Climate Change Perspective and Adaptation Among Local Farmers in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Perspectives of farmers on climate change and the strategy they employed in handling its impacts in five local governments of Sokoto state was studied. The study employed a Rapid Rural Appraisal technique to interview the farmers on key parameters such as awareness, mitigation and adaptation strategies and the sources of information on climate change. The study interviewed 300 farmers in each of the five local governments and concluded that while the respondents are aware of the climate change and its effects, the techniques employed for the mitigation of its effects are crude with adaptation strategies likely to be more effective. Keywords: Climate change; perception; adaptation; mitigation; strategy.

Equilibrium studies on batch adsorption of alizarin red in aqueous solution using activated carbons derived from orange peels

Adsorption has been one of the most preferred methods for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions due to its simplicity and economic advantages. In this research, activated carbon prepared from orange peels has been characterized using Boehm titration which revealed the surface as having 7.70 mmol/g and 3.64 mmol/g total acidic and basic sites respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging showed that the adsorbent had heterogeneous surface morphology while the pH of zero point charge (pHzpc) of the adsorbent was found to be 3.6. Furthermore, Sear’s titration has shown that the activated carbon specific surface area was 791.1 m2 g - . 1The influence of various experimental parameters have been probed and optimized. The optimized conditions were set for the study of adsorption equilibrium and the experimental data were treated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubnin-Radushkevic (D-R) and Halsey isotherm models. However, all the four isotherm models were in good fit with the data obtained as indicated by the regression coefficients (R2 value) of 0.944 for the Langmuir isotherm, 0.993 for both Freundlich and Halsey models, and 0.980 for D-R model. The maximum monolayer coverage capacity (qm) was determined to be 11.5 mg/g at room temperature, which is higher than some presented in the previous literature.Keywords: Adsorption, Alizarin red, Orange peels, Textile dyes, Waste water, Adsorption isother

Climate Change Situation in Zamfara State: Farmers’ Awareness and Agricultural Implications

Farmers’ awareness on climate change and the agricultural implications in five local governments of Zamfara state were carefully investigated. The research methodology utilized a Rapid Rural Appraisal approach to interview the farmers on the basis of targeted and influential factors such as awareness, mitigation and adaptation strategies and the sources of information on climate change. A batch of 300 local farmers was interviewed in each of the five local governments. The outcome of the study revealed to a high degree that while the farmers are aware of the climate change and its agricultural consequences, the different options utilized for the handling of its challenges are crude (i.e. low grade) with great perception that adaptation strategies are likely to be more effective for the region. Keywords: Climate change; implications; knowledge; farmers; handling

Urban mining of fuel gases via low temperature pyrolysis of post-consumer high density polyethylene wastes

Low temperature pyrolysis of high density polyethylene (HDPE) wastes was studied by adapting a cylindrical pressure cooking pot of height 30.00 cm with an internal diameter of 31.50 cm. The pyrolysis reaction was carried out with and without catalysts. The gases evolved during the pyrolysis were collected in Tedlar bags and analysis was done using a Buck 530 Gas chromatograph. Results when the pyrolysis was without catalyst, showed aliphatic hydrocarbons in the range of C1 – C10 with a total concentration of 87.0114 ppm and 93.9733 ppm at 200ºC and 350ºC respectively. The pyrolysis was repeated under catalytic influence of zeolite using catalyst/sample ratios of 1:8 and 1:16 at 150 ºC and 250 ºC. Results showed that the total yield of gases for HDPE under the zeolitic effect at temperatures of 150 ºC and 250 ºC using catalyst/sample ratio of 1:8 to be 159.4613 ppm and 394.4499 ppm respectively. The corresponding values obtained at 150 ºC and 250 ºC using catalyst/sample ratio of 1:16 were 595.8016 ppm and 724.0983 ppm respectively. The hydrocarbon gases revealed C1 – C10 aliphatic hydrocarbons which can be fractionated into fuel gases (C1 – C4), gasoline range gases (˃C7) and organic solvents (C5 – C7).Keywords: Pyrolysis, high density polyethylene, zeolite, aliphatic hydrocarbo

