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Application of geographical information system (GIS) in selected soil mapping for crop production in selected local Government areas of Abia State, Nigeria
Full text linkA Masters thesis on soil survey and land use planningThis study used Geographic Information System (GIS) as a mapping tool to evaluate the suitability of selected soils of different parent materials for crop production (Tomato, Cabbage, Cucumber and Watermelon) in Southeastern Nigeria. A free survey technique was used in situating soil profile pits. Five (5) Profile pits were dug on each of three (3) dissimilar lithologies, giving a total of fifteen (15) profile Pits. Pits were dug, described and sampled according to FAO (2006). Undisturbed soil samples were collected using core samplers for bulk density and moisture content determination. While soil colour and other morphological properties were determined in-situ. Routine analyses were carried out using standard methods. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate the values at unsampled location, generating spatial distribution maps for each soil property using geographic information software ArcGIS 10.2. Land suitability evaluation was carried out using FAO(2006) land suitability evaluation method. Soils of Amuro were Sandy Clay , Isiobuzor were Loamy Sand and Umunneochi (Isuochi) were Sandy Loam. The percentage sand content was significantly higher in Umunneochi (856.50g/kg, P<0.01) followed by Isiobuzor(845.30g/kg, P<0.05). Clay content was significantly higher in Amuro (284.50g/kg, P<0.01) and lowest in Isiobuzor
(55.910g/kg, PUmunneochi>Amuro. Organic carbon of all the selected soils was generally low and followed thus Umunneochi>Amuro>Isiobuzor. Percentage base saturation was ranked Isiobuzor > Amuro> Umunneochi. Percentage base saturation showed a significant positive correlation with sand (r=0.774, P<0.01) The soil of Umunneochi was highly suitable (S1) for cucumber and watermelon production. The soil of Isiobuzor was moderately suitable(S2) for cucumber and water melon production. the soil of Amuro was not suitable for cucumber and water melon production as a result of the soil texture (NI). All the soils of the study areas were marginally suitable (S3) for Cabbage and tomato production. The soils of Umunneochi and Isiobuzor were classified as Typic Hapludalf(Soil Taxonomy) while the soil of Amuro was classified as Typic Endoaquoll. The kriging map showed that sand was highest at Umunneochi and decreasd down to Amuro and Isiobuzor. Clay content increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and decreased to Isiobuzor. The moisture content, Bulk density increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and thereafter decreased to Isiobuzor. Total porosity decreased from Umunneochi down to Amuro thereafter increased at Isiobuzor. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and base saturation (Bs) increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and lowest at Isiobuzor. Aluminium (Al), Bulk density (BD), Total nitrogen were highest at Umunneochi and dereased down to Amuro to Isiobuzor
Analysis of factors militating against successful building construction project delivery in South-East Nigeria
No full textThis thesis is for an award of MSc. in Project Management TechnologyThe study examined the factors militating against successful building construction project delivery in the Southeast, Nigeria with the objective of identifying and analyzing the militating factors for decision purposes. Six (6) militating factors were identified. Based on this, five-point Likert’s scale, questionnaire was designed and distributed to 226 respondents for assessment. The multiple regression analysis result show that the average performance achieved in building onstruction delivery is 27.017 which is statistically low. The model developed show that all the factors with the exception of government policies and level of skilled workmanship exhibited negative influence on building project delivery in the Southeast States. The hypotheses test show that non-adherence to standard building codes is most critical to building project delivery. In view of these findings, the study recommends strict adherence to professional building codes, the creation of enabling environment through policies and programmes that will encourage the proper planning and implementation of building construction projects, Government development policies should be strengthened in order to control inflation and avoid constant increase in the cost of materials for building construction projects. Also, skilled workers should be engaged and, the cost and process of obtaining government approval should be made more affordable and simple so as to encourage improved success in the building project delivery and enhancement of socioeconomic wellbeing of the citizens
