Heavy metal levels in Sokoto metropolis as a result of local production of aluminium utensils
August 2013
Assessment of the levels of heavy metal pollution due to production of local aluminum articles have been carried out. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method of analysis was used for the determination of Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb, while ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) back titration with ZnSO4 was used for Al. Results show that the various concentration obtained follows the order, Al > Cu >...
Nitrogen mass balance in waste stabilization ponds at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
August 2013
Nitrogen mass balance in waste stabilization pond system at the University of Dar es Salaam was determined using a dynamic mathematical model in order to elucidate the biological nitrogen transformation mechanisms that are effective for removal of nitrogen in this pond system. Results show that the pond system removed 4741 g/day of nitrogen from an influent load of 8036 kg/day, which is equivalent to 59%...
Impairment in biochemical indices in sprayers exposed to commonly used organophosphorus and pyrethroids: A case study
August 2013
This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of spraying organophosphate, carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides on biochemical parameters viz., red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities, oxidative stress parameters viz., plasma T-BARs, catalase activity and antioxidant levels such as reduced glutathione,...
Heavy metal pollution in drinking water - a global risk for human health: A review
July 2013
Water resources in the world have been profoundly influenced over the last years by human activities, whereby the world is currently facing critical water supply and drinking water quality problems. In many parts of the world heavy metal (HM) concentrations in drinking water are higher than some international guideline values. Discussing about the HM pollution in drinking water, the...
A study of valuation clients perception on mortgage valuation reliability
July 2013
The effect of overvaluation and undervaluation cannot be over emphasized in any economy. Valuation opinions are very crucial to the operations and business dealings of the clients that seek valuer’s advice in decision making. Wrong opinion of value has caused strain in many business dealings. This paper studies the perception of clients on reliability of mortgage valuation in Nigeria. A sample size of 50 lending...
Community-environment relations and development of rural communities in Uyo, Nigeria
July 2013
Primary production activity and environmental resources hold the key to rural development. The range of activities in primary production forms the basis with which rural communities relate with the environment and carry out rural development activities. This study examined the interactions in man-environment system and how such interactions could affect development processes. A multistage sampling framework...
Ecosystem recovery analysis of mine tailings at Mhangura copper mine through normalised difference vegetation index
July 2013
Remote sensing techniques are increasingly being employed in monitoring environmental change. Vegetation indices such as normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), are useful in estimating primary production, an important component of ecosystem function. The success of rehabilitation on mine tailings may be indirectly assessed through NDVI changes. Mine tailings at Mhangura copper mine, Zimbabwe, have not been...
Multi-temporal assessment of forest cover, stocking parameters and above-ground tree biomass dynamics in Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania
July 2013
Miombo woodlands form the widespread ecosystem in Tanzania. The ecosystem of these woodlands serves as a carbon sink and source containing majority of the above-ground terrestrial organic carbon. The study assessed forest cover, stocking parameters and above-ground tree biomass dynamics in the Miombo woodlands of Bereku and Duru Haitemba in Tanzania. The data were obtained from conventional forest inventory...
Variations in the physico-chemical properties of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
July 2013
Basic physical and chemical characteristics of the water in Dal lake Srinagar were determined. Surface water was sampled on monthly basis from June 2010 to April 2011. To determine the variations in physico-chemical parameters of Dal lake, a total of 21 physico-chemical parameters from six different site spread in four basins of lake was monitored. Our findings highlighted the deterioration of water quality...
Effect of rainfall on cropping pattern in mid Himalayan region
July 2013
The analysis of effect of rainfall during the last 20 years is needed to evaluate cropping pattern in the rain-fed region. In this study, trends in annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall of district of Himachal Pradesh in India over the past 20 years were examined. The annual rainfall varies from 863.3 to 1470.0 mm. During the summer season, the highest total rainfall was 1089.7 mm during 2000, whereas...
Heavy metal characteristics of groundwater in Ibadan South Western, Nigeria
July 2013
Full Length Research Paper Heavy metal characteristics of groundwater in Ibadan South Western, Nigeria Laniyan, T. A.*, Bayewu, O. O. and Ariyo, S. O. Department of Earth Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. *Corresponding...
