Eleme Local Government Area Research Articles

Detection of <I>Giardia</I> cyst and <I>Taenia</I> eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study aimed at detecting Giardia cyst and Taenia eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, River State, Nigeria, to check for potability and purity of water.Water samples of river water were collected from two points (downstream and midstream) of Aleto river. Labelled clean sample bottles with tightly-fitted lids were used to collect water samples from the river and stored in coolers with ice packs to maintain their temperature and transportation to the laboratory. Collected water samples were transferred into sterile vial tubes and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for five minutes, after which the supernatant fluids were discarded, while the sediments smeared using spatula on labelled slides stained with specific dyes, using the wet mounts, trichome stain technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the light microscope to identify the presence of parasites.This study showed the presence of ten trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and ten eggs of Taenia species isolated from the river water samples collected. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with waterborne parasites and emphasizes the importance of effective water quality management to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the observation of parasites underscores the need for comprehensive water quality assessment and monitoring. This study highlights the contamination of the river with parasitic organisms and urgently needs effective water management strategies to mitigate the risks to public health. Vital interventions encompass enhancing sanitation practices, curbing fecal contamination, and augmenting water quality surveillance mechanisms.

Diagnosis of Crude Oil Impacted Soil in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study assessed the potential effects of crude oil on soil quality in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Soil samples were collected from 10 geopolitical wards of the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The soil and water samples were subjected to physicochemical and microbial analyses to test for pH, heavy metal content (Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Copper, and Chromium), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) contents and Total Viable Count (TVC). Parameters of the soil were determined and compared to the control site and the permissible World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The soil pH varied across location, ranging from 5.5-7. TPH varied in across the different communities studied, ranging from 1.275-4889.29 mg/kg, and exceeding the WHO limit of 10mg/kg in all polluted soils. The result for the heavy metals showed that the soil samples of the studied sites showed increases in all heavy metals, when compared to the control. Cd values ranged from 0.01 - 0.32 mg/kg; Fe from 1325.23 - 9364.76 mg/kg, Pb from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.93 mg/kg and Cr from 0.001 - 5.08 mg/kg, all with WHO limits. The result for the microbial showed increases in TVC content in polluted soil. Results indicate that crude oil spillage has led to significant contamination of soil in the study area which could affect soil fertility.

Determining heavy metals in soil and water in a bioremediating area in Nkeleoken-Alode Eleme Community Rivers State.

The study aims at determining the concentration of heavy metals in soil and water undergoing bioremediation in the Nkeleoken-Alode community of Eleme Local Government Area, (p<0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations Rivers State, carried out on both soil and aquatic between the test and control sites. The various sites undergoing bioremediation in the area. Soil and water samples were collected from three sites: unpolluted, polluted unremediated and polluted remediated sites. 50g of soil sample was collected using sterile aluminium foil, and water samples were collected in 250ml sterile containers. Samples were assayed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer which measures the concentrations of elements in a liquid sample. The absorption is proportional to the concentration of the elements present in the samples. Results showed a significant difference(p<0.05) in the concentration of lead and chromium in soil samples from polluted remediated sites compared to soil samples from unpolluted sites and polluted unremediated sites. Arsenic, cadmium and nickel did not show a significant difference when soil samples from the polluted remediated site were compared to unpolluted and polluted unremediated sites(p>0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentrations of cadmium, nickel and chromium in water samples, when water samples from the polluted and polluted unremediated sites. Lead and arsenic in water samples from polluted remediated sites did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to unpolluted and polluted unremediated sites. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and water samples showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations between the test and control sites. The various areas in the region that have been exposed to pollution pose a serious risk of heavy metal toxicity to occupants of the Niger Delta as a result of crude oil spillage. An immediate bioremediation strategy should be adopted in order the restore lost vegetation and aquatic life.

