Southern Ijaw Research Articles

Classification of Shallow Subsurface Heterogeneity, using 2-D Wenner Array and Induced Polarization Methods, in Parts of Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

An integrated study, consisting of 2-D Wenner array and Induced Polarization (IP) measured at five profiles, were used to characterize the near surface heterogeneity in Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State. Using Abem Terrameter (SAS 1000) for both measurements, five 2-D resistivity profile lines with electrode spacing of 5.00m and electrode spread of 100.00m were employed. Computer software, RES2DINV was adopted for the interpretation of the data while Microsoft Excel software was used for plotting the IP chargeability anomaly against electrode distance. The results showed various resistivity distributions with the lowest value of 1.98Ωm and highest value 638Ωm indicating fine Clay and medium coarse sand respectively. The resistivity varies horizontally and vertically, and such that at the base it is higher than that of the topsoil except in profiles 3 and 5. Resistivity ranges for the profiles are profile 1 (5.96-175Ωm), profile 2 (1.98-495Ωm), profile 3 (46.5-638Ωm), profile 4 (20.3-187Ωm) and profile 5 (10.1-485Ωm). Positive and negative Induced Polarization (IP) chargeability were recorded in all the profiles. However, at Profile 1(NDU New site), negative IP effect was encountered throughout with range values between 0 and -450ms chargeability. This result is associated with the distribution of chargeable zones in the ground and also due to a thin chargeable layer at the surface. Few measurable negative values were also recorded at Profiles 2, 3, 4 and 5. Positive IP values were encountered in greater part of the profiles: profile 2 (0 – 80ms) profile 3 (0-3ms) profile 4 (0- 3ms) and profile 5(0-8ms). The signatures obtained from the IP effects are indicators of Clay sediment of various compositions which corroborate with, to a reasonable extent, the observation from the inverse 2-D resistivity section. The sediments observed in the study area can be classified into clay, clayey sand, fine clayey sand and medium...

3D modeling of geological and geotechnical soil characterization using the MASW method: a case study in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) method is pivotal for non-invasive subsurface shear-wave velocity profiling, essential in geotechnical and seismic investigations. This study aims to model 3D geological and geotechnical soil properties in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, using MASW. Data collection involved a 12-channel ABEM Terraloc Mark 6 geophone system across nine survey points, complemented by nine boreholes and two Standard Penetration Tests (SPT). The results revealed a shallow water table at 0.30 m and stratified soil layers ranging from soft clay to dense sands. SPT N-values increased from 2 at the surface to 34 in deeper layers, reflecting significant soil densification and strength enhancement with depth. Shear-wave velocities (Vs) ranged from 207.11 m/s at 0.87 m to 502.88 m/s at 12.9 m, while compressional-wave velocities (Vp) ranged from 388.71 m/s to 948.98 m/s. Poisson’s ratio was consistent at 0.3, indicating uniform properties across depths. Elastic moduli, including shear modulus (µ), Young’s modulus (E), and bulk modulus (K), increased with depth, indicating greater subsurface material stiffness. The 3D geological model delineated distinct layers: soft clay (0–3.61 m), silty clay (3.61–5.19 m), fine sand (5.19–6.55 m), medium sand (6.55–7.83 m), and medium to coarse sand (7.83–12.90 m). These layers exhibited specific engineering properties, with ultimate and allowable bearing capacities ranging from 154.38 to 543.71 kPa and 51.46 to 181.24 kPa, respectively. MASW-derived N-values showed a strong correlation with traditional SPT N-values (R2 = 0.9401) and shear wave velocities and SPT N-values (R2 = 0.961), confirming MASW's effectiveness for geotechnical characterization. This enhances the precision of 3D soil models and supports more informed engineering decisions. The findings significantly advance the understanding of soil properties, particularly in the Niger Delta.