Ecological risk assessment and phytoremediation of spent engine oil contaminated soils of selected mechanic workshops in Imo State
Full text linkThe thesis is for the award of Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph.D) in Biology (Environmental Conservation and Management)Assessment of the ecotoxicological risk of indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil on terrestrial ecosystem was investigated using physicochemical, biochemical, and bioterance
assays. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20cm and analyzed using standard analytical protocols. Acute toxicity tests were conducted based on germination and seedling
establishment of higher plants (Zea mays, G. maxV. unguiculata), Earthworms (mortality rate) and microorganisms (inhibitory effects) which covered a wide range of short-term lethal and sub-lethal endpoints used for risk characterization and analyzed using Probit analysis. Results obtained showed that majority of the mechanics who are within 20-30 age bracket were found in Owerri (22.42%) while the least was found in Okigwe (12.98%); on weekly basis, 42 vehicles are serviced in Owerri; 27 inOrlu while 21 is been serviced in Okigwe respectively. Total annual volume of spent engine oil generated (in litres) was highest in Owerri zone (124,489.36L) while the least value was obtained in Orlu zone (18,434.52L). A significant volume 168 (49.56%) of the spent engine oil is been disposed into the immediate environment with others being sold off 41 (12.09%); given out for free 66 (19.47%); and taken by car owners 64 (18.88%). Axonopuss compressus, Aspillia africana, and Chromolaena odorata species were the dominant plant species identified in the order: Axonopuss compressus>Aspillia africana> Chromolaena odorata. Mean values of physical and chemical properties of soil indicated alteration of parameters analyzed relative to the control. The mean concentrations of heavy metals across the zones ranged from Pb(1.045 ± 0.1 to 1.534 ± 0.2), As (1.761 ± 0.3 to 1.805 ± 0.3), Cr (0.272 ± 0.01 to 0.273 ± 0.01), Cd (0.302 ± 0.02 to 0.606 ± 0.03), Ni (0.918 ± 0.03 to 0.932 ± 0.03), Co (1.278 ± 0.1 to 1.324 ± 0.2), Fe (63.927 ± 3.34 to 69.563 ± 3.53), Cu (12.446 ± 2.14 to 12.964 ± 2.42), Zn (156.121 ± 28.01 to 156.137 ± 28.12), and Al (1.353 ± 0.2 to 1.353 ± 0.12) mg/kg with a distribution pattern of Zn>Fe>Cu>As>Al>Co>Pb>Ni>Cd>Cr. Concentration of heavy metals were significantly (pPyr>Mepl>Ind>Acpt>Flu>Bbf>B(ghi)p>B(g)p>Bkf>Da>An>Acph across the zones.Maximum Concentration of TPH
was recorded in Owerriwhile the minimum value was gotten from the control site. Mean values of TPH were in the order: Owerri>Orlu>Okigwe>control. Result of acute toxicity assay showed that Zea mays exhibited more sensitivity than V. unguiculata and G. max. The microbial absorbance rate depended on the dose and type of organism in the order of:
Acinetobacter>Enterobacter> Bacillus species >Pseudomonas. Mortality in earthworm was noted as concentration increased. Values of Risk Quotient for Zea mays, V. unguiculata, G. max and earthworm ranged from low risk to very high risk based on the estimated PNEC values. The microorganisms differed slightly in biotolerance to spent engine oil exposure based on estimated risk quotients. Exposure to spent engine oil posed minimal risk to Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., and Acinetobacter sp., at the estimated PNECs with values less than unity (A.africana>A.compressus. C. odorata and A. africana exhibited characteristics typical of a phytoextractor while A. compressus could be applied as a phytostabiliser of spent engine oil polluted soils. The sensitivities exhibited by the organisms exposed to spent engine oil indicate the possibility of using them as bioindicators and for assessing the efficacy of phytoremediation process. Spent engine oil adversely affected the organisms in each scenario in a dose dependent manner. Overall, these findings proved that spent engine oil greatly altered soil properties and also repressed the growth of organisms in the ecosystem thereby strengthening the need to curb indiscriminate disposal of spent oil on the environment by mechanics in the business of auto repairs to forestall possible pollution problems of other components of the food chain
Assessment of streamflow relationship models of selected rivers in southern Nigeria.