Nitrate and ammonium levels of some water bodies and their interaction with some selected properties of soils in Douala metropolis, Cameroon
July 2013
The present study examined the nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) levels of Rivers Wouri and Dibamba and some streams that feed them. The interaction of NO3- and NH4+ with some soil properties was also investigated. It was necessitated by the usage of these rivers for livelihood, despite the deposition of discharges into these streams. Twenty eight (28) surface water and four soil...
Assessment of oil contamination in the bay of Porto Grande (Cape Verde) using the mullet Chelon bispinosus
July 2013
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants, some of which are mutagenic and carcinogenic so PAH concentrations in fish used for human consumption are crucial to assess impact to human health. Total PAH concentrations in muscle and liver of mullets Chelon bispinosus from the Bay of Porto Grande (Cape Verde) (four sites in the bay and a control) ranged from 112.7 to...
Application of the biosurfactants produced by Bacillus spp. (SH 20 and SH 26) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa SH 29 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of an Egyptian salt marsh plant for the cleaning of oil - contaminataed vessels and enhancing the biodegradation of oily sludge
July 2013
During the screening for biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of an Egyptian salt marsh plant, three bacterial strains (Bacillus spp. SH 20 and SH 26, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa SH 29) were most active strains. Biosurfactants produced by the three bacterial strains were stable at wide range of pH (1 to 14), wide range of temperature (0 to 121°C) and salinity (5 to 15% NaCl). The two...
Positions of human dwellings affect few tropical diseases near Baghdad city, Iraq
July 2013
Some factors that possibly affect tropical disease distribution was investigated in about 500 randomize human dwellings. The studied factors include wild animals, domestic animals, wild plants, cultivated plants, nature of soil, nature of water, positions of human dwellings, nature of building material and position of animal shelters. The diseases that studied were malaria, Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis),...
Evaluation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediment of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
July 2013
Certain pollutants, particularly synthetic organic compounds have given rise to important environmental concerns. New organic pollutants especially polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs) employed in electronic equipment and in some household items as flame retardants are now finding their way into the aquatic environment as components of waste discharge into the water body. These...
Rate of absorption and interfacial area of chlorine into aqueous sodium hydroxide system
July 2013
Due to excellent mass transfer characteristics with energy efficiency jet ejectors can be used in place of conventional countercurrent systems, namely, packed bed contactors as well as venturi scrubbers, cyclones and airlift pumps. The removal of chlorine from certain gases by absorption in aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide is industrially important in several chemical processes particularly in pollution...
Nitrate concentration in drinking water supplies in selected communities of Ibadan Southeast local government, Ibadan, Nigeria
July 2013
Elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water have been associated with adverse health effects. Most susceptible to nitrate toxicity are infants under six months of age and pregnant women. This study assesses the nitrate concentration of 48 randomly selected wells in an urban-slum setting in Ibadan South East Local Government Area (IBSELGA), Nigeria. The coordinates of the wells were mapped with a hand-held Global...
Knowledge, attitudes and practices study of dengue viral infection and its association with environmental factors and health issues, Lahore Pakistan
July 2013
This study was designed to assess and compare the awareness, approach, and practices of dengue positive and dengue negative patients regarding dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore district, Pakistan from April to May 2012. A total of 250 samples (125 dengue positive and 125 dengue negative) were collected and tested for Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies test by ELISA...
The economic cost of air pollution in Mangaung metro municipality: A case study in South Africa
July 2013
Economic and domestic activities have been causing a profound deterioration of air quality in developed and developing countries. The health problems arising from air pollution have become apparent which result in welfare losses in society such as increased workdays lost and high health cost. This study shows the mitigating cost and workdays lost as a result air pollution related illness and the factors influencing...
The effect of pesticides on fish fauna of Bhopal lower lake (M. P.)