Effect of Pre-Harvest Losses on Profitability of Plantain Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of pre-harvest losses on profitability of plantain farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio economic characteristics of plantain farmers, examine pre-harvest losses of plantain on profitability and determine factors that influence pre-harvest losses of plantain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select five (5) local government areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama and Southern Ijaw) purposively based on their predominance in commercial plantain farmers and six (6) communities each from the 5 LGAs respectively, and, furthermore, eight (8) plantain farmers in each community, making a total number of two hundred and forty (240) plantain farmers. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit the required information from the selected respondents. The result indicates that 55.1% of the respondents fall between the age range of 31-50 years, with the mean age of 44 years. Males (51.9%) dominated plantain production in the study area. The majority of the plantain farmers were married (60.0%), 95.5% had formal education, 60.0% had 1-15 years of farm experience, 77.9% were part-time farmers, 98.3% had family size of 1-10 persons in their households with a mean of 5 persons, and 56.7% had farm size of 2-4 hectares. The result further shows that 56.7% used hired labour while 86.7% had no month contact with extension agent. Sucker, fertilizer, household size, and educational level had a significant relationship with plantain production at various probability levels, indicating profitability. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that there is a need for the farmers to put up parameter fencing to prevent theft cases which is extremely high and adversely affects net farm income. However, government and non-governmental organizations can support in terms of granting farmers' soft loans in order to reduce the burden.

Pre-Harvest Losses and Strategies Adopted by Plantain Farmers in Mitigating Them in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study examined the pre-harvest losses and strategies adopted by plantain farmers in mitigating them in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify causes of pre-harvest losses and evaluate strategies adopted by plantain farmers in mitigating pre-harvest losses. Five (5) Local Government Areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama, and Southern Ijaw) were purposefully selected using a multi-stage sample technique. These LGAs were selected based on the predominance of commercial plantain producers in each of the five (6) villages within each LGA. Additionally, there are eight (8) plantain farmers in each village, for a total of 240 plantain farmers. A structured questionnaire was employed to extract the necessary data from the selected farmers. The result indicates that theft, pest, flood, diseases and logging were the major causes identified affecting pre-harvest losses of plantain in the study area. Furthermore, planting of permanent crops as blockade, use of flood free zones for cultivation, use of improved varieties of sucker, practice of integrated pest management technique, better extension services and cultivating dwarfish breeds were strategies employed by plantain farmers to reduce pre-harvest losses. The recommendations made in light of the findings were for farmers to receive appropriate orientation and/or fundamental training in important farm management techniques, with a focus on plantain production pre-harvest losses. They will become more profitable as a result and become more effective.

Negative Health and Environmental Effects of Oil Exploitation in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This research delves into the effects of oil extraction on the ecosystem in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It specifically examines the degree of degradation, identifies pollutants, and evaluates biodiversity. The water and soil samples taken from the impacted areas have significant pollution, according to the results. According to soil analysis, heavy metal and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations are high and above legal limits. Elevated TPH levels in water bodies present hazards to both human health and aquatic life. The loss of mangroves and the damage caused by oil spill fires to the vegetation worsen ecological degradation. Air pollution and contaminated water supplies are the main causes of the widespread negative effects on public health, which include respiratory conditions and waterborne infections. The report emphasises how urgently environmental degradation must be stopped, biodiversity must be preserved, and public health must be protected in oil-producing areas like Southern Ijaw.

Personal and Institutional Constraints to Accessing Tertiary Education among People Living with Disability in Bayelsa State

