International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis 

About: International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis is an academic journal published by Science Publishing Group. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Water quality & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 2328-7667. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 290 publications have been published receiving 1406 citations. The journal is also known as: IJEMA.

Urban Heat Island: Causes, Effects and Mitigation Measures - A Review

Abstract: High temperature in the city centers than its’ surroundings known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which is causing discomfort to the urban dwellers in the summer time is gaining much attention around the world because the world is getting urbanized as it advances in technology. Alterations of surface area, improper urban planning, air pollution, etc. are causing this increasingly growing phenomenon and it is accountable for human discomfort, human casualties and decline of climate. In this paper, an attempt has been taken to review various measures to encounter UHI effect and the processes by which these strategies work is described with diagrams. Using high albedo materials and pavements, green vegetation and green roofs, urban planning, pervious pavements, shade trees and existence of water bodies in city areas are the potential UHI mitigation strategies on which discussion is done in this paper with their limitations. Green vegetation seems to be the most effective measure and other strategies can play a major role under proper condition.

Coagulation and chlorination of NOM and algae in water treatment: A review

Abstract: Due to health concerns of natural organic matter (NOM) and algae presence in surface water and difficulties encountered in their removal in the water treatment, this paper reviews coagulation and chlorination processes which are largely used in water treatment technology. In the conventional water treatment, coagulation and slow filtration treatments have better efficiency to reduce the NOM in water especially for the hydrophobic portion than the hydrophilic one. However, the pre-chlorination treatment for raw water has been proved to increase the dissolved organic carbon concentration due to the lysis of algae cells and disinfection by-products formation. The impact of water treatment processes on disinfection by-products formation remains complex and variable, as demonstrated by recent literature. It is concluded that no pre-, no inter-, only post-chlorination preceded by optimised coagulation for NOM and algae removal is the best available technology for the conventional water treatment which would be reinforced by at least adsorption on powdered activated carbon or nanofiltration in the short terms. Finally, the conventional water treatment will not remain a viable solution for drinking water from source waters containing NOM as their quality deteriorates and water quality standards become more difficult to achieve.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Fish Samples, Sediment and Water from Odo-Ayo River in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria

Abstract: This research work was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals namely, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd in three matrices including sediment, water and Fish organs (gills, flesh, kidney and liver). The fish sample, Clarias gariepinus was collected from Odo-Ayo River in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The results obtained showed that the concentration of heavy metal in water (Zn-4.65, Mn-0.79, Cu-0.84, Fe-5.87, Pb-0.16, Cd-0.13) was lower than that of the concentration of heavy metal in sediment (Zn-5.04, Mn-0.98, Cu-1.37, Fe-6.94, Pb-0.30, Cd-0.20), While the concentration of heavy metals in water was higher than that of fish parts (Zn-0.95, Mn-0.82, Cu-0.66, Fe-1.09, Pb-0.09, Cd-0.04). This confirms that sediments are repository of metals in water. The concentration of heavy metals recorded in the fish parts also indicated a certain degree of bio-accumulation. The concentration of all metals in water were below the WHO and FEPA recommended limits and suggested that the water of Odo-Ayo River was suitable for drinking, but the bio-concentration factor of heavy metals in gills, kidney and liver of the fish are high beyond the tolerable level, which indicated that as far as these metals are concerned, the fish is unfit for human consumption. Consequently, close monitoring of metals pollution and the consumption of the fishes of Odo-Ayo River is recommended with a view to minimizing the risk of health of the population that depend on the river for their water and fish supply.

Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Vegetable and Soil Samples from Alau Dam and Gongulong Agricultural Areas, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract: The Concentrations of organophosphorus pesticide residues (dichlorvos, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and fenitro-thion) were determine in some vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, tomato and onion) and soil samples from different depths within Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas in Borno State, Nigeria. Samples collection and preparation were carried out using standard procedures. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples were determined using GC/MS SHIMADZU (GC-17A) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The highest concentra-tions of diclorvos, diazinon, chlorpiryfos and fenithrothion in the Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas were ob-served in the leaf of tomato, while the lowest concentrations were observed in the root of spinach. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil samples were observed to be higher at a depth of 21-30cm, while the lowest concentrations were observed at a depth of 0-10cm. The concentrations of all the organophosphorus pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples from the two agricultural areas were observed to be at alarming levels, much higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) and acceptable daily intake values (ADIs) set for vegetables and soil by the Cordex 2009 (WHO and FAO). The occurrence of pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples is a major threat to human that depends on these vegetables as food. Hence, the need for continuous monitoring is recommended so as to regulate the used of this pesticide in the study areas.

Determinations of Some Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples from Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: The concentrations of some heavy metals and anions were determined in vegetable samples (spinach (Ama-ranth caudatus), lettuce (lactuca sativa), Cabbage (Brassica olemcea) and Onion (Allium cepa) which were freshly har-vested within four agricultural locations(Mirnga, Zira, Wangaga and Malang) in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Metal concentrations in the vegetable samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), while anions were determined by Smart spectrophotometer (model 2000). The results for vegetable samples showed that leaves contained much higher concentrations of heavy metals and anions than roots and stems.The concentrations of Cr detected in the vegetable samples ranged from 0.23 to 3.22mg/kg; 0.23 to 3.43mg/kg Mn; 0.23 to 3.45mg/kg Fe; 0.21 to 3.54mg/kg Ni; 0.25 to 4.56mg/kg Pb; 0.87 to 8.34mg/kg Zn; 0.34 to 5.44mg/kg Cd and 0.21 to 3.22mg/kg Cu. These val-ueswere higher than those recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the WHO/EU joint limits. The high levels of these heavy metals place the consumers of these vegetable crops grown within the study area at health risk with time unless an urgent step is taken by relevant agencies to address this issue.