Seasonal physico-chemical and microbiological pollutants of potable groundwater in Qena governorate, Egypt: A case study
December 2014
In 9 districts of Qena governorate, Egypt, groundwater is used for human consumption. This study was carried out to evaluate the quality of these water sources. In each district, 2 wells were sampled in different seasons and physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were determined and compared with the Egyptian standards. All the tested wells had problems in physico-chemical or microbiological parameters or both....
Variation of small scale wetland fishery in relation to land use along Mpologoma riverine marsh in Eastern Uganda
December 2014
In densely populated areas such as those in eastern Uganda where livelihoods demands create immense pressure on environmental resources, small scale wetland fisheries may be disturbed by agriculture practices. The study carried out between 2011 and 2012, investigated the variation of fish catch at the different wetland sites in relation to land use in Mpologoma riverine marsh. Four sites were identified to represent...
Adequacy of ventilation systems: An explorative study of the perspectives of designers and occupants of high rise buildings in Nairobi, Kenya
December 2014
Passive ventilation systems have the potential for reduced operating costs in office buildings while maintaining ventilation rates consistent with acceptable indoor air quality. There is a surge of interest in more developed economies for passive ventilation technology but much work is needed before this potential can be realized in sub-Saharan Africa. This explorative study reviews the adoption and adequacy of...
Mixed contaminant interactions in soil: Implications for bioavailability, risk assessment and remediation
December 2014
Majority of contaminated sites in the world contain complex mixtures of heavy metals and organic contaminants from diverse natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Mixed interactions of heavy metals and organic contaminants may affect their bioavailability and accumulation in soil and biota through synergistic or antagonistic processes. Evaluation of contaminant bioavailability is a necessary component of the...
Changes in microbial and soil organic matter following amendment with olive mill wastewaters
December 2014
In this work, the occurrence of the untreated and treated olive mill wastewaters (OMW) amendment on the soil organic matter recycling and on its microbial biomass evolution were investigated. Compared to the control, soils amended with untreated and treated OMW showed high levels of organic and mineral matters. Soil amended with untreated OMW presents low levels of total and inorganic nitrogen (0.38 ± 0.03 and...
Spatial and temporal variations in selected heavy metals in water and sediment from the Mhlathuze Estuary, Richards Bay
November 2014
Spatial and temporal variations in water (total, dissolved and particulate), and sediment concentrations of seven heavy metals, Al, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn from the Mhlathuze Estuary were analyzed. Effects of environmental factors on the metals in the estuary were also investigated. In water, metals concentrations varied spatially as well as seasonally with highest concentrations of Al Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn recorded in...
Mortality assessment of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings in varying salinity and influence of salinity changes on acute toxicity of lead
November 2014
The setting of safe limits for lead (Pb) into the lagoon and protection of fishes such as Oreochromis niloticus has been based on its toxicity ignoring the influence of salinity, an important parameter in the lagoon. The study therefore investigates the salinity tolerance and relative acute toxicity of lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] under fresh water and varying salinity against O. niloticus fingerlings. A total of 280...
Development of a geographic information system (GIS) based road network in Port Harcourt
November 2014
The aim of this work was to develop a geographic information system (GIS) based road network map of Port Harcourt city that can be used to analyze traffic congestion within the city and suggest possible solutions. The handheld global positioning system (GPS) was used to acquire geographic coordinates of major locations experiencing traffic jams, bad spots and schools. The transformed GPS coordinates were added to the...
Microbiological quality and safety of some selected vegetables sold in Jimma town, Southwestern Ethiopia
November 2014
Raw vegetables are major vehicles for the transmission of foodborne infections. In Ethiopia, there is a habit of consuming raw vegetables as salad, particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), carrots (Daucus carota L.), lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) and green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) without adequate treatment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the microbiological loads,...
Hospital waste generation and management practices in Owerri, Nigeria
November 2014
This study is aimed to estimate the rate of waste generations and describe the waste disposal/management practices. The study surveyed the waste generation and management practice of 12 hospital and clinics selected using multistage sampling techniques from the list of hospitals in Owerri Municipal. Wastes generated were weighed and parallel to that, data on patient influx, number of beds, length of stay and waste...
