Category Archives: 2018 Journals

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Biodegradability of Unused Lubricating Engine Oils in Fresh Aquatic System

Lucky O. Odokuma & Vincent C. Wokem

Department of Microbiology

University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The biodegradability of four unused lubricating engine oils (Total engine oil, Tonimas engine oil, Oando engine and Lubical engine oil) was investigated in fresh aquatic system obtained from Isokpo stream of Rivers State in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Biodegradability (mineralization) of the lubricating oil samples were monitored for a 56 – day period using the percentage ratio of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) to Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Olive oil served as a positive control while sodium azide served as a negative control. The results obtained indicated the following rate of mineralization, Total engine oil 5.3 percent, Oando engine oil 7%, Tonimas engine oil 16% and Lubicol engines oil 73%. Statistical analysis using ANOVA, showed that there was no significant difference (P=0.05) in the percentage mineralization of the engine oils. Result obtained from the viable bacterial and fungi counts, indicated higher total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts than total fungi (TF) counts, and higher hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) counts than hydrocarbon utilizing, fungi (HUF) counts. Characterization and identification test reveal that a microbial consortium comprising of the following genera; Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Microcosus, Proteus, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Arthrobacter were implicated in the biodegradation process in the fresh water source. Similarly the molds encountered in the degradation process were Aspergillus, Geotricum, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium and Candida species. Changes in the physicochemical parameters during the biodegradability monitoring period included, pH, temperature, alkalinity, conductivity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and inorganic carbon. Biodegradability result obtained indicated that the degradation of any petroleum product (engine oil) in the environment depends on interplay of many factors which includes; type of lubricating oil, microbial load/species present in the environment and physicochemical characteristics of the natural habitat. The results of this study have provided an insight into the biodegradability of some lubricating engine oils in fresh water ecosystem. Three out of the four petroleum lubricating engine oils investigated were not readily biodegradable, hence research into the production of biobased lubricating oils that are environmentally friendly, cost effective and efficient in performance like the petroleum base oils is recommended and as well as enhancing the biodegradation of these petroleum base lubricating oils that may spill into the environment.

Key Words: Biodegradability, Biodegradation, Lubricating Oil, Mineralization


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The Effect of Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) on Testosterone and the Histology of the Testes in male Albino Wistar Rats

1S.I Ovuakporaye, 2E.I.Odokuma

1Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, P.M.B 001, Abraka, Nigeria

2Department of Anatomy and cell biology, Delta State University, P.M.B 001, Abraka, Nigeria

Email: simonovuakpo2006@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study determined the effect of Garcina kola on testosterone and the histology of the testes in male albino wistarrats. Fifteen (15) male rats of the Wistar strain weighing 115g-220g were divided into groups of 3 (control, low dose, high dose) consisting of 5 male rats in each of the 3 groups to determine the effects of Garciniakola extract on testosterone. The control group was given only water and rat feed while the experimental groups of low dose and high dose were administered 5g/kg and 10g/kg respectively per body weight for a  period of 28 days. The rats were sacrificed and testosterone from the blood in these 3 groups, were studied. Statistical analyses of data were determined by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post-hoc Turkey’s test. It was observed that the hormone testosterone from group 2 with values of 0.50 ±0.15 recorded a significant increase in testosterone when compared to group 1 (control)with values 0.29 ± 0.08,while group 3 with values 0.23 ± 0.08 recorded no significant changes in testosterone when compared with group 1 (control).

Keywords: Garcina kola, testosterone, histology of the testis, wistar rats


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Comparative Physico-Chemical Composition of Natural Honey Collected from Traditional Bee-Breeders in Ogun State

*Adebowale, O. J1., Salaam, H.A1 and Agboola, O.A2.

1Department of Food Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, Ilaro, Ogun State.

2Department of Pure and Applied Biology, LAUTECH, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

* jimiolalekan@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Comparative studies on the physico-chemical composition of natural honey produced by traditional bee- breeders from the three senatorial districts in Ogun state were investigated. These districts were: Ogun-East, Ogun-Central and Ogun-West consisting of nine, six and five local government areas respectively. Double-stage multistage clustered sampling was used to carry out the studies on the selected six (6) local government areas that were finally chosen for the studies. Fresh natural honey samples were collected in sterile pet bottles and were analyzed for hydroxymethyfurfural, reducing sugar, pH, specific gravity, refractive index, total solids, titratable acidity, moisture and ash contents, and sucrose. Values range of 43.4 to 53.1(ppm); 70.2 to 76.4 (%); 2.73 to 3.74; 1.255 to 1.402; 1.446 to 1.448; 73.5 to 77.5(%); 0.62 to 1.63; 22.5 to 26.5 (%); 1.2 to 2.8 (%) and 3.23 to 4.72 (%) for hydroxymethyfurfural, reducing sugar, pH, specific gravity, refractive index, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash contents and sucrose respectively were recorded. Results obtained from the study however, showed that moisture and ash contents do not conform with the standards (Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union) in that, values obtained were higher the those of the standards. Conversely, data obtained for titratable acidity, refractive index, reducing sugars, sucrose and to some extent the hydroxymethyfurfural were in agreement with the standards. Generally, all the honey samples investigated were highly acidic with high total soluble solids (sugars) and hence, a good-preserve.

