Pub Date : 2024-03-01DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-czhqpc9m
Davies I. C., Efekemo O., Orororo C. O.
A study was conducted to determine the physicochemical parameters of surface water and heavy metal concentrations in the mudskipper (Periophthalmus papilio) fish, sediments, and water collected from the Ikpukulu, Kalio, and Ogoloma swamps of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria and analysed using standard methods. All samples were collected for six months from three stations in 2023. The results indicate that pH and temperature values were significantly lower across stations in terms of physicochemical properties than standards. However, there was a significant increase in electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. Ikpukulu had the highest EC (1917 uS/cm), while Kalio had the highest salinity (333.3 ppm). All stations had significant decreases in dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), with Ogoloma having the lowest values (DO: 3.2 mg/L, BOD: 2.9 mg/L). Copper and chromium levels were significantly higher than the standards in all stations, while cadmium levels were not significantly different from those in the standards. As compared with the standards, copper levels in water samples were considerably higher, especially in Ogoloma (2.03 mg/kg). Ogoloma had a higher concentration of chromium. Cadmium levels decreased significantly at all stations for the mudskipper (P. papilio). The copper levels in Ogoloma and the chromium levels in Ikpukulu were significantly higher than those in standards. The results of the study suggest an increase in heavy metal concentrations in the mangrove swamp region, emphasising the need for proactive measures to mitigate activities that may adversely affect the aquatic ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.
{"title":"Water Quality Assessment and Heavy Metal Levels in Mudskipper (Periophthalmus Papilio), Sediments and Water of Mangrove Swamps, Rivers State, Nigeria","authors":"Davies I. C., Efekemo O., Orororo C. O.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-czhqpc9m","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-czhqpc9m","url":null,"abstract":"A study was conducted to determine the physicochemical parameters of surface water and heavy metal concentrations in the mudskipper (Periophthalmus papilio) fish, sediments, and water collected from the Ikpukulu, Kalio, and Ogoloma swamps of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria and analysed using standard methods. All samples were collected for six months from three stations in 2023. The results indicate that pH and temperature values were significantly lower across stations in terms of physicochemical properties than standards. However, there was a significant increase in electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. Ikpukulu had the highest EC (1917 uS/cm), while Kalio had the highest salinity (333.3 ppm). All stations had significant decreases in dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), with Ogoloma having the lowest values (DO: 3.2 mg/L, BOD: 2.9 mg/L). Copper and chromium levels were significantly higher than the standards in all stations, while cadmium levels were not significantly different from those in the standards. As compared with the standards, copper levels in water samples were considerably higher, especially in Ogoloma (2.03 mg/kg). Ogoloma had a higher concentration of chromium. Cadmium levels decreased significantly at all stations for the mudskipper (P. papilio). The copper levels in Ogoloma and the chromium levels in Ikpukulu were significantly higher than those in standards. The results of the study suggest an increase in heavy metal concentrations in the mangrove swamp region, emphasising the need for proactive measures to mitigate activities that may adversely affect the aquatic ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":" May","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140092761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-24DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-dpcgwn0x
Binitie A. P., Babatunde J. O.
The most widely accepted authentication method involves the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This method is applicable across many technologies, of which one of them is Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is a capability built into the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). In some developing countries like Nigeria, USSD is used in carrying out financial transactions. It has been observed that while carrying out banking transactions using this technology, users' personal identification number (PIN) entered for authentication appears in plain text on the mobile interface, thereby subjecting it to shoulder surfing attacks. Findings revealed that users' PIN appears in plain text because USSD technology is designed to convey only textual data. That is why many existing authentication methods against Human shoulder surfing attacks which contain features like images, colors, or graphical password, that can provide security to users' PIN on mobile interface are not implemented on the USSD channel. This is one of the reasons why many existing authentication methods, which are designed with features such as images, colors or graphical passwords to prevent shoulder surfing attack, are not implemented on the USSD channel. This research is, therefore, on the design of a new authentication method that can provide security to users’ PIN at the mobile interface of the USSD channel and secure the users’ transaction against shoulder surfing attacks. In this method, the challenge response approach is adopted to provide a secure PIN entry method in the presence of a human shoulder surfer, using the randomization obfuscation method that randomly places the user's chosen PIN within randomly generated 10-digit numbers, in Left to Right order. For further security, the designed model includes features like Bag of Soft Biometrics (BoSB) details and one-time password (OTP).
