Bioline International
Not a member yet
20181 research outputs found
Sort by
Socio-Economic Characteristics and Level of Awareness and Perception on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Programme (REDD+) by Rural Communities in Akure Forest Reserve, Nigeria
Get PDFRural communities around Akure forest reserve depend mostly on forest
and its products for their livelihoods, which results in its high rate
of deforestation. Meanwhile, the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and forest Degradation programme (REDD+), one of the international
forest-governance initiatives to address sustainable forest management
and climate change mitigation has been introduced to the reserve. This
research investigated the socio-economic status of the communities in
Akure forest reserve, level of dependence on the forest resources and
their level of awareness and perception about the REDD+ project. Six
communities were selected randomly from around the reserve which were
in the readiness phase of the REDD+ project. Data were collected
through household survey with the use of semi-structured questionnaire
administered to 120 respondents (household heads) selected randomly
from the communities as well as information from 6 key informants
(village heads). Descriptive Statistics and Chi Square test were used
in the analysis of the data and the result showed that the main
income-generating activity in the communities was farming accounting
for 70.8% of the respondents. This affirms that the high level of the
households\u2019 dependence on forest resources is traceable to their
socio-economic characteristics. Considering the level of awareness of
REDD+ project, results revealed that the level of awareness of the key
informants about REDD+ was very high (83.3%) while it was very low at
the local community level with only 35% of the respondents being aware
of the REDD+ project among which 23.3% found it beneficial. Therefore,
to enhance the level of effectiveness of REDD+ project implementation,
there should be an increase in the level of awareness in the
communities
Leaf epidermal studies of four species of Chlorophytum Ker- Gawl in Nigeria
Get PDFStudies of the foliar epidermal morphology in four species of
Chlorophytum; C. orchidastrum , C. bichetii , C. stenopetalum and
C. macrophyllum revealed the presence of stomata on both sides of the
leaves(amphistomatic stomata distribution). In C. orchidastrum, few
stomata are present on the adaxial surfaces. Stomata type has no
diagnostic importance as all the species studied have tetracytic
stomata. Stomata index (<10%) on the adaxial surface in C.
orchidastrum easily distinguished the species from others. In C.
bichetii and C. macrophyllum stomata index (<50%) was recorded while
stomata index (>50%) was recorded for C. stenopetalum on the adaxial
surface. Stomata index on the abaxial surface also shows that fewer
stomata occur in C. macrophyllum compared with C. stenopetalum. The
studies also revealed smooth leaf margin for C. orchidastrum. Papillea
out growth were observed on the leaf margin of C. stenopetalum and C.
macrophyllum, Papillea projections were however more pronounced in C.
bichetii. Leaf epidermal character is hereby indicated as an important
tool in delimiting species in the genus Chlorophytum
Evaluation of Emissions of 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol Degradation Products by adding Degradation Reactions to the Carbon Dioxide Capture Unit
Get PDFDegradation is a major problem which poses lots of emission risk during
chemical absorption process with amine solvents. Degradation occurs
through irreversible side reactions with CO2 and other flue gas
components, forming into products that cannot easily regenerate. The
degradation products then react with amines to form thermally stable
salts, which accumulate in the system over time. The problems
associated with degradation include decreased plant equipment life,
foaming, corrosion, high solution viscosity, and increased operating
cost. Amines capture about 70 90% CO2 from commercial power stations.
These high removal rates have many environmental impacts due to their
degradation products. Researchers have therefore shown interest in
characterising and quantifying atmospheric emissions of amines and
their degradation products. In this study, 2Amino2Methyl1Propanol (AMP)
degradation reactions were included into a largescale capture plant
model to evaluate the influence of process variables, the emissions of
AMP and its degradation products. Steadystate simulations were
performed using Aspen Plus\uae V8.4 software to provide a full
assessment of the degradation products and their impact on the capture
process. This assessment is important because it identifies and
quantifies all pollutants emitted from the process plant. The results
of the simulation indicate that AMP emissions are 3.04E+03mg/N/m3 of
CO2 lean flue gas, while the quantity of AMP lost due to degradation
was 37.88kg/s for the largescale capture plant. The results further
showed that among the gases emitted, ammonia was highest, while acetone
was the highest gas formed. In this study, 2amino2methyl1propanol(AMP)
degradation reactions were included into a largescale carbon dioxide
(CO2) capture plant model to evaluate the influence of process
variables, AMP emissions and its degradation products. Steadystate
simulations were performed using Aspen Plus\uae V8.4 software to
provide a full assessment of the degradation products and their impact
on the largescale AMP capture process. The results of the equilibrium
model developed in this study revealed that AMP emissions are
3.04E+03mg/N/m3 of CO2 lean flue gas, while the quantity of AMP lost
due to degradation was 37.88kg/s for the largescale capture plant. More
importantly, the emissions obtained from the PWOD and PWD are 7.80E+03
mg/Nm3 and 9.82E+03 mg/Nm3 of CO2 respectively
Use of Jatropha Seed Oil and Alkali Solution obtained from Its Ash for Soap Making: An Environmentally Friendly and Cost Effective Approach
Get PDFThe present study investigated the potential of Jatropha curcas L.
