Dry Season Samples Research Articles

1H NMR Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Eugenia punicifolia Extracts Over Seasons: A Metabolomic Pilot Study

Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. is a medicinal plant used to treat diseases related to oxidative processes. In this work, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and multivariate analysis have been employed to track the chemical changes and antioxidant activity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extracts from E. punicifolia leaves over seasons. Principal component analysis (PCA) applied to 1 H NMR allowed discriminating DMSO extracts from leaves collected in the dry and rainy seasons and pointed out sucrose, catechin, and epicatechin as responsible for separating dry season samples and quercetin, acid gallic, glucose, and fatty acids contributed for rainy samples grouping. Notably, antioxidant assays revealed that dry season extracts exhibited a higher radical scavenging capacity. When those compounds were submitted to partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) only sucrose and fatty acids presented variable importance projection (VIP) score > 1, both metabolites are related somehow to the defense mechanisms of the plant. This pilot study may suggest new experimental approaches for more effectively monitoring the spectrum-effect relationship of E. punicifolia leaf extracts.

Source identification and potential health risks of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater of a typical alluvial plain

A comprehensive understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in groundwater pollution is essential for sustainable groundwater resource management, especially in alluvial plains with intensive anthropogenic activities. Numerous studies have focused on the contribution of individual factors on groundwater pollution in alluvial aquifers, but distinguishing the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors is limited. In this study, 64 wells were sampled in different seasons from the Yellow River alluvial plain in China for hydrochemical and isotopic analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution, sources and health risks of fluoride and nitrate in alluvial aquifers. Results showed that fluoride contamination was widely distributed without significant seasonal variation, and 78.1 % of the dry season samples and 65.6 % of the wet season samples showed fluoride concentrations above the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L). High-F− groundwater was generally accompanied by Na-HCO3 and Na-HCO3·SO4 water types. Fluoride was from a natural origin mainly associated with mineral dissolution, competitive adsorption, cation exchange, and evaporation. Groundwater nitrate contamination was spatially sporadic and showed significant seasonal differences. Only 13.6 % of the dry season samples and 3.2 % of the wet season samples had NO3− concentrations exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/L. The hydrochemical phase evolved from bicarbonate or sulfate type to chloride type with increasing nitrate concentration. Manure and sewage attributed to agricultural activities contributed the most nitrogen to groundwater, followed by soil organic nitrogen and chemical fertilizers, revealing the anthropogenic origin of nitrate. Nitrification was the dominant nitrogen transformation process in the wet season, and denitrification was prevalent in the dry season. Oral ingestion of high fluoride groundwater was a major threat to human health, especially for infants. This study provided a significant reference for water resources management in alluvial aquifers.

Assessment of Postharvest Practices of Tuna Sold at the Honiara Fish Market in the Solomon Islands.

The study is aimed at assessing the impacts of postharvest handling practices on the quality and safety of tuna sold at the Honiara Fish Market (HFM), Solomon Islands. Two major approaches were adopted: (1) face-to-face interviews of 60 participants using questionnaires and physical observations of the supply chains and postharvest handling practices and (2) determination of time-temperature, quality index, histamine, and microbial load of tuna and contact surfaces. Sampling was conducted on both the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS), of which 36 samples from both batches of fresh tuna (FT) and brined tuna (BT) were analyzed. Three critical control points (CCPs) were identified in the supply chains of both FT and BT, where samples were obtained for scientific analyses. The average body temperature for WS tuna exposed for 9-10 h with low or no ice after catch was 3°C for FT and 15°C for BT, while DS samples were 26°C and 31°C for FT and BT, respectively. The quality index (QI) for WS showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) at 0 for FT and 8 for BT, while both DS showed a significant increase at 16 for BT and 5 for FT. Histamine levels for all the samples increased across the three CCPs, however with levels <50 mg/L, while microbial load for both seasons and for both samples were within the required specifications. However, contact surfaces for both seasons revealed high levels of microbial contamination. This study reveals that poor handling practices along the tuna supply chains of fish sold at the HFM were observed; however, all the tuna was safe for consumption when cooked properly.

