Federal Ministry Of Environment Research Articles

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analyses of Eniong River Water and Sediment in Southern Nigeria

The diversity of bacteria in freshwater is influenced by some important physicochemical factors and autotrophic nutrients. Their diversity can be employed as a sensitive pollution indicator in the environment and change because bacteria respond quickly to changes in the ecosystem. Analysis of physicochemical and bacteriological quality of humic freshwater and sediment was carried out on samples from three (3) geo-referenced sections of Eniong River, AkwaIbom State designated ST3 (Upstream), ST2 (Midstream) and ST1 (Downstream) using standard analytical methods. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) standards. The study revealed that thesamples had a mean heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.95±0.41 log10 CFU/g and heavy pollution with faecal bacteria such as (4.31±2.51 log10CFU/g TCC and 5.19 ±0.33 log10CFU/g FCC), including mean counts of Staphylococcus spp (5.90±1.16log10CFU/g), Vibrio spp (.21±1.04 log10CFU/g), Salmonella-Shigella (3.15±0.33 log10CFU/g), and Actinomycetes (3.29±2.49 log10CFU/g) that considerably exceeded the recommended range of WHO/FMENV for portability. The most abundance bacteria in were Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus and Shigella spp (55.6%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, Nocardia sp, Proteus sp., Staphylococcu sspp, Burkholderia pseudomallei and Enterococcus faecalis with a prevalence rate of 44.4%. The results showed the mean DO (7.67±0.037 mg/ml)), EC (85.07±0.52 μS/cm) and temperature (27.480C±0.049) of Eniong river water were within acceptable standard values while TSS (12.5 mg/ml) and TDS (19.0±1.30 mg/ml) values were not. Also, Pb, Cd, Vn, Ni and Cu recorded higher values while the concentrations of Fe2+, K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were remarkably low in both water and sediment. The mean pH of the river and sediment were 6.48±0.018 and 6.42±0.019, respectively. Similarly, among the anionic surfactant, the mean values for nitrate, carbonate and sulphate were higher in sediment than in water, while carbonate was not detected in water. The findings imply that the quality of Eniong River water and sediment is heavily compromised. Therefore, the creation of awareness on the importance of water safety and hygiene, regular monitoring of drinking water quality and enforcement of compliance with the standards by regulatory agencies are recommended to eschew possible health hazards.

Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Selected Sawmill Factories in Port Harcourt and Environs, Rivers State, Nigeria

Evaluation of noise pollution level has been carried out in in some selected Sawmill factories in Port Harcourt and environs using noise level and frequency meters in seven locations. The mean values of maximum and minimum sound levels in Mile2, Mile3, Marine base, Oluwood were 81.98±0.43 and 79.28±2.00, 82.450±0.66 and 80.28±0.80, 81.50±4.73 and 74.75±1.10, 81.40±0.40 and 78.03±2.02 respectively. Also the mean values of maximum and minimum sound levels at Igwuruta, Rumosi, Rumuji were found to be 82.00±0.64 and 79.40±2.00, 81.53±0.60 and 78.66±1.63, 81.78±0.40 and 77.95±1.86 respectively. The average noise equivalent (Leq) ranged from 77.20 to 82.25 dB whereas the average noise pollution level (Lnp) ranged from 96.13 to 101.23 dB. Therefore, the indication is that the Sawmill at Igwuruta has the highest average Lnp whereas Rumuosi has the least average when compared with the recommend permissible value by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv). This study has determined the noise level generated in study area through set objectives which included but not limited to measuring the sound level, investigating noise some meters away from the source and of course comparing results with best known standards. The results therefore suggested that the noise level is high at the saw mills and the day exposure to this unwanted sound could threaten the health of the factory workers and the residents at proximity to the noise sources.

