scholarly journals Nutrient Status of Leachates from Selected Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Author(s):  
Iyama, William Azuka ◽  
Boisa Ndokiari ◽  
N. Maduelosi, Jane

This study was carried out to determine the levels of available nutrient parameters present in leachates from some selected dumpsites in Port Harcourt metropolis. Leachates from the 3-selected dumpsites were analyzed and compared with the seasons, controls and established standards using descriptive and analytical designs. Integrated samples were collected during both wet and dry seasons and analyzed for NO3- PO43- , SO42- and NH4+. The use of 2-way ANOVA, t-test and mean variation were applied to explain trend and seasonal variations. The results showed that there was no significant difference in temporal dimension (seasonally) but there was a high level of spatial variation (stations) in most measured parameters. Though some of the parameters were relatively low compared to standard limits; the study revealed that these dumpsites remain major polluting and nutrient enriching sources to the ecosystem. In order to reclaim these dumpsites from acute contamination, government at all levels should ensure the introduction of active remediation processes alongside physico-chemical methods which can ameliorate the effects of pollution in the environment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-643
Author(s):  
M.M. Ogunbambo

Smoke-drying Clarias gariepinus (catfish) provides animal protein and a source of livelihood in Lagos, Nigeria. Changes occurring to seasonal and mineral compositions of smoke-dried catfish using local Traditional Drum Kiln (TDK) and a newly constructed Eco-Friendly Kiln (EFK) fitted with a flame, drying and electronic components was carried out in this study. The smoke-drying process was carried out in both wet and dry seasons and smoke-dried catfish samples stored at ambient and adjusted refrigerated temperatures of 28 and 4 0C. The smoke-drying procedure was  standardized at 60 - 80 0C and kiln lasted 24 ± 3 hours. Moisture content results showed a significant difference when the catfish samples were smoke-dried using TDK and EFK and stored in ambient and controlled temperatures in both wet and dry seasons while crude protein, lipid, ash and crude fibre values were significantly different when stored only in dry season. Mineral elements phosphorus, sodium, copper, magnesium and iron showed a significant difference when stored at both temperatures and seasons using both kilns. Mineral elements were found to be most stable in smoke-dried catfish samples when stored at controlled temperatures. This work proved that standardizing smoke-drying process using both kilns resulted in good quality smoke-dried catfish but showed that higher biochemical values were obtained when EFK is used. Key words: Nigeria, Smoke-drying Kilns, Seasons, Ambient, Controlled Temperatures


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kehinde Sowunmi ◽  
Soyebo Titilayo ◽  
Lukman Sowunmi

Abstract Wetlands are carriers of metals and organic pollutants from natural and anthropogenic sources. Studies have shown that sediments are sinks for these pollutants as they carry more than 99% of the total amount of metals which are released as soluble metals into the Lagoon. The University of Lagos, located at Akoka North eastern part of Yaba in Lagos Mainland runs along a highly industrialized and residential area. This paper reports the total metal concentrations in wetland and sediment and their seasonal variations. Wetland and sediment samples were collected for two seasons in 8 sampling sites. Results showed wetland data having lower concentrations of metals as compared to sediments. Wet season had higher concentrations of metals as compared to other season. Total concentrations in wetlands were Cd (1.0-6.0), Cu (1.0-11.0), Cr (0.3-82.7), Zn (2.7-65.0) and Pb (0.3-16.0) all in μg L-1 respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the wet and dry seasons for sediments. Cd was the only metal at acceptable levels while Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations all exceeded levels deemed acceptable by the SABS and the EPA. Therefore, the wetland is in poor health.


Author(s):  
D. K. Nkeeh ◽  
A. I. Hart ◽  
E. S. Erondu ◽  
N. Zabbey

Water plays a key role in the survival, growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms. Therefore maintaining good quality of water physico-chemical parameters would ensure optimum productivity of aquatic fauna. The study evaluated water physical and chemical parameters (temperature, hydrogen ion concentration (pH), conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of Bodo Creek. Sample was collected for 5 months (July 2020 – November 2020) at locations previously studied (before-spill baseline studies, 3 years, 5 years, and 7 years after-spill); by using the sampling methods used in previous studies. Spatially, there was no statistically significant difference in temperature (p > 0.05 = 0.997), pH (p > 0.05 = 0.496), DO (p > 0.05= 0.34) and BOD (p > 0.05 = 0.644). However, the difference in conductivity between the stations was statistically significant (p < 0.05 = 0.006). On monthly basis, there was a significant difference in temperature (p < 0.05 = 0.000) and pH (p < 0.05 = 0.005). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in conductivity (p > 0.05 = 0.633), DO (p > 0.05 = 0.559) and BOD (p > 0.05 = 0.75). Most of the physico-chemical parameters were not within the WHO recommended levels for the survival of aquatic lives, indicating a high level of environmental pollution in Bodo Creek. This study provides dataset for future evaluation of the water physico-chemistry of Bodo Creek.


