Effects of Particle Size Distribution on Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Sandy Soils

Bioremediation has been proven to be the most effective method of cleaning up oil contaminated soils through the application of nutrients and microorganism. Hence, this research presents the effects of particle size distribution on bioremediation of crude oil polluted sandy soils. Six different soil samples were sieved using the B.S sieve sizes. The sieve sizes were classified into X and Y such that X is fine to coarse sand while Y is very fine to coarse sand according to U.S Bureau and Public Roads Administration (PRA) soil classification system. The soil samples were polluted with escravous sweet crude oil at a uniform rate concentration of 4% under aerobic condition. Treatment commenced after four days using nutrients (N.P.K 15:15:15 fertilizer and cow dung) and microorganism (Pseudomonas). Soil samples were examined for physiochemical and microbial characteristics for a period of 42days. The parameters examined were: moisture content, particle size distribution, total hydrocarbon content, soil pH, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi count. The analysis of the soil characteristics throughout the remediation period showed that total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts increased in all the soil samples. THBC was highest in sample G for both fine to coarse sand(X) and very fine to coarse sand (Y) with values of 250cfu x105/g and 298cfu x105/g at least values of coefficient of uniformity(cu) respectively. There was a decrease in nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon content, moisture content, pH and total hydrocarbon content.  The result of the study revealed that, the rate of hydrocarbon loss was higher in samples with less coefficient of uniformity values compared to samples of higher coefficient of uniformity (Cu) values, an indication that particle size distribution parameters could be one of the factors affecting bioremediation.The correlation coefficient(r) of Total hydrocarbon content versus Ccoefficient of uniformity for fine to coarse sand(X) is 0.867 while for very fine to coarse sand is 0.923

Formation and evolution of Spinel in aluminum killed calcium treated linepipe steels

Magnesium aluminate (Spinel) inclusions have been observed to cause hook crack in line pipe steels. These inclusions are typically formed during liquid steel processing at the ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF) and subsequently modified by calcium to form less harmful liquid inclusions. Unfortunately, spinel inclusions are still sometimes observed in samples taken from the tundish and coil after calcium treatment. The formation and evolution of spinel inclusions during liquid steel processing at two industrial mini mills was investigated by analysis of lollipop samples taken at different stages of the steelmaking process. The effect of reoxidation on the formation of spinels after calcium treatment was also investigated by thermodynamic calculations and laboratory experiments. The results showed that spinel inclusions are first formed in liquid steel after desulfurization and by the reaction between dissolved aluminum in liquid steel and MgO in the ladle slag. These inclusions were modified by calcium to both liquid and solid calcium aluminates. Also observed after calcium treatment, was the formation of MgO rich and CaS inclusions. During liquid steel transfer to the tundish, evidence of reoxidation and ability of CaS to act as a source of calcium to modify inclusions formed during reoxidation was observed. Analysis of the results from the laboratory experiment showed that with sufficient magnesium in steel (about 4ppm) spinel inclusions can be formed during liquid steel reoxidation. The results also showed that spinel inclusions observed after reoxidation of calcium treated steel are larger in size than those observed prior to calcium treatment. The modification of spinels by calcium and reformation after liquid steel reoxidation was verified by thermodynamic calculations --Abstract, page iv

