Prospects of using whole rice husk for the production of dense and hollow bricks
May 2015
One of the main reasons for the continued increase in the deficit of affordable housing in Nigeria is the high cost of brick made from sand and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Finding a replacement for cement to assure sustainability is crucial as the raw materials used in making cements which are naturally occurring are depleting. Rice husk was milled and sieved to reduce the size to 0.020 mm. The moisture content of...
Challenges of adoption of urine-diversion dry toilets technology as sanitation option by coastal communities of Mkuranga District in Tanzania
May 2015
Mkuranga District council in collaboration with African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) introduced ecological sanitation option using urine-diversion dry toilets (UDDT) to the community between 2007 and 2009, which was later declared unsuccessful. This study analyzed factors that hindered the uptake of UDDT by the community by assessing the project implementation strategy. Techniques used for the study were...
Characterization of biosurfactant produced from submerged fermentation of fruits bagasse of yellow cashew (Anacardium occidentale) using Pseudomonas aeruginosa
May 2015
Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds produced by bacteria and fungi to reduce surface and interfacial tension. This work was designed to produce biosurfactants from the fermentation of submerge cashew bagasse (Anacardium occidentale) using a microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The proximate components of the biosurfactant was determined. Results show that yellow cashew fruit bagasse contains lipid (11.34 ±...
Reinventing new systems of crop production in time of agro-ecological change in Burkina Faso
May 2015
During the last decade, great floods, destructive winds, desertification and grain shortages in Burkina Faso have spotlighted agro-ecological change as a crucial challenge for achieving sustainable development in eastern part of the country especially in the Gourma region. In fact, the new agro-ecological order has reshaped and transformed geographical representations, land tenure and norms and techniques of crops...
The Niger Delta wetland ecosystem: What threatens it and why should we protect it?
May 2015
The Niger Delta wetland ecosystem is of high economic importance to the local dwellers and the nation in general. The region is rich in both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity and serves as a main source of livelihood for rural dwellers as well as stabilizing the ecosystem. Tremendous changes have occurred recently in the Niger Delta wetlands due to anthropogenic activities, thus raising awareness on the need for...
Accessibility and utilization of mobile phones for governance of water resources in the Lake Victoria Basin: Constraints and opportunities in Tanzania
May 2015
Mobile phones are the world’s fastest growing technologies in terms of coverage and adoption. This trend makes them a desirable information and communication technology (ICT) platform for addressing the striking challenges of water resources governance at all levels. Some of remarkable challenges in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) that have negative impact on the water resources are rapid population growth, unfavorable...
Local blacksmiths’s activity in the west region of Cameroon and their contribution to the development of micro hydroelectric power plants in that region
May 2015
As a result of the nature of pollutant and exhaustible of fossils energies, developed countries have made use of renewable energy sources to make effective their energy systems. To stow on that vision in Cameroon, the promotion of micro-hydroelectric powers plants (MHPP) is a priority and any contribution to its ease is beneficial. The objective of this study is to characterize some main forges in the west region of...
Evaluation of selected wetland plants for removal of chromium from tannery wastewater in constructed wetlands, Ethiopia
May 2015
Wastewater from leather processing industries is very complex and leads to water pollution if discharged untreated, especially due to its high organic loading and chromium content. In this study, the phytoremediation efficiency of selected wetland plant species in subsurface flow (SSF) constructed wetlands receiving tannery wastewater was investigated. Four pilot units were vegetated with Cyprus alternifolius, Typha...
Assessment of physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water at sources and household in Adama Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
May 2015
Water quality is a critical factor affecting human health and welfare. This study aimed at examining the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Adama town. A total of 107 triplicate water samples were examined; 1 from inlet point (raw water), 1 from outlet (the water after treatment, 1 from reservoir (treated water stored), 52 from pipe water and 52 from systematically selected...
Assessment of microbiological quality of drinking water treated with chlorine in the Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh, India
May 2015
The quality of drinking water at the point of delivery to the consumer is crucial in safeguarding consumer’s health. The current study was undertaken to assess the changes in residual chlorine content with distance in water distribution system in Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh and assess its relation with the occurrence of total and faecal coliforms. Water samples were collected from the exit point of the...
