A Comparative assessment of the phyto-desalination rates of duckweed and water hyacinth in brackish water

Brackish surface water is a challenge for most estuarine communities to meet the water requirement for agricultural purposes. Desalination plants on the other hand, are costly and energy consuming method to run. This research compares the possible use of duckweed and water hyacinth for their phyto-desalination rates of brackish water. Three replicates containing about 100 g of each aquatic macrophytes in a trough with 10 litres of brackish water (salinity 7.69 ppt) were studied daily for 6 days.  Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity were the measured water parameters thereafter, the treatment means were calculated. Results showed that maximum reductions of most of the water parameter were observed after 3 days of the research for both aquatic macrophytes. A reduction of EC by 16.4 %, TDS by 16.3 % and salinity by 20.7 % for duckweed while for water hyacinth, a reduction of EC by 20 %, TDS by 19 % and salinity by 29.1 % were observed. Thereafter, both aquatic macrophytes started showing signs of nutrient starvation and a reduced rate of desalination. This can be addressed by removing the spent and wilting aquatic plants and re-introducing fresh ones in 3 days intervals until desalination is achieved. Anova shows that there was significant difference between pre-and post-treatment values at 95 % confidence level in EC for both duckweed and water hyacinth treatment and also in TDS and salinity for water hyacinth treatment. This suggests potency of water hyacinth in the desalination of brackish water for crop irrigation and other agricultural purposes

Study on the Prevalence and Host-Related Risk Factors of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Selected Kebeles of Konta Zone District, South Western Ehiopia

Trypanosomosis is a disease caused by several species of protozoa parasites called trypanosomes found in the blood and other tissues of vertebrates including livestock, wildlife & people. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, identify species of trypanosomes involved and access associated risk factors in Ameya Zuria Woreda.  In this study, an overall prevalence of 12.8 % (49/ 384) of bovine trypanosomosis was recorded. Prevalence of 9.4 % and 16.9 % was observed in female and male cattle respectively. Bovine trypanosomosis with the prevalence of 18.5%, 11.8%, 10.4%, 10.8% & 11.8% was recorded in Chebera, Cheta, Dupa, Serishewa and Yora peasant associations respectively. The prevalence of 5.6%, 14.3 6% and 16.7 were recorded in cattle of young, adult and old respectively. Two species of trypanosomosis T.congulense and Brucei were detected with a prevalence of 11.2% and 1.7 % respectively.  In the current study, the prevalence of trypanosomosis based on body condition scores were recorded as good, medium, and poor as 6.8 %, 9.9 % and 21.3 % respectively. Based on coat color, the prevalence of 26.4%, 15.8%, 8.5% and 5.8 were recorded in black, grey, red and white color respectively. Based on Hematological findings of PCV <25 and PCV ? 25 78.6% were recorded as anemic while 21.4 % were normal. In conclusion, this study indicated that trypanosomosis was the major constraint of livestock production in the Ameya Zuria Woreda *20therefore; concerned individuals should strengthen and continue the effort against this parasitic disease

Assessment of heavy metals concentrations in tropical agroecosystem (Wakwa, Adamawa, Cameroon): An Index Analysis Approach

A study has been conducted to evaluate the degree of Heavy Metals (HM) contamination on farm soils of Wakwa’s, using enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), Ecological risk factors (Eir), ecological risk indices (PER) and statistical analysis. In this study,  composite  surface agricultural soil samples were collected in 4 sites and analyzed for the concentration of HMs including As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr. The concentrations of Cr, Zr, Mo and Pb are significantly higher than average shale values in all sites. Sites WK3 and WK4 were also contaminated with Ni and V. The EF vary from 0.07 for Sr to 2.35 for Mo and indicate zero to moderate enrichment. Igeo vary from -3.83 for Sr to 1.26 for Mo and indicate zero to moderate contamination. A PLI vary from 0.61 to 0.83 with the highest to the lowest polluted site being WK4 >WK3 >WK2 >WK1.  All HM present low ecological concern and low potential ecological risk indices. Site WK4 which is upstream the Lake Piu is the most polluted. Positive and highly significant correlations were observed for several pairs; this could indicate the same source of pollution for most HM. This study concludes that a regular assessment is needed to estimate the risk level of toxic metal contamination in the ecosystem. This study is valuable because it is probably the first work on heavy metal levels in Wakwa locality. &nbsp

