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Open Access
Geotechnical assessment of Akpulu gully erosion site in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2013-02) Ikechukwu, Owette
This study was carried out to assess the surface processes and subsurface characteristics that contribute to the formation and expansion of gully erosion in Akpulu - Ideato North County, Imo State Nigeria. Part of Akpulu community especially Okwu village that is very close to the gully head may submerge in the next few years if control measures are not intensified. A gully measured 15-18 m deep, 9-12 m wide to 6.5 km long is advancing aggressively, threatening life, property, food production, and security of ecosystem in Akpulu and its environs. Analysis of soil samples collected from accessible portion of the gully depths of 3 m show peculiar geotechnical characteristics ranging from Liquid limits 27.5 – 30.4%, Plastic limits 17.35 – 22.75%, and Plasticity index 7.65-13.70%. The soil has highclay/silt content, with ranges of maximum dry density (2.01- 2.06g/m3), Optimum moisture content (12.1-13.4%), and average shear strength of 106.9KN/m2 It is easily erodible, as the silt gets dissolved by high velocity flood on 0.02 flow gradient. Expansion and maintenance of the main drainage channel from Umuchu to Akpakporo River in Apkulu is recommended. Secondary drainage channels to join the main channel, and increased trees planting from the gully head are also recommended.
Open Access
Assessment of x-ray radiation on x-ray workers and associated potential health problems in Owerri
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2013-06) Onyekaokwu, Okeke Cyriacus
A study on assessment of X-ray radiation among X-ray workers and associated potential health problems in Owerri was carried out with the thermolumolunescent dosimeter between 12th April to 30th December 2011. A total of 50 workers were used for the study. Comprising 24 male X-ray workers and 26 female X-ray workers. The mean X-ray dose below permissible doses is 9.4.7 the T-test is -4.29; the P-value is 0.000. The mean exposure factor is <100 is 88.52 and the standard deviation is 15.88, the standard error mean is 2.25, T-test is -5.11, P-value is 10.000 There is high doses above >20msv upto six test which involve 3 male x-ray workers and 3 female x-ray workers. The result of the study show high rate of hair loss, cancer, cataract, erthyma and sterility, each provide evidence of excess exposure of X-rays. Therefore it is recommended that workers should wear protective device e.g lead aprons, gonads cover during exposure to X-ray and also limit their exposure time
Open Access
Sequence stratigraphic interpretation of wells 1,2,3 & 4 in the "GERA" field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-02) Onwualu, Nneka Emelda
A sequence stratigraphic approach was employed to understand sediments penetrated in Gera Field situated in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Central Niger Delta Basin. The technique incorporates biostratigraphic and well log data in constructing a high resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the field. The analysis of the above data sets enabled the subdivision of the transverse part of the stratigraphic column within the field into sequences and system tracts. Four 3rd order Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) and their intervening sequence boundaries (SB) were interpreted in the area. Three depositional sequences were interpreted within the field and were subdivided into transgressive systems tract and highstand systems tract. Four maximum flooding surfaces correlate with the 28.1Ma, 31.3Ma, 33.0Ma and 34.0Ma of the transgressive marker shales of the Niger Delta Chronostratigraphic Chart. The 28.1 million years (Ma) MFS (G. Opima Opima) with its distinct log signature, constitutes the regional seal rock while the different sequence boundaries act as excellent reservoirs of the field. Of the four sequence boundaries, only one was found to be truly Type-1 sequence boundary, while the other three could not be convincingly attributed to a Type-1 sequence boundary, since a lowstand systems tract does not overlie them. The age of sediments penetrated in Gera field is found to range from Early – Late Oligocene as deduced from the foram zonations of wells in the field.
Open Access
Patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in under-five children in Emekuku: A hospital-based study
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-04) Njoku, Chinonyerem John
This study was undertaken to determine the patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in under-5 children and the associated risk factors in Emekuku, Imo State, Nigeria. A matched pair case control study design with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was adopted. Cases were children with loose watery feces, pathologically diagnosed with diarrhoea by the physician. Each case was captured immediately after diagnosis by the physician and administered with the questionnaire. Controls were children diagnosed of any other disease other than diarrhoea. Both cases and controls were appropriately matched in terms of age, sex, and other determinants and enrolled from the outpatient and children’s wards of the Hospital. A total of 176 under-5 children were enrolled with 88 cases and 88 controls. The results showed that most cases of diarrhoea observed were acute (93.2%), while persistent diarrhoea accounted for 6.8%. Ninety five percent (95%) of diarrhoeal cases were watery, with mean number of stools/child/day being 4.3 times (SD 1.92). Of the 17 exposure variables analyzed, only age (6-11 month); breast feeding (complementary feeding) (P<0.001); birth weight, maternal employment (unemployed women); toilet type (pit toilet); hand washing with water only (P<0.001); use of rain water and crowding index were significantly associated with diarrhoeal disease occurrence observed in this studied. The study shows that diarrhoeal diseases are still prevalent in this area. Interventions on exclusive breast feeding, provision of improved toilet type, and education on appropriate hand washing methods and improved sanitation should be intensified.