Influence of lokpa cattle market wastes on agricultural soil quality
May 2015
This paper examined the influence of Lokpa cattle market waste on soil properties. Soil samples were collected from the Central, 3 and 6 m Northwards, Southwards, Eastwards and Westwards of Lokpa cattle market, Umuneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria at a depth of 0 to 25 cm (Sample A) and 26 to 50 cm (Sample B) from each spot while the control samples were collected from an unimpacted area devoid of...
Assessment of effluents discharged from textiles industries in selected villages in Kaduna State, Nigeria
May 2015
A major serious source of pollution is the industrial effluent discharge by the process industries into the water bodies. Industrial effluent consists of water with varieties of potentially harmful substances. The study analysed the public health effects of effluents discharged from Kaduna textile industry into the waters of river Kaduna. Physicochemical qualities of effluents at the downstream were assessed. Parameters...
Gumbel Weibull distribution function for Sahel precipitation modeling and predicting: Case of Mali
May 2015
Climate change, trend of precipitation variation is greatly affected by Sahel countries economy in general and Mali in particular, which increased the social instability in recent years. In this paper, we proposed Gumbel Weibull distribution function for modeling and predicting the precipitation of Mali. The methodology is composed of two steps: parameters computations and estimations. We computed the parameters using...
Effect of gas recirculation intensity and various temperatures on hydrogenotrophic methanogens activity in chemostat fermentation using H2/CO2 as substrate
May 2015
The influence of mixing H2/CO2 gas recirculation on the performance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens activity in continuous culture was studied at 37 and 20°C. Chemostat fermentation was used at laboratory scale to determine the bioconversion rate of H2/CO2 mixture gas to methane under different mixing rates. On comparison with continuous mixing, intermittent mixing at 45 min/h provided a better methane production,...
Potential carbon credit and community expectations towards viability of REDD project in Ugalla- Masito ecosystem: A case of Ilagala and Karago villages, KigomaTanzania
April 2015
The paper presents results of the potential carbon credit and community expectations towards viability of REDD+ projects in Ugalla- Masito ecosystem using a case of Ilagala and Karago villages whereby REDD+ is being piloted. Various data collection methods were employed and these included focused group discussion, interview, structured questionnaires and document analysis. Results of the study indicate that, there are...
A simple anaerobic system for onsite treatment of domestic wastewater
April 2015
The use of anaerobic process for domestic wastewater treatment would achieve lower carbon footprint as it eliminates aeration and generate methane. Among several anaerobic treatment processes, high rate anaerobic digesters receive great attention due to its high loading capacity and chemical oxygen demand removal rate. Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) is getting wide acceptance among several anaerobic...
Effects of different NaCl Concentrations on germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea
April 2015
Salinity refers to the salt content of any given system. By nature, arid soils are naturally saline. Soils could also acquire salinity due to some agricultural practices like irrigation. There is need therefore for search on halophytes that could adapt to such soils and be used to reclaim soils contaminated with salts. Thus, this present study focused on investigating Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea with...
Diffusion coefficients of Grewia spp. biopolymers in water
April 2015
Diffusion coefficients of biopolymers extracted from Grewia spp. barks in water were studied under various physicochemical conditions. Extractions were carried out on barks of 3 cm in length at different pH (5-9), temperature (25-50°C) and ionic strength (10-3-10-2M), using CaCl2 and NaCl as background electrolytes. Factorial experimental plan design was used and diffusion coefficients were determined using second...
Urban water pollution by heavy metals and health implication in Onitsha, Nigeria
April 2015
Studies of common heavy metals were conducted at Onitsha, Anambra State, the most urbanized city in Southeastern Nigeria. It was discovered that both surface and subsurface water were heavily polluted. Seven (7) heavy metals namely: arsenic (As+2), cadmium (Cd+2), lead (Pb+2), mercury (Hg+2), zinc (Zn+2), copper (Cu+2) and iron (Fe+2) were studied. Their major sources include wastes like refuse dumps, effluent from...
Climate variation based on temperature and solar radiation data over a 29 year period in Lilongwe City, Malawi
April 2015
Economies that mainly depend on agriculture are to a large extent being negatively impacted by climate change. In this study, temperature and solar radiation data from Chitedze Weather Station, Lilongwe City, Malawi for a 29-year period (1985 to 2013) were assessed for the possibility of climate variation. In addition, the concentration of carbon dioxide over Malawi within the same period as temperature and solar...