Controlling mechanism and water quality assessment of arsenic in China's Yellow River Basin

Arsenic (As) is a well-known toxic and carcinogen element, and As contamination has gained public concerns worldwide. Mechanisms, sources, and potential health risks of high As in the China's Yellow River Basin (CYRB), a water-deficient area and the largest loess deposition area in the world, remain largely unknown. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes, major ions, and As were analyzed in 409 river water and 164 groundwater samples in dry season to decipher these problems. Samples were alkaline (pH = 8.0 ± 0.4), and As concentrations (5.29 ± 10.5 μg/L) in the CYRB were above the world average, especially in upstream and midstream. About 9.1% and 13.0% of samples in river water and groundwater had As concentrations above the permissible limit of WHO, respectively. Based on self-organizing map (SOM) analysis, about 50.6% of samples with high As were SO4–Cl–Na type while about 46.4% of samples with low As were HCO3–Ca–Mg type. The δD (−62.5 ± 11.3‰) and δ18O (−8.5 ± 2.1‰) values of river water were higher than the groundwater (δD = −69.7 ± 10.2‰, δ18O = −9.9 ± 1.4‰), and most samples with As >10 μg/L were below the local and global meteoric water lines, indicating the evaporation effect on As enrichment, especially for river water. Evaporites dissolution of loess and ion exchange increased water salinity, accelerated desorption of As and enriched As in CYRB. Meanwhile, oil and coal exploitation contributed to the high As in the northwestern Loess Plateau. Health risk assessment indicated that 41.6% and 59.8% of groundwater samples posed high carcinogenic risk for adults and children, respectively. Therefore, corresponding measures must be implemented in these areas. In the future, As geochemistry in wet seasons in the CYRB and the characteristics among different seasons will be explored. These results highlight the impact of dry climate and anthropogenic activity on As enrichment in arid/semi-arid regions.

Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) of the River Nun, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Water remained the second most required and useful natural resource after air; but its usefulness is underscored through quality and quantity among various sources; of all sources of water, surface water occupied 70% of the earth's surface in various forms at a given time in space. Despite the abundance, water quality remained a global burden such that hardly could there be any of such water bodies without questionable insignia in the Niger Delta. Therefore, it became pertinent to assess and characterized the water quality of the River Nun at various reaches. A six months (dry and wet season) sampling exercise was conducted following standards on Nine (9) physiochemical and biological parameters. Results in pH, Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Phosphate, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Solids were within limits while concentrations for fecal coliform count, Dissolved Oxygen, and Nitrate were above limits. At 0.05% the differences among communities and seasons was insignificant while among parameters is significant. The Comprehensive Pollution Index range between slightly polluted – seriously polluted while the Water Quality Index for the River Nun is classified into Class 3 (C) literally described as Medium; which is unfit for drinking and for recreational activities without prior treatment. Therefore, information regarding the water quality of the River Nun be transmitted to armed inhabitants of the status of the River Nun.

The importance of moisture in regulating soil organic carbon content based on a comparison of “enzymic latch” and “iron gate” in Zoige Plateau peatland

Due to the enormous amount of carbon (C) stored in peatlands, understanding the regulator of soil organic carbon (SOC) in peatlands is critical for global C cycling. Currently, “enzymic latch” and “iron gate” are the frequently debated mechanisms that propose phenol oxidase (PHO) and Fe2+ as important regulators driving SOC cycling in peatland. Therefore, this study compared “enzymic latch” and “iron gate” in the same peatland (Zoige Plateau, the largest peatland in China) to figure out the crucial regulator of SOC content via investigating the interrelationships among soil properties, C-related enzymes, phenolics, and iron (Fe) oxides. Moreover, waterlogged and non-waterlogged soils were chosen to take samples in both dry and wet season to understand the potential role of moisture in regulating SOC content. It was found that the contents of dissolved organic C, phenolics, SOC, Fe oxides, and β-glucosidase (BG) activities in waterlogged soils were higher than those in non-waterlogged soils. Compared to the dry season, soils in the wet season had higher phenolics, SOC, and Fe oxides contents. Also, this study observed an insignificant relationship between PHO and SOC (p > 0.05) and the small amounts of Fe2+ to total Fe (<2‰) in soils. Meanwhile, the highest effect of moisture (0.89) and negligible effect of PHO (0.04) and Fe2+ (-0.08) on SOC based on pathway analysis suggested that moisture might be the crucial regulator of SOC. Furthermore, pathway analysis implied that moisture could indirectly affect SOC by adjusting BG (p < 0.05) and soluble phenolics (p < 0.05). This study provided valuable information for understanding the importance of moisture in driving C cycling and helping against soil C loss by moisture management in Zoige Plateau.