Drone Technology Application on Solid Waste Management; Investigation of Gwarinpa Area, Abuja

This paper explores the challenges of solid waste management (SWM) in Gwarinpa, Abuja, Nigeria, and assesses the potential of drone technology to enhance SWM in this urban area, particularly in developing countries. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data is sourced from official entities like the National Waste Management Authority (NWMA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMoE), complemented by a survey of 200 households in Gwarinpa. Additionally, qualitative insights are gathered from interviews with 10 stakeholders, including residents, waste collectors, waste managers, and drone operators. The findings indicate that Gwarinpa currently faces significant SWM challenges, characterized by ineffective waste reduction, recycling, and disposal practices. Key issues include inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, poor staff training, and environmental pollution. Conversely, drone technology emerges as a promising solution to enhance SWM by improving efficiency, monitoring performance, reducing costs, ensuring safety, and fostering environmental protection. The study concludes that while drone technology has the potential to revolutionize SWM in Gwarinpa, its successful deployment depends on overcoming several hurdles. These include addressing infrastructural deficiencies, engaging stakeholders effectively, navigating regulatory frameworks, and assessing long-term implications. This study positions drone technology as a viable tool for advancing SWM practices in urban settings, especially within the context of developing countries.

Geochemical distribution and ecological risk level of inorganic pollutant of River Ethiope sediment

This study assessed heavy metals concentration of River Ethiope, Delta State. The sediments was geochemically partitioned and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in order to determined the concentration level and heavy fractions in Ethiope river sediments. Geochemically fraction results proved that 50% of the assessed metals were associated with Fe-Mn oxide fraction. 
 Environmental risk factor revealed that cu will posed a greater potential threat to aquatic organisms among the investigated metals. It is therefore, recommended that agencies of government such as federal ministry of environment should routinely monitored Ethiope river sediments in order to ensure reduction in the level of contamination by heavy metals.

Communal Violence in Nigeria, 2014–21: Mapping, Modeling, and Trends

ABSTRACT: This study dissects the patterns and trends of communal violence in Nigeria with the need to watch out for emerging predictors. Using variables like ethno-religious polarization, lootable resources, and climate vulnerability, the article dissects their impacts on the trends of communal violence in Nigeria. Based on data from the Nigerian Security Tracker, Nigeria Watch, and the Federal Ministry of Environment (2014 to 2021), this study uses cluster analyses of the conflicts using maps and tables to analyze the patterns and new dimensions of conflicts. The study found evidence that ethno-religious polarization is a predictor of trends of communal violence in Nigeria. The weakest predictor of communal violence, according to the model, is climate vulnerability in Nigeria .

Assessment of the Impacts of Artisanal Refinery of Crude Oil On Surface Water, Ground Water And Sediment Quality At Obi-Ayagha Community In Delta State Nigeria

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to assess the impacts of artisanal refinery activities on the quality of surface water, ground water, sediment and microbial density of the recipient environment at the abandoned artisanal refinery site in Obi-Ayagha community, Ughelli South, Delta State.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Place and Duration of Study: </strong>Abandoned artisanal refinery hydrocarbon impacted site, Obi-Ayagha, Ughelli South, Delta State, Nigeria. During was from September 2021- February 2022.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methodology: </strong><strong>F</strong>ield sampling techniques were consistent with established and standards methodologies, Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum Industries in Nigeria (EGASPIN) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) procedural guidelines. Composite surface water samples were collected using a water sampler, ground water was collected using a water pump from drilled boreholes in the study site. Sediment sample was collected using Eckman dredge (grab) from the surrounding river around the study site. Physicochemical, microbial and metal parameters were analysed in the collected samples and controls, using standard methods to assess the impact of hydrocarbon contaminant from the artisanal refinery activities on the recipient environment.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results: </strong> The study revealed that there was a significant difference in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD<sub>5</sub>) values for the three borehole water sampled, with a mean value of 5.23± 3.0 mg/l and the control borehole site (3.00 ± 2mg/l). Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon results were below the instrument detection limit for the surface and ground water samples, while it recorded 5.38mg/kg for the sediment sample. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon results for all samples analysed were below the instrument detection limit of <0.0001mg/kg. Total heterotrophic Bacteria counts obtained were between 2.08 -2.13 x 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/ml, 1.13 - 1.26 x 10<sup>3 </sup>CFU/ml and 2.36 x 10<sup>5 </sup>CFU/g for surface water, groundwater and sediment samples respectively. Values obtained for all metals analysed in the study samples were within regulatory stipulated limits. Iron metal, though does not have available limits for sediment samples, recorded the highest concentration of 5585 ± 2.12 mg/kg in relation to other metals.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong>Results obtained from the environmental samples analysed showed the parameters assessed were within regulatory limits. This could have been due to natural attenuation(remediation) of the environment giving the prolonged period of abandonment of the artisanal refining activities<strong>.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The integration of artisanal and modular refinery operations into the oil and gas sector will curtail illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta regions and will also promote the availability of petroleum products, stabilize prices, eliminate shipping costs and provide employment opportunities for the inhabitants in the region and Nigeria in general. It is further recommended that with enough artisanal and modular refineries being granted license by the Federal Government in the country, Nigeria should be able to conserve foreign exchange currently utilized for the importation of petroleum products and promote socio-economic development.</p>

