Federal University Of Technology Research Articles

Determination of Yearly Performance and Degradation Rate of Electrical Parameters of a Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Modules in Minna, Central Nigeria

Outdoor degradation analysis was carried out on a monocrystalline PV module rated 10 W using the CR1000 software-based Data Acquisition System (DAS). The PV module under test and meteorological Sensors were installed on a metal support structure on the same test plane. The data obtained was monitored from 09:00 to 18:00 hours each day continuously for a period of four years, from December 2014 to November 2018.The experiment was carried out near the Physics Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna (latitude 09o37'N, longitude 06o32'E, and 249 meters above sea level). The sensors were connected directly to the CR1000 Campbell Scientific data logger, while the module is connected to the logger via electronic loads. The logger was programmed to scan the load current from 0 to 1 A at intervals of 50mA every 5 minutes, and average values of short-circuit current, (Isc,) open-circuit voltage, (Voc), current at maximum power, (Imax), the voltage at maximum power,(Vmax), power and maximum power obtained from the modules together with the ambient parameters are recorded and logged. Data download at the data acquisition site was performed every 7 days to ensure effective and close monitoring of the data acquisition system (DAS). At the end of each month and where necessary, hourly, daily and monthly averages of each of the parameters-solar irradiance, solar insolation, wind speed, ambient and module temperatures, and the output response variables (open-circuit voltage, Voc, short-circuit current, Isc, the voltage at maximum power, Vmax, current at maximum power, Imax, efficiency, Eff, and fill factor, FF) of the photovoltaic modules were obtained.Yearly averages of the performance variables were obtained to ascertain the performance, degradation rate, and lifespan of the module. The module performance for the four years of study was compared with Standard Test Condition (STC) specifications. The maximum power achieved at 1000W/m2 for the four years of study are 0.711W, 1.82W, 0.50W, and 0.22W representing 7.11%, 18.39%, 5.0% and 2.25% of the manufacturer’s 10W specification. Module efficiency at 1000W/m2 for the four years of study is 3.30%, 10.12%, 3.98%, and 2.82% respectively as against the manufacturer's STC specification of 46%. Accordingly, Module Performance Ratios for the PV module investigated were 0.072, 0.22, 0.087, and 0.061respectively. For the Rate of Degradation (RoD), it was observed that Open-Circuit voltage (Voc), Short-Circuit Current (Isc), Power-Output (P), and Maximum Power (Pmax), has an average yearly degradation rate of 1.06V, 0.002A, 0.082W and 0.142W representing 4.9%,0.30%,0.56%, and 1.4%respectively for the four years of study.

Performance of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in a Constructed Wetland for Greywater Treatment in Akure, Nigeria

Shortage of freshwater is becoming a growing problem in both dry and semi-dry regions of the world, hence the need to make use of other source of water for agricultural production. The study was conducted to examine the performance of common reed in a constructed wetland for greywater treatment in Akure, Nigeria. Raw greywater was collected from Jadesola Hostel, Federal University of Technology, Akure, and pretreated through a combination of gravel of diameters < 32 mm, 24 mm and 16 mm with fine sand of diameter 0.2 mm arranged accordingly. The filtered water was thereafter released to a plastic constructed wetland (CW) which also consisted of same combination of layers of gravel and sand with common reed planted on it for complete treatment. The raw and treated greywater were analyzed for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), and heavy metals. It was discovered that CW planted with common reed was effective in the treatment of greywater with reduction in BOD by 91.4%, COD by 91.5% and TDS by 38.7%. CW had appreciable removal effect on heavy metals with reduction in: manganese (Mn) from 0.100 ppm to 0.012 ppm, iron (Fe) from 0.014 ppm to 0.002 ppm, lead (Pb) from 0.05 ppm to 0.001 ppm and zinc (Zn) from 0.154 ppm to 0.148 ppm. Therefore, the use of common reed in constructed wetland for greywater treatment is recommended for farmers involved in irrigation with greywater, especially during dry seasons, and most importantly under the rising global water scarcity due to climate change.

Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in The Design of Student Hostel at Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria

Buildings are designed to offer protection to the occupants against harshoutdoor environment thereby enhancing optimal indoor comfort. Overthe years, there have been a rise in population of students applying foradmission into tertiary institution, which has led to an increase in thenumber of students that resides at the university hostel. These rise in thenumber of students, has brought about overcrowding and stretching offacilities, with spaces which were originally intended for four students arenow been habited by six to eight students thereby causing imbalance inthe general indoor climatic condition. The study is aimed at investigatingthermal comfort in student’s accommodation in tertiary institutionstowards achieving a better thermal condition in the hostel environment.The objective is to evaluate the thermal performance in the student hostelaccommodation, and also to identify passive ways of controlling thermalperformance in student dwelling buildings at Federal University ofTechnology Minna main campus, Gidan Kwano. For the purpose of thisresearch work, primary data were collected through the use questionnaire,case studies and observation. Secondary data were collected from availableliterature, internet, and studying of similar existing facilities. The studyrevealed that most student hostel possessed few elements of passive coolingtechnique which in turn deprives students a quality conducive environment.The research recommends that soft landscaping elements should be adoptedand deciduous trees planted in the environment for cooling effect duringhot and humid period, provision of two openings in each room if possible.This can be achieved through proper building orientation, use of highthermal mass to reduce heat absorption, use of high thermal mass withnight cooling, roof, ceiling and attic insulation. Designing in a hot climatearea requires lots of consideration, which is mentioned above so as toincorporate a general conducive indoor thermal comfort for the users.

Editorial and the Moulding of Opinion: A Survey of Newspaper Readers in Tertiary Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria.

The power of editorials in moulding public opinion cannot be over-emphasized. Editorials have the potentials to change the attitudes of the public towards government and governmental policies. Therefore, employing newspaper texts like editorials will help offer background information and interpretation necessary to shape public opinion and attitudes. Readers turn to editorials for opinion, discussion, and interpretation covering those matters which are for the day, attracting attention. This study is anchored on the framing theory which was put forth by Erving Goffman in 1974. The researcher adopted the survey research design. The population of this study comprises of newspaper readers in tertiary institutions in Imo State. The tertiary institutions in Imo State that this study focused on include; Imo State University, Owerri, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Alvan Ikoku Federal Collage of Education, Owerri. The population of newspaper readers are not statistically known in these institutions. This means that the sample size of this study is 384. In order to determine the number of questionnaire to be administered to each of the selected tertiary institutions in Imo state, the non-proportionate and purposive sampling techniques were used. The questionnaire was the research instrument used for the data collection. The data collected from the respondents was analysed and interpreted by using the simple percentages tables and frequency analysis. Analysis of data collected from the field revealed that 162 respondents representing 42.6% said that their readership of editorials in newspapers was to a very large extent. Further analysis also revealed that at an average mean of 2.9, newspaper readers in tertiary institutions were of the view that they were being influenced by the content of editorials that they read from newspapers. Communicating result from data revealed that at an average mean of 2.7, newspaper readers in tertiary institutions in Imo State were of the view that the persuasive nature of editorials and the level of education of the person reading the editorials were the major factors responsible for the influence that editorial has in moulding peoples’ opinions. The researcher recommended that newspaper readers should continue to read editorials in order to form more informed opinions on topical issues. Keywords: Editorial, Moulding, Opinion, Survey, Newspaper, Readers and Tertiary Institutions

Assessing the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduates Students: Evidence from the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Assessing the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduates Students: Evidence from the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Understanding the influence of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) growth period on some thermal and hydrological properties of two soils with textural class variation

