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Environmental and health impact of industrial wastewater effluents in Nigeria - A review
No full textThis is a review articleWastewater effluents from industries particularly in developing countries like Nigeria are in most cases discharged into the adjoining environment; water bodies being mostly affected. Some of these wastewater effluents are untreated or inadequately treated before being discharged, which has become a worrisome phenomenon due to its impact on environmental health and safety. This paper is aimed at reviewing the environmental and health impacts of untreated or inadequately treated industrial wastewater effluents. The quality of wastewater effluents is responsible for the degradation of the receiving water bodies. This is because untreated or inadequately treated wastewater effluents may lead to eutrophication of the receiving water bodies and also create environmental conditions that favor proliferation of water-borne pathogens or toxin-producing cyanobacteria. In extension, recreational water users coming into contact with the infected water are at risk. Although various microorganisms play many beneficial roles in wastewater systems, a great number of them are considered to be critical factors in contributing to numerous water-borne diseases outbreak. Also, wastewater effluents have been shown to contain a variety of anthropogenic compounds, many of which have endocrine-disrupting properties. Since large amounts of wastewater effluents are passed through sewage treatment systems on a daily basis, there is a need to remedy and diminish the overall impacts of these effluents in receiving water bodies. In order to comply with wastewater legislations and guidelines, there is a need for adequate treatment before discharge. This can be achieved through the application of appropriate treatment processes, which will help to minimize the risks to public health and the environment. To achieve reduced discharge of wastewater into receiving water bodies, careful planning, adequate and suitable treatment, regular monitoring and appropriate legislations are necessary
Addressing corruption practices in agricultural sector to make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria
No full textThis is a full length research paperAgriculture is one aspect of Nigeria’s economy that should not be neglected or even marginalised. Not only that agriculture is the major source of food for people and livestock, it also provides earnings to farmers and raw materials for industries as well as providing over sixty-five percent employment to the teeming population of Nigerians. In spite of all these advantages over other professions such as law, medicine, engineering and others, yet, people in Nigeria still express phobia for agriculture as an enterprise. Corruption in agricultural sector is an impediment which, when fought and eliminated will make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria. This paper therefore takes a cursory look at some aspects of corrupt practices in agricultural sector and their attendants’ effects on agricultural productions. It concludes among other suggestions that to fight and eliminate corruption in agricultural sector and achieve the implementations of the Nigerian agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) as well as make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria, those actors who perpetuate the nefarious acts of corruption in the sector should be reprimanded by the law and made to face the penalties
Effect of chemical agents on morphology, tensile properties and water diffusion behaviour of hibiscus sabdariffa fibers
No full textThe article contains tables and figuresEffective utilization of Hibiscus sabdariffa fibers in composites applications as a reinforcing fibers in polymer matrix have been a major concern due to its poor mechanical and hydrophilic properties. It will be of benefits to environmental and technological advancement, if its properties are properly handled. In this study, the morphological, tensile and water absorption characteristics of H. sabdariffa fibers was aimed to be investigated. H. sabdariffa fibers was modified using sodium hydroxides, sodium lauryl sulphate and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. The morphology using scanning electron microscopy, tensile properties (strength, modulus, elongation and energy at break), water absorption and water diffusion behaviours were studied. Chemical modifications improved fiber surface and roughness, tensile strength and modulus, elongation and energy at break with reduced water absorption of H. sabdariffa fibers. The water diffusion behaviour is less - Fickian controlled by water penetration rate. Hence improved the hydrophobic nature of H. sabdariffa fibers
