Federal Environmental Protection Agency Research Articles

Investigation of the pollutant load of artisanal-refined gasoline in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and its implications on air quality

In order to examine the gaseous pollutants generated by artisanal refined gasoline and the contribution to air pollution associated with such combustion in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, this study collected a sample of indigenously refined gasoline product each from thirty (30) different randomly selected artisanal camps in the Niger-Delta region and subjected all the collected samples to combustion. Fifty (50) ml of each gasoline sample was combusted at controlled conditions, and the concentrations of gaseous emissions from the process were measured using a combustion emission analyser. Pollutants characterised by the Department of Petroleum Resources which include sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were characterised. The average concentrations of the emissions were 211.50 mg/m3, 7.18 mg/m3, 17.51 mg/m3, 3011.33 mg/m3, and 500.39 mg/m3 for CO, NOx, SO2, CO2, and HC respectively. The concentrations of SO2 and NOx measured were within the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) set limits for combustion emissions from stationary sources but breached World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and Environmental Guidelines and Standard for Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) set limits. The concentrations of CO and HC exceeded FEPA, WHO, World Bank and EGASPIN set limits and hazardous on Air Quality Index (AQI) classification. Elevated concentrations of CO and HC in the atmosphere pose a major threat to ambient air quality and human health, especially in locations where artisanal-refined fuel is predominantly utilised. Associated risks include poor visibility, occurrence of acid rain, blood poisoning and cancer-related diseases. In addition to these effects are the worsening global warming crises associated with CO2 emission, a major product of fossil fuel combustion.

Evaluation of Noise Pollution Levels in Selected Markets and Motor Parks in Delta State, Nigeria

Background: The control of environmental noise pollution has been hampered by lack of sufficient knowledge of its effect on human. Noise pollution is associated with several health conditions and affects both health and behavior. This study evaluated the noise pollution level in selected market and motor parks in local government areas in Delta State. Methods: The physical parameters were measured using a digital sound level meter and a mobilebased global positioning system (GPS), in September 2021. To determine noise pollution all over the city, the noise measurements were collected in the morning and evening. The selected areas of the study were market places, road junctions/busy roads and passenger loading parks. The noise pollution levels were measured in Ogwashi-Uku Market, Ogwashi-Uku Motor Park, Nwasi Motor Park, Ibusa Market, Central Motor Park Asaba, Delta Line Park Asaba, Onitsha Park and Oko Market Asaba. Results: The results showed that the average pollution level in the morning hours were 89.33, 90.1, 90.3, 91.72, 86.59, 90.11, 92.15 and 90.3 dB in Ogwashi-Uku Market, Ogwashi-Uku Motor Park, Nwasi Motor Park, Ibusa Market, Central Motor Park Asaba, Delta Line Park Asaba, Onitsha Park and Oko market Asaba, respectively. In the evening, the corresponding measured values were 83.65, 74.90, 90.04, 90.90, 85.07, 83.44 and 91.79 dB respectively. These values were higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standard limits for outdoor environment. Conclusion: The people who are working and living in the areas under study may be at risk of noise related health hazard due to continuous daily exposure.

EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF RICE HUSK FROM LOCAL RICE SPECIES USING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUE

Rice husk is one of the main agricultural wastes in milling processes that is abundantly available in Nigeria. The research aim to evaluate the chemical composition of Bauchi State rice husk. The rice husk samples were collected in four Local Governments of Bauchi State and analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Ten compounds were reveals in all the samples which are as follows; SiO, RbO, K2O, CaO, MnO, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, ZnO, BrO and SrO. The major compounds having the trends SiO > K2O > CaO > Fe2O3 with mean values (in%) 4.7508, 0.4406, 0.24784 and 0.214625 for SiO, K2O, CaO and Fe2O3 respectively. Likewise, the minor compounds are in fractions which are; CuO, SrO, BrO, NiO, ZnO and MnO with their mean values (in%) 0.000303, 0.002325, 0.002858, 0.00514, 0.006532 and 0.021368 respectively. The high percentage of silica content in all the samples makes it of economic important in terms of industrial production. The trace compounds present are in minutes quantity and satisfy the condition of Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Nigeria (1998). The toxic and hazardous compounds were absents which minimize it risk to health in terms of industrial application within the environs.