Abstract Adequate knowledge of soil processes is key to ensuring sustainability. Towards a better understanding of some thermal and hydrological processes that take place in the soil as a result of the growth period of maize and cowpea, a concurrent research was carried out in two different locations with soil textural variation (sandy clay loam and clay loam) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The treatment consisted of bare soil plot, cowpea plot, and maize plot arranged in a randomized complete block design in three replicates. The same weed management practice was carried out on all treatment plots throughout the duration of the study. Data were collected at 4 weeks after planting (WAP), 8 WAP, and 12 WAP, during which the dry bulk density, mass wetness, volumetric infiltration rate, saturated hydraulic conductivity, sorptivity, soil temperature, total energy emitted, wavelength of maximal radiation intensity, and energy flux were determined. The results showed that growing maize and cowpea had no significant influence (P > 0.05) on the soil properties measured in the SCL soil. However, significant difference was noticed in the CL soil at 8 WAP; the crops grown prevented the formation of excess soil seal and crust when compared to the bare soil plot. This study shows that soil textural property greatly influences hydrological and thermal processes in the soil during the maize and cowpea growth period.

Preliminary study on species variability and evolutionary status of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora)

Abstract An analysis of the biochemical composition of African walnut seeds collected from two different geographical areas, Nigeria and Cameroon, was used to conduct the primary assessment of varietal differences and evolutionary status of Plukenetia conophora. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five replications. Significant difference (P > 0.05) was not observed with the proximate properties of the seeds of the two lines except for carbohydrate. However, higher values in protein (28.32%), crude fat (5.67%), ash (4.33%), and moisture (38.44%) content were obtained for the line from Nigeria, while the line from Cameroon had higher values for carbohydrate (20.87%) and crude fibre (9.32%). With regard to mineral composition, significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in some mineral elements such as manganese, sodium, and chromium. Anti-nutritional composition such as proximate properties did not show any significant difference between the two lines. However, the line from Nigeria had higher values of phytate (6.27%) and oxalate (0.11%), while a higher content of tannin (0.36%) and saponin (0.27%) was obtained for the line from Cameroon. Evidently, the result obtained was not substantial to establish varietal differences between the two lines; nevertheless, it showed some level of evolutionary changes in the crop over the years.

An Exploratory Assessment of University Staff Housing Facilities Management and Maintenance Culture

Maintenance is a vital aspect for facilities, especially those handled by man as they are mostly affected by diverse factors. Staff housing and its attendant facilities are essential aspects that define tertiary institutions of learning's quality and aesthetics. Its qualitative maintenance enhances the productivity of the users, thereby contributing to quality research and learning. This study examines facilities maintenance culture in the Federal University of Technology, Akure staff housing. The study adopted a survey research design. Data for the analysis were sourced from the staff housing occupants and the institution's facilities maintenance department. The data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the maintenance culture adopted for the ICT services, aesthetics management, and waste disposal are shambles and moribund. It was also observed that the factor impeding the quality maintenance of these facilities include lackadaisical attitude to facilities management, improper use of facilities by end-users, inadequate funding, use of inferior materials when replacing damages and unconcern attitude of the users. It can be concluded that the University adopts a breakdown facility maintenance culture than a preventive approach, thereby making these facilities to be in a deplorable state. The study recommends that proper budgetary for maintenance, maintenance manual maintenance, and more maintenance equipment/services should be adopted to improve the facility's upkeep.

Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Medicinal Plants against Dermatophytic Pathogens

Bixa orellana, Jatropha curcas and Cassia alata are three of the prominent plants used for traditional medicine in Nigeria. Dermatophytosis also known as tinea or ringworm is the most frequent superficial fungal infections in Nigeria. 
 Objective: In this Present Study, We Aimed at Comparing The Phytochemical Components and the Antifungal Efficacy of these Medicinal against Selected Dermatophytes. 
 Study Design: Cross Sectional Study among a Particular Population.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Between March 2019 and September 2019.
 Methods: The phytochemical contents of the plants were determined and the in-vitro antifungal activities of Bixa orellana, Jatropha curcas and Cassia alata were screened against seven species of Trichophyton (T. ajelloi, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, M.gypseum T. soudenensis, T. tonsurans and T. verrucosum) using agar dilution method. 
 Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoid, saponin, phenol, steroids, glycoside, phytosteroids, alkaloids, terpenoid, tannin, and cardiac glycoside in various quantities. The findings from our study showed that the ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants have more antifungal activities than other solvents. However, the hexane and ethanol extracts of Jatropha curcas was observed to be significantly higher than other extracts. The zone of inhibition recorded ranges from 22 mm-32 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/ml was recorded. 
 Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas showed broad effectiveness against the tested pathogens when compared to other plants and we conclude that the plants antifungal property is concentration dependent. However, we recommend further studies on these plants extracts using a large number of different isolates and solvents.

