Auto-mechanic Workshops Research Articles

Environmental Impact of Automobile Wastes on Surface Water Quality in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe negative impact of operations in informal auto mechanic workshops is a major public health concern, and its effect on surface water pollution cannot be overlooked. This current work evaluates the environmental impact of automobile waste on surface water quality in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 108 surface water samples were taken in 2022 and 2023 from Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo streams, and WHO as controls using standard analytical methods. Data sets were analyzed using Fisher's Significance Least Difference (F‐LSD) at the 0.05 probability level. The study showed that surface water appearance was slightly brown, and the observed upstream is acidic in nature, the midstream is alkaline, and the downstream is natural. Water samples from Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo streams were observed to be hard since their concentration levels were above the WHO standard. Furthermore, the high concentrations of heavy metals (Pb and Mn) as well as the oil and grease content indicate that the surface water in the area of study is polluted and its overall quality is degraded. The study therefore concluded that automobile waste had a negative influence on the surface water quality in the study area. Based on these new findings, it is recommended that automobile waste be properly treated and disposed of to avoid their adverse effects on surface water quality. In addition, given the uncontrolled development of these informal auto workshops across the nation in recent years, there is a need for the execution of environmental standards connected to automobile service activities.

Potentially toxic elements concentration and distribution in soils around artisan workshops in Ago-Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria

Background/IntroductionAnthropogenic activities, including those carried out by artisans, have been confirmed to be one of the various means by which potentially toxic elements (PTE) are introduced into the soil. This study aims to determine the PTE concentration and distribution in soils around artisans workshops in Ago-Iwoye, southwestern Nigeria. MethodsTwenty (20) soil samples comprising ten (10) samples from soil around auto-mechanic workshops, six (6) from soils around vulcanizer workshops and four (4) from soils around welder workshops were collected and analyzed for elemental concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). ResultsElemental analysis revealed the following trend for selected metals in auto-mechanic, vulcanizing and welding workshops, respectively: Ba (60–100, 100–200 and 130–590 mg.kg−1); Co (10–47, 8–19 and 15–37 mg.kg−1); Cr (29–161, 22–95 and 57–272 mg.kg−1); Cu (28–123, 16–100 and 88–486 mg.kg−1); Ni (11–33, 7–29 and 34–112 mg.kg−1); Pb (17–75, 12–77 and 36–677 mg.kg−1); Sc (2–16, 1–7 and 2–8 mg.kg−1); Sr (13–55, 17–72 and 33–91 mg.kg−1); V (35–212, 20–117 and 40–103 mg.kg−1) and Zn (82–684, 70–548 and 314–3240 mg.kg−1). Geochemical assessment using contamination factor, and geo-accumulation index showed that the artisanal workshops exhibited significant contamination levels for metals such as Ba, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn and the contamination level varied across the artisan workshops with soils around welders workshops showing highest contamination. ConclusionContamination indices revealed the artisan workshops have varying contribution to the metal load in the area and Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicated a decline in soil quality across all artisanal workshops with welding workshops revealing the highest anthropogenic contribution of PTE to the soil.

Spatial variability of heavy metals concentrations in soil of auto-mechanic workshop clusters in Nsukka, Nigeria

The indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oils and other hazardous waste at auto mechanic workshops clusters in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria is an environmental concern. This study examines the concentration of heavy metals in the soil inside the workshop cluster and in the unpolluted soil outside the workshop cluster at approximately 100 m. Ten sampling points were randomly selected from within the cluster and another ten from outside the cluster. Using a hand-held Global Positioning System, the coordinates of the selected points were established and used to create a digital map. Soil samples at depths of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm, were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, As and Cd using Spectrophotometer. Moisture content determination and particle size analysis were also done on the samples. Spatial variability of heavy metals concentrations of the studied site was also mapped with ArcGIS 10.2.2 using interpolation methods. Results showed that the soil ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Cadmium and Zinc had the lowest and highest concentration, respectively, in the studied area. Comparing the concentrations of heavy metals in soils within and outside the auto mechanic cluster revealed notable differences across various depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm). The analysis results for soil samples within the cluster exhibited concentration levels (mg/kg) ranging from 0.716–0.751 (Cu), 2.981–3.327 (Fe), 23.464–30.113 (Zn), 1.115–1.21 (Pb), 2.6–2.912 (As), and 0.133–0.365 (Cd) demonstrating a variation pattern in the order of Zn > Fe > As > Pb > Cu > Cd. Conversely, for soil samples outside the cluster, concentration levels (mg/kg) ranged from 0.611–0.618 (Cu), 2.233–2.516 (Fe), 12.841–15.736 (Zn), 0.887–0.903 (Pb), 1.669–1.911 (As), and 0.091–0.091 (Cd). To assess the disparity in heavy metal concentration levels between samples collected within and outside the clusters, ANOVA test was performed. The test showed significant difference in heavy metal concentrations between samples within and outside the auto mechanic cluster (p < 0.05), implying auto mechanic activities significantly impact heavy metal levels within the cluster compared to outside areas. The assessment of soil pollution utilized indices including the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination factor (Cf), and anthropogenic metal concentration (QoC). Zinc, Cadmium, and Arsenic showed the highest contamination factors, indicating significant soil contamination likely due to anthropogenic activities. The concentrations of the metals analyzed were within WHO permissible limits while the metals concentrations were also observed to decrease as depth was increased. Using ArcGIS 10.2.2, spatial maps showing heavy metal distribution were developed, with the Kriging method proving superior. This study suggests that heavy metal levels in the soil at the area be monitored on a regular basis.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) Levels in Treated Spent Engine Oil Contaminated Soil from Automechanic Workshop Site in Wukari, Nigeria

Spent engine oil contaminated soil samples were collected and divided into three portions along with uncontaminated soil sample collected 10 meters away from the contaminated site. Two of the contaminated soil samples were treated with 0.5M NaOH and heat at 2500C respectively. All the samples were extracted with appropriate solvents using sonication, cleaned up and then analyzed with gas chromatograph coupled to flame ionization detector. The results show that total PAHs concentration of contaminated soil sample was 333.6820 mg/kg, contaminated soil sample treated with 0.5M NaOH, 104.8540 mg/kg, contaminated soil sample treated with heat at 2500C was 180.0905 mg/kg and the uncontaminated soil sample, 0.7084 mg/kg. The results showed that Wukari mechanic village is contaminated with PAHs through indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil. Furthermore, treatment with 0.5M NaOH was a more effective means of remediation relative to treatment with heat at 250oC for two hours. The study will be an appropriate guide for the artisans following enlightenment about the possible threat that contact with PAH contaminated soils could have on their health.

Effect of Agro-Waste on Bioremediation of Soil Polluted with Spent Hydrocarbon in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Petroleum hydrocarbon is a major environmental pollutant throughout the world. This study was aimed at the effect of agro-wastes on bioremediation of soil polluted with spent hydrocarbon in Keffi. Hydrocarbon contaminated soils were collected from three (3) different auto mechanic workshops in Keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria. The agro wastes used as stimulants were corncobs, fruits peels and melon shells. The hydrocarbon utilization was determined using gravimetric analysis. The hydrocarbon utilization bacteria were isolated and identified using standard microbiological method. The hydrogen ions (pH) of the contaminated soil sample were 4.5. pH of corncobs (CB) was 6.2, melon shells (MS) was 5.6 and fruits peels (FP) was 7.6. The value of total nitrogen for contaminated soil was 0.45 %, when amended with CB was 6.2%, MS was 1.26% and FP was 3.56%. Organic carbon in contaminated soil prior to study was 5.80 %, when amended with CB was 9.03%, MS was 7.55% and FP was 10.12%. The Phosphorous in contaminated soil was 8.41 mg/kg, when amended with CB was 13.40 mg/kg, MS was11.82mg/kg and FP was 15.61 mg/kg. Effect of time in reduction of hydrocarbon from contaminated soil amended with CB recorded highest after 40days (44.98 mg/kg) and the least (10.31 mg/kg) after 10days. Contaminated soil amended with CB the highest reduction was at 30 ℃ (48.92 mg/kg) and the least was at 35℃ (19.21mg/kg). From FP the highest reduction was at 30℃ (48.04 mg/kg). The highest degrading bacteria count was recorded from Keffi garage mechanic workshop (4.04 x106 cfu g/ml) and the lowest was from pyanko road mechanic workshop (1.18 x106 cfu g/ml). The highest bacteria isolated from none amended contaminated soil was Flavobacterium sp (33.3 %) and the lowest was Bacillus subtilis and Proteus sp (33.3%). From amended soil with CB the highest were Corynebacteria spp and Flavobacterium sp (100%) and the lowest were Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas flourescens, and Proteus sp (66.6%). From contaminated soil amended with MS the highest bacteria isolated were Flavobacterium sp and Corynebacteria sp (33.3%) and the lowest were Pseudomonas flourescens and Proteus sp (33.3 %). From contaminated soil amended with FP the highest bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas flourescens and Proteus sp (100%) and the lowest were Bacillus subtilis, Flavobacterium sp and Corynebacteria sp (66.6%). It is recommended that the environmental agencies in the country give consideration to agricultural waste products for bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted soil in Nigeria

