| 1 |
Author(s):
Ernest Othieno Odwori.
Page No : 1-16
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Covid-19: Environmental Considerations for Water Resources Management
Abstract
The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide has resulted into countries implementing drastic measures such as imposing lockdowns, travel restrictions, slow down on economic activities, maintaining social distancing etc. These actions have considerably enhanced environmental quality and water resources management on the short-term basis, but on the other hand, it has also had adverse consequences on the environment and water resources management due to the large amounts of SARS-CoV-2-infected medical and domestic waste generated and the lack of initiatives to recycle medical waste in fear of the risk to spread COVID-19 to the people associated with recycling. This paper examines the environmental effects of COVID-19 on water resources management broadly. The study presents a unique opportunity to observe and understand how the environment reacts to sharp reductions in anthropogenic activities. Efforts made to control the spread of COVID-19 have increased water demand and impacted water resources both positively and negatively leading to additional challenges in water resources planning and management. There is an urgent need for interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers studying water and the new challenges faced in this era of COVID-19.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Tunde O. T. Imoobe, Igiogbe Aganmwonyi, Emmanuel T. Ogbomida.
Page No : 17-26
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Impact of Locally Refined Diesel on Macroinvertebrate Community of Ekehuan and Gelegele River, Edo State
Abstract
This study was carried out between April 2013 and January 2014 to investigate the impact of locally refined diesel on the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrate fauna in Ekehuan and Gelegele Rivers in Edo State. Water and macroinvertebrate samples were collected from three sampling points in the study area. The water samples collected were analysed for total hydrocarbon concentration (THC) among other environmental parameters like air and surface water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). While, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Water and Air Temperatures were significantly lower at sampling station 1, THC was considerably higher at the same sampling station 1. A total of 16 species comprising 510 individuals were encountered in this study. The class of macroinvertebrates encountered in this study were Class Insecta, Malacostraca, Phasmidea, Oligochaeta and Gastropoda. The diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates were significantly (P<0.01) lower at sampling station 1 than at the other sampling stations 2 and 3, which were themselves very similar with respect to species diversity and composition. There was a high correlation between the abundance of macroinvertebrates and the level of hydrocarbon in the water. Therefore, it is evident that the presence of locally refined diesel has significantly reduced the diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Anyiam Ifeoma Vivian, Ariyo Adenike Bosede.
Page No : 27-38
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Antibacterial Activity of Different Toothpastes and Chewing Sticks on Selected Bacteria Isolated from the Oral Cavity
Abstract
The present study assessed the antibacterial efficacy of different toothpastes and chewing sticks purchased from a local market in Yenagoa, on selected bacteria isolated from the oral cavity. 100 oral specimens were collected from the primary school pupils of Community Primary School Otuoke, Bayelsa State. The specimens were analyzed by culture, biochemical test and agar well diffusion. Phytochemical and antibacterial properties of ethanol, and aqueous extracts of the chewing sticks were investigated in this study. The bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Serratia marcescens. The highest bacterial isolate seen was E. coli, 27 (45%) while the lowest was Serratia marcescens, 2 (3.3%). The highest occurring bacterial isolates based on sex was seen in females with 32 (53.5%) while the least in male with 28 (46.7%). The age group with the highest bacterial isolate was 3–6years with 36 (60%) while the least was 11–14yaers with 8 (13.3%). Preliminary phytochemical screening of the chewing stick extracts revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids and terpenes in Salvadora persica, and saponins, terpenes and glycosides were present in Massularia acuminata. The toothpastes (Close up and Oral-B) showed antibacterial activity (p<0.05) against all the bacterial isolates; however, no significant activity was observed for Close up on E. coli. The ethanol extracts of both chewing sticks (M. acuminata and S. persica) showed antibacterial activity (p<0.05) against the bacterial isolates than the aqueous extracts. However, the aqueous extracts of S. persica were shown to be effective against E. coli and S. mutans, with inhibition zones of 13.5mm at 62.5mg/ml concentration and 4.5mm at 125mg/ml concentration respectively; this showed significant difference (p<0.05), whereas no significant zone of inhibition was observed for M. acuminata. In comparison, this study showed Oral-B proved more effective than Close up, while for the chewing sticks, S. persica exhibited the greater antibacterial activity. Also, the toothpastes showed more effective antibacterial properties than the chewing sticks.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Michael Adetope Aladese , Juliana Okwena Pondei.
