22 research outputs found
Heavy Metals and Proximate Composition of Forest Leafy Vegetables in Oil Producing Area of Nigeria
This work investigated heavy metals content of Forest Leafy Vegetables (FLVs) consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fresh samples of eight commonly consumed FLV species were obtained from two major markets in Port Harcourt. FLVs were dried, digested and analysed with flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for heavy metals. Proximate analysis of FLVs was carried out using standard method of AOAC. Concentrations of Iron (Fe) ranged from 4.69ppm (Heinsia crinata) - 8.97ppm (Gongronema latifolia), Manganese was highest in Liasanthera africana (6.03ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.45ppm) while Magnesium levels ranged from 0.609 – 1.630ppm. P.guineense accumulate highest Pb (1.004ppm) compared to Ocimum basilicum Pb (0.380ppm). Copper was highest in H.crinata (1.165ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.218ppm). O. gratissimum had lowest Cadmium (0.022ppm), Arsenic (0.003ppm), Mercury (0.002ppm) and Zinc (0.044ppm). P.guineense contains highest concentration of Chromium (3.792ppm) while H. crinata possess the lowest (0.409ppm). Nickel was highest in O.bassilicum (0.665ppm) and least in G.latifolia (0.388ppm). FLVs were rich in crude protein, fat and crude fibre. O.bassilicum (21.00%) was the richest in crude protein while H.crinata has the lowest level (11.55%). Crude fibre content of the FLVs range from 11.0% to 14.0% while fat content varied between 2.4% for O. bassilicum and 4.0% for H. crinata. FLVs sourced from natural forests in crude oil exploration areas in Nigeria is safe for consumption, since heavy metals of FLVs samples were less than maximum limits recommended by FAO/WHO. Proximate analyses showed that the FLVs possess useful nutritional contents required for healthy growth.Key Words: Forest leafy vegetables, Heavy metals, Proximate composition, Nigeri
Effects of teak canopy cover and npk fertilizer application on growth of ginger in agroforestry trial, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Non-timber forest products issues are of global interest due to their importance among rural and urban dwellers for income, healthcare and food security. This study investigates the effects of Tectona grandis canopy cover and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizer (15:15:15) application on growth parameters of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) in Ile-Ife, south-western Nigeria. Twelve replicates of ginger plots (6m²each) were laid in a completely randomised block design within and outside Teak plantations. Six replicates were treated with NPK (15:15:15) in a split dose at two and 6 weeks old, while others serve as control. Growth indices such as foliage, tiller numbers, and plant height per plot were obtained for two cropping seasons. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Tiller formation in ginger was significantly inhibited by Teak canopy with or without NPK fertilizer (0.000 and 0.033, ρ ≤ 0.05). Ginger heights were not significantly different within Teak plantation with or without NPK (0.647); however, there were significant differences between heights of ginger grown within and outside Teak plantations, (0.000 and 0.011, ρ ≤ 0.05). Foliage production in ginger was higher outside teak plantation, (0.000 and 0.007, ρ ≤ 0.05), while NPK also enhanced foliage production in ginger significantly, (0.000, ρ ≤ 0.05). The study concluded that incorporation of Ginger in plantations such as Teak and other fast growing indigenous species can enhance plantation benefits in terms of biomass yield. Further research in this area is recommended in agroforestry systems.Keywords: Ginger, Teak canopy, tiller formation, leaf production, agroforestry
Collection and marketing of Bitter Cola (Garcinia kola) in Nkwerre Local Government area, Imo State, Nigeria
