| 1 |
Author(s):
Eludoyin O.S., Komolafe B.O., Hardy T., Idisi B.E..
Page No : 1-22
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Awareness of the Impact of Urbanisation on Land Use Change in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Urbanisation is imminent especially in a city with high expectation of expanding due to its function as an administrative area in which Yenagoa is not exempted. This study therefore examined the knowledge and awareness of the residents on the impacts of urbanisation on land use change in Yenagoa Metropolis. Five hundred and sixty copies of the questionnaire were administered to elicit information on the perception of residents on the impacts of urbanisation on other land use types. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the data analysis in the study. Findings showed that the majority perceived that population increase, job opportunities and infrastructural developments are the major factors responsible for the development in Yenagoa while increases in the cost of living, poor standard of living, and increase in crime are the challenges of development in Yenagoa. However, 39% of respondents agreed that forest was the highest land cover in the past 20 years while 60.2% agreed that the built-up area was the highest at present land cover. They concluded that the public is adequately aware of the effects of urbanisation on other land use types and there were no designed ways of getting out of the problem. It is therefore recommended among others that a campaign against deforestation should be encouraged and sensitizing people on the effects of improper land use change should also be established and maintained.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Nnawugwu Nwawuike, Ifeoma Monica Nwawuike.
Page No : 23-34
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Investigating the Impact of Proximity to Dumpsite on Mercury and Arsenic Levels in Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of proximity to dumpsite on mercury and arsenic levels in cassava tubers and peels. A total of eight soil samples and eight plant samples were collected at 10 m and 20 m away from the dumpsite. Two soil and two plant samples each were collected from the east, west, south and north of the dumpsite. The samples were collected from a depth of 0 to 10 cm. Cassava tubers were collected very close to where the soil samples were obtained. The heavy metal in both soil and cassava tuber showed no significant difference (t < 0.05) except with that found on the cassava peel gotten from 20 m away from the dumpsite in both Hg (9.086 mg/kg) and As (0.600 mg/kg). The soil properties showed low to strong association with the heavy metal concentration in the soil and that in the cassava tubers and peels. pH had strong correlation with Hg (r = 0.616) and a weak correlation with the As (r = 0.137) in the cassava tuber. It was found that the BAF of Hg and As in the tuber and peel were all greater than 1. The BTF of cassava tuber of both Hg and As were above 1, which is an indication that there was an effective translocation of these metals to the cassava tuber from the cassava peel. This implies that cassava has the capability of a good bio-accumulator for Hg and As.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Sisanmi Samuel Aghomi, Okpoebi Kenneth Berezi.
Page No : 35-50
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Ecological Implications of Non-Standardized Crude Oil Refining Operation on Blue Carbon Resources in the Niger Delta
Abstract
This study, through a review of existing literature, investigates the implications of non-standardized refineries on the mangrove ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Niger Delta region is home to one of the largest blue carbon sinks and mangrove ecosystems in the world, providing important habitat for a diverse range of species and playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration. However, the presence of non-standardized refineries in the area has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts on the delicate ecosystem. These refineries often operate without regulations or oversight, leading to pollution of waterways, destruction of habitat for various species, and disruption of the natural food chain. This study examines the specific ways in which these non-standardized refineries are affecting the mangrove ecosystem and explores potential solutions to mitigate their negative effects. Findings from this study show that non-standardized refineries in the region are significant sources of pollution, leading to mangrove destruction. The study revealed the environmental issues, risks, and ecological significance of mangroves in the Niger Delta. The study emphasized the urgent need for better regulation and enforcement to protect these important mangrove habitats from further destruction. Finally, the study concluded that protecting the mangroves of the Niger Delta is essential for the overall health of the region.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Akpan Godwin Umoren , Nnata Imo Udo.
