Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment

Effects of adopting Internet of Things (Iot) based smart waste bin in Nigeria: A review of scholars positions

2024-10-15T05:39:18+00:00

The present inherent hurdles to optimising the Internet of Things (IoT) in the Nigerian economy include maintenance and deployment costs, reluctance to change, technological infrastructure, and connection. In order to meet the urgent demand for creative waste management solutions, this study intends to investigate the effects of implementing IoT-based smart garbage bins in Nigeria. The basis for this quasiexperimental study was replies gathered from scholarly publications in the topic by researchers using a Likert scale. The results show that academics are unified in their support of the use of IoT in waste management, pointing to its potential to lower costs, increase efficiency, lessen environmental risks, and create an eco-friendly atmosphere that stimulates economic growth. In line with environmental objectives, scholarly viewpoints also address challenges such as maintenance expenses, technological know-how, residents' adaptation, cybersecurity risks, and incorrect waste disposal. The study suggests that stakeholders, including individuals and government organisations, work together to maintain personal and community cybersecurity, satisfy technology needs, and establish an eco-friendly environment in light of these results. Even if the study's predictions seem bright, further research is still necessary to solve gaps and investigate unexplored areas of IoT-based waste management in Nigeria.

Weed-crop association: A case study of farmlands located at the college of education, Warri, Delta State

2024-10-15T05:48:07+00:00

The impact of weeds on crops has remained an enigma to achieving sustainable food security. The study was conducted in the College of Education, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to assess the prevalence and occurrence of weed species as a prerequisite to identifying sustainable control measures. A field survey was carried out using a 29cm x 29cm size quadrant with seven samples from each field. Several weed species were identified, and the data was used to calculate each species' average frequency, density, and percentage frequency. Twenty-two (22) weed species distributed among 20 genera and 15 families were identified from the different farmlands. The results showed that the most dominant species were Ageratum conyzoides, with an average frequency of 104.14, an average density of 0.124 and relative frequency of 31.95%; Oldenlandia corymbosa with an average frequency of 72.57, average density of 0.086 and relative frequency of 21.65% and Veronica serpyllifolia with an average frequency of 40.43, average density of 0.049 and relative frequency of 12.41. The least dominant species was Sida acuta, with an average frequency of 0.14, an average density of 0.000, and a relative frequency of 0.04, followed by Alternanthera philoxeroides, with an average frequency of 0.43, an average density of 0.001 and percentage frequency of 0.13. Poaceae, with four species, had the highest abundance of species. The results obtained from this study would help develop a weed control program and make informed decisions regarding herbicide selection.

Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies of the adsorption

2024-10-15T05:53:04+00:00

Agricultural wastes and plant biomass are alternative low-cost adsorbents because they can be used without or with a minimum processing. In the present study, batch experiments were carried out to study the adsorption of cresol red (CR) unto mango leaf (ML) and orange peel (OP). Several parameters that affect adsorption process such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration and temperature were investigated. FTIR and SEM were used to determine the functional group responsible for adsorption. The results revealed that the highest adsorption efficiency was at pH 5 for the two adsorbents. It was also discovered that CR removal efficiency increased with the increase in contact time and adsorbent dosage while adsorption capacity was higher with increase in initial dye concentration but removal efficiency was lowered. The kinetics conform with the pseudofirst-order kinetic model for mango leaf but conform with the pseudo-second-order kinetic for orange mesocarp due to the value of the correlation coefficient (R² ). Based on the value of correlation coefficient, the experimental results for the removal by mango leaf best fitted the Langmuir isotherm model with monolayer adsorption capacity of 70.64 mg. g-¹ , while Freundlich isotherm model was best fitted to the experimental results for the adsorption of CR by Orange peel. The thermodynamic results revealed that the process is spontaneous and endothermic.

Antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of Strychnosspinosaleaves

2024-10-15T05:58:42+00:00

The present study determined the antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract of strychnosspinosa. Four extracts were extracted from the leaf of the plant: ethanol, ethylacetate, acetone and chloroform. Phytochemical screening and agar well diffusion methods were employed,Phenols was the phytochemical determined due to its vasatile biological activities. Pseudomonas aeriuginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus were the test microorganisms used. Ampicilline and tetracycline were the controls. Ethanolic extract indicated promising antimicrobial activity at 10 mg/cm³ and 100 mg/cm³ against the tested microorganisms near the controls. These may likely be as a result of the high concentration of phenols in the ethanolic extract. Strychnosspinosa leaf ethanol extract could be a good option for antimicrobial drug development.

