Browsing by Author "Okereke, J. N."
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Item Open Access Analysis of heavy metals concentration in prawn (Macrobrachium Sp) harveted from Gberikoko River, in Sapele Delta State, Nigeria(U. P., 2015-08) Obasi, kalu O.; Enemchukwu, S.; Okereke, J. N.; Ezeji, E. U.; Oparaigbo, M. I.The concentrations of selected heavy metals: cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury in prawn (Macrobrachium sp) were analyzed. The morphometric records of the prawn samples were taken. The specimens were subsequently weighed and individually pulverised to a uniform particle size. Ten(10)grams of each pulverised sample were put in a 200ml digestion conical flask, 30ml of aqua regia, which constitutes of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and hydroflouric acid in the ratio 1:3:1 was added and placed uprightly for 10-15 minutes. The mixture was heated in a water bath until the whole sample dissolved and a yellow tint of the solution appeared. The solution was filtered using a filter paper into centrifuge tubes and made up to 50ml mark with deionized water. It was transferred into sample vials for analysis. The heavy metal analysis was done according to the standard methods for heavy metal determination using the FS 240 Varian Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Lead had the highest concentration in sample F and the lowest in sample H, with concentrations of 1.75ppm and 1.54ppm respectively. Also, the prawn samples exhibited the highest record of Mercury and lowest mean value of Arsenic with values of 6.9±3.95and0.00±0.00 respectively. For Mercury, the highest concentrations occurred in sample G and lowest in F, with concentrations of 12.6ppm and 4.1ppm respectively. Arsenic showed its highest concentration in sample F and lowest in sample H with concentrations of 0.65ppm and 0.64ppm, respectively, whereas Cadmium wasn’t detected in any of the samples. From the analysis of data, since F > Fcrit and p < 0.05, there is a significant difference in the mean concentrations of the prawn samples from Gberikoko river in Sapele, Delta State Nigeria.Item Open Access Bacterial quality of rainwater in selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria(UP, 2006-06) Okereke, J. N.; Obasi, K. O.; Obiekezie, S. O.; Okechukwu, R. I.Muitas comunidades rurais do estado de Imo, Nigéria oriental, não têm acesso à água potável, sendo que a á gua da chuva tem sido sua principal fonte. Neste estudo, foram determinados os níveis bacterianos da á gua da chuva em três comunidades, Umunumo, Egbema e Ihiagwa. As amostras foram colhidas direta mente de telhados de zinco, telhados de sapê e telhados de amianto em diferentes períodos de chuva, mês de maio (começo das chuvas), mês de julho (pico das chuvas) e outubro (final das chuvas). A água acumulada de telhados de zinco da comunidade de Umunumo também foi examinada. O nível bacteriano foi alto no começo das chuvas nas amostras coletadas nos telhados de sapê, sendo seu maior valor em Egbema (7,4 x 103 cfu/100 ml). Os níveis de coliformes totais e coliformes fecais ( °6± ² ³«´ µG¶G² ³ ¶G·•² ¸ ¹ ) tiveram picos no começo das chuvas, 10 – 36 cfu/100 ml e 1 – 5 cfu/100 ml, respectivamente. Também nos reservató rios subterrâneos a contagem total de bactérias, coliformes totais e coliformes fecais totais foi muito elevada. As amostras estudadas dos meses de julho (pico) e outubro (final) de todas as comunidades estavam dentro do padrão de qualidade de água potável da OMS. Usando um modelo estatístico (para a = 0.05), a hipó tese nula foi rejeitada para os métodos e o período da coleta, enquanto que o local de coleta foi aceito. Portanto, apenas o período e o método de coleta das águas das chuvas afetam os níveis bacterianosItem Open Access Bacteriological assessment of packaged fruit juices consumed in some parts of Anambra, Nigeria(Academic and Scientific Research Institute Publication, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Onyeneto, T. C.Bacteriological assessment of eighteen samples of different fruit juices consumed in parts of Anambra State was carried out using standard microbiological procedures. Both total heterotrophic bacteria count and total coliform counts were determined using 0.1ml of each seria11y diluted sample on nutrient and MacConkey agar plates respectively. Total elerolrophic bacteria count was of the order x I 04 cfu/ml while total coliform count was of the order x103 cfu/ml. Frequently isolated microorganisms were Laciobacilius spp, Bacillus spp, SJaphylococcus spp, Psuedomona.s spp and Micrococcus spp. Virtually all the sampled fruits juices had some degree of bacterial contaminationItem Open Access Bacteriological quality of water contaminated with faecal wastes from livestock(Science Publishing Group, 2015) Anyadoh-Nwadike, S. O.; Okereke, J. N.; Odah, R.; Obijekwu, O.; Okorondu, S. I.; Obasi, K. O.Water is very important to life but when contaminated, it can be deleterious to life. Livestock from various farms produce large amount of faecal wastes. Most cattle farmers move their animals from place to place around Imo State, Nigeria, in search of pasture, these animals defeacate indiscriminately. Again, many farmers indulge in indiscriminate disposal of animal wastes. These faecal wastes can be carried by runoff water into surrounding water sources causing them to become contaminated. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of possible pathogenic bacteria in water contaminated with poultry litters, cow and pig dungs. Faecal samples from poultry, cows and pigs were collected from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) farm in the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria. The contaminated water samples were examined for the prevalence of bacteria. Isolation and characterization of bacteria were done using standard microbiological protocols. Results revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia amylovora, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella typhi. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent isolate followed by Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. The presence of these organisms of public health importance in water contaminated by livestock faeces calls for continuous surveillance of various water sources prone to faecal contamination. Appropriate treatment and disposal methods of these faecal samples as well as appropriate treatment of water source prone to such contaminants should be adopted so as to avert the possible health hazards resulting from use of water from such contaminated sources.Item Open Access Biosorption of Cd and Pb in textile effluent using musasapientum (Banana) peels(U. P., 2016-06) Okereke, J. N.; Ogidi, O. I.; Obasi, K. O.Abstract: The efficacy of using Musasapientum (banana) peels was tested for the removal of Cd and Pbusing batch experiments from textile industrial effluent. Standard spectophotometric techniques using AAS were adopted to assess the concentrations of the heavy metals before and after treatment of effluent with the biosorbent (banana peels). Metal sorption increased proportionally with the equilibrium metal concentration. The adsorption capacity of banana peels on the metal ions was of the order: Cd >Pb, with percentage removal of metal ions as 99.93% for Cd and 99.64% for Pb. Biosorption equilibrium isotherms were plotted for metal uptake capacity (q) against residual metal concentration (Cf) in the sample and mathematically expressed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The values of separation factor were between zero and one, indicating favorable sorption for the two metals (Cd and Pb) on the biosorbent. Peels of M. sapientum showed comparable biosorption capacity for Cadmium and Lead with other types of biosorbent materials found in literature and are cost effective, economical and eco-friendly in removal of these heavy metals from textile effluent sample.Item Open Access Comparative evaluation of ethanol production from sweet potato (lpomoea Batalas) and maize (Zea Mays)(Academic and Scientific Research Institute Publication, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Okeke, O. A.; Okechukwu, R. I.Comparative evaluation of ethanol production was carried out with sweet potato (Red and \\'hile Species) and Maize sourced from National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudikc a:1d National Seed Centre (NSC), Umudikc. About 200g (in powered form) of peeled, sliced, drkl; and ground samples of sweet potato, and maize were subjected to complete hydrolysis using /\z.ha ·, 1981 method. The filtrates (hydrolysates) from hydrolysis were later subjected to lcrmentatim1 process using Saccharomyce cerevisiae for 72-96 hours. Distillation was adopted to recover ethanol produced at 78°C. The average volume of ethanol produced from Red Potato, white potato and maize were 28.40ml, 30.00ml and 37.17ml respectively. Ethanol from maize had pl I value nr 3.6; Red potato, 4.0; White, 4.3. Percentage yield of ethanol was in the order: Maizc>White potato> Red potato as their values were 14.72%, 11.93% and I Ll9% respectively. The results showed that maire had the highest sugar content thus, highest percentage yield of ethanolItem Open Access Concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury in the soft tissue of periwinkle (Tympanotonus Fuscata Var. Radula) in Eagle Island River, Rivers State, Nigeria(Centre of Professional Research, 2015-10) Obasi, K. O.; Chinedu, K.; Okereke, J. N.; Udebuani, A. C.; Ezeji, E. U.; Anyadoh, S. N.The concentrations of some heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in the soft tissues of periwinkle Tympanotonos fuscatus var. radula obtained from Eagle Island River in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were studied. It was an analytical study in which an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (series 240 varian) was used to establish the concentrations of the metals. The mean concentration of metals recorded were Hg (2.10ppm), Cd (0.067ppm), Pb (2.00ppm) and As (1.26ppm). There was no significant relationship (at α0.05) between the concentrations of the heavy metals in the sampled organisms. Considering