Page No : 51-60
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Effect of Crude Oil Contamination on Microbial Community Structure and Urease Activity in Coastal Plain Sands of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Petroleum pollution of soils is a major environmental problem. Soil microorganisms can decompose a significant fraction of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of crude oil contamination on microbial community structure and Urease activity. This experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2021 at the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, University of Uyo. The experiment was a pot experiment. Garden soil weighing 1.6kg was placed into five different plastic pots and the following quantities of crude oil dispensed into them: 0 (control), 4. 8, 16 and 24 ml representing 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 percent pollution levels. This was repeated in triplicates giving a total of 15 pots and placed in a screen house. Soil samples were collected from each pot on the 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after contamination (WAC). Soil samples were analyzed for bacterial, fungal and population, and urease activity. The results revealed that bacterial cell density decreased by one log order of magnitude from 2.67 x 107 cfu/g to 9.13 x 106 cfu/g soil in week 8. At 0.25 percent population level bacterial cell decreased from 2.38 x 107 in (week 2) to 4.02 x 106 cfu/g soil (week 8). At 0.5 percent pollution level, bacterial cell density decreased from 2.37 x 107 (week 2) to 1.46 x 107 cfu/g soil (week 8). At 1.0 percent pollution level bacterial cell density decreased from 2.30 x 107 (week 2) to 9.56 x 106 cfu/g soil (week 8) and at 1.50 percent pollution level bacterial cell density decreased from 2.21 x 107 (week 2) to 1.22 x 107 cfu/g soil (week 4), and there after rose to 3.16 x 107 (week 6) and then decreased to 8.0 x 106 cfu/g soil (week 8). A total of 16 bacterial genera were identified the most abundance was Bacillus subtilis (23.53%) followed by Micrococcus albus (18.83%), and Bacillus cereus. Unlike bacteria, fungal cells are seen to increase rather than decrease. The unpolluted soils had fungal cells density increased from 1.8 x 106 cfu/g soil (week 2) to 6.3 x 106 cfu/g (week 8). 0.25 percent pollution level had 1.17 x 106 (week 2) to 6.0 x 106 cfu/g soil. At 0.5 percent pollution level fungal cells density increased from 1.10 x 106 cfu/g to 7.03 x 106 cfu/g (week 6), and a slight decrease (6.0 x 106 cfu/g soil) week 8 and in 1.0 percent pollution level it increases from 9.33 x 105 cfu/g to 9.06 x 106 cfu/g. At the 1.5 percent pollution, increased by one log order of magnitude was observed (from 1.13 x 105 (week 2) to 6.03 x 106 cfu/g soil week 8). In this study, 16 fungal genera were identified, the most abundance was candida sp 20% followed by Mucor muccedo, 16.97%, and Penicillium notatium 12.73% Urease activity in all the treatment was not affected significantly. To degrade crude oil pollution in the soil, fungi should be used prominently for better results.
Keywords: Crude Oil, Contamination, Microbial Community, Coastal Plain Sands.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Davies Ibienebo Chris, Nkuene Gbenekanu. S, Geoge Awoteinm D. I..
Page No : 61-73
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Assessing Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Luubara Creek in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Abstract
Water quality and biodiversity impacts are influenced by the physical and chemical properties of water. An annual study was carried out in Luubara Creek, located in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, spanning from April 2022 to March 2023. Throughout the study period, the water temperature in Luubara Creek fluctuated between 24.50 and 30.20 ºC, with an average of 27.17±1.39 ºC. Noteworthy variations were observed among stations 1, 2, 3, and 4. Over the course of the investigation year, the pH levels in Luubara Creek ranged from 6.16 to 0.55, indicating a tendency towards neutrality or acidity. The PH levels at the four stations (Wiiyaakara, Luubara, Duboro, and Bane) gradually transitioned from acidic to neutral, except for Station 4 (Bane). The average dissolved oxygen content was 4.68±1.56 throughout the study, with a statistically significant difference observed at Station 4 (p˂0.05). The mean conductivity of the creek during the study was 27.69 s/cm. The total alkalinity of the creek ranged from 5.23 to 84.74, with a mean value of 11.60±1.01. Station 1 exhibited a total alkalinity mean of 14.13± 3.54, while stations two, three, and four showed values of 8.03±1.61, 7.52±1.81, and 17.21±7.39, respectively. Phosphate levels at Station 1 ranged from 0.05–0.25, whereas at Stations 2, 3, and 4, they varied from 0.01–0.24, 0.05–0.15, and 0.07–0.25. The nitrate concentration during the study period was 0.54±0.46, with Station 1 recording a mean of 0.62±0.10, and Stations 2, 3, and 4 showing values of 0.48±0.30, 0.51±0.48, and 0.55±0.38, respectively. Both phosphate and nitrate levels fell within the recommended range set by SON.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Okoror P. I., Amanze C. T..
