| 1 |
Author(s):
Shade John Akinsete.
Page No : 1-9
|
Understanding Soil Science for Safeguarding Environmental and Public Health
Abstract
Soil influences human health directly and indirectly. However, its
influence is not routinely discussed compared with other environmental
media, specifically, air and water. Though less obvious, soils could have
both beneficial and detrimental effects on human health. Over the years
the relevance of soil to human health has been largely attributed to crop
production. Nonetheless, recent studies have shown that soils play other
significant roles in human health than the obvious. Soils interact
directly with the aquatic ecosystems and the atmosphere, thus, cannot
be overlooked in addressing environmental and public health
challenges. Despite this, professionals emerging from the public health
field unacquainted with the field of soil science owing to their varied
backgrounds have little or no knowledge of this all-important natural
resource. The knowledge of soil will determine how it is used, treated
and conserved, which eventually impact human health. There is the
need to establish soils relevance in the public health field which
addresses issues pertaining to total health of population, and this begins
with teaching soils and its impact on health to environmental and public
health students.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Adepoju-Olajuwon, F.A, Afolabi, R.F, Gbolahan, A, Yusuf, O.B..
Page No : 11-21
|
The Use of Poisson-Mixture Models for Evaluating the Risk of Typhoid Fever in Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Poisson and negative binomial regressions are popularly used to model
count data. However, they have limitations of not accounting for excess
zeros and over-dispersion. Hence, this study compared the performance
of four Poisson-mixture models in identifying factors influencing the
number of typhoid fever cases(TFC) in Oyo State. Surveillance data on
TFC, extracted from the Oyo State Integrated Disease Surveillance and
Response database (2011 to 2014), were used. Presence of over
dispersion (variance exceeds mean) in the data was investigated. The
zero-inflated Poisson, zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB), zero
inflated generalized Poisson, and zero-altered Poisson models were
fitted to the data, and the best model was selected based on the least AIC
value. There were 38,342 reported cases of TFC within the year 2011 to
2014 and 8,118 (73.2%) zero cases. The mean was 3.46, while the
variance was141.39 which indicated over-dispersion. There was a
decline (89.0%) in TFC between 2012 and 2014.There was a 74%
lower risk of typhoid fever in 2014 (IRR=0.742, 95%CI: 0.647, 0.852)
compared to the risk in 2011. The highest risk was recorded in Lagelu
(IRR=4.072, 95% CI: 2.847, 5.823), while the lowest was in Ibadan
North. (IRR = 0.599, 95%CI: 0.425, 0.846). The zero inflated negative
binomial regression was the best model to estimate factors associated
with typhoid fever cases in the presence of over-dispersion.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Gbadebo, Babatunde Makinde, Fagbamigbe, Adeniyi Francis , Adebowale, Stephen Ayo.
Page No : 23-34
|
Environmental Factors as Predictors of Childhood Mortality Experience in Nigeria
Abstract
Child Mortality (CM) remains a problem in Nigeria. Despite the high
prevalence of under-five mortality in Nigeria, the role of environmental
factors as predictors of U5 mortality has not been adequately explored.
We explored factors influencing CM in Nigeria against the backdrop of
limited research on the survival chances of under-five children (UFC).
This cross-sectional study used the 2013 Nigerian Demographic and
Health Survey. The survey was a nationally representative sample of
females of reproductive age (15-49 years). A total n=31,828 births were
reported among the 38,522 participants within five years preceding the
survey among which 2879 died. We censored children who were alive
at the day of survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics,
Chi-square and Cox-Proportional hazard models (á=.05). Mean age of
the women was 29.5± 7.0 years and 65% were living in the rural areas,
9.0% of UFC died before attaining age five. The hazard of child
mortality was 28% higher among children who had no access to safe
water (aHR=1.277, 95% CI:1.174-1.390) and 31% higher for no access
to improved toilet facilities (aHR=1.312, 95% CI: 1.205-1.429).
Children of mothers with no education were about 33%times likely to
die before age 5 than children whose mothers had secondary education
(aHR=1.327, 95% CI:1.065-1.653). The richer the household from
which a child comes, the lower the likelihood of death before age 5. The
hazard of child mortality was significantly higher among those who
lived in houses made of unimproved roofs and walls, used unimproved
cooking fuel, used mosquito nets regularly and shared toilet facilities.