Inventory and Spatial Distribution of Trees in Eleme Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Urban trees provide a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits to those that live and work within and outside the community. Urban forest assessments are essential in supporting urban forest management and planning to improve environmental quality and human health in cities. The study investigated woody trees distributions in Eleme Local Government Area (Apkajo) Port Harcourt Nigeria, The study area was divided into 3 categories (Academic, Residential and Religious). Total woody tree species enumerations were carried out using tree identification and measurement while remote sensing technique was used to determine spatial distribution of trees and their land surface temperature. Morphological parameters assessed included total height (THT), crown diameter (CD), crown projection area (CPA), slenderness coefficient (SC) Merchantable area (MCH). Findings indicated total number of twenty seven (27) different woody tree species was identified from a sample population of one hundred and eighty five (185) trees. Species identified includes Mangifera indica, Dacryodes edulis,Terminalia mantaly, Azadirchta indica, Newbouldia laevis, Persea americana, Polyalthia longifolia, Terminalia catappa..Beneficial roles included medicinal, food security, income generation, beautification and micro-climate purposes. Among the species, Mangifera indica was the most abundant with a frequency of occurrence of 47. The result revealed that trees found in academic areas consistently gave higher mean tree growth variable values. Biodiversity was highest in residential areas with a Shannon index of 2.54 and Simpsons index of 0.88. Spatial distribution pattern showed that most tree species are clustered around the residential areas than the religious and academic areas. It was also observed that the trees are active in moderation of the land surface temperature by creating a micro-climate beneath it. The high species richness and diversity within the residential areas, despite its high infrastructural development, showed the importance people placed on urban greening and climate change.

Awareness of environmental hazards of black soot induced by illegal oil refiners in Aleto Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State

This study was carried out on black soot pollution induced by illegal oil refiners in Aleto Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. To achieve the aim of this study, three objectives were formulated. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprises of all members of Aleto community, and a sample size of 260 respondents was selected from the total population. A structured questionnaire was used were used for the study. Data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. Results from findings showed that the attitude of the people in Aleto contributed to black soot pollution to the environment Hence, the researcher recommended that environmental impact assessment should be carried out before any development in order to prevent the occurrence of black soot, also sensitization and education of the public on the dangers of some of the activities on the environment by government and non-governmental agencies should be carried out.

Heavy Metals Toxicity in Selected Vegetables and Soil from Akpajo, Eleme Local Government, Rivers State

Threat to life from anthropogenic contamination of soil and food crops harvested from our environment is now of immense public health concern. This study investigated heavy metals’ contentment in selected vegetables and soil water from Akpajo, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State and probable toxicity effects on exposure to these food crops. Vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis (pimpkin leaf) and Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Soil from an agricultural farm land were collected and analyzed for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) contents using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (model: S4=71096). The maximum mean levels (mgkg-1) obtained for Pb 5.392±0.001and Cd (0.396±0.001mg/kg) were seen in V. amygdalina with minimum Pb (3.35±0.029mg/kg) and Cd (0.288±0.001mg/kg) seen in the soil and Telfairia occidentalis, (Pumpkin Leaf) samples respectively. Maximum Ni value (1.99±0.00mg/kg) was obtained from the sampled soil with the minimum value (1.108±0.001mg/kg) seen in Telfairia occidentalis. Arsenic and Hg were shown to be below detectable limits. Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and TLCR were used for heavy metals health risk assessment (HRA), which gave values higher than standard as stipulated by USEPA. These toxicological indices revealed that adult and children population exposed to these samples could be highly at risk as values obtained where above potential risk-free limit of 10-6 to 10-4 set by USEPA. It is however recommended that strict measures be developed and adopted to restrict further pollution of surrounding agricultural soil.

Hydrocarbon Profile of Oil-Spill-Impacted Soils from Ogoni in Rivers State, Nigeria

