Assessment of concentration level of some heavy metals and non -metallic ions in dumpsite soils in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

The concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn), pH and non-metallic ions (Cl-, NO3- and SO42-) in soil samples from dumpsites and soil samples from areas without dumpsites (control) in the study area were determined at depth 0-15cm, 45-60cm and 85-100cm.The digestion of samples was done using concentrated nitric acid. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and titration methods were used to determine heavy metals and non-metallic ions respectively. At depth 0-15cm, heavy metal concentration in the dumpsite soil in both seasons were; Fe (19.8911 and 21.8488 mg/g), Cd (0.0012 and 0.0017 mg/g), Cr (0.7610 and 0.2285 mg/g), Cu (0.3657 and 0.1259 mg/g), Pb (0.5063 and 0.9991 mg/g), Mn (6.3547 and 3.446 mg/g), Ni (0.2549 and 0.1247 mg/g), Zn (1.2057 and 3.2462 mg/g). In both seasons control Fe (18.0275 and 14.5668 mg/g), Cd (0.0078 and 0.0000 mg/g), Cr (0.1768 and 0.2643 mg/g), Cu (0.0308 and 0.0528 mg/g), Pb (0.0201 and 0.3776 mg/g), Mn (0.0824 and 0.1163 mg/g), Ni (0.0256 and 0.0000 mg/g), Zn (0.0695 and 0.8055 mg/g). Heavy metal contents for soil samples across the profile depth at 0-15cm, 45-60cm and 85-100cm were also significantly higher at P<0.05 from top down wards as well as between soil and control. Assessed parameters for dumpsite soil samples at depth 0-15cm, 45-60cm and 85-100cm all exceeded the WHO international standards in both seasons. It is therefore concluded that the waste dumpsites have negative impact on the quality of soil the study area. As such, there is need for government to overhaul her approach towards management of waste dumpsites and also to develop better waste management practices with regard to municipal solid waste management to mitigate soil pollution and its attendant implications in the FCT.Keywords: Soil Pollution, Waste dumpsite, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Developmen

Evaluating the Problems of Population Resettlement from the Construction of Shiroro Hydropower Project, Nigeria

This study focused on the evaluation on the problems of population Resettlement from the construction of Shiroro Hydropower Project, Nigeria. Two villages (Zumba and GaladimaKogo) directly affected, were selected for the household questionnaire survey and interview schedule. The results indicates that environmental problems such as deforestation, erosion, land degradation and flooding as major problems affecting the livelihood of the communities in the study area were identified. The presence of the lake increased the rate and incidence of water-related diseases such as malaria, Cholera, river blindness and bilharzias. With respect to resettlement only 46% of the populations were compensated, the remaining 54% are yet to be compensated 24 years after the dam commenced operation. Conclusively, the people were only evacuated and displaced from their ancestral homes without been properly resettled and compensated for their social, economic and material loses. It is recommended that dam operators and regulatory authorities meet up their commitments to properly resettle and compensate the affected communities

An Investigation of the Socio-Economic Implications of the Violation of Land Use Laws in Kpakungu Area of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Over the years, there has been a rapid increase in population of people and socio-economic activities at kpakungu. The major reasons for this increase have been ascribed to the number of investments and socio-economic activities which have culminated in increased and deplorable living conditions. The residents, who are in desperate need of shelter to provide accommodation, tend to develop properties without taking account of the land use planning pattern or zoning regulation, thereby building properties that are not in conformity with the planning regulations. This study is aimed at investigation of the Socio-economic Implications of the Violation of Land Use Laws in Kpakungu Area of Minna and the state and rate of compliance with these laws. Questionnaire administration, Personal interview and field analysis were utilised. The results indicate that the population growth and socio-economic activities in Kpakungu have led to over stretching of facilities which encouraged over-crowding in the area and attendant consequences such as the growth of slums due to lack of plan and alteration to Minna city Master Plan. Therefore, State Government should review the laws enacted ensuring that households abide by such laws and set a fine for non-compliance with the laws. There is also the need to establish a housing policy to provide sufficient and affordable housing for the lower income group so that illegal sub-divisions on buildings for residential purposes can be eliminated

Proximate and mineral composition of Jatropha curcas leaves

The proximate and mineral composition of jatropha curcas leaves were evaluated in dry sample to determine the Ash, carbohydrate, crude lipid, crude fiber, crude protein and mineral contents using standard method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The result showed that jatropha curcas leaves contained (12.0±1.00%) Ash, (61.94±5.56%) carbohydrate, (7.00±0.43%) Fat, (16.5±0.1%) fibre, (2.56±0.23%) protein, (4.33±0.28%) moisture in dry sample respectively. The result also revealed that the concentration of potassium is (18.60±1.19mg/100g) sodium (11.50±0.39mg/ 100g), magnesium (58.17 ± 2.04mg/100g), cupper (4.23±0.12mg/ 100g), iron (2.85±0.04mg/100g) and calcium (93.42±0.48mg/100g) respectively which are the major minerals present in the sample. This indicated that Jatropha curcas leaves could serve as an alternative source of food for animal and human after quality processing.Keywords: Carbohydrate, Crude Protein, Jatropha curcas leaves, Mineral, Moisture Analysi