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy thesis in "Water Resources Engineering"This study focused on Assessment of Streamflow Relationship Models of Selected Rivers in Southern Nigeria. The rivers include; Cross River, River Niger, Owena River, Owan River, Ikpoba River, Ossiomo River and Imo River. Statistical methods of least squares (regression analysis) were used to develop streamflow mathematical models (Power model, Polynomial model and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) model for regression) of the selected rivers. Models performance in calibration and verification were evaluated by means of coefficients of determination, coefficients of correlation, NashSutcliffe model efficiency, mean absolute relative error, percentage bias, root mean square error or standard error of estimate andmean of residuesor mean absolute error. Verification results exhibited a similar pattern in model performance to the calibration results, indicating that the models have good curve fitting. Comparisons of the streamflow models were carried out using One-way ANOVA F-Test, Variance Ratio Test or Snedecor’s F-distribution (F-Test). Further comparisons using graphs and a final comparison using Student’s t-Test were done. The models developed will serve useful purposes in the design of dams, estimation of the sizes of reservoirs, public water supply, flood control and hydropower generation, pisciculture, recreation, irrigation, wild life protection, water sports and tourism thus ushering in an era of socio-economic and industrial development for the Southern Nigeria. This research will play an important role in ensuring that water resources management processes in the Southern Nigeria are scientifically based and efficiently used so as to satisfy the needs of both natural systems and humanity, as being demonstrated in the applications of the calibrated model
Extraction and evaluatiion of bioactive compounds from tropical spices (Zingiber officinale, Tetrapluera tetraptera and Monodora myristica) for functional beverage development
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Food Science and Technology (Beverage and Technology (BBT) optionCrude extracts were extracted using a microwave technology from dried Ginger, T. tetraptera, and M. myristica and subsequently evaluated. Pineapple juice was extracted from freshly harvested pineapple fruits. Preliminary assays (quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidants activities) were conducted on the crude extracts generated. Beverages were produced with crude extracts from tropical spices and blended into pineapple juice as a carrier. Antioxidant activities, physico-chemical properties (pH, total solids, total acidity, brix, and viscosity), sensory evaluation and shelf life studies were conducted on the beverage formulated. The saponins were found to be highest in ginger extracts (2.71mg/g) and differ significantly (p≤0.05) from other samples. Flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins are highest in Monodora myristica with mean values of 14.33, 7.30 and 5.46 mg/g, respectively but had the least alkaloids (6.84 mg/g). T. tetraptera had the highest in alkaloids and steroids, with mean scores of 10.17 and 4.31, respectively, and significant differences (p≤0.05). Total phenolic compounds are highest in M. myristica (26.06 mg/g), followed by ginger (23.26) and T. tetraptera (20.93 mg/g). The crude extracts recorded higher antioxidant activities (using DPPH, FRAP, Lipid Peroxidation inhibition, and Nitric oxide scavenging tests). The crude extract from M. myristica gave the highest DPPH value (56.61), ginger extracts recorded the highest score for FRAP, while the control (Vit. C.) had the highest lipid Peroxidation inhibition. Among the formulated beverage samples, triple mix of ginger, Tetrapleura and Monodora had the highest DPPH value (68.20), likewise Nitric oxide scavenger (40.54) and with significant differences (p≤0.05) among the samples. FRAP is higher in sample AGT and AGY, while the control sample had the highest lipid peroxidation inhibition (2.86). Samples AGY, AMY, AGT and AGM showed no significant differences (p≥0.05). The sensory evaluation revealed that the colour of the control (Eviron Health Drink) is most preferred, followed by AGY and AMY, each recording mean scores of 8.40, 7.90 and 7.80, respectively. The taste was ranked highest for the control (8.20), followed by sample AGY (8.00) with no significant differences (p≥0.05). The flavour score for the control was 8.00, while sample AGM had the least (5.50). For the general acceptability, the control sample recorded the highest value of (8.00) followed by AGY (7.90) and with no significant differences (p≥0.05). The titrable acidity was highest in AGM (3.28 mg lactic acid) and lowest in control. The pH values ranged from 3.66 to 4.83, while TSS ranged from 2.93 mg/l to 5.38. The total sugars ranged from 2.94 to 7.17. Therefore, tropical spices can be used as additives to produce functional beverages
