Federal Environmental Protection Agency Research Articles

Impact of Nutrients, Aeration and Agitation on the Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Water Using Mixed Microbial Culture

Crude oil polluted water was treated using a bioremediation strategy encompassing natural attenuation and biostimulation using a mixed microbial culture of Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Four (4) samples of petroleum hydrocarbon polluted water; Control (no nutrient), A (nutrient from NPK 15:15:15), B (nutrient plus aeration), and C (nutrient, aeration and agitation) were monitored for 8 weeks for bioremediation indicating parameters such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) and pH. The results obtained showed an increase in DO levels of 86.4, 87.0 and 87.5 % for samples A, B, and C respectively. The BOD of the samples was observed to decrease in the course of bioremediation with reduction levels of 98.6, 98.7 and 98.8% recorded for samples A, B, and C respectively. Reductions in THC corresponded to 92.3, 93.6, and 94.4% respectively for samples A, B and C. The pH of all samples fell within the acceptable limit of 6-9 as stipulated by regulatory agencies such as the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and the department of petroleum resources (DPR). The final values of BOD and THC fell within the values of 30 and 10 mg/l respectively stipulated by FEPA and DPR with the exception of sample A which had a final THC value of 14 mg/l.

Study of Pollution Levels in Ahoada-ihuaba Axis of Sombreiro River, Ahoada Rivers State, Nigeria

Water samples from the Sombreiro River were collected from ten different stations and analysed for some physico-chemical parameters. The physico-chemical parameters include temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, phosphate, Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen, sulphate, chloride, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Alkalinity and Hardness; some metals also analysed include: Calcium (Ca 2+ ), Magnesium (Mg 2+ ), Sodium (Na + ), Potassium (K + ), Iron II (Fe 2+ ), Copper II (Cu 2+ ), Zinc (Zn 2+ ), Manganese (Mn 2+ ) and Lead II (Pb 2+ It was observed that the parameters measured were higher in value during the wet season (October) as compared to the dry season (December and January). These parameters were analysed using recommended standard methods. The sampling for this study was done thrice in three months of October, December and January. The metals analysed ranged as follows: Ca (0.650.75mg/L), Mg (0.12-0.23), Na (0.39-0.44mg/L), K (4.95-5.35mg/L) and Pb (0.05-0.21) Original Research Article International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemistry, 4(4): 378-387, 2014 379 respectively, all measured in mg/L. The analysis showed undetected levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu that had some trace levels in October at stations SB7 (0.O3mg/l) and SB8 (0.02 mg/I). The results obtained revealed that the Sombreiro River water had relatively low levels of pollution parameters except for Pb concentration and water bacteriology which were higher than the recommended limits set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and by World Health Organization (WHO). The government, oil exploration companies and abattoir managers should ensure strict compliance to safety and environmental guidelines and laws to avoid surpassing recommended standard limits for dumping waste into surface waters. The implication of the data showed that the water from this river will not be suitable for drinking but could serve other useful domestic purposes.

The Biofiltration Potentials of a Brewery Effluent Using Two Saprophytic Fungi Species

Aims: This research attempts to investigate the effect of a biologically mediated filtration technique {using the mycelia from two saprophytic filamentous fungi – Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger), isolated from the soil} on the physicochemical indices of an Industrial (Brewery) effluent. Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). In all cases, the value for each data was the mean from 3 replicates. Data were subjected to a one way analysis of variance – ANOVA, while the separation of the means (post Hoc Test) was done using the independent sample T-Test at 1% level of significance. Place of Study: The Study was conducted at different Institutional Laboratories (such as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi; Environmental Biology Lab., Yaba College of Technology and Chemistry Lab., University of Lagos) in Lagos, Nigeria. Methodology: The effluent samples were analyzed for various physical parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids and chemical parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Phosphates, Sulphates, Chlorides, Hardness, Alkalinity and Nitrates using standard Original Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(24): 4004-4022, 2014 4005 laboratory techniques and equipment. Results: The results obtained from this work showed that both fungal species were able to bring about a significant (p≤0.01) improvement in most of the physicochemical parameters considered in this Brewery effluent when compared to the unfiltered (Control) effluent samples, as well as against approved benchmarks as provided by some statutory regulatory bodies in Nigeria such as the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and now defunct Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Conclusion: The results from this study shows that A. niger and A. flavus (that were used in this experiment) has some promise at improving some important physicochemical indicators of a poorly treated brewery effluent.

