Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment and periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscastus) samples harvested from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Heavy metal pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments in Niger-delta region of Nigeria is on the increase due to increased urbanization and crude oil exploration. Tympanotonus fuscastus are mud dwellers and could bioaccumulate heavy metals; therefore consumption of heavy metal contaminated sea foods like periwinkle may breed lots of health problems. Heavy metal concentration in water, sediment and Periwinkle samples from three locations (Itu-River, Abuloma River and Oron River) in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria were evaluated using atomic absorption flame photometry. Result showed that cadmium (Cd) concentration was highest in water samples from Abuloma River (0.106 mg/l) while lead (Pb) concentration was highest (0.01mg/l) in the water samples from Itu River. Cd and Pb concentrations (0.127 and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively) in sediment samples were highest in Abuloma River. The concentration of Cd in T. fuscastus samples was 0.11 mg/kg in Abuloma River, while concentration was 0.27 mg/kg in Oron River. Copper (Cu) was generally low in the water samples; the highest concentration (0.011 mg/kg) was obtained in water samples from Oron River. Sediment concentration of Cu was high (0.088 mg/kg) in Itu River, while its concentration in the periwinkle samples was 0.54 mg/kg in Abuloma River. The results also showed that Cr, As and Hg were below detectable concentration in tissues, soil and water samples from Itu and Abuloma Rivers, while Hg concentration in Oron River sediment was 64.2 mg/kg.Key words: Sea foods, heavy metals, pollution, environment, nutrition, bioaccumulatio

Quantification of Heavy Metal Levels in Some Locally Produced Rice (Oryza Sativa) from the South-East and South-South Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria

The contamination of our foods with heavy metals has predisposed humans and even animals to heavy metal toxicity which is of public health importance. These findings have drawn the interest of biochemist, nutritionist, health workers and researchers all over the world. Rice is one of the most widely consumed staples in Nigeria. This study investigated the concentration of heavy metals in locally produced rice from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of ten (10) samples were collected from various locations in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones and five (5) heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Hg) were analyzed from each samples. The result showed that of Cr and Pb concentrations ranged from 0.019-0.282mg/kg and 0.000-1.722mg/kg respectively. The average mean for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) concentrations were 0.060 and 0.777mg/kg respectively. Mercury, chromium and arsenic were below detectable concentration of <0.001mg/kg. To assess the safety of dietary intake, weekly intake of heavy metals contaminated rice, was calculated based on the intake of a typical 60kg body weight Nigerian. The result indicated that weekly intake of heavy metals from rice was above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by FAO/WHO and USNAS (United States National Academy of sciences). This study also showed that Cr and Pb concentration were high and frequent consumption of these rice samples may lead to bioaccumulation of these metals in our body which may lead to serious health implications. Keyword: heavy metal, rice, toxicity, health, tolerable weekly intake

Quantification of Heavy Metal Levels in Some Locally Produced Rice (Oryza Sativa) From the South-East And South-South Geopolitical Zones Of Nigeria

The contamination of our foods with heavy metals has predisposed humans and even animals to heavy metal toxicity which is of public health importance. These findings have drawn the interest of biochemist, nutritionist, health workers and researchers all over the world. Rice is one of the most widely consumed staples in Nigeria. This study investigated the concentration of heavy metals in locally produced rice from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A total of ten (10) samples were collected from various locations in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones and five (5) heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Hg) were analyzed from each samples. The result showed that of Cr and Pb concentrations ranged from 0.019-0.282mg/kg and 0.000-1.722mg/kg respectively. The average mean for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) concentrations were 0.060 and 0.777mg/kg respectively. Mercury, chromium and arsenic were below detectable concentration of <0.001mg/kg. To assess the safety of dietary intake, weekly intake of heavy metals contaminated rice, was calculated based on the intake of a typical 60kg body weight Nigerian. The result indicated that weekly intake of heavy metals from rice was above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by FAO/WHO and USNAS (United States National Academy of sciences). This study also showed that Cr and Pb concentration were high and frequent consumption of these rice samples may lead to bioaccumulation of these metals in our body which may lead to serious health implications. Keyword: heavy metal, rice, toxicity, health, tolerable weekly intake

Quantification of Heavy Metals in Some Locally Produced Rice (Oryza Sativa) from the Northern Region of Nigeria.