Biomonitoring of aquatic habitat using Apodu Dam in Malete, Moro local government area of Kwara state Nigeria as a case study

Water bodies such as dams are an essential part of the ecosystems and the Apodu dam, a Local Government Area of Kwara State supplies water for the populace of Malete. The water is used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. Given the proposed rural development in the catchment area of the Apodu dam, it becomes imperative therefore to do extensive biomonitoring of the dam before the development begins so as to determine the likely source of pollution in the dam as well as determine the health of the dam. Ten samples of both water and plants were collected at different sampling points designated as A-J. The samples collected were digested and analyzed using standard techniques. Data generated from the research were subjected to T-test to determine whether there is a significant variation in the two sets of data. The parameters examined fall within the permissible level of standards set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Total hardness (TH) was 88.00-128.80 mg/l, pH 6.60-6.80, Total dissolved solids (TDSS) 242.00-420.00 mg/l, Electrical conductivity 102.32-103.39 µs cm, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 3.47-3.53 mg/l, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 104.00-168.00 mg/l and Dissolved oxygen (DO) 3.47- 3.53 mg/l. The lower concentration of DO is an indication of high water quality and this is advantageous for aquatic life as it suggests that there is less decomposition of foreign materials. In conclusion, high potential for an increasingly detrimental impact on the water quality resulting from increased anthropogenic activities especially if the proposed developments commence is imminent.

Impact of Environmental Pollution on the Residents of Sharada from Tannery Industries, Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Environmental pollution has become a worldwide challenge due to industrialization and anthropogenic activities. Industrial effluents cause a wide scope of environmental problems with health hazards and these challenges are more complex and critical now than before, in developing countries like Nigeria. This study assessed the impact of environmental pollution and determined levels of heavy metals (HMs) in the effluents from tannery industries in Sharada phase I and II. The data used include laboratory test to determine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) from industrial effluents. Interview was conducted and systematic field observation was employed to ascertain the perceptible impacts of the pollution on the environment. The finding reveals that concentrations of the physicochemical parameters are within the FEPA acceptable limits but the EC and TDS are above the limit. The pH value of the effluents is neutral. The major conspicuous and dangerous environmental challenges in the study area include air pollution and open drainages. The economic activities of the residents are negatively affected due to stink from the effluents and untidy environment. The environment has become detrimental to people’s health and the passerby. Thus, Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) laws should be enforced, the industries should construct closed drainage, study on environmental impact assessment (EIA) should be conducted often to curtail the environmental challenges in the area in order to make the environment conducive for living, avoid further deterioration and ensure a sustainable hygienic environment.

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL DUMPSITES

Heavy metals pose a serious threat to our environment due to the fact that majority of annual vegetable crops consumed by man and animal are produced from the polluted sites without knowing the level of it taken up by plant which revolves into food chain. This study evaluated the variability of soil physicochemical properties and heavy metals concentration in Owerri municipal dumpsites in Imo State. Samples were collected in three replicates 0, 5 and 10m away from refuge dumpsites at 0 - 30cm depth using soil auger in Ihiagwa, Avu, Abazu and Obinze. Samples were analyzed for soil properties and heavy metals-concentrations using standard methods. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals (Pb and Cr) were compared with the permissible limits of other countries. pH results from the analyzed sampled soils from the four locations were high (6.89, 6.80, 6.59 and 6.40) in Ihiagwa, Abazu, Obinze and Avu respectively while organic carbon followed the trend Ihiagwa>Avu>Abazu>Obinze. Organic carbon and total Nitrogen concentrations followed the same trend in Ihiagwa, Avu, Abazu and Obinze. Pb concentrations in the studied sites were above the standard limit recommended (0.05mg/kg) by Federal Environmental Protection Agency but within limit (100mg/kg) stipulated by European Commission. Nevertheless, Pb concentration was within the tolerance limit set by European Union but should be cautiously minimized to prevent health hazard on man and the environment. The use of refuge dumpsite for cultivation of arable crops should be avoided and lands on cultivation should be given a distance from the refuse sites.