Experimental investigation for treating ibuprofen and triclosan by biosurfactant from domestic wastewater

The presence of emerging pollutants of pharmaceutical products and personal care products (PPCPs) in the aquatic environment overspreads the threat on living beings. Bioremediation is a promising option for treating wastewater. In the present study, an experimental investigation was carried out to produce a biosurfactant by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688) for the removal of Ibuprofen (IBU) and Triclosan (TCS) from domestic wastewater. It was performed in three stages. Firstly, the production and optimization of biosurfactant was carried out to arrive at the best combination of crude sunflower oil, sucrose and ammonium bicarbonate (10%: 5.5 g/L: 1 g/L) to yield effective biosurfactant production (crude biosurfactant) and further extended to achieve critical micelle concentration (CMC) formation by dilution (biosurfactant at 10.5%). The stability of the biosurfactant was also confirmed. Biosurfactant showed a reduction in the surface tension to 41 mN/m with a yield concentration of 11.2 g/L. Secondly, its effectiveness was evaluated for the removal of IBU and TCS from the domestic wastewater collected during the dry and rainy seasons. Complete removal of IBU was achieved at 36 h & 6 h and TCS at 6 h & 1 h by crude biosurfactant and biosurfactant at CMC formation for the dry season sample. IBU removal was achieved in 2 h by both crude and biosurfactant at CMC and no TCS was detected in the rainy season sample. Thirdly, biotransformation intermediates of IBU and TCS formed during the application of the biosurfactant and degradation pathways are proposed based on the Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and it indicates that there is no formation of toxic by-products. Based on the results, it is evident that biosurfactant at CMC has performed better for the removal of IBU and TCS than crude biosurfactants without any formation of toxic intermediates. Hence, this study proved to be an eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable treatment option for domestic wastewater treatment.

Impact of flooding on microbiological contamination of domestic water sources: a longitudinal study in northern Ghana

Flooding is the most frequent natural hazard globally, but evidence of its impact on domestic water point contamination remains limited. This study aimed to assess dam-related flooding’s impact on microbiological contamination of rural water points and to evaluate agreement of satellite-derived flood maps with ground-based observations of water point flooding. Fieldwork took place in two Ghanaian districts frequently flooded following dam overspill. Fifty-seven water points were tested for bacterial parameters during and immediately after flooding. Forty water points were resampled in the dry season, with the remainder having run dry. Ground-based observations of flooding were compared with three satellite-derived flood maps. Boreholes were less contaminated than wells or surface waters (geometric mean E. coli = 20.2, 175.6, and 590.7 cfu/100 ml, respectively). Among groundwater points, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated significantly greater median E. coli and thermotolerant coliform contamination during flooding (p = 0.025 and p < 0.001, respectively), but Shigella, salmonella, and intestinal enterococci counts were not significantly different between seasons. In contrast, among surface water points, E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella counts were significantly greater in dry season samples (p < 0.005 for all parameters), possibly reflecting a “concentration” effect. Satellite-derived flood maps had no or low agreement with ground-based observations of water point flooding. Although groundwater quality deteriorated during and after flooding, surface waters were the most microbiologically contaminated in both seasons. The greatest public health risk thus occurred where households switched to surface water collection during or following flood season. Flood risk should be assessed before borehole installation and existing flood-prone boreholes remediated to mitigate population exposure to contaminated water.

