Journal of Global Ecology and Environment
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Screening of Plant Species for Revegetation of Nutrient-depleted Mine Spoils
No full textMine spoils are characterized by poor nutrient content and limited microbial activity, posing significant challenges for revegetation. Initial analysis of mine spoil samples from the experimental site revealed low organic carbon (0.12%), available nitrogen (82 kg/ha), and sparse microbial populations. To identify plant species suitable for rehabilitation of such degraded lands, three pot culture experiments were conducted at the Horticultural Research Station, Yercaud. A total of 5 grass species, 7 creepers, 39 medicinal plants, and 21 tree species were screened using 4 kg of mine spoil per pot, replicated four times. Biometric parameters such as shoot and root lengths were recorded. Among grasses and creepers, Cynodon dactylon, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Ipomoea sp. performed well. Medicinal plants like Adathoda vasica, Ocimum sp., and Gloriosa superba exhibited promising growth. Tree species including Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Casuarina equisetifolia showed good adaptability. These findings provide potential candidates for mine spoil revegetation and ecological restoration
New Records of Testate Amoebae from the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar, India
No full textThe occurrence of testate amoebae from the moss habitats was not recorded in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar earlier. Therefore, this is the first report of the presence of testate amoebae diversity in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. Testate amoebae are protists with protective external shells, unicellular free-living and regarded as good bioindicators of environmental alteration. In this preliminary study, the samples of moss were taken out on the banks of the soil around Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. There were 9 different species of testate amoebae found based on analysis which included 4 genera and 4 families. Testate amoebae species are known to be ecologically sensitive and are very useful in monitoring the environment, as they can provide indications on the health and quality of their immediate habitats. In general, the results can substantiate the usefulness of testate amoebae as bioindicators, the study also represented an important source of base data that can be used in future to comprehend the distribution and richness of testate amoebae in India and can demonstrating their importance in monitoring the ecosystem in understudied regions, especially the only designated Dolphin sanctuary in India
Production of Bioethanol from Tropical Fruit Waste (Pineapple, Banana, and Papaya) through Alcoholic Fermentation
No full textThe use of fruit waste as a raw material for bioethanol production offers significant advantages in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing new sources of renewable energy from biomass. The aim of this study was to recycle tropical fruit peels (pineapple, banana, and papaya) to produce second-generation biofuels. Fresh fruit peels were collected, sorted and kept at 4°C. Fermentation was carried out in four fermenters, followed by simple distillation (78–80°C), rectification, and then dehydration with magnesium sulfate to obtain high-purity bioalcohol. The results obtained for the organoleptic parameters showed that, during fermentation, the must from the fruit peels was a yellow to orange color, an initially sweet-tart smell that evolved into an alcoholic smell, and a fruity-sweet taste that evolved into a pronounced alcohol taste at the end of fermentation. During fermentation, a decrease in Brix degree was observed from 14 to 9 for musts from pineapple peels, and from 13 to 7 for musts from banana and papaya peels. This indicated good fermentation potential. After dehydration, the probable alcohol content of pineapple musts increased from 4.67% to over 53% (v/v) for P1 and from 5.35% to over 60% for P2 (v/v). Thus, converting fruit waste into bioethanol could lead to a sustainable process, with the dual advantage of solving the problem of food waste disposal while meeting the energy needs of a growing population
Assessing the Vulnerability of Soil Nutrient to Climatic Stressors in Adamawa State, Nigeria
No full textSoil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly affected by climatic stressors that accelerate nutrient loss and threaten farming sustainability. In Adamawa State, Nigeria, where many people depend on agriculture, rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and frequent floods make soil degradation worse. This study assesses the vulnerability of soil nutrients to climate change impacts by using soil sampling, lab analysis, and long-term weather data. Composite soil samples were taken at two depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm). Rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity records from 2001 to 2021 were analyzed along with rainfall erosivity data and recorded flood events. The study adopted Pearson correlation and paired t-tests for its statistical analyses, the findings revealed significant negative correlations between rainfall and phosphorus (r = –0.68), potassium (r = –0.54), and organic matter (r = –0.63), particularly in surface soils. Flood events significantly reduced phosphorus (p < 0.001), potassium (p = 0.003), and microbial biomass carbon (p = 0.004). Rainfall erosivity exhibited marked interannual variability, peaking in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021. The study concludes that surface soils in Adamawa are highly vulnerable to climatic stressors and recommends the adoption of climate-smart soil management and erosion control strategies to enhance resilience and sustain agricultural productivity