Impact of Cassava Processing Mill Effluent on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

The research aims reviewed impact of the Cassava Processing Mill Effluent (CME) on the physco-chemical properties of soils. Collected samples of three chosen areas at the Igbatoro community, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria and labeled as A B C. Soil samples free from cassava mill effluent were likewise gathered from two unique areas marked D and E to serve as control samples at an interval of 15 cm depth from the top. Chemical changes occurred in the soil because of the release of effluent from cassava handling plants; the soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory utilizing the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method. The accompanying physical and chemical parameters were investigated; soil texture, soil porosity, particle size, TOC, pH, electrical conductivity, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, K, Ca, and Na. Results were compared with the result obtained from the control site Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Analysis shows that the soil samples with CME exceeds the WHO and FEPA standards. The result shows that the CME has contaminated the soil and made it unsatisfactory for agricultural purposes; this also affected the environment and the soil organic matter. Based on WHO and FEPA standard regulations, these metals exhibit hazardous concentrations. There was no huge expansion in Pb and Cr grouping of CME samples with the control tests. The chemical concentration of CME and its consequences for the soil propose its true capacity as a bio fertilizer particularly for K and Na contents. Findings shows that the effluent has great effect on the surrounding soil, and which leads to soil pollution, remediation should be practice.

Application of nanotechnology to ambient air quality and safety in niger delta, Nigeria

An assessment of the extent of pollutants present in the ambient air in the Niger Delta relative to permissible levels has been reviewed with respect to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Man’s activities such as deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, transportation, oil exploration and exploitation, gas flaring, unlimited usage of pesticides and herbicides, for sustenance in the region have led to the degradation of the ambient air quality drastically. Results of some ambient air quality assessments show that levels of concentrations of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxide and total particulate matter exceed existing Federal Environmental Protection Agency Standards. These pollutants are a threat to ambient air quality and safety of water, plants, animals and humans. These environmental pollutants are found as mixture in the air and are very difficult to remediate using existing conventional technologies. Overcoming this Promethean Paradigm requires latest technologies that control reactions at the nanoscale using engineered nanomaterials. Nanomaterials having relatively larger surface area per unit mass, utilizes their unique physical and chemical characteristics to combat environment air pollution through pollution prevention, remediation and sensing of pollutants. Therefore using nanotechnology facilitates green manufacturing resulting in cleaner, more efficient industrial processes, improved ability to detect and eliminate pollution thus improving ambient air quality in the Niger Delta. In any case, a comprehensive risk assessment of the safety on human health and environmental impact should be adequately evaluated at all stages of nanotechnology applications.

Minerals and Trace Elements Content of Selected Shellfish from Opuro-ama Waterfront: An Impacted Tidal Creek in Rivers State, Nigeria