Source apportionment of polychlorinated biphenyls in surface water and sediments from River Otamiri, Imo State

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of toxic, long-lasting substances that have a high propensity to accumulate in the environment as organic pollutants which can cause potential risk to the environment. In this regard, the concentration and sources of PCBs in the surface water and sediment of River Otamiri in Imo State was investigated. This study collected surface water and sediment samples from River Otamiri at four sampling points. It was analyzed for PCBs concentration using an Agilent 7890A gas chromatograph coupled to an Agilent 5975C mass selective detector. Twenty-eight PCB congeners were detected in the water and sediment samples. Also, the PCB congeners' descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) in the studied matrices were reported. The concentration of PCB congeners for the surface water and sediment ranged from 622.87–935.84 ng L−1 and 1621.03–2748.17 μg kg−1 respectively. The concentration of PCB congeners in the studied matrices revealed that PCB-118 had the highest concentration, while the lowest concentration was recorded in PCB-157. Statistical methods were used to identify the source of the pollutant in the studied matrices. Pearson's correlation coefficient for PCBs in sediment and surface water samples was calculated, and the results revealed that all the sampling points showed a strong and positive correlation with each other, indicating a similar origin/source. Based on this study's findings from principal component analysis (PCA), the origin/source of the pollutant was similar and was attributed to geogenic factors such as the leaching of soils from waste dumpsites and auto-mechanic workshops around the River Otamiri. In addition, ANOVA of PCBs in the surface water and sediments revealed a p-value less than 0.05 in all the studied matrices. The study's findings suggest that using statistical methods can give a scientific basis for monitoring and determining the source of polychlorinated biphenyls in surface water and sediments. In conclusion, government agencies are to develop environmental policies and framework that will guide and protect the environment from organic pollutants (PCBs) that will pose risk to the surface water and sediments of rivers.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soil and air particulate matter of automobile hub environments in Kumasi, Ghana

Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled industrial activities in developing countries have raised concerns about potentially toxic metal contamination of the environment. This study assessed the levels of potentially toxic elements in soil and airborne particulate matter in the Suame and Asafo areas in the Kumasi metropolis, characterized by a high concentration of auto mechanic workshops and residential settlements. X-ray fluorescence analysis and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to determine the metal concentrations in the samples. The results showed high concentrations of potentially toxic elements in the soil and air samples, indicating contamination from automotive activities. Metals such as Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were found to be present at concentrations (13.42–6101.58 mg/kg and 14.15–11.74 mg/kg for Suame and Asafo respectively) that pose potential health risks to exposed populations. Mathematical models such as pollution indices were used to assess the extent of contamination and determine the potential sources of the metals - the automotive repairs. The findings highlight the urgent need for environmental management and remediation strategies to mitigate the health risks of exposure to potentially toxic elements in the Kumasi metropolis automotive hub.

Evaluation of heavy metals in soil from automobile mechanic Village Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a worldwide environmental problem. Some heavy metals pollutants are released from the activities in the auto-mechanic workshops and have various effects on human health as well as the environment. It is important to determine the presence and concentration level of the heavy metals in the soil. This research was aimed to determine the level of some selected heavy metals and physicochemical parameters of the soil sample. The soil samples were digested with nitric and hydrochloric acid and heavy metals were analyzed from digested samples using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results of the atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis of soil samples revealed that sample is contaminated with Ni, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu with concentrations level (mg/kg) range between (0.75 - 5.55), (0.30 - 0.40), (1.00 -1.42) (0.80 - 1.30) and (0.05 - 0.60), respectively. Other metals such as As, Cd, Cr also contaminated the soil with concentrations (mg/kg) ranged between (0.12-0.76), (0.13-01.13) and (0.11-1.30), respectively. The results were compared with the standard set by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The research concluded that the anthropogenic activities at auto-mobile workshops contaminate soil with heavy metals which may have a direct or indirect effect on human. Further studies should be conducted to ascertain the effects of those metals on human, plants, groundwater, and environment.

