| 1 |
Author(s):
M.B. Adewole, D.H. Ahmed, I.O.O. Orimoogunje, A. A. Olowoake.
Page No : 1-7
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Uptake and Distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon by Sunflower from Crude Oil Contaminated Soils Using Agro-Industrial Wastes as Soil Amendments
Abstract
This study investigated the growth performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. This was with a view to assessing the remediating potentials of the test crop when different rates of agro-industrial wastes were used as soil amendments.
The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. It was a 5 x 3 x 3 factorial complete randomized design, consisting of 135 polythene pots, each containing five kg of sandy topsoil. Poultry waste and ashed sawdust in different ratios [0:100; 25:75; 50:50; 75:25; and 100:0] gave five manure mixtures, which were applied at three levels (0, 4, and 8 t ha⁻¹) as soil amendments.
These manures significantly (p < 0.05) increased the uptake and accumulation of total petroleum hydrocarbon in the root (0.19-0.46 mg kg⁻¹), shoot (0.75-1.71 mg kg⁻¹), and grains (0.13-0.26 mg kg⁻¹) of sunflower; however, with superior influence from 8 t ha⁻¹ containing higher poultry waste and at 1% crude oil soil contamination.
The study concluded that sunflower has potential for cleaning up petroleum hydrocarbons from crude oil-contaminated soil, particularly when a high composted poultry waste proportion in the manure mixtures was used as a soil enhancer in the humid tropical climate.
| 2 |
Author(s):
A.O. Awe, O.T. Okareh , M.K.C. Sridhar .
Page No : 9-13
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Use of Processed Waste Feathers as Source of Organic Nutrients for Maize Production
Abstract
Management of waste feathers in Nigeria is of great concern due to large quantities generated daily. Over 30,000 birds slaughtered daily by two poultry industries in Ibadan Southwest generate 4980 kg of feathers ending up in dumpsites polluting the environment. Feathers contain 91% fibrous protein, which can be processed and released as soil nutrients to increase food production.
Eighty grams of waste chicken feathers were processed into mulch by washing, sun-drying, and grinding into bits, then pasted with 27 g of glycerol and air-dried. Farmland was cleared and made into sixty-four 30 cm-diameter heaps arranged into two groups, A and B, with four replications each having eight heaps. Maize was planted in every heap while feather mulch was applied to group B. Group A (control) had no mulch applied. Watering was done ad libitum. Lengths of leaves and stem were measured at 4-day intervals using flexible tape. Maize cobs were weighed after harvesting (65 days), and the mean for each group was obtained. Data were analyzed using ANOVA.
Results showed that maize in group B had 196.47±4.61 cm and 105.82±2.44 cm as mean lengths of leaves and stem respectively, as against 165.43±1.57 cm and 78.43±2.56 cm respectively for the control. These represented 18.76% and 34.92% significant increases (p<0.05) in mean lengths of leaves and stem respectively over the control. Yield of maize showed a 22% significant increase (p<0.05) in mean cob weight at 0.275±0.03 kg over control at 0.225±0.03 kg.
Application of feather mulch caused a significant increase in growth and production of maize by releasing additional nutrients into the soil. It is therefore recommended that processed waste feathers be used as an alternative source of organic nutrients for maize production as a means of sustainable waste management.
| 3 |
Author(s):
A.C. Olufemi, A . Mji, M.S. Mukhola.
Page No : 15-23
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An Assessment of Air Pollution Status in High Schools Situated in Coal Mining Areas of South Africa
Abstract
Globally, coal combustion and mining activities contribute to air pollution problems which could result in various adverse health effects. In South Africa, little is known about these effects, especially among children. This study therefore assessed the levels of certain air pollutants which are commonly linked with coal combustion and mining activities.
A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Five schools were purposively selected for this study. Air samples were collected from within and outside the classrooms. Radiello® samplers were used to measure the levels of Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Ozone (O₃) while filter pumps were employed for Lead (Pb). Standard laboratory analytical methods were employed for the analysis.