Childhood mortality is still high in Nigeria and children from poor
homes in rural areas, with limited access to improved sanitation,
housing materials and safe water were the most affected. Child health
programming should focus on infrastructural development as a tool of
improving the living conditions of under-five children in Nigeria.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Okundaye N. Oghomwen, Oloruntoba O. Elizabeth, Adejumo Mumuni.
Page No : 35-46
|
Quality of Drinking Water and Microbial Load of the Interior Components of Dispensing Machines at a Federal Training Centre, in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
This study assessed the quality of drinking water dispensed and
microbial load of the interior components of 14 dispenser machines in a
federal training centre in Nigeria. Water samples from dispensers were
analysed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters before
and after cleaning. Swab samples from the inner components of the
dispensers were assessed for Total viable bacteria (TVB) and Total
coliforms (TC) using standard methods. Information on perception and
practices of users was obtained from key informants. The results were
compared with WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. Data were
analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test at 5% level of
significance. The physico-chemical parameters of water from
dispensers were all within permissible limits. Before cleaning, four
(28.6%) and 9(64.3 %) of the water samples from dispensers had TVB
and TC counts higher than permissible limits while all were free of TVB
and TC after cleaning. Internal components of 12 machines had TVB
2
count of 2.6 ± 1.2 x 10 cfu/mL before cleaning while there was no TVB
immediately after cleaning. Participants believed that no microorganism
could grow inside the dispensers because water flows in it regularly, hence
did not require regular cleaning. However, Staphylococcus aureus and
Psuedomonas auruginosa were isolated from the internal components
of the dispensers before cleaning. This could have implication for
health. The study recommends regular cleaning of the machines and
adoption of appropriate routine monitoring system to protect the health
of users
| 5 |
Author(s):
Rashid Chiposa, Elijah Wanda, Chimuleke Munthali, Willy Chipeta.
Page No : 47-54
|
Situational Analysis of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Access to Pit latrines in Low Income Peri-urban Areas in Mzuzu City, Malawi
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effects of socio-demographic
characteristics in relation to access to improved pit latrine and desludging
services in Area 1B, a peri-urban area of low-income settings in Mzuzu
City, Northern Malawi. A total of 150 households were purposively
sampled to assess the socio-demographic characteristics in terms of level
of education, source of income and occupation in relation to the status of
pit latrines. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0. The results
revealed that 69% and 31% of the respondents had improved and
unimproved pit latrines, respectively. The use of improved and
unimproved type of pit latrines in Area 1B within Mzuzu City in Northern
Malawi was attributed to the socio-demographic characteristics of
households. Furthermore, the monthly income of the respondents
revealed in the study cannot meet the costs of desludging services
because it is far below the minimum service charge of one trip of a
desludging truck. In order to progress with sanitation through improved
types of pit latrines, especially to the vulnerable households, the
Malawi Government and other stakeholders should come in and assist
these households to access loans with reasonable interests
| 6 |
Author(s):
Dipeolu, A.A. , Akpa, O.M., Fadamiro, A.J..
Page No : 51-64
|
The Factor Structure of the Environmental Attitude Scale in a Community-Based Study in Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Environmental Attitude (EA) has been understood to be a complex
multidimensional construct with minimal empirical evidence in
developing countries. In the present study, psychometric properties of an
EA scale was empirically assessed using data from a community based
study conducted in Nigeria. Different measures of EA were aggregated
into a single EA scale and administered to 1,858 individuals. Mean
(Standard deviation) and proportions were used to describe the
distribution of continuous and discrete data respectively. Reliability of the
scale was assessed using Cronbach alpha. Varying hypothetical models of
the EA were assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and
Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Data were analysed using IBM
SPSS version 20 and AMOS version 21 at 5% significant level. Overall
mean score and alpha coefficient for the combined EA measure was 381.7
(49.0) and 0.928 respectively. A 3-factor structure accounting for 36%
cumulative variance in the scale item was extracted in an EFA. A non
orthogonal 3-factor model was a significant improvement over the
2
original none-correlated 5-factor model [÷ (1344)=29216.33, P<0.001;
CAIC=9816.870]. The conceptualization of the EA as a non-orthogonal
3-factor structure provides a better fit to the present
| 7 |
Author(s):
Salako, S. G, Oloruntoba, E. O, Adegbite, A. A, Hameed, T.B.