Levels of heavy metals in the blood of electronic technicians in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health and Safety optionDifferent types of heavy metals used in the production and repairs of electronics, can be found in the blood of those handling these electronics. This study was done to determine the levels of heavy metals in the blood of electronic technicians in Port Harcourt metropolis. The study was aimed at determining specifically the levels of lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Arsenic (As) in the blood of electronic technicians. The study design was experimental as the metals are introduced into the body through their occupation and the population of electronic technician sampled was 40 using the modified Cochran formula, Purposive sampling method was used and 40 volunteers allowed their venous blood to be collected and, analyzed using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry method of analysis. The results revealed that there was statistical significant difference in the mean concentration of these metals [F(2, 117) = 8.243, P = 0.000] and the levels of the metals in the blood was 0.64218 mg/L for lead with the highest concentration, 0.134505 mg/L for mercury with the least and 0.399275 mg/L for Arsenic . It also showed increased bio-accumulation levels for the various metals studied. It shows that there is an accumulation of metals in the blood of technicians and also that the PPE’s used were only nose masks and aprons indicating inhalation and dermal contacts as the commonest exposure route. Proper enlightenment is needed to reduce bio-accumulation of metals in these technicians, Also there should be measures by government on use of PPE’s
Development of an institutional-based community power pooling model for seamless renewable energy integration
Full text linkDoctoral thesis in electrical power system engineering.In recent times, educational institutions were provided with sources of power, that were able to cater for their needs, cognizance of the low demand for knowledge economy was not high. As a result, the available energy was able to suffice for the limited schools, departments, and units within the university system that was available as at that time. As technology continues to improve, the quest for knowledge increases thereby giving needs for expansion in the educational institutions, which cut across creating of more administrative sections, departments and courses. This expansion came with the need for more energy consumption, which calls for a more robust technology with enabling energy integration. The universities were not taking into consideration using energy resources within their operating environments for optimal utilization. And even when there is any consideration to the use of renewable energy resources, standalone energy systems were readily attracted without consideration to network, and integration model, with a fear of un-seamless nature of renewable energy resources. To mitigate the aforementioned shortcoming, this project proposes an institutional-based community power pooling model with seamless renewable energy integration. This involves the formulation and development of an institutionalized local distribution network forming a mini – grid. Then appropriate dc and ac Load Flow (LF) model were applied to determine an optimal balance between locally available distributed energy resources (DERs) and co – located load centers with the referenced institution – in this case, FUTO. The model simulations reveal,that the system is capable of synchronizing the renewable energy resources within the university in a single network bus, alongside with public power supply and diesel generators. This could guarantee efficient and optimal utilization of the energy potentials within the university community, with excess energy of 8,603,334 KWh/yr. available for sales to the neighbouring energy users from the formulated model. This model could be utilized in other universities across the nation with the view of tailoring its architecture to suit each institutions special peculiarities in terms of energy resources and load demand
Simultaneous waste water treatment and energy harvesting in microbial fuel cells