the neurotoxic effects of some heavy metals, it becomes imperative to regularly monitor heavy metal concentrations in sea foods in order to ensure the safety of such food for public consumptionItem Open Access Concentrations of heavy metals in some important rivers of Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria(Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and Development, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.Analyses of heavy metals in water samples from different rivers of the Owerri zone in Imo State, Nigeria were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Water samples from Rivers Azaraegbelu, Ogochie, Okatankwu and Otamiri were analyzed for lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The concentration of lead was highest in water samples from Azaraegbelu River (0.054 ppm). Arsenic was present in lower concentration in Azaraegbelu, Ogochie and Okatankwu Rivers. Cadmium concentration was 0.511 ppm in Azaraegbelu River, 0.034 ppm in Ogochie River, 0.091 ppm in Okatankwu River and 0.166 ppm in Otamiri River. Concentration of Zinc was higher in Azaraegbelu River (0.288 ppm), while Ogochie River recorded the lowest concentration of 0.098 ppm. Comparatively, Azaraegbelu River recorded the highest concentration values of the heavy metals analyzed.Item Open Access Effect of different concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose on microtuberization of sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas)(U. P, 2012-06) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.; Okechukwu, R. I.The effect of different concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose on in vitro microtuberization of sweet potato (Iponwea Nitwits) was studied. Plantlets were obtained from explants excised from mother tubers of sweet potato and cultured on Murashige and Stoog (MS) media without growth regulators. Growth characteristics after three weeks revealed that plantlets developed roots within 12 hours with lengths of 20-38cm; and developed shoots within 3-5 days with plantlet heights of 12-16. 5cm. Also, the number of leaves per plantlet was 5-20 and the nodal number was 12-1.4 per plantlet. Microtubers were formed from plantlets cultured on 3%, 5% and 8% concentrations of the three sugars as basic. carbon sources; with 5% and 8% concentrations yielding the biggest sizes of microtubers. This implies that concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose ranging between 3% and 8% are capable of forming sweet potato microtubers in vitro, hence facilitating mass production of microtubers which can be supplied to farmers at subsidized rateItem Open Access Effectiveness of composites of corn cobs, coconut husks and breadfruit peels in purifying selected paint effluents(UP, 2019-10) Ogidi, O. I.; Okereke, J. N.; Anyalogbu, E. A.Due to the varying degrees of chemicals used in paint industries, the resulting effluent contains appreciable concentrations of toxic metals and inorganic anions which reduce the quality of the receiving streams, aquatic life and adverse effects on human health. This research aimed at determining the effectiveness of composites of Corn cob, Coconut Husk and bread fruit peels in purifying selected paint effluents through the assessment of their physicochemical properties before and after treatment using column adsorption technique. The experimental conditions observed were pH 4 and 8; adsorbent doses of 1g and 2g. Standard laboratory techniques involving the use of Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometric method were adopted to determine the physicochemical properties of the effluent samples. The physicochemical results showed that the composites were effective in the removal of total solid, turbidity, colour, phosphate, nitrate, chloride, copper and cadmium while the values of COD, BOD, Lead and sulphate recorded noticeable increase on the treated effluent samples. The best experimental conditions according to the adsorption capacity were pH 4 and 1g adsorbent dose. The efficiency removal for heavy metal and inorganic anions in the effluent samples after treatment was in this order: Cl- ˂ Cu˂ NO3– ˂ PO4- ˂ Cd. Considering the values of R2 for the models fits to the experimental data, it can be concluded that all models can be used reasonably well to describe the behaviour of the adsorption of cadmium, copper, chloride, nitrate and phosphate, except for the partly negative values of Bohart – Adams and Thomas models. This research work shows that the use of corn cob, coconut husks and breadfruit peels as composite is more effective in reducing the concentrations of physicochemical properties of paint effluents.Item Open Access Effects of anthropogenic activities on soil carbon storage and compactness in coastal plain soil of tropical urban area(U. P., 2015-11) Udebuani, A. C.; Obasi, K. O.; Ezeji, E. U.; Okereke, J. N.; Anyado, S. O.; Dike-Ndudim, J. N.; Enekwu, E. C.The study on the impact of anthropogenic activities of a tropical urban soil; effects of different land use on bulk density, relative bulk density and their capacity to store