Page No : 74-83
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Electrical Conductivity, Basic Cations and Organic Matter content of Soils under different Land use Practices in AkwaIbom State
Abstract
Variation in electrical conductivity, basic cations and organic matter content of soils can be influenced by land use practices, and these parameters may be affected by another. The study was conducted to ascertain the electrical conductivity (EC), basic cations and organic matter content of soils under varying land use types and to assess the relationship between electrical conductivity and the other parameters. The land use types were intensively cultivated farmland (ICF), natural forest (NF), oil palm plantation (OPP) and gmelina plantation (GP). Stratified random sampling technic was used in the collection of soil samples from the land use types. Three (3) replicates of bulk soil were collected for each land use giving a total of twelve (12) observational units. Soil samples were prepared and analyzed in a laboratory and data generated were subjected to analysis of variance, regression analysis and descriptive statistics. There was significant (P≤0.05) variation in the measured parameter among soils of the land use types. Soils under ICF, OPP, and GP had similar electrical conductivity of 0.08 (dS/m), while NF had 0.10 (dS/m). Organic matter (OM) content of 13.3 g/kg, 19.0 g/kg, 15.3 g/kg and 18.7 g/kg were observed under ICF, NF, OPP and GP, respectively. Exchangeable calcium at ICL was 2.33 cmol/kg; at NF it was 2.50 cmol/kg; at OPP, it was 2.40cmol/kg, and 1.93cmol/kg at GP. Exchangeable magnesium (Mg) was highest (1.07 cmol/kg) at ICL but lowest (0.93cmol/kg) at GP. Similarly, ICF had highest (1.73cmol/kg) and NF had lowest (0.04 cmol/kg) for exchangeable sodium. Calcium and magnesium had significant (P≤0.05) positive relationships with electrical conductivity, while organic matter and sodium had negative but non-significant relationship with electrical conductivity. The soils do not have salt problem and may not be prone to salinity in the future, meanwhile, organic matter input should be increased at the soil under intensively cultivated farmland.
| 7 |
Author(s):
G. O. Adunoye, K. Oladepo, I. Yinusa, D. E. Chibuogwu.
Page No : 84-92
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Effect of Lime on Bagasse Ash-Stabilised Expansive Soils
Abstract
Management of agricultural wastes and improvement of construction soils have become increasingly necessary for sustainable development. This study therefore stabilised selected expansive soils using bagasse ash (BA) and lime, with a view to determining the effect of lime on BA-stabilised soils. Two soil samples (identified as Sample A and Sample B) were collected from two identified locations characterised with expansive soils in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Using standard procedures, the following preliminary and geotechnical tests were conducted on the soil samples in their natural state: moisture content determination, particle size analysis, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). BA was then introduced to the soils in 5 %, 10 % and 15 % proportions by weight of dry soil. Thereafter, Atterberg limits and UCS tests were conducted on the BA-stabilised soils. Also 2.5 % lime was introduced to each proportion of BA earlier used. Atterberg limits and UCS tests were then conducted on the BA-lime stabilised soils. Results showed that the two soils in their natural state have high plasticity and they both belong to the A-2-7 group. For both BA and BA-lime stabilised soil samples, plasticity reduced with increase in the stabilisers, which implies an improvement in the soil properties. Also, UCS of both BA and BA-lime stabilised soil samples increased with optimum values at 10 % BA content. Expectedly, addition of lime increased the values of UCS for each combination of stabilisers. It was concluded that BA could be used to improve the properties of expansive soils and that the addition of certain proportions of lime does not have a negative impact on the stabilisation properties of BA, but rather improves it.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Anugwom Chinenye Georgina.
Page No : 93-104
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Climate Change and Mental Health (A Global Analysis).