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental MicrobiologyThe prohibitively high cost of treating certain wastewaters has often resulted in their indiscriminate disposal without treatment, especially in most developing countries. This has contributed to the presently heightened environmental problems. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have increasingly attracted attention as a viable tool to address these challenges. The dual chambers MFCs were used to treat piggery wastewater samples for 25days, and selected physicochemical parameters were monitored. The effects of surface area of anode (0.005m2 to 0.015m2 ), surface area of cathodes (0.005m2 to 0.015m2 ) and volume of anode (750ml to 1125ml) on voltage generation, were optimized. Optimization was designed with Box Behnken Design, which gave 30 runs of dual chambers MFCs. All components of MFCs were set up according to the design. Following 25 days running of the MFCs and daily recording of voltage production (morning and evening), the average voltages, taken across 10,000Ω resistance, as produced by the 30 MFCs were optimized with Minitab® 17. Results showed that 0.011m2 , 0.015m2 and 1500ml were the optimum surface area of anode, cathode and volume of anode respectively, with estimated highest average voltage production of 41.83mV. When these optimums were used to set MFCs, the highest average voltage obtained 52.5mV, which is 25% higher than estimated highest average voltage, while the lowest was 20.13mV. These were higher than highest average voltage of 34.32mV and lowest of 7.76mV obtained without optimization. The BOD, COD of the wastewaters reduced from 1705.33mg/l and 5311.67mg/l in original wastewater to 1383.33mg/l and 3643.33mg/l respectively, after treatment with MFC. These represent 18.89% and 31.41% reduction in BOD and COD respectively. In the control (untreated) sample, they only reduced to 1583.33mg/l and 4699.67mg/l respectively. Similarly, concentrations of NO3 + , PO4 3+ and NH4 + in the wastewater also decreased after treatment, from 28mg/l, 2.34mg/l and 2.77mg/l to 8.33mg/l, 1.83mg/l and 1.52mg/l respectively. The pH of treated wastewater increased from 7.1 to 8.33 after treatment. These were different from 7.37 recorded in pH, 23.33mg/l, 2.02mg/l and 2.23mg/l recorded in control samples, for nitrate, phosphate and ammonium respectively. Initial piggery wastewater samples used and swab of biofilm on anode surface recorded a total viable bacterial counts ranging from 1.0 x 106Cfu/ml to 9.75 x 107Cfu/ml. Species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Salmonella, Shigella, Micrococcus and Escherichia coli include isolates found on the samples. Consequently, MFCs hold great promises as a cheaper tool for treatment of wastewater, and factors affecting its potentials should be further investigated.The results of this study are recommended for further studies on scale up of MFCs for commercial applications
Evaluation of total quality management (TQM) practices of selected construction firms in Akwa Ibom Metropolis
No full textThis thesis is for the award of Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) in Project Management TechnologyThe construction industry grapples with significant challenges arising from both domestic and international market competitions. These challenges stem from the limited capacity of construction companies to adopt innovative managerial methodologies capable of addressing the prevailing complexities within the business environment. Consequently, the sustainability and competitive positioning of these companies in the dynamically evolving global economic landscape become precarious. Failure to effectively mitigate these challenges and devise strategic solutions may result in the displacement of domestic employment opportunities in Nigeria by multinational construction firms, thereby exertingadverse repercussions on the nation's economy. To preemptively address this impending threat, a rigorous scientific inquiry into the total quality management (TQM) practices of selected construction companies in Nigeria becomes imperative.Consequently, this research project aimed to evaluate the TQM practices of chosen construction companies situated in the Akwa Ibom Metropolis. Utilizing structured questionnaires, secondary data were gathered from 45 selected construction companies, with 40 returned and validated responses. Reliability testing was conducted using Cronbach's alpha statistic. Dimension reduction analysis, employing the principal component regression method, was employed for factors influencing TQM practices, encompassing twenty questions, as well as fifteen questions pertaining to TQM practices adhered to by the companies. The findings, based on factor loadings of singular components extracted in each instance, revealed that Project quality, estimation, scheduling, risk assessment, and quality of workmanship emerged as the top five factors influencing Quality Management. Concurrently, proper planning, adequacy of employee training, budgetary allocation, staff training, and personnel management were identified as the foremost TQM practices adhered to by construction companies in the Akwa Ibom Metropolis. This research contributes to the understanding of TQM dynamics within the construction sector, offering valuable insights for enhancing competitiveness and sustainable growth in the face of evolving market challenges
Effect of prolonged exposure to generator fume and spent oil on selected soil microbial enzymes .