seed oil and lye its ash for soap making. Oil was extracted from the
seeds using Soxhlet extractor and n-hexane. Lye solution was obtained
by boiling ash of Jatropha with distilled water. The physicochemical
properties (saponification value, Iodine value, acid value and peroxide
value) of the oil (and its blend with palm oil) were found to be
consistent with reported values in literature. The oil content and its
relative density were also found to be 31.17% and 0.88g/cm3,
respectively. Soap samples were prepared by treating the oil and the
prepared lye solution. Their physicochemical properties (moisture
content, total alkali content, total fatty matter, pH, foam ability and
cleansing ability) were found to be comparable with reported properties
for laundry soaps. The findings indicated that the lye solution from
ash of Jatropha and its seed oil result in soap materials that have
acceptable qualities
Bioremediation of Heavy Metals from Artisanal Crude Oil Refinery (Kpo-Fire) Impacted Soil using Bacillus flexus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Ngie Community, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe existence of heavy metals in \u201ckpo-fire\u201d impacted soil
creates significant risks to human health and the ecosystem. In this
study, the efficacy of the elimination of heavy metal from
\u201ckpo-fire\u201d impacted soil was evaluated using bacterial
treatments. The organisms (Bacillus flexus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
used in the bioremediation setup were isolated from the impacted soil.
Heavy metal analysis was carried out using an Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer. The experimental setup involved the recreation of
the contaminated soil sample in three (3) vessels labeled as: Flask A
containing 300g of un-amended sample (control) to monitor natural
process; Flask B containing 300g of sterilized sample; Flask C
containing 300g of sample with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus
flexus. Soil baseline physicochemical composition was determined to
have a pH of 6.18, Temperature of 29.2oC, Total Organic Carbon 7.58
mg/kg and Phosphate concentration 37.56 mg/kg. At the end of the
investigation, experimental setup C, containing bacterial inocula was
observed to possess the best bio-removal rates for Mercury (99.32%),
Cadmium (77.59%), Boron (72.84%) and Arsenic (93.43%) after a 42-day
period of study. Also, the concentrations declined from 1.05264mg/kg to
0.00621mg/kg for Mercury; Cadmium declined from 5.93mg/kg to 1.16mg/kg;
Boron declined from 3.61mg/kg to 0.82mmg/kg and Arsenic declined from
2.78mg/kg to 0.16mg/kg. Molecular characterization revealed the
contaminated soil had predominance of isolates with genomic molecular
weight of 1,500 bp and the phylogenetic construct showed the bacterial
isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MT023359), Bacillus flexus
(MT023375) and Lysinibacillus macroides (MT023377). Statistical
analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the bacterial
biomass and heavy metal removal. The synergistic parts played by
bacterial consortia in the bio-removal of heavy metals from the
polluted soil have been established and these potentials can be
harnessed as a roadmap for eco-recovery of impacted environment in the
Niger Delta. Bacillus flexus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in consortium
are efficient in remediation of kpo-fire contaminated soil
Purification and Characterization of a Novel p,p\u2019-DDT Dehalogenase from Aeromonas sp. strain MY1
No full textAlthough dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) occupies a prominent
position for its recalcitrance in the environment which led to its ban
by the Stockholm Convention. This pesticide is still unregulated used
in low and middle-income countries, which contributes to the global
burden of this hazardous contaminant. In the recent time, biological
approach has been proven to be effective and environmentally safer for
the decontamination of the residual DDT. In this research, we reported
a gel-purified p,p\u2019-DDT dehalogenase from Aeromonas sp. strain
MY1, revealing a single band with a molecular weight of approximately
37 kDa. The dehalogenase was unique for its capability to release
chloride ions from p,p\u2019-DDT substrate with optimum dechlorination
activity at pH 8.0 and 35\ub0C. The enzyme followed
Michaelis-Menten\u2019s kinetics and measurement of its initial
velocities with various p,p\u2019-DDT concentrations showed a Km of
27.05 \u3bcmol L-1 and Vmax of 476.19 \u3bcmol L-1 min-1. However,
the enzyme lost its dechlorination activity in the presence of Ag2+ and
Hg2+ This dehalogenase could pave a way for the effective
decontamination of p,p\u2019-DDT contaminated environment, suggesting
its potentials for p,p\u2019-DDT bio-cleansing applications
Sex Ratio, Gonad Maturity and Size-Structure of Pagelus bellotti in Sierra Leone
Get PDFA total of 135 specimens of Pagellus bellotti were randomly collected
from artisanal boats in August 2018. Study of sex ratio, gonad maturity
and size-structure of Pagellus bellottii is meagre in Sierra Leone, and
forms the basis of the present study. The study will contribute to
current knowledge and promote rational exploitation of the stock.