Evaluation of Water Resources in the Confront of Climate Variability in the N’Zi Watershed at M’Bahiakro (Central-East Côte d’Ivoire)
No full textThis study evaluates the availability and management of water resources in the N’Zi watershed at M’Bahiakro, in central-east Côte d’Ivoire, under the influence of climate variability. Water resources play a crucial role in water supply, the development of irrigated rice cultivation, and the preservation of local ecosystems. The analysis is based on rainfall series (1944‑2016) and hydrological data (1960‑2004). Climatic breaks were identified using the Pettitt test and the Lee & Heghinian test. The methods of precipitated and runoff water depths, the recession coefficient, and the volume of water mobilized by aquifers were applied to characterize hydrological dynamics and water availability. The results show significant breaks in 1968, 1973, 1989, and 2005, associated with rainfall deficits (11.7% to 18.8%) and a notable decline in streamflow and volumes mobilized by aquifers. Monthly analysis reveals a strong correlation between precipitation and runoff, with some localized anomalies indicating a complex hydrological response. The recession coefficient highlights a progressive drying of aquifers starting from the 1970s. These changes indicate a particularly high-water vulnerability in M’Bahiakro, which could threaten the sustainability of irrigated rice cultivation, food security, and water availability. Therefore, the study has been carried out to incorporate both historical climate variations and anthropogenic factors in the analysis of water resources, with the aim of ensuring sustainable and secure management of water systems, which is essential for agricultural production and drinking water supply
Microbial Contamination of a Multiple-User Mobile Phone: Isolation, Identification, and Public Health Implications
No full textMobile phones are among the most frequently used personal electronic devices and are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs for microorganisms. Their continuous handling, close contact with skin, and infrequent cleaning contribute to the accumulation of bacteria and other microbes, posing risks for cross-contamination and infection transmission. This study aimed to investigate the microbial load and diversity associated with a single mobile phone shared among multiple users. Swab samples were collected from distinct areas of the device, including the touchscreen, edges, buttons, and back cover. Samples were cultured on nutrient agar, and isolates were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Two specific bacterial species were isolated and identified from the shared device: Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative secondary pathogen. The highest microbial load was detected on the touchscreen, followed by the buttons and the back cover. Bacillus subtilis was predominantly isolated from the back cover and buttons, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more abundant on the touchscreen surface. These findings align with previous studies reporting high contamination levels on handheld electronic devices. The study highlights the role of shared mobile phones as significant vectors for potential pathogens and emphasizes the need for regular disinfection, proper hand hygiene, and increased awareness regarding device cleanliness to minimize disease transmission risks
Characterization of Microplastics in the Sediment of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks, Rivers State, Niger Delta
No full textMicroplastics are dispersed throughout the world’s ocean and is often found in shorelines, seabed sediments, beaches, and wastewater effluents. they can accumulate in the tissues, serve as vehicles for transport of pathogens, adsorb and accumulate toxic pollutants. The small size of microplastics makes them easily available for ingestion by different species of fish in the marine environment. This study was undertaken to identify and characterize the microplastic in the sediment of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creek in Rivers State, Nigeria. Microplastic characterization was achieved following standard procedures using micro-Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (Agilent Cary 630 FTIR). The result revealed that microplastic shape in the sediments of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks were dominated by microplastic filament followed by fragment in both stations with Eagle Island creek having the highest Percentage while other shapes like Film, bead and foam were not found. Microplastic (>1mm) was the most prevalent size identified. Polypropylene and Polyethylene were the only polymer type detected in both stations with Polypropylene the most prevalent polymer type in both stations. The study further revealed the presence of black and blue coloured microplastics with black colour occurring the most in Azuabie Creek, statistically the values were not significantly different. Therefore, based on the result of this study, there is a need for constant monitoring of wastes discharged into both Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks by the regulatory bodies in order to reduce their levels in the aquatic ecosystem
Effect of Water Deficits on Rice (Oryza sativa) Cultivars Yield Performance