Deployment of a LoRaWAN network and evaluation of tracking devices in the context of smart cities

Recent public cooperation between the Federal University of Technology – Parana (UTFPR) and the Toledo Municipality plans to implement the concept of smart cities in this city. In this context, one of the applications under development intends to track the recyclable garbage collector trucks in real time over the Internet. Actually, fleet vehicle tracking is one of the main applications for smart cities. LoRaWAN stands out among network technologies for smart cities due to operating in an open frequency range, covering long distances with low power consumption and low equipment cost. However, the coverage and performance of LoRaWAN is directly affected by both the environment and configuration parameters. In addition, tracking devices must be able to send its coordinates to the Internet even when the vehicle goes through zones where there are obstacles for electromagnetic waves such as elevated buildings or valleys. In this paper we perform experimental investigations to evaluate four LoRaWAN tracking devices, two available out of the box and two assembled and programmed. The behavior of each tracking device is analyzed when moving at a constant speed through three representative urban areas totaling 10.71 km2. The two most efficient tracking devices are analyzed in a stretch of 3.5 km with speeds ranging from 0 to 30 km/h, 0 to 50 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h. Results include a quantitative and qualitative aspects, including the received signal strength indication (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), packet delivery ratio (PDR), and spreading factor (SF) for the received geographic coordinates. As the devices depend on the quality of the signal offered by the network, we also present the results of the development and evaluation of the LoRaWAN network, by planning its coverage throughout the city.

Characterization of rain fade dynamics for Ku band satellite communication systems in a tropical location

Rain fade has always been regarded as the main obstacle to the terrestrial and satellite communication links operating at higher frequencies, particularly in the tropics. The dynamic features of rain fade such as duration and slope of fade are important parameters for system engineers to design and plan attenuation techniques for high reliability Ku-band services and other higher frequency bands. Twenty - four (24) consecutive months (January 2017 – December 2018) received signal strength data at 12.245 GHz (Ku-band) from EUTELSAT-W4 (geostationary at 36°E) is collected concurrently with rain intensity data at The Federal University of Technology, Akure (7.17°N, 5.18°E) Nigeria. Measured fade duration is compared with ITU-R P. 1623 model and the Cheffena-Amaya prediction model. The results show that the ITU-R model is close to the data measured, while the Cheffena-Amaya model overestimates the measurement for all timeframes taken into account. A modification of the ITU-R fade duration model is suggested according to the data measured. The proposed modified ITU-R prediction model is a recommended model to be adopted for Nigeria climate. These results can be used in the planning and design of fade mitigation techniques to overcome the effects of intense rain on terrestrial-satellite microwave links operating in the Ku-band in tropical regions.

Current and Future Potable Water Demand and Supply at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

This study is aimed at assessing current and future potable water demand and supply at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. The only source of water to the University community is ground water extracted through boreholes constructed at different locations in the University. Eighteen (18) storage and distribution reservoirs were assessed to assess their capacity to adequately supply water for the present and future population of students and staff within the institution. FUTA had a population of 28,419 in 2019, the staff made up 9.16% of the total population while the students constituted the remaining 90.84%. A 30-year population projection was made for both staff and students using the geometric increase method of population forecasting. The study revealed that the population of FUTA will grow to 62,280 persons in 2049 from 28,419 in 2019 assuming a constant growth rate of 2.65% while the current average daily water demand of the University community is 1,475.83 m3/day. The current yield of water from the boreholes in FUTA is 1,198.07 m3/day which is not sufficient to meet the daily water demands of the University community. The maximum possible yield from the boreholes is 2,443.68 m3/day under normal conditions involving stable power supply and adequate personnel. Furthermore, it is projected that by the year 2049, the average daily water demand of the University community would be 2,995.74 m3/day. The outcome of this study revealed that there is water shortage in FUTA and the situation would worsen as the years go by if adequate measures are not put in place. The construction of a dam and water treatment plant is recommended to meet the increasing water demands occasioned by increase in population .Keywords – Potable, water, demand, supply, boreholes