Abstract
Climate change and its corresponding consequences have been recognized as one of the dominating issues of global concern. Many governments of various nations are currently making efforts to mitigate the undesirable consequences of climate change. The essay is focused on carrying out an analysis of the effect of climate change on mental health in the United Kingdom. The paper presented a methodological framework for the diverse and multiple channels by which climate change impacts on a person’s mental health. In connection with this, this methodological analysis led to the conceptualization of the variables that link or mediate the effect of climate change on human mental health and corresponding well-being. There was an exploration of evidence-based analysis of climate change modifies the variables that impact mental health; this will take care of the expression of the diverse pathways of effect. The essay recognizes that despite the mental health dangers and risks associated with climate change, adopting a strategic climate action can also be a window of opportunity to harness its impact and engage in proactive and preventable measures.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Raphael Oshiobugie Sado , Esther Ifeanyichukwu Oladejo, Johnbosco Ikenna Okafor .
Page No : 105-121
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Nigerian Land Resources and Conservation Strategies: A Critical Analysis of Economic and Non-Economic Issues
Abstract
Land is an indispensable resource for all of man’s activities, and being an asset with zero elasticity in its physical supply requires adequate sustainability and conservation. Over the years, various strategies have been generated and adopted to ensure conservative management of land resources. This paper examines Nigerian land resources and conservation strategies; critically analyzing the economic and non-economic issues. Land resources conservation in Nigeria indulge economic issues from agriculture, urbanization and industrialization which affect the availability and accessibility of land for various uses, while the non-economic issues from cultural, social, environmental factors and policies basically concerned with the determination and control of the use of land resources. These have to be considered with emanating challenges and surmounted to ensure land resources conservation for sustainability considering future generation. Policy makers, researchers and stakeholders in the environmental field have to work and operate in synergy, evaluating workable and favourable conservation strategies: Balancing economic and non-economic land related issues to achieve overcoming emanating issues, thereby sustaining the goal of Land resources conservation in Nigeria.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Ita-Nya E. P..
Page No : 122-132
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Comparative Assessment of Plant Species and Their Taxa Distribution between the Capital Cities of Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the comparative assessment of plant species and their taxa distribution between the Capital Cities of Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, Nigeria. The study established quadrats of 30mx200m along road (transects) in GRAs of Uyo City, Akwa Ibom State and Yenagoa City, Bayelsa State labelled as sampled sites and a quadrat of 100mx100m were established as control sites (secondary forest) at a minimum of 300m from the sampled sites. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. Findings revealed that that a total of 32 plant individual species types were found in the sampled sites in Uyo while a total of 16 plant individual species types belonging to 13 families were found in Yenagoa. Also, the 32 individual plant species found under the sampled sites belong to 20 families with Arecaceae and Moraceae having the highest species individuals in Uyo Town while 26 individual plant species were identified belonging to 19 families with Apocynaceae and Guthiferae producing the highest numbers of species individuals in Yenagoa. The study can be concluded that there was variation in the plant taxa between Akwa Ibom State and Yenagoa State as the plant composition in the Uyo is more than that of Yenagoa Town suggesting the influence of the level of urbanization and other anthropogenic activities. The study recommended that urban greening activities should commence immediately in the areas where there is short of plant composition.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Ibukun Rita Kola-Ajibade, Ajibola Emmanuel, Rotimi Jude Jegede, Olusola Augustine.
Page No : 133-147
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Assessment of Kidney Function and Lipid Profile in Albino Rats Exposed to Azo-Dye Adulterated Palm Oil.
Abstract
Food is an important factor in human existence which makes exposure to adulterants in food an important environmental factor challenging the biological system. In West Africa, the manufacturing and processing of palm oil are done without proper hygienic monitoring; it is therefore almost impossible to detect fraud in the system. A major disadvantage associated with the use of adulterants in palm oil is that the adulterants have not undergone adequate research and the degree of health hazards they can pose to humans when consumed. This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Azo dye adulterated palm oil on kidney function and Lipid profile in albino rats exposed to Azo-dye adulterated palm oil. Twenty-five albino rats were divided into five groups and treated as thus: Group I (control), Groups II and III were treated with only 1 ml/kg of unadulterated and adulterated palm oil respectively, while Groups IV and V were treated with only 50 mg/kg of Sudan III and IV dyes respectively for 28 days. Renal function tests, and lipid profiles were determined using analytical test kits. Data obtained were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by tukey test using Graph Pad prism 9.0.0. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Differences between means of treated and control groups values at P ≤ 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were considered significant. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in creatinine, urea concentrations, Sodium ion (Na+) and Potassium ion (K+) in groups treated with adulterated palm oil, Sudan III, Sudan IV (groups III, IV and V respectively) when compared with control groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and Triacylglycerol (TAG) was observed in treated groups when compared with control groups while a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in high density lipoprotein level (HDL) observed in treated groups when compared with the control group. This suggests that adulterated palm oil can induce renal damage and alter lipid profile.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Adejumo Saheed Adesanjo, Oyerinde Adeyemi Oloyede.
