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Effects of Crude Oil Pollution on the Morphology, Growth and Heavy Metal Content of Maize ( Zea mays Linn.)
No full textThis study was designed to investigate the effect of crude oil
pollution on the morphology, growth and heavy metal content of maize
(Zea mays L.) by analyzing selected physicochemical parameters and
heavy metals in soil samples and plant parts using standard field
experimental methods. Results from this study show that all the growth
parameters of Zea mays planted in the polluted soil were adversely
affected by crude oil pollution. The highest mean height for treatments
50 ml, 100 ml and 150 ml were 33.54 cm, 31.34 cm and 27.44 cm
respectively while that of the control was 87.58 cm. The pH of the soil
increased as the volume of the crude oil increased. Chlorophyll content
of the Zea mays leaves reduced with increase in the volume of crude
petroleum. Of the plant parts examined, root had the highest content of
chromium (Cr) with 0.22 ppm (150 ml), nickel (Ni) with 0.46 ppm (150
ml), lead with 0.06 ppm (150 ml) and cadmium (Cd) with 0.02 ppm (150
ml) while the highest copper (Cu) value of 0.28 ppm (150 ml) was
recorded in the leaves (150 ml). Heavy metals concentration
significantly increased (P < 0.05) with the increase in volume of
crude oil pollution. This study has shown that crude oil polluted soil
brings about reduction in the growth, yield and leaf chlorophyll of
maize plant. Coupled with increasing heavy metal concentration, this
could lead to scarcity and safety concerns in maize consumption in
areas impacted by crude oil pollution
Taxonomic Studies on the Genus Cissus L. (Vitaceae) Present in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was aimed at addressing the problematic taxonomy of the
genus Cissus L. using three species namely; Cissus aralioides (Welw.
ex Bak.) Planch, Cissus petiolata Hook.f and Cissus lageniflora
Gilg and Brandt found in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers
State. The investigation was carried out using morphological,
anatomical, epidermal and phytochemical lines of evidence.
Macromorphology results showed that Cissus aralioides, Cissus
lageniflora and Cissus petiolata matured leaf possess digitately
compound leaf type, trifoliate compound leaf type and simple leaf type
respectively. Micromorphological results showed that all studied
species were hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata type present in the
abaxial surface of all species. Epidermal cell shape of the adaxial and
abaxial surface of all species were pentagonal and irregular to
polygonal respectively. Transverse sections of the petiole of studied
species shows an arranged and open vascular bundles in all species,
variations where however seen in the number of vascular bundles.
Methanolic extract of the three cissus species studied revealed the
presence of secondary metabolites like; Phenols, Alkaloids, Aglycone
Glycosides, Cardiac Glycosides, Steroidal Aglycone Glycosides in the
stem and leaf of all species. The results obtained shows that all
studied species show diverse characteristic differences but these
differences are not adequate and convincing enough to separate them
into different genera but it shows that that Cissus aralioides and
Cissus lageniflora are more closely related than they are to Cissus
petiolate. Moreover, more species and other lines of evidence should be
used in future research. A dendogram to the relatedness of the species
and a dichotomous bracketed key to their identification is provided
Evaluation of Primordial Radionuclides in Ocimum gratissimum and health Risk to the Consumers at Ewekoro Southwest of Nigeria
No full textPrimordial radionuclides are transported in to the plants through the
leaves and roots. Medicinal plants are widely used in Africa for
prevention and treatment of diseases. Ocimum Gratissimum is medicinal
plant that is so used in southwest of Nigeria due to its
multifunctional traditional medicinal health uses and as spice in
cooking. The research is to determine the radiological health risk of
these primordial radionuclides to the consumers of Ocimum Gratissimum
in the study area. Fresh leaves of the medicinal plant were plucked
from ten (10) different locations at Ewekoro where mining of limestone
had been taking place in Ogun State, southwest of Nigeria, been the
part of the plant that was commonly used. The concentrations of 40K,
238U and 232Th in the fresh leaves were determined using gamma
spectrometry method, and average annual committed effective dose to the
adult consumers was determined. No artificial radionuclide was
detected. The highest annual committed effective doses of 40K, 238U and
232Th to the consumers of Ocimum Gratissimum were obtained to be
0.00133mSvy-1, 0.00147mSvy-1 and 0.00336mSvy-1 respectively. The
highest excess lifetime cancer risk of 40K, 238U and 232Th to the
consumers were calculated to be 0.0211 x 10-3, 0.0136 x 10-3 and 0.1434
x 10-3 respectively. The average annual committed effective dose and
average excess lifetime cancer risk of the radionuclides to the
consumers were calculated to be 0.0109mSvy-1 and 0.0379 x 10-3
respectively. The values were below the limits of 0.3mSvy-1 and 0.29 x
10-3 respectively, recommended globally. The consumers of the medicinal
plant do not have significant radiological health risk. Furthermore,
the results obtained can serve as reference data for future studies in
the study area and its environs
Dimension Stone: Exploration and Exploitation in parts of Lokoja, North-Central Nigeria
No full textThe study area Lokoja is the home to the confluence between Rivers
Niger and Benue. Dimension stone is cut or quarried stone in accordance
with specific dimensions, generally more abundant and are used in
