Federal Environmental Protection Agency Research Articles

Dynamic Governance in Theory and Application, Part I

This article is the first of two that grapple with a central policy challenge facing the administrative state: how to govern in times of dynamic change, when challenges, and opportunities to address them, are both shifting rapidly. The article suggests that, conceptually, process design that is likely to produce effective regulatory governance requires attention to three key distinct but interrelated variables – the actors who are or should be involved in program implementation in different capacities, the mechanisms (legal and otherwise) available to promote good governance, and the tools available to advance desired results. To demonstrate the value of the conceptual framework that we introduce here, the article uses it to assess one agency’s ongoing experiment in transforming its approach to regulatory enforcement, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It explores the reasons for EPA’s judgment that a dramatically altered regulatory landscape requires the agency to transform its enforcement strategies. It then analyzes what EPA has characterized as its new enforcement and compliance paradigm, which the agency calls Next Generation Compliance. The article demonstrates how use of our conceptual framework to systematically consider the roles of the relevant actors, mechanisms, and tools, individually and in combination with one another, helps to identify beneficial regulatory options that alternative frameworks like the one EPA has used in designing the Next Generation Compliance initiative may overlook. The companion article builds on this foundation by further documenting how our framework will help to promote more systematic regulatory design in situations in which policy makers believe that a transformation or a new paradigm is needed, such as the situation EPA faces in enforcing the environmental laws. Our analysis underscores the value of our three-pronged conceptual framework in areas that extend well beyond environmental regulation.

Physico Chemical Characterization of Tannery Effluent and Its Impact on the Nearby River

A study was conducted to characterize Modjo tannery effluent (wastewater) and determine its impact on the Modjo River using some physicochemical parameters. Accordingly, three tannery wastewater samples along wastewater channel at different distances have been taken and three river water samples (one upstream and two downstream) were collected along the river to determine its impact on the river. The samples have been analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), chloride(Cl﹣), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total ammonia (as N), total nitrogen, total phosphorus and sulphide. The result of tannery wastewater showed that the values of temperature, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, Cl﹣, BOD5, COD, total ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and sulphide along the wastewater channel ranged from 26.97℃ to 24.93℃, 9.33 to 8.33, 15,670.00 to 14,496.67 mg·L﹣1, 9370.00 to 8723.33 mg·L﹣1, 4979.33 to 2647.67 mg·L﹣1, 6111.67 to 5555.78 mg·L﹣1 , 960.34 to 842.00 mg·L﹣1, 2011.00 to 1950.75 mg·L﹣1, 520.44 to 401.23 mg·L﹣1, 720.46 to 665.43 mg·L﹣1, 30.12 to 19.55 mg·L﹣1, 35.56 to 21.05 mg·L﹣1 respectively. And most of the effluent characteristics except pH and temperature were beyond the provisional discharge limit of tannery effluent to water body set by the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) also showed that variation among sampling points was statistically significant (p < 0.5). Similarly the levels of all these physicochemical parameters in the downstream site of the river were higher as compared to the values obtained from the upstream site (control). This indicated that the downstream site of the river was polluted as the result of the direct discharge of the tannery effluent to it.

APPLICATION OF CASSAVA PEELS ACTIVATED CARBON IN THE TREATMENT OF OIL REFINERY WASTEWATER – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

A comparative analysis of the efficiency of activated carbon produced from fermented cassava peels (CPB), unfermented cassava peels (CPA) and commercial grade activated carbon (CAC) in the treatment of refinery wastewater was carried out. CPB was found to be 8% and 18% more efficient when compared to CPA and CAC in the removal of COD, and 14% and 3% better than CAC and CPA respectively in the removal of BOD5. The removal efficiency of Pb 2+ by CPB was 100% compared to 95% and 57% by CPA and CAC while 96% of phenol was removed by CPB against 93% and 83% by CPA and CAC respectively. This better performance of CPB over CPA and CAC is not unconnected with its higher pH resulting from the removal of cyanide from the peels during the fermentation process. However, despite the high phenol removal efficiency by CPB, the concentration of phenol in the treated effluent does not meet the environmental guidelines for disposal. It is therefore, recommended that a two-stage CPB adsorption column arranged in series is necessary to treat refinery wastewater efficiently if it is desired to totally remove phenol from the effluent or reduce the concentration to 0.005 mg/l allowed by the Federal environmental protection agency (FEPA). The equilibrium adsorption test conducted showed that the Freundlich isotherm is a better fit for the adsorption of phenol by the three activated carbons with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9364, 0.9383 and 0.9541 for CAC, CPA and CPB respectively. CPB was found to be a better adsorbent as it has the highest adsorptive capacity as evidenced from its better Freundlich exponent. Keyword: Cassava peels, activated carbon, adsorption, refinery wastewater, environment, pollutant. Received: 2016.01.18 Accepted: 2016.03.04 Published: 2016.04.01 before being discharged into the environment or recycled back into the plant depending on water economics [Nekoo and Shoreh, 2013; Hariz and Monser, 2014]. Since refinery wastewater pollutants is made up of both organic and inorganic sources, the treatment of such wastewater will involve chemical, physical, biological or a combination of these processes [Adeyinka and RimiRukeh, 1999; Fetter et al., 1982]. To measure the organic content of wastewater, the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as well as the total organic matter