In this study, the content of essential minerals, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na) in the edible parts of Tympanotonus fuscatus, Thais coronata, Crassostrea gasar, Cardisoma guanhumi and Callinectes amnicola from Opuro-ama creeks, River’s state were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and descriptive statistical analyses of variance were done using SPSS and significant means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test at 0.05. High Cu content was found in the T. coronata (9.66mg/g) while the lowest was observed in C. amnicola (0.54mg/g). Fe was higher in C. gasar (37.8mg/g) and the lowest in T. fuscatus (6.78mg/g). The concentration of Manganese was highest in C. guanhumi (144.8mg/g) and least T. fuscatus in (15.9mg/g). C. guanhumi recorded the highest (225.1mg/g) Ca content while the least was observed in T. fuscatus (55.8mg/g). T. coronata recorded the highest (2.11mg/g) Na content while the least was found in T. fuscatus (0.22mg/g). Ca was the highest mineral observed in all five shellfish, and the least was Sodium (Ca >Mn.>Fe>Cu>Na). The Physico-chemical parameters such as Temperature (°C), pH, Salinity (ppt), DO (Mgl-1), BOD (Mgl-1) and Conductivity (µS/ cm) observed during the study were all within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). The five shellfish species from the Opuro-ama creeks were shown to be good sources of nutrients at various levels, therefore might be a useful alternative for other materials for animal feed formulation

Site Suitability Analysis for Landfill in an Industrial Area in Nigeria

This study was set against the background of identifying management strategies to combat the menace associated with poor solid waste management in urban areas of Nigeria. Therefore, it becomes highly necessary to determine suitable sites for landfill. Using remote sensing and geographic information tools and technologies the study identified the scenes of present dump sites; evaluated the conditions for selecting landfill sites; and determined suitable landfills in Ajaokuta, Nigeria. Data for the study were sourced from Sentinel-2A, 2021. Integrated GIS-based analysis using multi-criteria evaluation method was employed to scrutinise the appropriateness of the existing dumpsites for siting landfills. However, with reference to Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) guidelines, results of buffering and proximity analyses indicated that none of the existing dumpsites could be converted to landfill sites. Moreover, a fuzzy overlay of all the criteria considered was employed to identify and propose the most suitable areas for solid waste disposal sites in the study area. Based on the official stipulated distance, new sites were proposed for landfills. The study emphasised the increasing mounds and improper disposal of municipal solid wastes in Nigerian urban centres which have become too agonising and repulsive to sights. Nevertheless, if the recommendations of this study are taken with utmost seriousness, any unexpected outbreak of epidemic and environmental pollution will be greatly avoided in the study area.

Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentration in Water and Sediment, Choba Segment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The heavy metal concentration in water and sediment, Choba segment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt was investigated between February and April, 2020. Samples collected from the three locations were analysed in the laboratory for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) following standard method of APHA. The mean values of heavy metal in water (mg/l) were: Cr (2.29±1.29), Ni (2.32±0.28), Pb (2.46±0.38), Cd (0.04±0.02), Fe (52.18±7.26) while that of sediment were: Cr (7.18±0.43), Ni (5.57±0.29), Pb (8.09±0.39), Cd(0.30±0.15), Fe (123.64±5.17). The heavy metal values showed variations across the stations at P<0.05. The order of concentration of heavy metal in water was: Fe>Pb>Ni>Cr>Cd while that of sediment is Fe>Pb>Cr>Ni > Cd with heavy metal concentration in sediment higher than that of water while Fe and Cd concentrations were highest and lowest in both water and sediment respectively. All the heavy metals in water except Ni exceeded the permissible limits of World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) while that of sediment were below the permissible limits except Fe. It was concluded from the results that Choba segment of the New Calabar River is under stress since the heavy metals apart from Nickel (Ni) present were above the permissible limit. This implies that the quality of the water is unsafe for use especially for domestic purpose if untreated owing to the on-going anthropogenic activities in the area. Therefore, regulatory standards for discharges from anthropogenic activities should be strictly controlled

Impact of Palm Kernel Oil Mill Effluent on the Soil's Physicochemical Characteristics and Growth of Tomato Plant