Keywords Physico-chemical composition, natural honey, senatorial district, hydroxymethyfurfural


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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

The Application of Strategic Management in the Control of Environmental Resources (Fresh Water)

Chukwuma E. O. Anuku & Gabriel C. C. Ndinwa ………………………………………. 1

Disaster Capacity Development Strategies as Coping Mechanism for Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction in Vulnerable Rural Areas in Imo State- Nigeria

Egbe Cyprian & Okafor Chidinma A …………………………….……………..………………. 9

An Assessment of Infill Development Potentials in Depressed Communities: A Case Study of Ungwar Television of Kaduna Metropolis

Arinde Salisu Handan & Lebana M. Daspan ………………………………………..…. 14

Infectious Diseases and Labour Force Productivity in Industries: A Challenge to Growth- A Study of the Nasco Group, Jos

Angbas Jonathan Avreson; Awatai, Abdul Usman and Makwin Deborah ……………. 26

Application of the Principles of Sustainability on Urban Practice and Development in Nyanya Abuja

Asma’u S.U. Dantudu; Sunday Solomon & Mansur Bello………………………………………. 39

Urban Renewal Initiatives in Nigeria: The Abeokuta Experience

Olubodun, M. E. & Elesin, O. G.  ……………………………………….…………..……50

Housing Conditions and Residents Health in the Rural Areas: A Functional Interplay in Ijeda and Iloko Osun State, Nigeria

Kolawole Abimbola Sunday; Eluyele K. Peters & Oyelami Kehinde …………………… 61

Hindrances to Sustainability of Professional Ethics in Nigeria

Solomon Michael Ojo, Esther Olufisayo Odunsi, Olusola Solomon Akinleye ………… 73  

Efficient Building Modifications: The Case for Flexible and Modular Structural Composition of Buildings

Bereprebofa Dimie …….…………………………………………………………………… 85

The Importance and Necessity of Flexible Spaces and Buildings in Nigerian

Taylor-Harry, Sobomabo …………………………………………………………………… 95


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Disaster Capacity Development Strategies as Coping Mechanism for Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction in Vulnerable Rural Areas in Imo State- Nigeria

Egbe Cyprian

Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State Nigeria

&

Okafor Chidinma A,

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The frequency of disaster occurrence of all types have become alarming all over the world especially Nigeria in the present times. Efforts are being made by nations to formulate strategies to reduce their prevalence and mitigation. This paper views capacity development asa potent mitigation measure in reducing its threat because it is a process of skill building and training of an individual or groups on the capacity to handle or resolve environmental challenges or situations requiring urgent attention which otherwise can lead to disastrous consequences. The situations or challenges may be potential risks or hazards which may lead to disaster.. The main drive of this paper is the fact that there is a lagging behind of the public sector especially the rural dwellers awareness on capacity building techniques generally and on risks, hazards or disasters in meeting most development goals (MDGs) and the realization that building capacity development is one of the key challenges facing low income societies, communities and countries and their external partners which is fundamental to resolve societal challenges in recent times. It is viewed important in this paper because, a capable and accountable state or society or individuals supported by an effective civil society with the engagement of private sector is indispensible for the sustainable reduction of challenges and events such as disasters and risk especially in rural societies.

Keywords: Disaster Capacity Development, Strategies, Coping Mechanism, Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction, Vulnerable Rural Areas.


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An Assessment of Infill Development Potentials in Depressed Communities: A Case Study of Ungwar Television of Kaduna Metropolis

Arinde Salisu Handan1 & Lebana M. Daspan2  

1Department of Architecture, Kaduna Polytechnic Nigeria

2Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Kaduna Polytechnic Nigeria

Email: salisuarinde@gmail.com& lebana1962@gmail.org

ABSTRACT

Infill development, or infill, principles such as compact mixed-use and diversity have revitalized dysfunctional city-centres through the redevelopment of vacant and old-decrepit structures in such ways that make economic sense. These transformational powers have given patronage to infill in recent redevelopment endeavours of depressed neighbourhoods of US and European cities. In Nigeria, there is hardly any deliberate infill effort aimed at revamping inner urban communities. This paper assesses infill potential in depressed community of Ungwar Television Kaduna (UT) with the objectives which include review of concepts and theories of infill as well as those of depressed areas. It identified different physical supportive features of infill in UT and concludes that these features have the capacity to ensure connectivity and permeability; compact mixed-use development, diversity and walk-ability; streets’ safety and civic engagement; local architectural character and accessibility in view of their high prevalence rates. Finally it proffered recommendations which include identifying and addressing concerns of people living in priority infill areas; provision of public incentives and investment; improvement of existing infrastructure; and creating enabling holistic land banking legislation.

