Analysis of the Physicochemical Burden of Oyo State Fish Pond, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Physicochemical characteristics of the Oyo State fish pond (OYSFP) was analysed to assess the water quality status in relation to the fish produced in the pond for human consumption. The pond was originally designed to control storm waters from the high lands around but was later converted for the purpose of commercial fish production and other uses by the State Government. The pond is a recipient of tributaries of wastewaters from Premier Hotel (PHWW), Coca Cola bottling plant (CCWW), University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital (UCHWW) and Bodija Residential area (BDJWW). Results of the physico-chemical parameters showed most of the parameters were higher than the maximum permissible limits for surface waters and discharge of wastewaters into surface waters. Premier Hotel wastewater (PHWW) had the lowest pH value of 6.41 and the most acidic of all the wastewaters sampled. OYSFP recorded the lowest dissolved oxygen value of 2.03mg/L and the highest BOD, COD, nitrate, TS and conductivity values of 78.04mg/L, 235.26mg/L, 78 mg/L, 1428.50, 947μS/cm respectively. The highest sulphate value of 248 mg/L was recorded for BDJSW, this was probably due to runoffs from vegetable gardens along the stream bearing inorganic fertilizers. Other macroscopic observations showed that PHWW was slimy to touch, fowl smelling, dark in colour and had animal life forms such as maggots and flying insects residing in it. CCWW was brownish in colour and slightly smelly and fishes were sighted. OYSFP was dark, muddy, fowl smelling, the surface was covered by aquatic weeds predominantly water hyacinth. UCHWW was transparent, foamy, slimy, slightly smelly and no animal life was sighted in it. BDJWW was clear, no odour, animal life forms including fish and surface arthropods were sighted. Results of physicochemical parameters reported in the present study indicate contamination in OYSFP and fish produced there may not be suitable for human consumption

Effect of Indomie industrial effluent discharge on fish fauna of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt

The effect of Indomie industrial effluent discharge on the fish fauna of New Calabar River was investigated in order to ascertain the influence of BOD, COD, DO, TDS, TSS, pH, salinity, phosphate and temperature on the composition and distribution of fish fauna. The diversity of the fish fauna was found to be poor, only 12 fish species in 6 families were identified. The highest number (10) of fishes was recorded in station 4 while the least number (1) of fishes was observed in station 1. The fish families were: Cichlidae (38.89%), Clupidae (33.33%), Pomadasyidae (16.67%),  Bagridae (11.11%) while Genidae and Muglidae had zero percentage of fishes in its abundant. The resident fish species (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Tilapia guinensis) were highly adapted to the changes in the study environment and this was dependent on their trophic relationship within the environment. These species had great affinity for indomie industrial waste, because they feed on waste remains, mud/sediment silts and annelids, juveniles of shrimps and crabs. The deterioration of water quality was evident by the high BOD (12.80mg/L), COD (130mg/L), TDS (37mg/L), TSS (62mg/L), pH (5.2), salinity (50.54mg/L), phosphate (0.14mg/L) and temperature (270C) as well as the low dissolved oxygen (2.8mg/L) values observed. It was recommended that a routine treatment of the effluent before discharge into the water should be carried out so to maintain safe levels of industrial effluent in the immediate and extended environment. Keywords: Effluent, pollution, environment, fish and fauna

Heavy metal profiles in various matrices of the Bonny/New Calabar River Estuary, Niger delta, Nigeria