Effluent is wastewater flowing out of a sewer which constitutes environmental problems ranging from long-term ecological damage to increased water-borne diseases. In Nigeria, palm kernel oil is extracted from oil palm fruits in oil mills and the effluent is discharged without treatment to the soil in the vicinity of such mills. The effluent-receiving soil has been observed not to support the growth of vegetation. Hence in this work, the impact of palm kernel oil mill effluent on the soil physicochemical characteristics and growth of tomato plant was determined and compared with the effluent discharge limit established by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Samples of untreated and treated effluent, untreated and treated effluent-polluted soil and unpolluted soil were used for the study. The physicochemical analysis was carried out using standard physicochemical methods. The physicochemical values of the untreated effluent, except the pH, which was acidic, were higher than those of the treated effluent. Most of the physicochemical values of the untreated effluent-polluted soil were higher than those of the treated effluent-polluted soil and the unpolluted soil. The tomato plant grown in the unpolluted soil had better growth characteristics and yielded more fruits than those grown in the treated effluent-polluted soil. In addition, the tomato plant grown in the untreated effluent-polluted soil showed the lowest growth characteristics and yielded no fruits due to its elevated level of heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons. The study showed that the untreated palm kernel oil mill effluent had a negative impact on the soil's physicochemical and growth characteristics of the tomato plant. Therefore, the effluent must be adequately treated to remove hazardous substances before its discharge into the terrestrial environment.

IMPACT OF PETROCHEMICAL ACTIVITIES ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SURFACE WATER, GROUND WATER AND SOIL IN OTU-JEREMI, IWEREHKAN AND OKPARE COMMUNITIES, UGHELLI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The effects of petrochemical activities on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of surface water, ground water and soil from three different communities (Otu-Jeremi, Iwerehkan and Okpare communities) in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 96 samples, were obtained from surface water, ground water as well as soil, and across two seasons (dry and raining). The physicochemical parameters were determined according to the American Public Health Association (APHA) methods, while total heterotrophic bacterial counts and fungal counts were determined by pour plate technique. The results obtained showed that most pH obtained from underground water, surface water and soil were below the acceptable limit, including that of the control. The turbidity level of the surface water samples from all communities (Otu-Jeremi, 4.01 ± 0.3 NTU; Iwerehkan, 3.28 ± 0.89 NTU; Okpare, 3.25 ± 0.89 NTU), including that of the control (3.65 NTU) during the dry season were higher than that of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) benchmark (1.0 NTU). Other parameters had varying concentrations, when compared with the FEPA minimum benchmark. Six bacterial genera (Aeromonas sp, Corynebacterium sp, Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp.) and seven fungi genera (Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Candida, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichophyton and Geotrichium) were identified. The result of this study showed that petrochemical activities have negative impact on underground water, surface water and soil from the three communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State

Assessment of Farmers’ Perception Towards the Usage of Banned Agrochemicals: Case Study of Amaranth Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Summary The study assessed farmers’ perception towards the usage of banned agrochemicals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and twenty farmers from three amaranth producing Local Government Areas of Ekiti state. The average age of the farmers was 41, with the majority (81.7%) of male farmers. The average years of schooling was approximately 10 years with an average annual income of 212,000 Naira (600 US Dollar). The study showed that 85% of the vegetable farmers obtained information on the use of agrochemicals from sales agents (agrochemicals retailers), 77.5% from fellow farmers and 32.5% from extension workers. The study further revealed that the majority of the amaranth farmers (99.2%) were aware that some agrochemicals had been banned. All the respondents were using agrochemicals for production of amaranth and farmers also indicated that they still used some of banned chemicals such as Gammalin (87%), Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) (17%) and Aldrin (16%). The farmers used banned agrochemicals because they perceived them as effective in the pest and disease control (98%), inexpensive (66%), available in the market (59%) and because of advice given by sales agents (58%). The findings revealed that the amaranth farmers have a high level of awareness of the negative effects produced by continuous usage of banned agrochemicals, while the majority of the farmers continuously use them. Therefore, the study highlights the need for adequate registration of all approved agrochemicals by the competent agency. Also, enlightenment campaigns by extension agents on the effects of banned agrochemicals need to be organised for amaranth farmers and sellers, as well as suppliers of agrochemicals. Finally, banned agrochemicals should not be allowed into the country by the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA).