Phytoplankton population in relation to physicochemical parameters of Gwaigwaye Reservoir Katsina State, Nigeria

The study on phytoplankton population in relation to physicochemical parameters of Gwaigwaye reservoir, Katsina state was carried out from May 2013 to April 2014to establish physical, chemical, and biological parameters (Phytoplankton) of Gwaigwaye reservoir. Four sampling stations were chosen; the physicochemical andbiological parameters were determined using standard methods and procedures. The result revealed that; Water temperature (25.02 ± 0.170C), pH (7.54 ± 0.03), Alkalinity (3.69±0.09), Conductivity (129.43 ± 5.15μЅ/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (50.54 ± 0.57mg/L) Nitrate-nitrogen (0.21 ± 0.04mg/L), Water hardness (134.44 ± 3.06mg/LCaCO3), Dissolved Oxygen (3.98 ± 0.10mg/L), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (2.53 ± 0.08mg/L), Phosphate-phosphorus (0.19 ± 0.02mg/L), Chloride (5.09 ± 0.15mg/L), Sulphor-sulphate (0.21± 0.01) and Calcium (2.97±0.06mg/L) varied with months and seasons. Analysis of variance indicated significant difference between seasons (P < 0.05); but no significant difference in phytoplankton distribution and abundance among the four stations (P>0.05). The result indicated phytoplankton percentage composition as; Chlorophyta (57.66%), Bacillariophyta (25.70%), Cyanophyta (14.73%), and Dinophyta (1.91%). Water quality of the reservoir is influenced by anthropogenic activities, the reservoir water is suitable for irrigational and domestic purposes from the results of most of the physicochemical and biological parameters obtained. Hence, there is need for an effective anthropogenic inputs control programme in the reservoir.Keywords: Gwaigwaye; Physicochemical; Phytoplankton; Reservoi

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria

Renewable energy sources are becoming an increasingly important alternative source of energy in the agricultural sector. The use of renewable energy will reduce the use of fossil fuels, thereby minimizing the emission of green house gases. Increased use of renewable sources of energy especially in the agricultural sector will enhance the sustainability of food security in Nigeria and the quality of the environment. The use of renewable energy sources in the agricultural sector will also lead to environmentally friendly, sustainable and viable sources of energy to reduce the dependency on deplet­ing fossil fuels. Increasing attention is being focused on the installation and usage of renewable energy sources in the agricultural sector in several countries of the world purposely to contribute to global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable food security. This paper attempt to explain the role of renewable energy sources in agricultural sector as a means of enhancing sustainable food security in the country and presents the existing technologies, policies  and emerging opportunities in renewable energy application in the agricultural sector. Keyword: Available incentive, Energy policy, Renewable energy, Sustainable food security

Alterations of selected biomarkers and reproductive tissues histoarchitecture in offspring of artemether-lumefantrine treated lactating dams

Background: Evidence from previous studies suggests that most antimalarial agents adversely affect reproductive functions. The deleterious effects of artemether-lumefantrine on reproductive functions have also been documented but there is dearth of knowledge on the generational reproductive outcomes during lactation. Hence, we investigated the reproductive outcomes in offspring of dams treated with artemether-lumefantrine during lactation. Methods: Ten lactating dams were randomly assigned into two groups (n=5) and treated as follows: Group I (control) received distilled water (1 ml/kg BW, p.o.) while Group II received artemether-lumefantrine (4/24 mg/kg BW, p.o.) for seven (7) consecutive days immediately after parturition. Pups were thereafter weaned and later given rat chow with water ad libitum daily, before they were euthanized at postnatal day 90 (PND 90). Results: The results showed that although the anti-malarial drug caused a significant decrease in serum testosterone and estrogen levels in offspring of the treated group, relative to the control group; however, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm count were not significantly different between the two groups. Moreover, only testicular catalase activity was significantly decreased with a concomitant interstitial edema and defective histoarchitectural presentation in the testis and ovary. Nevertheless, the level of malondialdehyde was unaltered in both testes and ovarian tissues of the treated group as compared with control. Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggests that exposure to artemether-lumefantrine during lactation could disrupt steroidogenic functions in both testicular and ovarian tissues of offspring in adult life