carbon were investigated using several key soil physical and chemical properties such as ammonium acetate methods used for determination of cation exchange capacity. Results obtained showed the soil textural class to be sandy in all the land used area. Moisture content and porosity were highest in the automobile servicing area. Bulk density (1.50g/cm3) and relative bulk density (0.82g/cm3) were highest in soil samples from commercial area. Automobile servicing area had the lowest soil pH (5.1), compared to other land use areas, which had it pH ranging from 6.2 – 7.5. The highest value of exchangeable base was obtained also from automobile servicing area compared to other anthropogenic active areas. There is a considerable variation in the total carbon storage from different land uses with the highest carbon storage obtained from automobile servicing area (570.5 g/cm3), this is followed by soil samples from commercial areas (370.0 g/cm3). The lowest value of carbon storage was obtained from institutional area. The major effect of anthropogenic activity is on soil organic matter (OM); therefore, the degree of compactness was as a result of the impact on organic matter. Result of this present investigation shows that anthropogenic activities in urban environment affect the compactness and carbon storage of soil.Item Open Access Efficiency of water-purifying devices used in homes and industries(U. P., 2013-12-28) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.; Okereke, C. B. N.; Ahumibe, N. C.The use of water-purifying devices are gaining popularity, as many homes and industries are using them to treat water for dinking. However, most of the users do not know much about the performance/efficiency of these devices, hence this investigation. Efficiency of water-purifying devices were evaluated to determine their efficiencies in treating water consumed by people. Raw water samples from groundwater source, borehole (a major source of drinking water) in Owerri, Nigeria were treated using commonly used water treatment devices: resin ion-exchanger, sand-bed filter, activated carbon filter, micron filter, reverse osmosis membrane filter, ozonator, and UV-sterilizer. The resulting purified water samples were labeled, and each were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses using APHA (2006) water analysis method. Raw water (control) sample had pH value of 6.7 while the pH values of treated water samples fell within 6.9 – 7.1. Turbidity value of control sample was 6.0 NTU with other samples recording 4.0 NTU and below. Total heterotophic bacteria count and total coliforms counts of the raw water sample were 4.0 x 102 CFU/ml and 2.2 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively, but were below 2.5 x 102 CFU/ml and 1.9 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively in some of the treated samples, and nil in others. The overall efficiency of the treatment devices were of the order: Reverse osmosis membrane filter (76.25%) > UV-sterilizer (72.24%) > micron filter (65.85%) > Ozonator (62.97%) > Activated carbon filter (51.86%) > Resin ion-exchanger (46.67%) > Sand-bed filter (43.55%). This implies that not all water treatment devices used in homes and indutries are efficient enough to yield qualitative drinking water for unsuspecting users.Item Open Access Environmental challenges associated with oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria: A review(U. P, 2014-12) Okereke, J. N.; Ogidi, O. I.; Nwachukwu, A. A.A review is presented of the environmental challenges associated with oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria. It analyzes the types, causes, and remediation processes, for oil spillage and the prevention and control measures available for minimising environmental problems of oil spills in the oil-producing communities of Nigeria. Generally, Oil spills cause series of severe aquatic and terrestrial pollutions, and they impact negatively on crop production, due to soil infertility that results from the destruction of soil microorganisms, thereby causing dwindling agricultural productivity, plus other side effects on human health. The potential harmful effects of gas flaring on the environment including global warming and human exposure to acute harmful substances that cause respiratory problems (such as asthma and chronic bronchitis) are critically considered. Likewise other chemicals like benzapyrene, which causes cancer, and benzene, which causes leukemia and other blood-related disease are highlighted. Gas’ flaring also causes acid rain which corrodes homes and other local structures. Some techniques that should be utilized to prevent and control these challenges have been outlined and some policy recommendations made to help curb abuses by multinational oil and gas companies operating in the country.Item Open Access Environmental impact of palm oil mill effluent and its management through biotechnological approaches(U. P., 2020) Okereke, J. N.; Ginikanwa, R. C.Globally, palm oil production is on the increase and the pollution caused by waste materials from the palm oil mills