The results revealed that SO₂, NO₂, and O₃ were detected within and outside the classrooms at various levels. The concentration of SO₂ within the classroom ranged from 3.0 to 38 µg/m³. As expected, the levels of SO₃ found outside the classroom were much higher, ranging from 17 to 84 µg/m³. Incidentally, Lead (Pb) levels were generally < 0.007 mg/m³ and were only determined at one of the schools due to instruments' instability at other sampling sites.
| 4 |
Author(s):
O.E. Olorunfemi.
Page No : 25-33
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Spatial Trend of Particulate Matter (PM) in the Near Roadside Environment: A Case Study of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Abstract
Particulate Matter (PM) are emitted into the ambient air through several sources such as vehicular emissions, emissions from power plants, dust emissions from construction sites, industrial processes emissions, and many more. The concentration of PM with respect to distance from roadside environments in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom was determined in this study using the Osiris particulate monitor. This instrument measures the mass concentration of PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, and PM₁ in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
The sampling locations were major roads and bus stops within Central Milton Keynes. The results from the particle sampling campaign showed a higher concentration of PM on non-grid roads. The PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ mass concentrations decrease with respect to distance from the roadside environment. Also, low vehicle speeds at traffic light junctions and bus stops caused an increase in concentrations of PM at major bus stops. The decrease in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations with respect to distance from the roadside environment is attributed to increased particle dilution and dispersion in air.
It was observed that PM concentrations at any of the sampling locations did not exceed the WHO, EU, and UK air quality standards. It is recommended that an appropriate distance of about 15 m is required from the traffic roadside environment for housing development, as this will reduce exposure to traffic-generated particulate matter. Also, further studies should be carried out both in the winter and summer months to enhance the understanding of PM trends in the near roadside environments and the extent of contribution of traffic-emitted PM to the total ambient PM concentrations.
| 5 |
Author(s):
A.A. Adebayo, G.U. Adie, O. Osibanjo.
Page No : 35-41
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Investigations on Soil Contamination by Toxic Metals within the Vicinities of Bodija Market in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate soil contamination with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd from Bodija market. Fifty-six soil samples were randomly collected from 7 sections of the market, namely: sawmill, foodstuff, refuse dumpsite, slaughterhouse, slabs, petrol station, railway quarters, and carpark, and 8 samples from a control site, making a total of 64 soil samples. The soils were collected at 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm depths, and the pH, organic matter, particle size, as well as the metal leaching were determined using standard methods. The metal levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
The mean values of pH and organic matter were 6.87 and 3.24% for the study area and 4.93 and 2.54% for the control. The mean particle size analysis (%) in this study, with control in brackets, showed clay, silt, and sand as 6.84 (15.8), 7.83 (19.6), and 85.3 (64.6), respectively. Metal concentration (mg/kg) ranges with median in brackets were: Pb: 3.25 – 154 (68.1), Cu: BDL – 478 (13.6), Ni: 7 – 75.8 (19.6), Zn: 0.32 – 128 (43.9), and Cd: 0.25 – 4.40 (0.40).
The higher pH and organic matter values suggest influence from carbonaceous and ammonium-containing waste in soils from the market. The metal levels for all metals were within the permissible limits set by FAO except Cu (478 mg/kg) and Cd (4.40 mg/kg) in samples collected from railway quarters and slaughterhouse slabs, respectively. The soils pose little or no harm to human health and the environment, but the need for periodic environmental monitoring of soils is important.
| 6 |
Author(s):
L.O. Jimoh, K.G. Azeez , F.A. Omolabi, A. Idachaba.
Page No : 43-50
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Beverage Container Recycling for Schools: A Grassroots Response to the extended Producers Responsibility and Consumer Products Stewardship Programme
Abstract
Waste generators, both producers and consumers, can play vital roles in contributing to resource conservation and preventing potential environmental health problems by proper disposal of end-of-life products such as beverage containers. Indiscriminate disposal of beverage packages exacerbates the problem of clogged drainages, leading to flooding and contributing to climate change.
To overcome this problem, an incentive-based awareness program was explored in the context of the manufacturers' Extended Products Stewardship Programme. The awareness of stakeholders, especially teachers and students in six purposively selected public schools in Ibadan, was first actively raised, before the schools were challenged with recycling of pure water sachets (PWS) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Trained volunteers were assigned to each school to anchor environmental awareness talks for four consecutive weeks. A Travelon scale was used to weigh accrued waste before evacuation to Aleshinloye recycling facility, Ibadan. Data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with descriptive statistics.
