Authors:O.U. Udensi, E.E. Ita, E.V. Ikpeme, G. Ubi, L.I. Emeagi Abstract: The application and utilization of sequence data has been found very informative in the characterization and phylogenetic relationship of different crops species. This study aimed to use bioinformatics tools to characterize the matK gene in some selected legumes with special reference to pigeon pea [cajanus cajan (L.)Millsp] matK sequence as a quarry sequence. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of matK gene of 10 legumes were retrieved from NCBI database and analysed for homology, physiochemical properties, motifs, GC content as well as phylogenetic relationships. Results showed that the nucleotide and amino acid sequence lengths of this gene among the selected legumes differs. Its nucleotide length varied between 631-1580bp, while the amino acids sequence varied between 21 and 509 residues. P. tetragonolobus matK and C. cajan matK sequences had percentage identity of 88% while V. sativa had the lowest percentage identity of 70%. G.tomentella and P. tetragonolobus matK sequence shared the same percentage similarity of 91% with C.cajan while V. sativa had the least (78%) with C.cajan. The motif predicted were tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site, N-myristoylation site, N-glycosylation site, protein kinase phosphorylation site, casein kinase II phosphorylation site and cAMP- and –cGMP dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site. However, microbodies C-terminal targeting site was only predicted in the amino acid sequence of matK gene of P. sativum and C.cajan. Phylogenetically, two major clades were revealed with P.sativum, V.sativa, and C. arientinum matK gene sequence in clade A and matK gene sequence of P.tetragonolobus, C. cajan, G. tomentella, P.vulgaris, V.unguiculata, V. angularis and V. radiate in clade B. It showed that clade A diverged from the ancestry legume approximately 39MYA while legume sequences in clade B diverged from the ancestor about 57MYA. GC content of the nucleotide sequence of matK gene of V. sativa was highest (31.37%) with the range in the selected legume varying between 7.29%-31.37%. The secondary structure of amino acids sequence of matK gene in the selected legume revealed the alpha helix (34.14%-41.27%), extended strand (11.56%-20.99%) and random coil (39.48%- 51.76%). The major domain architecture found in the amino acid sequence were single and double types. Implicitly, though maturase K gene sequences in the selected legumes differ in lengths physiochemical properties, GC content and motif. The result of this study revealed that C.cajan matK gene sequences is closely related to that of P. tetragonolobus but distant to V. unguiculata as well as P. vulgaris.Keywords: Maturase K (matK) gene, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, selected legumes, breeding PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:P.O. Eburu, S. Chikunya, M.I. Anya, P.O. Ozung Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of four weeks of microbial exposure to anise oil (ANO) on the fermentation activities of ruminal micro-organisms and the biohydrogenation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). A total of six Hartline × Texel cross lambs were used. Three of the lambs were randomly assigned to the basal diet (basal diet group, BDG) and the remaining three lambs were offered basal diet with ANO (anise oil group, AOG) for four weeks. The rumen fluid donor lambs were offered water and hay ad libitum and supplemented with additional 400 g/sheep/day of concentrate plus 2.4 g/sheep/day of ANO (for the AOG). The ANO was thoroughly mixed with the concentrate prior to feeding. The total amount (400 g) of lamb finisher cubes offered per sheep/day was divided into two equal parts (200g) and fed at 08.00 and 16.00 hours, respectively. After the four weeks’ exposure period, lambs were slaughtered and ruminal fluid (RF) was collected from each of the lambs on BDG and on AOG and used in a 48 h in vitro batch culture system to study the fermentation of a 70: 30 grass hay (Lolium perenne) and concentrate (lamb finisher) diet. The study was a 2 (batches of rumen fluid: BDG and AOG) × 2 (doses of ANO: 0 and 200 mg/L) factorial design experiment. Results showed that total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in RF extracted from lambs on the BDG (242.0 mM) was similar to that in the AOG (242.2 mM). Concentrations of TVFA in in vitro digests were similar between groups on the BDG (68.6 mM) and on the AOG (66.4 mM), but differed between levels of anise oil (0 versus 200 mg/L). The levels of NH3-N were not different (P>0.05) between the RF collected from AOG and BDG. However, in vitro results showed that AOG 200 mg/L induced a 20% decrease on the concentration of NH3-N in fermentation vessels, relative to BDG 0 mg/L. The in vitro digesta incubated in RF from the AOG (i.e. AOG 200 mg/L) maintained higher concentrations of PUFA (C18:2 n-6 and n-3 PUFA), transvacceric acid and lower concentration of stearic acid. This suggests