July 2013
The analysis of effect of rainfall during the last 20 years is needed to evaluate cropping pattern in the rain-fed region. In this study, trends in annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall of district of Himachal Pradesh in India over the past 20 years were examined. The annual rainfall varies from 863.3 to 1470.0 mm. During the summer season, the highest total rainfall was 1089.7 mm during 2000, whereas lowest...
Appraising the combustion of biogas for sustainable rural energy needs
June 2013
This paper shows the combustion of biogas in rural households’ appliances. Biogas has been known since 1800s as an odourless and colourless gas with high combustion rate. Its use is beginning to gain ground in most developing countries like Nigeria due to its availability, ease of generation and environmental friendliness. Developing countries are characterized by poor infrastructural development, inadequate...
Transesterification of oil extracted from different species of algae for biodiesel production
June 2013
In the current study, biodiesel production efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris, Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum and mixed algae culture was measured by transesterification process. Growth rate of algal species was measured on the basis of increase in their dry matter in various media. Protein, carbohydrates and lipids in all selected algae were measured on dry matter basis....
An application of Geographic Information System in mapping flood risk zones in a north central city in Nigeria
June 2013
This study deals with the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in mapping flood risk zones in Makurdi Town. This study draws its relevance from the importance of a GIS database in tackling flood related problems. To create a map of flood risk zones in Makurdi town, the ArcView GIS package was used to digitize a topographic map and other relevant themes of the study area. Through GIS overlay and...
Variations in the mineral composition and heavy metals content of Moringa oleifera
June 2013
The parts of Moringa oleifera were assessed for mineral composition and some heavy metal contents in this study, which included Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, Se, Pb and Cd. Parts of the plant were obtained from Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria. The samples were digested with HNO3 and analysed for the mineral element content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The observed mean...
The logistic model-generated optimal stocking levels, optimal species mix and carrying capacity of wild herbivores in southern rangelands game ranches in Kenya
June 2013
This paper derives logistic models for Grant's gazelle Gazella granti, Thompson's gazelle(Gazella Thompsonii) and plains Zebra (Equus burchellii), in a game ranching system. The study was conducted on an 8100 hectares savannah ecosystem in Machakos district, with an average annual rainfall of 514±159.3 mm. Modelled as discrete-time logistic equations with fixed carrying...
Harmonisation of physical and chemical methods for soil management in Cork Oak forests - Lessons from collaborative investigations
June 2013
As part of a collaborative project to investigate human impacts on Quercus suber L. (cork oak) forests, five research groups from countries in Europe and North Africa undertook a survey of soil quality (physical properties, potentially toxic elements) at sites in NW Tunisia and NW Sardinia. All groups performed the analysis of soil samples after agreeing prescribed methodologies to ensure...
Food items and general condition of Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis (Lacepede, 1803) caught in Warri River, Nigeria
June 2013
A total number of 202 specimens, comprising 75 females and 127 male specimens ofHyperopisus bebe occidentalis were caught from Warri River. This gave a 1:1.7 female to male sex ratio. The total length range for male specimens was 189.2 to 355.0 mm and 246.0 to 376.1 mm for females. The body weight range for male specimens was 51.0 to 448.0 g, while that recorded for female specimens was 106.0 to 400.0 g....
Public perception of ecosystem service functions of peri - urban forest for sustainable management in Ogun State
June 2013
Forest ecosystems and landscapes are under strong and multiple pressures that challenge their capacities to continue to deliver the many and critical environmental goods and services that all life systems require. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate public perceptions on the ecosystem services (ES) of Arakanga Forest Reserve in order to provide relevant information for successful initiatives...
Ecohydrological characterization of the Nyando wetland, Lake Victoria, Kenya: A State of System (SoS) analysis
June 2013
Lake Victoria floodplain wetlands have a complex hydrological setting characterized by...
Bio-ethanol production from poultry manure at Bonga Poultry Farm in Ethiopia
June 2013
This study aimed to determine bio-ethanol potential of poultry manure. The manure was hydrolyzed by dilute H2SO4 (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 M) at temperature of 100 and 130°C for 30 min. Maximum glucose (115.6 g/l) was obtained from hydrolysis of 100 g poultry manure by 0.8M H2SO4 at 100°C for 30 min. The study shows that treatment of poultry manure releases more total...
