Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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IMPACT OF ECOHYDROLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON MACROINVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY ASSOCIATED WITH PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON THE WETLANDS ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERN SHORE OF LAKE TANA, ETHIOPIA
Biological indicators have the improvement of monitoring ecological conditions and to measure of anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This indicates that appropriate wetland management mitigation measures that should be implemented in degraded wetlands to conserve biodiversity and improve water quality. The aim of the study was to investigate the impacts of ecohydrological intervention in relation to macroinvertebrate diversity and relate macroinvertebrate diversity with physicochemical parameters of the wetland in Lake Tana shore intervention site. Sampling stations were selected according to vegetation gradient. The sampling procedure employed using quadrats along transects following the main ecological gradient of water depth and vegetation structure and growth form. Four quadrats at every 25m distance were laid at each transect. A total of 24 quadrats of 1m x1m size were taken. Collected samples of each quadrat were pooled to represent each sampling site. One way ANOVA was further done to test any significant variation in macroinvertebrate and physiochemical attributes among stations. The Hilsenhoff Family-level Biotic Index (HFBI) was calculated for macroinvertebrate families. The HFBI index was analyzed and identified 975 macroinvertebrate individuals belonging to 15 families which were collected from all sampling sites during the study period, and the most dominant family were Hydrophilidae Coenagrionidae and Physidae. Based on the Shannon diversity index, the Gumetirs wetland was grouped under good ecological condition as compared to the remaining two reference wetlands. There was a significant variation in abundance and biodiversity of macroinvertebrates among sampling sites and better conditions exist at the intervention site. The correlation analysis between physicochemical parameters and macro-invertebrate abundance showed that organic carbon and temperature are most likely positively correlated with macroinvertebrate abundance. Thus, high macroinvertebrate diversity indicated that wetlands found in a good ecological condition
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SEDIMENT QUALITY OF THE BENIN RIVER STRETCH: AN INDEX ANALYSIS APPROACH
Sediment is an integral part of the aquatic ecosystem that acts as contamination sink and a home to bottom dwellers. The need to evaluate the contamination status before the seaport development using different pollution indices prompted this study. Four stations were studied from Ajoki to opposite Young Town. Sediment samples from the van-veen grab were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures, quality assurance and quality control measures. The results showed the sediment to be slightly acidic. The mean concentrations of all physicochemical parameters except organic carbon and organic matter differed significantly (P< 0.01) across the stations. A posteriori Duncan Multiple Range test revealed that station 4 differed significantly from other stations while among heavy metals, Cadmium, Nickel and Vanadium showed significant variations (P<0.05) caused by station 2. Cadmium and copper were above DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources) intervention limit. The high sorption capacity (KD>6kg/l) implied low mobility of heavy metals in the water with Fe and Ni being the least and highest adsorbed metal respectively. The heavy metal contamination in the sediment was evaluated by applying the Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Contamination factor ranged from moderate contamination (Cadmium) to very high contamination (Vanadium) showing anthropogenic sources (EF>1). Potential ecological index showed that sediment was severely impacted (RI≥600=Severe). This stretch of the Benin River sediment is contaminated with cadmium and vanadium from anthropogenic sources. Continuous monitoring of this sediment stretch during the Seaport development activities and operational stage is paramount to prevent further degradation
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PHYTOPLANKTON COMPOSITION AND VARIABILITY IN IKO RIVER, COASTAL WATER OF EASTERN OBOLO, NIGERIA
This study investigated the effects of climate change on phytoplankton composition and diversity in Iko River, coastal water of Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom State, South Eastern Nigeria. The study area was greatly influenced by tidal flush from the Atlantic Ocean. Phytoplankton samples were collected monthly from October 2021 to March 2022 at high tide and low tide from 3 stations. Phytoplankton was identified and diversity was calculated using standard indices. Dissolved oxygen (3.3–6.0 mg/L) was above WHO guidelines of <5.0mg/L and BOD (2.40-5.30 mg/L) in this study was above the (4.0 mg/L) limit recommended as suitable for aquatic life by the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), which could pose a threat to aquatic life. A total number of 65 species of phytoplankton were identified in the study area. Bacillariophyta was the dominant group (69%) throughout the study in species number, occurrence and abundance. The increasing order of dominance values was; Bacillariophyta > Cyanophyta > Chlorophyta > Dinophyta > Euglenophyta . Diversity indices (Margalef, Shanon, Dominance, Simpson Evenness and Equitability) showed spatial variations significant at (P>0.05). Pollution-indicator species such as; Tabellaria fenestrata, Nitzschia. paradoxa, N. filiformis, N. longissima, Cymbella cuspidata, Melosira distans and Anabaena constrica were recorded at either high tide, low tide or at both tides. Concerted efforts have been recommended to Government agencies and individuals to help reduce natural and anthropogenic pollution of the coastal water bodies
COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN ASAGIRT DISTRICT, NORTH CENTRAL ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATION FOR LOCAL LEVEL ADAPTATION STRATEGY
Climate change is common phenomena in Ethiopia which affects the livelihood of millions of the rural community. An increase in temperature, fluctuation of rainfall intensity and frequency induces extreme environmental impacts through drought and floods. This study was conducted on three villages/ kebeles in Asagirt District of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State. The objective of this study was to analyze community perception on existence of climate change and its impact on socio-economic activities for designing local level adaptation and mitigation strategy. Both primary and secondary data were analyzed to generate information. Simple systematic random sampling techniques were employed to select 121 household heads and purposive sampling was employed for data collection from 28 Key informants and 21 focus group discussant. Findings of our study indicated that men households which are adolescence in age are the main components of the community categorized as illiterate have good perception and awareness on the existence of climate change. The analyses of 28 years climate pattern showed that the average temperature has increased by 0.99ºC for with corresponding annual increment of 0.033ºC. Similarly, there was higher yearly trend of fluctuation in rainfall pattern between 1989 -2018 in which the average annual rainfall is 891 mm. Findings of the study indicated that mixed farming as the dominant type agricultural practice was highly affected by climate change reducing crop productivity and animal production. Findings of our study have also indicated that even though the impact of climate change is imminent which affected water availability in all districts, the forest cover has increased in all villages because of afforestation interventions. Hence, results of present study draws conclusion of for designing local adaptation and mitigation strategies including small-scale irrigation, tree planation, climate smart agriculture area ex-closure, integrated soil management using organic fertilizer for increasing above and below ground carbon sequestration to manage the local micro climate and build the livelihood and strengthen community resilience
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF AGROFORESTRY TREES/SHRUBS IN YAYU COFFEE FOREST BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Agroforestry is intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits. In the country, various studies focusing on floristic diversity, and ecology of agroforestry practices for household food and nutrition security is well studied but not for socio- economic aspect. Therefore this study was designed to assess the socio-economic contribution of agroforestry species in Yayu Coffee Forest biosphere reserve. A total of 268 households from four districts (Bilo Nopa, Yayu, Dorani and Chora) were selected systematically and agroforestry species inventory was undertaken along with the socio-economic survey using structured questionnaire. The socioeconomic contributions of agroforestry species were analyzed using logit regression analysis using STATA software. A total of 65 agroforestry species belonging to 41 families were recorded. The results of the linear regression analysis showed that, land ownership, education status, non-timber forest product income, family size, and livestock are the main factors that determining farmers’ decision to adopt tree planting in the study area. Overall, this study denotes that agroforestry species affect the livelihood of residents and the agroforestry practices were significantly determined by socio-economic characteristics of the community in Yayu coffee forest biosphere reserve
HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN CASSAVA TUBERS FROM QUARRY SITES IN OLD NETIM, AKAMKPA LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the human health risk assessment of heavy metals in cassava tubers cultivated within three quarry sites in Old Netim, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. Soil and Cassava tubers were obtained from three (3) quarry sites of 4.5km apart and 20km from the Control at Oban Okoroba. Composite of soil samples from 0km, 0km, 0.3km, 0.6km and 0.9km were obtained at a depth of 15cm using soil auger while the cassava samples were obtained using a spade. The concentration of heavy metals was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results showed Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn) had relative abundance in the order Mn > Cu > Pb > As > Cd across all locations and samples. Maximum levels of Mn and Cu were present in cassava tubers obtained from quarry site C (78.651 ± 10.048 mgkg-1 and 7.138 ± 3.203 mgkg-1), while that of Pb, As, and Cd were present in cassava tubers obtained from quarry site D (2.018 ± 1.251 mgkg-1, 0.195 ± 0.205 mgkg-1, and 0.167 ± 0.116 mgkg-1 respectively). Bioaccumulation Factor (BF) of heavy metals from soil to cassava tubers revealed high accumulation of Mn with BF > 1 in tubers across all quarry sites. Estimated daily intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Life Carcinogenic Risk (LCR) showed consumption of cassava tubers cultivated within quarries in Old Netim is safe and free of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards. However, THI revealed the possible emergence of a non-carcinogenic threat with continuous consumption of these local tubers
STUDIES ON SURVEY OF AFRICAN MISTLETOE IN BIRNIN KEBBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KEBBI STATE