No full textThe experiment was conducted at the screen house of the Department of Biological Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yelwa Campus, Bauchi State, Nigeria, located at 10° 16’ 52\u27\u27 N, 9° 19’’ longitude and latitude. From June 2021 to September 2021. The objective of this experiment is to identify rice cultivars with high yield potential and stability under water deficit conditions among the selected rice cultivars. A total of thirteen rice cultivars for the research were randomly collected. Using Microsoft Excel, the entire experiment was randomized in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with four replications. The seedlings of each cultivar that germinated from the petri dish were placed in two of each in 30-cm plastic pots with drainage holes at the bottom, and 1.5 kg of soil was added to each pot. The seedlings were then thinned to one per pot. All seedlings were given continuous flooding for 28 days after sowing (DAS) to slightly above soil saturation. Adequate irrigation was maintained for the control treatments (CF), while irrigation was withheld until the soil moisture reduces in the drought stress treatments (WD). Irrigation was resumed on the water deficit treatments after some days, and continuous alternate wetting and drying were maintained in the water deficit treatment up to rice maturity. Compound fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15) corresponding to 200 kg/ha-1 applications (2 weeks after transferring to the pots and at the panicle initiation stage) and application of urea 45 DAP. The results showed that FARO 38, FARO 45, FARO 52, and FARO 64 have high yield potential and stability under water stress experiments among the thirteen rice cultivars randomly selected
Diagnostic Ratios and Ecological Risk of Non-carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (ncPAHs) in Egi Crude Oil Communities, Nigeria
No full textThe loadings of PAHs, its diagnostic ratios and ncPAHs at three cluster communities in Egi sub district of Niger-Delta with geographic coordinates of latitude 150 32ʹ 50ʺ N and longitude 60 34ʹ 42ʺ E were ascertained using Gas Chromatography (GC-FID, HP 5890 Series). The diagnostic ratios showed that Obagi had an LMW/HMW ratio of 0.2340, Ibewa\u27s was 0.2222, and Obite\u27s was 0.2549. In Obagi, the proportion of Low Molecular Weight (LMW) PAHs compared to High Molecular Weight (HMW) PAHs was 19%, while in Obite it was 18%, and in the Ibewa cluster it was 20%. The sediments of the Obagi, Obite, and Ibewa cluster sites exhibited a significant abundance of PAHs derived from pyrogenic sources, as evidenced by the presence of LMW/HWM ratios below 1. The identified ncPAHs include: Naphthalene, Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Fluorene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene and Benzo(ghi)perylene. According to the results obtained the Obite cluster area exhibited the lowest concentrations (1.503mg/Kg) amongst the ncPAHs, while the Obagi study zone demonstrated the highest concentrations (1.5733mg/Kg). Among the nc(PAHs) examined, benzo (g,h,i) perylene exhibited the highest concentrations (2.086mg/Kg) across all locations, whereas acenaphthylene displayed the lowest concentration (0.123mg/kg) across the three cluster areas. However, none of the three study locations had any ncPAHs that are above the maximum permissible limit. Results from the application of risk quotient models (RQNCs and RQMPCs) to assess the ecological risk of ncPAHs as presented indicated that all the sites where these rivers\u27 sediments were tested had RQNCs values for specific ncPAHs below 1, implying that these ncPAHs pose little or no danger to ecosystems. Also, the RQMPC score is less than 1, it means that the contamination from individual ncPAHs chemicals do not necessitate immediate remediation. Because the RQNCs and RQMPCs for a single PAH molecule are both less than 1, the contamination it generates might be considered low risk. Thus, few measures of control or correction would be required. The ecological risk of non-carcinogenic PAHs using RQMPCs and RQNCs indicated a very negligible risk which could be due to factors like heavy flooding that washed away soil surfaces. Application of Detoxification by chemical reaction technology should be used as future remediation method if there is need
Assessing the Status of Improved Stove and Its Contribution Towards the Conservation of Forest Resources, Bulehora Wordea, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia
No full textThe study sought to analyze energy consumption trends in Bule hora, Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on the usage of biomass energy and its impact on deforestation and land degradation. A standardized questionnaire was used to survey 150 households, taking into account various socioeconomic factors. The study discovered a high demand for fuel wood due to the widespread usage of traditional stoves for cooking. The study found that a higher number of respondents (71.4%) expressed positive opinions toward the use of upgraded stoves versus traditional stoves than negative attitudes (28.6%). Approximately 65% of respondents expressed confidence that upgraded stoves have higher fuel wood and energy usage efficiency.
Despite budgetary constraints that impede the implementation of better stoves, the majority of respondents voiced great support for them. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that socioeconomic characteristics had a substantial influence on views about the usage of upgraded stoves. It is critical to promote awareness among local inhabitants about the benefits of utilizing upgraded stoves, as well as to work with many stakeholders to distribute these stoves effectively. Government incentives may also be required to encourage widespread use of energy-efficient technologies in Bule hora town, so helping to forest conservation initiatives