Spatial temporal pattern of carbon dioxide emission from vehicle

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is a global environmental issue, and it is considered as triggered climate change. One of source contribute to CO2 emission is transportation sector which are increasing at a much faster rate than Gross Domestic Product growth. This paper present to evaluate spatial temporal pattern of CO2 emissions from vehicle using satellite Sentinel 5P image. The Sentinel 5P image was obtained from European Space Agency from year 2019 until 2021. These data were processed through ArcGIS software 10.5 to extract value of CO2 and the value are presented in total column amount. Subsequently, extract by point method on road feature based on basemap of Mukim Kajang was carried out to obtained value of CO2 emission from transportation. Then, spatial temporal mapping was achieved through kernel density analysis, which can be used to identify the CO2 emission hotspot areas. The result show spatial temporal pattern of CO2 emission was higher in September 2019 (0.06964 mol/m2), March 2020 (0.03596 mol/m2) and December 2021 (0.0437 mol/m2) respectively. Among the three highest vehicle-related CO2 emission hotspots in Mukim Kajang, high-emission literally covered the entire Bandar Kajang, whereas Bandar Baru Bangi and Bandar Serdang had decrease emission for the three (3) consecutive years. In the nutshell, the output of this study should be able to aid the local authority such as Federal Ministry of Environment in decision-making wise especially in developing related strategies to reduce CO2 emissions.

EFFECT OF ABATTOIR WASTE ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND FAECAL COLIFORM LOAD OF SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATER BODIES IN UGHELLI, DELTA STATE

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of effluent from the Ogheneweta abattoir on the physico-chemical and faecal coliform load of surface and underground water surrounding the abattoir. The study compared the water quality parameters with the guidelines provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The research involved the determination of various factors, including physico-chemical characteristics, microbial activity, and spatial and seasonal variations of water. Four sampling stations were selected for the study, with two focusing on groundwater impact and the other two on surface water impact. Differences between the two types of stations were also analyzed. Field sampling was conducted over a nine-month period, and water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal coliform load were measured. Standard methods and instruments were utilized for sample collection and analysis, following established water analysis procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired sample T-test (P<0.05). The results indicated that water temperature ranged from 25.56oC to 27.78oC, pH from 6.52 to 7.11, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 10.67mg/l to 210.78mg/l, electrical conductivity (EC) from 20.95mg/l to 426.05mg/l, dissolved oxygen (DO) from 4.17mg/l to 4.72mg/l, turbidity from 1.95mg/l to 9.67mg/l, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 1.33mg/l to 1.74mg/l. Faecal coliform counts in underground and surface water samples ranged from 2.00 to 2.22MPN/100L and 2.67 to 7.33MPN/100L, respectively. The study findings revealed that the abattoir activities had a negative impact on the quality of both surface and underground water within the Ogheneweta abattoir area. While most physico-chemical and microbial parameters adhered to FMENV and WHO guidelines, the concentrations of turbidity in surface water and faecal coliform in both surface and underground water exceeded the acceptable limits. Moreover, the study showed distinct seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters, with higher values recorded for pH, TDS, and turbidity during the rainy season, and lower values observed for conductivity. Based on the results, it is recommended that a groundwater monitoring program be implemented to assess the water quality status of wells near abattoirs, ensuring the protection of local residents’ health. Prompt intervention measures, including the establishment of effluent treatment facilities, are essential for effective waste management at abattoirs in Ughelli.

