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Environmental Weathering Of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Get PDFOne major hindrance to the acceptance of polymer composites in engineering applications is the susceptibility of the polymer matrix to environmental weathering activities due to prolonged exposure. The polymer matrix is prone to degradation initiated by Ultraviolet radiation, moisture or water absorption, temperature and high pH environments. The paper highlights the characteristic chemical and physical changes in polymeric matrix resins following prolonged exposure to these environments. The main objective is to identify factors that contribute to matrix resin degradation under environmental and mechanical stresses. Resin systems considered in this study include vinylester, unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin. These are the polymer matrices employed in most industrial and construction applications. Neat polymer resins were exposed to moisture/water and high temperature environments and the susceptibility or responses to the changes were evaluated through gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning election microscopes (SEM) were also used to detect changes in the morphology of polymer composites surface following exposure to ultraviolet) UV) radiation
Significance Of Personnel Recruitment In Implementation Of Computer Aided Design Curriculum Of Architecture Schools In Nigeria
Get PDFThe inclusion of relevant content in curricula of architecture schools is vital for the attainment of Computer Aided Design (CAD) proficiency by graduates. Implementing this content involves, among other variables, the availability of competent tutors. Consequently, this study sought to investigate the importance of personnel recruitment for inclusion of content vital to the implementation of CAD in the curriculum for architecture education. This was with a view to developing a framework for appropriate implementation of CAD curriculum. The study was focused on departments of architecture in universities in south-east Nigeria which have been accredited by the National Universities Commission. Survey research design was employed. Data were obtained from sources within the study area using questionnaire, personal interviews, physical observation/ enumeration and examination of institutional documents. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was adopted. The first stage of stratification involved random sampling by balloting of the departments. The second stage involved obtaining respondents’ population from the number of staff and students of sample population. Chi Square analysis tool for nominal variables and Pearson’s product moment correlation test for interval variables were used for data analysis. With ρ<0.5, the study found significant correlation between the number of CAD literate academic staff and use of CAD in design studio/assignments; that increase in the overall number of teaching staff significantly affected total CAD credit units in the curriculum of the department. The implications of these findings were that for successful implementation leading to attainment of CAD proficiency to occur, CAD-literacy should be a factor in the recruitment of staff and that a policy of in house training should be pursued. 
Improving The Socioeconomic Wellbeing Of The People Of Aguleri Area Through Water Resources Development
Get PDFUse of water for irrigation and food production constitutes one of the greatest pressures on freshwater resources. Meeting the water needs and food security of the people can be met by irrigation, from surface water sources, groundwater withdrawals and rain fed agriculture. The study area covers Anambra East, Anambra West, and Oyi Local Governments of Anambra State Nigeria, and hydrologically falls within the Anambra River Basin of the country. The Geology of the area is sedimentary and comprises of Alluvium, Nanka Sands, Ameki Formation. The geologic units are Tertiary formed less than 65 million years ago. Precipitation is heavy and between 1500 and 2000 mm a year. Elevation is generally less than 62 meters above mean sea level. The area lies within the Humid Tropical Belt of the country and vegetation found are the marshy waterlogged type and light forest. There are enough water resources and surface waters include rivers, streams, springs and wetlands. During the rainy season the marsh lands of the River Niger and Anambra River are water logged and flooded culminating in rich alluvial deposits for agriculture. The flow rates and discharge for both rivers throughout the year are harnessed to optimum levels for irrigation purposes. The sedimentary deposits encountered are highly aquiferous and are exploited for domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial purposes. Groundwater is exploited by hand-dug wells, tripod bored wells and hydraulically driven wells. Hydrogeologic studies reveal hydraulic heads range from 15-19 meters and 5-8 meters for water depth in the Alluvium. Hydraulic heads range from 30-60 metres in Nanka Sands, while water level varies from 20-70 meters. Surface water harnessing and groundwater exploitation is of immense benefit to the people for improving their living conditions, alleviating poverty and uplifting the socio economic status of the semi-urban and rural population. Improved infrastructural development based on the water resources potentials of the region has boosted agricultural production and the growth of agro-based industries. This has, to an extent, helped to achieve the objective of the Millennium Development Goals targeted at the developing economies of the world
Millennium Development Goals: A Review Of Achievement Of Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
Get PDFThe Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a set of 8 time-bound goals for tackling poverty as an environmental problem of human societies across the globe, particularly in developing countries. The aim of Millennium Development Goal No. 7 is to ensure environmental sustainability. A review of the achievement of this goal and the main barriers that impede its progress in developing countries was conducted by analyzing the quality of past studies on it from 2000-2015. Environmental, health and socio-economic databases were searched and 15 empirical quantitative studies (ecological, cross-sectional and descriptive) on MDGs, identified, out of which 5 studies that reported reasonable serious impediments in the progress of MDG No. 7 in developing countries were selected. The results of the review revealed the main barriers to MDG No. 7 as environmental injustice directed to the poor, socio-economic inequalities, HIV/AIDS, lack of political will at the local areas, inadequate data to track progress and corruption. On the strength of the fact that the MDG No. 7 is over (except for its target 11 with 2020 deadline) given the 2015 deadline for all MDGs, the major recommendation is that the experiences of the programme be integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have replaced the MDGs. 