Appraisal on Microbiologal Qualities of Hospital Wastewaters from off a Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigates the microorganisms associated with hospital wastewaters collected from the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, during the wet and dry seasons.
 Study Design: This project was a cross sectional descriptive study in which subjects were hospital wastewater samples collected from the study site.
 Place and Duration of Study: the samples were analyzed in the department of microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Microbiological study of one hundred and twenty-six samples of hospital wastewater collected both during wet season and dry season periods in the years 2018 – 2019 from Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, was carried out using conventional and molecular techniques respectively and the Global Positioning System (GPS) of each collection site was accurately recorded.
 Results: The microbial load of wet season samples collected from Offa Local Government Area ranged between 7±4,00 and 150±43.59 while that of dry season samples ranged between 10±2.00 x 105 and 225±67.27 (x 105cfu/ml). The bacteria isolated from wet season samples included; Alcaligenes faecalis, A. aquatilis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus with percentage occurrences of 65.4, 19.2 and 15.4 respectively, while bacteria isolated from dry season sample were A. faecalis and S. saprophyticus with percentages occurrence of 79.17 and 20.89, respectively.
 Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that hospital wastewater collected during dry season period had more bacterial load than that of wet season period. The findings also confirmed A. faecalis as the most predominant and prevailing bacteria inhabiting hospital wastewater. Thus, care must be taken by avoiding hospital wastewater from getting into the municipal water supply to prevent infections associated with A. faecalis, A. aquatilis and S. saprophyticus.

Students’ Characteristics and Level of Academic Performance in Estate Management Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure: The Nexus

Academic performance is one of the yardsticks in measuring the performance of Professionals in various disciplines. Thus, it ought to be given optimum attention lest educational institutions produce professionals that are below required standards. Therefore, this research assesses the factors that affect the academic performance of the Students of Estate Management, FUTA. In order to achieve this, the study examined the characteristics of students admitted into Estate Management Department, FUTA, their level of academic performance between 2007 and 2016, and analyzed the factors that affect their academic. Data was drawn from 131 students in 200 level, 300 level and 500 level. The analysis was carried out using percentage frequency table, graph and multiple regression analysis. From the research, it was found that, between 2007 and 2016, majority of the Students graduated with second class lower division. Academic performance was also significantly (p<0.05) affected by age of Students, parental support, number of hours devoted for personal reading and number of units in place of worship. It is recommended that Parents should be made aware of their roles in the success of their wards/children, while students themselves are to be self-motivated so as to cultivate good reading habits. This will enhance their academic performance and at the long run, prepare students for the demands of the Estate Surveying and Valuation profession. Keywords: Academic Performance, Analysis, Estate Management, Factors, Students. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-27-06 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Microbial Assessment and Health Risks of Consumption of Uncooked Smoked Horse Mackerel Fish (Trachurus trachurus) Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

Aim: To assess the microbiological quality of uncooked smoked horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) sold in Owerri and ascertain the presence and prevalence of microorganisms of public health importance.
 Study Design: Random sampling was done.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; from October, 2019 to April, 2020.
 Methodology: Smoked fish samples (n=20) were purchased randomly from retailers in Relief, Naze, Eziobodo and Obinze markets and taken to the laboratory for isolation and identification of microorganisms. Standard microbiological methods were employed to analyze for viable heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar respectively, using the spread and streak plate techniques. Coliform counts were done on MacConkey agar. Biochemical characterization of the microorganisms was adopted for their identification.
 Results: Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Salmonella and Micrococcus species. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and coliform counts ranged from 2.8 x 106 cfu/g to 1.6 x 108 cfu/g and 2.7 x 104 cfu/g to 5.3 x 105 cfu/g respectively. Fungal species identified were Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus and Fusarium spp and fungal counts as high as 4.5 x 105 cfu/g were recorded.
 Conclusion: The high level of microbial contamination of the samples and the presence of organisms of public health importance signifies an obvious danger to human health. Eating smoked fish without proper cooking should be discouraged by the relevant authorities. Also, food safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling such contaminations and averting possible outbreaks of diseases.