Keywords: Infill Development, Depressed Communities, Strategies, Potentials, New   Urbanism


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Infectious Diseases and Labour Force Productivity in Industries: A Challenge to Growth- A Study of the Nasco Group, Jos

Angbas Jonathan Avreson; Awatai, Abdul Usman and Makwin Deborah

Department of Economics

Plateau State University, Bokkos

Email: avrenab@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTA major hindrance to effective labour force participation in the process of productivity is the state of its health. Ill health in the labour force increases disease burden and reduces the capacity, vigor and capabilities which it needs to effectively engage in productive activities while increased absenteeism due to ill health reduces overall workplace productivity. This study evaluates the impact of health on workforce productivity in industry in the growth process using data obtained from a field study and analysized through admixture of statistical methods. Given that Nigeria is a highly labour-intensive economy, importance must be accorded to having a healthier workforce in order to maximize productivity. Another essential finding in the study lies in the statistical significance of the education-labour and health capital-labour interaction


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Application of the Principles of Sustainability on Urban Practice and Development in Nyanya Abuja

Asma’u S.U. Dantudu; Solomon Sunday Rengkwar & Mansur Bello

Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Kaduna Polytechnic

Email: mansbell2017@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The world is urbanizing rapidly with cities today experiencing greater concentration of people than ever before. It is extensively accepted that development and urbanization go hand in hand and the expansion of cities has resulted in both opportunities and challenges. This often calls for sustainable development approaches in solving these challenges. The over spiraling growth in Abuja largely stems from socio-economic and socio-political development in the country. This paper seeks to assess the application of the principles of sustainable development in Nyanya Abuja FCT; with a view to making recommendations for effective development. The study observed that there is rapid development in the study area, which is often in an uncontrolled manner and the non-application of sustainable principles in development. The case study and survey methods were used where 187 questionnaires were administered to the residents of Nyanya. The study found that the stakeholders are mostly not aware of the environmental and economic aspect of sustainability that is why they are not practicing them but are however aware of the social principles of sustainability. It was concluded that the trend and pattern of urban development in Nyanya is a cause for serious concern due to the rate of sprawling in the area. Therefore, in curbing the issue of application of the principles of sustainability on urban development and practice within the study area the recommendations provided in this research work are; that the government should introduce an assessmentstrategy which ensures regular checks for non-application and massive rehabilitation and expansion of existing infrastructural stock in the study area should be taken more seriously through collaborative efforts among of all stakeholders.

Key words: Sustainable Development, Principles, Application, Effective Development, Urban practice.


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Urban Renewal Initiatives in Nigeria: The Abeokuta Experience

Olubodun, M. E. & Elesin, O. G.

  Department of Architectural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State

  Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State

ABSTRACT

The emergence of rapid population growth in many developing counties including Nigeria has brought about the continuous need for urban renewal initiatives. The fact that most urban cities had been planned before the advent of the regional town planning and urban development gave birth to clustered cities and towns which are at variance with today’s changing urban world.  Adequate urban management, infrastructural innovations and sustainable urban management are key issues to the 21st century environment.  A proactive attempt to transform a hitherto old or ancient urban center into a well-structured urban environment which can withstand today and tomorrow’s infrastructural and aesthetic demands is described as urban renewal. In most of these initiatives, there have always been challenges to contend with, especially those that have to do with action plans for resettlement of slum dwellers, the displaced people in the line of development and re-constructions.  Adaptations to new environmental concerns as well as socio-economic issues are part of the areas that have always been at the trail of urban renewal projects. This took a closer look at the urban renewal and regeneration of Abeokuta as the capital city of Ogun State, vis a vis the attendant contending issues and accruable benefits.

Keywords:      urban, renewal, environment, development, infrastructure


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Housing Conditions and Residents Health in the Rural Areas: A Functional Interplay in Ijeda and Iloko Osun State, Nigeria

1Kolawole Abimbola Sunday; 2Eluyele K. Peters & 3Oyelami Kehinde

1Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke

2Department of Estate Management, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.

3Department of Quantity Surveying, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.

Email: akolawole50@yahoo.com ; distinct.ok@gmail .com

ABSTRACT

The main aim of this study is to examine the functional interplay between housing condition and health of the rural dwellers focusing on Ijeda and IlokoIjesa. The data for the study were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source of data includes the administration of structured questionnaires to 25% of the residents of the two communities. Adopting multistage and stratified systematic sampling methods. A total of 234 questionnaires were administered on the major stakeholders in the study areas. The secondary data were sourced from the local government council office, journal, textbooks, magazines and national population commission officer,the study revealed that the age of the building was found to have significant relationship with the health of residents in Ijeda while the reserve was the case in Iloko. The study further revealed malarial as the most reported ailment followed by dysentery, typhoid and cholera respectively. Significant relationship was found between building type and healthof the rural dweller in Iloko than Ijeda while occupancy ratio had effects on residents of Ijeda. The paper therefore recommends among others that the general public should be enlightened about the causal relationship between housing conditions and health of the residents, enforcement of development control, designing of master plan and implementation of housing policies.

Keywords: Traditional compounds housing conditions, residents’ health, functional interplay, rural communities.