Rice is one of the major staples grown in the northern parts of Nigeria. It has earned itself an important position of a commomly consumed staple by the national populace. Consumption of rice contaminated with heavy metals can pre-dispose individuals to serious health complications. This study determined the levels of some heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Pb and Hg) in locally produced rice samples from the northern region of Nigeria. Ten rice samples were obtained from various locations in Benue, Borno, Kaduna and Nasarawa states. The results showed that lead (Pb) ranged from 0.311 – 0.525 mg/kg in the samples. Average lead (Pb) concentration was 0.260 mg/kg. However, Cd, Cr, As and Hg were not detectable at 0.001mg/kg. A calculation of weekly intake of rice by an average Nigerian revealed that weekly consumption of lead (Pb) in this locally produced rice exceeded the 0.025mg/kg WHO/FAO (2002; 2001) provisional tolerable weekly intake of lead (Pb). This is of public health importance as individuals who consume this locally produced rice are at greater risk of lead (Pb) toxicity.                                                                                                                      Key words: heavy metals, contamination, food, health, toxicity, rice

The impact of energy consumption and economic growth on carbon dioxide emissions.

This study explored the effect of energy consumption and economic growth on CO2 emissions. The relationship between energy consumption, economic growth and CO2 emissions was assessed using regression analysis (the pooled OLS regression and fixed effects methods), Granger causality and panel cointegration tests. Data from 70 countries between 1994–2013 were analysed. The result of the Granger causality tests revealed that the study variables (population, capital stock and economic growth) have a bi-directional causal relationship with CO2 emissions, while energy consumption has a uni-directional relationship. Likewise, the outcome of the cointegration tests established that a long-run relationship exists among the study variables (energy consumption and economic growth) with CO2 emissions. However, the pooled OLS and fixed methods both showed that energy consumption and economic growth have a significant positive impact on CO2 emissions. Hence, this study supports the need for a global transition to a low carbon economy primarily through climate finance, which refers to local, national, or transnational financing, that may be drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing. This will help foster large-scale investments in clean energy, that are required to significantly reduce CO2 emissions

Nutritional status, lifestyle and knowledge of predisposing factors on hyperlipedemia among outpatients in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Nigeria

The growing trend of hyperlipidemia in most developing countries has resulted largely from changes in lifestyle, diet and lack of adequate exercise which have led to decreased life expectancy and burden of cardiovascular diseases. A purposive sample size of 206 out patients was selected for this study after obtaining their due consents. Out of these, 108 (52.84%) were female and 98 (47.6%) males. Validated structured questionnaires were administered to collect basic socio-economic data from the respondents. Information obtained include drinking habits, medical history, and dietary habits. Data were presented by using descriptive statistics: frequencies and percentages. The anthropometric variables (weight and height) were analysed by using mean and standard deviation tools. Body mass index (BMI) was determined using the weight and height measurements. About 39.8% of respondents were within the age bracket (29-39 years), 25.7% had family history of diabetes mellitus, 25.2% hypertension and 11.7% had hypercholesterolemia. More than half (66.5%) of the respondents consumed alcoholic drinks. About 65.1% of the alcoholics, drink 1-3 times weekly and 46.1% took alcohol 4-6 times weekly while 14.5% drink daily. Some respondents who consumed groundnut, banana with groundnut, biscuit, buns, bread, meat pies, cakes or chicken pies with malt, juice or soft drink were 63.5%. Less than half (40.2%) of the respondents were overweight and about 37.4% of them were obese. About 45.6% of the respondents had a fair knowledge of hyperlipidemia, 40.3% had poor knowledge while 14.1% had a good knowledge. This study showed a strong evidence of poor knowledge of hyperlipidemia among out-patients attending Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), which may have influenced their lifestyle, dietary habit and subsequently their nutritional/health status.Keywords: Hyperlipidemia, nutritional status, diet, diabetes, cardiovascular disease

Quantification of Heavy Metals in Some Locally Produced Rice (Oryza Sativa) from the Northern Region of Nigeria

Rice is one of the major staples grown in the northern parts of Nigeria. It has earned itself an important position of a commomly consumed staple by the national populace. Consumption of rice contaminated with heavy metals can pre-dispose individuals to serious health complications. This study determined the levels of some heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Pb and Hg) in locally produced rice samples from the northern region of Nigeria. Ten rice samples were obtained from various locations in Benue, Borno, Kaduna and Nasarawa states. The results showed that lead (Pb) ranged from 0.311 – 0.525 mg/kg in the samples. Average lead (Pb) concentration was 0.260 mg/kg. However, Cd, Cr, As and Hg were not detectable at 0.001mg/kg. A calculation of weekly intake of rice by an average Nigerian revealed that weekly consumption of lead (Pb) in this locally produced rice exceeded the 0.025mg/kg WHO/FAO (2002; 2001) provisional tolerable weekly intake of lead (Pb). This is of public health importance as individuals who consume this locally produced rice are at greater risk of lead (Pb) toxicity.                                                                                                                      Keywords: heavy metals, contamination, food, health, toxicity, rice

