Bonny Island Research Articles

Trends in multi-jurisdictional enforcement of anti-corruption in the global petroleum industry

Abstract The global petroleum industry has been much maligned over the past 10–15 years for its involvement in foreign corrupt activities due to well-publicized instances of US-led prosecution for bribery of foreign public officials. Among the high-profile cases include the infamous Technip, Snamprogetti, Kellogg Brown & Root, JGC (TSKJ) conspiracy bribing Nigerian officials of the Bonny Island LNG terminal to the far-reaching Odebrecht/Petrobras Brazilian Lava Jato and more recent global Unaoil bribery scandals. What these cases and others have in common is the incidence of ‘multi-jurisdictional’ prosecution for foreign bribery rather than simply prosecution by US authorities as occurred prior to 2005. Through detailed quantitative analysis, we show how this multi-jurisdictional enforcement is a petroleum industry trend. The financial and reputational risk in terms of both likelihood and impact of a foreign bribery event has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Despite this increased risk, we found little evidence of a risk-based compliance approach among industry participants. We show that the current practice of limiting liability is not an efficient risk-based approach towards corruption compliance and is not likely to meet new anti-corruption compliance guidelines by international regulators. Our research examines a possible cause-and-effect model behind this heightened corruption risk. We profile and describe the nature of the top 10 petroleum industry multi-jurisdictional bribery cases. We then provide a display of a corruption event’s drivers, consequences, and barriers in the form of a risk-based ‘bow-tie’ diagram. Finally, we recommend ways the industry can move towards a more risk-based corruption compliance approach.

Effect of dumpsite on groundwater quality: A case study of bonny island rivers state

This study investigates the effect of dumpsite activities on groundwater quality in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. Bonny Island, an ancient coastal city with significant economic importance due to its oil and gas industries, faces potential environmental threats from dumpsite activities. The research utilized vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 2D resistivity profiling (ERT) to assess subsurface contamination. Measurements were taken to determine the lateral and vertical spread of contaminants at the dumpsite. Complemented by laboratory analysis of groundwater samples from the two dumpsites, groundwater samples were analyzed for a range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, such as pH, TDS, TSS, DO, Nitrates, Sulphates, Chlorides, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Results obtained indicate that the groundwater near the dumpsites exhibits varying levels of contamination. The VES and ERT profiles revealed low resistivity zones at shallow depths, indicating possible clay-rich soil or topsoil contamination from leachate. High resistivity areas in the middle depths suggest cleaner zones, but low resistivity at both ends of the profiles indicates further spread of the leachate. Laboratory analyses of groundwater sample showed that most parameters were within acceptable limits set by WHO and NSDWQ, except iron, which exceeded the permissible limit, suggesting contamination of iron at the site. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and remediation efforts to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality. This study underscores the critical importance of protecting groundwater in economically vital and ecologically sensitive regions like Bonny Island.

Utilizing Neural Networks for Early Prediction of Pneumococcal Disease: A Case Study in Bonny Island, Nigeria

Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, poses a significant health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings like Bonny Island, Nigeria. This study employs neural networks and artificial intelligence to predict pneumococcal disease, addressing the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention. Methodologically, the research encompasses data collection, cleaning, correlation analysis, and model development, ensuring a robust system for early disease prediction. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and environmental factors, the study identifies significant predictors of pneumococcal disease risk. In comparison with Random Forest and Support Vector Machines trained on the same data, the neural network achieved 100 percent accuracy, recall, precision, and f1 scores. The integration of the neural network model into a web application facilitates real-time predictions, enabling healthcare providers to input symptoms and receive immediate diagnostic insights. This approach enhances timely interventions, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal disease. Despite challenges like data quality and integration, the findings demonstrate the efficacy of AI-driven models in improving public health outcomes. The deployment of such models in Bonny Island underscores their practicality and scalability, paving the way for broader applications in similar contexts. Ultimately, this study not only advances understanding of pneumococcal disease epidemiology in Bonny Island but also contributes to global efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery through innovative technological solutions. Future research should focus on continuous model refinement and validation with larger datasets to further improve accuracy and reliability.