Seasonal Variation in the Physico-chemical Characteristics of Surface Water in EtcheRiver, Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface water in Etche River in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study area is a vast theatre for multiple petroleum development and cottage industries activity .Water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, from six sampling points, two samples along the river course. Grab (Catch) water sampling method was used in collection of water samples into PVC and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) bottles, during the two different seasons. The water samples were well labeled and stored at 4 O C. Water Temperature (T), pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were measured by mercury bulb thermometer, pH meter and Conductivity-total dissolved solids (TDS) Meter, respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Alkalinity (TA) and free Carbon Dioxide (CO2) were analyzed by standard methods (Eaton and Franson, 2005). Differences exist in observed physico-chemical properties of water samples collected during the two seasons. For instance, during the wet season, the level of magnesium, Calcium, and pH were 72.22(mg/l), 297.3 (mg/l)and 5.07 respectively, while values for dry season were 63.19(mg/l),260.1 (mg/l) and 6.11 respectively. Value for TDS in both seasons samples were relatively higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) stipulated limits. Copper concentration was found to be between 0.09 and 0.06 mg/l. The study revealed the disposal of industrial, commercial and domestic waste into Etche River. Recommendations, preferred include, the need to control point source and non-point source contamination of the Etche River

A Study of Probability Models in Monitoring Environmental Pollution in Nigeria

In Lagos State, Nigeria, pollutant emissions were monitored across the state to detect any significant change which may cause harm to human health and the environment at large. In this research, three theoretical distributions, Weibull, lognormal, and gamma distributions, were examined on the carbon monoxide observations to determine the best fit. The characteristics of the pollutant observation were established and the probabilities of exceeding the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) acceptable limits have been successfully predicted. Increase in the use of vehicles and increase in the establishment of industries have been found not to contribute significantly to the high level of carbon monoxide concentration in Lagos State for the period studied.

Performance Characteristics of Pollutants along the Longitudinal Profile of a Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant in the University of Lagos, Nigeria

The paper reports the findings of a research work carried out to examine the performance and efficiency of a subsurface constructed wetland (SSFCW) for the treatment of domestic sewage in the University of Lagos (Unilag), Nigeria. The removal patterns and efficiencies of the physical, chemical and biological sewage pollutants parameters of domestic waste water generated within Unilag community by the SSFCW were studied. The wastewater was sampled and analysed along the SSFCW from influent (point1) to effluent (point 11). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reduced from 471 mg/l to 11.85 mg/l (97.48%), Turbidity reduced from 108.75 HTU to 0.05HTU (99.95%), Manganese reduced from 6.05 mg/l to 0.61 mg/ (89.92%), Nitrate reduced from 27.5 mg/l to 2.0 mg/l (92.73%), Sulphate reduced from 48.5 mg/l to 28 mg/l (42.27%), Iron reduced from 1.13 mg/l to 0.03 mg/l (97.35%), BOD reduced from 73.14 mg/l to 12.8 mg/l (82.5%), and E-coli reduced from 874 MPN/100 ml to 0.15 MPN/100 ml (99.98%). On the other hand, Dissolved Oxygen content increased along the SSFCW from 3.14 mg/l to 7.49 mg/l (138.54%) while the pH improved from slightly acid level of 6.49 to slightly above neutral level of 7.05 (9.3%). All the parameters at effluent point are within the Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) acceptable standard. The study concludes that the SSFCW is a cheap, efficient and appropriate technology for the treatment of domestic sewage under tropical conditions.

