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LIST OF VOLUME THREE, NUMBER TWO ARTICLES
VOL. 3, No. 2 , ARTICLE 1 Application of pollution index (PI) to determine water quality of the new Calabar River in Rivers State. by Leton TG & Nkwueke JO
Abstract To evaluate the water quality of the New Calabar River, pollution Index (PI) techniques were employed from Aluu to Egbele in the Obiakpor LGA of Rivers State. Water quality status was analysed with reference to World Health Organization (WHO) standard for domestic water supply and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) permissible quality of raw water for potable use, given normal treatment. The data obtained were then used for the pollution index (PI) computations. A pollution index above one (PI > 1) indicates that the water source is unacceptable for the particular use. The river water quality parameters comply to a large extent with most of the set standards. However, it was notably very poor in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), implying that the New Calabar River at the points investigated could be bacteriologically unsafe for human consumption as high BOD indicates high biological activities and possibly, pathogenic pollutant. The pollution index (PI) along the river at Aluu, Choba, Rumuokparali to Egbelu were 1.0124, 1.6098, 1.5085, 1.5030 respectively in terms of numerical values and 1.1209, 1.6160, 1.5611, 1.5543 respectively in terms of relative damage due to pollution. These results indicate that the pollution at Choba was 59 per cent higher than that upstream at Aluu, possibly due to waste inputs from the oil servicing and plastic manufacturing companies. The index declined downstream from Choba as the river recovers. This does not imply that no further pollutants were introduced into the river as it flows downstream through these locations; but rather, the level of pollution was within the assimilative capacity of the river.Abstract: To evaluate the water quality of the New Calabar River, pollution Index (PI) techniques were employed from Aluu to Egbele in the Obiakpor LGA of Rivers State. Water quality status was analysed with reference to World Health Organization (WHO) standard for domestic water supply and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) permissible quality of raw water for potable use, given normal treatment. The data obtained were then used for the pollution index (PI) computations. A pollution index above one (PI > 1) indicates that the water source is unacceptable for the particular use. The river water quality parameters comply to a large extent with most of the set standards. However, it was notably very poor in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), implying that the New Calabar River at the points investigated could be bacteriologically unsafe for human consumption as high BOD indicates high biological activities and possibly, pathogenic pollutant. The pollution index (PI) along the river at Aluu, Choba, Rumuokparali to Egbelu were 1.0124, 1.6098, 1.5085, 1.5030 respectively in terms of numerical values and 1.1209, 1.6160, 1.5611, 1.5543 respectively in terms of relative damage due to pollution. These results indicate that the pollution at Choba was 59 per cent higher than that upstream at Aluu, possibly due to waste inputs from the oil servicing and plastic manufacturing companies. The index declined downstream from Choba as the river recovers. This does not imply that no further pollutants were introduced into the river as it flows downstream through these locations; but rather, the level of pollution was within the assimilative capacity of the river.FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
VOL. 3, No. 2 , ARTICLE 2 Health aspects of domestic solid waste management and disposal operations in Nigeria. by Leton TG
Abstract Rapid population increase and urbanization in Nigeria has rendered the traditional methods of solid waste disposal inappropriate. The authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the present levels of solid waste. Poor solid waste management is a major cause of the proliferation of pests, spread of diseases and pollution of water sources. This paper is aimed at highlighting areas of public health concerns regarding refuse collection, disposal, and storage. It also recommends ways of protecting public health from solid waste. These include immediate isolation of solid wastes on generation, use of container based collection system, provision of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), organisation of scavenging and use of sanitary landfill principles instead of open dumps for final disposal. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Potentials of refuse recycling/reuse in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. by Leton TG & Nweke VN