BMC Zoology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yibelu Yitayih ◽  
Dessalegn Ejigu ◽  
Misganaw Mola

Abstract Background Human-monkey conflict exists in different forms all over the world and is experienced more in developing countries. The conflict between human and grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) ranks among the main threats to biodiversity conservation and has become frequent and severe in different parts of Africa. A study on population size and human-grivet monkey conflict in Zegie Peninsula was carried out from August 2019 to March 2020; the study comprised both the wet and dry seasons. The line transect method was used to collect data on the population size of grivet monkeys. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to study the human-grivet monkey conflict and its conservation status. Results The estimated population of grivets in the study area was 5046. Population structure of grivets indicated that there were 637 adult males, 1246 adult females, 1839 juveniles, and 1324 infants. The number of grivets in different habitat was; 1925 grivets in agricultural area, 1568 in lakeshore, 988 in forest and 565 grivets in shrub. Grivet population estimate between the wet and dry seasons did not show significant differences (χ2 = 0.941, df = 1, p > 0.05). But there was a significant difference in the population estimate of grivets among the different habitats (χ2 = 239.135, df = 3, p < 0.05 and among their age/sex (χ2 = 504.102, df = 3, p < 0.05. Based on the questionnaire result the most problematic crop pests in the area were grivet monkeys (96.4%), bush pigs (52.3%), porcupine (46.3%) and squirrels cover (33.2%). The result of discussions held with focus groups and questionnaires in the study area showed that grivet monkeys damage crops (98.4%), chicken depredation (49.5%), steal and snatch human food (32%), disturbing communities (11.3%) in the area. Most (62%) of the respondents noted that guava is the most vulnerable crop followed by papaya, mango, avocado to be damaged by grivet monkeys. Conclusion The total number of grivet monkey in the study area is 5046. The number of grivet monkeys varies based on their sex/age and their habitat type. There is no significant difference in their number according to season since the movement of grivets is restricted to the area (there is no migration in the area). The increasing population number leads the occurrence of human grivet monkey conflict in the area and this inversely affects grivet monkeys. There was a human-grivet monkey conflict in the Peninsula and grivets damaged crops, not only crops but also predating poultry, stealing eggs, and human food. Consequently, grivets were killed in response to the damage they caused to crops. Grivet’s habitat in the Peninsula is highly disturbed because the local people cut trees for sale to support their livelihood. Awareness creation of the residents about wildlife and their habitat is necessary, and people should understand the impact of deforestation, illegal hunting, and the role of grivets in the ecosystem at large. Hence there is a need to protect the forest in order to ensure sustainable conservation of biodiversity in general and grivet monkeys in particular.


2021 ◽  
Vol 015 (02) ◽  
pp. 049-058
Author(s):  
Samuel Olorunyomi Oninla ◽  
Michael Olaniyan Onigbinde ◽  
Akinyemi Olaleye Fadugbagbe ◽  
Emmanuel Olaseinde Bello ◽  
Omolayo Adebukola Olubosede

Objective: This study set out to assess sex differences and seasonal variations in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (PID) admissions. Methods: One year retrospective study of PID admissions was conducted among children aged one month to 15 years. Relevant information retrieved from patients’ hospital records were dates of admission and discharge, age, sex, final PID diagnoses and outcome. Results: Of 1,035 patients’ records assessed, 603 (58.3%) were males and 432 (41.7%) females (p<0.001). Males in ages 1-12 and 13-59 months contributed largely to the gender difference. Over the 12 months period, PID admissions mean was 86.25±21.92, with rainy and dry seasons means of 92.57±20.7 and 77.4±20.9, respectively (p<0.001). Ages 13-19, 60-119 and ≥120 months had significantly higher admissions mean during the rainy season (p<0.001 in each group), while higher admissions occurred among ages 1-12months in dry season (p<0.001). Top six PID managed were malaria, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, septicemia, meningitis and typhoid, and males had higher incidence in all except for typhoid, with only malaria having significant difference (p<0.001). Malaria, septicemia and typhoid incidence were higher significantly during the rainy season, while gastroenteritis occurred more in the dry season. Overall fatality rate was 4.6%; females and males rates were 6.3% and 3.5%, respectively (p=0.661). Rainy and dry seasons mortality means were 5±1.77 and 2.6±0.8, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Male children were more vulnerable to PID, with significant higher malaria incidence among them than females. PID incidence and mortality were significantly higher during the rainy season than dry. Malaria and gastroenteritis occurred significantly in rainy and dry seasons, respectively.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yibelu Yitayih ◽  
Dessalegn Ejigu ◽  
Misganaw Mola

Abstract Background: Grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) is an Old World monkey with long white tufts of hair along the sides of the face. They inhabit a wide range of habitat types. A study on population size and human-grivet monkey conflict in Zegie Peninsula was carried out from August 2019 to March 2020; the study comprised both the wet and dry seasons. The line transect method was used to collect data on the population size of grivet monkeys. Questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to study the human-grivet monkey conflict and its conservation status. Results: The estimated population of grivets in the study area was 4808. Population structure of grivets indicated that there were 634 adult males, 1236 adult females, 1733 juveniles, and 1205 infants. Grivet population estimate between the wet and dry seasons did not show significant differences (ᵡ2 = 0.938, df = 1, p > 0.05). But there was a significant difference in the population estimate of grivets among the different habitats (ᵡ2 = 238.295, df = 3, p < 0.05).Conclusion: There was a human-grivet monkey conflict in the Peninsula and grivets were damaged crops, not only crops but also predating poultry, steal an egg, and human food. Consequently, grivets were killed in response to the damage they cause to crops. Grivet’s habitat in the Peninsula is highly disturbed because the local people cut trees for sale to support their livelihood. Awareness creation of the residents about wildlife and their habitat is necessary, and people should understand the impact of deforestation, illegal hunting, and the role of grivets in the ecosystem at large. Hence there is a need to protect the forest in order to ensure sustainable conservation of biodiversity in general and grivet monkeys in particular.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zufei Xiao ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Yi Zhao ◽  
Keqing Xiao ◽  
Qinglin Chen ◽  
...  

Urbanization and seasonality strongly influence the bacterial composition of the soil. However, aquatic environments such as rivers are understudied owing to their high dynamics and therefore rules relating to more static habitats such as lentic or terrestrial environments may be limited. Here, we compared the spatiotemporal patterns of bacterioplankton communities in the Zhangxi river along a gradient of urbanization using 16S ribosomal DNA identification. The alpha and beta diversity of bacterioplankton showed no significant response to watershed urbanization. A significant difference in predicted functional profiles of the bacterioplankton community was also revealed between the wet and dry seasons. The bacterioplankton community assembly was driven by both deterministic and stochastic processes. Stochasticity was one of the most vital processes affecting the bacterioplankton communities in both wet and dry seasons, explaining over 50% variation in the community by the null model analysis. Bacterioplankton co-occurrence patterns in the river changed with the seasons. More notably, the composition of bacterioplankton communities was inconsistent with alternations of the spatial distance offering meaningful implications for interactions between zero-radius operational taxonomic units and the dynamics of the bacterioplankton communities in surface water. In summary, we found clear patterns of seasonal variations in the bacterioplankton community structures.


2001 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 943-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boonsom Bussaban ◽  
Saisamorn Lumyong ◽  
Pipob Lumyong ◽  
Eric HC McKenzie ◽  
Kevin D Hyde

Endophytic fungi were isolated from apparently healthy organs of the wild ginger Amomum siamense Criab., including leaves, pseudostems, and rhizomes, collected from two sites in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Thailand. Endophytes were relatively common with an isolate prevalence of 70%–83% at the two sites sampled in the wet and dry seasons. The endophyte assemblages from the two sites were diverse and comprised 7 Ascomycetes and 26 mitosporic fungi. Colletotrichum "gloeosporioides" (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. in Penz., Glomerella spp., xylariaceous fungi, and Phomopsis spp. were consistently dominant as endophytes on Amomum siamense, but many rare species and mycelia sterilia were also recorded. There was no significant difference between the number of isolates recovered from leaves containing vein tissues and those containing intervein tissues, independent of leaf age. Most taxa showed a preference for either leaf tissue or pseudostems. Two new Ascomycetes species, Gaeumannomyces amomi and Leiosphaerella amomi, were discovered from leaves and rhizomes, respectively, and four species of Pyricularia, including three new species, were isolated from leaves.Key words: Zingiberaceae endophytes, isolate prevalence, tissue specificity, seasonal effects.


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