Open Access
Impact of oil spillage on physicochemical quality parameters of Abonema creek water
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-11) Onwuagba, Chinwe Grace
The current study investigated the impact of oil spillage on Physicochemical Quality parameters of Abonema creek water. Water sample was collected with a container from 3 different locations which included the control site. The samples were subjected to standard physicochemical analysis. Among other parameters analysed, conductivity(µs/cm2) (22000 – 29600),TDS (mg/L) (15400 – 20720), total petroleum hydrocarbon (mg/L) (0.001-1246.6) SO4-2(mg/L) (350 –510),Cl-(mg/L) (6900-8900), Pb2+(0.014 – 0.266 ), and alkalinity (mg/L) (65 – 75), where all above recommended WHO standard. This implies that the river is polluted by the discharge of effluent from petroleum exploration activities. Water sample from the affected site was more higher than that of the control. Companies should not wait until a spill is out of hand before a cleanup intervention; timely cleanup exercise should be encouraged.
Open Access
A Review of economic potentials of the river port of Onitsha
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-02) Okonkwo, Chukwuka
Inland waterways are one sector of transportation that has been grossly underutilized the world over, despite being one of the earliest form of transportation and facilitator of trade between people. This study aims to review the economic potentials of the Onitsha inland river port. The study adopted a mixed method research design as data were sourced from the secondary source (NIWA, NPA statistical bulletins & journals) and primary source using a well-structured likert modelled questionnaires administered to about 50 respondents. The data gathered were subjected to analysis using tools such as Analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Time series modeller and Trend analysis with the aid of AHP calculator and IBM Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS V21) computer software. The findings depicts that the volume of import cargos from seaports destined for the southeast states which forms the hinterland for the river port shows a significant positive trend estimated by the linear regression line Y = 14075X – 18057. The time series modeller used to analyze the cargo trend series shows an acceptable value of R-squared and stationary R-squared of 72.3% and a mean average percentage error of 50.066%, indicating that the present are approximately 50% short of predicted volume by trend. The AHP results indicate that inland waterways (0.5276), road (trucking) (0.2527) and air (0.2197) in that order are the preferred mode of freight movement for logistics operators in the south east if presented with alternatives. The following factors in descending order forms the basis of their choice of freight means; safety (0.6026), timeliness (0.1822), costs (0.1174), efficiency (0.0691) and carrying capacity (0.0286). In conclusion, the southeast bound import cargoes from the seaports can well serve the Onitsha river port and are even short of their projected volume for the time period under study. It was recommended that the government should ensure continuous dredging of inland waterways and river banks to ensure all round navigability of the waterways. Government or future concessionaires of Onitsha river port should ensure installation of handling and storage facilities for bulk agricultural products like grain storage silos, pumps and tanks for vegetable oil, etc. to ensure the river port is capable of handling shipments of bulk agricultural products.
Open Access
An efficient predictive model for choosing mobile cellular service provider in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-07) Ohuabunwa, Augustine Ebere
Free competition and new network technology have increased competition and widened the range of network service available throughout the world. However, for cellular network service providers, loyalty is a rare trait among customers when it comes to choosing a particular mobile cellular system provider. Despite the huge financial commitment by companies into their respective communication technologies, users ultimately make decisions based on their perceived quality of service (QoS). This thesis attempts to identify the factors affecting the Quality of Service of cellular mobile network providers in Nigeria and put their effect in quantifiable terms using four leading telecommunication firms viz. MTN-Nigeria, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel. With a clear choice of information sources, regressional analysis and SPSS was utilized. It was discovered that six factors affect the quality of service of cellular mobile network: Network coverage/ Availability of service(X5), Call quality(X3), Price of service (X4) , Customer care(X2), Diversity of bundle option of service (X1) and Promotion/Offering of Incentive(X6). A predictive model was derived as : Y = 3.731+0.565X5 + 0.440X3 + 0.221X2+ 0.189X4 + 0.165X1 + 0.097X6.The significance of the factors X4, X1 , X2 and X6 depend on X5 and X3, hence Y = 3.731(1+0.1514 X5+0.1179 X3).