An economic assessment of the Ramsar site of Massa (Morocco) with travel cost and contingent valuation methods
June 2013
As the only protected area in the whole south west of Morocco, the Souss Massa National Park(SMNP) is characterized by a remarkable biodiversity, with more than 300 plants species, 250 bird species, 20 mammal species and also by the high diversity of its ecosystems, such as theAragnia spinosa forest, steppes, dunes and coastal wetlands. This park can...
The cost of poor land use practices in Lake Nakivale Wetland in Isingiro District, Uganda
June 2013
The land use practices around Lake Nakivale Wetland have over the last five decades changed from dominantly cattle keeping to crop farming, human settlement and urbanisation. This change, has increased food production and security, it has come at a cost to the natural environment in form of land degradation, wetland encroachment, loss of wildlife habitats and crucial wetland resources. Based on a research conducted in...
Market conduct and performance of wild and semi-wild food plants traded in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda
June 2013
This study assessed the market conduct and performance of wild and semi-wild food plants (WSWFPs) traded in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. A rapid market survey (RMS) was conducted in 17 local markets in Kibanda County. Market prices and weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs were compared with some of the selected conventional food plants traded in the same locality. Weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs based on the usual...
Impediments, opportunities and strategies to enhance trade of wild and semi-wild food plants in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda
June 2013
This study examined the impediments, opportunities and strategies to enhance trade of wild and semi-wild food plants (WSWFPs) in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered face-to-face to sixty six (66) traders of WSWFPs in the formal markets: five (5) mobile hawkers and eleven (11) home-based/roadside traders. As a result of their small number, all traders that were found selling...
Aquatic Environmental Contamination: The fate of Asejire Lake in South-Western Nigeria
June 2013
In Nigeria major cities face serious water pollution crises, in which lack of environmental control of water-dependent activities play an important part. This generates unpleasant implications for health and economic development since most urban and rural areas depend upon lakes and rivers for their water supplies. A study of catfish from Asejire Lake (located at the outskirt of Ibadan, a major city in Oyo...
Recovery of pure slaked lime from carbide sludge: Case study of Lagos state, Nigeria
June 2013
Carbide sludge is the by-product of reaction between calcium carbide and water in the production of acetylene gas for welding purposes. This by-product is discarded as waste due to high content of impurities as a result of the reactants and reaction processes. In this research work an attempt was made at developing an appropriate process technology for the recovery of pure slaked lime from Nigeria’s...
Evaluation of physico-chemical and microbial parameters on water quality of Narmada River, India
June 2013
The present study was carried out to ascertain the quality of water at western zone of Narmada River of Madhya Pradesh (India). Due to heavy discharge of harmful and deleterious substances in river, the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of water have changed to a considerable extent. The objectives of this study were to find out the changes in physico-chemical nature as well as biological...
Hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater and surface water in the Ndop plain, North West Cameroon
June 2013
This study was conducted on the hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater and surface water in the Ndop plain, North West Cameroon. The objectives were to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of water, controls on water chemistry and suitability for drinking and irrigation. Forty-six shallow groundwater and 26 surface water samples were investigated. Field measurements of physical parameters were...
The performance characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogea, L.) biodiesel in a diesel engine
June 2013
The performance of groundnut ethyl ester blended with diesel in a compression ignition engine was experimentally determined. Groundnut oil reacted with ethanol to produce ethyl esters in a two-step transesterification process. The ethyl-esters were blended with automotive gas oil at (0 to 20%) mix with 5% increment of groundnut ethyl-esters to produce biodiesel. The performance of a 2.46 kW diesel engine was...
Earthworm-assisted bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil from mechanic workshop
June 2013
The use of earthworms (Eudrilus eugenia) for vermi-assisted bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated mechanic workshop soils was investigated. Parameters of interest where earthworm survival, microbial count and identification, carbon and nitrogen contents of the soil and total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the soil. Earthworm survival was found to be dependent on the concentration of petroleum...
