The Concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements and Total Hydrocarbon in Soils of Niger Delta Region (Nigeria)

The present study was aimed to determine the natural background level, threshold values and evaluate the pollution status of some heavy metals and total hydrocarbon contents in soils of the Niger Delta region, NDR, (Nigeria). In order to achieve this, thirty two composite soil samples were collected and investigated for pH, EC, OC, grain size, THC, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Analytical results show that the average concentration of total hydrocarbon contents (THC) exceeded the limit in soils for crude oil processing areas in Nigeria. The concentrations of Cd and Co in all the soils samples were higher than reported values for world soils. The average concentrations of Fe and Pb were higher than the background values. However, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the soils were less than the average value for world soils. This suggests that these elements were naturally present at low concentrations. Contamination risk assessment based on the index of geoaccumulation (I-geo) values for all the samples corresponded to practically uncontaminated with the exception of THC (uncontaminated to moderately contaminated) and Cd (moderately contaminated). In addition, the pollution index (PI) values of the soil samples were low (PI < 1) indicating that on the overall the soils were not polluted. However, high values (PI > 1) in some locations reflected high concentrations of Cd, Cu and THC. The results suggests that the main source of elements in soils of the Niger delta is parent material, whereas increase in industrialization, especially, due to oil and gas related activities poses a significant impact on the distribution of some of these elements. Keywords Heavy metals, Contamination, Soil, Niger Delta, Nigeri

Analytical Assessment of Borehole Water in Some Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

In this study, analytical assessment of borehole water was carried out in selected non-oil producing Local Goverment Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The areas were Uyo, Itu, and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas. The sampling areas were divided into three (3) zones with nine (9) sampling sites. For Itu L.G.A., the sampling site were,Urua Ekpa (BW1), Akon Itam (BW2) and Nung Ukot Itam (BW3); Uyo L.G.A., the sampling sites were Oron road, (BW4), Ekpri Nsukara (BW5), Obio Offot (BW6); the sampling sites in Ibesikpo L.G.A. were Ikot Akpanabia (BW7), Ikot Atang (BW8), Mbikpong (BW9). A total of nine water samples, obtained from boreholes in the study areas, were analyzed for their physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity, total dissolved oxygen, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, acidity and total dissolved solid. Anions determined were phosphates (PO4 3- ), nitrates (NO3 - ), chlorides (Cl - ), sulphates (SO4 2- ) while cations analysed were Mg 2+ ,Cd 2+ , Fe 2+ , Ni2+ and Pb 2+ . The results obtained reveal that the amounts of all the heavy metals determined in all the water samples were within the WHO acceptable standard for drinking water, with the exception of iron. It was also observed that the anions concentrations were below the WHO acceptable standard for drinking water. The high concentrations of cations in the analyzed ground water can largely be attributed to anthropogenic sources. In conclusion, the physico-chemical properties, as well as the concentrations of cations and anions in the under ground water usually affect the overall water quality, hence highlighting the need for frequent monitoring

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF QUOTED AND UNQUOTED AGRO-BASED FIRMS IN NIGERIA

The study examined the determinants of capital structure decision and compared the capital structure of quoted and unquoted agro-based firms in Nigeria. Data collected through a multi- stage random sampling from the financial statements of 28 quoted and 60 unquoted agro-based firms for the period 2005-2010 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Z-test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The result revealed significant differences in capital structure (long term debt and total debt use) between quoted and unquoted agro-based firms. Short-term debts constituted a higher proportion of total debts of both sampled groups. The regression result showed that firm size, asset structure andgrowth coefficients had significant positive relationships with both long and short term debt finance for both listed and unlisted agro-based firms respectively. Result further showed that age of firms, educational status of CEO, export status of firms, and gender of firm owners were positive and significantly related to long term debt for both listed and unlisted firms. Also, highly profitable firms depended on internally generated revenue, thereby lending credence to the pecking order theory (POT). Therefore, The study showed that pecking order theory dominated the financing behavior of agro-based firms in Nigeria while the agency cost argument was only relevant for listed agro-based firms. Hence, policies that would enhance the acquisition of tangible assets, encourage exportation, ensure appropriate record keeping and encourage the use of more long term finance in place of short-term finance should be pursued