Heavy Metal Profile of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Oreochromis niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Harvested from E-Waste Polluted Vials and Associated Fungi

This study was designed to investigate the possible variation in bioaccumulation of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and manganese) in the tissue of harvested Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) and the associated fungi from vials treated with soil from e-waste dumpsite and soil without e-waste. E-waste is electronic waste which contains valuable metals as well as potential environmental contaminants. The heavy metals in soil and fish samples were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after homogeneity and digestion of samples. The associated fungi were identified using standard microbiological methods. The genera of the associated fungi were: Penicillium, Candida, Articulospora, Aspergillus, Aspergillus, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor, Zoopage, Varicosporium and Rhodoturula. The quantity of fungi isolated from each pollution treatments showed that the number of fungi were inversely proportional to the quantity of e-waste soil pollution and directly proportional to the quantity of soil without e-waste pollution. The occurrence of the fungi species revealed that the untreated (control) vial had the highest occurrence (191) while the lowest occurrence (103) occurred in the vial polluted with the highest quantity of soil from e-waste dumpsite. The pH and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the vials were significantly affected by the pollutions. Variations were also observed in the bioaccumulation of the heavy metals by Oreochromis niloticus. Cadmium (0.01 mg/kg) and nickel (0.02 - 0.08 mg/kg) were the least recorded metal in the tissue of the fish while cobalt was not detected after the five weeks period. The sequence of the heavy metals concentrations in Oreochromis niloticus tissue samples was Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. The accumulation of the metals in the fish tissue were, however, lower than the international maximum guidelines, except for manganese (0.29 - 3.13 mg/kg) that exceeded the 0.01 - 0.05 mg/kg threshold levels for manganese by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Protecting the environments from toxic metals is necessary, hence a need for public awareness on the dangers of these toxic metals and law for proper disposal of e-waste.

Assessment of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) in Ikot Abasi L. G. A., Nigeria

Concentrations of major, minor and trace elements in the total suspended particulate (TSP) matter around Ikot Abasi were determined by instrumental nuclear activation analysis (INAA) technique using the thermal neutrons from the first Nigerian nuclear research reactor (NIRR-1) at centre for energy research and training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Total suspended particulate (TSP) concentrations ranged between 139±22 µgm-3 and 23±07 µgm-3. The total TSP concentrations from different source groups revealed the commercial sector as the highest contributor of TSP level to the area with a value of 254.64 µgm-3. This value is slightly higher than the µgm-3 standard set by the federal environmental protection agency FEPA. The INAA of the TSP samples show the presence of Al, Na and Mn. Their contributions range between 19.8±3.7 – 119.1±10.1 ppm for Al; 57.4±10.2 - 184±16 ppm for Na and 1.2±0.3 – 4.7±0.4 ppm for Mn in the TSP samples around the study area.

Variability in Levels of Heavy Metals in Water and Fish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) tissues from Badagry Creek, Nigeria

The occurrence of metals viz., lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in water and fish ( Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) samples collected bi-monthly from nine stations (water) and 3 designated landing sites (fish) of Badagry creek were investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. With an exception of cadmium, metals concentration was lower in the water samples and higher in the fish tissues, indicating a bioaccumulation tendency of fish. Concentration levels in water were found in decreasing order of magnitude Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd. However, metals investigated except Cu (highest concentration in the liver) had highest concentrations in the fish gills, which could be related to the uptake pathway. The relatively lower wet season Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd in water could be attributed to a dilution effect of rainfall. Although, presently the mean concentrations of all the heavy metals except Pb in this study were moderate and within the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) permissible standard limit for aquatic life , the elevation of metal concentrations in this creek is inevitable under the prevailing conditions of increasing urbanization, industrialization and other forms of modernization in Badagry and environs. Nevertheless, it is imperative to ensure regular monitoring of heavy metal loading in this creek and other water bodies with a view to safeguard public health.