Neglected Urban Green Spaces: A Tool To Foster Community Interactions And Integration In Owerri Urban
Get PDFThe need for community interaction and integration among urban residents is still an important factor in the environmental sustainability of urban life in Owerri. Issues of social dynamics make it imperative that any enduring development should be done through an inclusive and participatory process. A well-balanced urban environment can enhance living conditions and the quality of life of urban residents. The pressures of urban life often make it difficult for the residents to find the time for community interactions. Urban schemes and developments in the urban area have pressured out places that could be developed into places for community interactions and have grossly reduced opportunities for interactions among urban residents. Planning authorities have created green spaces within neighbourhoods and layouts in order to enhance the urban environment. However, these spaces have become neglected, misused and negate the urban environment. The study was to find out how the neglected green spaces could be used to ameliorate fractured community interactions in Owerri Urban. The study of these spaces reveals that they could also be integrated into the urban environment as places for community interaction and integration. The study was a survey research using questionnaires administered on residents of some selected layouts in Owerri. Obtained data was analysed using the frequency distribution and the Spearman Rho correlation statistical tools. Findings reveal that if these spaces are integrated into the neighbourhoods, they would serve as community spaces that could enhance community interactions and integrations, hence would improve quality of life of the urban residents. This paper makes a case for more efforts to be made in enhancing community interaction and integration in the layouts in Owerri urban
Physico-Chemical And Microbial Analyses Of Groundwater From The Upper Cretaceous Deposits Underlying Parts Of Udi And Eziagu Areas Of Southeast, Nigeria
Get PDFWater is critical for socioeconomic development, human survival, terrestrial habitats and marine ecosystems. It is estimated that over 20 million Nigerians do not have access to 20 liters of safe drinking water. Groundwater quality is of utmost importance in water supply issues in any community in the developing regions of the world. The objective of this research work is to examine the status of water quality variables in the underlying aquifers of the Late Cretaceous deposits of Oji, Udi and Eziagu areas of southeastern Nigeria, and to establish if these variables conform to the WHO guidelines and SON NSDWQ standards for drinking water and hence ensure a healthy citizenry and environmental sustainability. Thirteen water samples were collected from boreholes in the late Cretaceous deposits underlying Oji, Udi and Eziagu areas of southeast Nigeria. The aquiferous formations encountered are Nsukka, Ajali. Analytical data obtained were used to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbial parameters. The physical parameters analyzed include pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity. Major chemical constituents analyzed are calcium, magnesium, potassium (cations) and bicarcarbonate, chloride and sulphate (anions). Microbial analyses were also carried out to indicate the amount of coliform counts. Water samples from Nsukka Formation gave mean values for pH to be 6.2 and turbidity 0.9mg/l. Calcium ion analyzed is 12.7, while bicarbonate ion gave 52.5mg/l. Results from Ajali Formation indicate mean value of pH is 6.13 while turbidity is 4.21mg/l. Mean values obtained for calcium is 25.0mg/l and bicarbonate ion gave 42.7mg/l. Results of microbial analysis gave zero count values for faecal coliform and total coliform. All the water samples analyzed fall within the recommended guidelines of WHO guidelines. Potable water is obtained from aquifer systems meeting the water needs of the local populace and thus improving the general health being of the people. 
