Effect of agro-wastes on Pleurotus ostreatus nutrient and mineral composition was investigated using four substrates; bread fruit (Treculia africana), sterilized sawdust, non- sterilized sawdust and cassava peel. Mushroom grown on bread fruit substrate recorded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the highest moisture content (14.68 %), followed by non-sterilized sawdust (13.97 %) comparable with cassava peel (13.95 %) and sterilized sawdust with least moisture content (13.54 %). Bread fruit substrate recorded the highest ash level (7.94 %) which was comparable with sterilized cassava peel (7.88 %) followed by non-sterilized sawdust (7.75 %) and sterilized sawdust (6.93 %). Also, bread fruit substrate recorded the highest protein content (22.43 %) followed by sterilized cassava peel (21.13 %), non-sterilized sawdust (20.11 %) and sterilized sawdust (19.15 %). The sterilized sawdust recorded the highest fat (3.82 %) comparable to cassava peel (3.75 %), followed by bread fruit substrate (3.40 %) and non-sterilized sawdust (3.34 %). Cassava peel had the highest Vitamin B1 content (2.11 mg/100 g), followed by non-sterilized sawdust (1.64 mg/100 g), breadfruit (1.28 mg/100g) and sterilized sawdust (1.03 mg/100 g). Sterilized sawdust recorded the highest Vitamin C (0.89 mg/100g) comparable (p ≤ 0.05) with cassava peel (0.87 mg/100 g) and there was no significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in the Vitamin C content of breadfruit substrate (0.76 mg/100 g) and non-sterilized sawdust (0.70 mg/100 g). Non-sterilized sawdust significantly (p ≤ 0.05) recorded the highest Iron (Fe) content (8.28 mg/100 g), followed by breadfruit substrate (7.20 mg/100 g) comparable with cassava peel (7.16 mg/100 g) and sterilized sawdust (6.17 mg/100 g). Breadfruit substrate had the highest calcium (Ca) content (24.72 mg/100 g), followed by cassava peel (24.48 mg/100 g) that was comparable with sterilized sawdust (24.44 mg/100 g) and then non-sterilized sawdust (24.27 mg/100 g). Breadfruit substrate in addition gave the highest magnesium (Mg) content (21.69 mg/100 g) followed by sterilized sawdust (21.56 mg/100 g), non-sterilized sawdust (20.20 mg/100 g) and sterilized cassava peel that had the least magnesium (Mg) content (19.76 mg/100 g). In general, the highest nutrient and mineral composition were recorded in breadfruit substrate (moisture, ash, crude protein, Ca and Mg), sterilized sawdust (fat), cassava peel (Vitamin B1), sterilized sawdust (Vitamin C), and non-sterilized sawdust (Fe).

Increasing sawmill industries demand proactive measures in combating ambient air quality in the environment. This research aimed at spatially an alyse ambient air quality in the sawmill environment of Ondo Road, Ile – Ife, Osun state. The study uses Geographic Information System (GIS) to evaluate the particulate matters within buffered zones of sawmill sites in the study area. Both primary and secondary data were used for this research. Primary data employed GNSS observation on existing sawmills and air sample points in the study area. Google Earth Imagery and Base map of the study area were downloaded from Google Earth Pro and Open Street Map respectively for the purpose of secondary data. The research maintained high level of accuracy through instruments check, quality of data acquired and calibrating of device engaged for air monitoring. ArcGIS 10.7.1 and QGIS 3.12 were used for all the geo processing steps. Air sample points were randomly determined within the created buffered zones of below 100m, 101-200m and 201-300m for the selected sawmill sites in the study area. Study discovered the effects of fine particulate matters of 0.3µm remarkably higher in concentration in all buffered zones of different sawmill sites in the study area. Findings established that fine particulate matters of 0.3µm and 0.5µm were the major particles affecting the ambient air quality in the study area and of high health category. While study discovered that coarse particles conformed to established standards with low health category. The result obtained justified geographical variability of ambient air quality in different zones of sawmill sites in the study area with “decreasing linear pattern”. Study recommends formation of community engagement committee for the proper orientation of members of public on how to enhance and protects themselves from the emission of sawmills and stakeholders in environmental agencies should be alive to their responsibilities by majorly engaging in aggressive control of preventing fine particles from becoming airborne in the study area.