Antibiotics Sensitivity Reaction of salmonella Species Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Porridge Beans Sold in Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Bonny of Rivers State

Salmonella specie is one of the four key global causes of diarrhoeal diseases. In this research we investigated the frequency occurrence of salmonella species isolated from ready-to-eat porridge beans sold from vendors in the proximity of federal polytechnic of oil and gas bonny island. A total of 40 samples were purchased from four different food vendors in four different spots [vendor 1(The first spot), vendor 11(second spot), vendor 111(third spot) and vendor 1V (fourth spot)] between February and May 2024.All samples were processed and analysed using standard culturebased, biochemical methods and antibiotic susceptibility test assays to confirm salmonella isolates. The highest total occurrence of heterotrophic bacteria population densities were: vendor1 4.0.0×105CFU/g; vendor11 4.4×107CFU/g, vendor111 4.5×102CFU/g and vendor 1V 4.2×109CFU/g. The highest total occurrence of salmonella population density were, for vendor1 3.9×102, Vendor11 2.7×104 , Vendor111 4.1×105,Vendor1V 4.4×103 respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility test was performed for the isolates which exhibited that all of them were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (CPR)-5 g, Nitrofurantoin (NIT)-30 g, Oflotaxin (OFL)-5 g, were susceptible to Salmonella species. While Gentamicin (GEN)-10 g, and Cefuroxime (CXM)-5 g, were intermediate and Finally, Augmentin (AUG)-30 g, Cefuroxime (CAZ)-30 g, and Cefuroxime (CRX)-30 g were resistant to Salmonella species. Therefore, it can be stated that ready-to-eat porridge beans sold in the proximity of FPOG environment are possible route of transmission for Salmonella species. However, due to lack of intense antibiotic resistance among these bacteria, most of them can be treated with the antibiotics available in the market. Nonetheless, strict monitoring and regular surveillance is necessary.

Design and Study of Simple Biogas Reactor using Kitchen Waste Within the Habitat of Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

This research work is about design and study of simple biogas reactor using Kitchen Waste within the habitat of Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria to produce gas. The objective of the work is to collect and measure the amount of waste that is been generated within the study area as well as to construct a simple laboratory scale biogas reactor and using the kitchen waste as substrate and measure the amount of gas that is been generated from biogas reactor per day. Based on the objective for this research a biogas digester was designed. Two experiments was carried out to determine the extent of production of biogas and the duration required so as to determine the rate of formation of biogas. In experiment one, dissimilar kinds of biomass like rice, potato, green leaves, sugar in different amounts were mixed with cow dung and rice husk to prepare 4 samples to determine the maximum generation of biogas through fermentation process. The gas is collected in balloons and they were measured to determine the amount of gas produced in each sample. The extent to which the blowing of balloons took place determined the quantity of gas evolved in each of the incumbent samples. In experiment two, we have used two 5lt. bottles in which the amount of cow dung used varies while same amount of kitchen waste mixture was utilized. The process and conditions for trapping and analyzing the gas is the same as in experiment one. From this experiment the rapidness of formation of biogas was observed. The experimental analysis carried out also gives us a clear idea of the indulgence of materials with respect to their combination to deferring extent of concentration to deliver optimum generation of biogas, in particular methane thereby unveiling us to develop an imminent and high performance derivative affordable biogas reactor.

Seasonal Variation of Groundwater Quality in Bonny Island, Rivers State Nigeria

This study investigated the seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater samples collected in nine locations in Bonny Island, Rivers State Nigeria. The water samples for the dry season were collected in December and January while for the wet season, water samples were collected in July and October. A quantitative approach was employed, involving the collection of quantitative data through field sampling and laboratory analysis. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, were measured using standard analytical techniques. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cd, etc.) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while petroleum hydrocarbons (total hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were analyzed through solvent extraction and gas chromatography techniques. The study revealed significant seasonal variations in several parameters, with notable significant decreases in phosphate during the wet season and significant increases in chromium and cadmium levels during the dry season (p-value < 0.05). Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, potentially influenced by precipitation patterns, oil and gas activities, and accidental spills or leaks which were observed during the dry season.

Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Water Quality for Surface and Groundwater at Bonny Island, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to assess the spatial distribution of water quality for surface and ground water at Bonny Island in Rivers State, Nigeria. Surface and Groundwater samples were collected from 9 sampling locations and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. The contaminants in the surface and groundwater were measured using a variety of methods. Heavy metals in the water were measured using gas chromatography, PAHs were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASS) while THC were measured using HACH DR/890 colorimeter. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated using the Weighted Arithmetic Index Method while Principal Component Analysis was used to understand the distribution of the physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. The results showed that the WQI for both surface and groundwater samples ranged from 55.22 – 125.39, indicating poor to unfit water quality for consumption. In contrast, a control location away from the industrial activities had good water quality with WQI between 35.19 and 45.77. Principal component analysis revealed that the surface water in the industrial area were contaminated with lead, Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon which indicate oil and gas activities. High chloride, nitrate and sulphate levels were also observed in surface water close to the NLNG plant. Limiting further contamination of the surface and groundwater can be achieved by constant effluent and plume stack monitoring by regulatory agencies. Industrial stakeholder should set up subsidized clinics to provide treatment for any gastrointestinal illnesses or renal damage suffered by residents.

Site Selection for Wind Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy in Bonny, Nigeria

Power derived via the wind stands out as an appealing form of renewable energy due to its minimal operational, maintenance, and production expenses, coupled with its limited environmental footprint. This investigation focuses on employing geospatial methods to establish a wind farm on Bonny Island, Nigeria. The primary objectives include furnishing data and a spatial wind distribution map for Bonny Island, evaluating the significance of factors crucial for wind farm development in the area, and generating a wind energy suitability map. The study utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodologies to scrutinize five critical parameters influencing location suitability. The findings indicate that Bonny Island possesses potential for wind farm installation, with 3,549.8 hectares, 10,219.6 hectares, and 424.6 hectares categorized as highly suitable, suitable, and unsuitable, respectively. Moreover, wind speed, land use/land cover, distance from the road, distance from the river, and land slope each carry a substantial priority weight of 50%, 25%, 10%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. These weights contribute to the creation of a wind energy suitability map for the study area. This research recommends amongst other things the investment and installation of a wind energy farm in Bonny Island, owing to the comparative advantage over other sources of energy in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial Profiling of Resistant Genes in Bacteria Isolated from Drinking Water Sources in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

The global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates a profound understanding of its dynamics, particularly in environmental reservoirs such as drinking water sources. The aim of the study was to identify the presence and variety of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) within bacteria isolated from drinking water sources in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria – an area characterized by unique ecological and human-induced factors. Eighty water samples were collected from drinking water distribution systems within Bonny Island for a period of six month. Bacteria isolated from drinking water samples within Bonny Island underwent antimicrobial profiling, including susceptibility tests against a range of clinically relevant antibiotics. Molecular techniques were employed to identify the isolated bacteria and characterize specific ARGs, illuminating the genetic basis of resistance in the isolated bacteria. The bacterial isolates displayed varying resistance patterns, with the highest resistance observed against cefuroxime (59.6%), cefotaxime (48.9%), ceftazidime (44.7%), ceftriaxone (36.3%), chloramphenicol, and Augmentin (29.8%), while resistance to cotrimoxazole and gentamicin was lower (12.8%). Among the bacterial isolates, the tet gene, conferring resistance to tetracycline antibiotics, was present in 46.7% of cases, while 100% exhibited the oxa gene and 93.3% possessed the aac(6’)-ib gene. Preliminary findings revealed a diverse array of bacteria with varying resistance profiles, including both common and emerging pathogens. The identified ARGs covered genes providing resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. These results underscore the potential risks associated with the spread of ARGs in drinking water sources and their potential transfer to pathogenic bacteria.