THE IMPACT OF DESERTIFICATION CONTROL AND GUM ARABICL IN NIGERIA

Nigeria simply due to consistency in high quality, Nigeria farmers should therefore maintain good reputation on their products and meet the highest standards. Food and agricultural organization (FAO) in 1996 made a review and discovered that the products taken into the market were adulterated because it was poorly produced, processed and so poor quality. This was attributed to lack of proper coordinating body to control the rate of competition amongst producers and to esure consistent production methodology and quality. The restructuring of the only existing association into national association of gum Arabic producers, processors, and exporters of Nigeria (NAGAPPEN) has been largely responsible for Nigeria’s position back on the ladder of production, (Okoro et al), generating foreign exchange of over US $6 billion within a period of 4 year needs to be further strengthened. Established same in the state which have the vehicle through which informal training can be conducted, should be encouraged, with financial institutions taking the lead. Proper supervision to ensure non tempering with the original quality which reduces its market value, creating had impression on the product must be put in place hearing in mind, every shipment is tested to ensure its optical rotation, solubility. Color and moisture content (5% moisture or less is considered stable). The inclusion of Nigeria in the second phase of acacia operation project (AOP) organized by the network for natural gums and resins in Africa (NGARA) with a national focal point and the national project coordinator domiciled in federal ministry of environment aimed at enhancing best practices in the production of gum Arabic is to be taken more serious by the government. There should be close relationship with the associations involved in its production and quality control (physical and physiochemical determination).

Flood Policy and Governance: A Pathway for Policy Coherence in Nigeria

In recent years, Nigeria is witnessing increasing frequency of flood occurrence with devastating impact translating into significant loss of lives (in Nigeria, over 300 people died in September 2022) and properties. Addressing flood disaster requires holistic approach from policy and governance perspectives, integration of policies and programs and synergies between institutions. Using synergies and eliminating trade-offs, flood governance and policy coherence integrate all relevant policy fields and institutions to achieve common policy outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine and understand how flood governance and policy coherence are approached, as well as institutional design and implementation for coherence in Nigeria. The findings revealed that there is no single flood policy in Nigeria. Due to this, there is no focus and no defined objectives for flood governance, prevention, control, and management, and no imperative for the government to seek both short-term and long-term flood solutions. There is no synergy and coordination among institutions for flood governance in the country. Since the country established the federal ministry of environment in 1999, the environment, floods, and climate-related hazards were given less priority. State and local governments handle most flood disasters and emergencies. Federal assistance is provided, however, when flood disasters exceed the capabilities of local and state governments. This study recommends that across the country, flood policy needs to be designed, formulated, and implemented while assigning governance responsibility and decentralizing policy to state and local governments.

Assessment of Air Quality Parameters in Selected Road Intersections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Case Study of their Potential Impacts on Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment

Selected air quality parameters (SO2, NO2, CO, PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations were measured at selected road intersections within the study area. SO2, NO2, CO, PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be above permissible limits of Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) and WHO, while CO was within the limit at all sampling stations. The result of the statistical analysis showed that the P-value was less than 0.05 (level of significance) in PM2.5 and PM10 parameters, which imply that these air quality parameters were significantly different from the FME limits. Similarly, NO2 and SO2 results showed significant differences when compared with FME standards. Generally, the results showed that the concentration the assessed pollutants were significantly higher than the recommended Nigeria FME limits. Thus, they constitute potential sources of health hazards to humans and aquatic flora and fauna within the water bodies in the study area. Routine monitoring of these air quality parameters and advocacy on their impacts on terrestrial and aquatic environment cum organisms amongst others, were recommended as a way of reducing air pollution within the study area.