greater quantities than ore minerals in pavement and several other
constructional activities. The objective of the paper is to present
prospects and a lead of rocks in Lokoja area for the production of
dimension stone. The rocks in the area are being quarried as aggregates
or mined as dimension stone and they met quality parameters of the
rocks which includes, must be durable, easy to quarry, work, cut and
polish. The particular stones selected depend upon the local weathering
conditions which can be determined by amounts of industrial gases
present and availability of the rocks locally. The rocks identified are
marbles, granite gneisses, migmatites and biotite granites. The
granites are being quarried for aggregates, marbles are powdered for
cement production while migmatites and granite gneisses were mined for
dimension stone.The results of Rock Strength (MPA), Rock Class Factor
and Swell Factor are within acceptable standard limits except for
migmatites with RS 36%, RCF 7% and SF 1.25%, which is above the limit
when compared with previous analysis of AAV 22.0%, ACV23.3%, AIV18%and
Absorption 0.54% in Boki area. The dimension stone were separated by
more precise and delicate techniques, such as diamond wire saws,
diamond belt saws, in the mine the cut dimension stone width are 1m,
while many are rectangular in shape. They occur in the same geologic
setting of the basement complex of Northcentral Nigeria. In the area
investment has been at relatively low stage more investment will
significantly increase production of the dimension stone for local
usage, export and economic growth
Collapsing towards Extinction? Trade in Birds Carcasses for Traditional Medicine and the Decline of Vulture Population in Katsina State, Nigeria
No full textDecline in vulture populations have seriously reported in Nigeria as in
other habits around the world. Human pressure from poisoning, hunting
and trading for traditional medicine are key factors leading to decline
of vulture population in northern Nigeria. This study examines vulture
trading for traditional medicine as risk factor for the raptors
population decline in Katsina with a view to providing baseline
information for reviewing conservation policies in the State and
Nigeria at large. The study is a survey research involving
questionnaire administration and interview of seventy two stakeholders
who were sampled using snowball sampling technique as follows: vulture
stall owners (n=58) and abattoir employees (n=10) and traditional
healers (n= 4). A total of five locations were surveyed based on the
understanding that they possess the most specialized fetish markets and
important centres of vulture trading in Katsina State. Percentage and
mean were used for data analysis. The study found that trading of
vulture is proliferating in the area as more than 50% of the stalls
were opened between 2016 and 2019. It also revealed that 80% of the
fetish stalls are located outside Katsina town for fear of authorities
fighting illicit trade of vulture. Also revealed was that prices of
vulture vary in space and depend on relationships with customers: a
whole vulture costs N21000 (ca. 75) outside Katsina town and N30000 (ca. $83) in times of
scarcity. This study recommended that there is the need to carry out
nationwide comprehensive assessment of trade in avifauna for improving
conservation policies and practices in Nigeria
Macro- and Micro-morphological, Anatomical, Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of Tridax procumbens Linn. (Asteraceae)
No full textThis study examined the macro- and micro-morphological, Anatomical,
Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of Tridax procumbens L. in the
family Asteraceae. Observations of plant parts aided by measurements
were done and these were sectioned following Wahua\u2019s method; root
tips squashed with FLP Orcein and qualitative phytochemical analyses
were carried out. The slides were viewed using the light compound
microscope and photomicrographs were taken after careful examination
from good preparations. Macromorphological studies showed the plant
grows up to 40cm or more in height. Foliar features revealed opposite,
pinnate, oblong to ovate with coarsely serrated margin and acute apex,
4\ub11.5cm long and 2\ub11cm wide with petiole up to 1.5\ub10.5cm
in length. The floral structure show cased diameter of each flower head
as 1.0\ub10.4cm while the peduncle is elongated and up to 10\ub15cm
in length; the petal is 0.7\ub10.2cm in length alongside tubular
sepals up to 0.9\ub10.3cm in length. The stamen is 0.9\ub10.2cm in
length while the carpel is 1.0\ub10.1cm. Presence of anomocytic
stomata which is amphistomatic. Anatomical sections on the mid-ribs,
petiole, internodes, nodes and roots revealed peculiar internal
features. Mitotic chromosome is 2n=36. Phytochemical studies revealed
the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids,
cardiac glycosides, phenols. The information generated from this study
would further aid in the delimitation of the species
Ethnic Pattern of Mushroom Consumption in Delta State Nigeria
No full textThis study examines the frequency of mushroom consumption among the
various ethnic groups in Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were
obtained from a structured questionnaire administered on a sample of
240 respondents randomly selected from 6 settlements, one each from the
six ethnic groups in the study area. The result reveals a variation in
the proportion and frequency of mushroom consumption among the various
ethnic groups. Urhobo with 12 consumers (30 %) (Very high 1, high 2,
Low 3 and very low 6 frequency), Isoko with 14 consumers (35%) (Very
high 2, high 4, Low 3 and very low 5 frequency), Itsekiri with 18