Evaluation of groundwater suitability for drinking, domestic and irrigational purposes: A case study of Makurdi metropolis and environs, Benue State, North Central Nigeria
October 2014
A study of groundwater samples from Makurdi metropolis and environs was carried out to assess its suitability for drinking, domestic and irrigational purposes. The chemistry of groundwater within the study area with respect to pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), NH3-, NO3-, Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, SO4-, Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ was used to determine its suitability for drinking. Some parts of the study area have...
Variation of small scale wetland fishery in relation to land use within Mpologoma riverine marsh in Eastern Uganda
October 2014
In densely populated areas such as those in Eastern Uganda where livelihoods demands create immense pressure on environmental resources, small scale wetland fisheries may be disturbed by agriculture practices. The study carried out between 2011 and 2012, investigated the variation of fish catch at the different wetland sites in relation to land use in Mpologoma riverine marsh. Four sites were identified to represent...
Empirical modeling of solar radiation for selected cities in Nigeria using multivariate regression technique
October 2014
In this paper, the data for solar radiation, minimum and maximum temperatures, wind speed and evaporation for the years 1970-1995 and for fourteen stations taken over Nigeria were obtained from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Oshodi, Lagos. The distributions of solar radiation with each of the four meteorological variables were observed. It was found that solar radiation was adequately...
Valorization of waste plastic bags in manufacturing of binders for bituminous concretes for road coatings
October 2014
In 2012, Beninese landfills have quantified more than 12,000 tons plastic wastes with more than 50% of bags. The non-biodegradable nature of plastic generated an unprecedented environmental nuisance. The search for suitable solution led opting for partial recycling through construction processes. This article is devoted to characterization of new bituminous binders built of 50/70 graded bitumen to which is incorporated...
Studies on the effect of simulated acid rain of different pH on the growth response of TMS 419 cultivar of Manihot esculenta (Crantz)
October 2014
The growth response of TMS 419 cultivar of cassava Manihot esculenta Crantz exposed to simulated acid rain of different pH was studied. The plant was exposed to simulated acid rain of pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 (control), respectively. Simulated acid rain induced morphological changes including chlorosis, senescence, necrosis, leaf abscission, leaf folding and death. Plant height, leaf area, fresh weight, dry...
Wood-cement composites using suitable mix of sawdust and fibres from veins of palm tree leaves
October 2014
Some tropical wood species are currently used in wood work and generating an important quantity of wood waste in Benin, Western Africa. Recycling these wastes through building material is a way to solve environmental challenges, but the wood resources are not inexhaustible and vegetable fibers such as Eleais guineensis fibers, obtained from veins of palm tree leaves are available in nature. The main concern of this...
Assessing the farmers perception of climate variability and change: A case study of Miesso-Assebot Plain, Eastern Ethiopia
October 2014
Assessment of farmers’ perception and adaptation mechanisms at local level has enormous advantages in Ethiopia, where the driver of the economy is agriculture. This study was conducted to assess the perceptions of farmers to climate change and increased climate variability, and to identify the potential adaptation options. Most farmers noted an increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation in the last...
Natural radioactivity and environmental risk assessment of Sokoto phosphate rock, Northwest Nigeria
September 2014
Phosphate rock samples collected from the phosphate bearing formations of Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria were assessed for their radiological contents by gamma spectrometric technique (sodium iodide (NaI (Tl) detector). The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in all the studied samples were 720.1±4.2 Bqkg-1, 33.5±1.4 Bqkg-1, and 315.3±6.7 Bqkg-1 respectively. Contributions from...
Physico-chemical characteristics of surface and groundwater in Obajana and its environs in Kogi state, Central Nigeria
September 2014
The present work was aimed at assessing the surface and groundwater quality of the area within and around Obajana using physico-chemical characteristics. Surface and groundwater samples were collected at the peak of dry season in March, 2013, from 24 locations within Obajana and its surrounding areas and were subjected to a comprehensive quality analysis. The following parameters were considered; pH, total dissolved...
Survival of enteric bacteria in source-separated human urine used as fertiliser: Effects of temperature and ammonia
September 2014
To promote the use of eco-toilets is an alternative to the lack of sanitation and high cost of artificial fertilisers in developing countries. Human urine is the fraction of excreta containing most nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are essential nutrients for plant growth. The major concern related to the use of the urine as fertiliser is the possible presence of enteric pathogens. The reduction in the numbers of...
