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Comparative geochemical evaluation of toxic metals pollution and bacterial communities of industrial effluent tributary and a receiving estuary in Nigeria
Get PDFToxic metals/metalloid contaminations of estuarine sediments due to compromised tributaries arouse significant interest in studying bacterial community that triggers natural attenuation processes. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and Hakanson potential ecological risk index (RI) as a sum of risk factors (Er) were used to quantify toxic metal/metalloid-pollution status of Lagos Lagoon (2W) and ‘Iya-Alaro’ tributary (4W) sediments in comparison with pristine ‘Lekki Conservation Centre’ sediment (L1-B). Bacteriology of the ecosystems was based on culture-independent analyses using pyrosequencing. 2W and 4W were extremely contaminated with mercury (Igeo > 7), whereas, cadmium contamination was only observed in 4W. The two ecosystems were polluted with toxic metal based on PLI, where mercury (Er = 2900 and 1900 for 4W and 2W, respectively) posed very high ecological risks. Molecular fingerprinting revealed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteria predominately contributed the 20 most abundant genera in the two ecosystems. The 240 and 310 species present in 2W and 4W, respectively, but absent in L1-B, thrive under the metal concentrations in the polluted hydrosphere. Whereas, the 58,000 species missing in 2W and 4W but found in L1-B would serve as indicators for systems impacted with metal eco-toxicity. Despite toxic metal pollution of the ecosystems understudied, bacterial communities play vital roles in self-recovery processes occurring in the hydrosphere
Genetic diversity of antibiotic and plant extract resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospitalized patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of antibiotics and plants extract resistant
Staphylococcus aureus using molecular technique. A total of 106 human clinical samples were
collected from patients in three different hospitals within Ekiti State. Microbiological and molecular
analyses were performed using standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test with common
antibiotics and plant leaves extracts was carried out using disk and agar well diffusion methods. Urine
samples from male patients recorded a high percentage of S. aureus (57.1%) as compared to female
patients (43.1%). Percentage of S. aureus recorded from the ear swab samples in male patients (58.3%)
was also high as compared to the female (41.7%). From the nose swab samples, female patients
recorded 60% as compared to their male counterparts (40%). Equal percentage (50%) of wound infection
caused by S. aureus was observed in both male and female patients. Of the eight antibiotics used in
this study, the S. aureus isolated were susceptible to ofloxacin (25 to 36 mm), gentamycin (16 to 23 mm)
and erythromycin (11 to 25 mm). All the isolates confirmed resistance to ceftaxidime and cloxacillin.
Nine isolates were susceptible to cefuroxime with zones of inhibition that ranged from 10 to 25 mm,
while 11 were susceptible to ceftriaxone with zone of inhibition between 11 and 20 mm. Only one isolate
was sensitive to augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) with zone of inhibition of 20 mm. Out of three plant
extracts used in this study, aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa demonstrated highest
antibacterial activity on the test isolates with zone of inhibition of 16 to 36 mm followed by Mangifera
indica with inhibition ranging from 11 to 32 mm, while least inhibition ranging from 11 to 20 mm was
exhibited by Acalypha wikesiena. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) proved to be useful as
genetic markers in determining genetic diversity among antibiotic and plant extract resistant S. aureu
Ornithology and conservation activities in Elizade University: promoting bird and habitat conservation in Nigeria
Get PDFOrnithology has a strong impact on the effective conservation of biological diversity; and,
the protection of birds and their habitats extend refuge to other species. Although birds
have been an integral component of the environment, there is limited public understanding
of this bird-environmental relationship and the
need for its sustainability. An effective way to
sustain this relationship can be through the engagement and integration of the general public
including individual, groups, communities, academic institutions and government and nongovernment institutions, in ornithological activities. This enhances individual understanding of the ecological values of birds, help mitigate non-sustainable human threats to birds,
and motivate environmental friendly consciousness. Field training, building capacity,
conservation education and awareness creation
in ornithology and related fields are usually
fundamental steps in this approach; and scientists need to acknowledge the significance of
this aspect of their research activities. At the
Department of Biological Sciences Elizade
University, part of our research activities focused on the conservation and ecology of
birds. The objectives are to assess and monitor
bird abundance and diversity within the forest
and surrounding habitats; embark on conservation education to create awareness for birds
and habitats protection and; train individuals
and students in ornithology and conservation
research skills
Information Access for Rural Women in Nigeria