Abstract Refuse is often associated with filth and diseases but can be a source of some common raw materials and yield sizable income. To obtain a measure of the quantity of recoverable items such as scrap metals, glass, paper and plastics, data were collected from the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority (RSESA), and other sources. Cost estimates for the various items were gathered from the scavengers. Result of the study indicates: That about 16.4 per cent by weight of these items can be recovered and recycled for the reuse of the public. A reasonable amount of money (N5, N3, N6 and N10 per kilogram for paper, plastics, glass and metals respectively) could be made if the scavenging is properly organised. The removal of recoverable items will increase the effectiveness of refuse compaction, thereby reducing substantially the volume of refuse for final disposal. Packaging cartons, egg cartons, office files in addition to low quality paper for printing can be produced from recycled papers. Recycled bottles are required by the bottling, pharmaceutical, beverage industries etc., while scrap metal is put to various uses within the society. The scavengers who bear the burden of separating these items needs protection against common health problems, such as eye and nose irritation, frequent common colds, skin and intestinal diseases etc. A provision of simple personal protective equipment and provision of clean water and basic sanitation facility at dumpsites can help to alleviate these problems. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Possible environmental impacts of canalization project at the Nigerian coastline. by Youdeowei PO & Nleremchi SC
Abstract Environmental Impact Assessment of a canalization project at the Nigerian coastline of Ondo State was conducted. Physicochemical and engineering studies of surface and sub-surface soil samples at the site were examined to obtain baseline data for assessment of environmental hazards that may arise from the proposed canalization exercise. Results indicate that there is a possibility of increased risks of coastal erosion and flooding, salinity, intrusion and changes in littoral drift, etc. An important aspect of mitigation will include the provision of river bed revetment protection against bank erosion. Since the canalization project will provide a more reliable, improved and safe navigation route for passenger and cargo transport, and thus improve the living standard and income of the people, it should be allowed to proceed. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
A self indicating method for the determination of sulphur dioxide (SO2). by Etiuma RA, Ahonkhai SI & Uwah IE
Abstract A new analytical technique for determination of SO2 in air has been developed. The method involves scrubbing of sulphur dioxide in an incoming air through a solution of 1, 10 – phenanthroline and ferric ammonium sulphate whose pH has been adjusted to 5.5 with perchloric acid. The intensely orange coloured tris (1,10- phenanthroline) iron (II) complex formed is analyzed spectrophotometrically at 510nm after masking the excess hydrolyzed ferric iron with ammonium bifluoride. Gas standards for calibration were prepared in the laboratory. A sensitivity of about 72.7% was realied when compared with the West– Gaeke method as a reference method. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Effect of used engine oil on growth and mineral composition of beans (Vigna ungulata l) and maize (Zea mays). by Ekop AS, Osogbue AB & Ekpenyong EO
Abstract Effect of used and unused engine oil on Vigna ungculata and Zea may germination, emergence growth and chemical composition was studied for 21days. The result showed that used and unused engine oil treatment at 2.1% and 4.3% inhibited germination and emergence of seedlings. Soil containing more than 8.7% did not support germination of any of the studied seed plants. Growth rate was significantly reduced as the level of contaminant increased. The total exchangeable K and Fe content of the soil was also observed to increase as the level of engine oil treatment increased to 4.3%v/w. Magnesium and calcium content reduced with increase in used engine oil. Lead concentration increased while the concentration of magnesium reduced with increased in the concentration of the used and unused engine oil. In all cases, the used engine oil showed a greater reduction in the plant growth performance. Poor germination, emergence and growth rate were attributed to high penetrating power of engine oil when in contact with seed, suffocation of roots and high uptake of lead from the used engine oil. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Large-scale time harvesting of zooplankton using two culture systems. by Ajah PO & Ajah MO
Abstract To meet the high demand of zooplankton for hatchery operations, harvesting in time and space becomes crucial. Four harvesting periods: morning, afternoon, evening and night under dark and light regimes, were compared in both concrete tanks and earth pond conditions. In both systems, harvesting in the dark showed significantly (p<0.001) greater yield than at evening, morning, light source and afternoon. Mono zooplankton species (Lepadella ovalis, Brachionus quadridentatus, Asplanchna priodonta) from the concrete tanks or mixed zooplankton species harvests from the ponds in the evening hours was not significantly (p>0.05) higher than those of morning, but was significantly (p<0.01 & P<0.001) greater than those harvested aided by light source and afternoon harvest, respectively, while night harvests aided by light was not significantly (p>0.05) higher than those of afternoon. Three depths of harvesting, namely, 0-30cm, 30-50cm and >50cm were compared for efficiency in the tanks but showed no significant (p>0.05) difference with depth. Quantity harvested (no. /L) at any depth was a function of time. Direct pumping of zooplankton to larval rearing tanks was done using mono-species cultures.
