Assessment of epiphytic algae community as bioindicator of organic pollution: A case study of Orokubu Creek, Bille, Rivers State, Nigeria

Orokubu Creek, Bille, is a tidal estuary and tributary of the Centre of the New Calabar River, Niger Delta receiving organic anthropogenic effluents. The study investigated epiphyton assemblage from July to December 2019. Samples were collected from three stations (Frey-Boko, Oruama-Boko and Okpologio) and preserved. Epiphyton samples were identified microscopically. Phosphate (PO4), Sulphate (SO4) and nitrate (NO3), were analyzed in the laboratory. PO4 recorded (3.39±0.25 mg/L), SO4 (457.34±20.47 mg/L), NO3 (4.33±0.19 mg/L) and total organic carbon (2.46±0.16 mg/L). Phosphate and Sulphate were higher than 0.1 mg/L, and 100 mg/L recommended international standard. A total of 5 families, 28 genera and 70 species of periphyton assemblage were observed [Bacillariophyceae (16.83%), Chlorophyceae (26.85%), Cyanophyceae (22.81%), Pyrrophyceae (27.43%) and Chrysophyceae (6.08%)] at p<0.05. Bioindicator species found were Raphidiopsis Mediterranea, Phormidiaspp, Microcystis aeruginosa, Nitzschia sigma N. lanceolate N. acicularis, Navicularostellata, Cyclotella comta (Bacillariophyceae), Anabaena spiroides, A. planctonica, Lyngbyahieronymusii, (Cyanophyceae) and Gonyaulaxpolyhedra, Gymnodinium catenatum, G. breve, Prorocentrummican, P. reiculatum (Pyrrophyceae). Bacillariophyceae correlated positively with nitrate. High levels of phosphate and nitrate showed the study area is organically polluted. The polluted wastewater contains detergents used in washing clothes, badges, bunker hose, faecal deposit, gas flaring, illegal local refinery ovens waste and decayed organic log woods. The study, therefore, suggests regular monitoring of the surface water and epiphyton community of Orokubu Creek because of the various industries and houses around this creek

Ecological Approaches to Self-Management: The Case of Diabetes

In the Diabetes Initiative of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an ecological perspective helped identify the following key resources and supports for self-management (RSSM): individualized assessment, collaborative goal setting, skills enhancement, follow-up and support, access to resources, and continuity of quality clinical care. These RSSM reflect the grounding of diabetes self-management in the context of social and environmental influences. Research supports the value of each of these key resources and supports. Differences among self-management interventions may be seen as complementary, rather than conflicting, ways of providing RSSM. This way of understanding differences among interventions may aid development of varied programs to reach diverse audiences. In contrast to the “5 A’s” model of key provider services (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange), RSSM articulate self-management from the perspective of individuals’ needs. Both approaches emphasize identification of goals, teaching of skills, and facilitation and reinforcement of the use of those skills

Evolution of an academic–public library partnership

A partnership to improve access to health information via an urban public library system was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2011. A multiyear project was outlined that included an information needs assessment, a training class for public library staff, information kiosks at library branches for delivering printed consumer health materials, and a series of health-related programming. The partnership evolved to include social service and community organizations to carry out project goals and establish a sustainable program that met the health and wellness interests of the community