Open Access
Effects of fly ash and rice-husk ash on lime stabilization of expansive soils from Lokpaukwu and Awgu, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-10) Nnabuihe, kingsley Ikechukwu
Soil stabilization refers to the technique of altering the properties of a soil so as to improve its engineering performance. It aims at using chemical additives such as lime as a lone stabilizer or in combination with industrial residues (fly ash, rice husk ash, etc) to achieve this fit. This work investigates the effects of lime alone, lime fly ash (LFA) and lime-rice husk ash (LRHA) blends in varying percentage mixtures on the engineering properties of expansive soils from Lokpaukwu (Ezeaku Formation) and Awgu (Awgu Formation) in Lower Benue Trough. The soils were stabilized with different percentages of lime (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) and varying percentage ratio for lime-fly ash and lime-rice husk ash blends (i.e. 2 : 6, 2 : 8, 2.5:7.5, 2.5 : 10, 3 : 9, 3 : 12, 4 : 12, 4 : 16, 5 : 15 and 5:20).Liquid limit, plastic limit, linear shrinkage, compaction characteristics and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were performed on the natural and lime-treated Lokpaukwu and Awgu soil samples while consistency limits and linear shrinkage tests only were performed on the lime-residue treated soil samples. Results of the study indicate that optimum reduction percentage of 24.14% and 30.56% (liquid limits), 72.22% and 74.42% (plasticity indices), 56.14% and 60.12% (linear shrinkages) and maximum percentage increase of 25.60 and 33.70 (Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)), 193.3 and 250 (unsoaked CBR), and 766 and 700 (soaked CBR) for Lokpaukwu and Awgu samples respectively were obtained on stabilizing the soils with 6% lime content. The results from lime-fly ash (LFA) and lime-rice husk ash (LRHA) blends indicate that liquid limits, plasticity indices and Linear Shrinkages decreased from 58 and 72 to 46 and 51, 36 and 43 to 11 and 12, 11.4 and 14.3 to 6.4 and 7.1, and from 58 and 72 to 45 and 51, 36 and 43 to 10 and 11, 11.4 and 14.3 to 6.4 and 7.1 for Lokpaukwu and Awgu samples respectively when treated with Lime-fly ash blend of 3 – 12% and lime-rice husk ash blend of 3 – 9%. It could be concluded that improving the characteristics of expansive soils by lime-fly ash blend or lime-rice husk ash blend is successful and provides immense environmental and economic benefits
Open Access
Classification of soils on slopes of varying orientations in Umuahia area of Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-10) Aliba, Vero O.
Slope aspect affects soil properties. The study characterized and classified soils on slopes of varying orientations in Umudike (East-lying Topo sequence) and Itu (West-lying Topo sequence), both in Olokoro Umuahia, southeastern Nigeria. Transect soil sampling technique was employed in locating three distinct positions, namely summit, midslope and foot slope along each of the topo sequences at the East and West-lying orientations. A profile pit was dug at the most representative points of the topo sequences in each of the two locations and the soil profiles were described in situ, following the FAO guidelines. Soil samples were collected from each pedon based on the horizon differentiations and subjected to routine laboratory analyses. The soils were classified using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with the FAO World Reference Base. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (coefficient of variability and correlation) using the Genstat computer package. Results showed that soils of the East-lying slope were edominantly sandy-clay loam at the summit but sandy clay at the mid and foot slopes, while in the West-lying slope, the texture was dominantly sandy-clay loam at both the summit and mid slope but prominently sandy loam at the foot slope. Soils of East-lying slope had very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) moist to strong brown (7.5YR5/8)moist, dark brown (7.5R3/2) to strong brown (7.5YR5/8) moist, dark gray (5YR4/1) to reddish yellow(7.5R6/8) moist colours at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, while that of the West-lying topo sequence varied from brown (7.5YR4/2) moist to yellowish colour (5YR5/6), very dark grey (7.5YR3/1) moist to yellowish red (5YR5/8),very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) moist to reddish yellow (5YR6/6) moist colours at the summit, midslope and foot slope, respectively. The weathering intensity of the soils varied from moderate to high with silt-clay ratios ranging from 0.04-0.93, 0.04-1.26 and 0.04-0.66 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, in the East-lying topo