Length and weight were measured using a fish measuring board (cm) and
digital weight scale (g) respectively. Sex and gonad maturity were
macroscopically assessed. Results showed dominant males (71.9%) and
significant difference observed (1:2.6) and expected (1:1) female: male
sex ratios (p <0.05). Only 11.9% and 11.1% of male and female gonads
transcended to the developed stage (Stage IV). The length-frequency
distribution for combined sex was unimodal (modal class, 17cm-20.9cm).
Mean length and weight respectively were, 19.04\ub10.32cm and
98.85\ub15.08g for males and 17.43\ub10.54cm and 78.61\ub16.32g
for females. Growth exponent (b) for male, female and combined sex was
2.809, 2.928 and 2.850 respectively and the correlation coefficient for
all sex categories showed (r > 0.9). Indexes of condition were
greater than 1.0 (K > 1) for all sex categories. Results portrayed a
heterogeneous gender population of Pagelus bellottii and vast
similarity in reproductive strategies by both sexes. The fish comprised
of one size group and males may be growing larger than the females.
Growth pattern was near-isometric for females and negative allometric
for the males, and both sexes were in better condition (K >1.0). An
annual study could provide further insight
Effect of Interspecific Competition among Whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on crops and ornamental plants in Southwestern Nigeria
Get PDFWhiteflies that are pests of many crops and ornamental plants produce
migratory forms during dense populations with different species sharing
the same host plant. Fields surveys of these pests were conducted from
8 sampling sites within the five states (Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and
Ondo states) of Southwestern Nigeria during 2016 and 2019 to
investigate the effects of interspecific competition among whiteflies
on plants in the region. This survey was carried out in both wet and
dry seasons. Whiteflies were collected on crops and ornamental plants
in the sampling sites within the mangrove forest, rainforest and the
derived savannah zones in the region. Interspecific competition was
observed between four species Aleurodicus dispersus , A cocois,
Aleurocanthus woglumi and Bemisia tabaci . The species population of
whiteflies was analyzed using the Paleontological statistics software
package (PAST) and nonparametric t-test was conducted to analyse the
sharing of the host surface among species. The results obtained showed
that the interspecific competition among species of whiteflies in the
region is most during early rain season and yielded less whiteflies
infestation and abundance at underside of plant leaves, and as well
supported high number of the pest on upper leaf surfaces. The
integrative analysis of the consequences of interspecific competition
could provide justification for predicting species exclusion resulting
into whitefly invasions of upper leaf surfaces as their new ecological
niche
Amenity Trees Diversity in Selected Tertiary Institutions within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Get PDFTrees are a central component of most urban communities, providing
diverse benefits such as improving air quality, increasing aesthetic
appeal, preventing erosion and providing habitat for wildlife. However,
there is inadequate information on the distribution and diversity of
these trees within our academic environments. This study investigates
the distribution, frequency and species diversity of amenity trees
within the main campuses of tertiary institutions in River State,
Nigeria. The selected tertiary institutions are University of
Port-Harcourt (Institution A) and Rivers State University (Institution
B). Five (5) major roads in each campus were randomly selected, and
200m along each road was selected as sample areas. Ten (10) meter was
marked from the edge of the road, and complete inventory was taken of
all trees within the marked sample area. Diameter at breast height
(DBH), crown diameter and tree height were measured. Shannon-Weiner and
Simpson diversity index were used to calculate amenity trees diversity,
while Margalef specie richness was used to calculate the species index.
A total of 539 trees were surveyed on both campuses, comprising 26
different species and 10 families. Casuarina equisetifolia had the
highest frequency with 92 trees in B. Simpson diversity index showed
higher diversity (D = 0.78) in B amenity trees than A (D = 0.81).
Shannon-Weiner species evenness was 0.71 and 0.76 for Institutions A
and B respectively. Margalef specie richness index were 2.90 for A and
1.40 for B. This study provides baseline information for ecosystem
management of urban forest tree species within campuses. For
sustainable management of trees on campuses, frequent inventory and
survey should be conducted to establish their abundance, distribution
and diversity
Socio-Economic Importance of Tree Nursery Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFThere is a growing interest to understand the role of tree nursery
enterprises in Nigeria and the horn of Africa. Tree nursery
enterprises, which are vital economic activities in major cities of
Nigeria and particularly in the city of Lagos are not adequately
studied and well documented. Therefore, this study seeks to fill a gap
in understanding the socioeconomic importance and profitability
potential of tree nursery enterprises. Multistage sampling technique
with a 3-stage design was adopted in this study using aquantitative
data collection techniques through the use of structured questionnaire
administered to 120 nursery entrepreneurs. Data were analyzed using
descriptive, inferential, and budgetary analysis. The result revealed
that tree nursery entrepreneurs are literate, mostly male in their
youthful age. Furthermore, the total annual revenue earned by the
respondents was \u20a61,712,222.22 with a mean annual net income of
\u20a61,458,038.72 while the return per naira invested was
\u20a65.71. This shows that tree nursery enterprise is profitable in
the study area. However, most entrepreneurs were faced with shortage of
land for establishments of tree nursery in the study area. Therefore,
appropriate actions in reducing cost of land lease/purchase are
recommended to encourage new entrepreneurs and strengthen the
sector\u2019s development