{"title":"Adapting User Interface Design to Mitigate Shoulder Surfing Attacks in USSD Channel","authors":"Binitie A. P., Babatunde J. O.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-dpcgwn0x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-dpcgwn0x","url":null,"abstract":"The most widely accepted authentication method involves the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This method is applicable across many technologies, of which one of them is Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is a capability built into the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). In some developing countries like Nigeria, USSD is used in carrying out financial transactions. It has been observed that while carrying out banking transactions using this technology, users' personal identification number (PIN) entered for authentication appears in plain text on the mobile interface, thereby subjecting it to shoulder surfing attacks. Findings revealed that users' PIN appears in plain text because USSD technology is designed to convey only textual data. That is why many existing authentication methods against Human shoulder surfing attacks which contain features like images, colors, or graphical password, that can provide security to users' PIN on mobile interface are not implemented on the USSD channel. This is one of the reasons why many existing authentication methods, which are designed with features such as images, colors or graphical passwords to prevent shoulder surfing attack, are not implemented on the USSD channel. This research is, therefore, on the design of a new authentication method that can provide security to users’ PIN at the mobile interface of the USSD channel and secure the users’ transaction against shoulder surfing attacks. In this method, the challenge response approach is adopted to provide a secure PIN entry method in the presence of a human shoulder surfer, using the randomization obfuscation method that randomly places the user's chosen PIN within randomly generated 10-digit numbers, in Left to Right order. For further security, the designed model includes features like Bag of Soft Biometrics (BoSB) details and one-time password (OTP).","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"89 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139601807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-02DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-r0xxz0q8
Vik-Benibo A.N., Ugwoha E., Chinemerem P.
This study aimed to determine the influence of safety leadership on occupational health and safety performance within Nigerian oil and gas businesses operating in Rivers State. This study employed Lewin's technique as the theoretical foundation, drawing upon trait theories. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach, specifically targeting a group of oil and gas firms(IOGC and IOC) situated in the Eleme, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study encompassed 3,800 individuals employed by two distinct oil businesses, with a sample size of 380 people. The sample methods utilised in this study consisted of purposive or convenient sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire adapted from a reference document provided by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). The data was analysed using SPSS 25, using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-test. The findings of the study revealed a multitude of insights pertaining to the qualities of safety leadership. In relation to credibility, a significant proportion of participants from both the International Organisation of Governmental Control (IOGC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) expressed the view that their respective leaders exhibited a deficiency in this attribute. The majority did not view feedback and recognition as highly evident, indicating another lacking characteristic. According to the respondents, the organisations under research did not exhibit a high presence of collaboration, which is seen as a trait of safety leadership. The aforementioned principle can also be extended to the domain of communication. Therefore, the study concluded that safety leadership is critical in influencing safety performance within the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that there exists a perceived need for more specific leadership attributes among the executives within the firms under investigation. Addressing this deficiency has the potential to result in improved safety outcomes within these organisations.