Evaluation of the toxic potential of gramoxone herbicide on the weight and liver of albino rats

2024-10-15T06:38:39+00:00

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of diluted gramoxone herbicide at a dilution factor of 104 in a 10-fold serial dilution in graded doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg b.w on male and female rats. Forty male and female rats of weights 79g to 119g were divided into group A, B, C and D. Each group contains 5 males and 5 females. Control group A and 0.25,0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg b.w orally treated rats in group B, C, and D were fed with pelletized feeds and water ad libitum for 28 days respectively. The rats were allowed to starve a day and weighed prior to sacrifice. Blood samples were collected in EDTA bottles. Result showed a decrease in AST, ALT, ALP in all treated groups in male rats, a decrease in AST in all treated groups, in ALT in group B and C (p>0.05) but an increase in ALT in group D and an increase in ALP in all treated group in female rats (p<0.05) compared with control. TP showed a decrease in all treated group in male rats (p<0.05) measured with control. Albumin decreased/increased in group B/C in male rats, increased in group C and equal values in group B and D in male and female rats compared with control. There was an increased in weight in all treated groups and mild inflammatory effects on the liver tissue in group B and D. The results further registered gramoxone herbicide having paraquat as active ingredient toxic to the liver even at a much diluted state and at low doses.

Characterization of leachates from uncontrolled open dumpsite in Ahiaeke, Isieke and Nsukwe Umuahia, Abia State

2024-10-15T07:00:29+00:00

This study aimed to characterize the chemical in the leachates from uncontrolled open dumpsite in Ahiaeke, Isieke and Nsukwe in Umuahia, Abia State. Air, soil and leachate samples were analysed using an absolute instrument system, AIS (Aerocet model 5315) and standard procedures to measure the concentration of SO₄, NH₃, O₃, CO₂, VOC, PM10, PM2.5, H₂S and CO in the air and some selected physicochemical and heavy metal content. From the result, SO4 ranges from 0.02 - 0.19 mg/m3 , NH₃(1.11 - 14.05), O₃(0.01 - 0.15), CO₂(618.50 - 832.50), VOC (1889.50 - 6343.50), PM10(46.19 -751.50), PM2.5(14.03 - 344.72), H₂S (0.02 - 5.91), CO (1.91 - 6.91 mg/m³ ),For leachate and soil analysis, pH ranges from 8.75 - 9.01, Potassium (2.04 - 6.93 mg/l),Iodine (1.24 - 7.86), Fluorine (0.32 - 31.96), Acidity (344.70 - 821.65), Magnesium (209.70 - 498.66), Nitrate (0.34 - 2.07), DO (1.95 - 6.82), COD (3181.29 - 19090.56), Phosphate (13.42 - 57.35), Boron (0.79 - 3.15), Ammonia (0.85 - 3.55), Lead (0.00 - 3.76 mg/kg),Mercury (0.12 - 0.88), Cadmium (0.21 - 1.49), Manganese (2.13 - 14.72) , Chromium (0.10 - 0.61), Nickel (2.14 - 8.12), Iron (1.13 - 6.28), Zinc (0.15 - 1.22),Barium (24.15- 172.02), Copper (1.18 - 9.56 mg/kg). In this study, concentration of all air parameters was higher at distance closer to the dumpsites. The level of ammonia, PM10, PM2.5 and some heavy metals exceeded WHO guidelines. Hence, the waste dumps were observed to be the major contributors of increase in chemical and heavy metal levels in the leachate.

Effects of pesticides recidues on Tilapia zillii, sediment and surface water of Erinle Dam and River Osun in Osun State

2024-10-15T07:17:38+00:00

This study investigates the effects of selected pesticides on the health of aquatic ecosystems and humans in Erinle Dam and River Osun, Osun State, Nigeria. Focusing on Tilapia zillii, a commonly consumed fish in the region, the research assesses the potential health risks posed by pesticides found in the water, sediments, and fish tissues. Samples were collected following APHA guidelines and tested for pesticides like DDT, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Aldrin, and Chlorpyrifos. The findings revealed high levels of DDT and Chlorpyrifos in both the water and fish, with Erinle Dam showing higher concentrations than River Osun. Specifically, DDT levels in River Osun's water averaged 199.08mg/kg, while Erinle Dam had 271.58mg/kg. Dieldrin and Chlorpyrifos also showed high concentrations, with Heptachlor and Aldrin absent in the water samples from both sites. Fish tissue analysis indicated higher pesticide levels in specimens from Erinle Dam compared to River Osun. DDT and Chlorpyrifos concentrations were notably high, while Dieldrin, Aldrin, and Heptachlor were present in lower amounts. Similarly, sediment analysis showed Erinle Dam with higher pesticide concentrations, particularly for DDT, Dieldrin, and Chlorpyrifos, while Heptachlor and Aldrin were absent.Overall, the study highlights significant pesticide contamination in Erinle Dam and River Osun, posing health risks to local fish consumers and indicating a need for stringent pesticide regulation and monitoring in the region.