sequence and from 0.04-070, 0.27-1.59 and 0.14-1.08 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, i n the West-lying topo sequence. Bulk densities of soils increased with depth with mean values of 1.36 gcm-3, 1.32 g cm-3, and 1.34 g cm-3 recorded at the summit, slope and foot slope respectively, in the East-lying topo sequence and 1.37 g cm-3 , 1.33 g cm 3 and 1.32 g cm-3 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, in the West lying topo sequence. High variation (CV>35%) was noted in Ksat in the profiles of the top sequence, with values of Ksat ranging from 0.3-1.11 cm hr-1, 0.19-1.96 cm hr-1and 0.15-1.47 cm hr-1 at the summit, midslope and foot slope, respectively in the West-lying topo sequence whereas in the xiast-lying topo sequence, the values ranged from 0.18-2 cm hr-1 , 0.11-1.97 cm hr-1and 0.12-1.48 hr-1 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope, respectively. Soil pH was very strongly acidic (4.58-4.78) in the East-lying topo sequence but varied from very strongly acidic to strongly acidic (4.52-5.30), in the west lying topo sequence. Organic matter concentration was generally higher at the epipedons and ranged from (26.44to 23.36) gkg-1 and (30.64to 18.9) gkg-1 in soils of the East-lying and West-lying slopes, respectively. Effective cation exchange capacity varied from (8.63- 13.79) cmolkg-1 in the East-lying topo sequence and (10.42- 16.31) cmolkg-1 in the West –lying topo sequence. Soils of East-lying topo sequence were classified as Grossarenic Paleudalfs, Typic Paleudalfs and Arenic Hapludalfs Typic (USDA) at the summit, midslope and footslope, respectively and correlated with Mollic Luvisols of the World Reference Base (WRB) whereas the soils of West-lying slope were classified as Arenic Glossudalfs, Typic Paleudalfs and Typic Ferrudalfs (USDA) at the summit, midslope and footslope, respectively which correlate to Haplic Albeluvisols of the WRB (FAO) legend
Open Access
Detection of virulence and resistance genes in bacterial isolates from seafood obtained from Nembe and Ox-Bow Lake, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-09) Justice-Alucho, Chinwe Happiness
Microorganisms have developed different mechanisms of evading the actions of antimicrobial agents, consequently, reducing the effectiveness of these antimicrobial agents. Antibiotics abuse and their use in animal husbandry have increased the acquisition and transfer of antibiotic resistant genes from and within the environment. This study is aimed at detecting resistance and virulence genes in bacterial isolates from seafood. A total of 200 fresh seafood samples (crab, shrimp, oyster and periwinkle) were collected randomly from Nembe River and Ox-bow Lake. Isolates were obtained using the conventional microbiological methods after an initial enrichment treatment in peptone for six (6) hours. The pure cultures were screened by gram staining and biochemical test for preliminary identification and representative isolates were characterized for 16SrRNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sequencing. The isolates were further subjected to pathogenicity test to identify the presence of hemolysin and coagulase as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard oxoid commercial antibiotics. The 16srRNA sequence of the isolates produced an exact match during the mega blast search to Staphylococcus gallinarum, Vibrio rotiferianus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Klebsiella aerogenes and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. All isolates showed resistance to ceftriazone, ceftazidime, ampicillin and penicillin. The multi-drug resistant isolates were analyzed for the presence of the resistance genes ctx-M, shv, mec A and acrAB as well as virulence genes; tdh and sxt. acrAB genes were detected in Klebsiella aerogenes and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the ctx-M was detected only in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the shv was detected in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes and Vibrio rotiferianus. The tdh genes were detected in Vibrio parahaemolyticus only. Staphylococcus gallinarum was positive for mecA genes. The presence of these Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases and other resistance genes explains why the isolates were resistant to the third generation cephalosporins as well as the β-lactam antibiotics. The presence of virulence gene, tdh in Vibrio sp codes for the virulence in these organisms therefore rendering the food unsafe for consumption. Adequate handling as well as proper cooking of seafood before consumption should be highly recommended so as to reduce the incidence of food-borne infections as well as antibiotic resistance.
