Evaluation of Crude Oil Contaminated Soils in Parts of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study evaluated crude oil contaminated soils in both central and eastern parts of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected by adopting a rectangular grid and drilling with the aid of a hand auger at the center (highest point of concentration) of the rectangle for proper representation of samples. Soil samples were collected at varying depths of top/bottom, 1m, 2m, and 3m, and were analyzed at Anal Concept Laboratory, Port Harcourt using standard methods as applicable. Results show acidity trend in all locations including control site with pH ranging from 3.6 to 4.9, except at ETE where a pH of 8.0 was obtained. Even this figure is slightly above the stipulated range of 6.0 to 7.0 pH for healthy plants growth.  Mean values of EC range from 11us/cm to 59us/cm, whilst EC measurement at control location recorded very high value of 759us/cm showing negative influence of spill on soil nutrients. Seasonal variation was also noticed as mean EC levels dropped tremendously from 5.9 to 41.0us/cm during the wet season. Although HCO32- and CO3- are not very important nutrients for soil because they react with soil calcium to form Ca(HCO3)2 or CaCO3., they act as organic matter stabilizers in calcareous soils.  The result showed that both parameters had reduced concentrations for dry and wet seasons in all locations compared with control results of (4.1 and 2.0 mg/l) and (2.7 and 1.5 mg/l) for dry and wet seasons. SO42- (mg/kg) values ranged from 2.0 to 14.0 mg/l in dry period and reduced further to 1.0 – 3.0mg/l in the wet season. Measurement in the control obtained a high level of 200 and 129mg/l for dry and wet season respectively. Chloride values ranged from 4.0 – 24mg/l for dry period and 2.0 – 9.0mg/l for wet period.  Whilst control station recorded 31.0 and 62.0mg/l for wet and dry seasons respectively, depicting a drastic reduction in spill impacted areas. For organics, PAH recorded peak mean figure of 5.87mg/l at IKM top soil and a minimum mean value of 0.01mg/l at OTU top soil. PAH increased in concentration at different depths in all locations depicting a redistribution and infiltration of petroleum in the soil. On the contrary, OTU and IKM had very low values of PAH indicating low PAH concentration. Similarly, TPH peak for dry season was obtained at IkM T/B (539mg/l) followed by Orm 1-3 (318.26mg/l). But low levels were observed at ETE 1m and Oru 1-3m. The wet season had huge increase in concentration levels as maximum value of 2094.4mg/l was obtained at IKM T/B depicting crude redistribution aided by flood impact. High trend continued almost in all locations except for ETE 1 and ORU 1-3m. Cation such as Calcium showed increased concentration in the wet season at all locations, while, Na+, Mg2+ and K+ experienced drastic reduction during the wet season depicting dissolution on contact with water. For heavy metals, Arsenic recorded very low value of <0.01mg/l across the entire study area, Nickel had not much seasonal variations except for ETE 1 and ORM 1-3m where slight concentration levels were observed. Lead and Vanadium also behaved in similar manner as Ni2+ because increased levels were only encountered at ETE 1, ORM 1-3m and OTU 0-0.3m. On the contrary, Cadmium increased in levels at all locations in both seasons except for in ETE 1. Results from the control station also showed high values of 8.43mg/l and 4.57mg/l for Nickel and Lead respectively indicating natural existence of heavy metals in the earth which can be enhanced by anthropogenic activities. Deductions from the soil profile show predominance of sandstone across the study area indicative of high infiltration most likely the reason for the high level of crude oil observed in spill impacted samples. Keywords: soils, contamination, crude oil, impacted area DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-5-05 Publication date:July 31st 202

Geostatistical prediction of future volcanic eruption and risk assessment for the Mount Cameroon Volcano.

This study presents a statistical analysis forecasting a possible future volcanic eruption in Mount Cameroon. The study is primarily undertaken to assess the risk, determine the frequency of the successive eruptions and from this, forecast a possible future eruption of the Mount Cameroon volcano. This will assist in future planning and possibly put in place hazard mitigation  strategies that will forestall the loss of lives and property. Results show that the series of Mount Cameroon eruptions are random and independent of time. Also, it is predicted within the limits of any reasonable doubt that the interval for the next major eruption that will emit lava with a volume of about 10million m3 is probably in the year 2022. This extrapolation is in line with the May 28, 2000 eruption barely fourteen months after the March – April 1999 eruption. However, the timing may be earlier or later and the volume may be more or less since the predicted values are approximations.