In vivo induction of antioxidant response and oxidative stress associated with genotoxicity and histopathological alteration in two commercial fish species due to heavy metals exposure in northern India (Kali) river

Heavy metals can significantly bioaccumulate in fish tissues. The step wise mechanism of heavy metal toxicities on fish health is still limited. The present study assessed the tissue-specific antioxidant response and oxidative stress biomarkers of commercially important fish species namely, Channa striatus and Heteropneustes fossilis inhabiting Kali River of northern India where heavy-metal load is beyond the World Health Organisation — maximum permissible limits. Heavy metals chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were elevated in both fish species compared to recommended values of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), 1999 for edible fishes. Reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CATA) activities in all tissues (brachial, neural, renal and hepatic) were altered. Cellular lipid and protein compromisation in both fishes induced by heavy metals was determined by lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PC) assays. Micronucleus (MN) test of erythrocytes and comet assay of liver cells confirmed genotoxicity. Histopathology of the liver, kidney and brain of affected fishes was distorted significantly with its reference fishes thereby affecting the quality and quantity of these fish stocks. This raises a serious concern as these fishes are consumed by the local population which would ultimately affect human health.

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A major serious source of pollution is the industrial effluent discharge by the process industries into the water bodies. Industrial effluent consists of water with varieties of potentially harmful substances. The study analysed the public health effects of effluents discharged from Kaduna textile industry into the waters of river Kaduna. Physicochemical qualities of effluents at the downstream were assessed. Parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, depth, turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, sulphate, acidity, alkalinity, organic matter and carbon levels and these were simultaneously monitored in the river using standard methods. Unacceptable, high levels of the parameters were observed in the four sampling points during the study period and are severally outside the compliance levels of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Guidelines and World Health Organization (WHO) tolerance limits for domestic uses. The study recommend the need for the intervention of appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure production of high quality treated final effluents by wastewater treatment facilities in selected villages of Kaduna Key words: Pollution, textile industry, industrial effluent and water quality.

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A field experiment was carried out to evaluate heavy metals and physiochemical concentration of tannery effluents from Kano metropolis. Fifteen samples from five selected tannery industries from Sharada and Challawa industrial estate were collected and determined for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method (AAS) and the result of the study showed that the range mean and standard deviation values for chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) were found to be 3.33 ± 0.74 - 5.79 ± 0.96 mg/L, 0.67 ± 0.07 - 3.10 ± 1.07 mg/L, 3.53 ± 1.06 - 8.12 ± 0.69 mg/L, and 0.82 ± 0.53 - 1.51 ± 0.91 mg/L, respectively. The physiochemical values were pH 3.96 ± 1.22 - 10.60 ± 2.49, conductivity, 1554 ± 17.05 - 11410 ± 414.32 μs/cm; total suspended solid, (TSS) 1026.00 ± 170.01 - 3365.60 ± 112.63 mg/L and total dissolved solid (TDS) was 1585.00± 49.53 - 7250.00 ± 73.73 mg/L. With exception of Fe in all sites and Pb in S4, values for the other metals were above the maximum permissible limits of both the Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The values for TDS for S4 and pH value for S1 to S3 were within allowable limits, but conductivity and TSS values were above the allowable limit. These findings render the effluents harmful to the environment, and there is the need to take practical steps to avoid pollution and impending health hazard. Key words: Concentration, contamination, effluent, heavy metal, physiochemical, sewage, tannery.

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The impacts of gas flaring on meteorological factors at Ibeno, Eket, Onna, Esit Eket and Umudike - Nigeria were investigated by measuring air quality parameters. The results show that the mean concentration of air parameters value were below Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National air quality standards with exception of carbon monoxide which exceeded the limit of 35 ppm in March at Ibeno. Concentration of air parameters at Umudike showed a similar trend to that of study locations at Eket, Ibeno, Esit Eket and Onna. Air quality parameters (Cl-, SPM and SO2) were found to have positive correlation with vapour pressure, humidity and rainfall values in the study areas. It was also established that a positive correlation exits between NO2, H2S, SO2, SPM, chloride, carbon monoxide and wind speed relative humidity, temperature and vapour pressure in the study locations. Chloride and nitrate also have a positive relationship with wind speed in some of the study locations. Key words: Air parameters, gas flaring, meteorological factors.