that there was no rumen adaptation within the period of trial. This study concludes that anise oil is potentially a useful feed additive to optimise the fatty acid composition of ruminant feedstuffs, if these effects are repeated in meat and milk. Keywords: Rumen filtrate, anise oil, biohydrogenation, polyunsaturated fatty acid PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:S.M. Sam, I.R. Udosen, G.J. Esenowo Abstract: Phytochemical and physico-chemical properties of the seed and seed oil of Perseagratissima and Chrysoplylumalbidum, were assessed by standard methods. Phytochemical analyses of Perseagratissima lipid extract showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroid and peroxides. Equally, the analyses of Chrysophyllumalbidum showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, steroids and peroxides. The physicochemical properties of the seed oil of Perseagratissima revealed a saponification value of 194.6 (mgKoHg–1 oil), unsaponification matter of 1.16%, an acid value of 6.5 (mgKoHg–1 oil), acetyl value of 5.5 (mgKoHg–1 oil), ester value of 188.1 (mgKoHg–1 oil), viscosity of7.049 x 10-4 (kgm–1S–1), solidification point of 15.025° c, melting point of 160.9°c and pH of 7.05 at 30°c while those of Chrysophyllum showed asaponification value of 168 (mgKoHg–1 oil), unsaponification matter of 6.6%, an acid value of 2.5 (mgKoHg–1 oil), Acetyl value of 1.0 (mgKoHg1 oil), Ester value of 165.5 (mgKoHg1 oil), viscosity of 2.403 x 10-3 (kgm-151), solidification point of 15.1°c, melting point of 140°c and pH of 8.0 at30°c. With these bioactive and physico-chemical properties, the seeds oil of P. gratissima and C. albidum have great potentials to be used in pharmaceuticals and in medicines and as well industrial purposes. Keywords: Phytochemical, physicochemical, seed oil, Perseagratissima and Chrysophyllumalbidum. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:O.O. Alonge, C.C. Ogbaga, F.M. Mairami Abstract: This study examined the phytotoxic impact of transmission oil pollution on Oat (Aveena sativa) seedlings growing in contaminated soils under 3 different soil moisture conditions of 100% water saturation, 60% and 30% water contents. The synergistic role of the microorganism Pseudomonas putida as a bioremediating agent was also examined. Experimental soil was treated with transmission oil for up to 12 weeks but seedlings were grown and measured on weeks 1, 7 and 12 using derno-podzoluivisolic soil collected from forest reserve of the Russian State Agrarian University. Results showed that seedlings grown on week 7 and 12 germinated better but had variable growth rates. In addition, Pseudomonas putida seemed to improve seedling germination at lower water contents for both weeks. This experiment suggests that Pseudomonas putida may be a good candidate for bioremediation.Keywords: Transmission oil, derno-podzoluivisolic soil, Рseudomonas putida, phytotoxicity, soil moisture. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Godwin Eneji Egbung, Item Justin Atangwho, Ochuole Diana Odey, Sunday Agba Bisong Abstract: The effect of Vernonia calvoana extract on some haematological indices in acetaminophen (paracetamol) treated albino Wistar rats was investigated in this study. Thirty-five (35) albino Wistar rats weighing 100-150g were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of seven rats each. Group 1 was the normal control ( Normal saline), group 2 received normal saline after treating with 2g/kg Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) via oral gavage, group 3 was treated with 200mg/kg body weight of V.C, group 4 received 400mg/kg body weight of V.C and group 5 was administered 100mg/kg body weight of Vitamin E. All treatments were done orally gavaged and lasted for twenty-one days. At the end of the treatment period, animals were euthanized using chloroform vapours, and blood was collected via cardiac puncture. The blood was collected and used for evaluation of some haematological indices. Results indicated significant (p<0.001) increase in red blood cell count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume in the 400mg/kg body weight Vernonia calvoana extract treated group compared with acetaminophen treated group. Similarly, platelet count, Lymphocytes and white blood cell count were markedly increased in the 200mg/kg VC, 400mg/kg VC and vit Etreated groups (p<0.05). We, therefore, conclude that ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia calvoana administered at 400mg/kg body weight possess anti-anaemic properties. Keywords: Acetaminophen, anti-anaemia, Wistar rats and Vernonia calvoana PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Mofolorunsho S. Kolawole, Martins Onimisi, Samuel B. Olobaniyi Abstract: Field and structural mapping on a scale of 1:50000 was carried out to determine the lithologic and structural features in the Kabba-Bunu area of the Kabba-Lokoja-Igarra schist belt. The area is underlain predominantly by migmatiteschist suite comprising migmatite gneiss, migmatised schist and a quartz-mica