Tyre additive chemicals, tyre road wear particles and high production polymers in surface water at 5 urban centres in Queensland, Australia

Plastics pollution is a global issue impacting every part of our environment. Tyre road wear particle (TRWP) plastics pollution is thought to be one of the largest pollution sources in urban environments. These plastics are also of concern due to the presence of additive chemicals, incorporated during manufacture, that can be released into the surrounding environment. This study aimed to provide information on concentrations of a range of anthropogenic plastics related pollutants in the Australian environment through a scoping study of surface water in 5 key urban centres around Queensland, Australia. Samples were analysed for a suite of 15 common tyre additive chemicals, TRWPs and 6 common high production polymers, and included the new transformation product of concern 6PPD-quinone which has recent reports of causing mass mortality events in certain aquatic species. The additives were ubiquitously detected (2.9–1440 ng/L) with 6PPD-quinone concentrations lower than in previous studies (<0.05–24 ng/L) and TRWPs detected at 18 of the 21 sites (<MDL to between 690 and 1990 μg/L). Of the high production polymers, polyethylene and polypropylene were detected at the highest concentrations (16–1750 and <0.7–37 μg/L respectively) with profiles highly variable between sites. A traffic related additive profile was determined at 7 sites, which all had nearby traffic related sources. Concentrations of additive chemicals were significantly correlated with average daily traffic volumes (p = 0.006), although concentrations of TRWPs were not correlated. Generally, concentrations were in line with or lower than concentrations in other geographical regions, although it is noted samples were collected during the dry season and further sampling during the tropical wet season would be of interest.

Well water sources simultaneous contamination with Cryptosporidium and Acanthamoeba in East-Southeast Asia and Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilms in the Philippines.

Cryptosporidium is the leading agent of waterborne parasitic protozoan outbreaks and is the second leading cause of infant mortality due to diarrhoea worldwide. Acanthamoeba spp. causes Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and a life-threatening condition known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The present study aimed to assess the water quality of an indigenous and a rural community for waterborne parasitic protozoan contamination. Aquatic samples (n = 22) were processed by filtration of 500 mL portion through a 1.2 μm pore size glass microfiber filter and eluted for light microscopy, culture in non-nutrient agar, and PCR analysis. Overall, 36% (8/22) of the investigated aquatic samples were positive for either Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (13%; 3/22) or Acanthamoeba spp., (36%; 8/22) or both (13%; 3/22). Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 27% (3/11) of wet season samples only while Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in 18% (2/11) and 55% (6/11) of wet and dry season samples, respectively. Subsequently, molecular detection for Acanthamoeba species identified A. lenticulata and A. hatchetti with 98-99% BLAST similarity. This is the first report on the simultaneous contamination of Cryptosporidium and Acanthamoeba in well water sources in East-Southeast Asia, the first detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilms in the Philippines, and the longest viability demonstrated for A. lenticulata in two-year-old water samples stored at room temperature.

DISTRIBUTION OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC AND TOTAL ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBON CONTENTS IN SURFACE WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF SOMBRIERO RIVER IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Variations in Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and Total Aliphatic Hydrocarbon (TAH) concentrations in surface water and sediments of Sombriero River during wet and dry climatic conditions and their implications to human health and the environment were investigated. The sediments and water samples were collected from seven selected stations at Sombriero river banks and within Sombriero River. The dry season sampling was carried out in December, 2020 while the wet season sampling took place in May, 2021. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s), and Total aliphatic Hydrocarbons (TAHs) following the standard operational procedures. The results indicated that the summation of the Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon (\(\Sigma\)PAH’s) exceeded 0 – 50ng/l background value signifying contamination by polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon with congeners such as benzo(a) pyrene; benzoflouranthenes; benzo(a) anthracene; indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene and dibenzo(a,h) anthracene which are carcinogenic. The aliphatic fraction of the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) results indicated ranges within DPR target and intervention limits, but the aromatic fraction indicated presence of chemical compounds that are carcinogenic to human health and at concentrations that exceeded their tolerable limits. The potential health effect of concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons to human exposure in the study area lies on the carcinogenic Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) fractions constituent chemical compounds such as Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Dibenz [a,h] anthracene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, whose concentrations portends human health hazard.