A study of the concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Na in the sediment, sea water, fish and crab of the Bonny/New Calabar River Estuary in Niger Delta, Nigeria was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer A-100 for two consecutive years. The contamination levels of the respective metals varied between 2011 and 2012and the range of mean values for all metals in mg/kg were presented along with variations at statistically significant level (P <0.05) between the two years studied. Only K, Zn and Co exhibited variation in their concentrations in water samples between the two years at a statistical significant level (P <0.05) probability. In sediment, only Cr varied between the two years at a statistically significant level (P = 0.05). All metals concentrations were higher in sediment than in water samples.Bioaccumulation factor (BF) indicated a more potent source of metals from sediment than water with organisms accumulating Zn, Fe and Ni in the magnitude of 10, 6 and 5 times more from sediment than from water. Some metals were more accumulated in fish than crab and vice versa. The evidence of elevated levels of heavy metals in sediment and bioaccumulation in biota in the studied area may poise a wanton threat to the health of inhabitants whose diet is predominantly fish. This calls for regular monitoring to avert potential public health problems arising from consumption of metals in seafood. Keywords: Heavy metals, Matrices, bioaccumulation, Bonny River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Comparative analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) composition in three local government areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Rivers State is one of the major oil producing States in Nigeria. Its capital, Port Harcourt and sub-urban areas have witnessed an increased influx of migrants in recent time. Consequently, the consumption of goods and services has also increased leading to generation of unprecedented quantities of municipal solid waste. Previous efforts by relevant authorities to contain this increase in waste generation have proved abortive due largely to among other reasons, inappropriate and unsustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems. The first step in a sustainable MSW management is to understand the types, composition and variation that exist in the waste generated in time and space. Previous reports have been concentrated on the characteristics of waste in Port Harcourt. This present work evaluated solid waste composition in three LGAs in Rivers State with a view of an integrated approach in MSW management in the State. Waste characteristics varied with the different locations studied. Generation rate was 0.45, 0.98 and 1.16 kg/capita/day for Emougha, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt, respectively. Most prominent categories were organic waste, paper and nylon. Mean percentage composition was 65, 65.5 and 59% for organic waste, 13, 11 and 6% for paper and 12, 16 and 14% for nylon in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Emougha LGAs, respectively. It is believed that given the characteristics of these waste streams, a sustainable management strategy could have several benefits including resources recovery and energy generation.Key words: Municipal solid waste (MSW), characterization, Rivers State, integrated MSW management

Genotoxicity assessment of a pharmaceutical effluent using four bioassays

Pharmaceutical industries are among the major contributors to industrial waste. Their effluents when wrongly handled and disposed of endanger both human and environmental health. In this study, we investigated the potential genotoxicity of a pharmaceutical effluent, by using the Allium cepa, mouse- sperm morphology, bone marrow chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) assays. Some of the physico-chemical properties of the effluent were also determined. The A. cepa and the animal assays were respectively carried out at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10%; and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50% of the effluent. There was a statistically different (p < 0.05), concentration-dependent inhibition of onion root growth and mitotic index, and induction of chromosomal aberrations in the onion and mouse CA test. Assessment of sperm shape showed that the fraction of the sperm that was abnormal in shape was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than the negative control value. MN analysis showed a dose-dependent induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes across the treatment groups. These observations were provoked by the toxic and genotoxic constituents present in test samples. The tested pharmaceutical effluent is a potentially genotoxic agent and germ cell mutagen, and may induce adverse health effects in exposed individuals

The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cellular responses. Secondly, benefits related to specific musculoskeletal tissues are discussed, with practical applications and training programmes clearly outlined for both common musculoskeletal disorders and primary prevention strategies

Trace metals in intertidal sediment of mangrove-sheltered creeks in Niger Delta, Nigeria: Variability before and after crude oil spillage

Trace metals (Zn, Cu and Pb) fluxes were studied in five intertidal flats at Bodo Creek, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria in 2006, and re-evaluated in 2010 following two major oil spills that occurred in the creek. This study is the first to look at trace metal loads in the interstitial sediments of Bodo creek. Standard methods were employed in the sampling campaign and analysis. The concentration of all metals under study were higher than stipulated limit by WHO (2006) during post spill analysis. Concentration of Zn did not vary between stations and months pre-spill but did in post-spill, having values slightly higher than WHO (2006) stipulated limit. During the pre-spill sediment analysis, Pb concentrations ranged from no detection to 0.0012 mg/kg in 2006, increasing to 0.169 mg/kg post spill in 2010. Cu content ranged from 0.1312 - 0.1858 and 0.3374 - 0.4504 mg/kg pre- and post-spill, respectively. In addition to oil-induced metal loadings, the metals concentration dynamics show strong correlation with season. Metals had higher concentrations during the dry season due to reduced water volume in the creek and consequently less dilution. Implication for uptake, bioaccumulation and biotransformation by food species in the creek catchment above biosafety limits for user population is stressed and measures to avert public health consequences are advocated.Key words: Trace metals, inter-tidal sediment, Niger Delta, oil pollution

Comparative digestibility of three commonly use fibrous ingredients in maize-soyabean meal-fish diet by broiler chicks

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Performance and carcass characteristics of young rabbits fed varying levels of soldier fly larvae meal

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