Investigation of some Persistent Organic Pollutants in Soil around selected Auto-Mechanic Workshops in Osogbo

Public health is at risk due to pollution from activity in car workshops as the quality of the soil near auto businesses has received less attention. This study assessed soil quality in auto shops in Osogbo, Osun State, South-West Nigeria. Two car workshops were chosen and soil samples were collected from two different points each using a random survey method (i.e., picked two sites randomly). The soil samples were collected at irregular positions within the vicinity of the two auto repair shops at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depth. The samples were taken for examination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) PAHs. The samples were analysed in the lab according to regular technique, and 16 US EPA priority PAHs and PCBs were then examined using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The potential toxicities were evaluated and values obtained were compared with United States permissible limits for soil quality. The total PAH values in the soil were between 0.17 μg/m3 to 4.97 μg/m3, with the soil samples near the truck maintenance shops having the greatest PAH concentrations between 0 – 20 cm below the surface. The most prevalent PAH species in soil samples was Fluoranthene, followed by Fluorene and Indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene. Also, PCBs were found in the location with 1,1′-Biphenyl, 2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-hexachloro- (PCB 138) having the highest concentration value followed by 1,1′-Biphenyl, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloro- (PCB 77). The findings of this study showed that both of these pollutants investigated are very prevalent in these areas. There is a grave environmental concern because the discovered levels of PCBs and PAHs exceed the permissible limits set by the USEPA standards.

Self-Reported Health Effects and Risk Factors Associated with Noise Exposure among Auto-Mechanic Workers in Abeokuta Town, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.

Use of Shotgun Metagenomics to Assess the Microbial Diversity and Hydrocarbons Degrading Functions of Auto-Mechanic Workshops Soils Polluted with Gasoline and Diesel Fuel

Bioaugmentation is a valuable technique for oil recovery. This study investigates the composition and functions of microbial communities in gasoline- and diesel-contaminated soils of garages Matoko (SGM) and Guy et Paul (SGP) originating from auto mechanic workshops as well as the concentration of soil enzymes β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase. The work aimed to evaluate the presence of petroleum-hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria for the development of foreseen bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils. Microbial diversity, as given by shotgun metagenomics, indicated the presence of 16 classes, among which Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria dominated, as well as more than 50 families, including the dominant Gordoniaceae (26.63%) in SGM and Pseudomonadaceae (57.89%) in SGP. The dominant bacterial genera in the two soils were, respectively, Gordonia (26.7%) and Pseudomonas (57.9%). The exploration of the bacterial metabolic abilities using HUMANn2 allowed to detect genes and pathways involved in alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons in the two contaminated soils. Furthermore, enzymes β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase were found in high concentrations ranging between 90.27 ± 5.3 and 804.17 ± 20.5 µg pN/g soil/h, which indicated active microbial metabolism. The high diversity of microorganisms with a hydrocarbon degradation genetic package revealed that the bacteria inhabiting the two soils are likely good candidates for the bioaugmentation of oil-contaminated soils.

Effect of animal waste on bioremediation of soil contaminated with spent hydrocarbon from auto mechanic workshop in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Petroleum hydrocarbon is a major environmental pollutant throughout the world today because exploration and downstream utilization are associated with economic development. This work focus on effect of animal waste on bioremediation of soil contaminated spent hydrocarbon from auto mechanic workshop in Keffi. Isolation of bacteria and studies on utilized spent hydrocarbon supplemented with animal waste was carried out using standard microbiological methods and identified using 16s rRNA molecular techniques. The total spent hydrocarbon utilization was determined using Gas Chromatographic methods. The highest total bacteria count was recorded from High court (2.1 x105 cfu/g) and the lowest was from Keffi garage2 (1.2 x105 cfu/g). bacteria isolated and molecularly identified were Pectobacterium wasabiae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Priestia aryabhattai. The utilization of spent hydrocarbon after 4weeks of the experiment set up at ambient temperature Pseudomonas fluorescens recorded highest utilization of spent hydrocarbon amended with Poultry dropping and Cow dunk with 16.23±1.21 mg/ml and 13.44±0.23 mg/ml and Pectobacterium wasabia recorded the least with 8.12±0.20 mg/ml and 10.00±1.43. At temperature of 35 ℃ Pseudomonas fluorescens recorded highest utilization of spent hydrocarbon amended with Cow dunk and Poultry dropping with 17.13±1.11 mg/ml and 15.14±1.13 mg/ml while Priestia aryabhattai recorded the lowest from Poultry dropping with 6.10±0.06 mg/ml and Cow dunk with 8.23±0.03 mg/ml. at 40 ℃ the highest utilization was recorded by Priestia aryabhattai from Cow dunk amended spent hydrocarbon with 18.13±1.01 mg/ml and Poultry dropping with 16.24±1.33 mg/ml. from the findings of this study temperature plays a key role spent hydrocarbon that containment our environmental