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Distribution of meso-zooplankton along the salinity gradients of Calabar and Cross Rivers, Nigeria. by Ajah PO, Okon TJ & Dittmer JD
Abstract On two boat trips during the months of April and May in 1990, meso-zooplankton were sampled from selected stations in the Calabar River (1.8 ppt salinity) to the sea (26.7 ppt salinity). Surface samples (30 cm) were taken with a Neuston net of 1.5 mm mesh. Hydrographic parameters, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity were measured simultaneously at 20 stations. Plankton data were both qualitative and quantitative. A total of 23 species were distinguished, 17 of which belong to the meso-zooplankton, and 6 to pseudo-plankton. Crustacea was the dominant group with 8 species of Decapods-(many of them larvae) and Mysidacea followed by 6 spp of fish larvae. Among the estuarine species, medusa (Cnidarians) constituted 34.7% of the population followed by Decapods (26.7%), fish larvae (13.4%), Mysidacea (11.1%), Chaetognatha (4.5%) with the least being Cephalopoda (0.07%). FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Adsorption efficiency of activated carbon from palm kernel shells for zinc and nickel ions. by Ikhuoria EU & Etiuma RA
Abstract Activated and non-activated carbon species were prepared from palm kernel shells. The activated carbon was treated with potassium hydroxide and pyrolysed at 500oC.. The physico-chemical characteristics of the carbon species such as pH, bulk density, abrasion resistance, total surface charge and surface area were determined. The adsorption behaviour of zinc and nickel ions on the palm kernel shell carbon was studied. The data from this study fitted the Langmuir isotherm equation and the maximum metal ion binding capacity of the activated and non-activated carbon samples was found to be 0.243 and 0.115 mmol/g for nickel, and 0.358 and 0.192 mmol/g for zinc ions respectively. This represents an increase in the activity of the carbon of 52.7% for nickel and 46.4% for zinc. The proportional ability of activated carbon to bind zinc and nickel was 0.358 and 0.243 (32.1%), while that of non-activated carbon was 0.192 and 0.115 (40.1%) respectively. The variation in the amount of zinc and nickel ions removed was attributed to the ionic radii, hydration energy, ionic mobility and diffusion coefficient of the metal ions. The distribution coefficient for a range of metal ion concentrations was also determined. The results show that the concentration of the metal ions at the sorbent water interface is higher than the concentration in the continuous phase with values higher than 1. These values might suggest high adsorption efficiency and that a few sorption cycles may be required in the treatment of wastewater containing the metal ions. Although the removal efficiency of the activated carbon was not significant (P = 0.1654), the performance efficiency of activated carbon is however important and deserves further research attention. FOR FULL ARTICLE: SEND E-MAIL TO ekomrob@yahoo.com
Influence of tide and season on the physicochemical parameters of Calabar River Estuary, Nigeria. by Eddy NO, Odoemelam SA & Etuk BA
Abstract The influence of tides on the concentrations of magnesium, silicate, BOD, COD, DO, nitrite nitrate, sulphate, phosphate temperature, salinity turbidity, pH and conductivity in the Calabar river estuary was investigated during the rainy season ( July – October). Results are distributed as follows: Conductivity (26-42 µS/cm), Temperature (25.2-27.3oC), pH (4.69-7.70), turbidity (14-41 FTU), DO (4.8-7.0 mg/l), BOD5 (0.4-1.5 mg/l), Mg (0-19.42 mg/l), Sulphate (1.36-4.75 mg/l), ammonium (0.06-1.36 mg/l), nitrite (0-0.004 mg/l), nitrate (0.08-0.99 mg/l), phosphate (0-0.017 mg/l) and silicate (0.05-0.46 mg/l). Wide variations were observed between high and low tides and neap and spring tides as well as between months which were attributed to tidal resuspension of materials from sediments and terrestrial/rain related input of materials. All concentrations were within range of values for similar tidal systems in Nigeria and those of earlier studies in the river system.
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