Study of the physico-chemical conditions and evaluation of the changes in eutrophication-related problems in El- Mex Bay
April 2015
El- Mex Bay is a relatively large coastal embayment west of Alexandria. The bay is an important fishery ground as well as recreation area. It includes both the Western Harbor and Dekhaila Harbor. It is one of heavily polluted areas on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, receiving huge amount of agricultural, industrial, and sewage wastes from the adjacent Lake Mariut through El- Umoum Drain. According to different...
The benefits of the use of biogas energy in rural areas in Ethiopia: A case study from the Amhara National Regional State, Fogera District
April 2015
This study was conducted to assess socio-economic and environmental benefits of biogas energy and its challenges. The study used descriptive type of research design consisting of quantitative and qualitative research approach. The data collection instruments were household survey, key informants interview and self-observation to collect quantitative and qualitative data types. The study revealed that the biogas...
The effects of heavy metals concentration on some commercial fish in Ogun River, Opeji, Ogun State, Nigeria
April 2015
A study was conducted on commercially important fish species of heavy metals in water bodies. The primary objectives were to find out the amount of heavy metals concentration in the fish species, sediments and water samples at the deep and shallow part of the river, to determine the toxicity and relationship between the collected samples and the rate at which it pollutes the water. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer...
Trace metals in intertidal sediment of mangrove-sheltered creeks in Niger Delta, Nigeria: Variability before and after crude oil spillage
April 2015
Trace metals (Zn, Cu and Pb) fluxes were studied in five intertidal flats at Bodo Creek, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria in 2006, and re-evaluated in 2010 following two major oil spills that occurred in the creek. This study is the first to look at trace metal loads in the interstitial sediments of Bodo creek. Standard methods were employed in the sampling campaign and analysis. The concentration of all metals under study...
Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of volatile n-alkane hydrocarbons on water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) root biomass: Effect of organic solvent and mineral acid treatment
March 2015
The use of lignocellulosic fibres as biosorbents has both environmental and economic benefits. They are biodegradable, safe to use and most importantly renewable and less costly than synthetic fibres. The objectives of the present work were to study the performance of lignocellulosic fibres from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a pervasive fresh water aquatic weed widely distributed in the tropics, as a biosorbent...
Adsorption studies of phosphate ions on alginate-calcium carbonate composite beads
March 2015
Alginate-calcium carbonate composite beads was prepared by the sol-gel method and characterized by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) instruments. Adsorption potential of phosphate ions have been studied on laboratory scale. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial analyte concentration, pH and agitation speed were optimized at 298.15 K (25°C) in a...
Geochemistry and hydrogeochemical process of groundwater in the Souf valley of Low Septentrional Sahara, Algeria
March 2015
Ground water is the only hydrous resource exploited in the Souf valley of Algerian Sahara. Several techniques and conventional graphical plots were used to define the geochemistry of the aquifer. Based on the ionic components, hydrochemical facies, the factors controlling groundwater chemistry are assessed and defined. Ground waters are highly saline (total dissolved solids (TDS being 2361-14780 mg/L) and show high...
Characterization of the solar climate in Malawi using NASA’s surface meteorology and solar energy (SSE) model
March 2015
This paper presents the characterization of global solar radiation (GSR) for Malawi using NASA’s SSE model. The mean monthly daily GSR monthly variation in the three regions of Malawi has been investigated. It has been found that there is a general gradient in GSR in the north-south direction. This gradient correlates well with the variation of the clearness index in the same direction (r = 0.986). It has been...
Solid medical waste management in Africa
March 2015
Increased awareness about inadequate management of solid medical waste (SMW) has led to increased independent surveys in African countries and yet published data remain scanty on the subject in Africa as compared to the rest of the world. To evaluate the overall compliance with World Health Organization (WHO)’s ten recommendations on SMW practices in Africa through a literature review, we conducted literature...
Characterization of clays from Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya for industrial and agricultural applications
March 2015
Clay samples from Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya were characterized by hydrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), TGA, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder diffraction (XRD) methods. The F-test and t-test were used to interpret the results. The major oxides present were Al2O3, SiO2 and the minor ones were CaO, TiO2, MnO, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO and Na2O. The values of SiO2...