The study on Survey of African mistletoe was conducted in Birnin kebbi from three (3) different localities namely A, B and C. One thousand four hundred and eighty two (1482) host trees were randomly identified and examined accordingly using standard methods. The results revealed that Acacia nilotica had the highest percentage with 41 (20.8%) while the lowest percentage of occurrence was identified in Ziziphus mauritiana 10 (5.1%) from location A, Azadirachta indica had the highest occurrence with 34 (30.6%) and its lowest occurrence on Gmelina arborea with 3 (2.7%) from location B, while in location C, Acacia nilotica had the highest occurrence with 39 (21.9%) and its lowest occurrence on Parkia biglobosa with 11 (6.2%). Overall, 9 species of trees had the parasite on them with different levels of infestation among the species. Characteristics features of host such as host size, canopy spread and height that influence mistletoes and their host relationship have no influence on mistletoes-host interaction and other factors such as compatibility, interaction with birds and seedling establishment may be more important in determining mistletoes host interaction. Researchers should lay emphasis on other factors such as disseminators (birds) relationship with host tree, tree bark roughness and mistletoes seed establishment on the host
A STUDY OF THE EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) SCHEME FOR PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GERMANY
Plastic waste management is a major trending issue in the world today, as the volume of waste increases on a daily basis. As the volume of plastic waste continues to rise, the negative consequences have resulted in critical environmental issues confronting many countries in various contexts. Many developed countries, however, have adopted the use of environmental policy instruments as a critical role in determining and improving the state of their environment. Germany is an excellent example of this, where the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme as a policy has aided in the management of product end-of-life cycles and environmental improvements to manufacturing systems. This article discusses Germany\u27s transition from the Producer Responsibility Organization to the EPR scheme. Data were collected from across all 16 federal states\u27 waste management policies. The author was able to analyze and investigate Germany\u27s transition from the Producer Responsibility Organization to the EPR scheme using the case study method. The literature review for this research framework includes the current sustainability state of the environment, the contextual framework, and formulation, assessment, and reports on plastic management.To support the research findings, field observations were conducted by scouting through the plastic bottle collection processes at a selected locations and store outlets in Germany. More research into how to expand EPR programs in Germany to allow for the recovery of other plastic forms is suggested by the researcher
EXTENT OF URBANIZATION IMPACT ON FOREST RESOURCES IN OJU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Several researches have been carried out on urbanization especially urban areas in Nigeria and globally, but were mostly centred on major cities and little has been done on the growth of smaller towns. This study was carry out to determine the impact of urbanization on forest resources of Oju local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria.. Specifically the study determined the extent and growth rate of urban areas and their impacts on forest resources in Oju local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Remotely sensed images of Landsat TM and ETM+ were acquired for 1998 and 2008 while Operational Landsat Imager (OLI) was used for 2018 respectively. The images were subjected to various image processing techniques and a supervised classification using Maximum Likelihood Classifier was performed in Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) software. The classification resulted in five classes of Land use and Land cover (LULC) of forested areas, farmland, vegetation, built-up areas and water. The results shows that between 1998 and 2018 forest decreased by -231.5.km2 (63.24%) representing an annual rate of -3.16%. The built-up area increased by 150.45km2 (108.99%) at an annual rate of change of 5.45% Farmland area decreased by -30.56 km2 (-6.5%) at an annual growth rate of 0.32%. The study revealed that, loss of naturally vegetated areas was mainly as a results of urban growth and expansion, farming and logging activities with commercial activities. The study recommends awareness creation against deforestation and encouragement of community and urban forestry
AGROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC AND POTENTIAL OF BULGARIAN PEA VARIETIES
An agrobiological characteristic and capacity for green mass and seed production from Bulgarian pea (Pisum sativum L.) varieties and a breeding line both created at the Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (IPRG) – Sadovo has been carried out for fifteen years. The choice of varieties is based on their qualities such as early productivity and winter resistance. The pea yield, green mass, the yield of crude protein (kg/ ha-1) and content crude protein (%) have been studied for the same period. Among the winter pea varieties, the Vessela variety (352.3 kg) showed the highest yield during the entire fifteen-year experiment. As for the spring varieties - Tedi (410.6 kg) had the highest yield. The highest yield of green mass was reported for the breeding line L 12 AB, which was also highly productive for seeds. For the winter varieties, yield is strongly influenced by the relevant year weather conditions and variety. Taking into account the spring varieties, the year impact was more substantial, than the variety impact. More highly productive are the earlier varieties, as the newly bred varieties of afila type, stood out against the spring varieties. The yield by years for the spring forms showed more significant fluctuation depending on agrometeorological conditions than the winter varieties