Estimation of Human Health Risk Due to Heavy Metals around Schools and Auto-Mobile Workshops near Frequented Roads in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Heavy metals are widely known for their potential to cause carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. In this work, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals in the vicinity of schools and auto mechanic workshops close to busy roads in Kaduna state was assessed using NEX CG EDXRF MODEL with brand name RIGAKU situated at a UTM Laboratory, Malaysia. The obtained heavy metals concentrations were used to estimate the health effects that might result from exposure to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemicals for both the population ages using US EPA methodology. Findings indicated that in some locations the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards associated with exposure for residents was greater than the US EPA acceptable thresholds of 10-4 and 1 respectively. This indicated that the heavy metals may result to unacceptable carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, which is an issue of concern in public health especially looking at the way school children play around these areas. The present study therefore provides scientific basis for strategies required to protect human and environmental health in schools and automobile workshops.

Quantitative determination of heavy metals around schools and automobile workshops near frequented roads in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Heavy metals are metallic elements with high density compared to other metals and are toxic even at minute concentrations. The concentration of these metals around schools and automobile workshops near frequented roads in Kaduna State, Nigeria, was reported in the present work. Soil samples were collected at varying distances from the major roads (0 – 10m) and at different depths (0 – 60cm). The elemental composition of the samples was determined using Next-Generation Cartesian Geometry Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (NEX CG EDXRF) and the statistical correlation and clustering analysis were carried out using SPSS and Mini tab, respectively. The heavy metals Sn, Hf, Ta, V, Cr, Zn, Ir, Pt, Au, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Th, Ga, As, U, and Zr were considered in the analysis, and their concentrations were presented as Average ± standard deviation. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated different levels of relationships among the heavy metals, while Clustering analysis grouped the soil samples into three major clusters, further confirming the interrelationship among the samples. The concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni were found to be of serious health concern, considering that in almost all the zones in Kaduna state, their average concentrations were greater than the threshold provided by WHO/FAO. Findings from this study indicated that it is unsafe for children to play near schools /auto-mechanic workshops located along highways.

Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of the Soil Samples Collected from Auto-Mechanic Workshop, Orubor-Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria

Auto-mechanic workshops are major concerns due to the repeated discharge of spent engine oil to the receiving soil. This study investigated the qualities of soil samples from an auto-mechanic workshop located in Orubor, Abgor, Delta State, Nigeria. The collected soil (n=36) was characterized for physicochemical and bacteriological quality using standard procedures. The physicochemical results wet season were pH (5.25 ± 0.07 to 6.15 ± 0.07), electrical conductivity (45.0 ± 7.07 to 165 ± 7.07 µS/cm), organic carbon (1.53 ± 0.42 to 10.1 ± 0.16 %), nitrogen (0.05 ± 0.00 to 0.44 ± 0.01 %), phosphorus (0.69 ± 0.05 to 5.20 ±0.02 mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (151 ± 1.41 to 572 ± 3.53 mg/kg). The dry season recorded pH (4.78 ± 0.04 to 5.73 ± 0.04), electrical conductivity (44.1 ± 6.29 to 1.62 ± 4.60 µS/cm), organic carbon (1.21 ± 0.07 to 7.52 ± 0.13 %), nitrogen (0.47 ± 0.00 to 0.58 ± 0.00 %), phosphorus (0.90 ± 0.57 to 6.79 ± 0.09 mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (98.9 ± 0.44 to 373 ± 6.36 mg/kg). There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in the physicochemical parameters concerning the sampling periods. The total heterotrophic bacterial and total naphthalene utilizing bacterial counts were 9.67 ± 1.04 × 105 cfu/g and 5.40 ± 0.88 × 105 cfu/g respectively. The major bacterial isolates were Serratia, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Providencia spp. Findings from this study revealed the necessity for public education and stricter waste management practices within auto-mechanic workshops to stem the negative effects of spent auto-engine oil pollution in the

Risk Assessment of Macronutrients and Minerals by Processed, Street, and Restaurant Traditional Pakistani Foods: a Case Study.