Quality Assessment of Effluent Discharges from Vegetable oil Plant

The quality of effluent discharges from a vegetable oil processing company, located in Anambra State – South east Nigeria, was evaluated relative to regulatory body – Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standard. Wastewater quality parameters namely; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hydrocarbon content (THC), oil and grease, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and temperature were determined weekly on effluent samples, for a period of 12 weeks, using standard methods. The effluent data were subjected to statistical correlation. BOD values ranged from 10.80 – 94.20 mg/L, with 90% occurrence value of 81.20 mg/L, which exceeded FEPA set limit of 50mgLl by 62.40% for about 14% of the time. DO level ranged from 2.70 – 4.60 mg/L which was below the saturation point of 7.5mg/L at 300C. THC, Oil and Grease consistently exceeded the set limit of 10 mg/L. Effluent pH range of 4.60 - 9.60 was outside FEPA range of 6-9. However, TDS and temperature levels were consistently within permissible limits through out the period under investigation. There is need for proper treatment and monitoring of effluent to ensure consistent quality that meets environmental standard.Keywords: Quality parameters, set limits, percent occurrence value, period, regulatory

Potential Application of Urea and NPK 15:15:15 Fertilizers as Biostimulants in the Bioremediation of Domestic Wastewater

The role of urea and NPK 15:15:15 fertilisers as biostimulants of microbes in the bioremediation of domestic wastewater was investigated in this study. Five samples of domestic wastewater supplemented with 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g/L of urea, NPK as well as a combination of both fertilisers and the control were monitored for bioremediation. The indicating parameters such as pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) over a period of 5 weeks were used. The results obtained showed that there was a BOD reduction of 86.62, 85.24 and 86.85% for wastewater treated with urea, NPK and a combination of both respectively. Stimulation by the fertilisers improved the DO level by 76, 75 and 77.8% respectively for wastewater treated with urea, NPK and a combination of both respectively. Generally, the best results were obtained when both fertilisers were used together. The final values of pH, BOD and DO fell within the values of 6-9, 30 mg/L and 2 mg/L set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). The results obtained indicate the effective use of urea and NPK fertilisers in stimulating the activity of microbes for bioremediation in wastewater.

Determination of Sulphur Dioxide Concentrations in Ambient Air of Some Selected Traffic Areas in Kaduna Metropolis

This research study was aimed at determining concentrations of sulphurdioxide in ambient air of some selected areas viz: industrial area (Kakuri), high vehicler traffic/commercial area (Leventis Roundabout), traveling route (Kawo overhead bridge), Low vehicler traffic area (Tafawa Balewa Roundabout), residential area (Kawo New Extension) and a control site (NFA base) in Kaduna metropolis Nigeria. Air sample was collected at each sampling site by passing ambient air through an impinger bottle containing hydrogen peroxide (absorbent), at a flow-rate of 10 L/min for 30 min using air vacuum pump. The concentration of SO 2 in the resultant solution (absorbent) was determined by titrating against 0.005 moL/dm 3 NaOH solutions. The average SO 2 concentrations in the six sampling stations were within the range 0.16-0.75 ppm, with the highest values of 0.75 and 0.70 ppm at highly industrialized area (Kakuri) and a high traffic area (Leventis roundabout) respectively. The ambient air concentrations of SO 2 depict the pattern; Industrial area (Kakuri) >High vehicler traffic/commercial area (Leventis roundabout) >Traveling route (Kawo overhead bridge) >Low traffic area (Tafawa Balewa roundabout) >Residential area (Kawo New Extension) >Remote area (NAF Base Mando). Except for highly industrial area (Kakuri) and the high traffic area (Leventis), The ambient air SO 2 concentration are within the acceptable limits of United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Nigeria's Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standard limit which is 0.5 ppm for 30 min exposure time.

Effects of oil spillage on Soil and Surface Water in Odoro Ikot Ukanafun Area Akwa Ibom State

A hydrogeochemical survey of water and soil sample in Odoro Ikot and its environment was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) techniques. It was done to assess the impact of oil spillage on soil and surface water in the area. The soil samples were taken from the top to a depth of 30cm at the interval depth of 5cm each. Results obtained from these analyses were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standards. The following parameters were measured and analyzed, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, oil/grease, copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), phosphorus, (Pox) and sulphate (S0 4 ). The results of the analysis show that the surface water samples exceeds the WHO, FEPA and DPR acceptable standards. Apart from the water pH which was almost moderately acidic and oil/grease value in the study area, other parameters also exceeds the recommended standards, therefore there is need for remediation or clean up exercise to be carried out in the study area. The comparison with the soil sample analytical results show that the crude oil has polluted the soil and rendered it unsuitable for agricultural purpose since the ecology has been damaged and the soil degraded. ©JASEM Keywords: Tozicity, heavy metals, soil and water, WHO standard, Odoro Ikot Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria.