The paper investigated personal and institutional constraints to accessing tertiary education among people living with disability in Bayelsa State. Two research questions and two corresponding null hypotheses were answered and tested in the study. Mixed method design was adopted in the study while 165 respondents consisting of 160 persons with disability, four Deans of Student Affairs and an executive of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Bayelsa State were sampled for the study using multistage sampling technique. The respondents were drawn from within and outside four randomly selected tertiary institutions namely; Bayelsa Medical University (Yenagoa LGA), Fderal University Otuoke (Ogbia LGA), Niger Delta University (Southern Ijaw LGA) and Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education (Sagbama LGA). Instruments used for collection of data were questionnaire for the persons with disability as well as Focus Group Discussion while five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)was conducted with the other respondents. Data gathered quantitatively were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and t-test while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that poverty and fear of discrimination were the major personal factors that hindered access to tertiary education for the respondents while the major institutional factors were shortage of experts in special needs education and shortage of infrastructure. There existed a difference in the opinion of the students and non-students on these personal and institutional factors. It was recommended that laws should be enacted that will criminalize and punish the violation of the educational rights of people with disability while special fund should be established to take care of their educational needs.

Educational Resource Needs and Access to Tertiary Education among People with Disability in Bayelsa State

The paper investigated educational resource needs and access to tertiary education among people with disability in Bayelsa State. Three research questions were raised and three hypotheses tested in the study. Mixed method approach was adopted in the study while 165 respondents consisting 160 persons with disability, four Deans of Student Affairs and an executive of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Bayelsa State were sampled for the study using multistage sampling technique. Respondents were selected from within and outside four randomly selected tertiary institutions namely; Bayelsa Medical University (Yenagoa LGA), Federal University Otuoke (Ogbia LGA), Niger Delta University (Southern Ijaw LGA) and Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education (Sagbama LGA). Instruments used for data collection were questionnaire for the persons with disability as well as Focus Group Discussion while five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)was conducted with the other respondents. Data collected quantitatively were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and t-test while the qualitative data was analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The finding of the study indicated that financial resource, policy intervention and assistive technology were the priority educational resource need of the respondents. Inaccessibility to tertiary education has implication on the employment prospects and human rights of the respondents and this can only be corrected through appropriate policies, better infrastructure among other strategies. There were differences between the opinion of students and non-students on the issues interrogated. It was recommended that the government should collaborate with school administrators to create a fund for persons with disability who wish to acquire tertiary education across all spheres.

Geospatial Analysis of Artisanal Refineries Distribution Pattern in the Central Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study examined the geospatial analysis of geospatial analysis of artisanal refineries distribution pattern in the Central Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study made use of locational data obtained as secondary data from National Oil Spill Monitor and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency. Geographic analyses such as nearest neighbour analysis, directional distribution (Standard deviation ellipse), and Mean Center were carried out. Descriptive statistics involving spatial extent, frequency and percentage were employed for the data analysis. The results showed that that a total of 1476 artisanal sites were discovered in the Central Niger Delta. Of this total 55.35% (817) were found in Bayelsa State, 5.49% (81) were found in Delta State and 39.16% (578) were found in Rivers State. The nearest neighbour analysis showed that the distribution pattern of artisanal refineries was significantly clustered in Bayelsa State (Z= 47.5252, p=0.000); Delta State (Z= -10.129, p=0.0000); Rivers State (Z= -35.13333, p=0.0000) and the entire Central Niger Delta (Z= -59.8222, p=0.0000). The mean center of the distribution of artisanal refineries in Bayelsa State was found in Southern Ijaw LGA, Delta State in Uvwie LGA, Rivers State is found in Ikwerre LGA, and the entire Central Niger Delta was found in Ogbia LGA. The directional distribution standard deviation ellipse covered 58.49% in Bayelsa State, 35.06% in Rivers State and 6.35% of dispersion in Delta State. The study can be concluded that the spatial distribution pattern of artisanal refineries in the entire Central Niger Delta was clustered in nature and Bayelsa and Rivers States were more affected. It is recommended to among others that more studies should be done on the proliferation of artisanal refineries in the study area and entire Niger Delta so that the environmental effects resulting from artisanal refinery activities are reduced to the barest minimum.