Chemical Composition of Industrial Effluents and Their Effect on the Survival of Fish and Eutrophication of Lake Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia

Growing trends in industrialization in Ethiopia have raised concerns about pollution of water bodies particularly of lakes. This study was therefore conducted to 1) characterize the chemical contents of major industrial effluents (namely textile ceramic and soft drink factories) that reached Lake Hawassa and 2) investigate the effects of the above mentioned factory effluents on survival of larvae fish and growth of algae. Effluent samples were collected from the outlet lagoons of each factory in December, 2009. Then, effluent samples were analyzed for total N, NO3-N, NH4-N, S2-, , , COD, total dissolved solids (TDS) and heavy metals at the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Laboratory, Addis Ababa. The experiments on the impact of effluents on survival of fish larvae and growth of algae were conducted using six concrete paved ponds (with different concentration of effluent). The results of chemical analysis showed that textile effluent had high COD (nearly 3 times higher), TDS (19 times higher) as well as (39 times higher) than the maximum permissible limits (MPL) set by Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Among heavy metals, Zn and Fe of textile effluent were much higher (41 and 1.5 times higher, respectively) than the MPL set by EPA. Ceramic effluent also contained high concentration of (24.5 times), S2-, (2 times) and Zn (14 times) exceeding the limit of EPA. Regarding soft drink factory, high values of COD, and Zn were found in the effluent than the limit specified by EPA. The biological treatment lagoons of the respective source were not effective since the effluents were taken from the last treatment lagoon (outlet lagoon) and some of the measured parameters were higher than MPL. Results of the pond experiment showed that 5%, 10% and 20% concentration levels of the HTF effluent killed significantly high proportion of the fry (65%, 86.8% and 88.7%, respectively). In contrast, fry mortality in ceramic and soft drink effluent treatments, even at 10 and 20% concentration levels, stayed nearly below 10%, which were not far off from the mortality of the control groups. Algal biomass in the treated ponds varied with the type of effluent treatment and concentration level. Compared with the first day, chlorophyll “a” concentration measured on the 7th day had increased by 51%, 48%, 74%, 27% and 31% at 0%, 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations, respectively of textile effluent. The 5% treatment level of textile effluent caused the highest rate of algal growth above the growth rate observed in the control pond, but further increased in concentration to 10% and 20% resulted in a lower growth of algae than in the control pond. Therefore, textile effluent may boost up algae growth at lower concentrations (~5%) but at higher concentration levels its toxic effect may become inhibitory. Regarding the effluent of soft drink factory, algal growth progressively diminished with increasing concentration of the effluent. The overall change (between initial and day 7) in chlorophyll “a” concentration was highest in the control pond (36.2%) and decreased with increasing effluent concentration (1% to 20%) from 21.7% to -9.4%. On the other hand, algal growth under ceramic effluent treatment was comparable with that observed in the control pond.

Heavy Metal Content in Soil in Garki Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study investigates the concentration of Heavy Metals in soil sample from 15 different locations in Garki area of Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) Abuja, Nigeria. The level of Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained indicated that these metals on dry weight basis in the soil ranged between (36.60-525.0 μg/g) Pb, (15.00-74.40 μg/g) Cu, (17.50-29.80 μg/g) Zn, (0.7-2.20 μg/g) Cd, (16.16-24.60 μg/g) Ni, and (270-558.0 μg/g) Mn. From the results, areas with high traffic density seem to be relatively high in concentration of tested metals than those from less traffic density. A significant correlation was found between traffic density and metal concentrations. The soil PH of the sample sites varies on the average from 6.44 to 7.24 in water indicating only a slightly acidic to neural. Generally, the concentrations obtained were higher than the tolerable limit for safe environment as prescribed by Nigeria Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Assessment of occurrence and concentrations of paraquat dichloride in water, sediments and fish from Warri River Basin, Niger Delta, Nigeria.

The distribution of Paraquat dichloride in different matrices of Warri River, Western Niger Delta, Nigeria was examined. The samplings and physicochemical parameters of the river were carried out during the dry and wet seasons, and stations were visited on monthly basis. The downstream stations had significant (p < 0.05) higher values than the control station. Seasonal variation revealed that, in water, the pesticide level was higher in the dry season than in wet season, and there was no significant difference between the seasons (p > 0.05). The reverse was the case for sediments and fish. The physicochemical parameters of the river's water were within the recommended limits accepted by Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Nigeria. The observed Paraquat dichloride concentrations were above ecological bench, an observation that calls for regular monitoring and strict law enforcement to develop a strategy to manage environmental hazards and to improve environmental protection of this area.

