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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
