has made access to clean potable water a mirage to communities situated in the semi urban areas, hence, increasing their daily risk of contracting water borne diseases. This work initiates the treatment of these water sources with dried duckweed plant. The duckweed plant was prepared and incorporated into a ceramic water filter (CWF) and was compared with other ceramic water filters prepared alongside. The filters were allowed to filter water obtained from a river source so as to evaluate their removal efficiency on the physicochemical parameters before and after treatment. The experimental results showed a significant reduction in the values of Turbidity from 97.85 NTU to 0.093-0.002NTU, Chloride from 163.74 mg/l to 10.50-7.52mg/l, Nitrate from 129.01mg/l to 13.67-9.88mg/l, Phosphates from 29.86mg/l to 1.20-0.67mg/l, Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) from 400.50mg/l to 105.00 to 95.50mg/l, Total Organic Carbon(TOC) from 62.78mg/l to 16.50-11.80mg/l, Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD) from 97.00mg/l to 37.00-22.00mg/l, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from 283.00mg/l to 66.00-47.00mg/l, Total Hardness from148.96mg/l to 103.44-79.22mg/l and pH from 9.64 to7.49. The result of filtration showed that the ceramic water filter incorporated with duckweed gave the best removal efficiency of contaminants within the maximum limit recommended by Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) and World Health Organisation (W.H.O*).
| 5 |
Author(s):
Chioma Nwakanma, Thompson Blessed, Hanson Hanson.
Page No : 62-83
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Assessment of Microplastics Physical and Chemical Property Concentration in Surface Stream Water of Uyo Metropolis
Abstract
Assessment of microplastics physical and chemical properties in surface stream water of Uyo metropolis was carried out at different stream locations within Uyo metropolis where waste plastics and microplastics are generated and disposed through runoff. Three stream water samples were used. GPS coordinates were taken, samples were taken accurately using volume bulk collection method into glass bottles and analyzed in the laboratory. A comparison approach was adopted with a control site to assess the level and concentration of microplastics physical and chemical properties present in the water surface. Water samples were collected, sieve to get the microplastic particles present and analyzed using standard procedures by Associations of Official Analytical Chemist and American Public Health Association. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range tests for mean separation. Correlation analysis was done to check the differences in parameter’s relationship. The mean value of the microplastic physical and chemical properties (proximate and ultimate analysis) ranges as follow Dominic Utuk and Uyo village road stream had %Carbon (12.67%-8.78%), Oxygen (83.89-21.67 %), Nitrogen (0.38-0.15%), Hydrogen (7.86-5.18 %), Sulfur (0.16-0.77 %) respectively. These were higher than the control site (3.22, 12.05, 0.05, 2.45, 0.03%). Ultimate assay for Dominic Utuk and Uyo village road stream recorded %Fixed carbon (19.85, 15.77), %ash (1.03, 2.09), %volatile matter (79.12, 82.14%), and %residual content (0.89, 0.71) higher than the control (4.23, 0.12, 17.15, 0.29%) respectively. Heavy metals and anions assessed showed that Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium, Arsenic and Chlorine and Bromine were higher in the two stream microplastic than that of the control site and WHO permissible limit for water. Correlation analysis shows a strong, positive and perfect relationship between some parameters measured. Contamination factor and pollution index also reveal possible contamination and pollution load these elements have which can affect negatively the water quality and marine organisms in it. The study therefore concludes that there is a huge negative impact of microplastics particles in the stream water of Uyo metropolis and therefore recommends a proper recycling, reuse and disposal method for plastic materials and microplastic substances in the environment.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Aju P. C., Aju J. A..
Page No : 84-93
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Mangrove Forests in Nigeria: Why Their Restoration, Rehabilitation and Conservation Matters
Abstract
Mangrove forests, those specialised group of plants that have adapted to living in the fringe of land between the sea and the land, along coasts and riverbanks where fresh and saltwater meet are found in only tropical and sub-tropical nations and territories. These forests representing less than 1% of all tropical forests and less than 0.4% of the total global forest estate, are among the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide numerous goods and environmental services, including many of the resources upon which coastal communities depend for their survival and livelihood. Although Nigeria has a sizeable contiguous mangrove forest ecosystem - the largest in Africa and the third-largest in the world – but this forest is presently facing a severe threat of decimation. Lack of awareness and understanding regarding the functions performed by an intact mangrove forest ecosystem by Nigerians is majorly responsible. As a way of arousing Nigerians’ consciousness to the vital need for mangrove forest conservation, this paper tried to highlight the crucial functions performed by an intact mangrove forest ecosystem. Nigerians will only be able to tap from the immense values inherent in the mangrove forest ecosystem with the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of mangrove forests in the country.
| 7 |
Author(s):
O. Omokheyeke, Vincent Danagogo Alame.
Page No : 94-97
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Water Lily (Nymphea odorata) as a Tool for Phytoremediation of Crude Oil Contaminated Waters
Abstract
Phytoremediation of oil-polluted fresh and marine aquatic environment using Nymphea odorata was studied. The aim was to ascertain the possibility of using the plants in the treatment of crude oil contaminated waters and the duration required for the restoration of the desired water quality. The experimental approach involved the exposure of the plants to varying concentrations of crude oil (500mg/l, 2500mg/l and 5000mg/l) under laboratory conditions. From the result, THC percentage reductions achieved were 80.25, 82.55 and 83.62 percent with 500mg/l, 2500mg/l and 5000mg/l of crude oil respectively, after six weeks of treatment with Nymphea odorata. The result therefore reveals that six weeks after contamination and exposure of Nymphea odorata, removal of the crude oil and the restoration of the desired water quality was achieved. This study has shown that Nymphea odorata has great potentials in enhancing phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated waters and the restoration of the water quality, without negative effects on the medium. Thus, Nymphea odorata can therefore serve as an agent of phytoremediation in crude oil contaminated waters.