Climate change and air pollution are interrelated environmental challenges that significantly impact global public health. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on air pollution and the associated health effects through a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. By synthesizing data from multiple studies, we identified key mechanisms through which climate change exacerbates air pollutant levels, particularly ground-level ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Rising temperatures, reduced precipitation, and altered atmospheric circulation patterns were found to enhance the formation and persistence of these pollutants. Increased wildfire activity, driven by climate change, also contributes to higher PM2.5 concentrations. The health impacts of these changes are profound, with significant increases in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature mortality. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and low-income communities, are disproportionately affected. Regional variations in the impact of climate change on air pollution highlight the need for location-specific strategies to address unique local challenges. Our findings underscore the urgent need for integrated policy responses that address both climate change and air pollution. Effective strategies should focus on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and enhancing air quality monitoring and forecasting systems. Public health interventions must prioritize protecting vulnerable populations through targeted measures such as improving urban planning, promoting clean energy, and enhancing healthcare services. Future research should continue to explore the complex interactions between climate change and air quality, evaluate the efficacy of mitigation and adaptation strategies, and address the distributional impacts to ensure equitable health outcomes. This study provides crucial insights to inform policy decisions and guide future research, aiming to mitigate the adverse health impacts of air pollution exacerbated by climate change and promote healthier, more resilient communities.

In the pursuit of economic progress, pollution has emerged as a formidable challenge, threatening both human health and environmental stability. This study examines the economic analysis of pollution control, emphasizing the crucial need to harmonize development with environmental preservation. Through a thorough exploration of pollution's effects and its wide-ranging impacts on human health and ecosystems, this research highlights the pressing requirement for implementing pollution taxes. These taxes serve as pivotal instruments in addressing the externalities caused by pollution, ensuring that genuine environmental costs influence economic decision-making. The study's findings underscore the significant toll of pollution on human well-being, encompassing various health complications and incurring substantial social and healthcare costs. Furthermore, environmental degradation resulting from pollution significantly impacts economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and overall productivity. This analysis elucidates the intricate relationship between pollution control, economic growth, and sustainable development. It stresses the necessity of integrating pollution control measures into economic policies to foster a more balanced and resilient development trajectory. The research advocates for a holistic approach that integrates economic incentives, stringent regulations, technological advancements, and community involvement to effectively curb pollution. By emphasizing the role of pollution taxes and acknowledging the true costs of environmental degradation, policymakers can pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between economic progress and environmental preservation.

In the Africa Continent, diphtheria remains a pressing public health concern. Despite advancements in healthcare infrastructure and vaccination efforts, several countries continue to report cases and outbreaks, indicating ongoing transmission of the disease. This research aimed at utilizing GIS application in diphtheria outbreak in the Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, Nigeria, with the following objectives: (i) obtain the spatial distribution pattern of the spread of diphtheria outbreak. (ii) determine the area requiring immediate attention and response in the study area. (iii) showcase areas that are vulnerable within the study area. In the pursuance of this both primary data, including geographical coordinates of confirmed diphtheria cases, and secondary data such as recorded cases, population density, vaccination coverage, and transportation networks, the research utilizes ArcGIS for visualization and analysis, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receivers ensured accurate spatial data collection, supplemented by ground truthing of secondary data. The result revealed significant clusters of diphtheria cases in Akesan-Obadore and Ijegun, indicating a higher concentration of infections. The study applied average nearest neighbor analysis, which indicated a dispersed pattern of outbreaks within the LGA. Furthermore, a risk assessment using Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), in identifying the southern parts and Iba ward of Ojo LGA as areas with highest risk. The study recommends to the Lagos State Government to enhance vaccination efforts and improve sanitation infrastructure in these high-risk areas to mitigate the spread of diphtheria.

Air pollution is comprised of a complex mixture of various gases and particulate matter that can be damaging to human health after both short-term and long-term exposure (Bergstra et al., 2018; Sass et al., 2017). This research examined the biopsychosocial impact of exposure to air pollution in a rural community sample using a mixed methods approach. Residents from this rural community engaged a university affiliated environmental health science center to understand and assist with potential health risks associated with a local hemp processing plant. Researchers from the center conducted a mixed methods study that involved in-depth interviews and administration of standardized scales on physical and mental health with seven community residents. Results indicate that there were a range of mild to moderate physical health symptoms and higher than average levels of anxiety/distress. Themes from the interviews included physical health concerns, support from government officials, community support/alienation, impact on relationships, emotional distress, forced relocation and loss, and confounding effect of COVID-19. Implications for community practice to support the biopsychosocial needs of those experiencing environmental exposure or risk are discussed.

