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.

An Analytical Investigation Study of Potential Human Health Risks Caused by Petroleum-contaminated Surface Water Containing Various Toxic Heavy Metals at the Okpoka Creek, Niger-Delta, Nigeria

Abstract: Surface water samples were collected from the Okpoka Creek, Niger-Delta using the grab samples method and were analytically investigated for petroleum contamination. The liquid-liquid extraction of petroleum hydrocarbons was carried out following standard procedures of U.S EPA 3510; 1664 method and ASTM D3695 -95(2013). The US EPA 3005A method was adopted for acid wet digestion (Aqua regia mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HCl in ratio 1:3) for toxic heavy metal (HMs) determination. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) was analytically identified and quantified with the representative extract (sample) using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry Original Research Article Fawole et al.; IRJPAC, 22(2): 1-11, 2021; Article no.IRJPAC.66494 2 detection (GC-MSD) Agilent Technologies 7890A in adherence to the standard analytical method of U.S EPA 8270;625. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific 210VGP in adherence in to the manufacturer’s specifications was employed for HMs. The recorded elevated levels of the TPHs were significantly above the permissible limit of DPR/EGASPIN and HMs were also overwhelmingly above permissible limits of relevant regulatory agencies. The elevated concentrations of these contaminants of concern provided evidences of severe contamination in the study site and severe threats to environment and human health.

Assessment of Health Risk of Daily Fluoride Intake of Some Selected Dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Several dentifrices are marketed and used by individuals for the purposes of cleaning and maintaining the aesthetic and health of the teeth, promote oral hygiene and aid in removal of dental plaque and food materials from the teeth. This study was thus designed to assess the pH and fluoride concentrations in selected dentifrices and the possible health risks associated with daily fluoride intake of these selected dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study estimated the pH and fluoride concentration of the different dentifrices by the pH meter and Ion Selective Electrode method. In addition, the Daily fluoride intake (DFI), Chronic daily intake (CDI) and Hazard quotient (HQ) for the different dentifrices to assess the risk of fluoride intake was calculated. Results: From the result of this study, it was noticed that only one dentifrice, chewing stick (Massularia acuminate) has a pH (6.8) that conform to the recommended pH range (6.0-7.5) by NAFDAC while the other dentifrices have a pH value (7.6-10.1) that was higher than the pH range recommended by NAFDAC. For the fluoride concentration, it was observed that some of the Original Research Article Kpalap et al.; AJRIMPS, 10(3): 1-8, 2021; Article no.AJRIMPS.68932 2 dentifrices like Dr. Agnes Nwanmma dental powder (440 ppm), Dr. White dental powder (480 ppm) and Eradental powder (760 ppm) have low fluoride concentration when compared with the fluoride standard concentration stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC (825-1250 ppm) while the other dentifrices showed fluoride concentration within the range stipulated by stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC but they were below the fluoride concentrations stated on their different labels. The DFI of the dentifrices was within the range (53.86-131.58 mg/day), CDI (0.744-1.8275 mg/kg/day and the HQ (12.2730.46). Conclusion: Although the fluoride concentrations of the dentifrices were within the normal range as stipulated by NAFDAC and SON, the observation of HQ > 1 in all the dentifrices implied that dentifrices commonly used in Nigeria may pose health risk to the consumers.

