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.

Effects of hazardous waste discharge from the activities of oil and gas companies in Nigeria

Abstract: The paper focused on the economic effects of hazardous waste due to oil and gas companies in Rivers State. It include direct, indirect, and induced impacts on jobs, labour income and value addition. Hazardous waste, could be a source of job creation and revenue generation, if properly managed. However, poor management of hazardous waste can cause great danger to environment, plants animals and human life. There are five major waste disposal dumpsites in Port Harcourt metropolis. The present study was restricted to three functioning dump sites at Rumuorlumeni, Igwuruta, and Eliozu. Data were collected from a wide range of subjects to elicit acceptable generalization, and then analyzed and tested in the laboratory. The results showed the p values of the dumpsite dot and parameters measured are significant at 5%, while the p-value of the locations considered is significant at 10%. Hence, there is a significant difference among dumpsite dot parameters measured and the three locations considered. The least squared difference comparison tests were done to identify the significant factors. It showed that the regions where hazardous wastes are dumped are barren due to the presence of heavy metal as they render the soil unfertile to permit crops and plants to germinate and affect on agriculture.

Depression of platelet counts in apparently healthy children with asymptomatic malaria infection in a Nigerian metropolitan city

Abstract: Asymptomatic malaria infection is a common feature of malaria endemic regions in the tropics. In this prospective cross sectional survey, involving 240 children aged 1 to 8 years (Boys = 117, Girls = 123; Ratio 1:1.05), the median platelet count was 115 × 109/L (IQR 97.5–190). Thirty-three out of 240 (13.75%) of the children had thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 × 109/L). Malaria parasite was found to exert significant reduction in platelet count. This reduction was more pronounced in children under 5 years and also at higher parasite counts. An inverse relationship was established between parasite density and platelet count (y = −0.017x + 96.2, r = −0.2). Thrombocytopenia is not only a feature of acute malaria infection but also that of asymptomatic malaria infection in the tropics and might be a useful indicator of malaria in children.

Tidal Influence on Nutrients Status and Phytoplankton Population of Okpoka Creek, Upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria

Abstract: Okpoka Creek of the Upper Bonny Estuary in the Niger Delta is a tidal creek receiving organic anthropogenic effluents from its environs. The study investigated the influence of tides (low and high) on the species composition, diversity, abundance, and distribution of phytoplankton. The surface water and phytoplankton samples were collected monthly from May 2004 to April 2006 at both tides from ten stations according to standard methods. Phytoplankton was identified microscopically. Species diversity was calculated using standard indices. Data analyses were done using analysis of variance, Duncan multiple range, and descriptive statistics. Phosphate and ammonia exceeded international acceptable levels of 0.10 mg/L for natural water bodies indicating high nutrient status, organic matter, and potential pollutants. A total of 158 species of phytoplankton were identified. Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton (62.9%). Diversity indices of diatoms were (Margalef) and (Shannon). Pollution-indicator species such as Navicula microcephala, Nitzschia sigma, Synedra ulna (diatoms), Cladophora glomerata (green alga), Euglena acus (euglenoid), Anabeana spiroides (blue-green alga), and Ceratium furca (dinoflagellate) were recorded at either only low, high or both tides. Concerted environmental surveillance on Upper Bonny Estuary is advocated to reduce the inflow of pollutants from the Bonny Estuary into this Creek caused by tidal influence.

Rh antigen and phenotype frequencies and probable genotypes for the four main ethnic groups in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract: Rh is the most complex and polymorphic of the RBC group systems and is of major importance in transfusion medicine. Data are not available on the frequency of Rh antigens D, C, E, c, and e in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Two mL of venous blood was collected into an EDTA tube from each of 400 persons of mixed ethnic groups recruited for the study. The study population comprised 167 Ijaws (41.8%), 141 Ikwerres (35.2%), 50 Ekpeyes (12.5%), and 42 Ogonis (10.5%). The RBCs were phenotyped for D, C, E, c, and e antigens according to standard serologic methods. The most frequently occurring antigen was found to be c (99.8%),followed by e (98.7%), then D (95.0%), E (20.5%), and finally C (17.7%). The antigens occurred independently of the ethnic groups (p > 0.05) except the antithetical antigens Ee, which were found to be statistically significant in the Ijaw ethnic group when subjected to Pearson chi-square test (chi(2) = 9.890, p < 0.02). One (0.2%) of the study population was found to be c- while 20 (5.0%) were D-.