A Probabilistic-Deterministic Approach Towards Human Health Risk Assessment and Source Apportionment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Some Contaminated Fish Species.

Contamination of fish species with potential toxic elements (PTEs) has caught the prime attention globally including Bangladesh. The present study enlightened on the accumulation, origin, and associated health implications of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Pb, and Cr in ten varieties of fish species collected from the heavily polluted river Buriganga. Levels of PTEs in the studied fish species were found within the legislative value suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) except for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Hg and can be assembled as Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Hg > As > Pb. The origin of PTEs in fish species apportioned mostly anthropogenic coupled with natural sources. Among the anthropogenic sources, industrial wastewater, recycling of leaded and lithium-ion batteries, metallurgical industries, shipyards, tannery, cosmetics, and chemical industries are the major contributors. This study identified children are exposed to As and Zn as their estimated targeted hazard quotient (THQ) value exceeded the threshold limit of safety, whereas adults are exposed to As only. The estimated, hazard index (HI) for children was found more than four times of adults; however, both the population groups are in vulnerable situation considering HI value (HI > 1), indicating possible non-carcinogenic health risk. Moreover, cumulative cancer risk TCR appraised that all the fish species exceeded the threshold limit of > 1E-03 for children and > 1E-04 for adults, which are level VII and level V contamination state for child and adult, respectively, and manifested consumption of the studied fishes arises a high probability for lifetime cancer risk.

Occurrence and Health Risk of Heavy Metals and Microorganisms in Wastewater Collected from selected Eateries in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

The number of eateries is growing around the world because they provide jobs and food to urban people who do not have time to cook. However, there are concerns that eatery wastewater may contain hazardous compounds and microorganisms. In view of the above, this study determined the chemical characteristics, heavy metal concentrations, and microbiological loads of wastewater collected from three eateries in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The human exposure to heavy metals via oral and dermal contact, as well as the hazard quotient of daily exposure to these heavy metals, was also calculated. The chemical characterization revealed that nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate levels in all of the wastewater samples were above the limits of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, while sulphate levels were normal. Copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium levels were within the permissible levels, but zinc was above the limits in the three eateries. The average daily oral and dermal exposure to heavy metals was normal, while the hazard quotient of daily dermal exposure to zinc and chromium in the three eateries was abnormal (> 1). In all of the eateries, bacterial and fungal levels were above permitted limits, but no coliforms were found. The results imply that the wastewater from the three eateries are hazardous and could pose environmental and health hazards. It is recommended that eatery owners treat wastewater before releasing it into the environment.

Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Potential of Effluents from Bahir Dar Tannery Using Allium cepa

Tannery effluent plays a significant role in increasing pollution in the environment; in particular, it contains toxic heavy metals which cause toxic effects on plant genetic materials. Among tannery effluent chemicals, chromium and lead have cytotoxicity and genotoxicity potentials on Allium cepa. This investigation was undertaken to assess the physicochemical properties of tannery wastewater and their effect on the genetic materials of A. cepa. Effluent’s physicochemical characteristics were investigated using digital instruments for direct measurement and standard methods of atomic absorption spectrophotometer colorimetric analysis. A series of six onion bulbs were grown in 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentrations of wastewater (v/v) ratio, and root tips from each onion bulb were cut and processed for analysis by aceto-orcein squash technique. Most of effluent components were above the discharge limit standards set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency and Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority. The cytotoxicity effect on the root growth showed a significant reduction at high concentration. Simple regression analysis showed that the results of mitotic index were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in different concentrations. A decrease in mitotic index with increasing concentration of the effluent was observed. The effluent had induced chromosomal abnormalities such as laggard, fragmentation, stickiness, bridge, micronucleus, and binucleated and morphologically changed nuclei in A. cepa root cells among others. The results showed that cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and chromosomal aberrations were induced by the tannery effluent. Industries shall think of biological waste treatment methods.