Veterinary Drug Prescribing Practices at Ateso Veterinary Clinic of Masha Woreda, Sheka Zone, South West Ethiopia

The rational use of drugs in veterinary medicine has various significances, such as reducing the risk of drug resistance, increasing efficacy, reducing drug residue, and decreasing adverse drug reactions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the types of rational use of veterinary drugs prescribed by veterinarians in the veterinary clinics of the Masha district. A sample was selected using a systematic random sampling method and the sampling unit was an animal patient encountered at Ateso veterinary clinic for the treatment of acute and/or chronic illness. A retrospective study was conducted to assess veterinary drug prescribing practices at Ateso woreda veterinary clinics in the southwest areas of Ethiopia. A total of 920 cases were recorded from the case registration books at the Ateso Veterinary clinic for diseases treated between January 2021 and February 2022. The study indicates that in Ateso veterinary clinic, 111(12.1%) young, 548(59.6%) adult and 261(28.4%) were old. In this retrospective study, 654(71.1%) cattle, 62(6.7%) chicken, 66(7.2%) goat and 138(15.0%) were sheep in diagnosed animals. Regarding the agro-ecological partition in study area, 542(58.9%), 129(14.0%) and 249(27.1%) of diagnosed animals were highland, lowland and midland respectively. The study results showed that for a total of 920 cases diagnosed at clinic, 1788 different drugs were prescribed, with an average per encounter of 1.9. Among the total drugs, Penstrep (31.7%), Albendazole (23.3%), Oxytetracycline (19.4%), Ivermectine (12.3%, Sulfa drugs (6.7%), Isomitamidium chloride (3.7%) and Veridium(2.9%) were the most leading prescribed drugs. All drugs were prescribed by the generic name without any laboratory support of the disease. The prescribing practices showed 51.1 % of antibiotics and 23.3 % of anthelmintic was prescribed for veterinary diseases treatment at Ateso veterinary clinic. Of the prescribed drugs, 7 % Anthelmentics (Albendazole) was prescribed irrationally to treat diseases that were tentatively diagnosed as infectious diseases. Similarly, 2.1 % of Antibiotics were prescribed for parasitic disease. In conclusion, this study revealed problems in antibiotics and Anthelmintics use, a description of routes of administration and length of treatment, and a shortage of laboratory diagnostic facilities. Therefore, veterinary drugs particularly Antibiotics and Anthelmintics should be used appropriately to safeguard the public from residual drug impacts and resistance development

Interactive Effects of Tillage and Mulch Type on Soil and Crop Canopy Temperature and Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L)

This paper investigates the interactive effects that tillage and mulch types have on soil and crop canopy temperature and the subsequent influence on final grain yields of a sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var rakodzi) crop stand. Two experimental sites, one farmer managed, and the other researcher managed were established in Mbire District of Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe during the 2020/2021 Zimbabwean farming season. A 3x4 factorial experiment laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that tillage and mulch have no effect on soil and crop canopy temperatures. Significant interactions (P<0.05) occurred between mulch and tillage types to influence canopy temperature at critical stages of late vegetative and grain filling at 25 and 75 days after sowing, respectively. Mulch and tillage types also interacted significantly (p<0.05) at critical stages of booting and grain filling at 50 and 75 days after sowing respectively to subsequently influence final grain yield. Sorghum straw used as mulch in raised beds resulted in the highest grain yields of 2.89 tons Ha-1.  Conversely, lowest grain yields were realized from raised beds with no mulch as 1.89 tons Ha-1. Thus, it was established that tillage and mulch can interact to affect both crop canopy and soil temperature at crop critical stages that will in turn impact on crop final grain yields. Farmers in the semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe are encouraged to be cognisant of this interactive effect to maximise sorghum crop productivity.  &nbsp