Livelihood Devastation and the Most Vulnerable Group During Flooding in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Livelihood Devastation and the Most Vulnerable Group During Flooding in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Technical Report on Harmful Impact of Illegal Bunkering of Crude Oil on the People and Environment of the Igbomatoru Community, Bayelsa, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Nigeria is blessed with crude oil in an abundance, which makes it one of the largest oil producers in Africa. Illegal crude oil bunkering is a regular activity in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. The trend of illegal bunkering of crude oil activities in the Niger Delta has turned out to be a key concern to the people, government, and the international body. This makes it deem fit to carry out an assessment of the continued negative impact of vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering of oil production activities in the Igbomatoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (SILGA), Bayelsa, Niger Delta area. This report critically examines the negative impact of vandalism and crude oil theft, negative impacts of illegal bunkering of crude oil activities in the community, and finding lasting possible solution to the problem of illegal bunkering of crude oil in the Igbomotoru community. Based on the investigation, some recommendations have been made, including that the government should promote a kick-start of cellular refinery programme to close the refining gap with strong local participation, provide legitimate employment opportunities, make better use of surveillance techniques, youth empowerment programmes should be carried out through vocational training, government should clean-up the degraded sites, government should give free education for the youths and children in the community, and government ought to promptly arrest and prosecute offenders of crude oil theft.

Effects and Causes of Illegal Crude Oil Bunkering in Nigeria: Case Study Niger Delta

Illegal bunkering of crude oil includes stealing crude oil as well as its derivatives through diverse mechanism without the permission of the Federal government. Crude oil blasts and spillages are common occurrences in Niger Delta area, due to illegal bunkering of crude oil. This paper investigates the causes and effects of illegal bunkering of crude oil in Niger Delta area, which has become a major threat in the environment and the Nigerian economy in recent time. Opuama, Igbomotoru, and Diebu Communities are all in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (SILGA), Bayelsa State, Niger Delta province. Over 90 people (both men and women), ranging in age from 18 to 90, were interviewed to gather the primary data. About 30 persons from each community of the age groups of 18 - 30, 31 - 50, and 51 - 90 years were interviewed, which focused mainly on effects of unauthorized bunkering of crude oil on human health, and its environment. Every investigation and data that were gotten from the three communities has negative health impact on people and the environment. These illegal bunkering of crude oil activities has caused poverty to many people in these communities with health, environmental, and economic challenges. The study also discovered that Nigeria has loss revenues that is valued to ₦2.184 trillion per annum, because of illegal bunkering of crude oil. There is poverty in the environment of Niger Delta, high growth of criminal activities with acquiring of weapons, and increase in dropouts from schools, especially students and pupils from secondary and primary school. Possible solutions have been suggested to the issue of crude oil being illegally bunkered. Therefore, each person should work together with government authorities and the operating companies that is responsible for petroleum products in Nigeria in controlling it. Stealing is bad, and let it stop.

Harmful Impacts of Gas Flares in Niger Delta: Case Study, Oporoma

The term “gas flaring” is referred as a combustion system that burns associated, or liquids and gases that are being released in excess during unplanned or normal operations that are over pressuring in numerous industrial procedures, including landfills, refineries, coal industry, chemical companies, and gas extraction. Gas flaring contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions. It generates heat, noise, and makes the environment uninhabitable. Oporoma Community is the administrative center of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (SILGA), Bayelsa State, Niger Delta region. One of the Communities in the region of Niger Delta that produce oil is Oporoma, and its being used as a case study. The primary data was obtained through an interview with about one hundred and fifty (150) persons (both men and women) between the age of 18 - 90 years. 50 persons from the age groups of 18 – 30, 31 – 50, and 51 – 90 years which focused mainly on harmful impact of gas flaring on human health, and its environment. Every investigation and data that were gotten from Oporoma community has negative human health and environmental effect, because of burning of gas. This gas flaring practice has caused poverty to many people in the community with health, environmental, and economic challenges. The government and policy makers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are also contributing to the negative impacts of gas flaring on local communities and the environment. The challenges faced by people living in areas where gas is being flared, such as air pollution, water contamination, and soil degradation, are strong arguments for ending this practice. Companies that are failing to properly process the gases produced during oil extraction should be heavily fined. Instead of being wasted through flaring, these gases could be used to produce cooking and domestic gas, as well as electricity. It is time for gas flaring to be brought to an end, particularly in the Oporoma community of the Niger Delta.