EFFECT OF SEASONAL VARIATION ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SURFACE WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF SOMBRIERO RIVER IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Due to the vulnerability of the Sombriero River to contaminants, the effect of seasonal variation on the physico-chemical characteristics of the Sombriero River was investigated with respect to its sediment and surface water samples to ascertain the degree of alterations from the natural background level of the river and adherence to regulatory standards. Surface water and sediments were collected at seven selected sites along the Sombriero River. The dry season sampling was carried out in December, 2020, while the wet season sampling took place in May, 2021. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory following standard operational procedures. The results indicated high alterations (p&lt; 0.05) in the concentrations of cadmium, nickel, zinc, iron, total dissolved solids, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand, beyond the background values of Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV). The majority of the heavy metals, notably copper, cadmium, lead, manganese, nickel, zinc, and iron, had higher concentrations in water during the dry season, while sodium, potassium, and magnesium showed an increase in concentration in surface water during the wet season. However, the pH level was within the target background values of DPR and FMENV, and showed no significant variation in the dry and wet seasons. For instance, surface water had a pH range of 6.65 –7.18 in the wet season, and 6.93 –7.18 in the dry season. Sediments ranged from 6.06 – 6.59 and 6.10 – 6.88 during the wet season and dry season, respectively. The quality of water influences the health status of any populace, hence, analysis of water for physical, chemical, and biological properties is very important.&#x0D;

English

Three bivalves from the coast of Ghana: Crassostrea tulipa (n = 275), Anadara (Senilia) senilis (n = 310), from two &lsquo;open&rsquo; lagoons (Benya and Ningo) and a &lsquo;closed&rsquo; lagoon (Sakumo), and Perna perna (n = 155), from rocky shores adjacent to Benya and Sakumo, were analyzed for their total Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd and Hg concentrations and total body burden/load. The analyses were based on three-size class from two seasons. Average concentrations for oysters (C. tulipa) were: 40, 1197, 477, 16, 0.57 and 0.15 &mu;g/g dw respectively. Cd and Hg levels in dry season samples were higher than those in wet season. While Zn and Fe dry season levels were lower than wet season with no variation in Cu and Mn, average total body burden were: 16, 451, 178, 6.6, 0.25 and 0.11 &mu;g respectively. Geographical variations observed were mostly due to size distribution rather than the ecological differences between stations. Factors observed to influence metal concentrations and accumulation in these organisms include; size, metal bioavailability, season of sampling, hydrodynamics of the environment and reproductive cycle. Element concentrations in bivalves at the same location differ between different species and individuals due to species-specific ability/capacity to regulate or accumulate trace metals. Log-transformed regression analyses between body burden and size were used to compare the species and stations. In addition, the results were compared within class and among classes. Key words: Trace elements, bivalves, bio-indicators, size class, lagoons, seasonal variation.

Mapping of Environmental Pollution Risk Induced by Open Dumping Practice of Municipal Solid Waste in Karadiyana of Sri Lanka Using Geographic Information System

Quantification of environmental pollution risk (EPR) induced by open dumping practice of municipal solid waste (MSW) is important to improve MSW management practices and to provide effective countermeasures for mitigating EPR at the MSW open dumping site. This study targeted an open dumping site at Karadiyana, Western province of Sri Lanka and aimed to assess EPR by using geographical and hydrological information, water (landfill leachate and surface water) and soil quality monitoring for samples collected at the pollutant source (i.e., MSW dumping site) and its surrounding with monthly interval from June to December 2019 to cover both wet and dry periods. The maps of EPR induced by the pollutant source were visualized by analysing measured physicochemical parameters including heavy metals incorporating with interpolation and weighted overlay techniques of geographic information system (GIS). Results showed that the EPR mapharacterized well spatial distribution and seasonal variation of pollutants from the source. Especially, it was found that the pollutants flowed towards the Northwest and North from the pollutant source at the investigated site. It was also found that higher concentrations of phosphorous and heavy metals were observed from landfill leachate samples in dry season than those in wet season. The findings in this study raise the mapping of EPR would contribute to take actions for establishing environmental sound waste disposal and to promote sustainable MSW management practice in Sri Lanka.

