Rivers State University of Science and Technology

About: Rivers State University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Threatened species. The organization has 1826 authors who have published 1833 publications receiving 15183 citations.

Effect of Locally Formulated Watermelon and Moringa Syrup Booster on the Growth Performance of Heterobranchus bidorsalis Fingerlings

Abstract: Aim: Evaluation of the effectiveness of formulated Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and Moringa oleifera booster on the growth performance of Heterobranchus bidorsalis. Study Design: Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Duncan Multiple Range Statistics and interpretation was done using SPSS Version 22. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the laboratory at the Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Nigeria for a period of 12 weeks (3 months), between November, 2016 – March, 2017. Methodology: Total of 240 Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings with an initial mean weight (1.61±0.23 g) and length (5.13±0.26 cm) were acclimated for one week. After acclimation, the fishes were fed twice daily (9am and 6pm) with 10% of their body weight after coating 2 ml/1 kg of the commercial feed with their individual growth booster syrup and allowed to air-dry for about 20 minutes. Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings were scooped for the measurements exercise at one week interval after which they were returned to their various tanks. Results: The result of this study recorded the experimental diets with optimum growth and survivability. From the result, it was deduced that, Commercial feed coated with watermelon syrup booster recorded the best performance in the growth variables of mean weight (26.36 ±3.19 g), mean length (13.61±1.35 cm), mean weight gain (24.64±3.00 g), mean length gain (8.38±1.35 cm), relative weight gain (25.36±3.19) while Commercial feed coated with commercial syrup booster (CbCf) recorded the best performance in growth variables of Daily Growth Rate (15.15±0.55) and Specific Growth Rate (2.69±0.03%) against Moring growth booster and commercial feed (control). However, there was less mortality as the fishes in different treatment tanks survived above 90%. Conclusion: It could be summarized that Commercial feed coated with watermelon syrup booster (WbCf) had the best growth performance against the control groups although their values were not significantly impacted (p>0.05) when compared with other experimental diets.

Assessment of Physicochemical Qualities of Oilfield Wastewater in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract: Oilfield wastewater which is not properly treated before being discharged has great negative impacts on the environment and aquatic life and also affects humans. It is necessary to assess the physicochemical qualities of oilfield wastewater to reduce its environmental impact. Oilfield wastewater samples were collected from an onshore oil production platform for a period of eight months (March to October, 2018). These were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals using standard methods. Oilfield wastewater gotten from EPU 05 had higher TDS 294.6 mg/l, conductivity 619.0 μS/cm, COD 6.44 mg/l, BOD 2.24, compared to that found from Kolo creek flow station and were significantly different (P>0.05). While, TSS 16.85 mg/l, salinity 175.0 mg/l, turbidity 4.8 (NTU), and THC 1.39 were higher in that of the Kolo creek flow station. There was no significant difference in pH and temperature in the Kolo creek flow station and EPU 05. Higher values of iron 0.46 mg/l, chromium 0.03mg/l, was observed in that of the Kolo creek flow station compared to that of the EPU 05 0.14mg/l. EPU 05 had higher values in zinc 0.09 mg/l, copper 0.12 mg/l, cadmium 0.18 mg/l, mercury 0.08 mg/l and arsenic 0.07 mg/l. All the physicochemical parameters were within the allowable limit recommended by regulatory bodies (eg. WHO, DPR, FMEnv etc.). Regulatory bodies should ensure that companies practice proper waste management and compliance.

Residents’ Resentment of Neighbourhood Choice in Port Harcourt Municipality

Abstract: This study examined residents’ resentment of neighborhood choice in Port Harcourt municipality, Nigeria. The study utilized both secondary and primary data sources. Primary data were collected using face-to-face administration of a largely pre-coded household questionnaire, to a probability sample of 396 respondents, drawn from the neighbourhoods. Data analysis was based on responses from 193 questionnaires retrieved and the univariate analytical method was adopted. The study found that large percentage of residents reported a negative rating of neighbourhood choice indicators such as waste collection and disposal, safety of lives and property, fire stations, cleanliness of the neighbourhood, residential planning, and government provision of housing for the poor, hospitals/clinics, recreational areas, maintenance of streets, aesthetic condition, noise level and the neighbourhood condition. Residents rated markets adequate and fire hazards low. The study concluded that majority of the residents rated neighbourhood quality indicators inadequate. The study recommended that government should intervene in these areas to improve the neighbourhood quality to achieve sustainability.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Close Proximity to Septic Tanks and Potential Impact on Health

Abstract: A field study was conducted to assess groundwater samples collected in close proximity to septic tanks and its potential impact on health. pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness. TDS, BOD, Turbidity, EC, Magnesium, Phosphate, Sulphate, Chloride, Nitrate, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd were determined using standard methods. The human health risk assessment was performed by determining the hazard quotient of physicochemical and heavy metals through human oral consumption. The results indicate that the hazard quotient for pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, TDS, BOD, Turbidity, EC, Magnesium, Phosphate, Sulphate, Chloride, Nitrate, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd were less than 1 while Temperature (1.1, 1.1 and 1,1), Dissolved Oxygen [CE1(3.3), CE2(3.8) and CE3(3.7)] and Calcium [CE1 (0.0), CE2 (2.6), and CE3 (1.2)] except for CE1 were greater than 1. This indicates that the borehole water poses risk for human consumption. Regulatory agencies should be proactive in monitoring borehole water quality, agencies in charge of approving building plan should ensure a safe distance between borehole water and septic tank is maintained and enforced.