CONCENTRATION LEVELS OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROFILES AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW, BAYELSA STATE, SOUTHERN NIGERIA

This study examined the concentration levels of physico-chemical profiles of groundwater quality of communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The seasonal variation of groundwater quality were evaluated. Fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15samples) and borehole (BH-15samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March) and analyzed for seasonal variations. The difference in the mean of the parameters investigated during the dry and wet season revealed the difference in concentration level as influenced by the season attributes. The HDW showed a very strong correlation in wet and dry season physicochemical properties as well as no significant difference in the physicochemical properties of groundwater at both seasons. Also, the results of borehole water sample showed a very strong correlation in wet and dry season physic-chemical properties with no significant difference in the physicochemical properties of water at both seasons. There are similarities in various natural and anthropogenic activities influencing the concentrations during both wet and dry seasons. The mean values of parameters such as pH, TDS, TSS, Bicarbonate, Cl, SO34, NO2, Ca, Mg, K and P are within the permissible limit of WHO and NSDWQ during both seasons except TC.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BODY MASS INDEX BETWEEN GAS FLARING AND NON –GAS FLARING COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Body Mass Index [BMI] is a measures of adiposity of a person with respect to his or her body weight and height. The comparison of BMI between Gas flaring and Non-gas flaring communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area was the aim of this study. Weight and height were measures from 1000 adult volunteered subjects ( 550 male and 450 females) within the ages of 18-45 years from Five [5] gas flaring communities viz; Oporoma, Tebidaba, Ogboinbiri, Peremabiri, Koluama and Five [5] Non-Gas flaring communities such as Ekowe, Nangi-Ama, Anyama, Oweikorogha and Amassoma. Height was taken as the participant was asked to stand erect with barefoot and a measuring tape was placed from the heel to the head vertex. Weight was taken from the subject standing on the weighing balance. Body Mass Index [BMI] was calculated as; weight[kg] /height [m2].The results of the mean height of the Gas flaring communities is 5.60±0.03 for males and 5.24±0.01 for females. Weight is 69.15±0.94 and 64.86±1.38 for male and female and BMI of 24.61±0.83 for males and 26.0±0.97 for females. The mean height for males and females Non-gas flaring communities are 5.65±0.03 and 5.92±0.46, weight of 65.28±0.79 and 61.49±1.29 and with a BMI of 22.18±0.34 and 22.54±0.52 for males and females. 20% of the males and 23.8% of the females of Non-gas flaring Southern Ijaw people are overweight and obese. 30.2% of the males and 38.9% of the females of Gas flaring Southern Ijaw people are overweight and obese. The inhabitant of Southern Ijaw Local Government area are prone to stroke, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and other associated overweight and obese problems. They should exercise regularly, reduce high calories foods, frequent health and medical check-ups, Government and Multinational companies should stop gas flaring. KEY WORDS: Gas Flaring, Non-Gas flaring, overweight and obese.