Page No : 148-164
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Heavy Metal Concentration Assessment of Surface and Groundwater in the Vicinity of Ajakanga Dumpsite, Oluyole, Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.
Abstract
Heavy metal levels in the surface and groundwater sources in the vicinity of Ajakanga dumpsite, Ibadan Nigeria was assessed for quality status evaluation of the water sources within the dumpsite environment for their domestics and industrial suitabilities. Thirty eight (38) water samples consisting of Twenty-three (23) from hand-dug wells, ten (10) from boreholes and five (5) from streams were collected around the dumpsites with strict adherence to the prescribed standard. The water samples collected were tested for the following Heavy metal contents; Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper(Cu) , Manganese(Mg), Zinc(Zn), Nickel(Ni), and Chromium(Cr) in the laboratory using computerized Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)model 210.The result were evaluated and compared with WHO, EU and NSDWQ water quality standards. The comparison reveals that 93%, 75%, 63%, 37% and 19% of water sampled are characterized respectively by Fe, Pb, Ni, Cd and Mg concentration higher than the WHO, EU and NSDWQ recommended standard permissible limits, indicating possible impact of dumpsite on the groundwater quality. The Zn concentration in about 42% of total samples is above the EU health based value but is well within the WHO and NSDWQ permissible limits for all samples as with those of Cu, Cr and Co. The alarming and unacceptable higher concentration recorded for Pb, Fe and Ni in the samples renders the water sources unfit in its present form for human consumption and some industrial usabilities .Hence an urgent need for standard treatment and well organized precautionary measures for use of the water sources in the environment of the dumpsite.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Ifeoma Monica Nwawuike, Nnawugwu Nwawuike, Faith Nkeiruka Chidimma, Austin Okwudili Okereke, Uchechi Isabella Asomugha, Eberechi Esther Eches.
Page No : 165-175
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Spatial Assessment of Some Selected Heavy Metals and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Open Dumpsites in Owerri North Nigeria.
Abstract
The rising demand for food and other essentials due to increase in urban population had perpetuate a rise in the amount of waste generated daily by each household. In this study, soil physicochemical parameters (pH, SOM, TN, Exchangeable bases of Ca, Mg, Na, K, CEC) and heavy metal (Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd) concentration in two dumpsites in Owerri North were assessed and compared with the control soils from the same terrain using standard analytical methods. The results show that the both the dumpsites and the control sites had high % sand (>80.0%) with lower clay and silt contents. Soil mean pH varied between 5.08±0.01 in the control of Nekede and 8.20±0.02 in the main dumpsite of Egbu. The SOM ranged from 0.619±0.57 to 2.410±0.85% with the Nekede dumpsite having clear variation of SOM with its control comparable to Egbu dumpsite SOM. Total nitrogen (N) content ranged from 0.112±0.08 to 0.196±0.08%. Available P ranged from 14.92±0.99 to 85.81±0.76 mg/kg. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) varied between 19.6±0.97 to 25.2±1.24 Cmol/kg. Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na, were far above the critical levels set by FAO for agricultural soil. Cu concentration ranged from 0.92±0.20 to 1.67±0.25. Pb was found in trace amount (<0.0001±0.01 mg/kg) in both dumpsites and control sites. Mean concentration of Cr in the dumpsite soils varied between 1.89±0.58 and 3.77±2.26 mg/kg in the two dumpsites, while Cd was found to be higher than the soil permissible limit. It ranges from 2.08±0.80 to 4.51±1.86 mg/kg. Conclusively, the concentrations of heavy metals studied in the soil were found to be lower than the maximum permissible limit except Cd. However, the dumpsite though high in soil nutrients and low in evaluated heavy metals might be unsafe for human consumption due to but high concentration of Cd in the study area.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Oyeronke Oyelakin , Aiyesanmi Ademola.
Page No : 176-190
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Effect of Lead and Chromium on the Toxicity of Glyphosate Herbicides to African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell 1822).