schist-quartzite complex in which quartzite occurs as elongated ridges especially around Aiyegunle-Iluke-Olle and Osomule-Ofere areas. The migmatite-schist suite is interbanded in some places by short lenses of amphibolites. This metamorphic sequence is intruded by north-south trending granite plutons, which form prominent topographic features, and are closely associated with dolerite, pegmatitic and aplitic veins. Polydeformation and polymetamorphism of the rock units produced orientations in different directions. From the field disposition of the competent quartzite bands, the study area has suffered at least two thermotectonic orogenic events: one with E-W fold axis produced by N-S compressional forces assumed to be probably Eburnian in age and the other with N-S fold axis produced by E-W compressional stress usually associated with the Pan-African event. Foliation and lineation in the E-W to NE-SW directions is interpreted to be the ductile and earlier major structures, while minor brittle shear overprinted structures in the NW-SE to N-S directions are filled by quartz veins, dolerites and pegmatite dykes and serve as conduits and pathway of the gold bearing ore fluids. Keywords: Structures, rocks, schist, N-S trend, polymetamorphsim. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:S.E. Lebo, D.A. Obi Abstract: The importance of aeromagnetic as a basin depth discriminating tool is the emphasis in this study. Eight sheets of aeromagnetic total field intensity maps on a scale of 1:100,000 were analysed and the depth to magnetic basement compared with available drilled well data. The data was processed, filtered and transformed to other grids using either Oasis Montaj and USGS potential field software with their associated extension packages. Anomaly Separation, Spectral Analysis, Euler Deconvolution, Horizontal Gradient Magnitude were done using Oasis montaj and U.S.G.S softwares .The results of spectral analysis, Euler Deconvolution and horizontal gradient depth maps generated clearly indicates that the well bottom (well B) depth of 3.234km compared with the different thematic magnetic basement depth from spectral 4.2km, Euler 6.421km, and HGM 4.0kmis effective in basement depth discrimination. The result show a unique closeness when compared between already drilled depth with interpreted magnetic depth results. This indicate that the method can be reliable as a basin depth determining tool in virgin sedimentary basins prior to seismic explorations. Keywords: Aeromagnetic, Euler Deconvolution, Spectral analysis, Horizontal gradient magnitude, Exploration. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:D.A. Obi, O.E. Obeten Abstract: Two (2) aeromanetic maps on a scale of 1:100,000 covering parts of the Lower Benue Trough (Afikpo sheet 313 and Ugep sheet314) were digitized manually along a total of 70 profiles lines to obtain 5422 data points. The digitized values were contoured to obtain the total magnetic field intensity map of the study area.The merged data was processed and filtered using diferent softwares to perform anomaly separation techniques to obtain the residual fields,petters half width and maximum slope methods were analysed to obtain depths to basements, also lineaments trend and 3-D surface plots were analsed. The results indicate a dominant NE-SW orientation, four faults were also identified mostly at the edges of sediments- basement contacts. The depth to magnetic basement map reveals two identified sub-basins within two structural highs. The Afikpo area has a structural high (afikpo anticlinorium) with depth ranging from 0.8km – 1.8km which is flanked by a depression (graben) 2.0km – 4.0km, this sub-basin extends between Abanwan to Amagu (ebonyi state) and extents to Biakpan (cross river state).also another structural high occurs between Iyamoyong and Okumeritit (cross river state) 0.8km -1.8km as horst, this is flanked by another depression (graben) within the Mkpani – Ugep area (cross river state) 2.0km -3.0 km in sediments thickness. Hydrocarbon prospectivity within the study area should be within the identified Grabens that has shown greater sediments accumulation while the areas identified as horst has less potentials for hydrocarbon prospectively. Keywords: Lineaments, sub-basin, basement, aeromagnetic, digitized. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:E. O. Joshua, G.O. Layade, V.B. Akinboboye, S.A. Adeyemi Abstract: Ground magnetic survey is an essential geophysical method employed in locating subsurface magnetic materials for possible exploration. In geophysics, the anomalous magnetization might be associated with local mineralization that is potentially of commercial interest. Hence a ground magnetic survey was carried out at a site in Tajimi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study is aimed at locating the position of iron deposited minerals within the study area. The study area lies within Latitude 800292ˈN to 800625ˈN and Longitude 605833ˈE to 606167ˈE in the basement complex of Southern Nigeria. A total of fifteen magnetic transverse lines were established in an E-W direction in the study area covering 140m by 75m. Data were taken and recorded using Proton Precession magnetometer; the data were presented in magnetic profiles, 2D contour map and 3D surface map which aided the qualitatively interpretation. The study area was characterized by completely varying magnetic anomaly amplitudes across the field. The field data were quantitatively interpreted and the results gave values for the total component measurements of the ground magnetic anomaly that varied between a minimum negative peak value of about -23428.7nT and a maximum positive peak value of about 5840.9nT. The residual anomalies obtained were plotted against distance using Microsoft Excel and Analytic signal method was used to estimates the depth to the magnetic source body. The estimated depths of the magnetic source body/rocks from the Earth surface fall in the interval of 1.28m to 13.57m, which indicates the magnetic source body suspected to be magnetic mineral, are near surface features. Hence a careful analysis of the magnetic anomaly maps can give vital information about the magnetic distribution and mineral potential of the study area at Tajimi. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:A.E. Adeniji, A. Ajala, J. K. Osho Abstract: A geophysical survey involving vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out at Makurdi, Benue State Capital which is in the North Central of Nigeria using Schlumberger electrode array. The results show that the area is characterized by 4–5 geoelectric subsurface layers. The measured aquifer thickness ranges from 6 to 69 m, with an average value of 36.7 m and the aquifer resistivity ranges from 7 to 378 Ωm with an average of 133.8 Ωm. The aquifer thickness and aquifer resistivity were used to compute the values of the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The aquifer thickness and aquifer resistivity along side with the estimated hydraulic conductivity and Transmissivity were used as indices for evaluation of groundwater potentials. The groundwater productivity potential in the area has been classified into two zones namely; high and intermediate. This study has revealed that no single index determines the groundwater productivity potential but a combination of two or more factors.Keywords: Vertical electrical sounding, groundwater potentials, aquifer resistivity, hydraulic conductivity transmissivity and Makurdi. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:K. Rauf, B.Y. Aiyetan, D.J. Raji, R.U. Kanu Abstract: In this paper, some fixed point theorems were proved, to show the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point under some weaker contractive conditions in a complete G-metric space settings. Moreover, we obtain the G-Cauchy sequence for the unique fixed point. Our results extend and refine some recent results in the literature. Keywords and Phrases: G-metric, G- Cauchy, G- limit, G-continuous and weak contractive conditions PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:R.E. Ella, E.E. Esienumoh, I.N. Ojong Abstract: This study investigated personal characteristics (individual factors) associated with compliance to health education among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, (UCTH) Calabar, and Cross River State, Nigeria. Level of Knowledge, educational status, age, parity and time’ of pregnant women were isolated and examined. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. Literature was conceptually, empirically and theoretically reviewed based on the variables under study. Descriptive design was adopted, and using the convenience sampling technique, a sample size of 140 pregnant women who attended antenatal care from May 2016 to November 2016 was used. A validated and reliability certified (with a correlation coefficient of 0.79) structured questionnaire was used to generate data from respondents. Questionnaire was administered through face to face interaction and on the spot collection of completed questionnaire. Data were presented using frequency tables, pie-charts and bar-chart, while chi-square (X2) analysis at 0.05 level of significance was used to test the hypothesis. The results of the study showed that individual factors that facilitated compliance were level of knowledge and level of education of the pregnant women; 72.9% of the study participants had adequate knowledge about health education and a greater proportion (62.9%) complied with health education. Chi-square analysis of the hypothesis showed a statistically significant association between level of education and compliance towards health education (X2 cal = 31.56, X2 crit = 7.815, P = 0.05, df = 3). Number of children (parity) and lack of time were the individual factors that hindered compliance. It was therefore recommended that Midwives should intensify efforts in awareness creation on family planning and its benefits, to reduce number of children to give mothers time to take care of themselves. Government of Nigeria and Cross River State in