Page No : 39-58
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Physicochemical and Bacteriological Properties of Surface Waters from two Localities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of surface waters from Bori and Okoli’ile towns in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 360 brackish water samples were collected from January to December, 2019 from the two localities. Samples were subjected to physicochemical, trace elements and bacteriological examinations. Isolated colonies from microbiological examinations were subjected to further biochemical and physiological characterization. The result showed pH mean values were higher in the month of January to March, a period where rainfall is less frequent (dry months). Similar trend of occurrence was observed in the monthly mean values of temperature (0C) and salinity (mg/L). Most of the physicochemical indices of water quality measurement recorded average values exceeding the stipulated acceptable environmental tolerance limits by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The microbiological examinations showed lower monthly mean values of total heterotrophic count, total coliforms and faecal coliforms counts during the wet months with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) when compared to the average values obtained in the dry months. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed high relationship between total heterotrophic count and faecal coliforms, an indication of increase in human wastes into aquatic environments leading to higher bacterial population within the waterbody, which could be a predisposing factor for epidemic. It is recommended that local and regional governments should enforce appropriate measures to encourage personal and community practice of hygiene.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Juliana Okwena Pondei, Adenike Bosede Ariyo.
Page No : 59-70
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Bacterial Composition of Biofilms of a Local Tigernut Drink Processing Unit in Yenagoa, Nigeria
Abstract
Microorganisms grow and form biofilms on surfaces of equipment employed in food processing. These biofilms are considered as the major sources of contamination in the food industry. The study determined the bacterial load and composition on surfaces of equipment and utensils employed in tigernut drink production, from a vendor with a production unit located in an open market in Yenagoa, Nigeria. Swabs were taken from different sampling points made of varying materials—the grinding machine (metal), the collection bowls, water storage containers (thick plastic) and retail bottles (light plastic). These were analysed for total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) and bacterial diversity using standard procedures. The THBC of water used in the drink production was also determined. The THBC of the sampling points ranged from log 3.28±0.06 cfu/cm2 to log 5.18±0.05 cfu/cm2, and log 5.13±0.07 cfu/ml for the water sample. The grinder and water recorded higher bacterial load with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The retail bottles had the least bacterial count. Shigella spp. were the most isolated (27.451%), then Salmonella spp. (21.568%) and E. coli (15.686%). Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Vibrio spp. were the least isolated (11.765% each). Shigella and Salmonella species occurred at all sampling points but not on the retail bottles. E. coli was present in the water collection bowls and retail bottles while Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Vibrio were found only in the retail bottles. On diversity, four bacterial genera (39.216%) were isolated from the retail bottles, three (25.490%) from the water storage containers and two (17.647%) from the grinder and collection bowls. The microorganisms possibly had preference for attachment to the surfaces based on the material makeup and nutrient availability. Their occurrence and high numbers reflect the low level of hygiene employed prior to drink production. This could be of public health concern.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Tamunotonye Kalio, Miebaka Moslen, Ikem Kris Eloka Ekweozor.