Rainfall variability and the impact on maize and rice yields in north – central Nigeria

Rainfall variability in terms of amount, distribution (spatial, seasonal and diurnal), intensity and frequency of rainy days influence crop production and yield. This paper examined rainfall temporal trend inter-annual and spatial distribution and the implication of mean annual rainfall on maize and rice yield in North – Central Geopolitical Region of Nigeria. Daily rainfall records of thirty years period (1987 – 2016) at six stations in the region, namely; Abuja, Ilorin, Jos, Lokoja, Makurdi and Minna were obtained from the archive of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Abuja and maize and rice yield for the period 1994 – 2016 obtained from the Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria were used for the study. The rainfall data were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive analysis. Mann-Kendal test and Kriging method were used for the spatio–temporal rainfall distribution while the impact of rainfall amount on maize and rice yields was investigated using regression analysis. The annual rainfall amount experienced in study area was between 1100 mm and 1700 mm. Out of the six stations studied; only Abuja indicated statistically significant increased trend while the other five stations in the region showed no significant trend. Rainfall distribution in the region is largely influence by the Jos Plateau rather than Latitudes or Longitude. Generally, rainfall influences maize and rice yield positively but at varying degree from station to stationKeywords: Rainfall variability, Trend, Distribution, Impac

HCFC 22 as a replacement for CFC 12

This paper discusses the theoretical differences in performance between using R-12 and R-22 resulting from changes in thermodynamic properties. It also assesses the potential for using R-22 as a replacement for R-12 by considering a case study of an R-12 reciprocating air-conditioning unit conversion to an R-22 unit.

Statistical Analysis of Trend in Extreme Rainfall and Temperature Events in Parts of North Central States, Nigeria

The study investigated trend in extreme rainfall and temperature indices using thirty (30) years daily climatic data from Climatic Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) for Five stations in the North Central States of Nigeria. Nine (9) extreme rainfall and Five (5) extreme temperature indices developed by Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) were generated using the RClimDex Software. Mann-Kendall, a non-parametric test was used for trend detection while Theil-Sen slope estimator approach was used to examine the magnitude of trend change in the derived indices. Result showed mixed trends of significant and insignificant in the selected extreme indices across the stations. The extreme rainfall indices of Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) and Maximum 1-day rainfall (R1D) showed steady increase across the stations during the study period while the indices of Consecutive Wet Days (CWD) and Number of heavy rainfall days (R10) showed constant decreasing trend across the stations. Further result showed decreasing trend for the extreme temperature indices of Monthly minimum value of daily minimum temperature (TNn) and Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) across the study area while the other variables showed mixed trend during the same period. The study established that the fluctuating trends in the variables are conceivable indicator of climate change in the study areas. The study recommended that future climate change adaptation strategies should take into account the observed and projected changes in the extremes. Keywords: Trend, Extreme Climatic Indices, North Central States, Nigeri

Landuse Landcover Dynamics and Sustainability of Wetland Downstream of the Hydroelectric Dams, Niger State, Nigeria

The concentration of human settlement and socio-economic activities across wetland ecosystems has continued to intensify land use land cover (LULC) changes thereby, aggravating its exposure, susceptibility to flood hazard which have continued to threaten rural livelihood. Gurmana, Akare, Ketso and Nupeko in Shiroro, Wushishi, Mokwa and Lavun local government areas (LGAs) respectively were sampled for the research. These locations are the most vulnerable communities downstream of the hydroelectric dams. Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) 2006, Landsat- 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) –2016 optical imageries and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) were analysed and imported into geospatial database for integration. Change detection affirmed vegetation degradation across the study area between 2006 and 2016. Vegetation cover and surface water declined while bare ground, built-up areas and agricultural lands increased. Similarly NDVI of 2006 and 2016 shows vegetation degradation in response to increase in built-up and agriculture earlier observed. The DEM map signals high vulnerability risk levels to the downstream communities. The suitability map showed that large proportion of the wetland agriculture is threatened. It is suggested that geospatial information can be incorporated with climatic data for developing proactive strategies that will enhance community capacity to live sustainably with risk through adaptation and management techniques. Keywords: Ecosystem, Economic diversification, Vulnerability, Proactive Strategies and Sustainabilit