Page No : 55-65
|
Constraints in Adopting Communal Systems in Solid Waste Management in Peri-Urban Area of Abeokuta for Sustainable Technologies
Abstract
The solid waste management systems in a developing country are
characterized by problems of low or no service coverage, open
dumping and open burning of the wastes. Different approaches to waste
management are not sustainable due to lack of community
participation. The study was carried out at Akole-Oke Ata, a peri-urban
area of Abeokuta, to determine the acceptability of communal waste
management systems that can be adopted to foster community
participation in waste management. The study combined both Focus
Group Discussion and Questionnaire Administration Methodologies.
The researchers attended the three (3) Community Development
Associations (CDAs) meetings that operate within the study area,
where the discussions on the subject matter were made part of the
meeting agendas and thereafter opinionated self-structured
questionnaires, through convenience sampling technique were
administered to one hundred and fifty household (150) respondents
representing each household. About seventy-five (75%) of the
questionnaires were retrieved after the meetings and the rest retrieved at
different households. The data collected were analysed with graph pad
prism version 6.1, to determine if the level of education, income,
location of the system and family household number can influence the
respondents' acceptability and adoption of a sustainable system.The
results on demographic characteristics of the respondents showed that
ninety-five (95) are graduates, forty (40) with secondary school
certificate and primary leaving certificates while the rest of the
respondents fifteen (15) do not have any educational certificate. Then,
the income of the respondents showed that twenty (20) of the
respondents earn between 10,000-20,000 Naira monthly, forty (40)
respondents earn between 20,001-40,000 Naira monthly and majority
of the respondents (90) earn more than 40,000 Naira, while responses
for the distance from proposed sites showed that 0-300cm indicated by
twenty (20) respondents, distance between 301-600 cm indicated by 30
respondents and a hundred (100) respondents indicated distance of
more than 100cm from their houses and the responses on the household
size showed that eight (8) respondents household size is between 0-2,
one hundred and thirty (130) respondents are with household size of
between 3-6, while the rest twenty (20) respondents contain household
size of more than 6. The results analysed showed that the level of
education, monthly income,location to the proposed system, and family household number might be the constraints for the respondents that
significantly determined the acceptability of establishing a communal
solid waste management system. The study concluded that the
respondents in the study area do not accept communal waste
management and the rejection might be due to; finance for the
construction of the system, as well as and for the operation and
maintenance, question of who pays for the expenses and who owns the
system, location of proposed site to households is another factor
because of the nuisance associated with solid waste management.
Therefore, the study concludes that relevant government agencies
should create awareness and provide funding as well as institutional
framework support and use of functional community development
associations that fits peri-urban settings.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ala, A.A., Akinleye, T.E, Ohia C.M.D.
Page No : 67-78
|
Effects of Pre-treatment with Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf extracts of Morinda lucida (Benth) on Dichlorvos-Induced Toxicity in Balb/c mice
Abstract
The pesticide Dichlorvos, also known as DDVP, is an organ ophosphate
insecticide widely used in agriculture, institutional and industrial sites,
homes, and on pets, that is, acutely toxic to animals including humans.
DDVP is used by farmers in Nigeria although listed by WHO as a
possible carcinogen. Morinda lucida is a Nigerian medicinal plant
known to exhibit strong antioxidant activity and therefore may alleviate
DDVP induced damage in cells. This study was designed to assess the
potential of pre-treatment of Balb/c mice with Morinda lucida in
reducing dichlorvos induced cell damage. Six groups of mice, each
having five mice, were orally administered with the following: Group
A— 0.1ml of 0.9% v/w Normal saline; Group B—0.1ml of 10mg/kg of
DDVP only. Groups C, D, E and F were pre-treated with 0.1ml of 300
and 500mg/kg aqueous and methanol extracts of Morinda lucida leaves
respectively and after 14days, with 0.1ml of 10mg/kg DDVP for five
days. Haematological parameters, activities of Serum biochemical and
antioxidant enzymes Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT),
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione superoxide hydrogenase
(GSH) were measured to evaluate tissue damage by the pesticide.
Compared with the Dichlorvos (only) group, mice pre-administered
with Morinda lucida showed significantly (P<0.05) enhanced
antioxidant activity, haematological and serum biochemical
parameters. Morinda lucida reduced tissue damage resulting from
dichlorovos and therefore, can be used to ameliorate Dichlorvos
toxicity
| 9 |
Author(s):
Udensi, J. U., Umeh, S. I., Mgbemena, I. C., Emeka-Nwabunnia, I , Ebe, T. , Onah, J ., Aroh, K.
