| 1 |
Author(s):
Yakubu D.D., Yakubu H..
Page No : 1-5
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Shea-Butter a Nutritional Value in Relation to Analytic Extraction by Evaluation and Standardization of Polysaccharides for Domestic Use
Abstract
A nutritional value in relation to analytic extraction by evaluation and standardization of polysaccharide (Shea-butter) for domestic use was carried out. Indeed, this butter, which is an extract from the Shea-nuts, has a lot of nutritional value contained in it. Questionnaires were employed on the community around on the process they adopt in the extraction of this butter. Thus, that same method was used for this research work but with some analytic modification for the purposes of obtaining better and more reliable results. The method employed in the extraction of this oil was by crushing, grinding and boiling of the paste. The experimental designed was used in the analysis of this research work and from the analysis shows that Shea-butter contained Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Proteins, Fats and Oils. The oil can be used for domestic purposes and also medicinal as it is known for relieving sprain constipation etc. Based on the nutritional & medicinal value of this Shea-butter, it can be processed and exported in commercial quantity to earn a good living to this community and even to the State and the Country at large.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Dennis D. Yakubu , Daniel A. Paul.
Page No : 6-11
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Biological Weapons a Global Threat: A Sustainable Approach for Early Identification
Abstract
This study looks at the current threat posed by the biological agents and their sustainable early identification and awareness strategies. These biological agents are inexpensive to make, relatively easy to transport and can resist detection by standard security systems. There are 70 different types of microorganisms that can be used as biological weapons, but only 20-30% of the diseases they cause can be treated, which is the current global trend/ manipulation of warfare by terrorist. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorized these agents as A, B, or C, depending on the risk these agents pose to the national security, some of the diseases caused by these agents include; Anthrax, Smallpox, Plaque, Tularemia, Viral haemorrhagic fever. Despite the treaty acceded to, by 165 countries as of 2011, most states alleged to have or being interested in these weapons for war today. Although biological weapons have been a feature of international relations since the early twentieth century, the past decades have seen fears about them increasing with each passing year. As result of this, there should be a deliberate action by the world powers to put in place sustainable approach of checks and rapid respond to such eventuality by employing the services of forensics and other experts in the field.
| 3 |
Author(s):
A.S. Uzoekwe, T.O. Ikpesu.
Page No : 12-22
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Execrable Condition of Urban Rivers with References to Organochlorine Pesticide and Polychlorobiphenyl in Ogba River, Benin City Nigeria
Abstract
The levels of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) and polychlorobiphenyl (PCBs) residues in water and sediments of Ogba River Benin, Nigeria were investigated. The water and sediments samples were collected on monthly basis from April 2017 to March 2018 and analyzed using a gas chromatograph fitted with an election capture detector. The surface water revealed the following pesticides and their ranges in (ng/l) 8.15 – 19.90 (HCH), 24.77 – 44.90 (chlordane), 7.82-20.00 (DDT), 35.87- 98.80 (endrin), 8.90 -33.60 (dieldrin), 36.55 -77.40 (endosulfan) and 150.00 – 547.00(PCBs). Seasonally, the persistent organic pollutants in the surface water were; wet season; (in ng/l), PCBs (415 ± 5.90) endrin (82 ± 2.30), endosulfan (62 ± 2.10) , chlordane (32 ± 1.90) , dieldrin (24 ± 1.12), DDTs (14.80 ± 1.40) , HCHs (15.40 ± 0.60); dry season (in ng/l), ), PCBs (398 ± 7.10) endrin (72 ± 1.40), endosulfan (46 ± 1.40) , chlordane (23 ± 1.20) , dieldrin (18 ± 0.32), DDTs (11.20 ± 0.70) , HCHs (12.10 ± 0.20). The OCPs in the bottom sediment had the following concentrations; (µg/kg) 7.62 – 39.99 (HCH), 13.62 – 149.00 (chlordane), 47.36 – 58.55 (DDT), 16.32 -112.20 (endrin), 54.93-99.20 (diedrin), 4.19 – 97.62 (endosulfan) and 440.00 – 701. 00 (PCBs) The sediments seasonal variation were; wet (in µg/kg); PCBs (645 ± 8.40 ), chlordane (132 ± 3.40), endosulfan (92 ± 0.90), dieldrin (86 ± 2.62), DDT(51± 1.50), HCHs (28 ± 0.70); dry PCBs (580 ± 9.10 ), chlordane (13 ± 1.20), endosulfan (81 ± 0.50), dieldrin (68 ± 1.02), DDT(45±0.30), HCHs (21 ± 0.20).The OCPs and PCBs were below the values established by the regulatory bodies. Though, the pesticides had low concentration in the River at that point in time it has little or no effect on the biota. Although, if not monitored over the years, it can cause harm to the environment, bioaccumulate and biomagnifies along the food chain.