{"title":"Impact of Safety Leadership on Occupational Health and Safety Performance in Selected Oil Companies in Rivers State","authors":"Vik-Benibo A.N., Ugwoha E., Chinemerem P.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-r0xxz0q8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-r0xxz0q8","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to determine the influence of safety leadership on occupational health and safety performance within Nigerian oil and gas businesses operating in Rivers State. This study employed Lewin's technique as the theoretical foundation, drawing upon trait theories. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach, specifically targeting a group of oil and gas firms(IOGC and IOC) situated in the Eleme, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study encompassed 3,800 individuals employed by two distinct oil businesses, with a sample size of 380 people. The sample methods utilised in this study consisted of purposive or convenient sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire adapted from a reference document provided by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). The data was analysed using SPSS 25, using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-test. The findings of the study revealed a multitude of insights pertaining to the qualities of safety leadership. In relation to credibility, a significant proportion of participants from both the International Organisation of Governmental Control (IOGC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) expressed the view that their respective leaders exhibited a deficiency in this attribute. The majority did not view feedback and recognition as highly evident, indicating another lacking characteristic. According to the respondents, the organisations under research did not exhibit a high presence of collaboration, which is seen as a trait of safety leadership. The aforementioned principle can also be extended to the domain of communication. Therefore, the study concluded that safety leadership is critical in influencing safety performance within the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that there exists a perceived need for more specific leadership attributes among the executives within the firms under investigation. Addressing this deficiency has the potential to result in improved safety outcomes within these organisations.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"59 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139452607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study assessed the impact of crude oil on farmland soils in Ohaji Egbema. Farmlands used for this study are farms that were indirectly impacted through overland flow and acid rain. A total of 42 farmland soil samples were used for this study. The farmland soil samples were collected at a depth range of 0 - 10 cm using a hand trowel through random sampling. The samples were air dried for 72 hours before laboratory analysis for arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The results obtained show that heavy metals in farmland soils at different locations in Ohaji/Egbema varied in both concentration and trend. The observed trends at different locations are: Cd>As>Ni>Cr>Pb for Mmahu, Abaezi, Abacheke and Awarra while for Assa and Obitti, it is Cd>Ni>As>Cr>Pb. To establish the extent the farmland soils were polluted, contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were applied. Results of the Cf showed that Ni, Cr and Pb had low contamination, As had moderate contamination while Cd had high contamination in the farmland soils with a range of 155.15 - 206.87 and Cd of 1242.72. The Igeo for Cd ranged from 31.13 to 41.52, an indication of extreme contamination. The associated potential ecological risks were assessed using potential contamination index (PCI), ecological risk factor (Eri) and ecological risk index (RI). It was found that Cd had PCI ranging from 155.22 - 198.51, Eri range of 4654.44 - 6206.11 and RI of 37311.56. This indicates that the farmland soils of Ohaji/Egbema are highly contaminated with Cd and exposed to severe ecological risk.
{"title":"Ecological Risk Assessment of Crude Oil Impacted Farmland Soils: A Case Study of Ohaji/Egbema in Niger Delta, Nigeria","authors":"Nwawuike N., Nwosu O.U., Amanze C.T., Ukabiala M.E.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-foyaouvy","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-foyaouvy","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed the impact of crude oil on farmland soils in Ohaji Egbema. Farmlands used for this study are farms that were indirectly impacted through overland flow and acid rain. A total of 42 farmland soil samples were used for this study. The farmland soil samples were collected at a depth range of 0 - 10 cm using a hand trowel through random sampling. The samples were air dried for 72 hours before laboratory analysis for arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The results obtained show that heavy metals in farmland soils at different locations in Ohaji/Egbema varied in both concentration and trend. The observed trends at different locations are: Cd>As>Ni>Cr>Pb for Mmahu, Abaezi, Abacheke and Awarra while for Assa and Obitti, it is Cd>Ni>As>Cr>Pb. To establish the extent the farmland soils were polluted, contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were applied. Results of the Cf showed that Ni, Cr and Pb had low contamination, As had moderate contamination while Cd had high contamination in the farmland soils with a range of 155.15 - 206.87 and Cd of 1242.72. The Igeo for Cd ranged from 31.13 to 41.52, an indication of extreme contamination. The associated potential ecological risks were assessed using potential contamination index (PCI), ecological risk factor (Eri) and ecological risk index (RI). It was found that Cd had PCI ranging from 155.22 - 198.51, Eri range of 4654.44 - 6206.11 and RI of 37311.56. This indicates that the farmland soils of Ohaji/Egbema are highly contaminated with Cd and exposed to severe ecological risk.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"41 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139151303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-12-28DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-ga3smdhp
Louis T.A., Tertsea I.
With the increase in demand for renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) panels have emerged as a major alternative for harvesting solar energy. However, the efficiency and performance of PV panels are inextricably related to environmental conditions. This study examined the effect of ambient variables on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Through controlled tests, the researchers investigated critical environmental parameters such as sun irradiance, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and dust deposition. Modern sensors and data-gathering methods were used to monitor how these variables affected PV panel output. Statistical tools were used to determine the relationship between environmental factors and PV panel efficiency. The findings showed a clear relationship between environmental variables and PV panel performance. Solar irradiance was recognized as a major indicator for energy generation, while temperature had complex implications on current output. Wind speed, relative humidity, and dust deposition were discovered to have discernible detrimental effects on panel performance. This study adds to the increasing knowledge about PV systems by highlighting the complex links between ambient conditions and panel efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of site-specific considerations in building and running PV installations to ensure optimal energy output and system longevity. The article's results have practical consequences for both the solar energy sector and researchers, leading to the development of ways to improve PV panel performance and contribute to the sustainable energy landscape.
{"title":"Environmental Factors and the Performance of PV Panels: An Experimental Investigation","authors":"Louis T.A., Tertsea I.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-ga3smdhp","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-ga3smdhp","url":null,"abstract":"With the increase in demand for renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) panels have emerged as a major alternative for harvesting solar energy. However, the efficiency and performance of PV panels are inextricably related to environmental conditions. This study examined the effect of ambient variables on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Through controlled tests, the researchers investigated critical environmental parameters such as sun irradiance, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and dust deposition. Modern sensors and data-gathering methods were used to monitor how these variables affected PV panel output. Statistical tools were used to determine the relationship between environmental factors and PV panel efficiency. The findings showed a clear relationship between environmental variables and PV panel performance. Solar irradiance was recognized as a major indicator for energy generation, while temperature had complex implications on current output. Wind speed, relative humidity, and dust deposition were discovered to have discernible detrimental effects on panel performance. This study adds to the increasing knowledge about PV systems by highlighting the complex links between ambient conditions and panel efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of site-specific considerations in building and running PV installations to ensure optimal energy output and system longevity. The article's results have practical consequences for both the solar energy sector and researchers, leading to the development of ways to improve PV panel performance and contribute to the sustainable energy landscape.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"14 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139151703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-12-24DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-qdvmlvly
Kyari M.H., Musa H., Maimuna S.U.
The negligence of adequate planning and development of urban public parks in Nigeria is a huge setback to cities achieving maximum utilization in their social, economic, physical, and environmental sectors. This is coupled with many other managerial problems in maintaining the few available ones; and as such it has led to the gradual decay of the nation’s public parks in urban centres and, hence reduced their benefit to the built environment. The garden has become a part of our daily lives. It has become increasingly important since the 18th and 19th centuries. Parks in the city have begun to be abandoned and city dwellers are more comfortable spending their time in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, since the end of the 20th century, urban residents have begun to realize the importance of urban parks in their daily lives. They have begun to realize the importance of a quality environment and life. To meet these changing needs and wants, it is important to re-evaluate the construction of our city's public parks by looking at their true function in meeting the needs of life, environment, and socio-culture of the users. An open-ended questionnaire administered with twenty-one participants (regular users of public urban parks), reviews the literature on the general need for developing urban parks in Nigeria and critically examines the planning, development designs, and the important facilities and management procedures for urban parks. The result of this study will ensure dignity and remove the intrigues attracted to implementing urban renewal and regional planning programs and it will ensure the sustainability of every urban park project in Nigeria. These benefits include general beauty, healthy lifestyles, increased leisure activities, communal interaction and preservation of natural systems, and maximizing abandoned land spaces.