Assessment of Quality of Wastewater Being Used in Irrigating Soils under Urban Agriculture in Zaria Urban Area

The cultivation of food crops in open spaces of cities in the developing world is very common but has not attracted the research attention it deserves. In most areas, the practice relies on the use of wastewater derived from urban sources (houses, industries, markets, public institutions etc) to irrigate soils along the floodplains of streams that drain an urban area. Because such wastewater may be containing some pollutants, concerns are increasingly been raised as to whether urban agriculture is not a threat to public health. There are valid reasons to be so concerned because a wastewater typically contains some pollutants like heavy metals, with tendency to cause several health problems. To ascertain this, a study was conducted to evaluate the quality of wastewater being used in irrigating soils under urban agriculture in Kubanni basin of Zaria area. The results obtained indicate that though there is a presence of As, Fe, Cr, As, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb in wastewater being used in UPA irrigation practices in the area, their concentrations are generally below the maximum permissible limits set by Nigeria’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency for irrigation. However because of the tendency of the metals to accumulate in soils, it is expected that the metals could possibly have been accumulating in the irrigated soils and the crops being grown on them. Thus further studies are required to establish the extent to which this is so. Nonetheless, it would be worthwhile for the farmers to start some significant purification of wastewater in the area to make it safe for irrigating the soils since there are valid fears to be concerned about possibility of heavy metals build up in the soil.

Air and noise pollution effects on air quality in peacock paint industry, Ikot Ekan, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Eight sampling locations in the study area were assessed for some air pollutants, level of noise pollution and some meteorological parameters. Portable handheld air monitor was used to measure air pollutants, a sound level meter and anemometer for level of noise and meteorological parameters respectively. Results showed that the highest concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Suspended particulate matter were recorded in indoor II while those for Carbon monoxide and Chloride were recorded in outdoor I. The outdoor locations recorded higher mean noise level and temperature (76.1 dB (A), 30.05°C) than the indoor locations (70.95 dB (A), 27.03°C). On the other hand, the indoor locations recorded higher mean relative humidity (62.8%) than the outdoor locations (48.25%). Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed only in the mean concentration of Chloride in the two environments. The mean concentrations of NO2, SO2, H2S, CO and Cl2 were above the permissible limit of Federal Environmental Protection Agency thus posing environmental risks. Appropriate vehicle emission management should be considered; air and noise pollution control agencies should intervene to reduce the risks associate with these pollutants and improve the air quality of the study area.

Effects of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporation Effluents on the Abundance and Distribution of Phytoplankton Community along River Rido, Kaduna, Nigeria

The effects of effluent discharged from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporations (KRPC) on the Phytoplankton species distribution and abundance was studied along river Rido for a period of twelve months from February 2013 to January 2014. A total of Ninety-three (93) species of phytoplankton distributed in five divisions were recorded from four different study stations (A, B, C and D) along the river. Random sequential sampling was employed for selecting a sampling station. Physicochemical parameters were determined in accordance with the standard procedure for wastewater assessment guidelines of American Public Health Association (APHA). Phytoplankton identification was done using appropriate reference materials. The phytoplankton community was dominated by Bacillariophyta9 constituting 78.98% with 41 species, followed by Chlorophyta (6.67%) having 25 species, and then Cyanophyta (6.46%) having 12 species, while 10 species of Dinophyta and 5 species of Euglenophyta constituting 5.42% and 2.49% respectively were observed. The results from the study revealed low density of phytoplankton in station B, while high density of phytoplankton was observed in stations A and D. The physicochemical parameters showed both seasonal and spatial variations. Values of some parameters studied were observed to be above Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits at station B. Thus, effluent from KRPC is a source of contamination of water quality and adversely affects phytoplankton community along river Rido. Therefore, effluent retention facility should be established for long term treatment of effluent before discharge into the river