Study of heavy metals pollution and physico-chemical assessment of water quality of River Owo, Agbara, Nigeria

The various selected physicochemical and biological condition of freshwater bodies which receive varying number of outfalls of industrial and domestic effluents containing heavy metals of River Owo, Agbara Industrial Estate, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun state, along Badagry Expressway in Nigeria, was assessed for five consecutive months. Four sampling points were chosen from the water body to reflect the effect of industrial effluent, domestic effluent and lotic habitats. Temperature, pH, salinity, total alkalinity, total hardness (TH), total settle-able solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia, phosphate, chloride level, sulphate, nitrate, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese zinc, colour were analyzed monthly between November 2007 and March 2008 using standard methods and procedures. The ranges of these factors were found to be comparable to the recommended limit of the Lagos State Environment Protection Agency (LASEPA) 2001 and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) except for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia, phosphate, cadmium, chromium, lead, copper and Iron which were found in higher concentrations at sampling point B (effluent discharge point) above LASEPA, FEPA and Freshwater limit. DO of the three sampling points A, C and D were between recommended limit but slightly low at point B (effluent discharge point), which is less than the recommended limit. The level of pollution is more pronounced at sampling point B due to the greater amount of BOD and the release of some heavy metals like cadmium, chromium and lead which greatly affect the water quality of the river. The study concludes that River Owo is slightly polluted while the pollution is as a result from the discharge of effluents by the companies, factory and materials from other anthropogenic sources. Key words: Industrial and domestic effluent, biochemical physicochemical condition oxygen demand (BOD), heavy metals, monitoring, anthropogenic sources.

Unheeded Science

In the early 1970s, the idea of precaution—of heeding rather than ignoring scientific evidence of harm when there is uncertainty, and taking action that errs on the side of safety—was so appealing that the US Congress used it as the basis of the toxics provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1972, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based its proposals for implementing those provisions on it, and the courts frequently tended toward it when resolving conflicts over the implementation of pollution control law. In other words, precaution was written into toxic water pollutant control law and was beginning to be written into policy and regulations. By 1976, the tables were completely turned. The EPA abandoned the safety-providing approach in the implementation of the law, even though the law required it, and adopted a risk-taking approach in the creation of standards for the vast majority of toxic water pollutants. The article examines how this change was brought about. It builds on recent work on undone science as an obstacle to regulation and contributes to the development of an account of the creation of the regulatory system, with both its achievements and its limitations.

Metal Concentration in Plant Tissues of Jatropha curcas L Grown in Crude Oil Contaminated Soil

This study evaluated the heavy metal concentration in plant tissues of Jatropha curcas grown in crude oil contaminated soil in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, in 2010. The soil treatments included 0.0, 2.0 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0% w/w oil contamination. The results showed a significant buildup of heavy metals including iron, zinc, cadmium, copper, manganese, lead, chromium, and nickel in contaminated soils when compared to the uncontaminated subplots (p ≤ .05). The amounts of metals observed in this study are below tolerable limits according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria. A gradual accumulation and biomagnifications of these nonbiodegradable elements in plants can lead to dangerous or lethal levels with inherent health risks for humans and other organisms.