Abstract
There is a growing increase in pollution of the aquatic ecosystems with a wide range of chemicals including herbicides and heavy metals input through anthropogenic activities, leading to disruption of ecological balance. This study used a static toxicity bioassay to examine the interaction between heavy metals (Pb and Cr) and organophosphorus herbicides (analytical grade glyphosate, commercially formulated - Roundup and Forceup) on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus BURCHELL 1822). Lethal concentrations (LC50) for Roundup (RU), Forceup (FU), analytical grade glyphosate (AGG), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) were 17.23 mg/l, 4877 mg/l, 131.12 mg/l, 21.16 mg/l, and 74.82 mg/l respectively. In addition, fish exposed to varying concentration of chromium (5.0 mg/l and 7.5 mg/l) and lead (20 mg/l and 25 mg/l) with glyphosate (RU: 10 mg/l; FU: 4300 mg/l; and AGG: 100 mg/l) for 96 hours were examined for biochemical parameters. Blood plasma examined for liver and kidney profile indices showed that kidney functions’ parameters (protein, albumin, AST-aspartate aminotransferase, ALT-alanine aminotransferase and Bilirubin) and liver functions parameters (urea and creatinine) increased significantly (p<0.05) when
glyphosates combined with lead and chromium treated groups compared with the control group. This study therefore, showed that low concentrations of combined toxicants of glyphosates and heavy metals (Cr and Pb) will synergistically induce deleterious effects on the liver and kidney of Clarias gariepinus.
Keywords: Herbicides, Clarias gariepinus, toxicity, glyphosatees, heavy metals.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Babatunde Akeem Adesola.
Page No : 191-207
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Assessment of E-Land Administration in Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study evaluate the demand and supply of land parcels at the Federal Capital City Abuja, Nigeria from the 2006 and 2015; and as well ascertained the efficiency of service delivery of Abuja Geographic Information System which will help understand the reason of the short falls of the e-LA in the FCT. The primary data sources of this study is from stakeholders of land administration via questionnaire administration as well as data gathered from scheduled interviews to sample the opinion of staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), the agency in charge of Land Administration in the Abuja to determine the overall system of e-LA in the FCT, management of e-LA activities and the operations as well as knowing if the organizations saddled with the responsibility of e-LA have the required number of staff, recognizes the need for workers individuals to function properly through education and training programs and determine the overall vision, efficiency of their implementation of e-LA and the performance of the system in meeting the challenge of e-LA. The result of SWOT matrix of Abuja Geographic Information System revealed weaknesses of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) greater than its Strengths. Threats were greater than Opportunities, so it is easy to conclude that Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) has not managed e-LA in the FCT effectively and efficiently but it has managed to survive and cope with the management. As established from the study, Abuja Geographic Information System procedures do not engender equality and fairness
| 16 |
Author(s):
Unachukwu C. Anthonia, Ekwealor U. Kenneth, Okereke N. Chukwu, Nwakuche O. Adaugo.
Page No : 208-217
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Assessment of the Effects of Organic Manure Amendment of Watershed Soils in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Campus.
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the effects of different manure concentrations as an amendment strategy on the soil productivity of the two watersheds in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka campus using Telfairia occidentalis as a test crop. Two watersheds in Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Awka were sampled for the study, each watershed consists of head (where the water is flowing from) and tail (the out flow area of water). An area of 600m2 (30m x 20m) was mapped out in each watershed, random sampling methods was used in the study. The soil sample were collected separately from both the head and tail of each watershed, using potting polytene bags which were later transported to a screenhouse where different concentrations of cow dung, poultry manure and then inorganic fertilizer (as standard) was applied to the different soil samples collected from both the upper (head) and lower (tail) of the two watersheds. Each bag containing different manure concentration has two replicates, with a total of 64 bags in all the treatments. Then fluted pumpkin seed was planted on each bag of the soil and monitored for early seedling growth and other the morphometric parameters The study revealed that cow dung manure performed better in almost all the parameters measured; leaf length, leaf breadth, stem height, stem girth and number of leaves. This better performance of cow dung may be as a result of difference in their C/N ratios as well as difference in nutrients composition.
| 17 |
Author(s):
Mustapha Sulaiman, Habib Muhammad Usman, Ma'aruf Abdulmumin Muhammad, Mustapha Abdullahi, Shehu Habibu, Madaniyyu Sulaiman Yahaya, Sani Ado Umar, Inuwa Musa Idris.