Sediment and nutrient lost by runoff from two watersheds, Digga district in Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia
September 2014
The study was conducted in two sub watersheds in the Upper Blue Nile Basin in Ethiopia to determine the quantity, quality of sediment lost and its onsite costs in terms of crop yield. Two monitoring stations at the outlets were selected. Discharges were estimated and depth integrated daily runoff samples were collected during the rainy season in 2011. The sediment concentration and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)...
Arsenic pollution of surface and subsurface water in Onitsha, Nigeria
September 2014
Study on arsenic pollution was conducted in Onitsha town in Anambra State, Nigeria to examine the pollution status of surface and subsurface water. Arsenic concentration in surface water within Onitsha metropolis ranged from 0.2001 mg/L (River Niger upstream) to 1.5883 mg/L (River Niger central drainage surface), while concentration in boreholes lies within the range of 0.0000 mg/L (22.2% of boreholes) and 1.2507 mg/L...
Removal of azo dye from water by adsorption using waste residue from alum manufacturing process
September 2014
Adsorption techniques are widely used to remove certain groups of pollutants such as dyes which are not amenable to biodegradation and environmentally very problematic. Although commercial activated carbon is a preferred sorbent for color removal, its widespread use is restricted due to high cost. As such, alternative non-conventional sorbents should be investigated. It is well-known that natural materials, waste...
Characterization of Dabagi clay deposit for its ceramics potential
August 2014
A clay deposit in Gwandu Town of Kebbi State, Nigeria has been evaluated for its potential as industrial raw material. The chemical analysis was carried out using X-ray florescence spectrometery while physical property tests such as porosity, bulk density, linear shrinkage, thermal shock resistance, cold crushing strength and refractoriness were done using standard techniques. The result of chemical analysis indicated...
Leaching behaviour of azoxystrobin in sandy loam soil
August 2014
The mobility of azoxystrobin in sandy loam soil was studied under continuous and discontinuous flow conditions in soil columns under laboratory conditions at two application rates (50 and 100 μg), with simulated rainfall of 300 mm. Residues of azoxystrobin in soil and leachate were estimated by gas-liquid chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Though maximum concentration of...
Heavy metals accumulation in edible part of vegetables irrigated with untreated municipal wastewater in tropical savannah zone, Nigeria
August 2014
In this present study, the quality of municipal wastewater used for irrigation of spinach was investigated for its heavy metal build-up. The municipal wastewater used for irrigation and the irrigated spinach samples were collected and analyzed for their heavy metal concentrations. The results indicate that the municipal wastewater used was contaminated with copper (1.90 mg/l), lead (0.09 mg/l) and iron (25 mg/l) and the...
Spatial distribution, chemistry and subsurface temperatures of geothermal springs in Nkhata bay, Malawi
August 2014
This study investigated the spatial distribution, chemistry and subsurface temperatures of geothermal springs in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, which lies in the Western Branch of the East African Rift System. Seventeen geothermal springs were identified and mapped in the District. Eleven of these geothermal springs were purposively sampled for chemistry study on the basis of their spatial distribution representativeness and...
The absorption and scavenging ability of a bacillus in heavy metal contaminated soils (Pb, Zn and Cr)
August 2014
A bacterial strain, which was able survive Pb, Zn and Cr -heavy metal compound culture was isolated from the soils of Shanjia Villiage, Qufu City, Shandong Province. An observation of the morphological and biochemical characteristics of the compound and the analysis of 16SrDNA sequence revealed that it was Bacillus. Standing liquid culture was used to study the tolerance of Pb Zn Cr -heavy metals compound and the...
An appraisal of the handler awareness of electrical and electronic equipment toxicity in Nigeria
July 2014
Some developing countries in Africa are waking up to the broadband race by providing public access to information communications technologies (ICTs) to instigate social and economic development and to narrow the digital divide. One of such countries is Nigeria, which ranked 60th in 2006 in e-readiness report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Consequently, the market, marketers and repairers of electrical electronic...
Bacteriological physicochemical quality of recreational water bodies: Case studies from Addis Ababa and Oromiya region Ethiopia
July 2014
Waterborne diseases are common and major problem in developing countries. Considering the great importance of the safety of recreational waters, a cross-sectional study at Addis Ababa and Oromiya regional state was carried out over a three month period of time from May-July, 2008. A total of 72 water samples from two natural bathing lakes and six outdoor swimming pools were collected and analyzed for total and fecal...