SARA Separation and Determination of Concentration Levels of Some Heavy Metals in Organic Fractions of Nigerian Crude Oil

Nigerian Crude oil samples were obtained from Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). The samples were subjected to column chromatography.  Sequential leaching method was used to separate the crude oil into four distinct fractions based on leaching of crude oil with different organic solvents and mixtures. Saturated fraction was extracted with hexane- cyclohexane (1:1v/v), aromatic fraction was extracted with hexane- toluene (7:3v/v), while resin was extracted with tetrachloromethane-trichloromethane (7:3v/v), and asphaltene was extracted with acetonitrile-methanol (1:1v/v). The fractions were digested using sulphuric acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid method followed by the detection of metals in the samples using AAS analysis. The elements analyzed were Pb, Cu, Cr, Fe and Ni. The result shows that Fe had the highest concentration while Ni had the least concentration. The concentration (ppm) levels of these elements in the crude oil fraction analyzed range from 0.1307 – 0.4107 for Pb, 0.1796 – 1.1250 for Cu, 2.7420 – 10.1903 for Cr, 11.2962 – 21.8084 for Fe, and 0.0464 – 0.5876 for Ni. It was obvious from this study and previous ones that Nigerian crude oil fractions have low metal content. However, despite their low concentrations they can still be detrimental to the refinery operations and the immediate environment, and therefore, should be removed before refining. Keywords: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Aromatic, Asphaltenes, Risens, Saturates, Heavy Metal

Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Obtained From Rimi Local Government in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract: The concentration of lead, chromium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium and sodium in soil samples obtained from Rimi local government in Katsina state was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Technique. The Highest Mean concentration of   the metals for each sample were as follows:  Lead (8.3 ± 0.000 mg/g), Chromium (3.125±4.4.42 mg/g), Iron (14.2±0.000 mg/g), Zinc (4.2 ± 0.000 mg/g), Potassium (218.7 ± 44.19 mg/g), Magnesium (68.75 ± 8.84 mg/g)  and Sodium (1446.45 ± 25.24 mg/g), The results were discussed in terms of effects of the concentration of these metals on the agricultural soil understudy and the concentration obtained was below the ECDG (2004), WHO (2008), Kabata-Pendias (1995), SEPA (2000) and  DPR (1991) Permissible limits of heavy metals in Agricultural land. Although it was concluded that the soil is suitable for agricultural purposes, Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils is necessary to reduce the associated risks, make the land resource available for agricultural production, enhance food security and scale down land tenure problems arising from changes in the land use pattern. Keyword: Agricultural Soil Pollution, Trace and Heavy Metals, Environmental Pollution

Extraction and Formulation of Perfume from Locally Available Lemon Grass Leaves

The availability of wild plants and their use as economically efficient sources of food for man and animals is obvious. In most parts of Nigeria, plant materials whose edible use is not established are regarded as waste materials. Available materials like lemon grass leaves that contain  essential oils can be utilized in the production of perfumes that can mask body odours. Lemon grass extracts obtained using soxhlet extraction andsolvent extraction (maceration) were utilized in the formulation of perfume using methanol and ethanol as solvent media. An oil yield of 4.5% and 3.8% were obtained for solvent extraction and soxhlet extraction methods respectively. Physicochemical properties of the two formulations revealed that the essential oil has saponification value of 21.04mgKOH/g and the densities of the two formulations in methanol and ethanol were 0.768gcm-3 and 0.82gcm-3 at 60oc while the boiling point for both formulations was 85o. The essential oil can be profitably used for cosmetic grade and perfume formulations.Keywords: Essential oil, Extraction, Perfume, Physicochemical Parameter