The study was carried out to assess the collection and marketing of bitter cola in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State Nigeria, with a general objective of determining the profitability and the constraints of bitter cola trade in the area. A total of one hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected from five rural communities. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Most of the collectors were males. Net profit of N200,157.00k (about 930K euros) was recorded from sales of bitter cola by the respondents. The amount of cola collected per year was positively related to marital status, age, distance and cost of bitter cola; age and labour costs were also significant predictors. Constraints encountered by collectors and marketers include rot and decay during storage (99%), poor storage facilities (97%), pest and diseases (88.2%) and labour costs (68.2%). Recommendations based on the findings include providing financial resources in form of loans, grants or incentives in order to boost bitter cola production, increase income and reduce poverty. Research in the area of domestication, plantation establishment, preservation and storage of the seeds need to be encouraged.Keywords: Net profit, production constraints, household incom
Utilization of allanblackia floribunda for rural livelihood sustenance in rivers state, Nigeria
Allanblackia floribundaOliv. (Clusiaceae) is valued for food, medicine, timber and soap making across tropical African regions. This study was carried out in five local government areas in Rivers State; Eleme, Emohua, ObioAkpor, Ndoni and Oyigbo to evaluate indigenous uses of the plant. The five local government areas were selected using random sampling technique. One community was randomly selected in each local government area; Eneka, Ebubu, Obukegi, Ubimini and Mgboji. Also, 20 households were randomly selected further in each community. The results showed that A. floribunda is used as food [oil (26.90%), condiment (15.97%)], medicine for treating [malaria (17.30%), stomach ache (65.65%), head ache (1.60%), body pain (4.00%) and infertility (4.13%)], timber [construction (13.35%), building (52.65%), pole (13.35%)]. It was also observed that there are some factors that predispose the species to endangeredness/extinction such as urbanization (19.18%), shifting cultivation (8.80%), logging (33.26%), bush burning (21.10%), oil spillage (7.82%). The respondents expressed willingness to support conservation strategies for A. floribunda such as seedling provision by agencies/government, domestication of seedlings and appropriate policy with adequate implementation by government. If the strategies listed above are adopted the species will be preserved and prevented from being extinct.Keywords: Allanblanchia, Conservation, Ethnobotany, Rural dwellers, Rivers Stat
Proximate and Mineral Elements Composition of Three Forest Fruits Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
This study aimed to assess the nutritional and trace elements composition of selected forest fruits sold for human consumption in Port Harcourt. Fruit contamination by heavy metals is an issue of global concern. Nondegradable elements bioaccumulations in tissues and organs have deleterious effects in man. Three (3) Agroforestry fruits species; (Spondias cytherea L. (Anacardiaceae), Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Myrtaceae and Cola pachycarpa K. Schum. Malvaceae) were purposefully selected and sourced from three strategically located markets namely; Oil mill, Choba and D/line fruit markets. The fruit species were procured and washed with distilled water and the edible parts extracted, chopped and sun dried properly. The nutritional composition was analyzed using 18th edition of the Association of Official Analytical Chemist while trace metals were analysed using PIXE Accelerator. Spondias cytherea yielded high percentage of crude Protein (8.373±0.1) and Fibre content (11.73±0.03), while Syzygium malaccense was rich in Fat (7.17±0.02) and Ash (4.17±0.04). Moisture content was highest in Cola parchycarpa (12.63±0.05). PIXE Accelerator analysis revealed that the fruits contain high concentration of trace metals; S. malaccense contained Mg (1170±237.0ppm), Si (60.02±68.95ppm), Al (14.89±7.71ppm), Fe (10. 60±4.11ppm), Rb (3.20±0.00ppm) and Ti (1.82±0.00ppm). C. parchycarpa had Zn (6.22±11.80ppm), Cr (1.60±0.75 ppm), Mn (0. 71±0.87ppm) and Cu (0.38±0.33ppm). Ni (0.16 ppm) was found only in S. cytherea fruit. The forest fruits are rich in nutrients vital for healthy growth but the level of heavy metals (Mg, Al. Cr, Fe and Zn) in each of the fruits were above WHO/FAO permissible limit, therefore excessive consumption on a daily/weekly routine should be avoided.