Assessment of heavy metals from three renowed landfil leachates on Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seedlings

2024-10-15T07:44:48+00:00

This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mo, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in the seedlings of Citrullus lanatus and landfill leachate. Leachates were collected from three different landfill sites: Oko-Filling (Ok), Ojota (Oj), and Abule-Egba (AE), and were used to grow contaminated seeds of C. lanatus. The seeds were planted in three replicates each. They were placed in 9 cm Petri dishes lined with filter papers and moistened with 0.03 ml of the respective leachate at varying concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Untreated samples served as controls (0%). Seed germination parameters, including plumule length (PL), radicle length (RL), seed vigor index (SVI), total seed length (TSL), fresh weight (FW), and dry weight (DW), were measured in the seedlings. Results showed that seeds had 100% germination at 25% and 50% leachate concentrations from Abule-Egba, while other samples exhibited poor germination rates. Control treatments had a lower germination percentage compared to other treatments. Olusosun landfill leachate contained the highest heavy metal concentrations, followed by Oko-Filling and Abule-Egba landfill leachate. The levels of heavy metals in both C. lanatus seedlings and landfill leachate were below the WHO/FAO standard limits. Zinc (Zn) was found to be highest in seedlings treated with AE50% leachate (0.06 ± 0.00) and lowest in those treated with AE25% leachate (0.02 ± 0.00). The results indicate that Citrullus lanatus seedlings may be susceptible to heavy metal contamination when exposed to higher concentrations of these metals.

Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of borehole water from eight selected locations within Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria

2024-10-15T07:51:10+00:00

In Nigeria, borehole water is a dominant source of drinking water. The quality of the water has diminished substantially due to various anthropogenic activities. Thus, this study seeks to x-ray the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of borehole water in some crowded localities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Heterotrophic plate count and total coliform count were carried out sing pour plate method. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauerdisc diffusion test. Except for one case each of iron (0.32 ± 0.11), Manganese (0.16 ± 0.06), Cadmium (0.005 ± 0.01) and Lead (0.12 ± 0.01) that were found to be above the recommended WHO and NAFDAC limits, the heavy metals had concentration levels that were within the stipulated limits. Isolates were phenotypically and molecularly identified as:Klebsiella aerogenes, strain OBANOR&OKWU 100; Streptococcus pneumoniae, OBANOR&OKWU 101; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, OBANOR&OKWU 102; Staphylococcus aureus, OBANOR&OKWU 103 and Micrococcus lylae, OBANOR&OKWU 104 using the 16S rRNA gene analysis. Isolates were deposited in the United States GenBank under accession numbers: OK017170, OK017423, OK017480, OK017486 and OK019091 respectively. Generally, the isolates showed low resistance rates (14.29 % - 19.05 %) to the antibiotics used in this study except for Cefuroxime and Ampicillin with extremely high resistance rates of 80.95 % and 85.71 % respectively. Majority of borehole water samples were found to be contaminated. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and quality assessment of the borehole water available for consumption.

Seasonal species composition and richness of terrestrial Mollusks in protected area (Cross River National Park) Cross River State

2024-10-15T07:59:35+00:00

Terrestrial snails are key indicators of climatic changes and ecosystem health. This study recorded 2456 land molluscs from 22 species in 6 families across 20 plots. The most abundant families were Urocyclidae, Streptaxidae, and Archatinidae, comprising 90.82% of the total collection. Aillyidae, Cyclophoridae, and Succineidae had the fewest species. Gymnarion sp. (Subulinidae) was the most numerous with 997 individuals, followed by Gonaxis camerunensis. Margalef’s index indicated the highest species richness in the Buffer Zone (3.18). Shannon-Weiner’s index revealed the highest diversity (2.26) in the Buffer Zone. Chao 2 and Jackknife estimators for Nkunaya were 22.13 and 21.13, respectively, while for the Buffer Zone they were 21.90 and 24.24. The Whittaker Index for the Buffer Zone was 1.47, showing low differentiation among plots.

A hybrid assault detection system using random forest enabled xgboost-lightgbm technique

2024-10-15T11:12:32+00:00

This article presents the development of an assault identification system using face recognition in a closed location, by employing a machine learning-based computer vision approach. The proposed model combines algorithms such as Random forest, XGBoost and LightGBM techniques. The objective is to accurately identify and classify instances of assault in real-time based on facial recognition. The proposed approach utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze facial features and patterns associated with assault activities. By leveraging on a hybrid model, the system can be integrated into closed locations such as schools, workplaces, or public venues to enhance security measures and promptly respond to potential threats. The findings of this research contribute to the field of computer vision-based assault identification systems, in addressing security challenges. Further advancements of the proposed hybrid model can lead higher performance levels in various real-world scenarios and enhancing public safety and security. The system's performance was evaluated using various metrics, including precision, recall, F1 score, accuracy, and ROC score. The results shows that the proposed system outperformed the existing system with its identified weakness and limitations of: Limited Robustness in Handling Complex Variations, Inability to Handle High-Dimensional Data, Limited Scalability, e.tc. The hybrid model achieved impressive results, with a precision of 98%, recall of 98%, F1 score of 97.7%, accuracy of 97.5%, and ROC score of 97.4%. The above findings demonstrated the effectiveness and robustness of the developed system in accurately detecting and recognizing assault instances within a closed location.