Open Access
Assessment of surface water quality of Onuiyieke River in Imo State , Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Eze, Chinwe Catherine
The surface water quality of Onuiyieke River was assessed for a period of six months (September, 2017 - February, 2018) at seven sampling locations (SLs) to ascertain its quality status. Measurements were made on samples collected with 500ml sample bottles according to standard methods. Samples for heavy metals were collected in 250ml bottle and fixed with concentrated HN03. Descriptive analysis, variation plots, ANOVA, Duncan Multiple Range tests, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Pearson Correlation (r) and Water Quality Index (WQI) were used to analyze data. Mean values of the parameters obtained were: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 198.19 ±80.93mg/L; Electrical Conductivity (EC) 331.81 ±59.78µ; Turbidity 18.84 ± 2.22 NTU; Nitrate ions 14.77 ±0.92mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 6.58 ±O.22mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 1.77±0.10mg/L. Mean values of the Trace Metals obtained were: Iron (Fe) 1.93 ±0.23mg/L; Magnesium (Mg) 0.22±0.02mg/L and Calcium (Ca) 15.15±1.87mg/L while the mean value of Faecal Coliform was 1.91±O.10MPN/100. pH, EC, TSS, BOD5, turbidity, N03-, Ammonia, Fe and faecal coliforms exceeded the NESREA and WHO maximum permissible limits. There were significant spatial differences in levels of TDS, EC, NO3, NH3, DO and Faecal coliforms (Sig F=0.000 to 0.039) and significant temporal differences in levels of PO43- (Sig F= 0.078 to 1000) between the control and other locations.at p<0.05. Four Principal Components (PCs) formed the extraction solution with a cumulative percentage variability of about 77.67 %. PCs 1, 2, 3, and 4 were most highly correlated with Mg2+ (0.925), NH4 (0.903), TSS (0.930) and temperature (0.840) respectively. The Water Quality Index revealed that the rating for the water quality across the sampling locations was between excellent and unsuitable with SL 3 having the least water quality. Appropriate monitoring procedures for the sustainable development of the river should also be put in place.
Open Access
Spatiotemporal assessment of air quality in selected LGA in Rivers State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Ukaegbu, Kingsley Ogochukwu Emmanuel
The pollution of ambient air has long been revealed as the most fatal form of environmental pollution. The levels of air pollution vary from one location to another and from time to time. The aim of the study is to assess the spatiotemporal distribution of air pollutants in selected LGAs in Rivers State. Nine points in the study area were sampled within two peak-periods (8.00 am and 4.00 pm), based on high industrial clusters, high vehicular traffic, and rising human population density. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, and NO2 were measured using a handheld gas analyzer. A handheld Germin-300 GPS device was used to record the GPS coordinates of the sampling points which aided the data processing, to develop spatial interpolation maps in ArcMap. The results of air quality parameters were above the WHO and FMEnv air quality standards. PM 2.5 and PM10 have a maximum value of 159.23 and 378.39 respectively which is higher than the WHO and FMEnv Standard limits for 24 hours exposure. The recorded exceedance is 68.5ppb, 28.7ppb and 113.7ppb for SO2, NO2, and CO respectively, in the wet season. 71.1ppb, 15.31ppb and 58.9 ppb for SO2, NO2, and CO respectively in the dry season, are higher than WHO and FMEnv limited. Based on these, it is recommended that the populace of Port Harcourt city should limit their exposure especially in the dry season.
Open Access
Levels of aflatoxin M1 and selected heavy metals in the breast milk of lactating mothers in Owerri, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2020-02) Ekeanyanwu, Chidinma Lynda
Mother's breast milk which is the basic diet for infants is loaded with proteins, fats, carbohydrates and essential minerals which are necessary for proper nutrition of the infant. Regrettably, breast milk is also a likely source of aflatoxins and toxic metals which are unsafe for the breastfeeding child. In Nigeria, there is a paucity of information on aflatoxin and toxic heavy metals exposure, especially in the southeast region. In the present study, we assessed the level and frequency of breast milk AfM1 and some heavy metals as biomarkers of maternal exposure. Breast milk samples were collected from a selected group of 40 lactating mothers of infants attending the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, between June and August 2019. Some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, As, and Hg) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry while AfM1 levels were assessed by HPLC with fluorescence detection after aflatoxin extraction. The mean (±standard deviation) concentration of AfM1 in the breast milk samples was 4.02±1.12 ng/L and 100% of all the samples contained AfM1 at 2.33 – 7.08 ng/L. AfM1 concentration was positively and significantly (p<0.01) associated with the daily consumption of cassava-based foods, groundnut oil, maize, tomatoes and dry fruit (p<0.05). No significant association (p>0.05) was observed between AfM1 concentration in breast milk with employment status and educational level in nursing mothers. The mean (±standard deviation) values of these heavy metals were Cd: 0.029±0.013 mg/L, Cr: 0.019±0.011 mg/L, Cu: 0.035±0.013 mg/L, Fe: 0.049±0.039 mg/L, Pb: 0.038±0.013 mg/L and Zn: 0.009±0.008 mg/L. The result of the estimated daily intake of breast milk by the breastfed infants shows that heavy metals such as Pb, Fe, and Cd are ingested more daily than other metals analyzed. There was a weak positive but non-significant correlation between heavy metal content and daily intake of maternal diet except for beans where a significant correlation (p<0.01) was found with Cr, Cu and Zn. A weak positive but non-significant correlation was also observed between exposure to heavy metals such as Cu, Fe and Pb and maternal diets. None of the samples exceeded the national and international legal regulatory limit for AfM1 and the selected heavy metals in breast milk except for chromium. Generally, their presence still poses a health risk.