has become a major environmental concern. However, not much has been said about the negative effects of such a huge industry. This report reviews the environmental impacts of palm oil mill effluents generated from oil palm processing and how they can be efficiently managed through biotechnological tools. The processing of oil palm generates three (3) major waste streams including gaseous (pollutant gases), liquid (palm oil mill effluent, POME) and solid (palm press fibre, chaff, palm kernel shell and empty fruit bunch) wastes. POME has been the most problematic environmentally, among all the others. It contains high pollution indicators such as oil and grease; it also impacts on the soil and water properties. Discharging POME into the soil tampers withits pH, which is one of the major factors affecting nutrient availability to plants. POME also changes the soil appearance and properties in terms of vegetation, odour, colour and constitution, making the soil to lose its vegetative cover. This leads to water logging of the pores and subsequent death of vegetation, leaving the environment bare. During the rainy season, POME serves a breeding habitat for mosquitoes and produces offensive odours. When discharged into rivers, streams or surrounding lakes, the water turns brown, smelly and slimy, aquatic organisms get killed, and local people are denied the availability of water for domestic uses and fishing. The discharge of POME on the soil and surrounding lands can also contaminate the aquatic ecosystem during runoff, leading to acidification and eutrophication. The paper concludes by suggesting options for effective management such as the use of POME for microalgae cultivation, the use of pre-treated POME as fertilizer; focusing on phytoremediation, bioremediation and mycoremediation of POME-contaminated soil and water as options for the rehabilitation of POME-contaminated soils and water bodies.Item Open Access Evaluation of groundwater quality in some parts of Imo State, Nigeria(U. P, 2010-06) Okereke, J. N.; Nwigwe, H. C.; Iwuala, M. O. E.Evaluation of groundwater quality in some parts of Imo State was done, based on analyses of N, Nq to samples from boreholes and springs. Analyses were based on American Public Health Association (APHA) guidelines. The overall average values of total heterotrophic bacteria, total; coliform counts and Escherichia coli counts were 7.2622 x 104 CFU/ml, 12.5 Cr/100m1 and 1.0 CFU/100m1 respectively. The average value of pH was 6.7 while hardness raged between 6.60mg/1 and 16.90mg/1; turbidity, 1.0mg/1-2.90mg/1; chloride, 8.96mg/1-2,1'.00mg/liron (II) ion, 2.6mg/1-3.71 mg/I, and nitrate, 4.88mg/1-6.4mg/1. Heavy metals were within the permissible limits except cadmium which recorded an overall average value of 0.1854pm. The study reveals that groundwater in Imo State, if well handled, remains a safer source Of drinking water supply to the populaceItem Open Access Genotoxicity of hairdressing salon effluent using allium cepa(U. P., 2020) Okereke, J. N.; Dike, Ijere. N.; Ukaoma, A. A.; Ezejiofor, T. I. N.Genotoxicity of hairdressing salon effluent using Allium cepa was carried out using different concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100% of hairdressing salon effluent obtain from different outlets. The presence and concentrations of some heavy metals such as lead, Mercury, Zinc, Cadmium and Arsenic in the effluent were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Chromosomal aberration assays were used to determine the mitotic index and chromosome aberration rate. There was an increase in the mitotic inhibition as the concentration increased whereas there was a decrease in the mitotic index, indicative of an inverse relationship shared by the two properties. The effluent induced chromosomal aberrations in the meristematic cells of the A. cepa root tip, and laggards were the most frequently recorded aberrations induced. Morphological abnormalities were also recorded in the roots of the Allium cepa. The genotoxic effects of hairdressing salon effluent on Allium cepa indicates that it contains toxic substances which may constitute environmental risks particularly on soils and plant crops planted near hairdressing salon facilities.Item Open Access Geo-helminthes associated with geophagic pupils in selected primary schools in Oyi, Anambra State(Science Publishing Group, 2015) Okereke, J. N.; Obasi, K. O.; Nwadike, P. O.; Ezeji, E. U.; Udebuani, A. C.Identification of geo-helminthes associated with geophagy as well as risk factors predisposing to such infestations among primary school pupils were carried out. Ethical permissions were obtained from headteachers of schools and pupils to collect stool samples of 200 volunteer pupils, aged 5-13years (106 males and 94 females) from rural and urban primary schools in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Stool samples were examined microscopically using wet mount (normal saline and iodine) technique. Data collected via questionnaires were analyzed to assess the relationship between geophagia, regular ingestion of soil and soil-transmitted