Haematological, Liver Function Parameters and Heavy Metal Assessment of KWMC Workers at Roadside and Mixed Waste Dumpsites in Kwara State, Nigeria

Allergic and health implications associated with gardening and waste-scavenging necessitated this study. Blood samples of 27 waste-workers and 16 non-waste workers (control) were digested and analysed for Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Chromium. Samples were analysed for haematological parameters White Blood Cell (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, Liver function parameters aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Mixed solid waste samples from dumpsites and road soils were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Pb concentrations between 16.0 – 29.5 mg/Kg were found in road soils and least Cd contamination between 0.5 – 2.0 mg/Kg were recorded. Insignificant difference in metals deposit in road soils and mixed solid wastes, except for Pb and Cd were observed. Least deposited metals (Cd, Cr and Ni) had approximately same deposit level and the highest metal deposit was Pb. Zero difference existed between Cr concentrations in blood samples of both groups. However, results showed true difference between baseline Pb and Cd concentrations of the groups. Haematological parameters and liver function values showed insignificant difference in the groups. Lead was the highest heavy metal found in road soil, solid-waste worker’s blood.Keywords:  Allergic reaction; Heavy metals; Waste management; Haematology

Risks and coping strategies of production and marketing of cocoa in Ondo State, Nigeria

In recent time, yields from cocoa producing states have been decreasingwhile farmers are facedwith a number of challenges that predispose them to risks and uncertainties. The study therefore assessed the major production and marketing risks in Ondo State, Nigeria. The socio-economic characteristics of the cocoa farmers were analysed using descriptive analysiswhile Kruskal– Wallis ranking analysis was used to assess the farmer’s perception on sources of risks. Ranking on top of the ten identified cocoa production risks was pest and diseases attack while undue exploitation by exporters ranked on top of marketing risks. The major coping strategies adopted by the farmers of the cocoa include diversification of production system by growing substitute crops (47.5 %), and involvement in non-farm business to generate additional income (35.0 %). In other to reduce risks faced by the farmers, government should put in place a marketing scheme aimed at assisting cocoa farmers through price regulation and monitoring. Cocoa farmers also needed to be introduced to the current technologies of production with the provision of necessary incentives such as improved varieties of cocoa seedling, as well as provision of fertiliser and approved pesticides, financial assistance, and simple processing technologies that produce standard cocoa beans.http://link.springer.com/journal/104572018-04-30hb2016Plant Production and Soil Scienc

Impact of COVID- 19 Pandemic on Blood Donations and Supply in a University Teaching Hospital in North-Central Nigeria

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