Open Access
Evaluation of the flow regime identification capability of gamma-based multiphase flowmeters
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Gbaden, Eric Tersoo
The application of a single beam, dual energy gamma densitometer unit in determining the flow patterns of vertically upward multiphase flow was investigated. A fast-sampling (250Hz) gamma densitometer was installed on a 3" schedule 160, 11.1mm wt inlet manifold riser in an onshore production facility, Delta-X, in the Niger Delta. Gamma radiation attenuation data for the caesium-137 radioisotope-based densitometer was collected for Well-X effluent of oil, water and gas mixture. Classification of the multiphase mixture's flow regimes was investigated through the analysis of the probability mass function (PMF) chart obtained from the soft gamma count data. The prevalent flow regimes identified during the trial period were bubbly, slug, churn, annular and transition (bubbly-slug and churn-annular) flows. The result showed consistency with similar test facility studies conducted using air, diesel oil and portable water. An economic model was proposed for evaluating the economic viability of replacing existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters. Results from the economic analysis showed that given the current cost of multiphase flowmeters, it is not viable to replace existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis. The valuation, however, favoured replacing an existing test separator with a single multiphase flowmeter. Sensitivity study indicated that installing multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis will be economically viable with over 60% reduction in multiphase flowmeter present CAPEX for an 8-well production facility
Open Access
Investigation of local barites in drilling mugs formulation at HTHP conditions
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Omeokwe, Ifeanyi Kenechukwu
In order to counter-balance the formation pressure, the drilling mud is weighted up using a chemical additive, usually Barite. The usability of locally sourced Nigerian Barites on the major types of drilling fluids in conventional and High-Pressure-High-Temperature conditions is presented. Water-Based mud, Oil-Based mud and Synthetic oil-Based mud formulations with locally sourced Barite were tested according to the ‘API RP 13B’. Hole cleaning capabilities of the formulations by the use of Cutting Carrying Index and Cutting Concentration as indicators show that Osina, Gabu and Obubra Nigerian Barites with SG’s ranging from 4.0 to 4.6 are suitable for use as drilling fluid additives; with Cutting Carrying Index in the range of 23.27 to 120.54 for Water-Based mud, 0.89 to 3.98 for Oil-Based mud and 0.45 to 1.13 for Synthetic-Based mud, and Cutting Concentration of average of 4.15 vol. % at 355gpm and 300ft/hr ROP for Water-Based mud, Oil-Based mud and Synthetic-Based mud, with MAXROP of 364ft/hr under the same conditions. Moreso, laminar flow regime in the annulus is predicted for all the mud types under the same conditions and temperatures specified. CCI for water based mud decreased from ambient, 120oF, 180oF to 240oF, compared with API mud used as control sample. Oil extracted from Irvingia Gabonensis used to formulate the Synthetic-Based mud exhibited understandable physical properties such as SG of 0.836 at 60oC and a flash point of >300oC, and could serve as replacement for diesel used as base fluid in Oil-Based muds since it is also biodegradable, though the Synthetic-Based mud exhibited unfavourable characteristics in terms of low CCI value(s) and higher filter cake thickness. All the muds displayed flat or non-progressive gel; gel strengths that break with minimal initiation pressure. Locally sourced Nigerian barites have been shown to exhibit favourable properties in the mud formulations both in conventional and High-Pressure-High-Temperature drilling conditions.
Open Access
Knowledge, attitude and practice of infant and young child feeding among mothers with child (0-24 months) in Umuahia South L.G.A.