This research examined the total extractable hydrocarbon content comprising of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), total hydrogen carbon (THC) and total organic nitrogen (TON) of an oil-spill-impacted site in Ogoni land, Okenta Alode, Eleme local government area, Rivers state, Nigeria. Sediment samples of crude oil hydrocarbon contaminated soils were randomly collected from different points at the study sites. Samples were collected between 0 - 15cm (surface m level) and 15 - 30cm (in-depth level) with soil auger and thereafter bulked to obtain composite sample. Bio remediated soil, obtained at about 200 m away from the contaminated site was also collected making a total of twelve (12) samples, with the coordinates of the locations recorded with a GPS device. The samples collected in sterile non-reactive polythene bags and transported using icepacks to the laboratory for analyses and the sediments stored at 6°C and extracted within 14 days of collection. The result of the study revealed among others that the oil-spill-impacted sites contain high concentration of TPH, as the highest concentration obtained from the different sites was 298.57 mg/kg and the lowest was 100.80 mg/kg. Also, the in-depth samples contain higher concentrations than the surface level samples, while similar results were also observed for PAHs and THC. The THC values for surface level samples are in the order of P3/S/O2 (129.000 mg/kg) > P5/S/O1 (229.300 mg/kg) > P1/S/O1 (232.200 mg/kg) > P4/S/O1 (256.111 mg/kg) > P2/S/O1 (303.100 mg/kg). The PAHs concentration in the sediment were within the acceptable limits and showed trend of DBA > Chr > BbFL > Ind > BaA > BkFL > Pyr > Fl > Flu > Ant > AcPY > Phen > AcP > NaP. There was no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk posed to the populace as a result of PAHs contamination. Thus, the result suggest that these sediments may be contaminated with PAHs, TPH and THC and has reduced TON due to hydrocarbon contamination which may reduce plant growth in the study area. It recommends that these contaminations resulting from hydrocarbons be contained to prevent it from resulting to deleterious health effects to the exposed populace.

The Influence of Social Media Usage On Some Anti-Social Behaviours (Cultism and Bullying) Among Secondary School Students in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

The study investigated social media usage and antisocial behaviours (cultism and bullying) among secondary school students in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria. A sample of 400 students from a population of 5233 was used for the study. Taro Yamen’s formula and simple random sampling were used to compose the sample. Three research questions were answered while three corresponding null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Two instruments titled Anti-social Behaviour Scale (ABS) and Social Media questionnaire (SMQ) were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach alpha reliability method of internal consistency. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), simple regression and t-test associated with regression. Findings revealed among others that social media usage (Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram independently accounts for 63.5% variation in tendency to cultism activities among secondary school students of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria. It was also revealed that social media usage (Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram) accounts for 44.65% variation in tendency towards bullying among these students. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that students should be taught on how to make more constructive and fruitful use of their phones. The implication of the results was highlighted in line with the findings. The study successfully contributed to knowledge as it has established empirically that students can learn the acts of cultism from their use of social media.

Analysis of Ochani River in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State

Surface water undergoes immense strain, and it has been estimated that, owing to its simple disposability, human waste and toxic industrial discharges is released untreated into the surface water. The most affected to this transformation is the surface water caused by anthropogenic contaminants. It is in the light of this that the study assessed the physicochemical and heavy metal parameters in the surface water at Ochani River in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area. The water samples were collected 500meters apart from different points, and the adjourning river which serve as the ‘control point’. Analysis of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters were done using appropriate measures and standard procedures. The finding indicate that the lead values obtained from the analysis of the sampled water is 0.001mg/l; copper value <0.001mg/l; Zinc values range from 0.002mg/l to 0.004mg/l, while Iron values obtained from the sampled water analysis ranged from 0.336mg/l to 0.724mg/l; and the value of chromium is ranging from 0.001mg/l to 0.004. The laboratory analysis of pH and turbidty values ranged from 5.34 to 5.54 and, 60 - 70 NTU, respectively. These obtained values are below the maximum limit for DPR and WHO surface water standards. Therefore, the study recommend that Ochani River is not safe for human intake.

Assessment of Adolescents Attitude towards Sexuality and Reproductive Health Education in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

The study aimed at determining the attitude of male and female adolescents towards sexuality and reproductive health education. The population of the study consisted of 5,800 adolescents in public secondary schools in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Southern Nigeria. The sample of the study was however made up of 200 adolescent drawn through simple random sampling technique. Data of the study was obtained using structured questionnaire titled: “Adolescents Attitude to Sexuality and Reproductive Health Education Questionnaire (AASRHEQ). The instrument was validated by experts in educational psychology and measurement and evaluation. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.75, using Cronbach alpha technique. Data collected were analyzed using mean (x), standard deviation and t-test. Result got after data analysis indicated that generally speaking majority of the adolescents had negative attitude. However, a significant difference was found in the adolescents attitude by gender and by religion;. Consequently, recommendations were made which included that the government needs to do more in term of ensuring the implementation of teaching of sexuality and reproductive health education curriculum in schools, especially in the semi urban and rural areas; and that practicing counselors should take up the responsibility of ensuring enough awareness campaign through programs in school and local communities aimed at enhancing the development of positive attitude towards sexuality education among adolescents.