Ecological studies and Threats on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted on the ecological, and threats to African elephants in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary in eastern Ethiopia from March 2019 to December 2021. The research aimed to understand population size, age structure, movement, feeding preference, impact on woody plant species, and threats to elephants. For the study, before carrying out data collection, the habitat of the sanctuary was first divided into riverine, woodland, and bushlands.  A total area of 48 km2 divided into 16 km2 each, was sampled to compare and collect the dung of an elephant. The study used dung counting techniques and woody species assessment to estimate elephant population size, feeding preferences, and the impact of elephants on woody species. The sanctuary had 210 to 250 elephants or (i.e., 230±20) at a Mean of (?) =230 and SD=20, with 47% being younger and 2.6% sub-adult. Others were adult (19%), calves (17.2%), and Juveniles (13.4%). According to all (100%) key informants and observations revealed, the elephants’ movement followed the Erer and Gobele valleys. The result also showed that 24(63.15%) of the 38 woody species were selected by elephants as a diet. The Acacia seyel (PI= 3.3033) and Opuntia ficus- indica (PI= 2.0328) were the most frequently browsed tree and shrub species, respectively. Observations revealed elephants uprooted debarked trees and destroyed parts, particularly a small size class. The study found that the high human population and settlers' need for land for cultivation increased conflicts between people and elephants. Despite a remnant elephant population in the sanctuary, the species could be negatively affected by human activities. Therefore, rehabilitating woody plants consumed by elephants, reducing threats and conserving the remaining elephant population is crucial. 

Assessment on Farmers Tree Growing Practices and Tree Species Diversity in the Home Garden, Farmlands, and nearby Forest of Abaychomen District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to investigate the farmers’ tree-growing practices and the diversity of tree species in the home garden, farmlands, and nearby forest areas of Abaychomen District, Eastern Wollega, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from sampled Households (HHs) using purposive random sampling methods for the socio-economic survey and a systematic sampling technique for vegetation assessment. For the interview, 152 HHs were selected from the two Peasant Associations of Gutene and Dinoberema. Focus group discussions and site observations were used. The result showed 51 tree species in Dinoberema and 41 in Gutene were identified and recorded. The Shannon diversity index is high in the natural forest of both sites and low in the crop fields of Gutene and the home garden area of Denoberema. Simpson diversity index exhibited a similar trend as the Shannon diversity index in both sites. Croton macrostachyus and Podocarpus falcatus are the 1st and the 2nd most important tree species in both sites. Higher Sorensen coefficient similarity was observed between crop fields and home gardens. The result also revealed HHs within the rich wealth class have a large area of home gardens related to the medium and poor. According to respondents viewed, (80 % observed labor availability) in Gutene, and (60% observed land availability) in Dinoberema were opportunities to grow trees. However, shortage of cash and land were the main constraints for tree-growing practices. Therefore, this study is important for effective tree biodiversity. Hence, identifying and documenting the tree species diversity and practices of local peoples on tree management is necessary to build the gaps in knowledge

Study on Feeding preference and Impact of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana, Blumenbach, 1797; Elephantidae) on Woody species in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia

The focus of this paper is to study the feeding preference and impact of woody species on African elephants in Babile Elephant Sanctuary (BES), Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through purposive random and systematic sampling techniques. Seven sites from three different habitats in the sanctuary were selected by considering the availability of dung and consumed plant parts. The result showed, among 38 species browsed by elephants, 24(63.15%) were the most preferred elephant diet. Besides, from dissecting 75 dung boli of 24 plant species (yielding 2841seeds); 2009 (70%) of seeds were fed by elephants during the wet season. And, the seeds were analysed using the focal watch and indirect methods. Woody species, about 23(76.7%) in the riverine, 36 (68%) in woodland, and 19(54.3%) in bushland habitats were mainly impacted on parts of primary/secondary branches and main stem. Among these, a small size class of trees was more easily damaged by elephants. Based on research results, the following inference is drawn: identifying and documenting the dietary composition, feeding preference, and impact of elephants on woody species in BES is important to build gaps in knowledge for conservationists to design plans for restoring the species and sustaining elephants existence in the sanctuary