Oxide inclusion evolution and factors that influence their size and morphology

The evolution of oxide inclusion size distribution and the shape of the distribution during steelmaking and casting and the process variables that influence the inclusion characteristics at different stages were investigated and documented. A statistical method for transforming the 2D size distribution to their actual 3D distributions and the application of a kinetic model to determine nucleation and growth mechanisms were tested. Finally, laboratory experiments were performed to study the effects of preexisting inclusions, steel active oxygen content, and supersaturation on the size and morphology of Al2O3 inclusions. The inclusion size, composition, and morphology following steel deoxidation were found to depend on the steel conditions during deoxidation, and the method/sequence of deoxidant addition. The oxide size distribution evolved from lognormal to fractal and the distribution shape was quadratic or linear on a log-log plot. The distribution shape was preserved on both 2D and 3D analysis and used to identify new and aged inclusion populations. The Schwartz-Saltykov method for converting 2D data to 3D was found to be inadequate and the applied kinetic model could not explain certain observed trends. Finally, results from the laboratory study showed the oxide inclusion transformations from preexisting FeO and MnO\u27SiO2 inclusions to Al2O3 following Al-deoxidation. The reaction of Al with FeO was relatively fast compared to the sluggish reaction with MnO\u27SiO2. Al2O3 dendrites and clusters were observed after Al-deoxidation. The clusters consisted of spheres and dendrites and three possible sources of cluster formation were identified. The size of the spherical Al2O3 were larger with increased FeO size and results showed that increasing supersaturation had the strongest influence on the length of the dendrite --Abstract, page iv

Adaptive Mechanisms of Rural Fishermen Towards Climate Change On Quantity of Fish Caught in Asari-toru Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria.

This study investigated the adaptive mechanisms of rural fishermen towards climate change on quantity of fish caught in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A purposive random sampling techniques was employed in selecting 80 (eighty) respondents in the study area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and net farm profit analysis. The results showed that majority (96%)of the respondents are male and their mean age ranged between 36-40years with a percentage of 27.6% while 3.5% had fishing experience ranging from 21-25years. Respondents employed building of sea walls, diversification to off-farm activities and restoration of mangroves as means of adapting to climate change. These mechanism employed improved their productivity and profitability with a net profit of N500, 455.1. The major problem encountered (14.9%) was high cost of fishing materials. An integrated approach in problem solving through knowledge of the existing adaptive mechanisms with adequate participation of the people is recommended. Keywords: Adaptive Mechanism, Climate Change, Rural Fishermen, Fishing, Socio-economic Characteristics

The Climate Change Challenge and the Ornamental Fish Stocks of the Upper New Calabar River, Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

As the world braces up for the continuous threats of Climate change related floods, a review of the possible influence of the global challenges of Climate change related floods on  the  composition, diversity and abundance of Ornamental fish fauna of the Upper New Calabar River , a tributary of the Niger Delta Basin (Ibim and Gogo, 2013) was undertaken. This work was aimed at creating urgent awareness towards the status of the Ornamental fish stocks of the New Calabar River, the possible effect of floods on these fishes, and the need to protect and conserve them.  A review of a fifteen –week study on the composition, diversity and abundance of Ornamental fish fauna of the Upper New Calabar River (Ibim and Gogo, 2013), revealed a total catch of 30,055 fishes, having a composition of forty one (41) ornamental fish species belonging to thirty five (35) genera and twenty five (25) families. However, species abundance/score varied amongst the families with a few species high (Hemichromis fasciatus – 20.16%- dominant), but most being very low (Gnathonemus petersii (2.82%  and Aethiomastacembelus nigromarginatus (0.07%) rare). Also, the species diversity was low among all the families except the Cichlids that had nine species.  Also, a review on the effect of global Climate change related floods on fish populations, revealed  a variety of threat situations including,  habitat salinity and ionic content distortion, habitat destruction, introduction of new species, migration of endemic species, fish seed loss, death and even extinction .From this it could be inferred that any such natural disaster in the Upper New Calabar River will have terrible consequences. A review of recommendations were made to stakeholders on how best to mitigate/adapt to the threats of Climate change related floods, to reduce the possible deleterious effects of the impending floods on the already declining ornamental fish stocks of the Upper New Calabar River of the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. Keywords: Climate change related floods, Upper New Calabar River, Niger Delta Area, Nigeria, Ornamental fish Stock

e-Government development: Benchmarking Ghana and Tanzania

Using time-series data from the United Nations e-government Surveys, this paper presents the comparative assessment of e-government (e-gov) in Ghana and Tanzania over the last two decades. The findings confirm tremendous progress in e-government development in bothnations. However, while Ghana has made significantly moreprogress, the indicators for both countries are below th eworld averages, suggesting the need for strategies to boost e-gov development. Furthermore, to accelerate e-gov implementation, both nations need to go beyond systematizing existing procedures by engineering new practices to transform the relationship between government and citizens