Social Challenges to the Education of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Eleme, Nigeria

Nigerian children under prolonged suffering because of loss of parents are faced with several challenges such as dropping out of school; in some cases, they may even be taken out of school to care for the home. In this study, we determined the challenges (financial, emotional and psychological) to the education of orphaned and vulnerable children in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. All the 396 orphans in orphanages in the study Area constituted the study population. A Questionnaire captioned “the challenges to the education of orphans and vulnerable children, a case study of Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State”, was developed for the study. Whether male or female, the children held that financial situations and emotional stress, to a high extent affected their education. The children attempt to cope with these challenges by being frugal, seeking company among themselves, and trying to develop the ability to manage their emotions. Clearly, the provision of access to finance (e.g., through special bursaries and grants) and guidance and counselling professionals will enhance the continuity and performance of orphans and vulnerable children in the schools. Received: 2 May 2021 / Accepted: 15 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of heavy metals in Musa paradisiaca, Zea mays, Cucumeropsis manii and Manihot esculenta cultivated in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria.

This study was carried out to investigate heavy metals concentrations: lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in Musa paradisiaca (plantain), Zea mays (maize), Cucumeropsis manii (melon), Manihot esculenta (cassava) and soil samples from dumpsites in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The plant leaf and soil samples were measured for heavy metals concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk index (HRI) of the heavy metals following the consumption of these plant materials by the populace was estimated using standard protocols. The heavy metals concentrations in the leaf samples ranged from 0.012–14.712 mg/kg, whereas those of the soil samples were within the range of 2.543–16.459 mg/kg. Cd concentrations in the soil and leaf samples were above the maximum permissible level according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The bioaccumulation of the heavy metals followed the trend: (M. paradisiaca) Zn > Pb > Co > Mn > Cu > Cd > Ni; (Z. mays) Mn > Pb > Co > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni; (C. mannii) Mn > Co > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd > Ni; (M. esculenta) Zn > Pb > Mn > Cu > Co > Ni > Cd. The highest bioaccumulation of the heavy metals occurred in M. esculenta. The estimated HRI of Pb in M. esculenta was greater than 1. HRI > 1 was indicative that the consumer population is not safe. Cassava-based meals from the dumpsites contained Pb at toxic level, whereas Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Mn concentrations in plantain-, maize- and melon-based meals were relatively within safe limits.

Application of Electrical Resistivity Method in Groundwater Exploration

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out in Alode Community of Eleme Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria to determine the geo-electrical and hydrogeological characteristics of aquifers present in the area, also to delineate the geo-electric stratigraphy of each VES station. A total of three (3) VES were carried out with the ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C, using the Schlumberger Configuration. Maximum half-current electrode spread (AB/2) of 1m up to 150m was used, while the half potential electrode separation (MN/2) was maintained between 0.5m and 7.5m. The VES curves were quantitatively interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iteration techniques, using the IP1 WIN computer software. The results of the interpreted VES data confirm the following stratigraphies: top soil (40.2-65.2Ωm), shale (32.2-86.3Ωm), fine-medium sand (172-204Ωm), medium-coarse sand (532Ωm), and medium sand (417Ωm). Geo-electric sections reveal that the aquiferous units are mostly confined, with depth to aquifer range of 60m (154.2ft) for VES 1 and 63m (206.7ft) for VES 2 and 65m (213.3ft) for VES 3.