Oxidative stress and superoxide dismutase activity in brain of rats fed with diet containing permethrin

Many pesticides have been reported to cause a lot of health problems in workers, users and non-target organisms in the environment. Permethrin containing insect pesticide has been reported to be toxic to non-target organisms. However, the underlying mechanism involved inthe toxicity is not well understood. The present study was envisaged to investigate the possible role of oxidative stress in permethrin neurotoxicity and to evaluate the protective effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in brain homogenates of Wistar rats. Oxidative stress measured as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) was found to significantly increase (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups compared with their parallel controls. Concomitantly, the activity of SOD was found to decrease or increase significantly (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups compared with their controls. Our result also showed that activity of SOD was aged and concentration dependent. Hence, the newly weaned ratsappear to be more susceptible to the pesticide contaminated diet because the SOD activity decreased more in the brain homogenates compared with the middle aged rats or aged rats. Observed aggressive behaviour was noticed in the pesticide exposed rats, hence a possibleneurobehavioral effect. The result demonstrated that the pyrethroid insect powder exerts its toxic effect by promoting oxidative stress in the brain and this may affect normal brain functioning and growth

Polyethersulfone 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-Silica Composite Hollow Fiber Membrane For Synthetic Oil-In-Water Emulsion Separation

Membrane fouling effect by oil is a critical issue in wastewater applications. Fouling can be mitigated by functionalizing the membrane with enhanced hydrophilic properties. Although, previous research have concluded that an increase in surface hydrophilicity is a feasible mechanism for fouling mitigation, other parameters such as membrane roughness and morphology may contribute as well. In this work, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified silica (APTES-SiO2) particle was synthesized via one pot reaction modification. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was used to prepare the PES composite HF membranes via dry-wet spinning process. The result shows that the ratio of polyethylene glycol to APTES-SiO2 particles must be equal to 1 or more than unity to ensure better dispersion of APTES-SiO2 in the PES matrix as well as improved performance. The optimum dope formulation obtained was subsequently used to develop PES/APTES-SiO2 composite membrane by varying ethanol fraction the bore fluid composition. In terms of bore fluid composition, HF membrane spun with 25/75 wt.% of ethanol shows a better surface morphology and improved permeation properties. Membrane properties were studied in terms of pore size, porosity, roughness, hydrophilicity, mechanical and thermal properties. The SEM images of the HF membranes shows that the particles have been successfully incorporated in the membrane matrix and well dispersed. The surface roughness of all composite membranes were lower as compared to the controlled membrane. The PES/APTES-SiO2 composite membrane show an improved hydrophilicity, permeability and anti-fouling effects when tested for wastewater applications. The rejection performance of PES/APTES-SiO2 composite membrane during filtration of synthetic oil in water shows that the incorporation of 2.5 wt.% of APTES-SiO2 was able to remove 99.87 of oil as compared to only 97.23 for pristine membrane. It was found that the composite membranes had low relative flux reduction, superior flux recovery ratio and fouling resistance as compared to the controlled which can be as a result of the decrease in surface roughness, pore structure and well dispersed APTES-SiO2 particles on the membrane surface. To get more details on the performance of the composite membrane, different operating conditions such as transmembrane pressure, feed concentration, and feed flow rates were also investigated. The intermediate block model was identified as the most critical factor that contributed to membrane fouling. This work demonstrated that by functionalizing SiO2 surface with APTES, HF membranes with low surface roughness and anti-fouling properties can be achieved for effective removal of oil from synthetic oil-in-water emulsion

Preliminary investigation into the possible endocrine disrupting activity of Bonny light crude oil contaminated - diet on Wistar albino rats

Many chemicals have recently been demonstrated to be Endocrine-disrupting compounds and may potential interfere with normal reproductive processes. In this study, we quantified the effect of Bonnylight crude oil contaminated diet on Wister albino rats. Forty-five rats (twenty male and twenty five females) were expose to Bonny –light crude oil contaminated diet at concentrations of 1%, 5% and 10%(w/w). Throughout the experiment, we observed 20 % reduction in fecundity in the 1% experimental group but in 5% experimental group, it was observed that there was a 45% reduction in fecundity whencompared with parallel control group. However, the 10% group did not liter at all. There was a significant increase (