Assessment of heavy metals in vegetables irrigated with Awash River in selected farms around Adama town, Ethiopia
July 2014
A study was conducted at Melka Hida and Wonji Gefersa farms where Awash River was used for cultivation of vegetable crops to assess heavy metal contamination of vegetables. To what extent these vegetables are contaminated is not known. Three leafy vegetable samples, namely, cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linn.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) from Melka Hida and Wonji Gefersa farms were...
Heavy metal concentration in selected fish species from Eleyele reservoir Ibadan Oyo State South-western Nigeria
July 2014
Heavy metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, chromium and manganese) in selected fish species from Eleyele reservoir Ibadan Oyo State South-Western Nigeria were investigated. A sample each of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Africa pike (Hepsetus odoe) and tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from Eleyele lake Ibadan Oyo state were collected from fish farmers at the landing site early in the morning using...
Levels of heavy metals in fish obtained from two fishing sites in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
July 2014
Akwa Ibom State is located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and a substantial amount of the fishes consumed in the area are bought at Ifiayong and Ibaka beaches. This study was carried out to analyze heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr and As) in kidney, heart, gills and liver of silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from these locations. Analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry...
Fish distribution in relation to environmental characteristics in the Aby-Tendo-Ehy lagoon system (Southeastern Côte d’Ivoire)
July 2014
Although West African lagoons are known to provide significant fishery resources to populations, few studies have been done on processes responsible for their fish composition, abundance and spatial distribution. The aim of this study was to assess fish species distribution along the Aby-Tendo-Ehy lagoon system in Côte d’Ivoire. Sampling sites were distributed in the lagoon and grouped into three zones from...
Determination of optimum growth conditions and biodiesel production from filamentous algae
June 2014
Petroleum diesel combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG). It is also a major source of other air contaminants including NOx, SOx, CO and volatile organic compounds. Algae have emerged as one of the most promising sources for biodiesel production. In this study, a higher algae growth rate was observed in the experiments with excess Na2SiO4, trace metals, Na2EDTA and excess vitamin solution, the increase was...
Bahir Dar tannery effluent characterization and its impact on the head of Blue Nile River
June 2014
A study was conducted to characterize Bahir Dar tannery effluent and determine its impact on the head of Blue Nile River using selected physicochemical parameters. Samples were taken from the direct effluent stream and four sampling sites (one upstream and three downstream) were selected along the river to determine its impact on the river. Samples were collected from October to March, 2010/11. Temperature, pH,...
Recovery and characterization of poly(3-Hydroxybutyric acid) synthesized in Staphylococcus epidermidis
June 2014
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable polyesters accumulated intracellularly as energy resources by bacterial species. In this study, fermentation process for production of PHA is carried out using sesame oil as carbon source. We studied recovery of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) from Staphylococcus epidermidis by sodium hypochlorite digestion method. Recovered PHB sample was estimated by UV...
Air quality assessment of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide levels in Blantyre, Malawi: A statistical approach to a stationary environmental monitoring station
June 2014
Air quality in urban areas is a cause of concern because of increased industrial activities that contribute to large quantities of emissions. The study assess levels and variations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Blantyre, Malawi using a stationary environmental monitoring station (EMS). Results show that CO level (2.47 ± 1.23 mg m-3) were below the Malawian...
Marine biotoxins and its detection
June 2014
The incidences of intoxication due to the consumption of marine foods have been increasing in recent years. This is due to the presence of biotoxins in foods of marine origin. The biotoxins will be accumulated in the marine foods due to the consumption of toxic biota of marine origin. When this contaminated food is taken by the humans or animals, those toxins will be transferred to them causing intoxication and...
Effect of heat build-up on carbon emissions in chimato compost piles
June 2014
A study was conducted to determine impacts of heat build-up of chimato compost piles TD0, TD20, TD40, TD50, TD60, TD80 and TD100, made by blending maize stalks with 0, 20, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100% Tithonia diversifolia, respectively, on carbon losses and emissions during composting. Compost piles temperatures that determined heat built-up were obtained from previous studies. Organic carbon and total carbon of chimato...
