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.

Emission from Uyo Main Refuse Dumpsite and Potential Impact on Health

Abstract: This paper presents potential impact on health of emission from landfill site on Uyo village road, Uyo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Three sampling points were assessed for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide H2S, ammonia (NH3), total volatile organic carbon (TVOC) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) using highly sensitive digital portable meters. The data obtained were expressed in terms of an air quality index. Air quality index indicates that the ambient air can be described as unhealthy for sensitive groups for NO2, unhealthy for SO2 and PM2.5 and moderate for CO, respectively. H2S, NH3, TVOC, HCN, PM10 were not indicated in USEPA air quality standards. It recommended that stringent and proper landfill emissions management together with appropriate burning of wastes should be considered in the study area to ease the risks associated with these pollutants on public health. Original Research Article Nta et al.; IJECC, 10(5): 8-13, 2020; Article no.IJECC.55537 9

Buffering assessment of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaves and stem for fish production in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Organic materials are alternatives to chemicals for safe and healthy fish production. This study aimed at comparing the buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem with calcium carbonate on acidic borehole water at different dosages for aquaculture. Forty-eight, 25-litres shaded plastic tanks of three replicates per treatment were used. The tanks were 20 litres filled with experimental water (pH 4.7). There were sixteen treatment (T) levels (T0 to T16). T1 to T15 were classified into three groups of three dosage levels (G) (2.4g [G1], 6g [G2] and 12g [G3]) per pawpaw leaves and stem [dried leaves (DL), fresh leaves (FL), dried stem (DS) and fresh stem (FS)] and calcium carbonate (CA). pH and temperature were monitored once daily while dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and calcium were measured weekly for thirty-one (31) days using standard method. Data were analyzed for analysis of variance, Duncan Multiple Range and descriptive statistics. At the end of the study period, the minimum (4.7) and maximum (7.30) pH were recorded in T0 and T11 respectively. Water pH progressively increased from Day 1 to Day 31 in all the treatment levels. The order of buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem at the end of the experiment in all the treatment groups was FS

Urbanization on sustainable livelihood of women in port harcourt metropolis, rivers state, nigeria

Abstract: The study assessed the effect of urbanization on the sustainable livelihood of women in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from 105 women using the simple random technique . Purposive sampling method was used to select 7 core areas based on their state of rural before urbanization. The areas selected were Borokiri and Abuloma (Phalga), Eneka (Obalga), Obibo (Oyigbo), Akpajo (Eleme) and Igwuruta (Ikwerre). Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that 27% of the respondents were in the age range of 30-39, a higher percentage (41%) is married and can read and write (89%). The mean farming experience is 18 years and a higher percentage (24%) has been farming for 21-25 years. Furthermore, the study revealed that crop farming (21%) is predominately the source of livelihood for women including fishing (19.19%) and snail farming (19.1%). The perceived areas of urbanization were farm lands (m = 2.93), streams (m = 2.63), forest (m = 2.72), houses (2.60) and town halls (m = 2.55). The effects of urbanization on the sustainable livelihood of women in the study area were; urbanization has affected their social life (m=2.90), cultural activities (m=2.60), reduced farming activities (m=3.10), development of the area (m=2.90), led to high crime rate (m=2.55), resulted to no landed inheritance for future generation (m=2.61), congestion (m-2.52) and pollution (m=2.50). They study recommended that women should be taught how to use improved technologies and methods in order to increase their production on the available land farm.

An Assessment of Crude Oil Leakage Beneath a Tank in a Refinery in the Niger Delta Sub-region Nigeria, Through Geotechnical Techniques