Age-specific patterns of DBLα var diversity can explain why residents of high malaria transmission areas remain susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum blood stage infection throughout life

Immunity to Plasmodium falciparum is non-sterilising, thus individuals residing in malaria-endemic areas are at risk of infection throughout their lifetime. Here we seek to find a genomic epidemiological explanation for why residents of all ages harbour blood stage infections despite lifelong exposure to P. falciparum in areas of high transmission. We do this by exploring, for the first known time, the age-specific patterns of diversity of variant antigen encoding (var) genes in the reservoir of infection. Microscopic and submicroscopic P. falciparum infections were analysed at the end of the wet and dry seasons in 2012–2013 for a cohort of 1541 residents aged from 1 to 91 years in an area characterised by high seasonal malaria transmission in Ghana. By sequencing the near ubiquitous Duffy-binding-like alpha domain (DBLα) that encodes immunogenic domains, we defined var gene diversity in an estimated 1096 genomes detected in sequential wet and dry season sampling of this cohort. Unprecedented var (DBLα) diversity was observed in all ages with 42,399 unique var types detected. There was a high degree of maintenance of types between seasons (>40% seen more than once), with many of the same types, especially upsA, appearing multiple times in isolates from different individuals. Children and adolescents were found to be significant reservoirs of var DBLα diversity compared with adults. Var repertoires within individuals were highly variable, with children having more related var repertoires compared to adolescents and adults. Individuals of all ages harboured multiple genomes with var repertoires unrelated to those infecting other hosts. High turnover of parasites with diverse isolate var repertoires was also observed in all ages. These age-specific patterns are best explained by variant-specific immune selection. The observed level of var diversity for the population was then used to simulate the development of variant-specific immunity to the diverse var types under conservative assumptions. Simulations showed that the extent of observed var diversity with limited repertoire relatedness was sufficient to explain why adolescents and adults in this community remain susceptible to blood stage infection, even with multiple genomes.

Phytoremediation of soils contaminated by lead and cadmium in Ethiopia, using Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra L).

Phytoremediation is a cost effective and environmentally sustainable green technology for remediation of metal contaminated sites. In Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, large vegetable farms are grown on contaminated sites. This study evaluates the potential of Phytolacca dodecandra L to remediate Pb and Cd from contaminated sites in Addis Ababa. Pb and Cd in soil samples and different plant parts were determined using AAS. Phytoremediation potential of P. dodecandra in different seasons was estimated by calculating the Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). The average BCF recorded for plant shoot in dry season samples varied from 0.87 to 1.74 for Pb and 1.06 to 2.00 for Cd, while in wet season it was within the range of 1.1–1.53 for Pb and 0.93–3.89 for Cd. The TF values for P. dodecandra ranged from 0.84 to 3.49 for Pb and 1.81 to 4.11 for Cd in dry season, whereas for wet season it varied between 1.34 and 2.01 for Pb and 1.78 and 2.97 for Cd. Since the mean values of BCF and TF were >1, it was concluded that P. dodecandra has considerable potential for phytoextraction of Pb and Cd in contaminated sites.

Soil macrofauna abundance, biomass and selected soil properties in the home garden and coffee-based agroforestry systems at Wondo Genet, Ethiopia

Agroforestry practices (AFPs) are typical solutions for low-input agricultural systems. AFPs play critical roles in the improvement of the abundance and biomass of soil invertebrates, which are necessary for long-term improvement of soil properties. The overall objective of the present study was to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics in macrofauna abundance and biomass in home gardens and coffee-based agroforestry systems and relate it with the dynamics in a range of soil physico-chemical parameters. The two AF systems differed in plant species richness and diversity of life forms. For both sampling seasons, higher number of macrofauna was collected from home garden AF than in the Coffee-based AF plot. Total macrofaunal biomass between the wet and dry seasons was significantly different (p < 0.05) for samples from home garden AF plot. Depth-wise patterns in macrofauna abundance and biomass showed distinct seasonal variation in the two-agroforestry systems. For both AF plots, marked and significant (p < 0.001) seasonal differences were observed in relation to soil moisture, temperature, and pH. On the other hand, dry season samples from the home garden AF plot had significantly (p < 0.001) higher moisture content and soil pH than the coffee-based AF plot. Home garden AF system provides a better belowground environment for enhanced soil macrofauna proliferation and activity reflected in higher biomass & abundance than Coffee-based AF. Accordingly, farmers are encouraged to maintain their farm production and productivity with agroforestry. F0B7 Home garden agroforestry system has diverse plant species composition than coffee based agroforestry system. F0B7 Home garden is better in terms of soil macrofauna abundance and biomass. F0B7 Soil macrofauna biomass and abundance showed seasonal dynamics.