{"title":"The Urban Public Park of 21st Century: Challenges and Prospectives","authors":"Kyari M.H., Musa H., Maimuna S.U.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-qdvmlvly","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-qdvmlvly","url":null,"abstract":"The negligence of adequate planning and development of urban public parks in Nigeria is a huge setback to cities achieving maximum utilization in their social, economic, physical, and environmental sectors. This is coupled with many other managerial problems in maintaining the few available ones; and as such it has led to the gradual decay of the nation’s public parks in urban centres and, hence reduced their benefit to the built environment. The garden has become a part of our daily lives. It has become increasingly important since the 18th and 19th centuries. Parks in the city have begun to be abandoned and city dwellers are more comfortable spending their time in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, since the end of the 20th century, urban residents have begun to realize the importance of urban parks in their daily lives. They have begun to realize the importance of a quality environment and life. To meet these changing needs and wants, it is important to re-evaluate the construction of our city's public parks by looking at their true function in meeting the needs of life, environment, and socio-culture of the users. An open-ended questionnaire administered with twenty-one participants (regular users of public urban parks), reviews the literature on the general need for developing urban parks in Nigeria and critically examines the planning, development designs, and the important facilities and management procedures for urban parks. The result of this study will ensure dignity and remove the intrigues attracted to implementing urban renewal and regional planning programs and it will ensure the sustainability of every urban park project in Nigeria. These benefits include general beauty, healthy lifestyles, increased leisure activities, communal interaction and preservation of natural systems, and maximizing abandoned land spaces.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"329 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139160887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agricultural production mainly depends on the nature of soil, which is a measure of a complex set of biological, chemical and physical interactions driven by microorganisms. Crop production has been declining due to low soil fertility, disease and pests. The main objective of this research was to investigate farmer’s perception on the use of effective microorganism fertilizers for crop production in the North West region of Cameroon. The descriptive survey method was used. Farmers were randomly sampled at the main shop where one of such biofertilizers (Effective microorganism, EM) is obtained in the North West. The sample size was 100 farmers. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and visits to some fields. Results showed that 79% of the respondents used microorganism fertilizers. The significant factors influencing the adoption of microorganism fertilizers included age (54%), type of farmer (65%), cost and income from using organic fertilizers (66%), belonging to farmers based organization (54%) and the benefits of the microorganism where many respondents stated that microorganism fertilizer increased yield and also improve the fertility of the soil (40%). The most pressing constraint associated with the use of effective microorganisms fertilizer was offensive odor. There is the need for consumer sensitization on the potential benefits of growing and consuming organically grown crops. This could expand the demand for organically grown crops and the willingness of consumers to pay premium prices and hence increase organic production by farmers.
{"title":"Farmer’s Perception on the Use of Beneficial Microorganism Fertilizer for the Growth of Crops in the Northwest Region of Cameroon","authors":"Muyang R.F., Ndjouondo G.P., Mbouobda H.D., Modest B.N.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-gpswp2ac","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-gpswp2ac","url":null,"abstract":"Agricultural production mainly depends on the nature of soil, which is a measure of a complex set of biological, chemical and physical interactions driven by microorganisms. Crop production has been declining due to low soil fertility, disease and pests. The main objective of this research was to investigate farmer’s perception on the use of effective microorganism fertilizers for crop production in the North West region of Cameroon. The descriptive survey method was used. Farmers were randomly sampled at the main shop where one of such biofertilizers (Effective microorganism, EM) is obtained in the North West. The sample size was 100 farmers. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and visits to some fields. Results showed that 79% of the respondents used microorganism fertilizers. The significant factors influencing the adoption of microorganism fertilizers included age (54%), type of farmer (65%), cost and income from using organic fertilizers (66%), belonging to farmers based organization (54%) and the benefits of the microorganism where many respondents stated that microorganism fertilizer increased yield and also improve the fertility of the soil (40%). The most pressing constraint associated with the use of effective microorganisms fertilizer was offensive odor. There is the need for consumer sensitization on the potential benefits of growing and consuming organically grown crops. This could expand the demand for organically grown crops and the willingness of consumers to pay premium prices and hence increase organic production by farmers.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"201 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139243505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-11-22DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-t0jnzqsc
Oloche G.G., Musa M.M., Yankari D., Amina A., Khalid A.