Determination of Magnetic susceptibility of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in Port Harcourt and Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

In this study, determination of magnetic susceptibility were carried out on 366 soil samples using MS2B magnetic susceptibility meter connected to a computer system using MULTISUS2 software. The soil samples were selected from six sites namely: Shell environment, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas environment, Port Harcourt Refining Company James Hart, New Jerusalem and Port Harcourt respectively. Three of the six sites; Shell, NLNG and Port-Harcourt Refining Company environments have their soils contaminated with hydrocarbon. One hundred and ninety two (192) soil samples were collected from these hydrocarbon contaminated sites and 174 from non-hydrocarbon contaminated soil (control samples). The magnetic susceptibility values obtained from Shell environment and for hydrocarbon samples showed higher (enhanced) magnetic susceptibility with average values of 117.54x10-8 m3kg-1 and 2016.39x10-8 m3kg-1 and a moderate magnetic susceptibility for with an average value of 20.83x10-8 m3kg-1 in comparison to magnetic susceptibility values obtained from the control samples whose average values were 2.39x10-8 m3kg-1, 12.42x10-8 m3kg-1 and 3.31x10-8 m3kg-1 for James Hart, New Jerusalem and Port Harcourt respectively. This means that the hydrocarbon sites are highly magnetic which could be indication of pollution. The results of the percentage frequency dependent susceptibility (χFD%) obtained in the hydrocarbon samples showed about 16% of the samples had percentage frequency dependent susceptibility (χFD%) values between 0-2%, 53% had values of χFD% between 2-10% and 31% had χFD% between 10-12% and above while about 21% of the control samples had χFD% values between 0-2%, 58% between 2-10% and 21% between 10-12% and above. The high magnetic susceptibility value in the hydrocarbon soil samples is an indication of pollution due to hydrocarbon deposit. The Government is therefore advised to monitor the location and activities of the oil companies and initiate quick mop up strategies should be put in place in the eventuality of oil spillage.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Infectivity and Symptomaticity of SARS- COV-2 among residents in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: In December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) popularly called COVID-19 emerged. The disease is associated with asymptomatic, mild to severe respiratory symptoms. Use of Vaccine is essential in its control and in Bonny Island, the AstraZeneca chAdOx 1 novel Coronavirus 2019 vaccine was used. Study objective is to determine the effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing infection and symptoms associated with the virus on residents of Bonny Island. Method: Study is a facility based cross-sectional study, conducted between May and October 2021, at General Hospital Bonny, a COVID 19 testing and vaccination center. Study population were respondents who had previously been vaccinated for Covid-19 that visited the facility for COVID-19 PCR test. All eligible respondents were enlisted into the study until the sample size of 623 was achieved. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics and medical history including vaccination status. Multivariate regression analysis using SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze data with statistical significance set at 0.05. Ethical clearance and permission for the study were granted by appropriate authority while informed consent was extracted from respondents. Result: There was statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccination and negative COVID-19 PCR test result (OR 5.98), married couple and age (0-20 and 21-30 years the most and least compliant respectively). There was no significant relationship between symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection and vaccination status. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination uptake protects against COVID 19 infection but does not have any significant effect on symptoms associated with the infection. Married couple and respondents aged 0-20 years were more compliant to vaccine uptake.

Lubaina Himid exhibition at Tate Modern

In 1819, a ship called Le Rôdeur was carrying enslaved Africans from Bonny Island in modern Nigeria to Guadeloupe. The ship’s crew and its enslaved cargo were struck down with an infectious eye disease. Thirty-six of the enslaved were deemed permanently blind (thirty-nine on some accounts). As such, they were unfit for sale and worthless to the traders—indeed, worse than worthless, since they still had to eat, and to drink from the diminishing supply of water. They were murdered and thrown into the sea. The ship’s captain pretended that they had drowned themselves due to homesickness and he successfully claimed on an insurance policy. Le Rôdeur was once again trading in enslaved people, under his command, the following year. Lubaina Himid’s Rodeur1 paintings refer to these events without depicting them. The images are disquieting and rather beautiful. Most figures are not enjoying themselves, to be sure. Stuck in a spacious, enchanted vessel, they appear to be waiting. Something unfortunate may have happened, spreading an unsettled mood. But nothing portraying Le Rôdeur’s horror is in view. Eyes are sometimes prominent and disconcerting, alluding to the disease that was the catalyst for the murders. But there is also playfulness and even pleasure. A cook presents an elaborate jelly to a man playing a pipe and drum. The jelly, we know from Himid’s other work, refers, via sugar, to the trade in enslaved Africans. But the cook is smiling. In an interview, Himid has identified the men as lovers. Strips of pattern, another Himid trademark, suggest the transmitting of a message, but hardly a terrifying one. The Rodeur series forms a small but striking part of Himid’s biggest solo exhibition to date, which came to an end in October 2022. The show is a large-scale retrospective encompassing many different formats used by Himid, who won the Turner Prize in 2017.