Seasonal variation of meteorological factors on air parameters and the impact of gas flaring on air quality of some cities in Niger Delta (Ibeno and its environs)
March 2015
The impacts of gas flaring on meteorological factors at Ibeno, Eket, Onna, Esit Eket and Umudike - Nigeria were investigated by measuring air quality parameters. The results show that the mean concentration of air parameters value were below Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National air quality standards with exception of carbon monoxide which...
Heavy metal content in fish and water from River Niger at Agenebode, Edo State, Nigeria
March 2015
The concentrations of Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) in fish and water from River Niger at Agenebode, Nigeria were determined by atomic absorption spectrometric technique. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in water ranged from 0.00742 mg/L for Pb to 0.239 mg/L for Zn. The summary statistics for heavy metals in fish showed that the mean concentrations of metals ranged from 0.0291 mg/kg for Pb to...
Diversity, composition and abundance of macroinvertebrates associated with water hyacinth mats in Lake Victoria, Kenya
March 2015
This study is set to investigate the macroinvertebrate community structure within water hyacinth in the Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria. This is helpful in determining the relationship between water hyacinth and macroinvertebrates. A total of four replicates were taken from 18 sampling stations within the lake using a Ponar grab and a 500 µm scoop net. The samples were washed through a 300 µm sieve and sorted...
Modeling Jambo wastewater treatment system to predict water re-use options
March 2015
The harmful nature of chemicals used in the tannery industries and the disposal of wastes from facilities is well documented. In this study, Jambo tannery which is located in Busia District, (Uganda) with a daily processing capacity of 6.6 tonnes of hides and skin utilises 20 m3 of water to produce 17 m3 of wastewater/day. The generated wastewater is treated on site in the wastewater treatment plant whose performance...
Assessing soil erosion risk in the Tillabery landscape, Niger
March 2015
To combat desertification, it is indispensable to understand soil erosion processes in the Sahel zone. The objective of this study was to develop a simple model that uses soil texture data from the field and Digital Elevation Model parameters to predict soil texture. This study also assesses soil erosion research in the Sahel region, illustrated by a case study from Tillabéry landscape (Niger). The most sensitive...
Geospatial approach to spatio-temporal pattern of urban growth in Benin City, Nigeria
March 2015
This study examines the spatio-temporal pattern of urban growth in Benin City, Nigeria for a period of 26 years (1987-2013) using remote sensing data and geographic information systems techniques. It also analysed the factors driving the observed pattern of growth in the city. The results show that Benin City is growing more towards the north, east and south along the major transportation routes. The land use pattern in...
Review of methods for modelling forest fire risk and hazard
March 2015
Forest fires (wildfires) have become a major concern for several environmental experts. Assessment of fire effects at local scale is increasingly considered a critical aspect of ecosystem functioning, since fire plays a crucial role in vegetation composition, biodiversity, soil erosion and the hydrological cycle. At global scale, fire is the most generalized means of transforming tropical forest in agricultural areas,...
Effectiveness of neem, cashew and mango trees in the uptake of heavy metals in mechanic village, Nigeria
February 2015
The concentrations of heavy metals were determined from the soil of the mechanic village, in Abeokuta and a control farmland located at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The soil sample collected at the base of different species of tree showed that the heavy metals were below permissible levels (FAO/WHO and EC/CODEX standard) and show no significant difference in the range of mean. Absorption of...
The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus levels on dry matter production and root traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
February 2015
To evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus levels on root traits of cucumber plants, a factorial experiment was carried out based on a randomized completely design pot culture. Four phosphorus fertilization treatments, including 2, 5, 10 and 15 mg P kg-1 soil possessed phosphorus fertilization levels as the first factor. At the second factor arranged Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices of...
Influence of initial glycerol concentration upon bacterial cells adaptability and biodegradation kinetics on a submerged aerated fixed bed reactor using Biocell® (PE05) packing
February 2015
The present paper reports an experimental work of the influence of initial substrate concentration on the adaptability of bacterial cells and the biodegradation kinetics of the substrate in a submerged aerobic fixed-film reactor, by studying some physicochemical parameters. The bioreactor used in this study is gotten from the biological aerated filter (BAF), but the used filter media is made of plastic of a large size...