Keywords: Forest fruits, proximate, heavy metals, human healt
Amenity Trees Diversity in Selected Tertiary Institutions within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Trees are a central component of most urban communities, providing
diverse benefits such as improving air quality, increasing aesthetic
appeal, preventing erosion and providing habitat for wildlife. However,
there is inadequate information on the distribution and diversity of
these trees within our academic environments. This study investigates
the distribution, frequency and species diversity of amenity trees
within the main campuses of tertiary institutions in River State,
Nigeria. The selected tertiary institutions are University of
Port-Harcourt (Institution A) and Rivers State University (Institution
B). Five (5) major roads in each campus were randomly selected, and
200m along each road was selected as sample areas. Ten (10) meter was
marked from the edge of the road, and complete inventory was taken of
all trees within the marked sample area. Diameter at breast height
(DBH), crown diameter and tree height were measured. Shannon-Weiner and
Simpson diversity index were used to calculate amenity trees diversity,
while Margalef specie richness was used to calculate the species index.
A total of 539 trees were surveyed on both campuses, comprising 26
different species and 10 families. Casuarina equisetifolia had the
highest frequency with 92 trees in B. Simpson diversity index showed
higher diversity (D = 0.78) in B amenity trees than A (D = 0.81).
Shannon-Weiner species evenness was 0.71 and 0.76 for Institutions A
and B respectively. Margalef specie richness index were 2.90 for A and
1.40 for B. This study provides baseline information for ecosystem
management of urban forest tree species within campuses. For
sustainable management of trees on campuses, frequent inventory and
survey should be conducted to establish their abundance, distribution
and diversity
In-ovo evaluation of the antiviral activity of methanolic root-bark extract of the African Baobab (Adansonia digitata Lin)
Application of ethnoveterinary medicine in the control of poultry diseases is being embraced in many parts of the world for more profitable production. This study investigated the antiviral property of the root-bark extract of the African Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata Lin) against Newcastle disease virus. One hundred and seventy five specific antibody negative embryonated chicken eggs and a field strain of Newcastle disease virus were used to test for the antiviral activity of the methanolic root bark extract of the tree. Following a 2-h exposure of the virus to eight graded concentrations of the extract, it was incubated at 37°C and observed 12-hourly for mortality. Dead embryos were spot tested for haemagglutinating activity. The 100EID50 concentration of the virus and the highest concentration of the extract were inoculated as positive and negative controls, respectively. All eggs inoculated with the virus alone as well as 5 and 2 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions, died by 72 h post inoculation, while no mortality was observed amongst those inoculated with 250 and 200 mg/ml virus/extract suspensions as well as those inoculated with the pure extract. Mortalities of 40, 40 and 20%, due to viral activity were recorded for 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml suspensions, respectively. This study showed that methanolic rootbark extract of A. digitata has antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus in ovo, particularly when used at dose rates of 200 and 250 mg/ml.Key words: Ethnoveterinary, African Baobab, antiviral activity, Newcastle disease virus
Proximate and Mineral Elements Composition of Three Forest Fruits Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
This study aimed to assess the nutritional and trace elements
composition of selected forest fruits sold for human consumption in
Port Harcourt. Fruit contamination by heavy metals is an issue of
global concern. Nondegradable elements bioaccumulations in tissues and
organs have deleterious effects in man. Three (3) Agroforestry fruits
species; ( Spondias cytherea L. (Anacardiaceae), Syzygium malaccense
(L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Myrtaceae and Cola pachycarpa K. Schum.
Malvaceae) were purposefully selected and sourced from three
strategically located markets namely; Oil mill, Choba and D/line fruit
markets. The fruit species were procured and washed with distilled
water and the edible parts extracted, chopped and sun dried properly.