Page No : 71-82
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Intertidal Polychaetes as Indicators of Pollution Resulting from Anthropogenic Activities along the Okpoka Creek, Upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria
Abstract
The Okpoka river and the Amadi creek are tributaries of the upper bonny estuary. The study is aimed at identifying the intertidal polychaete species and their abundance in these areas, and using them as indicators of pollution. Three stations were sampled for 6 months on a monthly basis at Marine Base, Abuloma and Kalio-Ama. Results gotten from Water samples collected from intertidal pools are as follows; Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD) (3.31-4.0)mg/l,, Dissolved Oxygen(DO) (6.40-6.44)mg/l, Conductivity (22.69-25.89)ms/cm, Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) (11.34-12.96)PPT, Salinity (13.65-15.74)PPT, pH (6.58-6.86), Turbidity (45.41-75.11)NTU, Temperature (28.30-31.82)oC, Nitrate(NO3) (2.11-4.10)mg/l, Phosphate(PO4) (0.82-1.10)mg/l, Sulphate(SO4,) (7.51-15.38)mg/l and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon(TPH) (0.03-0.13)mg/l. The values of NO3, pH, Conductivity, TDS, Salinity showed significance in location and time. PO4 was significantly different between locations (p<0.05). BOD, SO4, TPH and DO showed significance in time while Turbidity and Temperature showed no significance. Results gotten from Analysis done for sediment nutrient parameters such as NO3(15.50-26.40)mg/l and PO4(13.32-15.90)mg/l showed significant variations in location and time, TPH(21.93-34.71)mg/l showed significant variations in location and SO4(15.85-19.71)mg/l had no significance in both location and time. Polychaete family and species identified in this study include: Eunicidae (Lumbrinereis aciculata, Lumbrinereis californiensis), Syllidae (Syllis ramosa, Syllis gracillis, Syllis armata), Capitellidae (Capitella Capitata), Spionidae, Glyceridae and Nereidae (Nereis diversicolor). The dry season witnessed a high number of polychaetes, about 65% of the total number of polychaetes collected from all study locations, while the wet season experienced a low count of about 34% of the total polychaetes collected from all sampled stations. The presence of lumbrinereis sp indicates negatively a poor benthic condition which was present with 25.8% abundance. The high abundance of Nereis sp with 45% abundance indicates heavy metals pollution and the presence of Glycera sp with 4% percentage abundance and Syllid sp with 15.6% percentage abundance indicates unpolluted conditions. In conclusion the abundance and diversity of polychaetes in Marine base, Abuloma and Kalio Ama were generally poor. This is evident by the poor abundance, composition and diversity of benthic fauna of the study area.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Buhari Maidamma, Buhari Samaila.
Page No : 83-90
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Review on Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for Adult Patients Undergoing Chest and Abdomen Computed Tomography Scan in Northern Nigeria
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) scan procedure has become a higher radiation dose that contributes to all medical x-ray procedures in the radiological department. Many researches in the world suggested that computed tomography presents a small fraction (5%) of the total procedures performed but contributes 34% of annual radiation doses in all medical x-ray procedures. Likewise, other investigations reported that computed tomography presents 17% of the total number of procedures performed worldwide but contributes 49% of the annual collective doses in all medical x-ray procedures. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a diagnostic reference level for adults that undergo chest and abdomen CT scan examinations in northern Nigeria, using the research for this region and comparing with international values to see if better optimization protocol is being practiced, since diagnostic reference levels are part of the ways of optimizing a dose in CT procedure. Based on this review, the results obtained for DRLs for the chest are 17.25mGy for CTDIvol and 735mGy.cm for DLP, while the results for the abdomen are 19.25mGy and 1670.75mGy.cm for CTDIvol and DLP respectively. Therefore, all the DRLs’ values reviewed are higher than the international values compared except CTDIvol of ICRP 2007 publications. There is an urgent need for an upgrade in CT technology. Optimization of protocols, including exposure and technical parameter selection, should help reduce dose variations in the northern part of Nigeria.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ohemeng-Parker Nana Yaa (MD), Chukwuyem Abejegah.