Assessment of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Borehole Water in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study entails determination of Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in borehole water of Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This was assessed using standard analytical methods. The samples were collected in triplicate from the study area with a control station. The areas were Ikot Ibiok and Atabong in Eket L.G.A while the control station was at Aka in Uyo L.G.A. The samples were extracted with hexane using liquid-liquid extraction method followed by subsequent clean-up using column chromatography. The determination of TPH was with the aid of gas chromatography fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) while The THC was determined using U-V Spectroscopy. The results showed the variations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) from 784.395 ± 0.07 to 1120.500 ± 0.05 mg/L. While THC ranges from 938.21 ± 0.08 to 1,583.294± 0.02 mg/L. The average amount of TPH and THC in the water samples collected from all the sampling stations were generally higher than both the DPR limit (50 mg/L) and federal ministry of Environment (FMEnv.) acceptable standard of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in water. This indicates a serious impact of oil industrial activities on the area. Hence, our findings have indicated evidence that the borehole water samples from the study area in Eket L.G.A is under a pollution threat and underscore the need for early remediation if adverse health defects are to be prevented.

Assessment of unsafe disposal of unused and expired medicines practices among households in North-west Nigeria

Background: Unsafe disposal of unwanted medicines continues to be of global concern. Data on such disposal practices among households and the availability of national drug disposal programmes are limited in Nigeria. This study was carried out to assess the practice of unsafe disposal of unused and expired medicines in north-west Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with participants recruited into the study using an online survey (via Google Forms®) and face-to-face interviews. A hyperlink to the online questionnaire was shared with the targeted population through emails and social media platforms. Results: A total of 319 valid responses were included in the analysis, of which 60.2% reported practicing unsafe disposal of unused and expired medications. The most utilized disposal methods were discarding in the domestic dustbin (52.6%), burning (10.6%), toilet sink (9.4%), and water drain (9.4%). Frequently involved medicines were analgesics (32.6%), antibiotics (24.4%), and antimalarials (21.7%). Most of the practice resulted from non-adherence (34.9%), self-medication (23.6%), polypharmacy (23.4%), adverse effects (18.1%), and incidental ingestion by children (9.4%). Participants (86.2%) are aware of the health hazards related to the practice, and (95.3%) were willing to comply with the RUM concept. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of unsafe disposal practices of unused and expired medicines in the community vis-à-vis their ecotoxicological implications, a spontaneous review of the current national medicines' disposal regulations jointly by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Environment that would include interventions such as Return Unused Medicines is highly recommended.

Spatiotemporal distribution model of air quality parameters within Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)

Introduction: Air pollution in cosmopolitan cities is increasingly becoming unprecedented with attendant effects on human and biophysical attributes.
 Materials and methods: The study was carried out at Federal University of Technology (FUTO) and environs in the southeastern Nigeria. Some ambient air quality parameters (CO, CO2, NO2, CH4 and noise) were sampled and. measured at seven unique locations (OR, ER, FR, EJ, IM, FM and FJ) with multi sampler devices, using air differential technique during the morning, midday and evening periods.
 Results: The average pollutant results show increased concentrations at the different locations when compared to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) than Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) thresholds (FMEnv>CO2<OSHA; FMEnv>NO2<OSHA; FMEnv>CH4<OSHA). However, concentrations of CO and Noise in FR and FJ were relatively higher than concentrations observed in other locations (CO: FR [6.4 mg/m3] and FJ [4.2 mg/m3]; Noise: FR [96.8 dB] and FJ [95.7 mg/m3]) respectively.
 Conclusion: The significant increase could be attributed to continuous vehicular emissions and presence of make-shift activities in these locations. However, predictive model suggests that given the meteorological conditions and perceived anthropogenic activities over time, OSHA threshold could be evidently compromised.