Page No : 77-84
|
Antifungal Activities of Virgin Coconut Oil on Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Mould Species
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the availability
of fewer antifungal agents with fungicidal actions, prompted this study
to determine the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil as an antifungal agent
on these species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Mould
species). Their susceptibilities to virgin coconut oil and Griseofulvin were
studied by using the well in agar diffusion technique. Candida albicans
showed the highest susceptibility to coconut oil on the SDA plate, with a
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5mg/ml (1:8 dilution) in
the broth, while Griseofulvin had 100% susceptibility on the C. albicans
plate, with MIC of 14.29mg/ml (1:7 dilution) in the broth. Mould species
showed high susceptibility (100%) to coconut oil on the Mould plate,
with an MIC of 16.67mg/ml (1:6 dilution), while Griseofulvin had an
MIC of 14.29mg/ml on the Mouldspecies. Aspergillus niger showed a
high resistance to the virgin coconut oil both on the SDA plate and in the
broth, while Griseofulvin showed activities on the A. niger plate with
MIC of 20mg/ml in the broth. It is noteworthy that coconut oil was
active against species of Candida albicans at 12.50mg/ml concentration
compared to Griseofulvin. Coconut oil should be used in the treatment of
fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.
Virgin coconut oil should be used for the treatment of fungal infections
like Candidiasis and to prevent the spoilage of food substances by Mould
species
| 10 |
Author(s):
Suraju, Adekunle Lateef, Adedamola, Oseyemi Ayeni.
Page No : 79-91
|
Treatment of Aquaculture Wastewater by Vermireactor for Wastewater Discharge or Reuse
Abstract
Vermifiltration is an emerging technology with the potential of
becoming a reliable technology for treatment of wastewaters from
different sources especially in low-resource country like Nigeria. In the
present study, performance evaluation of vermireactors (Trials EA and
AM) for treatment of aquaculture wastewater was conducted for 67
days using earthworm species; Eudrilus eugeniae (EA) and Alma
millsoni (AM). Wastewater was applied at hydraulic loading rate of
3
2
3
0.0085 m /m /h and earthworm density of 7877 earthworms/m was
used for the treatments. Effluent characteristics were compared with
control (without earthworm). In addition, the characteristics were also
compared with Nigerian National Regulations for effluent discharges
and reuse of wastewater in aquaculture. The presence of two earthworm
species aided the removal of BOD (69-80%), COD (46-60%),
5
ammonia nitrogen (87-93%), nitrate nitrogen (67-81%), total
phosphorus (45-65%) and potassium (72-81%) in the treated effluent.
The treatment process also increased dissolved oxygen (DO) (48-49%)
in the treated effluents. The recorded values in the treatment process
were higher than values recorded in the control. All parameters of
treated effluent from trials EA and AM were within the guideline limits
for discharge and reuse of wastewater in aquaculture except for BOD
(concentrations were within the permitted limit for discharge, but
slightly above the limit for reuse), total suspended solids and
phosphorus concentrations. The results thus showed that the two
earthworm species employed in the present study were suitable for
treatment of aquaculture wastewater. This treatment method provides a
sustainable method for treatment of aquaculture wastewater and should
be explored further.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Hammed, T.B., Sridhar, M.K.C., Oseji, M.E, Lawal, O. Sakirat.
Page No : 93-101
|
Waste Recovery Potentials of Solid Waste Generated by Animals at Zoological Garden of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria
Abstract
Lack of proper management of litters generated by zoo animals can
escalate into very serious environmental health hazards and reduce
touristic sight attraction to the visitors and picnickers. This paper
assessed the number of animals and, amounts of organic wastes
produced and their disposal methods in a zoo located on the campus of
University of Ibadan, Nigeria, with a view of recommending resource
recovery option. Samples of waste generated by 17 varieties and a total
of 112 live animals and birds in the zoo were collected each day for
seven days in a week for physical and chemical characterisation.
Physical characterisation was carried out by spreading them on a work
bench before taking their volumes and weight using a calibrated drum
and weighing scale, respectively. The chemical analyses were carried
out on volatile substances, non-volatile substances, total Kjeldahl
nitrogen, total phosphorous and empirical carbon using analytical
methods. A participatory observation checklist was also used to monitor
feeding practices and method of waste disposal in the zoo. The total
waste (fresh weight) generated per week was 3.28 ± 0.8kg, ranging
between 0.03±0.00kg and 3.4±0.08 kg per day with the least from
tortoise and highest from gorilla. The wastes had high levels of organic
matters (78.7%),volatile substances (54.9%), non-volatile substances
(45.1%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (2.4%) and total phosphorous (2.0%). Zoo
wastes were very rich in valuable mineral nutrients and hygienic disposal
with resource recovery is recommended to prevent environmental health
hazards.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Ana, G.R.E.E, Umego, I.M., Morakinyo, O.M, Laniyan, T.A.
