Analysis of trace metal contamination in Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities

Significant ways to improve the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa State, Nigeria

Contractors’ performance is an important criterion for the success of any construction project, as it is the contractor that converts designs into practical reality. While evidence suggests that there is much need for further improvement particularly in cost, time and quality, in Nigeria contractors’ performance is the subject that requires much research. This paper is to identify the significant ways to improve the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa state, Nigeria. Literature about contractors and their performance was reviewed to identify the ways believed to improve their performance in executing construction projects. Questionnaires distributed to 45 clients, 45 consultants, and 45 medium and large local contractors. The findings show that the respondents agree that the most significant ways to improve medium and large local contractor’s performance are transparent bidding process mechanism, proper selection of construction procurement system, quality control and standard assurance, local contractor patronage by the government and adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in design and construction. This paper offers better performance and expands the pool of knowledge to the Nigerian contractor regarding essential element that is needed to be observed in order to improve their performance

Factors affecting the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa State Nigerian construction industry

Medium and large local contractors in the Nigerian construction industry suffer from numerous problems and complex issues in regards to their performance in executing projects, particularly cost, time and quality. This paper is to identify the factors affecting the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa state Nigerian construction industry. Literature about medium and large local contractors, their performance was reviewed to identify the factors believed to affect their performance in executing construction projects. One hundred thirty-six questionnaires distributed to clients, consultants, medium and large local contractors. The findings indicate that all the respondents agree that the most significant factors affecting the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa state Nigerian construction industry were corruption, the time taken in payment from the client to contractor, additional work given during construction, used of an unskilled labour force and non-adherence to specification. This paper helps to expand the pool of knowledge to the Nigerian contractors regarding essential element that is needed to be observed in order to improve their performance