Development of Greenhouse with Root Dipping Technique Hydroponics Structure to Test the Performance of Jute Mallow

An agriculture system known as hydroponic is a modern-day agricultural practice. Since it does not require soil for crops to grow, it is therefore referring to as soilless farming. It is a good alternative for producing healthy crops and vegetables, free from soil-borne pathogens as it is not growing on soil. Does every crop perform well on hydroponic systems? To know this answer, we carried out this experiment to test the performance of jute mallow in a newly developed greenhouse and root dipping hydroponic systems developed at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering experimental farm at Oba-nla, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. To compare its growth, we planted them on raised soil beds even though plants perform better on raised soil beds above on the ground soil. To compare the growth parameter of all plants we collected data of plant height, stem girth, and leaf number. We also measured the yield for each crop at the end of the experiment. The crops performed well on root dipping hydroponic systems than conventional planting systems (soil). The results showed that the root dipping system for jute mallow gave the highest plant height (19.79 cm), the number of leaves (30.93), and stem girth (0.4450 cm) while the soil conventional farming system for this vegetable gave the lowest plant height (17.99 cm,), the number of leaves (27.96) and stem girth (0.4159 cm) respectively. Higher yields were also recorded from the root dipping system for vegetables while conventional farming had the least yield. The root dipping system for this vegetable recorded significantly higher fruit weight (133.52 kg) fresh weight of stem (195.29 kg) and fresh weight of root (79.34 kg) respectively while conventional farming had the least fruit weight (121.81 kg), fresh weight of stem (177.12 kg) and fresh weight of root (72.32 kg) respectively. The different treatment applied affects the physiological appearance and the yields of the crops significantly (p<0.05) couple with its physicochemical features. The fruits and vegetables' mineral and proximate composition were within the recommended range by World Health Organization (WHO) but were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the effects of the treatment as a result of its physicochemical features. From the result of this investigation, it, therefore, suggested that soilless agriculture should be practiced and invested in by farmers and entrepreneurs most especially in environments where there is no availability of arable land.

Source Identification and Pollution Factors of Elements in PM2.5 Samples Obtained in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Air quality deterioration is a big concern all over the world. It affects both humans and animals in a variety of ways. Air pollution must be quantified to monitor its negative impacts and stakeholders to proffer mitigation options. On this note, our research team has taken measures in Nigeria to monitor and measure PM2.5, its associated elements, as well as local meteorological parameters during sampling period. In addition, enrichment, contamination index, and principal component analysis of associated elements were studied. For ten months (January–October 2018), PM2.5 samples were collected at three locations in Ondo State, Nigeria with coordinates (the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)—low-density residential (LDR), Oba Ile (high-density residential (HDR), and Museum (IND, High density traffic and commercial area) (January–October). The Contamination Factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), as well as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the samples were determined. Average PM2.5 mass concentrations [101 µg/m3 (FUTA); 120 µg/m3 (Oba Ile); and 176 µg/m3 (Museum)] were found to be higher than the WHO (10 µg/m3) and USEPA (15 µg/m3) normal limits. The concentrations of the most prominent elements were in the order; K > Na > Ca > P > Al, while the trace elements displayed Cu > Fe > Zn > Ni > Cr > Mn > Pb. Oba-Ile had the highest metal enrichment in the order: Ti > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The PCA resolved four factors vis-à-vis vehicular activities, biomass burning, and soil dust as the major PM2.5 emission sources. The findings could be useful in the current drive to develop national air quality guideline for PM2.5.