Comparative study of Bacteriological Contents of Commercially Smoked Fish and Aseptically Smoked Fish sold in Awka and Environs, Anambra State Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the bacteriological contents of smoked fish sold in Awka markets and environs. A total number of 80 samples of smoked and frozen fish were purchased from three different markets in Awka and its environs. 60 smoked fish and 20 frozen fish of four different species of panla, sardine, mackerel and catfish 15each and 5 each respectively. The samples were collected labeled appropriately and kept in sterile polyethylene bags and were taken to the microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu for microbial analysis, biochemical and molecular characterization were used for identification of bacteria and fungi isolates. The frozen fishes were taken to the fishery department of Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu for smoking, the fishes were aseptically smoked using the traditional kiln and oven drying methods.  Nutrient agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar, Salmonella shigella agar, Eosin methylene blue agar and Mannitol egg yolk polymyxin (MYP) agar were used for the isolation of organisms. The isolated organisms are Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus Saprophiticus, Enterobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Eschericia coli, Klebsiella Aerogenes. Delftia Tsuruhatensis, Proteus mirabilis, Comamonas Thiooxydans, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Crocinitomicaceae bacterium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Micrococcus spp. the fungi isolated are Aspergillus fumigate, Aspergillus oryzae, Fusarium spp. Mucor, Rhizopus sp. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillum spp. the total viable counts (TVC in CFU/g) of smoked mackerel, sardine,  panla and catfish  ranges from 1.7x102 to 40.3x102 , 0.6x102-66x102, 11x102-98x102, 2.5x102 -54x102 respectively. TVC (CFU/g) of fungi isolates from catfish ranges from 10x102 to 33x102  TVC (CFU/g). In aseptically smoked fish no organism was isolated from fish samples except in smoked and oven-dried panla fish. Their TVC ranges from 0.2x102-0.8x102. The findings indicate that smoked fish sold in Awka markets and environs are all contaminated, proper awareness should be done to educate the fish vendors on proper and hygienic methods of processing and selling their products

Study on usage of Land and changes in Ecology in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia

This study's main objective is to investigate how the land covers in Eastern Ethiopia's Babile Elephant Sanctuary (BES). The spatiotemporal patterns of land-cover changes involved using remote sensing, geographic information systems, and questionnaires. The Landsat images acquired in 1972, 2000, and 2021 were used. The result revealed that bushland and agricultural land areas expanded highest over the study period (1972–2021) at the expense of natural forests. With an average annual loss rate of 8343.12 ha, riverine forests and woods lost a substantial amount of land cover. The woodland and riverine forest cover decreased steadily from 59.85 and 20.56% in 1972 to 30.37 and 3.13% in 2021.From 1972, the coverage of bushland, agricultural land, bare land, and settlement increased to 17.57, 1.75, 0.23, and 0.04%, respectively, to the year 2021, when it occupied 34.68, 22.30, 4.95, and 4.57%, respectively, of the total land area. Several bushland areas in the sanctuary while data collected for this study, with likely impacts were observed (such as tree-cutting) on the forest and riverine habitat. As a result, there was currently a greater area covered by wilderness patches (i.e., 34.68 % in 2021). Since the result showed that the increasing agricultural land and settlements become a threat to the ecological integrity of elephant habitats, leading to habitat fragmentation and human encroachment on elephant habitats, and high pressure and competition over resources. Based on the study results, the following inference is drawn: identifying and documenting up-to-date information on the land cover change in BES is necessary to build gaps in knowledge for conservationists to design plans for the restoration of habitats and the species by lowering the impact on land cover change, immediate action, and restoring mechanisms to conserve biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in the area. &nbsp