| 1 |
Author(s):
Izunobi Lucy Chinomso, Nnodu Valeria Chinedu, Okoye Chinedu Oguejiofo, Ukah Chinomso.
Page No : 1-11
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Particle Size Characteristics, Levels of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in sediments of major waterbodies in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria.
Abstract
Chemical composition of aquatic habitats, including the concentration of chemical contaminants at the aquatic sediments is of great concern to the quality of aquatic environment. A study was carried out to assess variability in particle size distribution (PSD), concentrations of heavy metals (HM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across major water bodies in Owerri Municipal. Stratified random sampling technic was employed; the two rivers put together were stratified into eight (8) sampling stations (SS) comprising of three (3) locations along Nworie River (SS1-3) and five (5) locations along Otamiri River (SS4-8). Samples were collected in triplicates. Samples were analyzed in a laboratory, and data generated were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance using SPSS version 23. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % probability level. Results revealed that the sediments vary in PSD; the highest amount of sand (71.8 %), silt (77.6 %), and clay (62.7 %) were observed at SS1, SS4, and SS3, respectively, while the lowest percentage of sand (6.5 %) and clay (20.1 %) were observed at SS3 and (SS1 and 8), respectively. The concentrations of the HM and PAHs varied significantly (P≤0.05); the highest mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and PAHs were observed at SS4, SS1, SS3, SS1, SS3, SS6, SS1, SS8, and SS1, respectively. Among the various sampling stations, SS1 had the greatest ecological hazard potential to the aquatic ecosystem. Regular monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies are required to reduce pollution and safeguard the environment.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Otobo Ifiemi Theresa, Inengite Azibaola Kesiye.
Page No : 12-22
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Characterization of Hydrochemical Facies of Groundwater in Tombia Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The study of hydrochemical facies is particularly relevant in coastal and deltaic environments, where aquifers are shallow, hydraulically connected to surface water systems, and vulnerable to contamination. The absence of a comprehensive facies-based assessment for the study area represents a critical knowledge gap. This study investigated the geochemical characteristics and determined the hydrochemical facies of groundwater in Tombia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing water quality, identifying dominant geochemical processes, and evaluating potential contamination risks. Five groundwater samples were collected from boreholes across the community and analyzed for physicochemical properties, major cations and anions, using standard analytical techniques and results were subjected to statistical analysis. Piper’s trilinear diagram was employed for the hydrochemical facies classification. Results show pH values (6.35–6.95), indicating slightly acidic conditions, likely influenced by organic matter decomposition and acid sulphate soils. Major ion chemistry is dominated by Ca²⁺ (0.391–1.657 mg/L) and HCO₃⁻ (40.0–90.0 mg/L), with ionic dominance sequences of Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻ for cation and anions respectively, reflecting carbonate weathering and rainfall recharge as primary geochemical controls. Piper’s trilinear diagram revealed that 80% of samples fall within the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ facies, characteristic of recently recharged, fresh groundwater, while 20% lie in the mixed Ca–Mg–Cl field, indicating minor ion-exchange processes. The study concludes that while groundwater in the study area remains geochemically fresh and suitable for agriculture and domestic use based on major ion chemistry, slightly acidic groundwater conditions may enhance contaminant mobility. These findings underscore the need for regular monitoring, improved waste management, water treatment interventions, and policy actions to ensure safe and sustainable groundwater use in the Niger Delta region.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Bose Omolara Bandele, Adewale Rufai Adedokun.
Page No : 23-37
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Partnership Structures, Performance and Influencing Factors in Estate Surveying and Valuation Practice: Evidence from Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study examines the Partnership Structures, Performance and Influencing Factors in Estate Surveying and Valuation Practice: Evidence from Ibadan, focusing on the study—profile of estate surveying and valuation firms, partnership structures, and factors influencing the impact of partnership structures on estate surveying and valuation firms. Data was collected from 125 Estate Surveying and Valuation firms listed in the 2024 NIESV Oyo Branch directory using structured questionnaires. Findings reveal that the sector is dominated by young firms, with most established within the last 5–10 years and practitioners having 1–10 years of experience, primarily operating as sole proprietorships (92.5%). Partnership structures include general partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and joint ventures where joint ventures stand out as a significant alternative to sole proprietorship with (Mean = 4.13, Rank 2) and general partnerships (Mean = 1.80, Rank 6). Client satisfaction is the most important factor influenced by partnership structures, with a mean score of 3.50. Over 62% of the respondents rated it as either “very impactful” or “impactful.” Teamwork and collaboration, alongside the availability of skilled professionals, both scored 3.25, placing them in second place. Notably, expansion of the client base (Rank 6, Mean = 2.92) and firm growth (Rank 7, Mean = 2.89) scored slightly lower; this suggests that although these factors are important, they are viewed as having longer-term outcomes reliant on consistently high client satisfaction and effective team performance. Service delivery quality (Rank 8, Mean = 2.86) and capacity to manage large projects (Rank 9, Mean = 2.75) received the lowest scores possibly reflecting the current prevalence of small-scale firms that are better equipped for personalized services than larger operations. Overall, the results indicate that within the Ibadan market, partnership structures influence performance primarily through effective client relationship management, skilled teamwork, and resource availability rather than through other factors.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Uchenna Oyeagu, Chinenye B. Aruah, Rufus O. Animashaun, Chidimma P. Onyeka.
Page No : 38-50
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Evaluation of Ligninolytic Enzymes Producing Aspergillus Aculeatinus B2819 for β-Lactam Antibiotics Bioremediation Potentials.
Abstract
A large quantity of antibiotics is consumed annually by humans and animals, generating corresponding antibiotic waste, primarily through feces and urine. The accumulation of antibiotic waste in the environment poses measurable health threats to humans and the environment. The biological method for removing antibiotic waste has been regarded as safe and environmentally friendly. β-Lactam antibiotics were used to simulate potato dextrose agar (PDA) to isolate fungi from sewage sludge. The fungal isolates were morphologically identified and screened for laccase and manganese peroxidase using Yeast extract dextrose – Copper sulphate (YPD – Cu) and Czapek-Dox media, respectively. The best fungal isolate was molecularly characterised. Thereafter, the removal efficiency of β-lactam antibiotics was assessed, and antibiotic residues were quantified by gas chromatography. The results showed varying morphological features among six fungal isolates (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6). Isolate A4 recorded the peak result (0.493 ± 0.0590 U/mL and 18.43 ± 2.5 U/mL) in both laccase and manganese peroxidase, respectively. Sample A4 was molecularly identified as Aspergillus aculeatinus B2819 and showed good remediation capacity of selected β-Lactam antibiotics (penicillin G, oxacillin, moxalactam, nocardicins, ampicillin and thienamycins). The percentage uptake of β-lactam antibiotics decreased as the initial antibiotic concentration increased from 0.042 mg/mL to 0.167 mg/mL. Although ampicillin was recorded as the most remediated antibiotic with 78.8 %, Aspergillus aculeatinus B2819 also gave outstanding antibiotic removal of penicillin G (76 %) and oxacillin (74 %). In summary, sewage was identified as a reservoir for β-lactam antibiotic-degrading fungi with improved laccase and manganese peroxidase production.