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR DRINKING AND SANITATION PURPOSES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Water quality assessment research will go on despite the numerous research previously carried out because water quality is not constant and as exploration activities are being carried out around the world, the quality of water depreciates. The school environment represents an important setting and needs to be monitored as the students’ social habits and behaviors are learned at school. Every child has the right to be in a school that offers safe drinking water, healthy sanitation and hygiene education. There is therefore dire need to monitor drinking water quality provided by the school, for potability and sanitation regularly. A total of 40 drinking water samples were collected from 40 different secondary schools (27 day schools and 13 boarding schools), randomly selected within the Port Harcourt Metropolis, and analyzed using standard analytical techniques. To achieve the aim of this research work, an already delineated map of Port Harcourt Metropolis, into 13 zones, by the Survey Department was used. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined to ascertain how safe the water is for direct consumption. Descriptive statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel 2013 Version was adopted to determine parameter concentration trends across the study area. Some of the results obtained are at variance with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for potable water. The pH values ranged from 3.78 – 7.72 with a mean value of 5.75. About 40% of the samples met WHO and SON minimum acceptable limit of 6.5 – 8.5. The reported pH range for 60% of the water samples showed that the drinking water in some secondary schools is acidic and well below the stipulated range of 6.5 – 8.5 for drinking purposes. The implication is that drinking water in most secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis is acidic. All other physico-chemical parameters fall within WHO and SON standard for drinking water except for Magnesium. 67% of the samples had elevated values that ranged from 0.27 – 3.38mg/l, above (up to 12 times) the allowable limit stipulated by WHO and SON. All heavy metals present in the water samples were within the WHO and SON limits, making the water virtually free from dangers to the human body posed by the presence of heavy metals in water. The water samples were also free from total coliform bacteria and faecal coliform bacteria. However, the results showed the presence of total heterotrophic bacteria to a harmful quantity (well above 10cfu/ml which is the allowable limit by SON) in 30% of the water samples. This suggests that drinking water in 30% of the schools is not fit for human consumption. The study recommends installation of treatment plants in every day and boarding secondary schools. This is to facilitate the treatment of drinking water, for acidity and bacteria, before consumption by the students. The acidity can also be treated by introducing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in measured amounts into the water before drinking, while the bacteria can be removed by chlorination. Regular and periodic monitoring of the water quality in secondary schools, by designated authorities, is also urgently recommended

Expanding Hydro-Geotechnical Considerations in Eia Studies: A Case Study of Ogorode – Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Hydro-geotechnical mapping of the study area, which lies within the Sombreiro – Warri deltaic plain in the Niger Delta area, comprised the drilling of representative boreholes as monitoring wells. Three (3) boreholes were sunk in the area with soil and water samples collected for laboratory analyses according to Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and international standards. The physical properties of the soils were determined and used as indices of their infiltration capacity and classification. Water quality analysis was for physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Boreholes logged to the maximum – drilled depth of 10m, revealed fine – grained, high plasticity clay and medium to coarse –grained sands with fines of silt and clay overlying the aquifer. Static water levels were in the range of 1.2 to 2.0m below ground elevation. The aquifer was determined to be confined in one area but was mostly semi - confined (leaky) and this condition may permit gradual infiltration of pollutants into the upper aquifer. Environmental hazards that may occur in the area may include sheet erosion and flooding. It is recommended that the provision of dedicated flow lines will ensure a flood free environment. @ JASE

Expanding Hydro-Geotechnical Considerations in Eia Studies: A Case Study of Ogorode \u2013 Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Hydro-geotechnical mapping of the study area, which lies within the Sombreiro \u2013 Warri deltaic plain in the Niger Delta area, comprised the drilling of representative boreholes as monitoring wells. Three (3) boreholes were sunk in the area with soil and water samples collected for laboratory analyses according to Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and international standards. The physical properties of the soils were determined and used as indices of their infiltration capacity and classification. Water quality analysis was for physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Boreholes logged to the maximum \u2013 drilled depth of 10m, revealed fine \u2013 grained, high plasticity clay and medium to coarse \u2013grained sands with fines of silt and clay overlying the aquifer. Static water levels were in the range of 1.2 to 2.0m below ground elevation. The aquifer was determined to be confined in one area but was mostly semi - confined (leaky) and this condition may permit gradual infiltration of pollutants into the upper aquifer. Environmental hazards that may occur in the area may include sheet erosion and flooding. It is recommended that the provision of dedicated flow lines will ensure a flood free environment. @ JASE