Microbiological and Physiochemical Quality of Freshwater in Isiokpo Community, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Aim: To determine microbiological quality of fresh water in Isiokpo community. Study Design: This study employs standard scientific methods, statistical analysis and interpretation. Place and duration of the Study: Fresh water samples were collected from Isiokpo community in Ikwerre L.G.A. of Rivers State, Nigeria. Sampling was done every two weeks from three stations of Isiokpo river for duration of six months (February–July, 2018). Samples were transported in ice packed coolers to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, and immediately processed for analysis. Methodology: Ten- fold serial dilution technique was adopted after which 0.1 ml of appropriately diluted stock was inoculated onto sterile Microbiological media. Spread plate technique was employed for the isolation, enumeration and identification of microorganisms. The APHA standards were adopted in the determination of physico-chemical parameters which include turbidity, colour, odour, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sulphate, calcium and BOD5. The Duncan multiple range test was employed for analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the data obtained. Results: The mean counts for Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.77±0.20 log10 CFU/ml to 4.92±0.11 log10 CFU/ml. Total coliform bacteria ranged from 4.28±0.25 to 4.60±0.25log10 CFU/ml. Total Vibrio counts ranged from 1.77±1.97 log10 CFU/ml to 4.25±0.09 log10 CFU/ml. Total Pseudomonas counts ranged from 2.48±1.93 log10 CFU/ml to 4.0217±0.34 log10 CFU/ml. Total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 2.31±1.81 log10 CFU/ml to 4.21± 0.22 log10 CFU/ml in all the stations. The microorganisms isolated belong to the genera of Bacillus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Vibrio, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Rhizopus. The pH values ranged from 5.60 to 6.80, Conductivity 35 to 40 µs/cm, Total suspended solids (TSS) 48 mg/L to 54.00 mg/L, Total Dissolved Solids 5.20 to 6.50 mg/L, Nitrate 1.00 to 1.45 mg/L, Sulphate 1.00 to 1.30 mg/L, Calcium 6.00 to 9.20 mg/L and BOD 5.30 to 6.20 mg/L in all the stations. Conclusion: The presence of E. coli which is an indicator of fecal contamination is enough to suspect that the water body is contaminated with fecal matter and pathogenic bacteria. The water should therefore not be put to human use without proper treatment because the water is of low quality and constitute a danger to public health.

Effect of Fungi Contamination of Two Varieties of Cowpea Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract: The microbial contamination of two cowpea varieties sold in Port Harcourt was investigated. The fungi associated with the grains were isolated by placing the cowpea seeds in sterile Petri dishes containing sizeable cotton wool dampened with 5ml sterile distilled water for seven days to allow for the growth of fungi. Proliferated fungi were later grown on freshly prepared Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates. Pathogenicity test was carried out by inoculating isolated microbes into healthy cowpea seeds. Three fungi belonging to the genera; Mucor, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus sp were identified. The pathogenicity test showed that the cowpea seeds were infected and the weight reduced drastically. The weight of the cowpea seeds (white) before inoculation was 0.24 ± 0.03. The weight after being inoculated with Mucor sp, Rhizopus sp, and Aspergillus flavus was 0.22 ± 0.12, 0.18 ± 0.09, and 0.25 ± 0.20, respectively. The weight of the cowpea seeds (brown) before inoculation was 0.18 ± 0.05. The weight after inoculation with Mucor sp, Rhizopus sp, and Aspergillus flavus recorded 0.25 ± 0.17, 0.18 ± 0.09, and 0.31 ± 0.12, respectively. The pathogenicity test showed that the microorganisms had effects on the cowpea seeds which was observed in the increased weight of the seeds. Furthermore, the microorganisms isolated in this study could be dangerous to health if proper measures are not taken during preparation. Original Research Article Joy et al.; AJRIB, 3(2): 9-14, 2020; Article no.AJRIB.54721 10

Production planning and control complementarity architecture in selected manufacturing firms in port harcourt, nigeria

Abstract: The strategic objective of this study is to empirically have an objective grasp of production planning and control complementarity architecture of five selected manufacturing firms and relevant areas of cost control. The paper empirically explores some facets of production planning and processing analysis in different machines and periods; production divisions and types, scheduling and sequencing of production planning. Capacity planning levels including potential capacity, immediate capacity and effective capacity were strategically discussed. Aspects of production control architecture such as dispatching and functions of the dispatcher were also evaluated. Other related areas of production control examined include: expediting (follow-up) and progressing, and the activities in these production and control elements were objectively handled. The study arrived at the fact that, production planning and control functions complement each other in their functionality. Effective scheduling and sequencing are revealed to be a panacea that help the handling of time, space constraints and associated cost elements in production operations management. It is therefore recommended that, production and control operations functions should complement, and be jealously guided in manufacturing operations. Article visualizations: