Effects of climate change on income generating activities of farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

The need to examine the changes that the effect of climate change brings about on the income generating activities of farmers necessitated this study. Two local government areas (LGAs) were randomly selected and simple random sampling was used to sample 160 farmers from the 2 LGAs. Chi-square and Pearson products moment correlation (PPMC) were used to analyze the data obtained with the use of structured interview schedule. Results of the study show that there has been a reduction in the production of tree crops by respondents. Also, their exploitation of non-timber forest products such as snails and firewood has reduced. There has however been an increase in the involvement in trading activities by respondents. Also, more of them are now involved in the cultivation of potato. There exists a significant relationship between respondent’ sex, primary occupation, perception of effect of climate change and the level of changes that have occurred in their income generating activities. Reasons adduced by respondents for the changes are perceived deforestation, changes in climatic conditions, soil degradation, land tenure system, inadequate storage and processing facilities, inadequate credit facilities and market price of agricultural activities. Extension should thus concentrate on activities in which more people are now involved as against the traditional ones that they used to cultivate

Comparative analysis of the impact of industrial and agricultural effluents on Ona stream in Ibadan, Nigeria

The comparative assessment of industrial and agricultural effluents on surface water qualities of Ona Stream at Oluyole industrial Estate was carried out. This was to identify major pollutants, their effects on water qualities and to ascertain the potential of using the polluted surface waterfor irrigation purposes. Water samples were collected at pre-determined points along the stream and major parameters were analyzed using standard procedures. Physiochemical and microbiological tests carried out indicated that some parameters gave evidence of pollution due toindustrial effluent discharge. The range of values of some of these parameters included dissolved oxygen (DO) 3.0 – 5.5 mg O2/l, chemical oxygen demand (COD), 64-255 mg O2/l and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 26-70 mg/l. Others were total dissolved solids (TDS), 1285-2090mg/l and Oil and grease, 6.8-3.4 mg/l. As for agricultural effluents parameters, DO ranged between 1.62 and 5.10mg O2/l, BOD was 26-480 mg/l, COD, 64-1750 mg O2/l and TDS was between 1285 and 2250 mg/l. All the values are above the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) maximum allowable limit for effluent discharge into surface water. The statistical analyses carried out showed significant differences in all the physiochemical and heavy metal parameters analyzed at 5% significance level. Usage of Ona stream for domestic and irrigation purposes was not encouraged due to the health hazards it poses as the presence of contaminants and heavy metal pollution in large quantities confirmed this. Development of clean water technology for water pollution control and application of appropriate polices to compel industries to treat effluent before discharging into the stream are some of the recommendationssuggested

Environmental impact of Bitumen on soil, water and plant in Lodasa Area, Ode-Irele, Ondo state, Nigeria

Six sites containing various plants with different indicator parts were analyzed for the environmental effects of bitumen on the plants and animals. From the location, which is in Lodasa, Ode-Irele LocalGovernment Area of Ondo State, twelve soil samples, six plant and water samples were collected to study the effects of bitumen on them. Results show that the percentage composition of nitrogen in theplants ranged from 0.069-0.078, for phosphorous it ranged from 0.031-0.068, potassium from 0.16- 0.23, calcium ranged from 0.212-0.288, for magnesium, 0.104-0.188. Constituents of Manganese ranges from 17.07-21.03 ppm, Zinc 13.25-16.20 ppm, Copper, 1.93-2.33 ppm and Iron ranges from 31.25-36.24 ppm all in plants analyzed. As for the composition of these constituents in soils, Nitrogen ranges from 1.058-3.61 ppm, Calcium, 0.66 – 0.88 ppm, Magnesium, 0.65-0.88 and organic matter ranges from 1.788-2.142 ppm. Evidently these show that the soils cannot support plant growthand their effects were manifested in visual signs of dying plants in the bitumen affected areas. The results for water samples have values below the standard recommended by the World Health organization(WHO) for safe drinking water while calcium and manganese values are above the WHO Standard. As for the results of waters samples analyzed, Manganese ranges from 1.63-2.94 ppm, Calcium,3.22- 8.63 ppm, Iron 0.28-0.43ppm, Copper 0.19-0.38ppm while Magnesium ranges from 2.85- 4.77 ppm. These show that the water was toxic and injurious to human, animals and aquatic lives.Statistical analysis shows a positive linear correlation between the presence of nutrients in plants and the soil, which is responsible for the retarded growth and yellow colouration of the leaves. The presenceof bitumen in Lodasa soil is fast eroding soil fertility in the area and has contributed immensely to low yield of Agricultural products. The use of organic fertilizer to boost soil fertility, relocation and resettlement of farmers to areas with high soil fertility and appropriate legislation to protect the rights of the native settlers are some of the recommendations

Eclampsia and Pregnancy Outcome at Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, SouthWest, Nigeria

Eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This problem has continued unabated due to lack of policies supporting financial protection in times of ill health,non-implementation of proven interventions as well as gaps in capacity building by stakeholders in health care delivery in this region. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the impact of eclampsia on maternal and perinatal survival and suggest ways of reducing maternal death. A 6-year retrospective study was conducted with eighty-three cases ofeclampsia. The cases were mainly antepartum patients with poor blood pressure control and resultant eclampsia. The case fatality rate was 8.3% and perinatal death was 24.1%. Magnesiun sulphate may have contributed to improvements in pregnancy outcome as mortality was higher amongwomen with no access to magnesium sulphate. Most of the eclamptic patients were referred late from private health facilities hence the need for public-private collaboration in strengthening the referral system and making magnesium sulphate widely available in maternal care centers

Assessment of the CERES-Rice model for rice production in Ibadan, Nigeria

CERES-Rice model was used to simulate growth and yield of a new rice variety in Nigeria with the attention on rates of water application, one major factor that retards crop’s grain yield. The rates were full irrigation (100%ET), medium (75% ET), average (50% ET) and low (25% ET) irrigation intervals. The NEw RIce for AfriCA (acronym for NERICA) 2 variety was grown at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Experimental agronomic values of parameters such as plant height, root depth, canopy shading, Leaf area index (LAI), biomass and grain yield in relation to water use were obtained and compared with simulated modelled values from CERES and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. The model predicted slightly higher values in biomass yield (13.74tha-1), total yield (16.47 tha-1) and grain yield (2.63 tha-1) than that observed values of 8.17 tha-1, 10.58 tha-1 and 2.41 tha-1 respectively for NERICA 2 at 100% ET. There was no significant difference between the simulated and observed values of day 0 to flowering in the N2 variety. Highest experimental values of most agronomic parameters were obtained at 100% ET and they were slightly lower than predicted values by the model. At 25% ET, prediction was very low when compared with the observed values which underlined the effect of limited water application rate. The result of ANOVA showed significant differences in biomass and grain yield, LAI, CS, plant height and root depth among treatments (P < 0.05) while RMSE and R2 were significant at the same interval. Recalibration, revalidation and localization of CERES-rice model under nitrogen limiting and soil conditions is needed to explore strategic management options for increase resource-use efficiency and productivity

Using bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as a field drainage material in Nigeria

Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), one of the most widespread member of its genus, was used as field drainage material in Akure, Nigeria. Pre-determined sizes of bamboo with uniform lengths and diameters were installed as sub-drains in agricultural field for drainage purposes, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Soil properties such as the moisture content, bulk density, specific gravity and classification were determined. Though, with low efficiency, R-value ~0.2, the use of bamboo for agricultural land drainage looks promising. Further work on variations in drain holes diameter, slope, envelope materials and treatment of bamboo to increase its efficiency and also prolong its lifespan would be considered. Finally, it was concluded that the use of bamboo has enormous potential for alleviating many environmental problems facing the world today.Keywords: Bamboo, drain outflow, drainage, outflow rate