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Author(s):
Samaila Muazu Batagarawa, Sada Lawal.
Page No : 23-30
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Calotropis procera as a Bioindicator of Heavy Metals Pollution in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina Nigeria
Abstract
Bio-accumulation of some heavy metals was evaluated by using Calotropis procera as bioindicator plant in Katsina Metropolis. Calotropis procera, was identified and selected as a bioindicator for its availability in sub-Saharan Africa. The leaf samples were collected to assess the characteristics of accumulation and tolerance of Lead, Iron, Cadmium, Copper and Zinc in the plant. Samples were collected from five different locations (along major highways, residential and industrial areas in Katsina metropolis) by random selection. The samples were brought to the laboratory washed with deionised water, digested and analysed for Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu and Zn. The results show high concentration in some sampling sites especially at residential areas. The relative abundance of metals in the leaves follow the sequence: copper (30.91µgg-1) > iron (21.18 µgg-1)> cadmium (20.00 µgg-1)> Lead (18.86)>Zinc (5.56). The levels of Zn in all the sampling sites were below the FAO/WHO recommended limits for metals in plants. High concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe and Cd in all the samples indicate that the plant has the ability to accumulate such toxic metals and hence can be used as a bioindicator of heavy metals pollution in the study area.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Danjibo Nathaniel D., Adeoye Adesoji E., Ojo Oladayo S..
Page No : 31-47
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The Relationship Between Flooding and Food Security in Kogi State
Abstract
Climate change had contributed negatively to food security and posed high threats to the human survival in Kogi State, Nigerian. This paper investigated relationship between flood and food security as well as response mechanism adopted by different stakeholders. A case study survey design was utilized using stratified sampling technique among 4,170 respondents from eight local government areas in Kogi State: findings revealed that causes of flooding in the state were heavy rainfall, water released from Lagdo dam in the Republic of Cameroon, soil excavation, lack of drainage and indiscriminate waste disposal. Meanwhile, the overall impact of flood on farming communities was highly disastrous. It was concluded that flood disaster remains a huge challenge to food security in Kogi State and government should relocate the flood impacted communities to areas that are less disaster prone and promote sensitization programmes.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Elizabeth Diamond Kamara, Pius Mbuya Nina, Lavine Awino Ochieng.
Page No : 48-57
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Effects of Oil and Gas Exploration in Murchison Falls National Park on Wildlife Resources
Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of oil and gas exploration on wildlife in the Albertine Rift biodiversity hotspots within Murchison falls National Park. We surveyed wild animals based on sightings along four well pad sites, which were selected for the study. The key variables include excavation activities, road construction, vehicle movements, land cover changes and spatial distribution of wild animals in the park during and after restoration. The number and species of wildlife sighted were recorded for each well pad site, and location coordinates marked using hand held GPS receiver. Data analysis describe frequency distribution of animal sightings and also compare mean population differences between sites, using SPSS version 16.0 for windows. The results show that oil and gas exploration caused land cover change, which in turn influenced the distribution of wild animals. Population mean of wild animals in the oil exploration sites was significantly lower than undisturbed sites within the National Park. Since oil and gas exploration is at the initial stages and will continue for some more years, a comprehensive understanding of likely ecological and environmental consequences might provide new insights and guide monitoring planning.