Philosophical Challenges In Environmental Management Education In Nigerian Universities
Get PDFUniversity disciplines have overtime developed philosophical platforms through which the definition, content and methodology of their disciplines emerged. In law its philosophy is embedded in Jurisprudence, in History, Historiography, in Geography, History of Geographic Thought and in Science, History of Science. In Environmental Management the development of its philosophy is constrained by its nature, derivation from several existing bodies of knowledge, and its recent emergence as a discipline. But disciplines which borrow extensively from established disciplines, such as Urban and Regional Planning, have developed philosophical standpoints. Urban and Regional planning has History of Town Planning. Attempt to evolve a philosophy for Environmental Management is complicated by the fact that the global environment is changing very rapidly with emerging theories and empirical research becoming increasingly more sophisticated, while causes, effects and solutions to environmental problems are pursued in a variety of disciplines. Environmental Management is a chemistry of arts, social sciences, sciences and applied sciences. Despite this congery, comfort comes from the discipline being a melting pot. This paper attempts to chart a course for the development of not only the philosophy, but also the history of the emergence of global concern for sustainable management of the biosphere
Making Architectural Technology Programmes In Nigeria Relevant To 21st Century Design And Technology: A Case Study Of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Nigeria
Get PDFArchitectural technology programmes have experienced tremendous changes in the bid to address concerns of local identity and environmental responsiveness to contextual issues that are peculiar to the Nigerian milieu, while still conforming to global standards. This paper examines the academic curriculum contents of architectural technology programmes in Nigerian polytechnics in line with design and technological advancements of the 21st century with a view of establishing its relevance for national development. Adopting the case study research method, data were collected from two sets of questionnaires; one set administered to the tutorial staff of department, and the other set to a group of their graduates in professional practice. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the graduates\u27 proficiency with varied CADD software packages availed them of more job opportunities. The paper recommends the complete adoption of computer-based workstations for the Higher National Diploma (HND) levels in the department, a robust curriculum for computer courses to tackle the evolving challenges of the work expectations and funding of infrastructure to improve computer-based training programmes in the department. The paper concludes that addressing the shortfalls of the computer courses will boost the industrial coerce of the programme, making it relevant to the 21st century design and technology in Nigeria which is paramount to national development
Effects Of Sewage Disposal Systems On The Environment In Public Housing Estates In Enugu Metrpolis
Get PDFThis study examines the effects of sewage disposal systems on the environment in Riverside Housing Estate, Abakpa in Enugu metropolis. The research method adopted for this study was survey method; questionnaire was developed, which consisted of 5-point Likert rating scale ranging from 1-5 in which respondents indicated the extent of their perception of listed variables. The results showed the sewage disposal systems common in the estates are On-site system and Centralized system. The onsite system is gaining more importance in the estates as different from the centralized system which was initially planned in the estate. However, the systems are not without challenges resulting from choice of inept skill, improper siting, non- adherence to proper design concepts and lack of proper maintenance. These bring about negative environmental impacts ranging from ground water contamination, pollution of surface water bodies to contribution to global warming through the emission of green house gases. From the survey, it was observed that the only problem with on-site system is the contamination of water gotten from hand dug wells in the estates owing to its proximity to onsite sanitary facilities and it is easier to maintain the on-site system than the centralized system. In the centralized system when there is blockage of the sewerage, the sewage flows out into people’s compounds and environment thereby polluting the water source (underground wells, which is common in the study area) and environment. The paper recommends that On-site system/septic tank should be encouraged with the design and construction supervised by an architect as well as located away from water source. 
Cultural Barrier To Women Involvement In Gully Erosion Disaster Risk Reduction In Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFEcological problems are one of the many challenges bedeviling Nigeria. South Eastern Nigeria is beset by monumental gully erosion menace and coastal flooding. Over the years enormous efforts have been made in containing erosion and flooding; yet progress is tardy. Part of the problem lay in gender bias in policy formulation and implementation, yet women play pivotal roles in the economy of many households in Nigeria. These women are in direct contact with the environment and as such, they are most vulnerable to environmental problems, hazards, and risks. Culturally and economically, women are least resilient to deal with environmental and ecological hazards and disasters. This paper therefore seeks to investigate gender vulnerability to ecological disasters in Nigeria vis-à-vis National Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: The methodology of study is multi stage sampling technique. The design of study is socio economic survey design. Data was collected using focus group discussion with women groups in the selected communities in 4 Local Government Areas in Anambra State. In depth studies were undertaken with most vulnerable groups especially those living within gully margins and close to river banks and those whose livelihoods are land based. Key informant interview were also used. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Results obtained showed that women were never consulted in gully erosion and remediation projects from conceptualizations, planning, and implementation stages even when many of them suffer bereavement, loss of economic base, properties, and the greatest exposure to these ecological disasters. This paper advocates for women involvement in ecological disaster risk reduction in Nigeria