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF QUOTED AND UNQUOTED AGRO-BASED FIRMS IN NIGERIA

The study examined the determinants of capital structure decision and compared the capital structure of quoted and unquoted agro-based firms in Nigeria. Data collected through a multi- stage random sampling from the financial statements of 28 quoted and 60 unquoted agro-based firms for the period 2005-2010 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Z-test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The result revealed significant differences in capital structure (long term debt and total debt use) between quoted and unquoted agro-based firms. Short-term debts constituted a higher proportion of total debts of both sampled groups. The regression result showed that firm size, asset structure andgrowth coefficients had significant positive relationships with both long and short term debt finance for both listed and unlisted agro-based firms respectively. Result further showed that age of firms, educational status of CEO, export status of firms, and gender of firm owners were positive and significantly related to long term debt for both listed and unlisted firms. Also, highly profitable firms depended on internally generated revenue, thereby lending credence to the pecking order theory (POT). Therefore, The study showed that pecking order theory dominated the financing behavior of agro-based firms in Nigeria while the agency cost argument was only relevant for listed agro-based firms. Hence, policies that would enhance the acquisition of tangible assets, encourage exportation, ensure appropriate record keeping and encourage the use of more long term finance in place of short-term finance should be pursued

LABOUR CHOICE DECISIONS AMONG CASSAVA CROP FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The study used primary data collected from 90 cassava farmers through a multi stage sampling technique to examine the determinants of labour choice decision among cassava crop farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logit regression and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. Findings revealed that cassava production in the study area was dominated by young, and educated (75.6%), female (68.9%) farmers, with an average household size and farming experience of 6 persons and 10 years respectively. The multinomial logit result showed that while household size and labour cost significantly influenced the choice of borrowed labour, farming experience, educational level, income of farmers and farmer’s age significantly influenced the choice of hired labour for cassava production. Also, the coefficient for farm size was positive and significantly related to the choice of both borrowed and hired labour. The study further revealed that cassava production in the study area was profitable with a gross margin of N 154,840 and net income of N125, 590. The Ordinary Least Square result revealed that family labour, hired labour, age of farmers, farming experience, household size and farm size impacted severely on cassava output in the study area. This suggest the need to pursue policies that would enhance access to land and encourage economical land holdings, advocate and intensify campaigns on the profitability of cassava production and increased participation of farmers, especially younger people in cassava production in the study area as the way out

Groundwater chemistry of the Oban Massif, South-Eastern Nigeria

Hydrogeochemical study of the fractured/weathered basement of the Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria has been carried out. Results indicated that concentrations of major cations and anions exhibited the following order of abundance: Ca>Na>Mg>K and HCO3>SO4>Cl, respectively, with minor variations across sampling seasons. Ca-Na-Cl-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water types have been identified as major facies, resultant from congruent influences of weathering (mainly silicates), ion exchange processes, and water mixing

TREND EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORT CROPS IN NIGERIA

The study uses the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique to evaluate the growth rates of three agricultural export crops (cocoa, palm kernel and palm oil) in Nigeria between1970-2009. The result reveals that growth rates in export of these crops are higher in the financial sector reform period than in the pre-financial sector reform period except in palm kernel and are statistically significant at 5% probability level. This therefore suggests the need to enhance the production of these crops through provision of basic farm inputs, extension, proper financing as well as pursue policies that will encourage exportation and discourage the importation of these crops as the way out

TREND EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORT CROPS IN NIGERIA

The study uses the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique to evaluate the growth rates of three agricultural export crops (cocoa, palm kernel and palm oil) in Nigeria between1970-2009. The result reveals that growth rates in export of these crops are higher in the financial sector reform period than in the pre-financial sector reform period except in palm kernel and are statistically significant at 5% probability level. This therefore suggests the need to enhance the production of these crops through provision of basic farm inputs, extension, proper financing as well as pursue policies that will encourage exportation and discourage the importation of these crops as the way out