Assesment of heavy metal contamination and hydrocarbon content in selected aquatic resources in great Qua River, Calabar Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental TechnologyAssessment of heavy metal contamination and hydrocarbon content in selected aquatic organism in the Great Qua River was studied. The Great Qua River receives effluents from industries, human settlement, nearby farms and runoff from towns. Water, sediment and aquatic biota (Typanotonous fuscatus, Macrobrachium macrobrachion and Notropis atherinoides) obtain from the Great Qua River was analyzed for heavy metals and total hydrocarbon content (THC). The mean heavy metal concentration values in water across stations were in the range: (Cd), 0.012±0.06 – 0.087±0.06 mg/l; (Cr), 0.017±0.06 – 0.316±0.06 mg/l; (Mn), 0.067±0.02 – 0.071±0.06 mg/l; (Ni), 0.013±0.06 – 0.083±0.01 mg/l; (Cu), 0.092±0.06 – 0.113±0.06 mg/l; (Pb), 0.064±0.12 – 0.081±0.06 mg/l; (Zn), 0.022±0.06 – 0.098±0.06 mg/l; (Fe) 0.048±0.029 – 0.082±0.06 mg/l. The mean heavy metal concentration in sediment were in the range: (Cr), 0.053±0.06 - 0.193±0.06 mg/kg; (Cd), 0.152±0.06 – 0.188±0.06 mg/kg; (Mn), 0.096±0.06 - 0.185±0.06 mg/kg; (Ni), 0.112±0.06 – 0.782±0.06 mg/kg; (Cu) 0.145±0.06 – 0.167±0.06 mg/kg; (Pb), 0.075±0.06 – 0.098±0.06 mg/kg; (Zn), 0.164±0.06 – 0.179±0.06 mg/kg; (Fe), 0.150±0.06 – 0.377±0.06 mg/kg. The mean heavy metal concentration in Macrobrachium macrobrachion were in the range: (Cr), 0.012±0.06 – 0.019±0.06 mg/kg; (Cd) 0.043±0.06 – 0.681±0.06 mg/kg; (Mn), 0.015±0.06 – 0.314±0.06 mg/kg;
(Ni), 0.044±0.06 – 0.073±0.06 mg/kg; (Cu), 0.113±0.06 – 0.275±0.06 mg/kg; (Pb), 0.042±0.06 – 0.108±0.06 mg/kg; (Zn), 0.201±0.06 – 0.369±0.06 mg/kg. The mean heavy metal concentration in Typanotonus fuscatus were in the range: (Cr), 0.057±0.06 – 0.120±0.06 mg/kg; (Cd), 0.049±0.06 – 0.169±0.06 mg/kg; (Mn) 0.163±0.01 – 0.241±0.06 mg/kg; (Ni), 0.183±0.06 – 0.215±0.06 mg/kg;(Cu) 0.155±0.06 – 0.179±0.06 mg/kg; (Pb), 0.144±0.06 – 0.147±0.06 mg/kg; (Zn), 0.106±0.06 –0.217±0.06 mg/kg; (Fe), 0.163±0.06 – 0.247±0.06 mg/kg. The mean heavy metal concentration in Notropis atherinoides were in the range: (Cr), 0.011±0.06 – 0.137±0.06 mg/kg; (Cd), 0.133±0.06 – 0.86±0.06 mg/kg; (Mn), 0.082±0.06 – 0.195±0.06 mg/kg; (Ni), 0.029±0.06 – 0.267±0.06 mg/kg; (Cu), 0.106±0.06 – 0.129±0.06 mg/kg; (Pb), 0.138±0.06 – 0.203±0.06 mg/kg; (Zn), 0.123±0.06 –0.207±0.06 mg/kg; (Fe), 0.111±0.06 – 0.337±0.06 mg/kg. The results showed that the mean heavy metal concentration statistically differ significantly across stations in all samples analysed when
compared to control (P<0.05) except in the case of cadmium (Cd) in water and Iron (Fe) insediment and T. fuscatus where there was no statistical significance when compared to control
(P>0.05). The profile of heavy metal bioaccumulated was in the order Typanotonous fuscatus>Macrobrachium macrobrachion>sediment>Notropis atherinoides>water. The mean
THC value in water were in the range: 0.215±0.06 – 0.395±0.06 mg/l; sediment, 0.379±0.06 - 0.481±0.06 mg/kg; Macrobrachium macrobrachion, 0.106±0.06 – 0.167±0.06 mg/kg; Notropis atherinoides, 0.0063±0.06 – 0.288±0.06 mg/kg and Typanotonus fuscatus, 0.142±0.06 –0.157±0.06 mg/kg.The total hydrocarbon content statistically differ significantly in all samples analysed across stations (Pwater>N. atherinoides>T.fuscatus>M. macrobrachion. The result from the correlation analysis between heavy metals, THC and physicochemical properties revealed that there was a perfect relationship between the uptake of these heavy metals / hydrocarbons by these aquatic organisms and the physicochemical properties of the water. Apart from Mn, Zn and Fe that were below the WHO acceptable limit, all other metals analysed were slightly above the WHO acceptable limit. The THC values in all samples analysed were above the WHO acceptable limit. These suggest that the river has been polluted by anthropogenic activities around its environs. Close monitoring of pollution stress, public enlightenment and appropriate laws should be put in place to avert possible metal and hydrocarbon compound induced health hazards from the consumption of the aquatic biota from the river
Performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics of broilers and pigs fed diets containing fermented palm kernel
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of the Master of Science (MSc.) Degree in Animal Science and TechnologyTwo experiments were carried out to evaluate the growth performance, carcass and meat quality of broilers and pigs fed diets containing fermented palm kernel cake (PKC). PKC weighing about 50kg was divided into 3 parts (Samples A, B and C). Sample A was kept in a plastic container to serve as control, B was weighed and mixed thoroughly with equivalent weight of water while sample C was mixed with equivalent weight of 2% sugar (sucrose) solution. The three samples were spread out on a mat under shade at room temperature. The following morning, sample A was transferred to its original container while samples B and C were packed and compressed into a polyethene bag and tied. Samples B and C were left to ferment for 6 days under room temperature. Each differently processed PKC was used to formulate one of three broiler finisher and pig grower diets at 30% and 40% levels of inclusion, respectively. Broiler feeding trial was from 5th - 8th weeks of age where as the pig grower