Page No : 218-228
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Sustainable Technique for Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Seed Oil Extraction: Optimization and Characterization
Abstract
N-hexane is a solvent that is frequently used in oil extraction processes. But there is enough data to demonstrate this solvent's harmful nature. In this study, the Soxhlet process was utilized to extract neem seed oil from neem seeds using a greener petroleum ether. We looked into how the temperature (25–125 °C) and time variation (30–50 min) affected the extraction process. When the temperature is held constant, it indicates a high yield (57.08%) at 150 minutes and a maximum yield (52%) at 125°C when the duration is held constant. An examination of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids' makeup was done using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The result of the GC-MS showed a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (58.82%), which are important because they may provide health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Alkaloids, coumarins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids are all present, with the exception of tannins, according to the phytochemical analysis. This implies that the oil may have therapeutic value. The extracted oil exhibits the following characteristics: 3.53% moisture content, 1.70 mg KOH/g acid value, 0.81 density (g/cm3), 31.60 viscosity (mm2/s), 268 mg KOH/g saponification value, 3.71% ash content, and 119.8 mg I2/100g iodine value. These figures illustrate the oil's potential for use in a variety of multi-industrial applications and are compliant with ASTM standards.
| 18 |
Author(s):
Ma'aruf Abdulmumin Muhammad, Mustapha Sulaiman, Giriraj Tailor, Muhammad Nasir Sulaiman, Habib Muhammad Usman.
Page No : 229-252
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Sustainable Synthesis Strategies: Biofabrication’s Impact on Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles.
Abstract
Conventional techniques of nanoparticle synthesis present various obstacles, including dangerous substances, significant energy usage, and prohibitively expensive costs. Furthermore, their reliance on toxic solvents restricts their usage in essential biomedical applications, while also generating significant waste and environmental dangers, limiting scalability and industrial practicality. Green synthesis, on the other hand, provides a more environmentally friendly alternative by using non-toxic solvents, reducing waste, and improving biocompatibility. With the growing interest in nanoparticle applications, researchers are stepping up their efforts to investigate metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. This review examines numerous green fabrication processes, identifying the most promising strategies for synthesis and characterization. Furthermore, it examines the broad range of applications for biofabricated metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, emphasizing the extraordinary potential of copper-based and other metallic nanoparticles in medicine and predicting their future effect.
| 19 |
Author(s):
Egbon I. I., Okorie T. G., Imade O. S.
Page No : 253-271
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Seasonal Survey of Bacterial Species and their Bioremediation Potentials in Leachates from a Nigerian Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite.
Abstract
Myriads of microorganisms present in dumpsite leachates produce varieties of extracellular enzymes that can degrade toxic compounds to innocuous products. The present study involved a seasonal survey of bacterial species and their bioremediation potentials in leachate from the Ikueniro open solid waste dumpsite situated in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Bacterial isolation and enumeration of the leachate samples was carried out using pour plate technique. Phenotypic techniques and 16S rRNA gene analysis identified the bacterial isolates. The bacterial mastermix for bioremediation of the leachate consisted of a consortium of bacterial strains isolated from leachate discharging from the Ikhueniro dumpsite. The bioremediation efficiency of the leachate was deduced by measurement of heavy metals and other chemical analytes using standard methods prescribed by the American Public Health Association. The bacterial species isolated from Ikueniro dumpsite such as Bacillus licheniformis strain EGBON & OKORIE 103 and Klebsiella aerogenes strain EGBON & OKORIE 108 were deposited in the United States NCBI GenBank. A consortium of these bacterial strains served as inocula for the bioremediation setup. A huge removal of ammonia from the leachate was observed during the 28-day bioremediation experiment, amounting to a mean bioremediation efficiency of 80.65%. The removal of the heavy metals from the raw leachate by the bacterial mastermix in increasing order was as follows: nickel<copper<zinc<lead<iron<cadmium<arsenic<mercury. Bioremediation of the leachate using indigenous bacteria promises to be an effective tool for management of toxicants from leachates of open solid waste dumpsites.