English

Diseases and their associated health defects are most often related to the quality of the total environment which in itself is also related to the quality and quantity of wastes generated in those areas, as partly defined by the nature of activities carried out by the populace. This environment-health relationship dynamics are particularly evident in most tropical environments like Nigeria where various environmental media are laden with sundry pollutants including metals, most of which are often furnished by wastes. This study aims at investigating the environmental metal load of Aba, a major commercial city in South-east Nigeria which is home to many artisanal, small- and medium-scale industrial activities, but presently experiencing waste-related menace. Randomly collected soil samples from different areas of Aba metropolis and a sub-urban community considered less polluted (to serve as control) were analyzed for heavy and non-heavy metals. Results show that while the mean of the estimated heavy metals in the six sites ranged from 0.31 ± 0 to 1293.75 ± 0 µg/g, for non-heavy metals it ranged between 55.01 ± 24.88 and 903.74 ± 1081.25. In the control site, the range is between 0 and 1293.75 ± 0 for heavy metals while for the non-heavy metals, it is between 72.73 ± 0 and 410.50 ± 0. The results indicate that the mean concentrations for most of the metals were high with respect to the Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Findings in this study have serious implications for public health. Key words: Environmental, heavy metals pollutants load, Aba, Nigeria.

Levels of Heavy Metals in and Around Scrap Car Dumpsite at Uwelu, Nigeria

Soil contaminated with heavy metals can result to very serious environmental hazard. As a result of this problem, this research was carried out to investigate the concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr) in and around Uwelu scrap car dumpsite in Benin City, southern Nigeria. In carrying out this research, a total of 36 soil samples were taken for laboratory analysis . The soil samples were collected at various depths at the dumpsite, and at various horizontal distances from the dumpsite includin g human settlements close to the dumpsite, in order to ascertain the levels of toxic heavy metal concentration on human living habitat around the dumpsite. The heavy metals in the waste soils samples were sequentially extracted and measured using atomic ab sorption spectrometry(AAS). The results show that Fe had the highest concentration of 515mg/kg, followed by Zn, 236.8mg/kg, Cu, 78.61mg/kg and Cr, 0.94mg/kg at the dumpsite surface, where all the metals recorded their highest concentration. The level of F e and Pb were above the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) minimum acceptable limit. Besides, the concentrations of these heavy metals decreased with increased vertical depth at the dumpsite and with increased horizontal distance from the dump site. Similar

Physicochemical and Microbial Composition of Wastewater Samples Collected from a Petrochemical Company in Southern Nigeria

The present study investigated the physicochemical and microbial composition of wastewater samples collected from a petrochemical company in Ekpan, Delta State, Nigeria. The aim was to investigate whether these effluent discharges met international standards for safe limits. Waste water samples were collected within the month of April, 2012, from three points, including petrochemical channel (PC), outfall channel (OC) and saver pit (SP). The control was raw water (tap water) for general use in the company. Results showed that following statutory provisions of Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency in 1991 and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in 1995, waste water samples collected did not pose any environmental risk even when let into open waters. Fungi species identified in the water samples were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Penicillium sp., and Trichoderma sp. Bacteria species included; Micrococus varians, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, Proteus vulgaris and Bacilus pumilis.

The Physico-chemical Parameters of River Ogun (Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria) in Comparison with National and International Standards

This study assessed the physico-chemical quality of River Ogun, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Southwestern Nigeria. Four locations were chosen spatially along the water course to reflect a consideration of all possible human activities that are capable of changing the quality of river water. The water samples were collected monthly for seven consecutive months (December 2011 – June 2012) at the four sampling stations. pH, air temperature (℃), water temperature (℃), conductivity (µs/cm) and total dissolved solids (mg/L) were conducted in-situ with the use of HANNA Combo pH and EC multi meter Hi 98129 and Mercury-in-glass thermometer while dissolved oxygen (mg/L), nitrate (mg/L), phosphate (mg/L), alkalinity (mg/L) and hardness (mg/L) were determined ex-situ using standard methods. Results showed that dissolved oxygen, hydrogen ion concentration, total hardness and nitrate were above the maximum permissible limit of National Administration for Food, Drugs and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), European Union (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water during certain months of the study period. Results also showed that water temperature and conductivity were within the permissible limits of all the standards excluding FEPA. However, total dissolved solids and alkalinity were within the permissible limits of all the standards. Adejuwon and Adelakun, (2012) also reported similar findings on Rivers Lala, Yobo and Agodo in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. Since most of the parameters measured were above the maximum permissible limits of the national and international standards, it can be concluded that the water is unfit for domestic uses, drinking and aquacultural purposes and therefore needs to be treated if it is to be used at all. The low dissolved oxygen values for the first four months was too low i.e. < 5 mg/L. This is most likely as a result of the amount of effluents discharged into the river. To prevent mass extinction of aquatic organisms due to anoxic conditions, proper regulations should be implemented to reduce the organic load the river receives.