particular should reduce the high cost of education thereby encouraging every citizen to have basic education thus reduce illiteracy level of women and of its citizens in general. Keywords: Pregnant women, Antenatal Care Services, Individual factors PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Agam Ebaji Ayuk, Ndifreke Udonwa, Abraham Gyuse Abstract: Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS has reduced following sustained interventions especially with introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV/AIDS has become a chronic condition for which adherence to therapy is of public health relevance. This study was aimed at assessing the relationship between adherence to HAART and clinical and laboratory outcomes in a tertiary centre. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of three hundred and forty eight (348) respondents on HAART. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) with optimal adherence set at ≥95%. Clinical stage, anthropometry, CD4, total lymphocyte and haemoglobin were used to monitor clinical, immunological and haematological outcome of adherence. Result: The mean (SD) age of respondents was 34.8 (5.3) years, ranging from 18 - 68 years, with male: female ratio of 1:1.7. Adherence to HAART was 89.1%. Non-adherent compared with adherent respondents, had marginally significantly higher proportion of WHO AIDS Stage 3 disease (44.7% vs. 26.4%, p=0.05). Comparing baseline with current values, change in mean CD4 cell counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (187 vs. 125, p=0.00). Also, change in mean total lymphocyte counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (508 vs. 314, p=0.00). Change in CD4 cell count significantly correlated with adherence (t=0.15, p<0.05). Conclusion: Self-reported optimal adherence significantly correlated with immunological recovery, which is a key determinant of good clinical outcome in HIV patients. Measures aimed at sustaining adherence to HAART, and regular assessment of CD4 count should be strengthened. Keywords: Adherence, CD4 count, Total lymphocyte count, Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Omar Abdulwadud, Sailas Nyareza, Peter Nyarango, Sylvester Moyo Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the awareness, attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based medicine (EBM) among academics in higher education institutions in Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana. Data were collected using a convenient sampling technique and analyzed by SPSS. Thirty-eight academics completed an anonymous questionnaire. Most (76%) of the respondents were aware of the Cochrane Collaboration and 97% have heard about EBM, of whom 89% perceived its benefits. Yet, 74% lacked high level of EBM knowledge, 76% had no formal EBM training and 92% were unfamiliar with the Cochrane library. Motivation to attend EBM training was high among the respondents. Our results highlight the inadequacy of EBM knowledge and training among academics. There is a need to train academics in EBM in order to improve the practice of EBM in teaching. Keywords: Academic, evidence-based medicine, knowledge, attitude, Cochrane Library, Namibia. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Robert Bassey Mgbe, Aniefon N. Umana, Abiola Grace Adekanye, Mbora E. Offiong Abstract: This paper studies changes observed in pregnant women at the 3 stages of pregnancy in Calabar. Eighty pregnant women and eighty non-pregnant women were used. Most signs and symptoms occurred more in the first trimester while others occurred more in the third trimester. Vomiting, loss of appetite, excess salivation, Nausea gastro – esophageal reflux, fever, headaches otomycosis were predominant in our study. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Robert Bassey Mgbe, Aniefon N. Umana, Abiola G. Adekanye, Mbora E. Offiong Abstract: Noise above a certain acceptable level or sustained noise may cause damage to the ears. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and level of awareness of noise induced hearing loss in Calabar. Seventy-five workers from two noise producing companies, in Calabar- Flour mill and Wartsilla were chosen for this study. An author administered questionnaire was used to record sociodermographic data, occupation, access to ear protection, number of working years, etc; Rhine’s test, Webers test, otoscopy and pure tone audiometry were done for each of the participants. Workers in the generator house, loading bay and production plant were regarded as noise exposed workers while others were non-noise exposed. Forty-one of the noise exposed workers in flour mill (66.83%) had mild hearing loss and ten (16.66%) had moderate loss. In Wartsilla, twenty six workers (50.98%) of the noise exposed workers had mild hearing loss and six(11.76%) had moderate loss. Three non- noise exposed workers in each of the companies also had mild hearing loss. 40% of the participants never heard about ear protection devices; 60%, knew about them. 50% had seen them and 30% felt