The electrical resistivity method was employed to delineate leachate zones in Sabon Gari, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria. This involved the use of the 2D resistivity technique in specific locations within the study area. Two profile datasets were collected using the Wenner array with an Ohmega resistivity meter, covering a maximum distance of 100 meters. Subsequently, the 2D data obtained underwent interpretation through Res2Dinv and Surfer 11 software. The interpreted models revealed a leachate zone in profile 1, extending from a depth of 2 meters to 14 meters. In profile 2, the interpreted models displayed low resistivity in the topsoil due to the presence of water and ions in rock-bearing minerals, resulting in low resistivity from a depth of 1 meter to 12 meters. Notably, when this resistivity becomes exceptionally low (ranging from 0.47 Ωm to 7.10 Ωm), it indicates water contamination. In the event that drilling a borehole in the vicinity is deemed necessary, it is advisable to seal the near-surface water to prevent its infiltration into the borehole.
{"title":"Delineation of Leachate Zones Around a Dumpsite Using 2D Resistivity Method: A Case Study of Sabon Gari, Bauchi State, Nigeria","authors":"Oloche G.G., Musa M.M., Yankari D., Amina A., Khalid A.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-t0jnzqsc","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-t0jnzqsc","url":null,"abstract":"The electrical resistivity method was employed to delineate leachate zones in Sabon Gari, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria. This involved the use of the 2D resistivity technique in specific locations within the study area. Two profile datasets were collected using the Wenner array with an Ohmega resistivity meter, covering a maximum distance of 100 meters. Subsequently, the 2D data obtained underwent interpretation through Res2Dinv and Surfer 11 software. The interpreted models revealed a leachate zone in profile 1, extending from a depth of 2 meters to 14 meters. In profile 2, the interpreted models displayed low resistivity in the topsoil due to the presence of water and ions in rock-bearing minerals, resulting in low resistivity from a depth of 1 meter to 12 meters. Notably, when this resistivity becomes exceptionally low (ranging from 0.47 Ωm to 7.10 Ωm), it indicates water contamination. In the event that drilling a borehole in the vicinity is deemed necessary, it is advisable to seal the near-surface water to prevent its infiltration into the borehole.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139249469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-11-15DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-gxsejvfs
Ndibe L., Ndibe G., Patrick O.
The global incidence of microplastics pollution is raising safety concerns on the consumption of seafood by humans. This study investigated the seasonal variation of microplastics detected in fish sold for human consumption in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 150 fish samples consisting of 3 commercially important fish species, namely: Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) n=25, Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) n=25 and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) n=25 sold for human consumption were purchased from fishermen from 3 sites in Lagos State during the dry season from 22nd January to 7th February 2020 and during the rainy season from 13th to 25th July, 2020. The stomach contents of the fish were analyzed for the presence and characterization of microplastics. The identified microplastics were categorized according to their abundance, sizes, shapes, types, and colours using Dissecting Microscopes and FTIR. Microplastics particles were detected in all samples studied from all locations in both seasons, with the highest level of microplastics abundance detected during the rainy seasons. Highest microplastics abundance was detected in catfish (4.68 microplastics particles per individuals) during the rainy season in Badagry and 5-Cowries Creeks and the least detected in Red Snapper (0.72 microplastics particles per individuals) in Epe and Badagry during the dry season. Majority of the detected microplastics were fiber-shaped, followed by fragments. The least microplastics shape was foam. The most common color of microplastics during both the wet and dry seasons was grey/white (25.0%) while pink (2%) was the least dominant colour. The size of the ingested microplastics ranged from 2.03 mm to 4.86mm during the dry season while the particle sizes found in the species during the rainy season ranged from 1.49mm to 4.95mm. The results of FTIR-ATR analysis indicated that polyethylene (PE) was the most abundant in both seasons. The findings from this study raises concerns on the implication of microplastics on food safety.