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Kalu, Mary Okereke
Malnutrition is the commonest cause of death of children under 2years of age in the rural areas, this study determined the knowledge, attitude and practice of infant and young child feeding among mothers with child 0-24months in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State which is located in Abia Central Senatorial Zone, bounded in the North by Umuahia North Local Government Area, in the South by Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, in the East by Ikputu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, and in the West by Mbaise in Imo State. Descriptive study design was used for the study, the sample size of 372 was drawn from the target population of 5325 nursing mothers attending postnatal clinics in the study area. The respondents were selected using the random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, the data collected were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS). The result showed that 332 (89-2%) had good knowledge of infant and young child feeding, more respondents 330(88.7%) knew the correct meaning of exclusive breastfeeding, more respondents 229(77.7%) knew when to commence complimentary feeding which is at 6months, while only 167(44.9%) had good knowledge of the consistency of the child's food. Also more respondents 239(64.2%) strongly agreed that the baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6months of life, more respondents 199(53.9%) strongly agreed that colostrums should not be thrown away while majority 310(83.3%) strongly agreed that there is no difficulty in exclusive breastfeeding. More respondents 250(67.2%) were of the opinion that water should not be given to the baby for the first months of life. From the findings, there was overall high level knowledge score of exclusive breastfeeding 330(88.7%) moderate knowledge on complimentary feeding 120(46%) and low knowledge on weaning, also there was positive attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding 310(83.3%) as compared the negative attitude of 10(2.7%) on responses of difficulties in exclusive breastfeeding, more respondents 272(73.1%) practice rooming in which is the mother sleeping with the baby in the same bed while only 100(26.6%) does not practice rooming in.There is still poor knowledge on complimentary feeding, negative attitude towards intake of colustrum as many respondents believed that colustrum should be thrown away and poor practice because most of the respondents still give water to a child less than 6months. There is need for further awareness creation among mothers in the rural community in other to embrace adequate infant and young child feeding practice in Umuahia South Local Government Area and Abia State in general to improve the nutritional status of children under 2years of age. There is also need to increase the knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) of mothers in the rural areas of the State through health information ,education and communication (IEC) and follow-up activities in the communities will be of great importance to sustain the effort of the health facilities and recruitment of more health workers in rural areas to educate mothers on the need for proper practice of infant and young child feeding, there is also need for further studies in the LGAs and the State at large.
Open Access
Comparative analysis of IPR models for oil & gas well optimization using production performance software (PERFORM) for steady state horizontal wells
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Nwude, Afam Anthony
In this work an investigation of the formulations and solution methods for the following optimization problem was done. Determination of the optimal production rates, lift gas rates, and well connections to maximize daily operational objectives subject to multiple flow rates and pressure constraints.The main materials used in this research are presented as software platforms. IHS PERFORM Ver 500 simulator was used to generate PI, determine Inflow and Vertical Lift Performance of the case study well at varying well pressure and flow rates (first on natural flow without artificial lift installed). Microsoft Excel package was used for Economic Analysis to determine the profitability of PERFORM when compared with other software tool such as Petex-Prosper, or with no software tool used. All of the optimization problems are solved using derivative-free optimization based on a constrained well Performance Analysis, PERFORM. General descriptions of the software simulations were provided in the work. Results of the sensitivity analysis on the hypothetical case using the IPR Models for horizontal gas wells provided the effect on pressure and liquid drop out.This method is very efficient. However, it may lead to bad solutions when the flow interactions among wells are significant.
Open Access
Modeling the effects of brewery effluents on surface water: A case study of Ajalliowa River in Enugu State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Imo, Chimezie Iwunna
This study modelled the effect of brewery effluents on surface water taking Ajalliowa River in Enugu state as a case study. This predictive model, obtained using least square method, was combined with laboratory analysis to determine the changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the river before and after the pollution, the distribution effects in time and space were also put into consideration. Water samples were collected in duplicate, using 1 litres kegs as sampling bottles and small plastic bottles of 50ml, from several points along the river body, namely: 50m upstream, effluent discharge from the brewery, the discharge point, 50m downstream, 100m downstream and 150m downstream. Prior to sample collection, all the sampling bottles were washed thoroughly, sun-dried and rinsed with the same water to be collected. The sampling bottles were labelled with dates and collection site. Grab samples werecollected repeatedly. Until analysis, the collected water samples were kept in a cool container and was preserved for various analysis by addition of 1.0 ml of concentrated nitric acid. The predictive model showed a very high correlation coefficient for some of the important parameters while some are not adequately predicted. The pH model gave the highest correlation coefficient with a very low standard of estimate. Also, for each of the sampling points, high correlation coefficients were observed. With the model showing high correlation coefficient between the experimental and simulated results, this thus indicate clearly that this model is suitable for the prediction and estimation of the major physico-chemical characteristics of the river. There is however room for improvement, which can be achieved by adopting pactorial modelling methodology.