trial was from 12th – 20th weeks of age. Feed intake, live weight gain, carcass traits, haematological profile and organoleptic quality were determined. Results from the two studies showed that fermentation significantly reduced crude fibre and ether extract content of PKC but did not lead to improvements in performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics of broiler finisher and pigs. However, percentage loin content was higher and connective tissue content in the meat lower in pigs fed 2% sugar fermented PKC diet compared to pigs fed unfermented PKC diet (p0.05). In pigs, sex-related differences were observed in live weight, dressing percentage and percentages of ham, shoulder and belly contents (p<0.05). The similarity in feed intake and live weight gain across the three dietary treatments in broilers and pigs suggested that the fermentation technique adopted in this study significantly reduced crude fibre and ether extract but did not improve the nutritive value of PKC
Evaluation of anticorrosion properties of Chrysophyllum albidum leaves extract for mild steel protection in acidic media
No full textThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), Attribution license and contains Figures and tables.Background: The inhibition efficiency of Chrysophyllum albidum extract in controlling corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl has been evaluated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques at 303 K. The effect of immersion time and temperature on inhibition efficiency of the extract was also studied.
Results: Inhibition was found to increase with increasing concentration of the extract but decrease with increasing time and temperature. Data from electrochemical measurements suggest that the extract functioned by adsorption of the organic matter on the metal/corrodent interface, inhibiting both the anodic and cathodic half reactions of the corrosion process. The increase in concentration of the inhibitor causes an increase in the activation energy and a decrease in the exponential factor k.
Conclusion: The plant extracts follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Moreover, the process of adsorption is spontaneous, stable and considered to be physical adsorption. the thermodynamic properties recorded suggest that the process of film formation is higher than the destruction of the metal surface and that the adsorption process is exothermic
Effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens
No full textThe article contains only tablesThe effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens was studied. Seven weeks old pullets with an average weight of 557.5 ± 9.5 g were divided into four groups and fed ad libitum with commercial poultry feeds contaminated with 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04% dichlorvos (w/v). The group without dichlorvos served as the control. Exposure to dichlorvos was continued until nine weeks after the hens started laying eggs. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in feed intake between the control group and those exposed to dichlorvos. Egg laying was delayed in the hens exposed to the pesticide by as much as eighteen weeks. The ages of the hens at first egg lay were 18 weeks for the control, 23 weeks for hens fed on 0.01 and 0.02% contaminated diet and 36 weeks for those fed on 0.04% contaminated diet. The average daily egg production was reduced from 5 eggs in the control group to 1 egg in 0.04% contaminated group. The protein contents of the egg (yolk and egg-white) and cholesterol level of the egg yolk were lowered in birds exposed to dichlorvos. There was no significant difference in the weight of eggs between the control and those exposed to pesticide. Results of this study suggest that exposure of laying hens to dichlorvos could affect their reproductive success
Curve-fitting of bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by co-composting using roost manure
Get PDFA research article with figures and tablesIn this work, ten polluted sites with oil were obtained from Niger Delta, mixed homogenously with compost manure and sent to FUGRO International Laboratory Port Harcourt Nigeria, for bioremediation experiments and analyses. The 4800g sample was divided into twelve (12) equal parts of 400g for bioremediation; 6 parts for the experiments and 6 parts for the control. Particular ringed PAH was isolatedly tested for bioremediation for each of the five ringed PAHs (1 to 5 rings) and the 800g sample was used for respiration test of compost incubation. It was found that the efficiency of bioremediation increased from one to three rings and decreased exponentially for the rest of the rings, showing that bioremediation is not effective for higher ring PAHs. It was also found that bioremediation yields best (optimum) result between two and three ringed PAHs. The respiration of the compost microorganisms improved during incubation by more than two-third i.e 67.7%. The result of this work can be used in bioremediation studies when trying to isolate or choose a particular ringed PAHs for such bioremediation jobs