Environmental Impact Assessment of two polluting sources on stream in Nigeria

The environmental impact of locating two polluting sources of landfill (refuse dump) and petrochemicals on Alaba stream in Akure, Nigeria was assessed. This was due to the dependence of Alaba inhabitants and its environment on the stream for variety of uses. Twenty physio-chemical parameters were analyzed for wet and dry seasons respectively with three sampling points within 5m intervals from one another of the two polluting sources on the stream. The parameters included: colour, odour, taste, pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and total solids (TS). Others were chloride (CL-), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), lead (Pb), nitrate (NO3), sulphate (SO4-2), oil and grease, E-coli and faecal coliform. Some of the parameters were determined in-situ while others were determined using APHA (2005) standard procedures and results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. All the samples investigated contained considerable degree of pollution which asserted the pollution of the stream. The results for dry and wet seasons indicated that the pH has 6.3±0.14 and 6.65±0.58, temperature, 29.8±3.18 and 25.7±1.75, Conductivity, 353.33±15.0 and 256.67±26.58, Alkalinity, 52.83±16.0 and 90.90±20.98, DO, 0.33±0.08 and 0.48±0.01, Turbidity, 57.22±7.15 and 8.10±1.70, BOD, 0.20±0.10 and 0.22±0.11, TS, 0.42±0.22 and 2.61±2.63, TSS, 0.26±0.20 and 2.64±2.91, TDS, 0.18±0.16 and 0.46±0.42. Oil and grease, 12.02±2.86 and 5.33±2.02, E-coli, 55.37±7.45 and 8.99±3.23. Faecal coliform, 241.50±11.64 and 129.83±35.06. Pb, 13.72±7.68 and 11.88±5.20 respectively. Others were Sulphate, 1298.33±422.52 and 1273.33±423.77, Nitrate, 6.40±0.96, Chloride, 0.33±0.12.     Most of the values (with the exception of pH and alkalinity) were above maximum permissible levels of FAO, WHO and NSDWQ standards and parameters such as pH, turbidity, DO, BOD, Pb, E-coli and faecal coliform decreased as the distance from the polluting sources increased. Statistical analyses showed significant differences at specified confidence levels and liner correlations among parameters. Treatment of Alaba stream is required to achieve minimum acceptable level for domestic uses for the end-user while public awareness on the dangers inherent in polluting the stream should be embarked upon and enforcing strict compliance to avoid outbreak of water-borne diseases is suggested.

Effect of seasonal drawdown variations on groundwater quality in Nigeria

Water samples from twenty (20) shallow wells in Akure were analyzed during the wet and dry seasons in 2009 to ascertain the effect of drawdown on their qualities. Twenty (20) parameters consisting of five physical, twelve chemical and three heavy metals were tested for in the samples. The parameters included dissolved and suspended solids, turbidity, the pH, alkalinity, calcium, sulphate, nitrate, magnesium, electrical conductivity, lead, iron and manganese, were determined using standard procedures. Preliminary findings showed that 40% of the wells had poor drainage system and water levels expectedly varied significantly with seasonal change. However, most of the analysis showed significantly negative and weak correlations for the observed parameters during the two seasons of study. The revealed water quality was independent on drawdown but dependent on other parameters such as hygiene, pollution due to usage, underlying rock formation materials and proximity to polluting sources peculiar to emerging African cities.Keywords: Shallow well, pollution, water level, seasonal change, parametersAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(30), pp. 4777-478

Green synthesis of Ag, Zn and Cu nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Spondias mombin leaves and evaluation of their antibacterial activity