Page No : 99-110
|
Spatial Variations in Key Greenhouse Gas Emissions across Illegal Dumpsites in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Illegal dumpsites are common in Nigerian cities and these wastes are
one of the significant contributors of greenhouse gas emissions
(GHGEs). The study was designed to characterize GHGEs from the
wastes as obtained from selected illegal dumpsites in Ibadan
Southwest, Nigeria. Three dumpsites were randomly selected from the
high (Okefoko), medium (NTC Joyce B) and low (Iyaganku GRA)
density areas. Two most critical GHGEs (carbon dioxide, CO and
2
methane, CH ) were estimated. Values of CO measured three times per
4
2
week at specific periods of the day for 12 weeks during the months of
January to April, 2011in parts per million (ppm) using a Telaire 7001
connected to a HOBO U12 data logger (Onset Corp, Bourne, MA). The
CO values obtained were compared with available USEPA guideline
2
limits (300 – 400 ppm). Short-term CO concentrations ranged from
2
212-580 ppm for Okefoko, 224-1157 ppm for NTC Joyce B and 240
548 ppm for Iyaganku GRA. Highest (1157 ppm) CO emission was
2
recorded at the medium density area between 8 and10 am. The highest
o
temperature (39.4 C) was also recorded in the medium density area in
the morning. The percentage composition of CH in the total potential
4
gas emissions from the dumpsites in the high, medium and low density
areas were 0.000158 Gg/yr., 0.000026 Gg/yr. and 0.000012 Gg/yr.
respectively. Levels of CO near dumpsites were within guideline
2
limits, while CH exceeded guideline limits. Evacuation of waste from
4
illegal dumpsites to authorized locations for recovery of GHGEs and
material recycling should be promoted in urban areas of LDCs.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Samba Camara , Rex A. Kuye, M. K. C. Sridhar.
Page No : 103-112
|
Environmental and Occupational Hazards Exposures Faced by Coastal Fishermen in Tanji, The Gambia
Abstract
In The Gambia, the smallest West African country with a population of
about 2 054 986, fishing is a major industry. Most previous studies on
coastal fishing have focused on fishing methods, fish protection, and
fish preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental
health hazards to coastal fishermen in Tanji. A descriptive cross
sectional study was carried out on 36 fishermen in Tanji Coastal Fishing
Centre. Structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used
for data collection. Responses were analysed using SPSS version 22
descriptive statistics. The study found that50% of coastal fishermen in
Tanji were Non-Gambian nationals. The fishermen were generally
artisanal and use planked canoes without-board engines during the
process of fishing. Common hazards among fishermen during fishing
operations include falls, fish, fishing gear,and extreme weather
conditions. The fishermen reported that the activities including pushing
boat into sea, removing catch from fishing gears, transporting catch,
controlling boat engine, setting fishing gear, strenuous and repetitive
work among others as injury causing factors during fishing operations.
Seventy-two percent of the fishermen reportedly used robber gloves,
and 94% used lifejackets while fishing. However, the usage of most
essential personal protective equipment while fishing was low.Coastal
fishing in Tanji is labor intensive and hazardous. The fishermen are
exposed to both fatal and nonfatal injury causing factors. Fishermen
should be engaged in formal safety training by the authorities. Further
research on occupational and environmental hazards faced by the
coastal fishermen in Tanji is recommended
| 14 |
Author(s):
Laniyan, T. A.
Page No : 111-119
|
Contamination Assessment of Trace Metal in Soil and Stream sediments of Ibadan and its Environs, Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
High porous nature of soil makes it susceptible to influx of heavy metals
that comes from anthropogenic activity. Contamination assessment of
heavy metals in soil and sediments was conducted in Ibadan
southwestern Nigeria. Samples were randomly collected, sieved and,
analysed. Iron (III) oxide (Fe O ) was found to be dominant in the soil and
2 3
stream sediment of the study area. A decreasing order of metals
Zn>Pb>Ba>Cu>As>Cd was observed from the soil and stream sediment.