The current work is aimed to assess the impact of macronutrient and mineral contents in food products of packaged food, restaurant food, and street food in Hyderabad. The estimated daily intake of macronutrients and minerals, followed by the toxic risk assessment of microminerals by consuming studied food dishes, was also conducted. The collected products were freeze-dried and standard procedures for measuring macronutrients were followed. At the same time, the acid digestion method was used to prepare the solution for detecting minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The resulting data indicated that all the food dishes supplied 134-454 kcals/100g. The chicken/meat and pulse food dishes of all three categories were enriched with protein except bhindi masala. All the food dishes have a massive variation in fat contents and differ based on the used quantity of hydrogenated oil during their preparations. A significant difference in the macro- and microminerals in studied food products was observed. However, all food dishes are a good supplementary source of fundamental nutrients, supplying the recommended daily allowances for adults. The estimated hazardous index (Ih) of microminerals in some street and restaurant food products (based on a survey) showed possible toxicity risk, especially for the workers of automechanic workshops (Ih > 1.00). Thus, it is concluded that the contaminated (cheap) raw materials and unhygienic conditions for preparing street and restaurant foods and hawking places (atmospheric pollution) are the significant sources of micromineral contamination.

Pollution profile, ecological and health risk assessment of trace metals in soils of auto mechanic workshops at Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria

Pollution profile, ecological and health risk assessment of trace metals in soils of auto mechanic workshops at Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria

Assessment of Availability, Adequacy and Functionality of Workshop Facilities for Effective Skill Acquisition of Auto Mechanics Students in Technical Colleges in Delta State

This study investigated the availability, adequacy and functionality of workshop facilities for effective skill acquisition of Auto Mechanics students in technical colleges in Delta State. Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The instrument for data collection was the check list of workshop facilities titled Availability, Adequacy and Functionality of Auto Mechanics Workshop Facilities (AAFAMWF). The checklist was used to match the availability of the various workshop facilities in technical colleges in line with NBTE minimum standard to determine their level of adequacy and functionality. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentages. The findings revealed that the required auto mechanic workshop facilities are available but not adequate. It was also revealed that most of the available workshop facilities are not functional. The study therefore recommends that government at various levels should double effort in provision of workshop facilities required in technical colleges. In addition, government should make provision for periodic repair and maintenance of the available facilities in auto mechanic workshops in technical colleges so as to enhance effective skill acquisition of auto mechanic students

De-Radicalization, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Juvenile Militants in Pakistan: A Case Study of Sabaoon

In the wake of a protracted militancy in the Malakand region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the post-2007 military operations in the Swat valley culminated in the soft counter-insurgency approach under the De-Radicalization and Emancipation Programs (DREP). In doing so, Sabaoon was established in 2009 as the first de-radicalization initiative in Pakistan and the only program in the world to de-radicalize juvenile militants associated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Furthermore, Saboon focused on reintegrating the juvenile into their communities as productive and valuable citizens. By drawing on primary and secondary data sources, this paper attempts to highlight the push and pull factors that led the children towards militancy, their rehabilitation methods and techniques used at Sabaoon, and the impacts of the rehabilitation program on reintegration into society. The paper argues that the Sabaoon program aimed to promote religious harmony and tolerance by addressing the ideological and social problems that drove the children towards militancy. The study further argues that most reintegrated children are now running their own small businesses, such as auto-mechanic workshops, carpentry, electronic appliances repair, etc., while some serve in government and non-government institutions. However, the data also suggests a higher recidivism ratio among these juveniles.

Microbiological and physiochemical analyses of oil contaminated soil from major auto mechanic workshops in Ado-Ekiti metropolis

Microbiological and physiochemical analyses of oil contaminated soil from major auto mechanic workshops in Ado-Ekiti metropolis