Background: Nanotechnology offers an advantage as a green route for synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with plant extracts as capping agent. Spondias mombin is a fruit-bearing tree and its leaf extracts have been reported to possess anxiolytic, hypoglycaemic, antiepileptic, antipsychotic, sedative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The objective of the study is to determine the antibacterial potential of a simple non-toxic product of green synthesis of metallic (Ag, Zn and Cu) nanoparticles using the leaf of Spondias mombin aqueous extracts (SMAE) as a reducing and capping agents of the metal ions.Methodology: Nanoparticles were characterized by UV visible spectrophotometeric analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Antimicrobial activities of synthesized NPs against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined by agar well diffusion technique.Results: The synthesized NPs varied in colour from dark brown to green and appears dominantly spherical, occasionally rod or triangular shaped with size ranging from 65-90 nm. UV spectroscopy absorption spectra of Ag, Zn and Cu NPs had absorbance peak at 267, 262 and 765 nm respectively. FT-IR spectrometry of Zn NP, Cu NP, and SMAE gave wave number ranging from 895.71-3320.67, 747.02-3225.45 and 658.25-3674.49 respectively. FT-IR analysis showed that SMAE acted as reducing and stabilizing agent while the NPs exhibited lower energy absorption band when compared to the plant extract. The NPs demonstrated higher antimicrobial activities against S. aureus than Ps. aeruginosa and E. coli. The antimicrobial activity was higher with copper NP than Ag and Zn NPs, and also higher than SMAE.Conclusion: The result from this study presents an indication for an alternative means for development of novel antimicrobial agents for clinical and biotechnological applications.Keywords: synthesis, nanoparticles, FT-IR, UV-visible spectrophotometry, antibacterial activitiesFrench Title: Synthèse verte de nanoparticules d'Ag, de Zn et de Cu à partir d'extrait aqueux de feuilles de Spondias mombin et évaluation de leur activité antibactérienneContexte: La nanotechnologie offre un avantage en tant que voie verte pour la synthèse de nanoparticules métalliques (NP) avec des extraits de plantes comme agent de coiffage. Spondias mombin est un arbre fruitier et ses extraits de feuilles possèdent des propriétés anxiolytiques,  hypoglycémiques, antiépileptiques, antipsychotiques, sédatives,  antioxydantes et antimicrobiennes. L’objectif de l’étude est de déterminer le potentiel antibactérien d’un simple produit non toxique de synthèse verte de nanoparticules métalliques (Ag, Zn et Cu) à l’aide de la feuille d’extraits aqueux de Spondias mombin (SMAE) en tant qu’agent réducteur et coiffant de la ions métalliques.Méthodologie: Les nanoparticules ont été caractérisées par analyse  spectrophotométrique UV visible, spectrophotomètre à transformée de Fourier infrarouge (FT-IR) et microscope électronique à balayage (MEB). Lesactivités antimicrobiennes de NP synthétisées contre Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus et Pseudomonas aeruginosa ont été déterminées par une technique de diffusion sur puits d’agar.Résultats: Les NP synthétisés ont une couleur allant du brun foncé au vert et apparaissent principalement sphériques, parfois en bâtonnets ou en triangles, avec des tailles allant de 65 à 90 nm. Les spectres  d'absorption par spectroscopie UV des NP Ag, Zn et Cu présentaient des pics  d'absorbance à 267, 262 et 765 nm respectivement. La spectrométrie FT-IR de Zn NP, Cu NP et SMAE a donné un nombre d'onde allant de 895,71 à 3320,67, 747,02 à 3225,45 et 658,25 à 3674,49 respectivement. L'analyse FT-IR a montré que le SMAE agissait en tant qu'agent réducteur et  stabilisant, alors que les NP présentaient une bande d'absorption d'énergie inférieure à celle de l'extrait de plante. Les NP ont démontré des activités antimicrobiennes plus élevées contre S. aureus que Ps. aeruginosa et E. coli. L'activité antimicrobienne était plus élevée avec les NP en cuivre que dans les NP Ag et Zn, et également supérieure à celle du SMAE.Conclusion: le résultat de cette étude présente une indication d'un autre moyen de développement de nouveaux agents antimicrobiens pour des applications cliniques et biotechnologiques.Mots-clés: synthèse, nanoparticules, FT-IR, spectrophotométrie UV-visible, activités antibactériennes

Evaluation of the Effects of Independent Data Assignment (IDA) Method as a mean of Enhancing the Competence of Nigerian Engineering Students

Understanding basic principles of engineering by students requires practise by hand calculation of simple problems which is usually accomplished through assignments.  This paper reports the results of a method called Independent Data Assignment (IDA) which enables the teacher to generate multi-variables independent data for every student, many times in a teaching period, irrespective of the student population, in such a way that no two students have the same data set for any given assignment, by using the MS-Excel software package. Structural engineering was used as case study. The responses from the questionnaire administered were analysed from which it was found that 91.7% of the students agreed that it helped them in doing independent work and 95% said the method encouraged learning. It can thus be concluded that IDA is an effective tool for effective course delivery, and a model for teachers of courses in engineering with large clas