Survey of Traditional Birth Attendants in Sagbama and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State

The indigenous people of Ijaw in Southern Nigeria are endowed with a deep culture of Traditional birth attendance, and they make use of medicinal plants in their practice to assist in ante- and post-natal cares. It is therefore imperative to document their rich knowledge to avoid its extinction. The work was performed with the aim of identifying and documenting the botanicals employed by the traditional birth attendants in some Ijaw tribes of Bayelsa State. The study was carried out by employing semi-structured questionnaires amidst personal interviews which were administered to forty-five traditional birth attendants (TBAs) between April and August 2019 to obtain information. Thirty-six medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-five genera within twenty- four families were mentioned by the TBAs mostly for labour induction (22.04%). Female fertility (14.47%) threatened abortion (13.49%) and foetal development (10.20%) were treated with Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Compositae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Compositae), Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken and Acanthaceae, respectively making the Compositae the most important family. Of these, V. amygdalina was the most cited plant by the TBAs with frequency index (FI) of 44.44, while B. pinnatum ranked the next with FI=40.00. The survey provides an authentic data from TBAs for documentation which will be helpful for researchers in drug development as well as preserving the cultural heritage towards increasing the health manpower of the country.

Determining the Impact of Age, Sex and Location in the Spread of Tuberculosis Infection among Patients, in Bayelsa State Nigeria, using Molecular Technique

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a disease condition caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Several predisposing factors such as Age, Sex and overcrowding may have affected the prevalence of tuberculosis in various locations including Bayelsa State and other parts of the world.
 Aim: The aim of this study is to know if Age, Sex and Location determines tuberculosis rate of infection, using molecular technique to isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis among tuberculosis patients in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: We analyzed a total of 102 sputum samples, which were collected from each of the participants. GeneXpert molecular method was used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistant cases. The data and results obtained are statistically analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.
 Result: Out of the 102 sputum samples screened, 91(89.2%) were confirmed to have tuberculosis, Tuberculosis among male and female were 54(52.9%) and 37(36.3%) respectively, while rifampicin resistance among male and female were 3(2.9%) and 5(4.9%) respectively. Tuberculosis infection among male and female were not statistically significant (p = .75). The age intervals are 11-20, 21-31, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and 71-80. 31-40 years had the highest tuberculosis prevalence of 30(29.4). The various locations were Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and Sagbama Local Governmemt Areas. People residing in Yenagoa local Government had more positive case of both rifampicin resistant 5(4.9%) and non-rifampicin resistant tuberculosis infection.
 Conclusion: Tuberculosis infection is more predominant among male in Bayelsa State than female but rifampicin resistance species are more predominant among females. The age group interval of 40-41 had the highest prevalence of tuberculosis infection while the highest location of tuberculosis infection is Yenagoa.

Awareness and Prevalence of Alcohol Use and Its Abuse amongst the Residents of Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Alcohol use and its abuse is gradually becoming a global concern because its use is deeply rooted in many societies and cultures. In recent years there have been changes in drinking patterns across the globe with increases in the rates of consumption and drinking to excess among the general population. Nevertheless, the abuse of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its toxicity and dependence-producing properties. The abuse or harmful use of alcohol is a well-known risk factor for disability and premature mortality. This study was conducted to determine the awareness and prevalence of alcohol use and its abuse among residents of Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional randomized study design was conducted among residents of Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Data collection was carried out using both self-administered and interview-administered questionnaires. One hundred and fifty seven (157) respondents were selected for the study. Results: Data obtained from this study revealed that the majority of the respondents take alcohol or have taken it at one point in their life. Palm wine was the most frequently-used alcoholic beverage (21.7%), followed by beer and red wine (20.4%) which was usually taken for pleasure or during occasions/festivals. Majority of the respondents (69.4%) reported that their siblings take alcohol whereas 48.4% said their parents take alcohol in their presence.Conclusion: The risk factors for the use of the alcohol in the Amassoma community are being a female, single or young adult, cultural practices and beliefs of the populace.