Pollution of Zn and Pb in both soil and stream sediments were confirmed
by anthropogenic enrichment [soil - Zn (7.9) and Pb (26.7; stream
sediment - Zn (3.9) and Pb (7.5)], Index of geoaccumulaton [soil- Zn (2.4)
and Pb (4.75); stream sediment Zn (1.4) and Pb (2.3)]. High occurrence of
Zn and Pb observed in the study area revealed the influence of
anthropogenic activity such as battery making, indiscriminate dumping
of refuse and use of leaded paint washed and discarded on the soil that
gets leached into the stream sediment of the environment. A well
monitored disposal tank must be placed in a central place for people to
use by the government and a law enforcement agent should be placed at
a strategic position to enforce the law of sanitation
| 15 |
Author(s):
Adelabu David Babatunde, Adediran Oyeduntan Adejoju, Uwalaka Emmanuel Chibuike.
Page No : 113-120
|
Parasitic Infections of Commercial Quails in Southwest Nigeria
Abstract
This study on the epidemiology of parasitic infection in commercial
quail was carried out in the six south western states of Nigeria.
Twenty-five commercial quail farms were sampled between the
months of April to October 2014. Pooled faecal samples were
collected from the quail farms and examined for gastrointestinal
parasites while blood samples were collected and examined for
presence of haemoparasite. On each farm visited, the farmers were
interviewed to obtain vital information concerning their flock. Type of
housing and the condition of the houses, the environment of the farm,
presence of other birds in the farm and presence of other
epidemiological factors in the farm that may support parasite
development and transmission were recorded. The samples collected
from each of the farm were brought to the laboratory for
parasitological analysis. Out of the twenty-five farms sampled, 23
were positive for parasite infection. Four genera of parasites identified
were Capillaria sp, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis sp, and Eimeria sp.
100% prevalence was recorded for farms raising the birds on deep
litter and there was a significant difference compared with farms on
cage system. Age, housing, management system and presence of other
animals are identified as predisposing factors for parasitic infections
in commercial quail. This could be as a result of exposure through
litter to the infective stages or shared parasitism. It is therefore
advisable to raise quail in cages to reduce the prevalence of parasitism.
A follow-up after four years revealed that only 28% of the farms
surveyed were still rearing quail. However, the contribution of
parasitism and other factors to the failure of the farms could not be
determined
| 16 |
Author(s):
Adesogan, S.O, Adisa, O.A.
Page No : 121-130
|
The Threat of Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals from Mechanic Workshops on the Ecosystem in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Pollution of soils by heavy metals from mechanic workshops, beyond
acceptable standards, is creating serious environmental and health
concerns. This study assessed the degrees of soil contamination of heavy
metals from four automobile stations. Twelve (12) composite soil
samples were collected within and around the workshops in Ibadan
North Local Government of Oyo State at depths above 10cm. The soil
samples were digested and analysed to uncover the concentrations of Pb,
Ni, Cr, Cd and Zn in the samples and other parameters such as pH and
organic carbon. The concentrations of the heavy metals were compared
with standards and the pollution/contamination factors were also
analysed. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Cd in the soil samples
range from 2.0-58100mg/kg, 0.0-33.0mg/kg, 0.0-18.0mg/kg, 0.0
90.0mg/kg and 0.0-0.0mg/kg respectively. Heavy metals
contamination/pollution was discovered to depend on size, soil
composition, functions and age of automobile stations. The order of
heavy metals contamination was Pb>Ni>Zn>Cr>Cd. It is concluded
that mechanic workshops constitute health risk to human beings and a
threat to sustainable eco system
| 17 |
Author(s):
Swati Renduchintala.
Page No : 131-136
|
Zero Budget Natural Farming Initiative in Andhra Pradesh, India: Towards Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Mitigating Climate Change Effects
Abstract
Climate change is for real and it is accelerating like never
before. Instances from world over, be it the death of the coral
reefs of the Great barrier reef or the melting of glaciers at the
Arctic proves the extent of damage it is capable of. Climate
change is affecting everyone. The most affected are those who
are entirely dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.
The last decade has observed the largest migration ever in
history due to changes in climate and environment
(https://migrationdataportal.org/themes/environmental_migrat
ion, Accessed October 15, 2018).Among those affected are the
indigenous people, tribal and nomadic communities, small and
marginal farmers, agriculture labourers etc. (Figure 1).
