Impact of Non-point Pollutants on the Physicochemistry of Orelope Stream, Onabamiro, Ago-iwoye. Southwest Nigeria

The Orelope stream, Ago-Iwoye was investigated for the impact of non-point pollutants on its physicochemistry. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) at all sampling sites were higher than permissible levels allowed by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) for freshwater. The BOD (256mg/L) and COD (667mg/L) obtained at the sampling site C (dumping site) showed the highest severity. The dissolved oxygen (DO) of the stream was low at all sampling sites, the highest severity correlates with sampling site C (the dumping site). The concentration of Lead (Pb) at all sampling sites was higher than the permissible level for freshwater , the value of 0.05 ± [13] 3.00 obtained at sampling site C was the highest. Barium was recorded only at sampling site A, which coincides with the abandoned fish pond and its value was higher than the WHO[13] standard. Lead contributed more significantly (p<0.05) to the heavy metal concentration of the stream and is highly positively correlated with alkalinity (0.98), pH (0.88), total dissolved solids (0.90) and hardness (0.68) of the stream (p<0.05). The means of acidity, alkalinity, conductivity, pH, chloride, chromium, copper, cadmium, lead, magnesium, total dissolved solid, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulphate were significantly different at all sampling sites (p<0.05) with sampling site C recording the highest means of all these parameters. Visual appraisal of the stream revealed that eutrophication and ecological succession is gradually taken place, thereby decreasing the volume of the stream especially at the location of the dumping site (sampling site C)

Growth performance of Alma millsoni fed with brewers dried grain (BDG) and coconut husk

The growth performance of Alma millsoni cultured on 'brewers dried grain and coconut husk was studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments (Control, brewer’s dried grain and coconut husk) and three replicates. Earthworms were cultured in plastic bins of 60 x 30 x 30 cm. While coconut husk was used as the bedding, the earthworms were fed with brewer’s dried grain, coconut husk or no extra feed other than the bedding. Growth performance of the earthworms was measured every week. The proximate composition of the earthworm was conducted using standard procedures. The mean weight of the earthworms under the three different treatments was significantly different (P < 0.05); with earthworms fed brewers dried grain recording the highest mean weight (1.03 ± 0.50). No significant difference was observed in the percentage crude fibre, crude protein and moisture between A. millsoni from different treatments; whereas a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the percentage crude fat and ash between A. millsoni from the different treatments with A. millsoni fed brewers dried grain recording the highest percentage crude fat. Weight of worms was significantly and positively correlated to feed source (P < 0.05). The implication of this is that earthworms fed with brewers dried grain gained weight above those fed with coconut husk or the control but the weight gain observed may have been as a result of the increase in crude fat content of the earthworms since there was no difference in their crude protein content. Culturing of earthworm on either coconut husk or brewers dried grain must therefore be accompanied with a protein source

EARTHWORM CAST BIOMASS UNDER THREE MANAGED ECOSYSTEMS: IMPLICATION FOR SOIL FERTILITY

The study was conducted to determine earthworm cast biomass under three managed ecosystems, Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and its impact on the soil physicochemical parameters. Seven, five and four plots of 3 m2 each were sampled in Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations respectively. Each plot was laid out in form of a grid and seven quadrats of 44 cm x 44 cm each were sampled in each plot. On-field Cast weights were determined to the nearest gram using a top loading mechanical balance and the cast biomass was calculated from these. The nutrient and mineral properties of both earthworm casts and parent soils were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The % OC (4.61), %OM (7.96), sulphate (38.37), pH (7.78), total nitrogen (0.27), Mn (0.47) and Fe (7.23) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the earthworm casts under Gmelina plantation compared with the cashew and banana plantations. Cu and Fe concentrations in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than under cashew and banana plantations while Mg and Mn concentrations showed no significant difference. Compared with the parent soil, %OC, %OM, Mn and Fe obtained from earthworm casts were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) under all three plantations. Earthworm cast biomass under the Gmelina plantation (15483.63g/m2) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than that obtained under the cashew (13270.83g/m2) and banana (8828.13) plantations. The present results showed that earthworm activity is better supported under Gmelina than cashew and banana plantations In addition, the higher cast biomass and nutrient level in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation signifies a significantly higher nutrient level which, expectedly means that the Gmelina plantation soil will be more fertile than the soil in cashew and banana plantations.Key Words: Earthworm cast, Gmelina, Cashew, Banana, physicochemica

Glutathione-S-transferase production in earthworm (Annelida: Eudrilidae) as a tool for heavy metal pollution assessment in abattoir soil