Get PDFAdequate access and effective use of information is succinctly linked to sustainable development and empowerment of rural women. Analysis of the situation reveals that Nigerian rural women face marginalization as far as information access is concerned. This chapter identified some channels and preferred sources of information for the rural women with their inherent challenges. Some implications were also discussed ranging from exploitation and trafficking of women, inability to access and harness agriculture and health information, credit facilities and government programs. Some challenges of information provision to rural women as identified include lack of basic infrastructure, poverty, illiteracy, culture, and religion. The study recommended some strategies for improvement as regards quality access to information: establishment of vibrant public libraries in rural areas, continuous research on information seeking behaviour of rural women, information repackaging, provision of adult educational centres. The chapter concluded that neglect of rural women can only portend dange
Incidence of heavy metals in feathers of birds in a human‐ impacted forest, south‐west Nigeria
Get PDFHazardous wastes and heavy metal are detrimental to all life forms
(Dixit et al., 2015; Sharma, Katnoria, Kaur, & Nagpal, 2015). Organic
forms of heavy metals such as mercury and lead can accumulate in
living tissues; the health implication ranges from low immunocom‐
petence, failed reproduction to high mortality in a number of taxa
(Falq et al., 2011; Fritsch et al., 2010; Hollamby et al., 2004; Kerby,
Richards‐Hrdlicka, Storfer, & Skelly, 2010; Scheifler et al., 2006; Webb
& Leake, 2006). Unprecedented levels of heavy metals and their neg‐
ative role in biodiversity loss and habitat degradation pose major eco‐
logical concerns (Ayangbenro & Babalola, 2017; Kibria, 2016; Sharma
et al., 2015). Despite this fact, less attention is focused on monitoring
the levels and impact of heavy metals in the western part of Nigeria.
Birds are promising biomonitoring species for heavy metals and
xenobiotic based on their use in nondestructive avian matrices, for ex‐
ample feather, blood and egg; and bioavailability, and biotransference
in dose‐dependent responses (Becker, 2003; Furness & Greenwood,
1993; Roux & Marra, 2007; Swaileh & Sansur, 2006). Also, as feathers
grow in birds, heavy metals are sequestered in the sulfhydryl group of
the keratin; the metal residues remained resistant to change in older
feather as blood supply stops (Burger, 1993). We investigated the inci‐
dence of heavy metals in passerine birds inhabiting a human‐impacted
forest in Ilara‐Mokin, south‐west Nigeria.Rufford Foundatio
INCESSANT POWER SUPPLY IN NIGERIA AND THE NEED FOR THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF 100,000MW POWER PLANT
Get PDFThis work entails study the causes, nature and effects of faults on the distribution network; evaluate the occurrence of faults and outages on feeders and distribution networks, and determine the reliability of the network.The present unreliable and erratic power supply is a pointer to the fact that there is a great need
for fault evaluation and reliability studies of electric power system in Nigeria. The recent
blackout in the country has grounded many activities and has destroyed many industrial
processes. Also, the power industries face a lot of problems. Some of the highest priority issues
being generation of sufficient power, urgent clearance of faults, adequate protection and increase
reliability of the system, that is, bringing a steady uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.
The Nigerian power problem resulted to incessant planned, forced and unplanned outages. In
addition, it has resulted to erratic and unreliable supply of electricity in the country. It has
reduced productivity and has increased unemployment rate in the country to over 40million (this
figure is over 70% of Nigerian youths. It has led many of the youths in the country to crime. It
has led many of the deaths of many innocent people in the country. Hence, an analytical method
is developed to assess the dynamic- reliability of the distribution system, as well as optimizes the
occurrence of faults along each of the individual consumer point in a feeder in order to improve
the performance of the system. This research publication therefore evaluates the occurrence of
faults which is about 856 occurrences during a period of 8 years and outages which range
between 1118 to 3785 hours per annum along the distribution lines, also the failure rates of each
of the feeders were analyzed in order to improve on the supply of electricity in the distribution
network. The reliability of the system which ranges between 8.57*10-12 to 9.548*10-5 were
analyzed; and fault clearing techniques were carried out. Efforts were made to adequately assess
the failure rates of the feeders which range between 0.003 and 0.001 and reliability of the
distribution system. Efforts were also made to improve the performance of the system. As a
result, it was possible to establish improvement techniques which ensure adequate and constant
supply of electricity to all the consumers for industrial growth and employment: a basic solution
to increasing crime rate in the country
Information Technology and Transcription of Reading Materials for the Visually Impaired Persons in Nigeria
Get PDFStudies have shown inadequate reading materials for the visually impaired in Nigeria. Information technology
has greatly advanced the provision of information to the visually impaired in other industrialized climes. This
study investigated the extent of application of information technology to the transcription of reading materials
for the visually impaired in Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design of the ex-post facto to select 470