Page No : 91-110
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Spatial Distribution and Knowledge of Lassa Fever Epidemic Among Patients Presented for Treatment in Owo Between 2018-2020
Abstract
Lassa fever outbreaks are known to occur during the dry season (November to April), however, in recent years, cases have also occurred during the rainy season. The study therefore examined the Spatio-temporal pattern and knowledge of Lassa fever epidemics in Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria, 2018-2020. This study adopted a combination of hospital case review and a cross-sectional survey research design. Population for the quantitative aspect was a hospital of 301 individuals addressed for the cluster analyses and 407 treated patients for the questionnaire survey in Owo LGA. A validated questionnaire and data extraction form was used to collect the quantitative data. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test was 0.881. Data was analyzed using Google-Earth Pro, SaTScan and SPSS 27.0 (inferential and descriptive). The result showed that Ehin-Ogbe Street, Aruwajoye street and Oke-Dogbon street as the highest cluster locations of cases of Lassa Fever in Owo LGA. There is a peak period of Lassa fever cases in the dry season, from November to February. 45.7% had an average level of knowledge of Lassa Fever. The most statistically significant cluster (p – 0.00048) in space and time occurred in April 2019. This was at the peri-urban area proximal to Ilale-Osijogun (Idasen) villages and environs. This occurred after an earlier significant outbreak precisely a year earlier in May 2018 at Iyere sub-urban area of Owo city. The largest outbreak subsequently occurred over a 5-month period (August-December 2020). This may be a combination of community transmission, after the two-initial human-animal (zoonotic) transmission phase of 2018-2019. The study recommends primary prevention of rodent-borne diseases can be achieved by avoiding contact with rodents. In improving human behavioural changes, health education strategies should encourage clearing up of bushes, heaps of firewood and rubble around homes as these serve as shelter for rodents. Government should provide adequate supply of PPE for both urban and rural health facilities to assure there are no shortages at the facilities
| 9 |
Author(s):
Eze Karen Chidera, Olugasa Babasola (Ph.D).
Page No : 111-130
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Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Practice Influencing the Occurrence of Malaria in Households of Peri-Urban Communities in Abuja
Abstract
Malaria is unique among diseases because its roots lie so deep within human communities. Malaria is a threat to more than 40% of the world's population. The role of household residents and communities cannot be overemphasized. The study examined the knowledge, attitude and practice influencing the occurrence of malaria in households of Peri-Urban Communities in Abuja. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research that is guided by the Health Belief Model using quantitative methods of data collection. The study employed a multi-staged sampling technique to select 414 households in Abaji and Kuje peri-urban communities in Abuja. However, 385 household residents of peri-urban communities participated in the study. Research questions and hypotheses were formulated and were tested using the SPSS version 27 to compute descriptive and inferential statistics which were tested at a 5% level of confidence. Majority of respondents 47.5% are above the age of 36years with the mean age of 47.1± 19.8. findings revealed that 59.9% of the residents had good level of knowledge of malaria among households residents in peri-urban communities in Abuja mean of 16.3 ± 4.07, 46.7% of the households residents had good level of attitude towards malaria prevention in the peri-urban communities in Abuja 21.9 ±Std. Dev = 2.96 more than forty percent of the participants had a good level of practice of malaria prevention among households residents of peri-urban communities in Abuja Mean 21.9±. .96. From the test of hypothesis, the first hypothesis showed there was a significant relationship between knowledge level of households and attitude towards occurrence of Malaria in Peri Urban Communities in Abuja (R=0.803, p< 0.000). The second hypothesis indicated that there was a significant relationship between demographic characteristics (Age, marital status, family type, level of education and religion) and attitude towards the occurrence of Malaria in Peri Urban Communities in Abuja (p< 0.000) The third hypothesis showed that both perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers was significant predictor of knowledge of malaria occurrence among household residents of Peri-Urban communities. The calculated R Square and p-value for perceived susceptibility and barriers is: 0.716 which signifies 71.6% contribution to knowledge of occurrence of malaria among household residents of Peri-Urban communities (p=0.000) In conclusion, the study established that there was a good level of knowledge and attitude about malaria while there was high perceived seriousness of malaria while there was low level of perceived barrier toward malaria. It is therefore important for a development of social, communication and behavior change on prevention of malaria occurrence among household residents in communities. Government should also provide malaria prevention tools like ITN, drugs and vaccination for residents of peri-urban communities.