A total of 7,062 students participated in the program. A total of 499 kg and 465 kg of PWS and PET waste were accrued in the primary and secondary schools, respectively. In all, 76 creative products entered the creative challenge. Active participation in sorting and innovative reuse of PWS and PET was seen across schools and reinforced. There is a need to scale up incentive-based programs on beverage recycling as a means of promoting environmental sustainability.
| 7 |
Author(s):
O.T. Aladesanmi , R.T. Ilesanmi.
Page No : 51-56
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Seasonal and Habitat Variation in Heavy Metal Concentration in Selected Fishponds and their Feeder Streams in Osun State
Abstract
The presence of heavy metals in the environment could constitute a hazard to public health. Hence, the present study determined heavy metal (Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn, Zn) concentrations in three selected earthen fish ponds and their feeder streams in Osun State, South-West, Nigeria, during the rainy and dry seasons of 2011 and 2012. The analysis was carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).
The results revealed that most heavy metals were higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. In addition, high levels of the metals were generally recorded in the feeder streams rather than in the ponds, which confirms the stream as a potential source of heavy metal pollution to the fish ponds. A significantly (p=0.05) higher concentration of Zn was observed in Ilesha pond compared to the stream water. On the other hand, Ni concentration in Osogbo and Yakoyo streams was significantly higher than in the pond water.
| 8 |
Author(s):
A.A. Soyingbe, S.G. Salako , T.B. Hammed.
Page No : 57-63
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Sanitary Condition and Characteristics of Borehole Water Samples in Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu, Nigeria
Abstract
In Ijebu-Ode, borehole water is the most reliable and readily available source of water for various households. Although borehole water (groundwater) quality has generally been considered adequate for consumption, poor siting and management of a borehole can pose potential risks to consumers. For instance, a short distance from sources of contamination, poor sanitation, and waste management can eventually contaminate the water, jeopardizing consumers' health.
Water samples from six boreholes in Ogun State College of Health Technology campus were analyzed for: pH, color, turbidity, total dissolved solids, hardness, iron, manganese, zinc, sulfate (SO₄²⁻), lead (Pb), chloride (Cl⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), and E. coli, Salmonella, and total viable count for microbiological parameters. A sanitary survey form was also used to determine the potential risks associated with the contamination of the boreholes. The data collected were summarized with descriptive statistics.
The results showed that turbidity (13 NTU), iron (1.6 mg/l), manganese (3.03 mg/l), hardness (245.5 mg/l), and zinc (23.8 mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard, but nitrate and lead values were within WHO standards. E. coli and Salmonella were not detected, and the risk scores were between low and intermediate. The study concluded that the boreholes had improved sanitation, and the water is fit for consumption with minimal threat to health. Therefore, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the borehole water to maintain and sustain the quality of the borehole water sources.
| 9 |
Author(s):
U.M. Ekwere, N.S. Olaniran, A . Peter.
Page No : 65-70
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Awareness, Ownership and Utilisation of Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the level of utilisation of
insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Calabar Metropolis, Cross
River State Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to
determine, the level of awareness of ITN, the level of household
ownership of ITN, the level of utilisation among the vulnerable
groups as well as the respondents in the study area. The study was
a cross-sectional descriptive study using a 34-item structured
questionnaire which was interview-administered. The study
population consisted of household heads, either male or female,
under-fives (U5) children and pregnant women (PW). Data
obtained were analysed and presented in percentages and tables.
About 79% of the respondents were aware of ITN. Household
ownership of any net was 57.27% and 42.73% for ITN.
Utilisation of any net by U5 children was 49.1% and 33.33% for
ITN. The proportion of pregnant women utilising any net was
55.26% and 30.26% for ITN. About 41% of the respondents
utilised any net/ITN while about 59% did not. Recommendations
that will assist in increasing household ownership and utilisation
of ITN in the study area were made
| 10 |
Author(s):
Ann Olsson, Rachel Denholm, Ausrele Kesminiene, Isabelle Deltour, Isabelle Thierry-Chef, Joachim Schüz.