Prediction of air quality index for certain locations in Nigeria has been carried out. The data used for this research was gotten from purple air data web site. The locations selected are; University of Ibadan, Edo Broadcasting station, Kogi, Nimet, Benin, Lekki phase1 in Lagos and Space center, Kebbi. Air quality Index was calculated based on PM2.5 data obtained from the purple air website. The other variables obtained are PM10, PM1, Temperature and Humidity. The machine learning algorithms used for modelling are linear regression, support vector machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and regression trees. These algorithms were obtained using R programming language. The results show that for University of Ibadan station. AQI increased towards the end of 2021 up till the end of February 2022. There was a steady decrease in AQI towards the end of May 2022. For Edo Broadcasting station, AQI increased towards the end of 2021 up till the end of February 2022. There was a steady decrease in AQI towards the end of May 2022. There was an increase after May 2022. For Kogi station, AQI increased towards the end of October 2021 up till the end of February 2022. There was a steady decrease in AQI in April 2022. For Lekki phase 1, Lagos station, AQI increased from April 2021 towards the end of December 2021. There was a steady decrease in AQI towards the end of April 2022. For Nimet, Benin station, AQI increased steadily from October 2021 up till the end of February 2022. There was a steady decrease in AQI towards the end of April 2022 and a slight increase in May 2022. For Space center, Kebbi station, AQI decreased steadily from August 2021 up till the end of February 2022. There was a steady increase of AQI in March 2022 and a slight decrease in May 2022. AQI shows that the quality of air in Ibadan was classified as good, Edo broadcasting and Nimet, Benin were unhealthy for sensitive groups while Kogi, Space center Kebbi and Lagos were classified as moderate. Modelling result shows that of all the machine learning model selected for this research work, K-nearest neighbors was found to be the best model for the prediction of AQI across Nigeria. This is because it had the smallest value for the errors. Hence for the prediction of AQI in Nigeria, KNN is recommended.

Pearl millet or bajra [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is one of the most important staple food for lakhs of poor people living in the semi-arid zones of India. Pearl millet is infected by a large number of diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens. Among these, downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet is the most destructive and widespread in India. Considering this, the present study on downy mildew of pearl millet was carried out screening of pearl millet germplasms under field condition against downy mildew disease. Total 95 pearl millet germplasms were evaluated under field conditions against downy mildew during kharif, 2017. Among 95 germplasms, 61 germplasms were found highly resistant, 22 germplasms were found resistant, 12 germplasms were found susceptible and none of germplasm was found highly susceptible.

Treated crude oil exploration water (TCOEW) is a significant byproduct created from petroleum exploration activities and is known to be a complicated synthesis of numerous dangerous chemical materials. This study is designed to evaluate the behavioral and neurotoxic effects of sub-chronic exposure of Wistar rats to treated crude oil exploration water (produced water). Fifty rats were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, with ten rats per group, and treated with five concentrations (1%, 5%, 10% and 20%) of TCOEW. Each TCOEW concentration was administered for 90 days ad-libitum as normal drinking water to each group, while the control group was given tap water. After sub-chronic exposure of 90 days, the behavioral effect of TCOEW was investigated using open field test (novelty-induced behavior), elevated plus maze (anxiety), novelty object recognition test (short-term memory) Morris water maze (spatial memory), and the neurotoxic effects by biochemical and histological assessment of the brain. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α 0.05. TCOEW produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in novelty-induced rearing, grooming, and locomotion. Also, TCOEW reduced the index of open arm entry IOAA in EPM, and time spent exploring the novel object in NORT. TCOEW-exposed groups had significantly higher annulus time and higher annulus crossing in Morri’s water maze. This study provides evidence that the treated crude oil exploration water might contain chemicals, which on chronic exposure, have effect on behavior, learning and memory and anxiety.

This research work determined the concentration of silver (Ag), iron (Fe), colbalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) in fish, sediment and water collected from three sites of River Niger. In the experimental design, the fish samples were collected using cast nets which were thrown by the fisher men and withdrawn by the means of line attached to its opening. The sediment and water samples were collected with bowl and kept inside a metal free stopper bottle. The heavy metal concentrations were then determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS 240 FS). Manganese was not detectable in sediments, water and fish from the Bridgehead site. Iron, Manganese in sediments and water collected from Otuocha were higher when compared to other sites. Silver concentrations were the highest in sediment, water and fish from Bridgehead. Heavy metals studied were detectable in fish, water and sediments samples indicating the river is polluted by these metals.