Potential use of Mangifera indica seed kernel and Citrus aurantiifolia seed in water disinfection

High cost of chemical disinfectants used in water treatment is one of the most crucial factor rendering water treatment expensive, not only which, the health risk posed by these chemicals are also of concern to many researchers. Hence, exploration of natural products as alternative disinfectant is a growing research area. In this study, sodium chloride extract of mangnifera indica (Duncan mango) seed kernel and citrus aurantiifolia (key lime) seed were investigated using agar well diffusion and micro broth dilution methods for their antibacterial activity against some enteric pathogenic organisms; Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212); Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Klebsiella spp. (clinical strain), Pseudomonas spp. (ATCC4853), and Salmonella typhi (clinical strain). Results revealed that the extracts have antimicrobial activity against the test organisms. In agar well diffusion method, the extracts were most effective at concentration 100mg/ml. In the broth dilution method, the extracts were bacteriostatic at lower concentration and bactericidal at higher concentration. Key lime seed extract was found to have the least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) on Escherichia coli compared with chlorine, hence it was more potent on Escherichia coli than chlorine in liquid broth medium. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against the test organisms were comparable to that of chlorine. The study revealed that Duncan mango seed kernel and key lime seed extracts have antimicrobial properties which can be made more effective as that of chlorine, thus this will be relevant in water disinfection and will improved water treatment in poor developing countries. It is concluded that the extracts have potential use in water disinfection.Keywords: Disinfection, Mangifera indica seed kernel, Citrus aurantiifolia seed, Chlorine, Seed extrac

Overview of the Anthropogenic Causes of Soil Erosion in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

The incidence of gully erosion in Auchi, Edo State has assumed alarming proportions thereby gaining national recognition as an ecological disaster zone. The aim of this paper is therefore to examine some of the human causes of this menace and its impact on the population of the area and coping strategies adopted by individuals, community and the government. From field survey and observation, some of the anthropogenic causes found were: Dumping of refuse in water channels and drainages, Excavation of soil for building and other purposes, Poor siting of fences, Deforestation, Bush burning, Building and road Construction factors and Erection of residential structures without drainage and some of the possible control measures are: Environmental education, Environmental surveillance, the use of Vegetation and proper Solid waste management. Keywords: Soil erosion, Anthropogenic influences, environmental surveillance & education, Auchi DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-8-02 Publication date: August 31st 201

Appraisal of the Perception of Quantity Surveying Profession by Non-allied construction professionals in Nigeria

Quantity Surveyors are an asset to both the building clients and other professionals within and outside the construction industry. This is because quantity surveyors are in charge of financial matters and provide cost management expertise in the industry. Not fully knowing their roles as quantity surveyors have hindered their engagement by the public, especially non-construction professional. This research work was carried out with the Aim of appraising the perception of Quantity Surveying Profession by Non-allied construction professionals in Nigeria, with a view to determining the level of awareness on the existence and roles of the quantity surveyors in Nigeria. The study employed questionnaire survey. Mean item score and percentage were used to analyze the data collected. It was discovered that 94.6% of the respondents have heard about the Profession and majority of them are aware of the profession for over 5 years. The study concluded that the awareness level of quantity profession among the non-construction professionals is high although, they are not well patronized by the public due to the cost of hiring the professionals. Also, there were low level of awareness in few of quantity surveyors\u27 duties and roles. It is recommended that there is the need for the Professionals to work hard to improve their image so as to attract patronage