{"title":"Abundance and Seasonal Variation Of Microplastics Detected in Edible Fish Sold in Lagos State, Nigeria","authors":"Ndibe L., Ndibe G., Patrick O.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-gxsejvfs","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-gxsejvfs","url":null,"abstract":"The global incidence of microplastics pollution is raising safety concerns on the consumption of seafood by humans. This study investigated the seasonal variation of microplastics detected in fish sold for human consumption in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 150 fish samples consisting of 3 commercially important fish species, namely: Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) n=25, Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) n=25 and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) n=25 sold for human consumption were purchased from fishermen from 3 sites in Lagos State during the dry season from 22nd January to 7th February 2020 and during the rainy season from 13th to 25th July, 2020. The stomach contents of the fish were analyzed for the presence and characterization of microplastics. The identified microplastics were categorized according to their abundance, sizes, shapes, types, and colours using Dissecting Microscopes and FTIR. Microplastics particles were detected in all samples studied from all locations in both seasons, with the highest level of microplastics abundance detected during the rainy seasons. Highest microplastics abundance was detected in catfish (4.68 microplastics particles per individuals) during the rainy season in Badagry and 5-Cowries Creeks and the least detected in Red Snapper (0.72 microplastics particles per individuals) in Epe and Badagry during the dry season. Majority of the detected microplastics were fiber-shaped, followed by fragments. The least microplastics shape was foam. The most common color of microplastics during both the wet and dry seasons was grey/white (25.0%) while pink (2%) was the least dominant colour. The size of the ingested microplastics ranged from 2.03 mm to 4.86mm during the dry season while the particle sizes found in the species during the rainy season ranged from 1.49mm to 4.95mm. The results of FTIR-ATR analysis indicated that polyethylene (PE) was the most abundant in both seasons. The findings from this study raises concerns on the implication of microplastics on food safety.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"61 sp1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139274518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-29DOI: 10.52589/ajensr-txvnvqsc
Bichi A.A., Abdulkadir M., Hassan M.B., Kanoma M.S., Halliru S.L., M. A.S.
The study examines the Demographic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and its Effects on Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The different demographic characteristics of farmers which includes various socio-economic status of rice farmers is hypothesized to have significant impact on the farmers life style including the farming activities. Survey design approach was adopted using primary data source. Four hundred questionnaire were administered across the 10 wards / rice farming communities in Kura LGA using purposive stratified sampling frame. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. It was discovered that the literacy level of respondents is low; the highest percentage (39.3%) attained only secondary school as their highest educational qualification; whereas only 20% attained tertiary educational status. This could be attributed to the availability of job opportunities in the rice farming (both rainfed and irrigated) which attract the youths to venture immediately after completing their secondary education, thereby hindering them from furthering education. It is recommended among others that the rice farmers should always be encouraged to further their education through many strategies including awareness campaign.
{"title":"Demographic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and its Effects on Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria","authors":"Bichi A.A., Abdulkadir M., Hassan M.B., Kanoma M.S., Halliru S.L., M. A.S.","doi":"10.52589/ajensr-txvnvqsc","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52589/ajensr-txvnvqsc","url":null,"abstract":"The study examines the Demographic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and its Effects on Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The different demographic characteristics of farmers which includes various socio-economic status of rice farmers is hypothesized to have significant impact on the farmers life style including the farming activities. Survey design approach was adopted using primary data source. Four hundred questionnaire were administered across the 10 wards / rice farming communities in Kura LGA using purposive stratified sampling frame. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. It was discovered that the literacy level of respondents is low; the highest percentage (39.3%) attained only secondary school as their highest educational qualification; whereas only 20% attained tertiary educational status. This could be attributed to the availability of job opportunities in the rice farming (both rainfed and irrigated) which attract the youths to venture immediately after completing their secondary education, thereby hindering them from furthering education. It is recommended among others that the rice farmers should always be encouraged to further their education through many strategies including awareness campaign.","PeriodicalId":404388,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Environment and Natural Science Research","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114726639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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