Preface

3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT ICESE 2021 The third edition of the International Conference on Energy and Sustainable Environment – ICESE 2021 held 26 – 28 October, 2021. As usual, the conference was hosted by Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. The theme of this edition is “Inclusive and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development” and the sub-themes included: Environment and Climate Change, Energy/Energy Management, Built Environment and Biotechnology.ICESE 2021, like the two previous editions, continued to build on the foundation of collaboration by research clusters in Covenant University. The clusters are: Energy and Environment Research Cluster, the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), Renewable Energy Research Cluster (RERC), Built Environment Research Cluster (BERC), and most recently, the Biotechnology Research Cluster.The world energy and environment outlook has continued to elicit interest among researchers and policy makers. Given the multi-dimensional nature of the energy and environment challenge, an all-inclusive approach is deemed necessary. Hence, ICESE 2021 put together inclusive and innovative ideas towards addressing the numerous challenges associated with our environment. The keynote speakers were carefully selected to address some specific aspects of the energy and environment challenge.In this respect, the oil and gas industry and the energy sector in Nigeria come into sharp focus. Two keynote papers were presented during the plenary session. The first keynote address focused on the environmental challenges posed by the oil and gas sector from the regulatory perspective. The keynote speaker was Mr. Idris O. Musa, the Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), which is under the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. The keynote address was titled: Environmental Pollution – Impacts of Vandalism, Oil Theft and Artisanal Refining.Also, given the prevailing energy situation in Nigeria and the world over, new thinking in the area of utilizing fossil fuels such as coal becomes apposite. Hence, the second keynote Dr. Samson O. Bada of the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, addressed the evolving role of coal even in the light of advancement of renewable energy technologies. The keynote paper was titled: Clean Coal Technologies and the role of Fossil Fuels in Renewable Technologies.Thereafter, Sixty-Five papers were presented in eight technical sessions. The built environment aspect of ICESE has remained very pivotal and over half of the papers came from the cluster. In all, the keynote papers and presentations at the ICESE 2021 were relevant to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Given the restricted travels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was planned and executed as a hybrid conference incorporating in-person and virtual components. After careful review of the papers presented at the conference, the selected papers in this proceedings were found to meet the requirements of the publishing organization – IOP PublishingList of Acknowledgements, Funding Support, Conference Technical/Scientific Committee, Local Organising Committee are available in this pdf.

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

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

Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals in Sagamu Abattoir Waste Water Ogun State, Nigeria

Abattoir wastewater is a great threat to environmental safety. This study was aimed at assessing the physiochemical constituents using standard methods and some heavy metals using Agilent Microwave Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES) 4200 model after sample digestion of wastewater from three (3) major abattoirs in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The sample was digested using a mixture of nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The digested samples were then analyzed for heavy metals. Data from the physicochemical characterization show that pH, TS, TDS, TSS and COD ranged from; (5.8 – 6.2), (11500 – 27733.33), (5500 – 9066.67), (6000 – 18666.67), and (1507.67 – 3671) respectively. The assessed heavy metals are in the range (mg/L): Zn (0.132-0.337), Cu (0.091 – 0.516), Mn (0.410 – 0.994), Fe (5.294 – 15.44), V (0.132 – 0.32), Cd (0.036 – 0.119), Ni (0.029 – 0.17), Pb (0.136 – 0.234), Cr (0.299 – 1.277), and Co (0.015 – 0.079). Zn, Cu and Fe are essential metals within tolerable limits except Mn that exceeded the limits of World Health Organization (0.04 mg/L) but below Federal Ministry of Environment (5 mg/L) while Ni, Pb and Chromium are above permissible limits in all samples. The pretreatment of the wastewater before discharging into environment is highly recommended and more research should be done on remediation to reduce the abattoir wastewater heavy metals concentration and the effect it is having on the ecosystem and the environment at large.

Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Health Impact of Quarrying on the Inhabitants of Kenta Logemo Village in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Quarry is a small scale industry generating materials used for construction, thus contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. This study was carried out to evaluate the socio-economic and health impact of quarry on the inhabitants of Kenta Logemo Village in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State. The sampling was carried out in three different distances (100, 200, 300 m) around the quarry site and 1000 m (control). The air quality monitored are (gaseous component) CO2 NO2, CO, volcanic organic compound (VOC) and particulate matters (PM) and noise level. Thirty copies of questionnaire were administered to the workers and inhabitants. The result showed that the gaseous pollutants were more pronounced at 100 m and there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the distances and they were below Federal Ministry of Environment (FmEnv) limit. The PM10 at 200 m (137.1 ug/m3 ) was highest among three types of particulate matters and distances monitored. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) across distances from the quarry. Noise level ranges from 59.3 to 86.3 dB(A) and higher than the control (50. 8 dB(A) but below FmEnv limit (90 dB(A). The analysis of the questionnaire revealed that the vegetation (40.0 %) and animal (46.7 %) were into extinction and threatened and dust (30.0 %) covered food or cash crops. Water bodies were affected by taste, colour and turbidity (63.3 %). Among the diseases suffered were catarrh (53.3 %) and eye irritation (46.7 %). In conclusion, the surrounding of the quarry is not polluted with CO2 NO2, CO, VOC, PM and noise but there is significant effect of the activity of quarry on the health and socio-economic of the inhabitants hence, improved the economic status.

Seasonal and Multivariate Characteristics of Atmospheric Gases, Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals in Lagos-Suburban

Aim: Insufficient data on atmospheric pollution research exists in Lagos-suburban areas, and in some cases, studies are yet to be carried out. The aim is to study criteria pollutants seasonal characteristics, suspended particulate matter, and particulate heavy metal concentrations interactions in the Lagos suburban by multivariate techniques
 Methodology: Assessment of 3 criteria pollutants, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and 6 particulate heavy metal concentrations, at 10 different suburban locations in Lagos was performed and interpreted by multivariate analysis to determine their sources, distribution, and pollution status. AQI values indicated a non-hazardous environment that is moderately unhealthy and sensitive to vulnerable populations.
 Results: Values of CO among the 10 sites ranged from 468-1350 µg/m3 during the wet season, and 447-1864 µg/m3 during dry seasons and both exceeded World Health Organization (WHO), and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) regulations. NO2 concentration exceeded the FMEnv standard and suggest the likelihood of health challenges to the unsuspecting population. Cl- anion accounts for 85% of the total anion concentrations, and others had low standard deviations < 5%. A correlation of (Na+ and SO42-), (Ca2+ and NO3-), (K+ and SO42-) showed active atmospheric water chemistry in the study locations. Determined levels of Cd and Ni particulate did not exceed WHO guidelines, while only Alagbado and Surulere were the major Pb hotspots. Pearson correlation showed the heavy metals differ from each other during each season, but Zn/Zn and Fe/Fe showed a strong link between the metal concentrations and the seasons. Peripheral component analysis indicated that Cd and Cu particulate matter accounts for 75% of the variance, while cluster analysis showed the similarity of relationship in terms of concentration for the wet season.
 Conclusion: The findings of the present study provided invaluable data on atmospheric pollution and the development of improved protocols for pollution guidelines in suburban Lagos.

Assessment of Indoor Levels of Carbon Monoxide Emission from Smoldering Mosquito Coils Used in Nigeria.

Mosquito coils are commonly burnt in indoor environments to drive away mosquitoes which are vectors for malaria parasites. The levels of carbon monoxide (CO) emitted and human health implications during smoldering of 5 different brands of mosquito coils commonly used in Nigeria were investigated in 4 microenvironments of different sizes. The experiments were done by taking a scenario of a sleeping arrangement and the farthest distance between the coil burning and an arbitrary bed position in 4 different bedrooms of different sizes in poor ventilation condition of closed doors and windows. With monitoring device, ALTAIR 5X portable gas analyzer, at the position of the bed, measurements were taking at 2 minutes interval from start to the end of burning of each coil. The emission profile was determined by making concentration-time plots of CO emission to determine its levels from the burning of each brand of the mosquito coils in each microenvironment. From the emission profile, coils A, C, and D showed that CO levels exceeded Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) and the World Health Organization (WHO) statutory limit of 9.0 ppm for indoor environments in each of the microenvironments between 3 and 7 hours after the burning commenced. It was concluded that the CO concentrations from smoldering mosquito coils is a function of the size of the microenvironment in which it is used. It was recommended that the size of a microenvironment be determined for consumption of a mosquito coil before it is released into the market.