How national culture affects strategic alignment : an exploratory grounded theory investigation of subsidiaries of global telecommunications companies in Ghana

Strategic alignment of business goals and information systems (IS) strategies is a persistent theme in the literature and a key issue for information technology (IT) executives. Prior studies provide evidence that strategic alignment contributes to business success by enabling organisations to leverage information technology and information systems capabilities to gain competitive advantage. Understanding the association between national culture and strategic alignment has become imperative, as a growing number of organisations now operate in multinational and cross-cultural environments. However, a cursory look at the strategic alignment literature reveals a relative dearth of empirical studies examining how national culture affects strategic alignment. To address this apparent gap in the literature, this research set out to explore the impact of national culture on strategic alignment using an adapted version of the grounded theory approach suggested by Corbin and Strauss (2014). In doing so, the study inductively developed a conceptual model of national culture and strategic alignment – the CUSA model – grounded in empirical data from three subsidiaries of telecommunications companies currently operating in Ghana. The CUSA model proposes that the external national culture context – comprising the national culture context of the corporate headquarters and the subsidiary host national culture – shape strategic alignment indirectly through strategic and operational activities in the internal organisational context. The variables most amenable to the impact of national culture are communications, organisational and information systems structure, information systems governance and strategic planning, and management style. Consequently, approaches to strategic alignment may be universal, contingent or hybrid. Whereas the universal approach echoes the national culture of the corporate headquarters, the contingent approach mirrors the subsidiary host culture. The hybrid approach reflect both the corporate headquarters and the subsidiary host national cultures. The model further proposes that, if not managed effectively, barriers to effective intercultural communications, culture-related conflict and mistrust, and differences in work values and practices, might be impediments to strategic alignment success. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on strategic alignment by building an empirically grounded model that satisfies the theoretical and practical need for such a framework. This study is an exemplar of the application of an adapted grounded theory approach rooted in the interpretive research paradigm, a suitable alternative to the use of national culture dimensions in information systems research involving national culture

Strategic Alignment: Exploring The Role Of National Culture

It is generally acknowledged that successful exploitation of technology for competitive advantage requires the strategic alignment of organisational goals with information systems strategies. Globalisation and increasing cross-cultural and multi-national deployment of information systems makes it imperative to understand how differences in culture at the national level impact organisational efforts to achieve strategic alignment. This paper explores whether, where and to what extent, national culture dimensions impacts strategic alignment as part of an on-going cross-cultural research. It discusses the implications and outlines the trajectory for future research

Adequacy of Drainage Channels in a Small Urban Watershed in Nigeria

This research presents an analysis for the adequacy of drainage channels. Topographical and location map was used as a guide to locate the drainage channels. Rainfall records for a period of four years (2008-2011) were used to develop the intensity bdurationB B frequency of the study area . Field survey and geometrical measurement of the drainage channels were carried out and data obtained from the measurement were used for the analysis of runoff from drainage channels. The time of concentration was determined using the Kirpich equation and modified version of Kirpich equation (new equation ofB time of concentration). The peak flow and maximum flow velocity from the drainage channels were determined using the rational model and manningbs equation.B Analysis of the results showed that most of the drainage channels had lesser runoff when the modified Kirpich equation was used. All the drainage channels of basin A had velocities ranging from 1 to 2m/s and the drain capacities are okay. All the drainage channels of basin B had velocities ranging from 2 to 4m/s and the drain capacities are okay. Channels 2 and 9 of basin C had drain capacity less than the actual discharge this makes the drain inadequate. Basin C revealed that, channels 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13 have flow velocities less than 1m/s and this will cause deposition of sediment, a redesign of inadequate drainage channels with velocity less than 1m/s B was done and their velocities ranges from 1.21m/s to 1.54m/s. A redesign of drainage channels 2 and 9 of basin C showed that the drain capacity were greater than the actual discharge and this makes the drain adequate .This study suggests that; proper design, analysis, construction and maintenance of drainage channels be made.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i4.2