The nutritional composition was analyzed using 18th edition of the
Association of Official Analytical Chemist while trace metals were
analysed using PIXE Accelerator. Spondias cytherea yielded high
percentage of crude Protein (8.373\ub10.1) and Fibre content
(11.73\ub10.03), while Syzygium malaccense was rich in Fat
(7.17\ub10.02) and Ash (4.17\ub10.04). Moisture content was highest
in Cola parchycarpa (12.63\ub10.05). PIXE Accelerator analysis
revealed that the fruits contain high concentration of trace metals; S.
malaccense contained Mg (1170\ub1237.0ppm), Si (60.02\ub168.95ppm),
Al (14.89\ub17.71ppm), Fe (10. 60\ub14.11ppm), Rb
(3.20\ub10.00ppm) and Ti (1.82\ub10.00ppm). C. parchycarpa had Zn
(6.22\ub111.80ppm), Cr (1.60\ub10.75 ppm), Mn (0. 71\ub10.87ppm)
and Cu (0.38\ub10.33ppm). Ni (0.16 ppm) was found only in S. cytherea
fruit. The forest fruits are rich in nutrients vital for healthy growth
but the level of heavy metals (Mg, Al. Cr, Fe and Zn) in each of the
fruits were above WHO/FAO permissible limit, therefore excessive
consumption on a daily/weekly routine should be avoided
Identification and Abundance of Plant-parasitic Nematodes Associated with Amenity Trees in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Plant-parasitic nematodes contribute to unnoticeable damages which lead
to gradual decline in the values and eventually death of amenity trees.
Identification of these nematode pests is vital for their effective
management. Reconnaissance survey was carried out to identify amenity
tree species present in the University of Port Harcourt(UNIPORT).
Composite bulked soil and root samples (126) were collected from
amenity trees in UNIPORT and nematode pests were extracted from samples
using modified Baerman method. The nematode pests were identified and
their populations determined using standard procedures. Relative
importance value (RIV) and diversity indices were calculated with
appropriate software. Data were processed using descriptive statistics
and with analysis of variance. 38 tree species were identified in
UNIPORT belonging to 20 families. Terminalia mantaly , Cocos nucifera
and Terminalia catappa with RIVs of 15.1, 9.35, and 9.12
respectively were the three most important amenity trees in UNIPORT.
Fifteen nematode pest genera; Helicotylenchus , Aporcelaimus ,
Tylenchulus , Meloidogyne , Scutelonema , Pratylenchus , Tylenchus
, Rotylenchoides, Criconema , Hemicyliophora, Trichodorus ,
Mesodorylaimus , Heterodera , Paratylenchus and Longidorus were
associated with 21 of the amenity trees. The three most important
nematode pest genera were Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus
with RIVs of 42%, 16% and 5.34%, respectively. Helicotylenchus (RIV
45.41%) and Tylenchulus (RIV 30%) were the most important
plant-parasitic nematode genera in the soil and roots of amenity trees,
respectively. Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus were the
three most important plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with
amenity trees in UNIPORT
The Social and Political Dimensions of the Ebola Response: Global Inequality, Climate Change, and Infectious Disease
The 2014 Ebola crisis has highlighted public-health vulnerabilities in Liberia, Sierra
Leone, and Guinea – countries ravaged by extreme poverty, deforestation and
mining-related disruption of livelihoods and ecosystems, and bloody civil wars in
the cases of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola’s emergence and impact are grounded
in the legacy of colonialism and its creation of enduring inequalities within African
nations and globally, via neoliberalism and the Washington Consensus. Recent
experiences with new and emerging diseases such as SARS and various strains of
HN influenzas have demonstrated the effectiveness of a coordinated local and
global public health and education-oriented response to contain epidemics. To what
extent is international assistance to fight Ebola strengthening local public health and
medical capacity in a sustainable way, so that other emerging disease threats, which
are accelerating with climate change, may be met successfully? This chapter
considers the wide-ranging socio-political, medical, legal and environmental factors
that have contributed to the rapid spread of Ebola, with particular emphasis on the
politics of the global and public health response and the role of gender, social
inequality, colonialism and racism as they relate to the mobilization and
establishment of the public health infrastructure required to combat Ebola and other
emerging diseases in times of climate change