Aldehyde emissions from lime plaster containing vegetable oil

Lime plaster applied to walls and ceilings often contains vegetable oil for improving water resistance, and is considered to be harmless owing to its natural origin. The purpose of this study was to assess aldehyde emissions from plaster containing vegetable oil in order to predict the concentrations of aldehydes emitted into the indoor air. A passive emission chamber method was used to observe the emissions of aldehydes from vegetable oil when mixed with sodium hydroxide solution. The findings show that the alkalinity of calcium hydroxide in the plaster would accelerate the formation of aldehydes significantly. Furthermore, aldehyde emissions from the plaster to which vegetable oil was added were tested using a dynamic emission chamber (the small chamber method). A plaster containing soybean oil strongly emitted hexaldehyde throughout the test period. Plasters containing linseed oil or perilla oil strongly emitted propionaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The calculated indoor air concentrations of the aldehydes emitted from the lime plasters containing vegetable oil exceeded the air quality guidelines of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, and the German Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Moreover, these aldehydes are irritants and have unpleasant odours. Therefore, adding vegetable oil to plaster should be avoided to prevent sick-building syndrome.

Physio-Chemical Analysis of Industrial Effluents in parts of Edo States Nigeria

Water pollution, particularly, surface water results from all activities of man involving indiscriminate waste disposal from industry such as effluents into waterways, waste, agricultural waste, and all forms of man’s activities that results in contamination of the surface water. Wastewater samples were collected from two (2) carefully selected industries and the Physico-Chemical parameters were analyzed and compared to FEPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency) standard. DO of the analysis ranged from 6.5 – 9.7mg/l, BOD value range from 3.2 – 8.8mg/l, there was no significant difference among study stations (P&gt;0.05), TDS showed a high significant difference (P&lt;0.001). The results obtained from the analysis indicated that the effluents from the industries were relatively treated as the contaminants sampled were within statutory limits. It was however observed that the effluent from this brewery was relatively treated.Keywords: Physico-Chemical Analysis; Industrial Effluent; Edo State

Assessment of potential health impacts on surface water sources in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria represents the most populous region in Nigeria and adequate water supply and sanitation typically leaves a lot to be desired in the region in order to prevent water related diseases to the vulnerable communities of the region. This research work was carried out in Kano state with specific emphasis on Tomas dam which is one of the largest dams established for multipurpose use in Nigeria. The research was aimed at evaluating Physico-chemical and Bacteriological quality of Tomas Dam in Kano State. 240 water samples from 5 sampling stations within eight months were analyzed for bacteriological and physico-chemical quality. The physico-chemical parameters indicated Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Water Current Speed results were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05), while other physico-chemical parameters analyzed varied significantly (P&lt;0.05). The study also revealed that Dissolved Oxygen (DO), BOD, Turbidity, and Nitrates recorded higher values than WHO and Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Nigeria (FEPA) limits. Total aerobic bacterial counts (TBC) and total coliform counts (TCC) were determined using pour plate and Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques. TBC and TCC were high and exceeded acceptable limits. Faecal coliforms, faecal Streptococciand Klebsiella species constituted 25% of the indicator organisms identified.The observed parameters indicated the Dam was contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Variations in the weather conditions, animal and anthropogenic interferences were all directly or indirectly related to faecal contamination in the dam. Preventing indiscriminate faecal discharge close to the Dam and sufficient water treatment before consumption are of prime importance to public health as the dam was established for agricultural purposes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i2.10523 International Journal of the Environment Vol.3(2) 2014: 125-136

The use of the mangrove oyster (Crossostrea gasar) as a bio-indicator for chemical element contamination in the Niger Delta