consumers (45%) (Very high 0, high 2, Low 4 and very low 12 frequency),
Ijaw with 18 consumers (45%) (Very high 1, high 2, Low 4 and very low
10 frequency), Ukwuani with 36 consumers (90%) (Very high 14, high 11,
Low 6 and very low 5 frequency), Ibo with 38 consumers (95%) (Very high
17, high 13, Low 6 and very low 2). Mushroom consumption was influenced
by the availability of the fungi, which is dependent upon the ecology
of the area. Consequently, the study recommends the cultivation of
mushrooms to supplement the natural production of the fungi
Nanotechnology: Review on Emerging Techniques in Remediating Water and Soil Pollutions
No full textEnvironmental Pollution is becoming a global challenge in both
developing and the developed countries, pollutants discharge from oil
and gas industries and or agricultural practices continue effecting the
health of human and other animal in an ecosystem in one way or the
other. This necessitated the development of a techniques to clean up of
the polluted environment. Remediation of pollutants relies mainly on
using various techniques like physical, chemical and or biological
methods for the removal of contaminants from different environmental
media be it soil, water, and or air. These techniques have their own
limitations as the toxicity of the degrading agents, time consuming and
the fate of the environment after remediation matters a lot. Therefore,
nanotechnology is gaining interest in remediating pollutions as
nanoparticles are relatively cost effective, sensitive and selective
and can be used as sensors to monitor toxins, organic contaminants and
heavy metals in land, water and or air. The enhanced properties and
effectiveness of nanotechnology-based materials makes them suitable for
nano remediation. This review provides an overview of the
nanomaterials: Organic based nanomaterials (Dendrimers), inorganic
(TiO2, nZVI), carbon-based (Carbon nanotubes, (CNTs)), and
composite-based materials) used in environmental remediation. These
nanomaterials were reported to remediate different contaminants in the
environment such as heavy metals, pathogens, pesticides, dyes,
chlorinated organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Structure, Conduct and Performance of Timber Market in Ife East Local Government of Osun State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study focused on the structure, conduct and performance of timber
market in Ife-east Local Governments of Oyo state. The major objective
of this study is to assess the marketing pattern of timber in the study
areas. The research method used for achieving the general objectives
involved Descriptive Statistics and Gini Coefficient. Variations were
observed in the price of the timber of the same species but different
size because price determination is based on bargaining power. The
result showed majority of respondents (58.8%) had secondary education,
Muslim was dominant (54.6%) in the timber marketing and majority of
marketers had regular supply of their product. . Government policy,
high cost of transportation, inadequate credit facilities and high cost
of energy and power were some of the constraints faced by timber
marketers in the study area. The use of modern equipment and machines
are needed to replace the outdated equipment in order to increase the
output and profit. The level of access to credit facilities should be
improved upon by encouraging the respondent to form cooperative
societies so that they can mobilize enough working capital for their
business
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Parameters in Earthworm (Esiena fetida andrei); a Probable index of Environmental Pollution Status
Get PDFOxidative stress and antioxidant responses in earthworms were
investigated for use as an index for environmental pollution. The study
was done in three test locations (Refinery road, Okere market and PTI
roundabout) in Warri an industrial city in Nigeria and Abraka a less
industrial city as control. Levels of five stress and antioxidant
parameters; lipid peroxidation (LPO), aldehyde oxidase (AO), superoxide
dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and ascorbic acid (Vit. C.) were used.
There was observed significant (p<0.05) rise in LPO
(5.83\ub10.456, 5.83\ub10.456, 4.04\ub10.58, 4.25\ub10.475,
2.09\ub10.425), oxidative enzyme (AO) levels (0.011\ub10.00012,
0.008\ub10.0021, 0.0058\ub10.0013, 0.0022\ub10.00009) and
increase in activities and levels of the antioxidants (SOD:
24.0\ub13.80, 12.0\ub13.80, 16.0\ub14.62, 5.6\ub12.8; CAT:
0.98\ub10.013, 1.08\ub10.061, 0.95\ub10.018, 0.93\ub10.0125 and
Vit. C: 0.175\ub10.0172, 0.118\ub10.0148, 0.109\ub10.014,
0.072\ub10.004) respectively in all study locations in Warri compared
to Abraka. These changes were significantly higher in refinery road
compared to other locations (Okere market and PTI) in Warri. There were
also significant (p<0.05) negative relationship between LPO and SOD
activities (r=-0.677), AO and CAT(r=-0.718) as well as AO and
SOD(r=0.661) activities respectively only in the refinery road area
while no significant change (p>0.05) were reported in other
locations. The combined data showed significant negative relationship
(p<0.01) between LPO and AO(r=-0.719) and a significant positive
relationship (p<0.01) between LPO and (SOD r=0.710, Vit C r=.884).
It further showed significant (p<0.01) negative relationship between
AO and CAT (r=-0.486), SOD and Vit C (r=-.648), and significant
(p<0.01) positive relationship between Vitamin C and (SOD r=-0.865,
CAT r=0.785). It was concluded that rise in levels of the studied
antioxidants and LPO in earthworms found in Warri compared to Abraka
may have occurred in response to industrial pollution, thus may be used
for environmental monitoring