better using them. Keywords: Awareness, hearing loss, prevalence, Calabar PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:Kokou Sabi, Akpe Agbossou, Abiziou Tchinguilou, Zikpo Fo-Me, Ayassou Koffi Abstract: Togo, a least developed country, is ambitious to emerge by 2030 and the energy parameter remains indispensable with concerns as a source of emission of greenhouse gases. This study analyzed carbon intensity in the energy sector in Togo in 2012 in order to provide decision-makers, producers, distributors and final consumers with reliable data to achieve the objective of low carbon development in compliance with Togo's commitment in its Nationally Determined Planned Contributions (CPDN). In line with the IPCC 2006 methodologies, greenhouse gas emissions in 2012 in Togo are estimated at 1856.202 Gg for carbon dioxide (CO2), 15.352 Gg for methane (CH4) and 0.2431 Gg For nitrous oxide (N2O), i.e. a total of 2253,955 Gg CO2equivalent(Gg CO2-eq) of direct GHGs. Indirect GHGs are emitted at 558.525Gg, 7.942Gg, 34.252Gg and 2.563Gg respectively for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The carbon intensity linked to the Energy sector in Togo amounts to 1,797x10-9 Gg CO2-eq / GDP, at a time when the standard of living was $ US 319.222 per Capita. Road transport, with 1368 Gg of CO2 emissions accounting for 55.4% of total direct GHG emissions, is the first key source. With an uncertainty of about ± 23.887% on the overall estimate and a relative difference of 12.37% between the CO2 estimates by the sectoral and reference methods, the inventory is coherent as a whole. Keywords: Green House Gas (GHG), Carbon Intensity, Energy, GDP. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:O.O. Alonge, T.O. Famakinwa, M.M. Matouke Abstract: Analyzing the prospects of bioremediation methods and technologies as a potential clean up solution and remedy to the current environmental pollution problems facing the world today. Due to the significant rise in the number of manufacturing/ heavy industries, increase in the volume of crude oil drilling, and refining and transportation the area of contaminated land and water by heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbon has consequently increased has a result of accidents, spills, dumping, etc., posing serious risk to human health and livelihood, as well disrupting the ecosystem and climate. Bioremediation methods and technologies can mostly be combined and carried out in a multi stage process to get best results. For instance, in the event of an oil spill the initial Raskin, Ensley, 2000; Tyagi, et al, 2010; Alonge, 2016), as opposed to previous harmful and environmentally degrading clean up procedure should involve the physical / mechanical removal of excess crude oil from the surface of the contaminated medium, by the use of hydraulic pumps, skimmers, boomers, surfactant’s etc. At the second stage a suitable technique of microbial bioremediation can be applied, depending on the prevailing conditions. Lastly phytoremediation techniques can be applied at the final stages to complete the cleanup and restoration of the contaminated soil or water medium. Keywords: Bioremediation, environmental pollution, phytoremediation, rhizosphere, petroleum hydrocarbon, heavy metals. PubDate: 2017-11-30 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
Authors:A.J. Okon, M.E. Eja, R.E. Kalu Abstract: In developing countries, e.g., Nigeria, several communities have limited access to sanitation and sanitation facilities, thus such communities dump their solid and liquid wastes indiscriminately. The aim of this study was to assess access to sanitation, and compare basic sanitation facilities between upland and coastal communities of Akwa Ibom State. With a cross-sectional design, 420 respondents were selected and administered questionnaires to obtain information on sanitation and sanitation facilities of the communities using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Result shows that faecal disposal facilities available for upland and coastal communities were respectively 187(89.05%) and 98(46.67%). 30(26.79%) of households defecate in open bodies of water in the coastal areas, while upland communities do not. Also, 9(39.13%) and 64(57.14%) of upland and coastal areas respectively, defecate in bushes/swamps, while 14(60.87%) and 18(16.07%) bury their faeces in pits. On the whole, improved sanitation coverage recorded 61.90% and 38.10% respondents for the rural upland and coastal communities respectively, while unimproved sanitation coverage for upland and coastal communities recorded 31.43% and 68.57% respectively. This indicates that sanitation facilities and coverage are worse in the rural coastal areas. In conclusion, both upland and coastal communities of Akwa Ibom State still lack adequate sanitation, although the upland communities enjoy relatively improved sanitation than the coastal communities. PubDate: 2017-11-29 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 2 (2017)
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