personnel as respondents. A questionnaire titled Information Technology Use Scale (α=0.74), and Interview
Schedule (α=0.75), were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment
Correlation. The findings indicate that information technology in transcription was low and a significant positive
relationship between application of information technology and transcription of information materials (r=0.62:
p<0.05). The study recommended among others that Multi-National Corporations should be sensitized to extend
their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities to help in procuring modern information technology
devices and software to enhance transcription
Research Article 3-D Seismic Attribute Analysis for Enhanced Prospect Definition of "Opu Field'', Coastal Swamp Depobelt Niger Delta, Nigeria
Get PDFBackground and Objective: Analysis of seismic attributes has been an integral part of reflection seismic interpretation for over two decades now. Seismic attributes facilitates structural and stratigraphic interpretation as well as offer hints to formation type and fluid content estimation with the potential benefit of detailed reservoir characterization. The current study evaluated the use of seismic attributes generated from 3D seismic and well log data for characterization of the reservoirs of ʻʼOpu Fieldʼʼ, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta. Materials and Methods: Root mean square (RMS) amplitude, instantaneous frequency and interval average maps were extracted on seismic events with pronounced bright and dim spots. These maps were used to establish the diagnostic ability of 3D seismic attribute analysis in enhancing seismic interpretation and volumetric estimation of the mid Miocene to Pliocene Agbada Formation reservoirs within the Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta basin. The methodology involved a well-defined procedure which included the delineation of the various lithologies from the gamma ray log, identification of reservoirs from the resistivity log, regional well correlation, determination of petrophysical parameters, horizon and fault mapping, time to depth conversion, attribute analysis and reserve estimation. Results: Two main reservoirs identified as Sand-A and Sand-B were mapped in the study area using seismic data. Similarly, seven faults labelled F1-F7 and four horizons were mapped within the field. Depth structure maps generated revealed a massive Northeast-Southwest (NE-SW) trending anticlinal structure. Petrophysical analysis revealed a mean porosity value of 18% while the mean permeability values ranged from 63-540 md across the two reservoirs. Water saturation and volume of shale (Vsh) across the reservoirs ranged from 38-90 and 17-82%, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the“Opu Field” has high hydrocarbon potentials and excellent petrophysical characteristics favourable for hydrocarbon accumulation and production. The benefits of integrating structural interpretation, petrophysical evaluation and seismic attributes analysis in prospect identification and reservoir prediction was therefore highlighted in this study
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in a Changing World Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Conflict Management in the Niger Delta Oil Producing Communities
No full textRelationship between Niger Delta communities and the companies that participate in oil exploration can best be described as restive. The host communities accuse both the government and the oil companies of unmindful degradation of the ecosystem and, therefore, ask for a deliberate and sustained system of rectifying the anomaly. Government and the oil companies on the other hand seem to perceive the host communities as making too much demands. In the cases where such varying views are unresolved, the natural i outcome is tension and more often than not conflicts. Alabi & Ntukekpo (2012) observe that tension has become heightened in spite of various strategies government claims to have adopted in resolving the issue, leading to conflicts of various kinds. In the face of the unresolved conflicts, the observable evidence of damage to aquatic life and buildings, destruction of crops, farmlands and soil has continued to be a regular feature of the affected environment (Adekola & Uzoagu, 2012; Alab i& Ntukekpo, 2012; Wosu, 2013). This has made the host communities to persistently accuse the government of connivance with the oil companies to impoverish the region as a result of oil exploration. For the host communities, there has to be an investment in improving the people's lives and their environment in the areas of infrastructure, education, employment, health, welfare, to mention a few. This request amounts to the demand for good corporate citizenship from the oil companies. In defence, government claims to have put in place policies aimed at ensuring that the oil companies invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the area. The oil companies also claim to be investing enough to bring about development in the area where their operations yield profits for them and the Nigerian government. This variance between the claims of both parties the host communities on the one hand and the oil companies on the other- is in itself a source of conflict which brings to question the adequacy or otherwise of the CSR programmes'/projects which the oil companies are adopting. The heightened tension has resulted into vandalisation of oil installations, kidnapping and killing of expatriates. and secession threat, all having negative impacts on the country's economy and collective existences