Open Access
Modeling monthly relative humidity for evapotranspiration in Ohaji- Egbema, Imo State and Aninri, Enugu State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Iwuchukwu, Emmanuel Ikechukwu
Monthly Relative humidity (RH) models for Enugu and Imo States were developed using statistical analysis (SPSS) based on stepwise method. In this study, the independent variables: sunshine hours, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, rainfall and vapour pressure and the dependent variable (monthly relative humidity) were obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for the years 1991 to 2010. The data for 1991 – 2007 were used to develop the models. High coefficients of determination R2 = 0.845 and 0.753 for estimating monthly relative humidity for Enugu and Imo respectively were obtained during model building. The developed models were used to predict a monthly relative humidity value for the remaining three years using data obtained from NIMET from 2008-2010 that was not used in building the model. It was observed that the Imo model predicted fairly accurate, judging from the low percentage error in year 2008 got from the monthly RH that was not used in building the model; (ranging from 0.46 to 45.94) but for 2009 and 2010, the percentage errors were fairly higher than that predicted for year 2008 whereas that of the Enugu model predicted fairly accurate, judging from the low percentage error in year 2008 got from the monthly RH not used in building the model;(ranging from 0.59 to 32.42) and also for 2009 and 2010, the percentage errors were fairly accurate as that predicted for year 2008. Thus the smaller the percentage error values between measured and predicted results, the better the model developed. Blaney-Morin Nigeria(BMN) model was used as a test case because it dealt with Evapotranspiration estimation in Nigeria. By applying the two models into equation 1.1, The error margin for RH model for Enugu state used in Blaney Morin-Nigeria(BMN) gave 0.0295 – 0.1864 whereas the error margin for RH model for Imo state used in BMN gave 0.0312 – 0.1322. By applying the developed monthly relative humidity in BMN model to estimate the monthly evapotranspiration from 1991 to 2010 gave a high significant difference. These results are clear evidence of the test of goodness of fit of the models between predicted and measured parameters for monthly relative humidity for Imo and Enugu states using BMN.
Open Access
Effect of manure sources and propagule node number on the productivity of orange-fleshed sweet potato (ipomoea batatas l) in Owerri, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Nwankwo, Uchenna MaryJane
The effects of Manure sources and propagule node number on the productivity of orange fleshed sweet potato (king-J) was investigated at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Owerri Nigeria in 2016 and 2017 planting seasons respectively. Three (3) vine nodes: 2, 4 and 6 as well as three (3) sources of manure: 0 (control), poultry manure 10 t ha-1and NPK 15:15:15 400 kg ha-1 respectively were combined in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) giving a total of 9 treatment combinations replicated 3 times and it gave 27 treatment plots. Data on soil at the beginning and at the end of each of the experiments were collected and analyzed. Data on the growth and yield parameters of sweet potato were also collected and statistically analyzed using Genstart software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of probability was used to test treatment effect. The result showed that the study site was slightly acidic (PH 4.99 and 5.19) and low in nitrogen (0.13 and 0.12) in 2016 and 2017. At the end of the experiment the acidity was raised from 4.99 to 5.72, and 5.19 to 6.22 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Result of the investigation revealed that manure sources were statistically significant on sweet potato vine length, branch formation, leaf production, leafspot and bacterial blight disease severity as well as yield in kg ha-1 at 5% probability level in 2016 and 2017 planting seasons respectively. Propagule with 4 nodes applied with 400kg ha-1 NPK had the longest vines 100.40cm and 109.40cm, the highest number of leaves 104,30, 134.90, number of branches 9.00, 12.00, as well as lowest leaf spot and bacteria blight disease severity 1.15, 1.48; 1.19, 1.49 in 2016 and 2017 planting season respectively. However interaction of propagule with 4 nodes and 10 t ha-1 poultry manure produced the highest total fresh tuber yield 29.79 t ha-1 and 38.79 t ha-1 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Sweet potato production is a good and profitable enterprise. For successful sweet potato production in Owerri Nigeria, the following recommended practices are made; Farmers can adopt the use of propagule with 4 nodes for high growth and yield of sweet potato. However further studies is recommended.