The study evaluated the concentrations of some chemical elements namely Copper (Cu), M anganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn) , Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in the mangrove oyster ( Crossostrea gasar ) and water from Golubo creek in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, to ascertain the impact of these metals on the investigated ecosystem. T he evaluation was carried out using Atomic Absorption spectroscopy technique. The mean concentrations of the aforementioned elements in C.gasar were 1.06 mg/kg, 0.38 mg/kg, 50.13 mg/kg, 0.14 mg/kg, 0.39 mg/kg and 1.55 mg/kg , respectively while the m ean concentrations of the elements in water were 0.65 mg/l, 0.04 mg/l, 16.47 mg/l, 0.86 mg/l, 0.85 mg/ l and 1.50 mg/l , respectively. Copper , Manganese, Zinc and Lead were bioaccumulated by C.gasar while the estimated daily intake of these elements ranged from 0.0056 mg/person/day for Chromium to 2.0 1 mg/person/day for Zinc . The M aximum Acceptable Risk values for Copper , Manganese, Zinc , Chromium, Nickel and Lead in C. gasar were 0.79, 0.05, 24.67, 0.94, 1.08 and 1.94, respectively. T he Toxicity Quotient values for the chemical elements in C.gasar ranged from 0.66 for Zinc to 0.93 for Chromium while in the case of water , the range was from 0.65 for Copper to 1.5 for Lead. With regard to health risk to man, the mean concentrations of the chemical elements in the oysters, did not exceed the Federal Environmental Protection Agency ( FEPA ) maximum allowable limit for chemical elements in food. The mean concentrations of these metals in the bivalve were , therefore , within health limits and therefore do not present an immediate health threat to consumers . It w as observed that the mean concentrations of the chemical elements in water were generally below the FEPA maximum allowable limits for chemical elements in drinking water with the exception of Lead . The study , thus , revealed that there is a potential health risk to man as a result of consuming Pb- contaminated water . Based on the findings from this study, it is advocated that the creek be closely monitored for toxic metals in order to avert the occurrence of episodic ecological accidents.

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Eighteen samples, consisting of six samples each, from three different locations that were 250, 500 and 750 away from the drinking water source in Delta State University, Abraka Campus, were collected and analyzed for their microbial and chemical quality using standard methods. Total viable counts were carried out using the pour plate method, while the most probable number was determined with the multiple tube fermentation technique. The total viable counts increased with distance away from the water source and were high for all the water samples, exceeding the 2.0 Log10cfu/ml set limit for drinking water. The isolated organisms were Micrococcus sp., Chromobacterium sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylocosus aureus. Chemical parameters analyzed were pH, chloride, alkalinity, carbon-dioxide, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and total solids. The results obtained from each parameter were compared with the quality standard for drinking water laid down by the World Health Organisation and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), Nigeria. The analyses revealed that there were increases in some of the parameters with distance away from the water source while some of the parameters studied were within the approved standard, others were above or below. It is thus imperative for our drinking water to be properly treated prior to consumption. &nbsp; Key words: Water, microbial, chemical, parameters, standards.

Assessment of Genotoxic Induction and Deterioration of Fish Quality in Commercial Species Due to Heavy-Metal Exposure in an Urban Reservoir

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of heavy-metal contamination on two fish species (Channa striatus and Heteropneustes fossilis) inhabiting a small freshwater body of northern India. After being captured, each specimen was weighed, measured, and analyzed for heavy metals (chromium [Cr], nickel [Ni], and lead [Pb]). Accumulation of heavy metals was found to be significantly greater (p < 0.05) in different tissues (gill, liver, kidney, and muscle) of fishes captured from the reservoir than from the reference site. Levels of heavy-metal contamination in Shah jamal water was Cr (1.51 mg/l) > Ni (1.22 mg/l) > Pb (0.38 mg/l), which is significantly greater than World Health Organization standards. Bioaccumulation factor was calculated, and it was observed that Pb was most detrimental heavy metal. Condition factor was also influenced. Micronucleus test of fish erythrocytes and comet assay of liver cells confirmed genotoxicity induced by heavy-metal contamination in fishes. Heavy metals (Cr, Ni, and Pb) were increased in both fish species as determined using recommended values of Federal Environmental Protection Agency for edible fishes. This raises a serious concern because these fishes are consumed by the local populations and hence would ultimately affect human health.

Industrial Effluent Induced Chromosomal Aberration in Catfish from Ogun River, Lagos, Nigeria

The aim of the study is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of effluents at inducing chromosomal aberrations, using this as a biomarker tool in wild Clarias pachynema for assessing and monitoring pollution of the aquatic environment. A total of 60 live fish (30 each downstream and upstream) were obtained and subjected to chromosomal analysis. Chromosomal aberration in the fish samples from the downstream sector was recorded at a rate of 30%, while there were no aberrations in the samples collected upstream the effluent discharge point. Water sample analysis revealed a high concentration of Ammonia and Nitrates above permissible standards of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) guidelines. Heavy metal analysis also revealed the presence of Cr (0.05), Cu (0.01), Pb (0.05), Zn (5.0) and Fe (0.3) above permissible standards from the downstream section of the river. This study shows clearly that the ever increasing discharge of effluents from the industry could increase chromosomal damage in the aquatic components.