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.

Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and petroleum-utilizing bacteria from cow dung and poultry manure

Abstract: In this study, enumeration and identification of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and petroleum-utilizing bacteria as well as the degradative potential of petroleum-utilizing bacterial isolates were carried out. The average counts of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria in cow dung and poultry manure were 74.25 × 105 c.f.u. g−1 and 138.75 × 105 c.f.u. g−1 respectively. Acinetobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, and Serratia spp. occurred as aerobic heterotrophs in both cow dung and poultry manure. However, Alcaligenes spp. occurred only in cow dung while, Flavobacterium sp, Klebsiella sp, Micrococcus sp, and Nocardia spp. occurred only in poultry manure as aerobic heterotrophs. The average counts of petroleum-utilizing bacteria in cow dung and poultry manure were 9.25 × 105 c.f.u. g−1 and 17.25 × 105 c.f.u. g−1 respectively. Pseudomonas spp. occurred as petroleum utilizer in both cow dung and poultry manure. However, Bacillus spp. occurred only in cow dung while Acinetobacter spp. and Micrococcus spp. occurred only in poultry manure as petroleum utilizers. Relative abundance of petroleum utilizers in total aerobic heterotrophs ranged from 6.38% to 20.00% for cow dung and from 9.38% to 17.29% for poultry manure. Introduction of pure cultures of petroleum-utilizing bacteria from cow dung and poultry manure into sterile oil-polluted soil revealed oil degradation in one week period.

Ecological diversity, community structure and conservation of Niger Delta mammals

Abstract: The Niger Delta (southern Nigeria) is a crucial region for biodiversity because it is (i) part of the West African forests hotspot, (ii) under considerable threats because of habitat devastations, and (iii) a minor centre of endemism for many faunal and floral groups. In this paper, we analyze the communities of mammals (excluding bats, shrews and murids) occurring in all vegetation zones of the region, using both original field data (direct sightings of live animals, bushmeat market specimens, skins, skulls, bones, tracks, reliable interviews) collected in 1996–2015 and literature data. We also explore the main drivers of community structure by using a suite of multivariate (cluster) and null models (co-occurrence) analyses, and the conservation consequences of our data. A total of 45 extant species was found; their ecological distribution was uneven across vegetation zones, with flood forest, marsh forest and eastern flank forests housing more species. Although most species were widespread, 33.3 % had narrow ecological preferences. Cluster analysis confirmed that the community composition was (i) similar in habitats that were suspected to derive from pristine flood forests, and that (ii) the mammal assemblages were different in the two sides of the River Niger main axis. The endemic rate was low (4.44 % of the species), with one endemic species for each of the two sides of the Niger Delta. Twenty-one species were uncertain to occur in the study area, with a few being extinct (for instance, Choeropsis liberiensis). Co-occurrence models excluded that a competitively structured community of species is assembled in each of the vegetation zones, and cluster analyses suggested that biogeographic pressures may be important. 24.4 % of the extant species are globally threatened by IUCN, with one being Endangered (Pan troglodytes) and one Critically Endangered (Piliocolobus epieni). Flood forest and Eastern Flank forest represented the main vegetation zones inhabited by threatened species. In order to preserve the mammal community of the Delta, it is essential to carefully conserve flood and marsh forest patches, but also barrier island forests that still house highly threatened mammal populations.

Haematological changes associated with crude oil ingestion in experimental rabbits

Abstract: Blood cell profile among experimental rabbits associated with crude oil ingestion were evaluated and was significantly (P<0.05) altered. Erythrocytes decreased linearly (P<0.05) indicating an anemic condition. The decrease also affected dependable factors such as packed cell volume (PVC) and haemoglobin (Hb). Leukocyctes, the main defense cells of the animal decreased linearly (P<0.05) further indicating susceptibility of the animal to stress and infection. Granulolytic leukocytes, which include neutrophils and eosinophils increased linearly (P<0.05). This increase is a physiological response to stress. Lymphocytes, antibody forming leukocytes decreased linearly, indicating a response to stress and susceptibility of the animal to infection. Crude oil fraction present in the diet has serious consequences on hematological parameters in animals.

Root distribution of Acioa barteri, Alchornea cordifolia, Cassia siamea and Gmelina arborea in an acid Ultisol

Abstract: A major constrait to alley cropping is the competition of tree or shrub roots with those of companion food crops for available water and nutrients in the topsoil. Root distribution patterns of Acioa barteri, Alchornea cordifolia, Cassia siamea and Gmelina arborea grown on an acid Ultisol at Onne in the humid forest zone of southeastern Nigeria were examined to a depth of 120 cm and laterally to 200 cm from the tree trunk to study the suitability of the species for alley cropping. The four woody species have roots throughout the soil profile examined but differ in the concentration of roots both laterally and vertically. Alchornea cordifolia, Cassia siamea and Gmelina arborea, in spite of higher underground biomass production, most of their fine roots (<2 mm diameter) were in the top 20 cm of the soil. This soil layer had 73%, 76%, and 74% of the total Alchornea cordifolia, Cassia siamea, and Gmelina arborea fine roots in the profile examined, respectively. Such root systems would compete with food crops for nutrients and moisture in the surface soil. Alchornea cordifolia and Gmelina arborea have many large woody roots in the surface soil which will make any tillage operation or seedbed preparation difficult. Acioa barteri in contrast, has the desirable rooting system with fewer fine roots in the surface soil (49%), and roots that are concentrated close to tree trunk and decrease markedly away from the tree base. In addition, Acioa barteri roots penetrate deeper soil horizons and can result in more efficient nutrient cycling from these layers, and reduced competition with shallow-rooted food crops. The rooting distribution patterns of Acioa barteri indicated that the species is a promising alley shrub in acid soils of the humid forest ecology. Therefore, consideration of rooting characteristics of potential tree/shrub species is recommended for the development of agroforestry systems such as alley cropping.