Abstract: A substantial amount of crude oil was alleged to have leaked beneath a Tank at a refinery situated within the Niger Delta Sub-region of Nigeria. Our geotechnical consultancy firm was engaged to find a method of estimating the amount of crude oil lost through leakage beneath this Tank. A geotechnical technique that involved a very careful manual drilling of Standard Penetration Test (SPT) holes within the confinement of this 64-meter diameter tank to depths of 20 meters was carried out. The manual drilling was undertaken to avoid any incidences of fire outbreak that may arise from the use of petrol engines commonly used in percussion drillings in the presence of the flammable crude oil remnants within this crude-oil drained tank, during project execution. This technique was used to retrieve crude-oil contaminated soil samples within the x4No.borings carried out within the crude oil tank. Applying the “4-Phase Concept of Air/Crude Oil/Water/Soils” after Otunyo (1993), Teme and Otunyo (1999), an estimated Total Crude Oil Equivalent of about 545.44 US Barrels of crude oil, was found to have leaked beneath the crude oil Tank. Soil profiles encountered during the boring with their engineering properties included (i) Brownish Lateritic Clayey Sands (SC); with friction angle (ϕu) of = 8o; unconfined Cohesive strength (Cu) of 14.4 kPa and average bearing pressures (q u (ave.) ) of 566.54 kPa; (ii) Darkish well-graded Sands (SW) with friction angle (ϕu) of = 34o; unconfined Cohesive strength (Cu) of 0.00 kPa and average bearing pressures (q u (ave.) ) of 129.83 kPa; (iii) Brownish Lateritic Silty Sandy Clays (SM-SC) with friction angles (ϕu) of = 8–14o; unconfined Cohesive strength (Cu) of 24.8-26.60 kPa and average bearing pressures (q u (ave.) ) of 151.472 kPa and (iv) Reddish-brown lateritic Silty Clays (ML) with friction angles (ϕu) of = 4–8o; unconfined Cohesive strength (Cu) of 28.6–35.20 kPa and average bearing pressures (q u (ave.) ) of 179.012 kPa. Additionally, a 20-Ton CPT Machine was employed to evaluate the soil bearing capacities surrounding the almost 49-year old Crude Oil Tank. The values of the maximum soil bearing pressures at 6-equidistant positions (60o) outside the tank varied from 2300–3500 kg/cm2 [225.56 – 343.25] kPa, while the maximum sleeve-frictions varied from 100.00–420.00 kg/cm2 [96.177–41.19] kPa, at depths varying from 1.00 m to 16.80 m. This paper describes the detailed methodology of planning, execution and computations of the various parameters involved in this novel study.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Salmonella Species Isolated from Snail (Archachatina marginata) Sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Increase in microbial population especially Salmonella species in food due to improper handling, storage and exposure to contaminants can raise public health concerns when consumed without adequate processing. This study evaluates the prevalence and antibiogram of Salmonella species associated with the giant land Snail (Archachatina marginata) sold in markets around Port Harcourt metropolis. A total number of seventy two (72) samples of land snail were collected from three markets; Creek Road, Mile one and Rumuokoro. The samples were labelled and transported in an ice packed coolers to the laboratory for analyses. Standard microbiological protocols were employed to determine the microbial load and species of the various parts (intestine, meat and fluid) of the snail samples after shucking. Antibiotics sensitivity profile testing of the isolated and identified Salmonella species were carried out as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Original Research Article Daminabo et al.; EJNFS, 12(12): 74-82, 2020; Article no.EJNFS.64037 75 Institute (CLSI) and statistical analyses using one way ANOVA and all pairs Turkey-Kramer. Results from the study showed that the highest total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) of 8.6x10CFU/g was obtained in the snail intestine sourced from Creek road market while THBCs of 8.2x10 6 CFU/g and 7.3x10 6 CFU/g were from Mile one and Rumuokoro markets respectively. THBCs of meat from the markets ranged from 4.3-5.4x10 CFU/g and 3.7-4.9x10CFU/ml in fluid with Rumuokoro having the least occurrence respectively. Mean Salmonella counts (MSCs) ranged from 0.4-3.6 x10 3 CFU/g, with least count obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 markets. Similarly, least MSCs in fluid and intestine were obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 whereas Creek road Market had the highest respectively. Three species of Salmonella; S. arizonae, S. gallinarum and S. typhi were predominant in addition to other species such as Vibrio spp,, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli, Micrococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp identified using both conventional and molecular method. Antibiogram profile revealed that all the identified Salmonella species were susceptible to Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin but strongly resistance to Cetazidime and Gentamicin. The diversity and elevated microbial load observed from this study calls for caution in handling and processing of snails since most of these bacteria may become aetiologic agents of several food-borne diseases and other pathological conditions. As a necessity, good quality control measures and proper chemotherapy should be administered to patients with signs and symptoms of food borne illness emanating from consumption of snail.