Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Contamination of the Surface Water and Sediments of Orashi River, Engenni, Ahoada West, Rivers State, Nigeria

The level of contamination of Orashi River by total petroleum hydrocarbons were investigated through the collection of surface water samples and sediment samples from four locations along the river. Determination of the level of contamination was done with the use of gas chromatography-flame ionization detector after following laid down clean-up procedures. The results obtained showed that total petroleum hydrocarbons in the surface water were 10.913±2.2022mg/L, 7.645±2.683mg/L, 9.074±2.1654mg/L and 12.212±3.3034mg/L for stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively with a mean value of 9.961±2.5885mg/L, while in the sediment samples concentration values recorded were 22.3925±5.2104mg/Kg, 35.1071±9.9652mg/Kg, 50.4431±15.9916mg/Kg and 29.3869±8.0410mg/Kg for stations 1, 2 3 and 4 respectively with a mean value of 34.3324±9.8021mg/Kg. The partition coefficient calculations revealed that the sediment phase is more stable for total petroleum hydrocarbons as compared to the water phase. The analysis of the randomly collected samples revealed that total petroleum hydrocarbons have contaminated the river and therefore adequate steps should be taken to remedy the present condition of the Orashi River in order to mitigate any probable rise in the quantity of total petroleum hydrocarbons in the river above allowable limit.

Some Physicochemical Properties of Soils from Three Steel Welding and Fabrication Workshops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Some physicochemical properties were assessed in soils within steel welding and fabrication workshops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was carried out between May to November, 2020. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard conventional methods of analysis to ascertain the different levels of the selected physicochemical parameters in the studied environment. The results obtained within the months revealed that pH average range was between 6.8±0.08-7.1±0.05, the electrical conductivity average range was between 65.25±0.83-76±0.71µs/cm, percentage organic carbon was within average range of 0.396±0.001-0.525±0.001%, percentage soil organic matter was in the average range of 0.682±0.002-0.904±0.002% and for particle size analysis, percentage sand was in the average range of 75±0.71-79±0.71%, percentage clay was in the average range 9.25±0.83-11±0.71% and percentage silt was in the average range 10.75±0.43-14±0.71% for the Egbelu, Elioparanwo and Saint John soils respectively. Observation from the nature of occurrence of the physicochemical parameters in the steel-welding and fabrication workshops showed that that the steel-welding and fabrication has not yet influenced the level of the physicochemical parameters in the soils studied.

Mineralization Characterization of Psammitic Rocks in Efon-Alaaye and Environs using Remote Sensing and Field Studies

This paper analyses remotely sensed data over a part of the Psammitic Rocks in Efon-Alaaye and Environs to elucidate its geology and structural framework as well as delineate the potential zones of mineralization. The study area belongs to the Precambrian Basement Complex terrain of Southwestern Nigeria and lies within the eastern unit of the Ilesha schist belt. The lithologic units comprise schistose quartzites, quartz schists, quartz-mica-schists, and granitic gneisses. Landsat 8 satellite imagery and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission imagery (SRTM), both of path 190 and row 055, were used for the purpose of this study. A total of 138 lineaments of total length of 147.948 Km, were automatically extracted from both data. Rose diagram showed that the lineaments are bi-directional, with major lineaments trending NE-SW, E-W and the subsidiary ones in the NW-SE direction. These lineaments are mostly mapped on the schistose quartzites. Also, N-S trending faults were mapped from the Digital Elevation Model map generated from the SRTM data which was confirmed to be reverse fault based on field studies. The mineral alteration map generated revealed signatures of gold, iron oxides and silica minerals, while the mineralization potential map was done with reference to established geological settings of the area in conjunction with the structural elements such as folds, faults, joints and fractures mapped and measured on the field. These structures are typical of gold mineralization and associated metallic minerals in the Ilesha schist belt. This study also confirmed that mineralization in the study area is structurally controlled and type of mineralization is epigenetic in nature as a result of favorable ground preparation.

Tree Diversity, Biomass and Carbon Stock in Quartz Mined Area of Bilikal Hillock, hunasaekatte, Bhadravathi, Karnataka, South India

To learn about the abandoned mined area tree diversity, aboveground biomass and carbon stock a study was conducted in quartz mined Bilikal hillock area which is geographically adjacent to Umbalebylu 8 km to Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and 10 km of Kuvempu University. In the present study 0.14ha (350 m×4m) transect, we recorded 1527 individuals comprising 22 families among them Papilionaceae with 6 genera and 7 species, Combretaceae with 2 genera and 4 species followed by Rubiaceae with 3 genera and 3 species and Apocynaceae with 2 genera and 3 species. Based on girth class assessment nearly 1564 individuals comprising 1-10 cm had 559 individuals, the basal area was more within the girth class of 40-50 cm. But aboveground biomass and carbon stock were highest within the girth class of 20-30 cm. varying with species structure and girth class were a disturbed forest patch, the species composition needs management and restoration to retain the biodiversity intact to provide a niche for other co-species.

Assessment of Photosynthetic Pigments and Dust Load in Selected Avenue Plants of Saharanpur and Herbertpur Areas of India

The paper depicts impact of SO2, NO2, ozone and CO in chosen road plants of Saharanpur and Herbertpur regions in Indian dominion. Plant species falling in and around the area of modern territory and street side were chosen for examining purpose. Different morphological attributes and impact of business and vehicular residue on chlorophyll shade were contemplated and noticed the impact of residue molecule on development of the plant species (Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica). In the examination the impacts of residue on chosen tree species was noticed and which will help in overseeing advancement of green belt to lessen the air contamination in the investigation area. Treatment with dust fundamentally expanded the fixation on leaves and the impacts were more extreme in significant degree of residue medicines. Contrasted with control, chlorophyll and porphyrin in substance were essentially diminished in the residue treated gatherings. This investigation propounds that business and vehicular residue statements affect photosynthetic shades, with broad impacts on development and improvement of plant.

Design Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Visual and Noise Pollution in Urban Areas

Noise and visual pollution are major arising pollution in the world. These types of pollution cause negative impacts on the inhabitants of the inbuilt environment or on the outside communities. Visual pollution affects the overall wellbeing of the community and retards quality of life. Moreover, noise pollution arises mainly from transportation, construction, industrialization and electronic equipment or tools. This study was carried out to mitigate the noise and visual pollution by proposing basic design strategies that can be applicable anywhere. Proper town and building planning could be a better option with noise tolerant buildings and noise barriers. In addition, building designs and selection of suitable construction materials also have to be considered in mitigating noise and visual pollution. However, it is mainly the responsibility of the decision makers of the society to make the development look and feel better as well as of the designers and planners to implement proper methods to ensure that the community fits the regulations.