Assessment of environmental degradation of soil and groundwater: A case study of waste disposal in Benin West Moat - Ekenwan gully Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
June 2014
The ancient Benin moat of 2.00 to 5.00 m width, and 10 to 30 m depth almost concentrically dug round the City, is supposed to be an important socio-cultural artifact if well preserved. It has served its good purpose of defense and protection of the ancient Bini civilization. Now, modern urbanization pressure has defaced and is degrading the moat and its environs through house development, soil quarrying, gullying, flood...
Impacts of climate change on invasive Lantana camara L. distribution in South Africa
June 2014
Climate change and invasive species are now seen as two major contributors to global biodiversity change. The combined effects of these two factors have serious implications for biodiversity and agriculture. Lantana camara L. (sensu lato) (lantana) is a woody shrub that is highly invasive in many countries of the world including South Africa where it has a profound impact on biodiversity, water resources and...
Culture-dependent characterization of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in selected crude oil-impacted sites in Bodo, Ogoniland, Nigeria
June 2014
This investigation was carried out to characterize microbial communities in selected crude oil polluted sites in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 0.7 to 1.37x107 cfu/g and 0.2 to 5.9x106 cfu/ml while counts of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria ranged from 0.1 to 8.0 x 106 and 0.2 to 7.5 x 105 cfu/ml for soil, sediment and water,...
A precision nutrient variability study of an experimental plot in Mukono Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Mukono, Uganda
June 2014
The spatial soil fertility status of a 2.5 ha experimental plot was generated by mapping the soil nutrient concentration and fertility status using GIS kriging technique. The research was conducted in Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Mukono, Uganda in October 2013. Soil samples across the experimental plot were randomly taken for laboratory analysis of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium...
The comparative insecticidal and residual efficacy of sniper and alpha cypermethrin in the control of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) infestation
May 2014
Blattella germanica (German cockroach) is an urban insect pest in Nigeria due to an increase in strains that are resistant to the commonly used insecticides. The purpose of this study was to determine which of the insecticides used by pest control professionals are still effective. The insecticidal efficacies of dichlorvos (organophosphate-called sniper©) and alpha cypermethrin (a pyrethroid called alpha action...
Variations in abiotic conditions of water quality of River Osun, Osun State, Nigeria
May 2014
Seasonal variations in physicochemical properties of the surface water of River Osun in Osogbo, Nigeria, were investigated from May to August 2012 and November to February, 2012/2013. The water body of the mentioned river received water and wastes from the other effluences. Physicochemical parameters were determined in triplicate at three different points of the river, across the two seasons of the year. The points were...
Land degradation in Northern Nigeria: The impacts and implications of human-related and climatic factors
May 2014
Northern Nigeria despite its promising agricultural potential, is currently not enjoying economic bloom like its Southern counterpart as a result of political, religious, ethnic and socio-economic factors. The degradation of land and its resulting impact on other agricultural resources may have further exacerbated the economic and social conditions of the region. The perceived encroachment of Nigeria’s Savannah...
Assessment of the energy recovery potentials of solid waste generated in Akosombo, Ghana
May 2014
The main attributes of waste as a fuel are water content, calorific value, and burnable content. The study was conducted to evaluate the energy recovery potential of solid waste generated in Akosombo. A total of twelve (12) samples were collected from the township in December, 2012 (dry month) and May, 2013 (Wet month). Samples were weighed and segregated into organic and inorganic components. The organic component was...
The next generation feedstock of biofuel: Jatropha or Chlorella as assessed by their life-cycle inventories
May 2014
Promising energy crops such as Jatropha curcas Linnaeus (JCL), which are planted on marginal lands, or microalgae such as Chlorella, which are cultivated in ponds located on mudflats or deserts, have been regarded with high hopes to solve the shortage of food crops and increase the amount of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) production. However, the annual yields of biomass and transport fuels (t/ha) of both are...
Assessment of pond effluent effect on water quality of the Asuofia Stream, Ghana
May 2014
The study was done to assess the effects of potential pond effluent on the physico-chemical parameters of the receiving streams. Forty two (42) samples were collected from five ponds, upstream and downstream stations of the receiving stream for a period of six months. In situ measurement was conducted for physical parameters using a portable multi-parameter water quality meter (HANNA, HI9828). Samples were collected and...
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