parasites. Three intestinal parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides (A.lumbricoides), Ancylostoma duodenale (A. duodenale) and Trichuris trichiura (T. trichiura) were commonly observed. A total of 178 pupils (89%) found to be infected with one or more of these worms. A.lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of 52.8%, while A.duodenale and T.trichiura had 32.58% and14.61% respectively in all five villages in the Local Government Area. Infection rates and geophagic habits were established to be highest in children between the ages of 5 and 7years (p>0.05). Location and sex were observed to be insignificant factors in the distribution of these parasites (p>0.05). Geophagy and any other form of contact with the topsoil and children orally should therefore be noted as an important risk factor for orally acquired parasitic infections among children. Education on geophagy prevention should be an integral component of all soil-transmitted parasite control programs.Item Open Access Microbial and nutritional qualities of mushroom(Society of Applied Science, 2011) Okechukwu, R. I; Okereke, J. N.; Onyedineke, N. E.; Obi, R. K.The microbial and nutrient quality of two species, oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatlis.) and wood ear mushroom (Auricularia polytrida) were investigated. The bacteria isolates belong to three genera, Mucor spp. Wood ear mushroom had more microbial load than oyster mushroom. The proximate and mineral composition of the two varieties of' mushroom were also analyzed and there were no significant differences (P>O. 05). Calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were appreciably high in the two varieties while magnesium and copper were low. Carbohydrate, crude fibre and protein were also high. This makes them healthy valuable nutritional supplement for animals and humans. The findings also showed that the mushroom may be contaminated in farms and markets. Adequate sanitary measures and health education must be emphasized among other recommendations to safeguard the public health. The cultivation and consumption of mushroom by individuals/farmers will help in solving food securityItem Open Access Microbial flora of oil-spilled sites in Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria(Academic Journals, 2007-04-16) Okereke, J. N.; Obiekezie, S. O.; Obasi, K. O.The microbial flora of areas with and without oil spillage within the Egbema oil field in Ohaji/Egbema of Imo State was determined by standard microbiological methods. Preliminary results show moderate biological activities in both environments studied. The average microbial population of the area with oil spillage was 3.08 x 107 cfu/g, while that of the adjoining environment was 3.14 x 107 cfu/g for bacteria. Fungi population was of the order 106. The microorganisms isolated were identified to species level. Majority of the microorganisms were true bacteria. Actinomycete species were also found. In general, species difference between the two environments tended to be considerably significant. Since species and microbial population differences in soils are directly proportional to the availability of carbon source (nutrient), soil acidity, oxygen level and other factors, the significant variation in species and slight difference in microbial population observed are indicative of the effects of oil spillage on microbial flora of a given area.Item Open Access Performance of Zea Mays on soil contaminated with petroleum (Oily) sludge(U. P., 2016) Okereke, J. N.; Ogidi, O. I.; Udebuani, A. C.; Onyekachi, U. C.; Ukaoma, A. A.; Obasi, K. O.The study on the performance of Zea mays on soil contaminated with petroleum (oily) sludge was carried out using petroleum sludge sample from Kolocreek Rig in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. Different concentrations of sludge contamination on soil were prepared and yellow and white maize seeds planted on them. Sludge and soil samples were subjected to laboratory analysis to determine their heavy metal concentrations (Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Physical parameters of maize plants (plant height and average leaf width) were measured on weekly basis to determine the physical performance of the maize plant on petroleum sludge-contaminated soil using calibrated meter rule. Yellow and white maize seeds planted on uncontaminated soil (0% sludge) had 100% germination, seeds on 10% sludge had 75% and 50% germination respectively for yellow and white maize; seeds on 25% sludge had 25% germination each for the two maize types. Soil-plant transfer factor or bioaccumulation factor, f of the heavy metals by the plant showed that maize plant was able to take up the heavy metals from the soil (for example, f-value for Cr = 0.83 in 10% sludge, Ni = 0.91 in 25% sludge, Cd = 0.77 in 5% sludge, etc). Petroleum (oily) sludge contamination had significant effect on the general performance of Zea mays (p > 0.05). Maize plant has the ability to bioaccumulate (take-up) heavy metals and hydrocarbons from the soil thus possess high phytoremediation potential.