The use of direct response of animals to environmental challenges by production of biomarkers is a better tool to assess environmental pollution than the conventional methods. This study aimed to measure Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in earthworms as tools for assessing heavy metal pollution in abattoir soil. Five (5) replicates each of earthworm species (Libyodrilus violaceous, Eudrilus eugeniae and Alma millsoni), soil and rumen waste samples were collected from three (3) abattoir sites (Lafenwa, Gbonogun and Madojutimi abattoirs), and a control site located within Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, beside an undisturbed stream with no rumen waste. Heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Mn) concentrations in rumen waste, abattoir soils and earthworm tissues were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The pH and organic matter (OM) concentrations of the rumen waste and abattoir soils were determined by standard methods. GST activities in the earthworm tissues were determined through the conjugation of 1 mM reduced glutathione (GSH) with 1 mM 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The rumen waste recorded significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) % OM, heavy metal concentrations and pH level than in their respective abattoir soils. The mean heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Mn were highest in the tissue of earthworm species obtained from Lafenwa abattoir. A significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher GST activities were recorded in the tissue of earthworm species obtained from Lafenwa and Gbonogun abattoirs. Libyodrilous violaceus obtained from Lafenwa abattoir recorded the highest GST activity (8.47±1.39) in their tissue followed by the ones from Gbonogun abattoir (8.21±0.85). A significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlations was observed between GST activities in earthworm tissues and heavy metal concentrations. GST activities can therefore be used to assess the level of heavy metal pollution in abattoir soils. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 779-789. Epub 2016 June 01

NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF THREE EARTHWORM CAST-TYPES COLLECTED FROM IKENNE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Three types of earthworm cast, i.e. pellet cast, turret cast and mass cast, were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, nutrient composition and compared with impact on soil fertility. The standard methods of AOAC was used to analyse the pH, moisture content, cast profile, cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Cu and Zn), anions (P, PO4, NO4, NO3, N), Organic Carbon and Organic Matter. Pellet cast recorded a significantly higher pH of 8.60ª¤¡Þ0.01 while the mean pH of 8.09ª¤¡Þ0.01 and 7.81ª¤¡Þ0.01 were obtained for turret and mass cast respectively (p&lt;0.05). On the other hand, pellet cast recorded the lowest moisture content (29.42%) compared with 45.60% and 47.19% obtained for mass cast and turret cast respectively. The % organic matter (1.05ª¤¡Þ0.02), % organic carbon (0.61ª¤¡Þ0.01), % Nitrite (0.008ª¤¡Þ0.001), % Nitrate (0.018ª¤¡Þ0.001), % Nitrogen (0.063ª¤¡Þ0.001) and % Phosphorus (0.39 ª¤¡Þ 0.001) obtained for Pellet Cast were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than those obtained for mass and turret casts. Pellet cast had higher Ca (11.04ª¤¡Þ2.80 mg/dL), Mn (113.08ª¤¡Þ38.45 mg/dL) and Zn (8.54ª¤¡Þ2.62 mg/dL) than turret (9.64ª¤¡Þ0.77, 77.0ª¤¡Þ17.02, 6.68ª¤¡Þ1.65 mg/dL) and mass cast types (4.54ª¤¡Þ0.25, 19.12ª¤¡Þ6.82, 2.04ª¤¡Þ0.70) mg/dL). This study indicated that pellet cast has poor water holding capacity whereas it has higher nutrient concentration compared with mass and turret casts. On the overall, pellet cast, mass cast and turret cast all played synergistic role in soil fertility

Effects of light colour and oscillator frequency on earthworm bioactivity

An experiment was conducted at the Zoology Laboratory of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria to evaluate the suitability of different light colours. Being generated from 15-watt, low-heat, or frequencygenerated flourescent tubes as stimulants to enhance, major cast productivity of the earthworm species Hyperiodrilus africanus. The aim was to determine if exposure to the different light colours would improve the cast productivity of the worms and show whether H. africanus would show preference for any particular light colour, in terms of mass of cast produced and rates of emigration. The earthworms were kept in cylindrical plastic containers and put in different cubicles on a wooden shelf, where they are subjected to different light colours that is, white, dark (control), green, blue, and red. Results indicated that the red light colour was the most suitable in terms of cast productivity, as casting was highest (11.96 g/worm), followed by blue (10.66 g/worm), green (9.49 g/worm), dark (7.2 g/worm) and white (4.86 g/worm), respectively. Least emigration was recorded under the control (dark) , followed by red, white, blue and green respectively, which indicated that the worms were probably more ‘comfortable’ in the dark and the red light than the other light colours tested. Results suggest that if red light is introduced to a farm, casting activities can be increased and therefore, soil fertility can be improved

Comparative Microbial Analysis of Earthworm Casts Collected From Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria

A comparative assessment of the physicochemical parameters and microbial profile of three types of earthworm casts (Pellet, Mass and Turret) were determined. The total viable count (TVC), coliform counts, yeast and mould counts were determined using standard procedures. The pH ranged from 7.8 for Mass cast to 8.6 for Pellet cast. Moisture content of the casts ranged from 29.43% for pellet casts to 47.10% for turret casts. Organic matter was 1.05%, 0.72% and 0.63% for pellet, turret and mass casts respectively. TVC was 4.8 x 107cfu/g, 6.1 x 107cfu/g and 1.2 x 108cfu/g for Mass, Turret and Pellet casts respectively. Pellet cast recorded the highest coliform count (1.5 x 107) while Turret cast the least (7.3 x 106 cfu/g). Mould counts was 8.3 x 106 cfu/g for turret cast and 1.2 x 107cfu/g for pellet and mass casts. The lowest yeasts count was 1.2 x 107cfu/g in mass cast while the highest was 3.8 x 107cfu/g for pellet cast. Microbial distribution in the three casts types showed that Staphylococcus aureus is common to all Cast-types. Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Penicillium chrysogenum and S. rosei were isolated from Pellet cast only. Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxisporum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Penicillium oxalicum were isolated from only Turret Cast while Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium compacticum, Klebsiella aerogenes and Streptococcus feacalis were isolated from Mass Cast only. The presence of Bacillus licheniformis in Pellet Cast is an advantage plus for Pellet cast usage since this bacteria contributes to nutrient cycling and displays antifungal activities

Macromineral Profile of Four Species of Earthworm Hyperiodrilus africanus, Eudrilus eugeniae, Libyodrilus violaceus and Alma millsoni from Nigeria

The macro mineral profile of four Nigerian species of earthworm; Hyperiodrilus africanus, Eudrilus eugeniae, Libyodrilus violaceus and Alma millsoni was conducted. using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Five macro minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were determined. Comparatively H. africanus recorded the highest mean Ca (0.494 ±0.038%) while A. millsoni recorded the lowest (0.318±0.034%). Hyperiodrilus africanus also recorded the highest mean Mg (0.154±0.015%) whereas L. violaceus recorded the lowest (0.118±0.017%). Alma millsoni recorded the highest mean K (0.045±0.003% ) whereas H. africanus recorded the lowest (0.027±0.002%). The highest mean Na (74.209±13.699 ppm) was recorded by A. millsoni while the lowest (19.813±2.087 ppm) was recorded by H. africanus. Also A. millsoni recorded the highest mean P (0.701±0.022%) while H.africanus recorded the lowest (0.456±0.034%). A significant difference was observed in the mean % Ca, % M g, % K, ppmNa and % P between the four species of earthworms (p<0.01). The study revealed that these five macro minerals which are requirements of animals w ere well represented and adequate in the earthworms. Therefore, the use of meal prepared from these species as mineral supplement in fish diets could be encouraged

Pilot survey of ethnozoological utilization of vertebrates in southwestern Nigeria

A survey of some vertebrates used in traditional medical practices was carried out Among the Ijebu and Ibadan people of southwestern Nigeria. Open-ended structured Questionnaires were administered on 50 traders at five markets namely Oja-Oba, Bode and Oje in Ibadan; Ita-Osu in Ijebu-Ode and Obada in Ijebu-Igbo. Eighty percent (80%) of the traders were females, sixty-four percent (64%) were Muslims, sixty-two percent (62%) were primary school leavers while forty percent (40%) were between the ages of 36-45 years . The zootherapeutic uses of the wild vertebrates claimed by these traders ranged from The cure of skin dryness, rheumatism, epilepsy, leprosy, impotency, infertility, healing Of wounds and preparation of aphrodisiacs. Other uses include the preparation of charms Or amulets for protection, good fortune, reverence from peers and elders and money Ritual Sixteen of the forty species surveyed were listed as threatened in the Nigeria's Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Decree No 11 of 1985. It is therefore a necessity to conduct further research in order to authenticate the abovementioned therapeutic claims. It is also imperative to educate these traders on the effect of their trade on the threatened species and the likely resultant impact on biodiversity and by extension the Nation as a whol

Prospects and challenges of vermiculture practices in southwest Nigeria

The prospect of vermiculture in the south-western coast of Nigeria was studied. One hundred and two respondents were interviewed in the three coastal towns of Badagry, Epe and Igbokoda. The results show that 94% of respondents made use of earthworms as fish bait, 37% buy their worms and 57% collected by themselves. The respondents, who buy, however, noted that their suppliers do not breed the worms but search for them from marshy areas. The price value placed on the worms ranged between 0.35 and ₦3.10 per kg; while the most quoted prices were 0.35 and ₦0.80 (16.7% each). The average quoted price was ₦0.70 per kg. Forty-six percent (46%) of respondents were willing to buy earthworms if supplied to them; 49% were willing to serve as sales agents if contacted and 66.7% opined that earthworm was their choicest fishing bait. The results indicate positive expectation for vermiculture as a business venture. Vermiculture should, however, put into consideration the production of Alma millsoni and Libyodrilus violaceus, the species quoted as the most preferred and effective for fishing. Vermiculture will go a long way in solving the problem of earthworm scarcity among these people, reduce the stress put on natural populations earthworms, thus conserving the worms and also reduce damage done to the soil environment in the course of excavating for worms