Expanding Hydro-Geotechnical Considerations in Eia Studies: A Case Study of Ogorode – Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Hydro-geotechnical mapping of the study area, which lies within the Sombreiro – Warri deltaic plain in the Niger Delta area, comprised the drilling of representative boreholes as monitoring wells. Three (3) boreholes were sunk in the area with soil and water samples collected for laboratory analyses according to Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and international standards. The physical properties of the soils were determined and used as indices of their infiltration capacity and classification. Water quality analysis was for physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Boreholes logged to the maximum – drilled depth of 10m, revealed fine – grained, high plasticity clay and medium to coarse –grained sands with fines of silt and clay overlying the aquifer. Static water levels were in the range of 1.2 to 2.0m below ground elevation. The aquifer was determined to be confined in one area but was mostly semi - confined (leaky) and this condition may permit gradual infiltration of pollutants into the upper aquifer. Environmental hazards that may occur in the area may include sheet erosion and flooding. It is recommended that the provision of dedicated flow lines will ensure a flood free environment. @ JASE

Lab-grown insect meat - Chemical and biological insights - A comprehensive review

Lab-grown insect meat is a promising alternative to traditional livestock for sustainable food production. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding lab-grown insect meat, emphasizing key aspects such as life cycle assessment, insect cell culture history, technological advancements, and bio-robotics in insect cell culture. Comparisons and challenges between insect and mammalian/avian cell culture methodologies are presented. The nutritional content of edible insects (proximate, amino acid, mineral, and vitamin content) and the potential health benefits of consuming insect meat are discussed. The paper also explores embryonic and adult myogenesis processes in insect cells, as well as the significance of insect body fat and muscle cells in culture. Applications of insect cell culture in various fields, such as food production and pharmaceutical development, are presented. Moreover, the potential occurrence of mutations in lab-grown insect cells is examined. Lastly, the review addresses the drawbacks and limitations of insect labriculture, discussing factors such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and public acceptance. Overall, this comprehensive review provides essential insights into the chemical and biological aspects of lab-grown insect meat, paving the way for further research and development in this emerging field. This article is the first review article reporting the chemical and biological insights of lab-grown insect meat

Lab-grown insect meat ‒ Chemical and biological insights – A comprehensive review

Lab-grown insect meat is a promising alternative to traditional livestock for sustainable food production. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding lab-grown insect meat, emphasizing key aspects such as life cycle assessment, insect cell culture history, technological advancements, and bio-robotics in insect cell culture. Comparisons and challenges between insect and mammalian/avian cell culture methodologies are presented. The nutritional content of edible insects (proximate, amino acid, mineral, and vitamin content) and the potential health benefits of consuming insect meat are discussed. The paper also explores embryonic and adult myogenesis processes in insect cells, as well as the significance of insect body fat and muscle cells in culture. Applications of insect cell culture in various fields, such as food production and pharmaceutical development, are presented. Moreover, the potential occurrence of mutations in lab-grown insect cells is examined. Lastly, the review addresses the drawbacks and limitations of insect labriculture, discussing factors such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and public acceptance. Overall, this comprehensive review provides essential insights into the chemical and biological aspects of lab-grown insect meat, paving the way for further research and development in this emerging field. This article is the first review article reporting the chemical and biological insights of lab-grown insect meat.</p

Edible dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata) as human food – A comprehensive review

The rapid growth of the human population leads to a big concern about the food y and demand worldwide. However, due to the reduction in global arable land area, humans need to find alternative food sources to fulfil their needs. Consequently, edible insects have been identified as a promising solution to ameliorate food security and increase global nutrition. Among more than 2,100 identified edible insect species, dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata) are considered as one of nutritious food resources. Nevertheless, detailed information on the frequency and distribution of consumption of odonatans around the world is scattered and poorly documented. Based on this review, at least 61 out of 1,964 species of odonatans were reported consumed by people worldwide. The most consumed dragonflies (suborder Epiprocta; infraorder Anisoptera) are from the family of Libellulidae, followed by Aeshnidae and Gomphidae, whereas the most consumed edible damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are from the Coenagrionidae family. Many nutrients, including proteins, lipids, energy, fibre, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in edible odonatans. Moreover, studies reported that humans employed these insects as therapeutic agents to remedy various ailments. Challenges associated with the consumption of edible odonatans include safety concerns, legal frameworks, and limited information on their bioecology which become barrier for their successful mass-rearing. However, because entomophagy is gradually gaining recognition, new and more improved methods of rearing are now being developed including for edible odonatans, encouraging sustainable insect farming. As the world strives to achieve the sustainable development goals, insect farming will pave a way for resources to be utilised for sustainable economic development