In vitro Degradation and Reduction of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Marine Environments of Niger Delta

Aims: To determine the in vitro degradation and reduction of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria isolated from contaminated marine environments of Niger Delta.
 Study Design: Nine treatments and nine controls designs were set up in triplicates containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium in 500 mL conical flasks supplemented with 1 mg /L of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each; nine marine hydrocarbon degraders and incubated at 24 ºC for 24 days study. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL (Without hydrocarbons) were used to determine the aromatic hydrocarbons degradability and reduction by the marine bacteria. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The studied sites were Abonema Wharf Water Front in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Nembe Water-Side in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Onne Light Flow Terminal Seaport located in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria between September, 2014 and March, 2017.
 Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, screening, phenotypical, degradation and TLC techniques.
 Results: The results showed that the three studied areas harbour numerous promising aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus. The bacterial strains especially Serratia marcescens XYL7 significantly (P = .05) had 99.50 ± 0.05 % and 60.00 ± 0.02 % degradations in weights of xylene and pyrene, respectively while Alcaligenes faecalis PYR5 significantly (P =.05) degraded 97.40 ± 0.01 % in weight of anthracene. TLC result revealed evidences of large spots size reductions or losses of test samples compare to control samples with minor spot sizes.
 Conclusion: Thus, the outstanding degradative abilities of these strains could be exploited in bioremediation campaigns in Nigeria.

Growth Profile and Catabolic Pathways Involved in Degradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Niger Delta, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the growth profile and catabolic pathways involved in degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria isolated from Niger Delta, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Nine treatments designs were set up in triplicate in 500 mL conical flask containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium supplemented with three aromatic hydrocarbons (100 mg /L each) and nine marine aromatic hydrocarbon degraders. The treatments were kept in the laboratory and incubated at 24 ºC for 24 days degradation period. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL were used to determine the growth profile and metabolic pathways involved in degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria.
 Place and Duration of Study: The studied sites were Abonema Wharf Water Front in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Nembe Water-side in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Onne Light Flow Terminal Seaport located in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria between September, 2015 and June, 2018.
 Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, screening, selection, molecular characterization, degradation and GC-MS assays.
 Results: The findings revealed that the sampling sites harbour a lot of efficient aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus. The bacterial strains were able to significantly (P =.05) degrade simple, low and high molecular weights aromatic hydrocarbons as source of carbon and energy. These strains utilized 100 mg /L of xylene (one ring), anthracene (three rings), and pyrene (four rings) via two main catabolic pathways and catechol is the major constant product that appeared during the degradation period (24 days).
 Conclusion: Thus, the biodegradation capacities and metabolic pathways obtained from these results suggest that these bacteria especially Serratia marcescens XYL7 could be used efficiently to bioremediate aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated aquatic ecosystems in Nigeria.

Craniofacial morphometric study of adult Ogoni people of Nigeria

Craniofacial anthropometry requires series of direct standard anthropometric measurement of the bones of the human skull. The study was aimed at establishing baseline data of the craniofacial parameters which are head circumference, intercanthal distances, canthal index and circumference interorbital index of the adult Ogonis of Nigeria. A total of three hundred and eighty two (382) subjects were selected randomly from Kibagha in Gokana local government area, Bori in Khana local government area, Nonwa in Tai local government area and Alesa in Eleme local government area all in Ogoni. Three hundred and eighty two (382) subjects which include one hundred and eighty nine (189) and one hundred and ninety three (193) for males and females respectively with a non-stretchable plastic ruler with 0.5cm interval was used for the measurement and the data. The results showed among others, the mean age value as 30.81±10.13 for male and 32.64±10.91 for female, head circumference (male 56.41±1.52cm, female57.05±2.02cm), intercanthal distance (male 3.56±0.30cm, female 3.47±0.26), outer canthal distance (male 12.53±0.49cm, female 12.39±0.55cm), canthal index (male 28.41±1.79cm, female 28.15±1.83cm) and circumference inter-orbital index (male 6.31±0.44cm, female 6.09±0.40cm). It showed statistical significant difference between the male and female among the parameters measured indicating sexual dimorphism. Discriminate function analysis of Wilkis’ Lambda test also confirms accurateness and predictability of the statistical significant difference of male and female measured variables. The knowledge from the study can provide information for craniofacial assessment for important clinical questions in research especially during surgery on the cranium development forensic investigation in personal identification in the population and society at large.