Determination of mechanical characteristics and reaction to fire of “RÔNIER†(Borassus aethiopum Mart.) of Togo
February 2015
The “rônier” or Borassus aethiopum Mart is a wood material which is used as an element for construction and public works in Togo. The goal of this study was to determine its mechanical characteristics and its reaction to fire which are the fundamental parameters of works dimensioning. The analyses and tests of B. aethiopum samples enabled to realize that the B. aethiopum possesses mechanical features...
Is climate change human induced?
February 2015
Climate is the most vital element of our planet and its liveability is key concern for every habitat. From Silent Spring till present, debate is on whether humankind has impact on nature. Since its establishment in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been playing pivotal role in raising public concerns on human-induced climate change through its various assessment reports. These reports follow...
Ecotoxicological effects of discharge of Nigerian petroleum refinery oily sludge on biological sentinels
February 2015
Ecotoxicological effects of the discharge of Nigerian petroleum refinery oily sludge on biological sentinels were examined. The ecotoxicological effects examined included acute toxicity tests on Nitrobacter sp., fresh water shrimp (Desmoscaris trispinosa) and brackish water shrimp (Palaemoneles africanus) from the aquatic environment. It also covered chronic toxicity tests on microbial nitrogen transformation activity...
Physico-chemical characteristics of borehole water quality in Gassol Taraba State, Nigeria
February 2015
Many people in Africa depend on water from borehole, but purity of the drinking water from this source remains questionable. In a bid to ascertain the health risk local people are exposed to, this study analyses the physico-chemical characteristics of borehole water in Gassol Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. For this purpose, water samples were collected from the 12 administrative wards in the LGA. Two samples were...
Indications of the changing nature of rainfall in Ethiopia: The example of the 1st decade of 21st century
February 2015
Climate change was defined as a statistically significant variation in the mean state of climate. Accordingly, with regards to rainfall, a working hypothesis that reads as: there is a statistically significant change (increase/decrease) in the mean annual and seasonal rainfall values at weather stations was forwarded for testing. Eight years (2001-2008) annual and seasonal rainfall data of 17 weather stations from most...
A comparative study of the defluoridation efficiency of synthetic dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and lacunar hydroxyapatite (L-HAp): An application of synthetic solution and Koundoumawa field water
February 2015
This paper deals with the comparison of defluoridation efficiency of two defluoridation agents by the use of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and lacunar hydroxyapatite (L-Hap) as a fluoride sorbents. The DCPD and L-HAp are characterized by using XRD and FTIR techniques. Defluoridation of synthetic solution of sodium fluoride (NaF) and natural waters of Koudoumawa are studied. The fluoride removal capacity is as...
Biodegradation of petroleum oil by fungi isolated from Treculia africana (Dec'ne) seeds in Nigeria
February 2015
Petroleum crude oil biodegrading fungi were isolated from Treculia africana seeds in the presence and absence of petroleum fumes. An assessment of the relative ability of each fungus to biodegrade petroleum crude oil, kerosene, diesel, unspent engine oil, spent engine oil and extracted oil from T. africana seeds on minimal salt solution was investigated using changes in optical density read on a spectrophotometer and...
Effects of NPK fertilizer on the shoot growth of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.
January 2015
This study examined the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer on the growth of Vitellaria paradoxa . Shoot height, collar diameter and leaf productions were assessed fortnightly up to the sixteenth week after transplanting. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) among the treatments in shoot height, collar diameter and leaf production. It was observed that shoot height of...
Ecological value orientations of prospective secondary school teachers in Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
January 2015
The value orientation of a person is highly likely to have consequences in his/her attitudes and behavior. The study reported in this paper examined the ecological/environmental value orientations of prospective secondary school teachers enrolled at Addis Ababa University for a one year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) program. An environmental and sustainability literacy questionnaire (ESLQ) was used to measure...
Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield characters of bambara (Vigna subterranea L.Verdc.)
January 2015
The study was conducted to determine the inter-relationship between grain yield of Bambara groundnut and its various yield characters at Samaru (11°11’N, 07°38’E, 686 m above sea level) in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, using simple correlation and path coefficient analyses. The result reveals strong positive correlation between number of pods/plants (r = 0.74**), 100-grain weight (r=...
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