Outdoor Corrosion Performance Study of Selected Construction Materials in Bonny Island

Corrosion studies are important due to the enormous cost involved in the replacement of materials in all kinds of applications. The outdoor study on corrosion behavior of aluminum sheet, chequered aluminum plate and zinc alloys roofing sheet commonly used as construction material within a highly industrial settlement were examined using the gravimetric technique. The outdoor corrosion of these alloys at different sites was observed via its exposure to atmospheric conditions, monitored and recorded for 12 months at an interval of 2 months. Results depicted a process spanning the initial and intermediate stages of corrosion. The samples of construction materials at Bonny island showed substantial weight losses and rate of corrosion which varied largely on percentage of atmospheric humidity, salt precipitations, industrial aerosols and corrosive gases present at the exposure site as well as the nature of the material and the presence of protective coating formed during corrosion process. The rapid rate of deterioration of these materials causes severe economic importance on the indigenes’ activities including the oil and gas industries and other construction companies on the island. Thus, there is urgent need for research concerned with methods to control or prevent excessive deterioration of metals in Bonny Island.

Spatio-Temporal Classification and Prediction of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Finima Nature Park Bonny Island, Nigeria

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) is naturally dynamic, thus change is inevitable. However, its changes have greatly increased to a frightening proportion as a result of high rate of anthropogenic and natural processes. Consequently, land use and land cover classes of Finima Nature Park were classified and changes were observed within the last 33 years (1987 - 2021) and predicted for the next 33 years (2021 – 2054).
 Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to achieve the goal. Coordinate points were collected from the various land use and land cover classes as a reference data for accuracy assessment of the classification. Landsat imageries of 1987, 1999, 2010 and 2021 were acquired from The United States Geological Survey (USGS). The imageries were pre-processed, processed and classified into various LULC classes using Maximum Likelihood Classification in Idrisi and ArcGis10.5. Confusion matrix and Cellular Automata (CA) Markov Chain algorithm were used for accuracy assessment and prediction of LULC respectively.
 Results showed that dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, bare land, and water body were the main LULC class in 1987 and 1999, while dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, bare land, water body and built up were observed in the years 2010, 2021 and 2054. The Kappa Coefficient values were 93%, 81%, 83% and 90% for 1987, 1999, 2010 and 2021 respectively; an indication of strong accuracy of the classification. Generally, there were changes in land use and land cover within the study periods. However, changes were mostly observed in the areas of water body and bare lands closer to the sea coast. Hence, the sea was implicated as the major driver of land use and land cover change in the park. The slight decrease in dense vegetation and sparse vegetation from 1999 to 2021, and 2021 to 2054 underscores the importance and benefit of conservation.

Initiation, maintenance and continuation of exclusive breast feeding: Socio-demographic and maternal correlates for abandonment