Physicochemical characteristics and mycoremediation of Ejamah-Ebubu oil spill site located at Eleme Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria

Mycoremediation is the application of fungi isolate to contaminated sites. The mycological content of Ejamah- Ebubu oil polluted site was carried out. Using composite sampling technique, five sets of samples were collected; At15, Bt15, Ct15, Dt15, Et15 at depth (0 - 15cm) and Ab30, Bb30, Cb30, Db30, Eb30 at depth (15 - 30cm). The parameters analyzed include; pH, conductivity, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, total heterotrophic fungal count (THF) and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count (HUF). The total heterotrophic fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal count for A15 ranges between 5.0 x 10 3- 1.5x104cfu/g and 1.1 x103 - 2.3x103 cfu/g while A30 ranges between 4.0 x 103- 1.3x104cfu/g and 3.0 x 103 - 1.3x103cfu/g. A total of nine fungal isolate were obtained and identified to belong to the genera: Aspergillus (44.44%), Microsporum (11.11%), Fusarium (11.11%), Penicillium (22, 22%) Acremonium (11.11%). The frequency of occurrence of the isolates have Aspergillus>Penicillium while Microsporium, Fusarium and Acremonium are the same. The unique ability of these isolates to adapt to such conditions of petroleum hydrocarbon content in soil can be effectively used in bioremediation of oil impacted areas in the Niger Delta.Keywords: Mycoremediation, Hydrocarbon, Aspergillus, bioremediation, Impacted, Delta

Assessment of Physical Properties and Heavy Metals in Borehole Water from Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State

Assessment of Physical Properties and Heavy Metals in Borehole Water from Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State

Exploring Obesity and Blood Lipids Levels in Farmers in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State of Nigeria

Objective: The assumption about the healthy farmer has been explored in most developed countries and criticisms abound on environments such as the farm place encouraging excessive food intake and mechanization discouraging physical activities which encourages healthy lifestyle. This study sought to explore obesity and blood lipids abnormalities of farmers in a farm settlement in Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: Data for determining Body Mass Index (BMI), Percent Body Fat (%BF) were gathered and laboratory investigations of levels of blood lipids were carried out on 58 farmers. Results: Data was fed into SPSS version 20 for descriptive statistics and frequency distribution. 33(56.9%) were females and 25(43.1%) males. Mean BMI was 21.67 ± 3.22, only 1(3%) of the females was overweight: 6(24%) and 1(4%) of the males were overweight and obese respectively. Mean %BF was 19.14 ± 6.49, only 1(3%) of the females was obese while 1(4%) and 3(12%) of the males were obese and overweight respectively. 21 females and 15 males accepted for their blood samples to be taken. Mean LDL-C was 3.04 ± 0.89, 16(76%) of the females tested fell in the “favourable prognosis”; 4(19.04%) and 1(4.76%) fell in the “Standard Risk” and “Increased Risk” categories respectively, while 13(86.67%) and 2(13.33%) of the males fell into the “favourable prognosis” and “Standard Risk” categories respectively. Mean HCL-C was 0.86 ± 0.35, 17(80.95%) and 4(19.05%) of the females fell into “Increased Risk” and “Favourable” categories respectively while 9(60%) and 5(33.30%) of the males fell in the “Increased Risk” and “Standard Risk” categories respectively. Mean TC was 4.35 ± 0.90, 16(76.19%) and 5(23.81%) of the females fell in the “favourable prognosis” and “Standard Risk” categories respectively while 14(93.33%) and 1(6.67%) of the males fell in the “favourable prognosis” and “Standard Risk” categories respectively. Mean TG: 1.01 ± 0.61, 18(85.7%) of the females had < 1.71 mml/l which is favourable, 2(9.5%) had suspected risk and 1(4.8%) had “Increased Risk” while 12(80%) of the males had < 1.71 mml/l; 2(13.33%) and 1(6.67%) “Increased Risk” and “suspected risk”. Conclusion: Farmers in this part of Nigeria are predominantly within healthy weight range and “favourable” blood lipids levels except for HDL-C for which they had increased risk and standard risk levels.

Access of Rural Women to Agricultural Information in the Eleme Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study assessed rural women's access to agricultural information in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria using a sample size of 100 farm women. Field data were elicited with an interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that only 40% of the respondents had access to agricultural information and that their major sources of information were friends/family members and fellow farmers. Findings further revealed that agricultural information resulted in increased farm productivity among recipients. The major constraints to information access were unavailability of extension agents, insufficient funds, and complexity of information. The study recommends availability of more extension agents, delivery of micro-credit, and simplification of information to improve rural women's access to agricultural information in the study area.