First report of banana bunchy top virus in banana (Musa spp.) and its eradication in Togo

Open Access Article; Published online: 27 Apr 202

Health risk assessment of instant noodles commonly consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The current study investigated the levels of some heavy metals [Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Aluminium (Al) and Chromium (Cr)] and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in six brands of instant noodles (CFN, GFC, NGP, GAA, CUN and FCS) commonly consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Risks of consumption of contaminated noodles were also assessed. Heavy metals content and PAHs were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Gas Chromatography (GC), respectively. Concentration of heavy metals as Pb, Ni, Cu, Al and Cr were detected while As, Hg and Cd were not detected in noodles. High average concentration (mean ± SD mg/kg) of Pb were observed in brands CFN (3.163 ± 0.21) and GFC (1.022 ± 0.08) which were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than in NGP (0.043 ± 0.15) and GAA (0.276 ± 0.18), although all were above WHO permissible limits (0.025 mg/kg). Target Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index for Pb were >1 in brands CFN and GFC indicating unacceptable risk. Results of PAHs showed brands had total PAHs (mg/kg) in the order: CFN >CUN >GAA >NGP >FCS > GFC. Although Carcinogenic Risks associated with these noodles are within permissible range, consumption of CFN and GFC could pose greater health risk to consumers. Long term consumption of brands CUN, CFN and GAA may have higher probability of carcinogenesis among consumers. We therefore recommend more diligent regulatory policies and monitoring by relevant Government agencies (WHO, NAFDAC, CPC and SON) to ensure wholesome noodles get to consumers

Environmental Policies within the Context of Compensation for Oil Spill Disaster Impacts: A Literature Synthesis

The policies guiding the Nigerian environment, oil and gas production is enormous. Nigeria is a signatory to innumerable international agreements and conventions related to environmental sustainability, climate change, health and safety of its citizens and protection of marine waters, fishes and livelihood structures. The regulations are aimed to reduce the dangers that emanates from industrial activities and safeguard the surroundings and wellbeing. This paper is a review of some instructive environmental policies and guidelines in the Nigerian oil and gas industry in relation to compensation for environmental damages resulted from oil spillages. The literature including journal articles, conference papers, government documents and news papers were reviewed to understand the influence of the established policies on communities affected by oil spills. The study establishes that the policies are laudably pronounced theoretically rather than practically. The policies lack consistency, enforcement and overlaps of mandates which is contradicting and controversial for the affected communities. In addition, the lack of clarity in compensation strategies and transparency in the process calls for a greater attention. The paper recommends that government and the oil and gas industries revisit the existing policies to in-cooperate compensation for damages due to oil spills, or enact a separate law specifically for damages from oil spillages. Also, there should be a clear mandate between agencies for an effective enforcement of the laws