Background: Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) has been shown to be an important and effective feeding practice essential for infant development. Initiation, maintenance and continuation of EBF were associated with several maternal and socio-demographic characteristics which influence EBF abandonment. 
 Methodology: The study is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the child health clinic in general hospital Bonny, in Bonny Island. The study population were nursing mothers of infants six months and below. All eligible nursing mothers that presented to the clinic were enlisted into the study until the required sample size was achieved. Study tool was a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Multinomial regression analysis was done using SPSS with statistical significance set at 0.05.
 Result: Results reveal significant statistical association between duration of EBF and some maternal variables such as parity, ante-natal attendance, breast feeding counselling, birth interval, gestational age and mode of delivery. Also, significant association was seen between duration of EBF and socio-demographic characteristics such as maternal occupation, income, education and marital status.
 Conclusion: Abandonment of EBF before and its continuation up to six months can be influenced by socio-demographic factors such as maternal occupation, income and marital status. Other maternal variables which also influence EBF include ante-natal care attendance including the number of times of breast-feeding counselling, mode of delivery, gestational age, parity and birth interval.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Reliability Analysis of the Water Supply Systems in Bonny Island

Bonny Island is an island surrounded by water with 24 hours electricity and a home to many multinational companies, but Bonny is yet to boast of more than 2 hours of water supply in a day which is barely enough for individuals and businesses without adequate storage to carry out their daily activities. This research work used Overall Equipment Effectiveness OEE and the reliability analysis to evaluate the operational losses and also to know the factors militating water supply system in Bonny Island for remediation. OEE is formulated of three components, which are availability, performance, and quality. Six big losses such as breakdowns, setup and adjustments, small stops, slow running, start-up losses and production losses; are also important for calculation of OEE. Bonny Water Distribution Plant BWDP has a total capacity of 7.012 Million Litres per Day (MLD) for a population of about 175000 people. In this case study, data was collected for six months in all pumping stations. The result shows that BWDP has an average Availability of 88.84%, Quality of 85.58%, Performance of 83.45% and 61.27% OEE as compared to 90% Availability, 95% Quality, 99% Performance and 85% OEE of Seiichi Nakajima world class OEE system. To minimize these losses and to achieve world class OEE system, it was recommended that there should be reduction in events which are discussed in six big losses section, which include; fault in current, trips, pipeline leakages, water shortages in sump well and others

Assessment of Emulsification Potentials and Bio- Diversities of Bacterial Isolates from Bonny Loading Jetty Crude Oil Polluted Soil, Bonny Island, Rivers State.

Surfactant producing microorganisms are indispensable in utility; In the present study, contaminated homogenized soil samples from Bonny Island River showed the following physicochemical properties: pH (5.67), Chloride ion (Cl-) (321±0.2 mg/g),Potassium ion (K+) (5.26±0.01mg/g), Magnesium ion(Mg2+) (2.19±0.05 mg/g), Iron II ion(Fe2+) (38.73±0.13ppm), Calcium ion (Ca2+) (4.12±0.1mg/g), Copper II ion (Cu2+) (3.2±0.01ppm), Lead II ion (Pb2+) (0.21±0.02 ppm), Phosphate ion (PO3) (6.24±0.1 mg/g), Total petroleum hydrocarbons(TPH 364±0.05 Mg/g), Total organic carbon  (TOC 56.5±0.05 mg/g) and Total organic matter contents (TOM) (63.45±0.2) .Prior to the emulsification screening carried out; microbial isolation and total heterotrophic counting (CFU/g) carried out showed a total of twelve microbial distinct isolates from the polluted soil with a microbial population of 2.5 x 108 and 2.1 x 108 CFU/g of the soil. Dilution folds of 10-1 and 10-2 from the Bushnell-Hass media showed microbial population of 0.33 x 104 and 0.78 x 104CFU/g respectively. Klebsiella sp. showed emulsification indices of43.3%, 51.2%, 50 and 48.9%with diesel and coconut oil, kerosene and crude oil respectively. Pseudomonas sp. showed emulsification indices of 40, 43, 54 and 45.6% with diesel, coconut oil, kerosene and crude oil respectively. Bacillus sp. showed emulsification indices of 46, 45, 32 and 37% with diesel, coconut oil, kerosene and crude oil respectively. The present study have shown the great potential of utilization of the bacterial consortium in oil recovering from various damp oil-wells and in cost efficient bioremediation process.