English

This study determined the prevalence and drug resistant patterns of bacteria isolated from untreated hospital wastewaters collected from selected hospitals in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 42 composite samples were aseptically collected, transported and analyzed for enumeration of microorganisms, bacteriological identification and susceptibility testing following standard procedures. The Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of each site location was equally taken and data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The means bacterial count population of wet season samples ranged between 7&plusmn;4.00 &times; 105 and 150&plusmn;43.59 &times; (105cfu/ml), while that of dry season samples ranged between 10&plusmn;2.00 &times; 105 and 225&plusmn;67.27 &times; 105 cfu/ml. Among the total samples, 50 bacterial isolates were detected, of which 26(52%) were from wet season samples and 24(48%) were from dry season samples. The most frequently isolated bacteria from wet season samples was Alcaligenes faecalis 17(65.4%) followed by Alcaligenes aquatilis 5(19.2%) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 4(15.4%). Findings from antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates indicated that ofloxacin (OFL) demonstrated highest antimicrobial potency against the test isolates, with Zone inhibition diameters (mm) (resistant &le;12, intermediate 13-15 and susceptible &ge; 16). Thus, hospital wastewater should be treated before discharge to prevent infectious diseases. &nbsp; Key words: Hospital wastewaters, antibiotics, resistant pattern, bacteria.

The Estimation of Iron Oxide Content in Soil based on Landsat 8 OLI TIRS Imagery in Wetland Areas

Wetland areas are volatile and have high iron content. In this study, through a remote sensing approach, especially using Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) imagery, we discussed the method to estimate the presence of iron oxide in the wetlands of South Kalimantan in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Interpretation of the Landsat OLI TIRS was employed in April 2018, August 2018, February 2019, August 2019, March 2020, and August 2020. The band ratio method was used to determine the distribution of samples in this study. The results of the iron oxide index from the image were performed regression and correlation analysis with field measurement and laboratory test results to validate the oxide index values. The results showed that the iron oxide index value in the dry season was higher than in the rainy season. Iron oxide index value in open land was higher than in vegetation cover. The wetland was in dry condition during the dry season, making it easier to detect iron oxide values. Vegetation cover could reduce the iron oxide index value on the soil surface so that the iron oxide value was more easily identified in open land. The results of linear regression testing for the wet season sample obtained a coefficient of determination R² = 0.413, while the results of linear regression testing for the dry season sample obtained a coefficient of determination R² = 0.667. Thus, the Landsat image has strong enough to estimate the iron oxide index in the wetland area of Kalimantan.

Appraisal on Microbiologal Qualities of Hospital Wastewaters from off a Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigates the microorganisms associated with hospital wastewaters collected from the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, during the wet and dry seasons.&#x0D; Study Design: This project was a cross sectional descriptive study in which subjects were hospital wastewater samples collected from the study site.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: the samples were analyzed in the department of microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Microbiological study of one hundred and twenty-six samples of hospital wastewater collected both during wet season and dry season periods in the years 2018 – 2019 from Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, was carried out using conventional and molecular techniques respectively and the Global Positioning System (GPS) of each collection site was accurately recorded.&#x0D; Results: The microbial load of wet season samples collected from Offa Local Government Area ranged between 7±4,00 and 150±43.59 while that of dry season samples ranged between 10±2.00 x 105 and 225±67.27 (x 105cfu/ml). The bacteria isolated from wet season samples included; Alcaligenes faecalis, A. aquatilis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus with percentage occurrences of 65.4, 19.2 and 15.4 respectively, while bacteria isolated from dry season sample were A. faecalis and S. saprophyticus with percentages occurrence of 79.17 and 20.89, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that hospital wastewater collected during dry season period had more bacterial load than that of wet season period. The findings also confirmed A. faecalis as the most predominant and prevailing bacteria inhabiting hospital wastewater. Thus, care must be taken by avoiding hospital wastewater from getting into the municipal water supply to prevent infections associated with A. faecalis, A. aquatilis and S. saprophyticus.