Impact analysis of lead, copper and zinc content in selected African indigenous and exotic vegetables from Nairobi markets, Kenya
June 2013
Vegetables consumed in urban sites can be contaminated with harmful metal levels absorbed from planting sources because metals are commonly present in soil. The present study was carried out to evaluate Pb, Cu and Zn concentration in ten of the commonest vegetables in Nairobi markets. Vegetables were collected from 15 markets in urban and peri-urban Nairobi and analyzed for metal content using an Atomic...
Simulation of oil spill infiltration and redistribution in a shallow aquifer
June 2013
Simulations of oil spill infiltration and redistribution in a shallow aquifer were conducted in this work to quantify their effects on groundwater. Results showed that flow of oil spills can be adequately described by infiltration and redistribution patterns within the domain. Without the influence of rainfall, the contaminant plume pervaded the water table within one year of the spill through the influence...
Microbiological and chemical assessment of spring water from a rural setting in Ondo State Southwest, Nigeria
June 2013
Assessment of spring water from Ikare-Akoko, a rural setting in southwest, Nigeria for microbial and chemical contaminants was carried out. Total heterotrophic bacteria count of 4.0 x 106CFU/mL was highest during the peak of the rainy season in Omi-idu spring (Igbede community) while the lowest population of 0.14 x106 CFU/mL was in Agadagidi spring (Ishakunmi community). The highest coliform population...
Assessment of ground water contamination in Erode District, Tamilnadu
June 2013
A systematic study has been carried out to assess the water contamination and the effect of the tanneries and dyeing industries effluents on Erode District, Tamil Nadu. Ten (10) sampling locations were selected in and around industries. The water samples were collected from the selected sampling points. The samples were analyzed for major chemical water quality parameters like pH, EC, Ca, Mg, Cl,...
Tuhar pulse flowers corroding by corrosive pollutants
June 2013
Tuhar (Arhar) pulse is a very important crop of Indian farmers. It is one of the most proteinous foods of the public. It is a common food for Indian people. It is cultivated mostly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Recently, in these states, industrialization and infrastructure development works are going very fast causing huge amounts of pollutants and...
Assessment of changes in drinking water quality during distribution: A case study of Area 25 Township in Lilongwe, Malawi
May 2013
The quality of drinking water at the point of delivery to the consumer is crucial in safeguarding people’s health. This study assesses changes in drinking water quality during distribution at Area 25 Township in Lilongwe, Malawi. Water samples were collected from the exit point of the treatment plant, storage tank and taps at consumers’ households. All samples were tested using standard procedures for pH,...
Spatial variation of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide in Blantyre City, Malawi
May 2013
This study assessed variations of ambient volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in Blantyre City, Malawi. Volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide measurement was done using the Multi-Gas Monitor between August and December, 2010. Rapid urbanization and lack of standard enforcement on air pollution as well as lack of data on pollutant levels in the city prompted this study. The study focused...
Evaluation of soil and water salinity for irrigation in North-eastern Ethiopia: Case study of Fursa small scale irrigation system in Awash River Basin
May 2013
For sound land use and water management in irrigated area, knowledge of the chemical composition of soils, water, climate, drainage condition and irrigation methods before action are crucial for sustainability of irrigation projects. The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemicalproperties of soils and water for intended irrigation scheme with reference to standard suitabilityclasses. With regard to this, a study...
Temporal pollution by nitrate (NO3), and discharge of springs in shallow crystalline aquifers: Case of Akok Ndoue catchment, Yaounde (Cameroon)
May 2013
Less than 30% of households in Yaounde have direct access to pipe-borne water. It is important to generate a time series on quality and quantity of spring water, which is an alternative source of water. Accordingly, temporal variation of NO3 and dissolved oxygen (DO), lag time of springs recharge by rainfall, discharge of springs and annual discharge of water from the Akok-Ndoue catchment was evaluated. Eleven springs,...
Page 13 of 24, showing 50 records out of 1151 total, starting on record 601, ending on 650
Advertisement
Advertisement
