| 1 |
Author(s):
Izunobi Lucy Chinomso, Nnodu Valeria Chinedu, Okoye Chinedu Oguejiofo, Ukah Chinomso.
Page No : 1-14
|
Bioavailability Dynamics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment of Two confluenced Tropical Rivers in West Africa.
Abstract
The presence of heavy metal in the sediments of tropical rivers is a significant hazard to the ecological quality and human health; however, the relationships of the biomagnification of metals have not been sufficiently investigated in urban West African environments. The current study determined the bioavailability and ecological risk of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se) in Nworie and Otamiri Rivers sediments, Nigeria. The BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to determine concentrations and distribution among four fractions (F1 -F4 ). The Risk Characterization used the Risk Ranking Index (RAC), the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) and principal component analysis (PCA) supported the process of source apportionment. Findings showed that there was a strong spatial and temporal heterogeneity. The potentially bioavailable factions (F1 + F2 + F3) had maximums downstream at sites affected by urban activity cadmium at 1.95 mg/kg (81 %, SS5), lead at 5.81 mg/kg (72% SS7), and nickel at 5.37 mg/kg (100% SS7). The RAC more than 30% on cadmium showed increased mobility, and enhanced PERI (maximum of 285) on SS5 induced mainly by cadmium (E:241). The PCA revealed that 78% of the variance was explained, PC1 (54 %) linked cadmium and lead and nickel with anthropogenic urban runoff, and PC2 (24%) related geogenic iron and manganese with the remaining fraction F4. The Nworie and Otamiri river systems has a significantly high ecological risk. More studies focusing on the organization of fraction F3 and the following bioaccumulation mechanisms should be suggested to optimize the risk management approaches in this urban-tropical nexus.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Patricia Onyemowo Abah, Freeman Aye-Agele, Ibrahim Aishatu Ogiri.
Page No : 15-29
|
Navigating the Energy Trilemma in Nigeria: Energy Price Inflation, Energy Consumption, and Economic Growth.
Abstract
With the energy price risen in Nigeria and the domestic economy disruptions. This paper explores how energy inflation inferences both individual consumption behaviour and nation economic performance . Using Auto-regressive distribution lag (ARDL), the study revealed that energy price inflation poses a significant challenge; as it undermines consumer purchasing power and business productivity, and ultimately stifling economic growth. Energy consumption, though showed moderate effect on GDP, implies that simply increasing energy use may not be sufficient to spur economic progress, unless accompanied by efficient energy management and infrastructure development. The study therefore, recommended that Nigeria should focus on enhancing trade openness, stabilizing energy prices, investing in energy efficiency, and ensure that government spending is channeled towards energy sustainable development.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Authority O. A. U. (Ph.D.).
Page No : 30-46
|
Flatulence (Farting) as Sound: Acoustic and Cultural Perspectives in Art and Performance.
Abstract
Flatulence, commonly dismissed as comedic or inappropriate, remains largely unexplored within scholarly sound studies. This research addresses the gap by examining flatulence as a structured sonic event with cultural and performative significance. Grounded in acoustemology, spectro-morphology, semiotic musicology, and phenomenology of the body (Merleau-Ponty), the study employs acoustic profiling, cultural semiotic analysis, and performance inquiry to investigate its musical relevance. Using anonymised recordings, spectrograms, and comparative sonic techniques, the study identifies measurable acoustic features akin to extended instrumental gestures. Cultural analysis reveals flatulence as a socially coded sound shaped by humour, taboo, and symbolic regulation. Performance findings highlight its embodied nature and potential for artistic disruption. The study concludes that flatulence is a legitimate sonic material with implications for sound art, ethnomusicology, and decolonial performance practice. By reframing a marginalised sound, the research expands the boundaries of musical inquiry and invites deeper engagement with everyday sonic phenomena.