No full textMaster's thesis on effect of exposure to generator fume and spent oil on selected soil microbial enzymesThe effect of prolonged exposure to generator fume and spent oil on selected soil microbial enzymes (lipase, catalase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) was evaluated by analyzing the microbiological and enzyme activity of the soil samples. The polluted soil samples were obtained from the generator house at OkBol cyber services, popularly known as BJ services in FUTO in Ihiagwa/North-West local government area of Imo State. The samples which comprises of the top soil, sub soil and sub-sub soil were aseptically collected using plastic auger in different portions ; epicenter (where the generator was placed), 1m and 2ms away from the epicenter N (North),S (South),E(East),W(West) . Twenty–seven different soil samples were collected from generator fume polluted site known as ‘BJ business center’ and three soil samples from the Department of Biochemistry which serves as the control. Soil microbial load, air sampling, and enzyme activities were determined using standard procedures. The highest heterotrophic bacteria count (7.45x107± 2.58 cfu/g) was recorded from location 1(South) sub soil (2m away from epicenter sub soil) while the least (0.9x107±1.1 cfu/g) was from the location 3 (North) sub sub soil (1m away from its epi center ). The result obtained showed a significant difference (p> 0.05) in the heterotrophic bacteria and fungi count between the control and the soil samples from the various locations. The bacterial genera isolated from the polluted site were Bacillus spp, Enterobacter spp, Serratia spp, Moraxella spp, Micococci spp, Vibro cholera, Staphylococci spp, Pseudomonas spp, Yersinia spp, Shigella spp, Actinomyces spp, Citrobacter spp while bacteria genera isolated from the unpolluted soil were Escherichia coli . The spent oil degrading bacterial genera were Enterobacter spp, Micrococci spp, Pseudomonas spp, Vibro cholera, Alcagenes spp, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococci spp, Serratia spp, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces spp, Moraxella spp, Proteus spp, Salmonella spp, Serratia spp, Streptococci spp, Shigella spp. The fungi genera identified were Asperigillius fumigatus, Asperigillus niger, Coccidioides immitis, Candida spp, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp, Scopulanopsis spp, Aspergillus flavus while the spent oil degrading fungi genera were Scopulanopsis spp, Coccidioides immitis, Penicillum spp, Cladosporium carronii, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger. Micrococci spp was the most prevalent bacteria isolate and Moraxella spp, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp, Vibro cholera and Actinomyces spp were the least. Kiebsiella spp was the most prevalent spent oil degrading bacteria isolate and Cladosporium carronii, Aspergillus flavus were the least spent oil degrading bacteria isolate. Coccidioides immitis was the most prevalent fungi and the prevalent spent oil degrading fungi isolate. Fusarium spp was the least isolated fungi while Cladosporium carronii and Aspergillus niger were the least spent oil degrading fungi isolate. The enzymatic profile revealed that the top soil had the highest acid and alkaline phosphatases activities at 1m away from epicenter locations west (w) and south(s) with the values of 0.0035 ± 0.002 and 20.26 ± 0.07 respectively while the sub soil had the highest catalase and lipase activities at 1m away from epicenter locations west (w) and south(s) with the values of 5.5 ± 0.01 and 88.50 ± 0.01 respectively. Result showed that these selected soil enzymes (catalase, lipase, acid and alkaline phosphatase) were adversely affected due to prolonged exposure of hydrocarbons released by the generators. The overall variability in enzyme activities of soil strata from different polluted locations defined the pattern of soil contamination, which could serve as biomarkers for ascertaining level of soil pollution as well as monitorial indices for bioremediation