-
Baseline Concentration and Sources of Trace Elements in Groundwater of Cross River State, Nigeria
Aniekan Edet,
Aniediobong Ukpong,
Therese Nganje
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
1-13
Received:
5 November 2013
Published:
20 December 2013
Abstract: Groundwater samples were collected from wells in Cross River State (Nigeria) and analysed for trace elements including Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn. The primary aim of the study was to determine the baseline concentrations of these metals, while the secondary aim was to assess the present level of pollution, as a basis for future impact of human and industrial activities on the groundwater quality. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to determine the relationships between the different trace elements and also infer their different sources. The results showed that the contents of Ba, Fe, and Pb in groundwater from some locations were higher than the World Health Organisation, WHO maximum admissible concentration (MAC) of 700µg/l, 300µg/l and 100µg/l respectively. The contents of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb and Zn were lower than the concentrations in freshwater, while the contents of Ba, Cr, Li, Mo and Sr in some of the locations exceeded the values in typical freshwater. Correlation and cluster analyses indicated common sources for some elements, while factor analysis suggested dissolution of brine, dissolution of barite mineral, weathering of the bedrock and prevailing oxidation-reduction potential of the environment as the main factors responsible for the occurrence of these trace elements in groundwater. The present data therefore is expected to serve as a good guide for future groundwater management of the area.
Abstract: Groundwater samples were collected from wells in Cross River State (Nigeria) and analysed for trace elements including Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn. The primary aim of the study was to determine the baseline concentrations of these metals, while the secondary aim was to assess the present level of pollution, as a basis for ...
Show More
-
Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment of Phytodiversity in a Proposed Floor Sweeping Canalization of Abonnema Wharf Adjoining Water Ways and Aiteo Jetty Development Project
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
14-26
Received:
2 November 2013
Published:
30 December 2013
Abstract: This report describes the results of an ecological baseline impact assessment study of the Aiteo operational area. This baseline has merit based on the context of a proposed canalization / floor sweeping of adjoining water ways, construction and development of a Jetty project in Abonnema Wharf Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This study was aimed at establishing the existing conditions of the environment and envisaged degrees of potential impact on the area against which future changes may be assessed and secondly, reviewing the possible risks to the environment likely to arise from the canalization, construction and operation of the Jetty. A standard procedure of integrated field study was adapted to qualitatively and quantitatively assess floristic profile of the vegetation in the area. The result of the study has recorded climax mangrove forest vegetation, though with some levels of heterogeneity and discrete homogeneity as a result of imbalances in the local environmental conditions incursioned by both natural and human factors. However, the ecosystem still maintains the status of abundance, richness and evenness with obvious similarity in floristic composition and forest structure to that in tropical forest elsewhere in the world. It is obvious that the Abonnema wharf forest ecosystem is gradually being destroyed without proper articulation of its wealth of flora diversity. Its mangrove forest vegetation is variable in size, form and plant community structure. It is one of the most productive ecosystems with enormous benefits to the people in this part of Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the store house of bio- diversity providing suitable habitats for plants, important areas for rare and endangered wildlife. The application of phyto-sociological indices of assessment for the mangrove vegetation complex in terms of species diversity in richness and evenness, density, abundance, IVI, distribution pattern and defined vegetation structure has been highlighted, indicating the area to be of high conservation potential if protected from both natural and human perturbation.
Abstract: This report describes the results of an ecological baseline impact assessment study of the Aiteo operational area. This baseline has merit based on the context of a proposed canalization / floor sweeping of adjoining water ways, construction and development of a Jetty project in Abonnema Wharf Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This study was aimed...
Show More
-
Evaluation of the Combustion Characteristics of Railroad Waste using a Cone Calorimeter
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
27-35
Received:
29 December 2013
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: For this study, we categorized waste from railroad operation into seven types; i.e., wood, vinyl, fiber, Styrofoam, food, paper and plastic. We then performed a combustion test using a cone calorimeter that is used widely for evaluating the combustion properties of combustible materials, to evaluate the heat release rate, smoke production rate, carbon monoxide production, carbon dioxide production and mass loss rate during biomass combustion.
Abstract: For this study, we categorized waste from railroad operation into seven types; i.e., wood, vinyl, fiber, Styrofoam, food, paper and plastic. We then performed a combustion test using a cone calorimeter that is used widely for evaluating the combustion properties of combustible materials, to evaluate the heat release rate, smoke production rate, car...