English

Most industries are sited with little or no consideration for environmental and social consequences, especially in developing countries. This has led to the discharge of genotoxic chemicals used for many purposes in the manufacturing processes into environmental compartments such as air, water, soil and sediments. Results of the cytotoxic and genotoxic assays of these wastewaters on&nbsp;Allium cepa&nbsp;root tip meristem showed significant reduction of mitotic indices and diverse forms of chromosomal aberrations, cytokinetic failures, micro and multiple nuclei. In Nigeria, the results of diverse assessments of industrial effluents have shown that they are environmental risks and potential mutagenic agents, problems still exist in the enforcement of on ground sound legislative by Federal Ministry of Environment and Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Failure in implementation of sound policies has been identified to be caused by weakness and poor enforcement by the necessary arms of the government, public awareness of international, national and local environmental laws. Legislation and standards that apply to existing and proposed projects are grossly lacking, the absence of mandatory disclosure of information by industries hinders monitoring which is a major problem to compliance and enforcement. Furthermore, there is absence of a legal framework which would ensure that industries comply with the requirement of standing environmental legislation. Any development that does not respect the environment cannot be said to be sustainable. There is therefore the need to integrate the environmental legislatives and environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports in the establishment and consequent monitoring of industries and industrial activities for the establishment and promotion of sustainable development and sound technologies. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Genotoxic,&nbsp;Allium&nbsp;test, industry, legislation, wastewater.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Species in Some Decomposed Municipal Solid Wastes in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Soil samples collected from three decomposed municipal solid waste dump sites located in Esso, Gbangbara and Eyagi areas of Bida town were analyzed for some heavy metals (Cu , Fe, Pb, Mn and Cr), using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The analysis of the aqua regia digestion showed an average mean concentration (mg/kg) of Cu (342.22±7.6), Mn (570.00± 1.0) and Fe (371.11±1.2) in the three dump sites were exceptionally high. The variation of these heavy metals across these three dump sites were in the order Pb (EY) > Pb (ES) > Pb (GB), Mn(GB) > Mn (ES) > Mn (EY), Fe (GB) > Fe (GB) > Fe (ES) > Fe (EY), Cr (GB) > Cr (EY) > (ES), Cu (GB) > Cu (ES) > Cu (EY). The analysis of the weak sodium acetate solution digestion showed that Cu (5.47± 0.2), Mn (1.88 ± 0.0) and Fe (1.47 ±0.1) (mg/l) on the average exhibited high concentrations in the dump sites. Most of the Cu, Mn and Fe were found to be associated with the exchangeable fraction, which is very soluble and mobile. Base on Federal Environmental Protection Agency and Land Disposal Restrictions standard regulations, these metals exhibit hazardous concentrations.

Utilizing Rice Husk Briquettes in Firing Crucible Furnace for Low Temperature Melting Metals in Nigeria

The search for alternative fuels for firing crucible furnace for low temperature melting metals has become mandatory, as a result of the pollution problem associated with the use of fossil fuels, the expense of electricity and also deforestation as a result of the use of charcoal. An agricultural waste, rice husk, in briquette form was used as an alternative fuel to fire crucible furnace to melt lead, zinc and aluminium. Results showed that lead and zinc melted and reached their pouring temperatures of 3840C and 5300C in 70 minutes and 75 minutes respectively. Aluminium was raised to a maximum temperature of 5200C in 75 and 100 minutes.The average concentration of the pollutants (CO, SO2and NOX) were found to be below the tolerance limit and that of TSP (Total Suspended Particulates) was found to be within the tolerance limit stipulated by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in Nigeria.