Pollen Viability and Germinability of Gamma Irradiated M4 Lines of Sesame

Pollen viability and germinability are indispensable criteria in plant breeding programmes. This research evaluated eleven M4 mutant lines of gamma irradiated sesame (Sesamum indicum) for some pollen parameters. Seeds were obtained from the Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna and were raised to maturity alongside their respective checks in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna. Pollen viability and diameter were determined using standard procedure. The germinability test was done using three different sucrose concentrations (10 %, 20 % and 30 %) with 1 % nutrient agar solution. The results revealed that all the M4 mutant lines had adequate pollen viabilities (over 80%) with ML-10 having the highest (97.56 %) viability followed by ML-7 (95.61 %), ML-8 (95.01 %) and Check-2 (95.60 %). The highest pollen germinability was recorded at 20 % sucrose concentration for all the mutant lines with line ML-7 (39.70 %) having the highest percentage. Check-1 at 10 % sucrose concentration recorded the least percentage (11.46 %) across the concentration and treatments. Highest pollen diameter (169.52μm) was recorded in Check-1. Suboblate shapes with 10-13 colpi was observed in all the mutant lines and the checks. Pollens from all the lines comprised of circular and elliptic pollens except in ML-7 and the checks where the pollens were solely circular in polar view. The study revealed that gamma-irradiation could be a reasonable tool for inducing variability in sesame and advantageous in increasing the pollen viability.

Fatty Acid Composition and Sensory Evaluation of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Reared under Different Culture Enclosures

This study was carried out to determine the fatty acid composition and sensory quality of Clarias gariepinus from different culture enclosures (plastic, sandcrete tanks and earthen ponds), at the Teaching and Research Farm of Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The comparative work was carried out to find out if habitat could influence the nutrient composition of the fish. Standard procedures were used in the analysis of tissue nutrient. Sensory evaluation study revealed differences in taste and texture indices considered for C. gariepinus reared in plastic, sandcrete tanks and earthen ponds (p<0.05). Fatty acid profiles of C. gariepinus were determined using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The percentage of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was higher (49.99%, 23.17%) in earthen pond cultured C. gariepinus than the plastic and sandcrete tanks. The study revealed that C. gariepinus raised in earthen pond possess fatty acid composition and sensory quality advantages over the plastic and sandcrete tanks.
 Keywords: Fatty acids, Sensory evaluation, Culture enclosures, Clarias gariepinus

Series of 1-D ER and IP traverses reveal vestige of regional geological structure

At the Basement Complex geological province of central Nigeria, in the state of Niger, just northeast of the Bida Sedimentary Basin, there is the character of non-complexity and high uniformity in the local geology over an appreciable linear spread. This appreciation makes it a standard practice to do one-dimensional vertical electrical sounding surveys in the search for groundwater resources at this area with the expectation of reliable results. This seeming “simplicity” means that intense manual labour can be invested in acquiring a large data-field at a local area of survey where resources are not readily available to do a standard two-dimensional survey of the conventional kind. This is especially significant for the proposed area of development at the Gidan Kwano Campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Thus, with this awareness and the use of the ABEM Terrameter 4000 equipment, the aim of this study was to do an intense acquisition of one-dimensional electrical resistance and concomitant induced polarization programme for this proposed area of development so as to achieve the objective of garnering information about exploitable groundwater locations before structural developments cover these points up. Typical point-to-point one-dimensional tandem electrical resistance and concomitant induced polarisation surveys were completed along east-west profile lines for about 309 survey stations of the available 441 principal locations of the 4 km2 extent of the proposed new development. After due processing and interpretation of the data-field of this survey, whilst remarking that the induced polarisation data-set was used herein as quality control “refiner” only, clusters of reliable groundwater locations were observed at the southwest end of the 4 km2 areal extent of the proposed new development. It conforms to the dip of the landform and comparatively significant overburden-material thicknesses observed over there. Interestingly, in a twist of serendipity, the series of diagonal subsurface “fault-lines” that connect one promising groundwater prospect with the other, describable by a prominent northeast-southwest dip, aligns exactly with the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt. In the modern geography setting of the present time, the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt actually traverses a lengthy diagonal across the landscape of Nigeria, cutting through such Nigerian states as Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Ekiti, and Osun. There is virtually no surface indicator of this once-prominent schist belt and what this study reveals is its vestigial signature