Show More
-
Adsorption of Phosphorus by Modified Clay Mineral Waste Material Relating to Removal of it from Aquatic System
S. Y. N. Jiang,
L. C. Su,
H. D. Ruan,
G. F. Zhang,
S. Y. Lai,
C. H. Lee,
C. F. Yu,
Z. Wu,
X. Chen,
S. He
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
36-44
Received:
20 November 2013
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: This study examined the application of modified clay mineral waste material (MCMWM) for removal of phosphorus (P) from aquatic systems including surface water and wastewater related to the application of recycled solid waste materials. The effects of ionic strength and pH on P adsorption by MCMWM were investigated at pH values of 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 with P concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 100 and 200 mg/L in solution. The P adsorption was rapidly at the early stage with 95% of P in solution being adsorbed for 10 mg/L P in solution at a high pH range within 0.5 hr. The amount of P adsorbed increased with increasing ionic strength. The amount of P adsorbed increased continuously as pH values increased from 3 to 9 for P adsorption at 10 mg/L. Other series of P concentrations in solution showed variable trends due to the rates of P adsorption being affected by pH associated with the effect of ionic strength. The maximum amounts of P adsorbed and the highest percentages of P adsorbed were obtained at pH 9 for all levels of P concentrations, and at pH 7 for the lower P concentrations in solution. Calcium (Ca) ion was found to form a bridge for P adsorption in solution as the increases in the amount of P adsorbed at high pH values was related to the performance of Ca in favoring P to be adsorbed either onto the surfaces or incorporated into the structural bonds of MCMWM. Ionic strength, pH and modification process have been found to be the important factors that influenced P adsorption in solution.
Abstract: This study examined the application of modified clay mineral waste material (MCMWM) for removal of phosphorus (P) from aquatic systems including surface water and wastewater related to the application of recycled solid waste materials. The effects of ionic strength and pH on P adsorption by MCMWM were investigated at pH values of 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 w...
Show More
-
Community Role of Civil Society in the Household Waste Management and Urban Farming
Dwi A. Nirwana,
John V. Lewi,
M. Shoful Ulum,
Happy R. Santosa
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
45-49
Received:
29 December 2013
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: Sustainable development becomes a thought that can be realized by applying the principles of eco-friendly living. One of the real forms of life that is environmentally friendly is household waste management and urban farming. It is necessary for the activity and awareness of the public to participate in developing waste management system and urban farming to maintain the environmental conditions as well as to improve the local economy. The method used in this study is case study method. Data collection techniques used physical observation, interviews, and literature. The result shows that the community has a big role in achieving sustainable development.
Abstract: Sustainable development becomes a thought that can be realized by applying the principles of eco-friendly living. One of the real forms of life that is environmentally friendly is household waste management and urban farming. It is necessary for the activity and awareness of the public to participate in developing waste management system and urban ...
Show More
-
Statistical Analysis of Urban Growth in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Adzandeh Emmanuel Ayila,
Fabiyi O. Oluseyi,
Bello Yakasai Anas
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
50-56
Received:
26 January 2014
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: Understanding and quantifying the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth in Kano Metropolis is necessary to put forward appropriate policies and monitoring strategies so as to make informed decision. The city has witnessed growth and infrastructural development such as low cast housing estates, highways and markets, to mention a few. This study examines the growth of Kano, Nigeria between 1986 and 2005 using remote sensing technology. Markov chain model was employed to predict future land use land cover in the area. Landsat images of 1986, 2000 and 2005 were classified into four land cover classes. Image classification analysis showed a rapid growth in built up land between 13.2% in 1986 to 19.3% in 2005 and an annual rate of change of 1.51% (1986-2000) and 1.24% (2000-2005). The period witnessed a reduction in vegetal cover from 33.9% by the year 1986 to 13.6% in 2005. Range land was recorded to occupy an average area of 56.4% in the 3 periods put together. It was also observed that change by 2015 will follow almost the same trend in the period studied with the built up area projected to cover (21.70%) of the total land area. The findings. The study indicated that in the last 19 years the built up area is increasing in size, and this have impact on the natural environment.
Abstract: Understanding and quantifying the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth in Kano Metropolis is necessary to put forward appropriate policies and monitoring strategies so as to make informed decision. The city has witnessed growth and infrastructural development such as low cast housing estates, highways and markets, to mention a few. This study e...
Show More