SOIL POLLUTION AS A FUNCTION OF DISTANCE FROM DUMPSITE

The study examined the distribution of pollutants as a function of distances from dumpsites. The study was carried out around a dumpsite at Amassoma–a semi urban environment in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,Nigeria (latitude 4.97°N and longitude 6.11°E). Soils samples were collected using augers from depths of 0-15cm and 15 -30cm at interval of 20m (from 0-20-40-60-80-100m); soil samples at the 100m distance were used as the control. Physico-chemical properties of the soils collected were determined in the laboratory. The auger hole method was used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil for indicating the ease of transmission of pollutants in the soil.The hydraulic conductivity value was 0.7m/day indicating high rate of leaching. Result indicated that most of the cations decreased with increasing distances from the dumpsite and with increasing soil depth. Nutrient levels were high, the total N values were high (1.48%), K (0.07%), P (8.55%) and Organic matter values were also high (4.89%). The base saturation was high at 69.8% and 67.49% at 0-15cm and 15-30cm depth respectively. The rate of soil pollution decreased as a function of the distances from the dumpsite. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil was found to be below the permissible level of W.H.O making it harmless and usable for agricultural purposes

The Infiltration Capacity of Soils Under Different Land-Use Systems in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State

The study aimed to determine the effect of different land-use systems on soils in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Four land use types were considered namely Fallow land, virgin land, oil palm plantation, and plantain plantation. Soil samples were randomly collected at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-45cm) from three locations in the respective land-use types. The samples were bulked and prepared for the determination of some chemical properties. Core sampling was done to determine bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. A double-ring infiltrometer was used to determine the infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration. Sorptivity and transmissivity were determined from Philip’s infiltration model. The research revealed that the soils were acidic with a pH range of 4.4-4.7. There were differing levels of organic matter amongst the lands, the progression was Virgin (43.33g/kg)> oil palm plantations (34.67g/kg)> fallow land (23.33g/kg)> plantain plantations (14.67g/kg). The sand fraction dominated the various land-use systems, having loamy sand in the plantain plantation, sandy loam in the oil palm plantation and fallow land, and a range of sandy loam to sandy clay loam in the virgin land. Cumulative and infiltration rates were measured at an interval of 1, 3, and 5 minutes. The infiltration rate was slowest at the oil palm plantation (PPT) with an average cumulative infiltration of 36.3cm, and highest at the virgin land (VVL) at 67.4cm. The average cumulative infiltration of 42.2cm and 53.3cm were in the plantain plantation (OPT) and Fallow land (FFL). VVL>FFL>PPT>OPT was the progression from highest to lowest. Bulk density across the four land-use types did not exceed the critical level of 1.63g/cm3. The highest gravimetric moisture content of 25% was found in the virgin land > oil palm plantation (24%) > (fallow land) 21.6% > plantain plantation (20.3%). The virgin land had the highest sorptivity (64.5 cm/hr) while the oil palm plantation had the lowest (39.9 cm/hr) - VVL (64.5cm/hr) >FFL (55.6 cm/hr) >PPT (43.1 cm/hr) > OPT (39.9 cm/hr). Transmissivity was lowest (2.4 cm/hr) in the plantain plantation and highest (4.0cm/hr) was in the fallow land. Oil palm plantation and virgin land had transmissivity of 3.7 and 2.8cm/hr. The research showed that there were considerable impacts of land use on infiltration capacity. Soils of natural vegetations would easily support irrigation activities due to their organic matter content and should, therefore, be conserved or utilized with conservative measures, while cultivated lands should be improved regularly.

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY USING WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) METHOD IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

This study aims at using Water Quality Index (WQI) method for groundwater assessment in some communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15 samples) and borehole (BH-15 samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March). The analyses for water quality index was carried out through laboratory APHA standard. The weighted arithmetic water quality method was applied to assess water suitability for drinking purposes. The Quality Index indicated that HDW (67%-good and 33%-poor) and BH (87%-excellent, 13%-very poor) quality during the wet season and HDW (80%- good to excellent, 20%-poor) and BH (100%- good to excellent) during dry season. Spatial variation of water quality index maps for HDW show most deteriorated groundwater quality is centered within hand dug well towards the western part of the area during both wet and dry seasons respectively. Continuous monitoring of the water quality, improvement of environmental quality and sanitation practices is advocated and advised.