Correlates of exclusive breast feeding among nursing mothers attending child health clinic at a general hospital in Rivers State Nigeria

Background: Early initiation of breast feeding and feeding exclusively for six months have great implication for the survival, well-being and growth of new borne. Factors such as maternal age, occupation, religion, spouse age, spouse occupation, parity, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, mode of delivery (MOD) and birth order are significantly associated with exclusive breast feeding (EBF)
 Methodology: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among nursing mothers attending child health clinic in General Hospital Bonny, in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. All eligible nursing mother who presented at the clinic were enlisted for the study. Enlistment of eligible participants was done on every child welfare clinic day. Data was collected using a pretested, interviewer administered, structured questionnaire which was adapted and prepared in English Language. Categorical data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression model with statistical significance set at 0.05.
 Result: Results from this study identified significant association between EBF and some maternal variables such as age, occupation and religion. Spouse age and occupation were significantly associated with EBF. ANC attendance, gestational age, MOD, parity and birth order were also significant variables associated with EBF.
 Conclusion: Maternal variables such as age, occupation, religion, parity, MOD, ANC attendance including spouse age and occupation significantly influence EBF of new borne.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Treatment of Bonny Pipe Borne Water

The research was aimed at evaluating the microbiological, physical and chemical quality of Bonny Pipe borne water. The pipe borne water from Bonny Island in Rivers State was screened to evaluate the effectiveness of its treatment by Bonny water Board Company. The microbiological status of the water was determined by using basic growth media to isolate microorganisms present in the water and identifying the organisms using its morphological characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility was then carried out to ascertain the resistance and sensitivity of the isolates. Swabs of the water outlet taps were also taken at each point of collection from source to delivery. The results were compared with the microbiological status of Omoku's pipe borne water. Chemical analysis was also carried out on the Bonny pipe borne water to determine the level of chemical contamination. The Bonny pipe borne water complied with the microbiological regulations of WHO as there was no bacterial and fungal growth on any of the media used. However, the total heterotrophic bacteria count of the Omoku's water was 2.10 × 10^2 thus exceeding the limit of 1.0 × 10^1 cfu/ml of water, the MPN count for total coliforms was 5MPN/100ml, there was no Faecal coliform present and isolated organisms were Vibrio sp., Micrococcus sp., Salmonella sp., and Bacillus sp.,. The Physicochemical composition analysis revealed the following result for untreated and treated Bonny pipe borne water samples respectively: pH (7.0 and 7.5), Conductivity (60 mg/L and 268mg/L),Total Dissolved Solids (30mg/L and 34mg/L), total hardness (12.012mg/L and 120.12mg/L), chloride (10mg/L and 12mg/L) and Chlorine (Nil and 7.1mg/L) amongst others. The chlorine level for the treated water was above the regulatory standard of WHO (5mg/L), this resulted in increased hardness, taste and odour of the water, which were also above WHO's regulatory limits. Therefore, the Bonny water is not within the regulatory standard of potable drinking water.

Maternal predictors of mode of delivery: A retrospective study

Background: Mode of delivery (MOD) which could be via caesarean section or vaginal have been associated with maternal predictors such as age, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), weight, height, marital and employment status. It is imperative to study these maternal variables as to establish a comprehensive ante natal care (ANC) surveillance system to assist in reduction of risk associated with delivery. The objective of the study is to determine effects of maternal variables such as age, height, weight, mean arterial blood pressure, marital and employment status on MOD by a pregnant woman.Material and method: The study was a descriptive retrospective study conducted at general hospital Bonny, in Bonny Island Rivers State Nigeria. The study involved retrospective data collection from the records of participants kept at the records department. Study population included all eligible pregnant women who presented for antenatal care (ANC) and also had their babies delivered at the hospital from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2020. Results were presented in simple frequency distribution table while multivariate logistics regression analysis was done to determine continuous variables which were significant at p value less than or equal 0.05 level. Also, bivariate analysis with chi-square test was done for categorical data with level of statistical significance set at less than or equal 0.05.Results: Results revealed statistically significant association between maternal MAP, age, marital and employment status with CS as MOD.Conclusion: Maternal variables such as age, MAP, marital and employment status can be used as predictors of MOD.