Page No : 71-78
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Emerging Trends in Radiation and Cancer
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is a well-studied physical exposure and a
known carcinogen for more than 100 years. Most scientific
evidence comes from studies on atomic bomb survivors and
patients treated with radiation, and has lately been
complemented by studies on populations exposed in
environmental or occupational settings to radon, studies of
nuclear workers or patients with diagnostic procedures. These
studies, together with animal experiments, show that ionizing
radiation induces cancer in most tissues, of most species, and at
all ages. There is a firm dose-response, and risks at high-dose
and high-dose rate are known with reasonable precision and
accuracy. Further research is however needed regarding effects
of low radiation doses received over long periods at relatively
low dose rate, different types of radiation, individual sensitivity
(e.g. genetic predisposition), relevant time-windows of
exposure, age at exposure, and mechanisms of radiation
carcinogenesis. The most predominant source of natural
radiation exposure is radon, which is a gas that leaks out of the
earth all over the world at different levels. Radon is the second
most important lung carcinogen globally. The most important
source of man-made radiation exposure is medical diagnostics;
in particular the use of computed tomography (CT). Although
CT scans are highly beneficial and potentially lifesaving by
improving the accuracy of diagnosis and surgical interventions,
unnecessary use of these examinations needs to be minimized.
Concerning non-ionising radiation, at present, there is no
convincing evidence that radiofrequency electromagnetic
fields (mobile phones) increase the risk of cancer. The
information on long term heavy mobile phone use is limited,
why continued research is still needed.
| 11 |
Author(s):
De Wet Schutte.
Page No : 79-86
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Mainstreaming Safety into Good Management Practice in the Workplace Environment
Abstract
Few authors would disagree that safety is in essence a managerial
issue, and that when safety is mainstreamed and embedded into the
management of a company, would be an indication of good
management practice. Though this statement could be faulted, it is
argued in this article that the existence of a large and often visible
safety department in a company, could be misleading and does not
necessarily imply that safety is really “embedded” nor
“mainstreamed”. This article postulates that the mainstreaming of
safety should involve more than just being a managerial issue,
backed by a large department and strict safety rules and
regulations. Rather, safety should be part of the “DNA” of a
company. The departure of this paper is that safety in the
workplace is essentially a human sciences issue and to embed
safety in the “DNA” of a company, needs a paradigm shift from the
popular current behaviourist paradigm of thinking about safety
management, to the complexity paradigm of thinking in order to
create the biggest possible overlap amongst both employer and
employees' attitudes and behaviour towards managing safety in the
workplace. In absence of the latter, safety in the workplace runs the
risk of getting stuck in the typical behaviourist driven input-output
model with its own limitations reflected in just a positive attitude,
or just a form of tolerated behaviour, and considered to be just
another issue among various others that management should pay
attention to in the workplace
| 12 |
Author(s):
A.Y. Daramola .
Page No : 87-97
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Urban Morphology, Transport Demand and Climate Change: A Review of Conceptual Issues and Empirical Evidence
Abstract
City designs influence transportation networks, available transport
modes and ultimately travel behaviour. Within the context of Green
House Gas Emissions leading to climate change, available transport
modes are probably the most significant factor. Globally, road
transport is considered a major contributor to transport emissions
and this mode accounts for a significant share of movements in
many developing countries including Nigeria. The study attempts to
relate the morphology of cities to existing transport systems and
thus draw implications for transport emission induced climate
change. The paper adopts a case study approach. The sample cities
(Lagos, Shanghai and New York) are drawn to achieve a spread in
global economies-developing, emerging and developed economies.
The analysis is largely descriptive and relates city designs and
transport planning practices to real and potential emissions.
Emerging and developed economies appear to be making progress
in mitigating transport induced climate change. This is being
achieved by prioritising mass transit modes which are more efficient
in terms of energy use and by implementing fundamental land use
planning policies. In developing countries, mass transit modes are
still inadequate and the private car's modal share of vehicle fleet is
enormous. These private cars are inefficient energy users because
they are low capacity vehicles which offer higher emissions per
capita of passenger moved. It is seen that the morphology of cities
influences the available transport systems. Where land use planning
is fundamentally deficient, adaptation methods will include the
need to patronize technologically improved vehicles, but more
practically, to prioritize mass transit.
