School of Biological Sciences

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.futo.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14562/1238

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 34

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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Access
Effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens
(Academic Journals, 2016-04) Ezeji, Ethelbert Uchechukwu; Udebuani, Angela Chika; Okereke, Josephath; Anyadoh-Nwadike, Sylvia; Onwurah, Ikechukwu. N. E.; Obasi, Kalu
The effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens was studied. Seven weeks old pullets with an average weight of 557.5 ± 9.5 g were divided into four groups and fed ad libitum with commercial poultry feeds contaminated with 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04% dichlorvos (w/v). The group without dichlorvos served as the control. Exposure to dichlorvos was continued until nine weeks after the hens started laying eggs. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in feed intake between the control group and those exposed to dichlorvos. Egg laying was delayed in the hens exposed to the pesticide by as much as eighteen weeks. The ages of the hens at first egg lay were 18 weeks for the control, 23 weeks for hens fed on 0.01 and 0.02% contaminated diet and 36 weeks for those fed on 0.04% contaminated diet. The average daily egg production was reduced from 5 eggs in the control group to 1 egg in 0.04% contaminated group. The protein contents of the egg (yolk and egg-white) and cholesterol level of the egg yolk were lowered in birds exposed to dichlorvos. There was no significant difference in the weight of eggs between the control and those exposed to pesticide. Results of this study suggest that exposure of laying hens to dichlorvos could affect their reproductive success.
Open Access
Effect of dichlorvos on the fertility of adult male albino rats
(Science Publication, 2015) Ezeji, Ethelbert Uchechukwu; Ogueri, Oluchi Dominica; Udebuani, Angela Chika; Okereke, Josephath N; Obasi, Kalu O
Continuous use of pesticides could have adverse effects on the reproductive functions of humans and non-target organisms. This study was carried out to examine the effect of dichlorvos on the reproductive parameters of adult male albino rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar albino rats weighing between 130 – 225g were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Three groups were given water contaminated with 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05% dichlorvos (DDVP) respectively. The control group was given distilled water without dichlorvos. All the animals were maintained on commercial animal feed (growers mash) throughout the period of the experiment which lasted for 28 days. There were significant reductions (p<0.05) in testosterone levels in rats exposed to dichlorvos. Testicular weight (testis and epididymis) and sperm count were significantly lowered in rats exposed to dichlorvos. Histological examination of the testes revealed levels of distortions in the cells of the seminiferous tubules as well as hypertrophy of the spermatogonia cells. These results show that dichlorvos has adverse effects in the reproductive functions of male albino rats.
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.
Open Access
Physico-chemical and bacteriological assessement of Oyibo River in Ehime Mbano, Imo State
(U. P., 2015) Okereke, J. N.; Okanume, J. N.; Okereke, C. B. N.
The physico-chemical and bacteriological assessement of Oyibo river, Ehime Mbano, was carried out between 2011 and 2012. Considering the communities that make use of this river for different purposes, water samples were collected from four different sampling points along the river and subjected to physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses. Pour plate method was adopted to determine total heterotrophic bacteria, and membrane filtration technique, for total coliforms and E. coli counts. Standard procedures for water analysis by APHA were adopted for the determination of physical and chemical parameters. Atomic Absorption Spectrophptometer (AAS) was used to analyze for heavy metals. The average values of total heterotrophic bacteria were 5.8 x 103 cfu/ml and 1.51 x 103 cfu/ml for rainy and dry seasons respectively. Average values for total coliforms and E. coli counts were 33.75 cfu/100ml and 6 cfu/100ml for rainy season, and 17.38 cfu/100ml and 4 cfu/100ml for dry season. Bacterial isolates included E. coli, Salmonella spp, Lactobacilli spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Proteus spp, and Pseudomonas spp. In all the water samples, the pH values ranged from 6.04– 6.52. Average values of total hardness for rainy and dry seasons were 5.90mg/l and 5. 43mg/l respectively. The concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, chloride, and sulphate ranged from 0.00 16.40mg/l; 0.01– 1.24mg/l; 0.13– 0.35mg/l; 0.00– 15.95mg/l respectively. Average COD, BOD and DO values were 5.63mg/l, 2.07mg/l, and 3.17mg/l in dry season, and 9.24mg/l, 1.77mg/l, and 4.26mg/l in rainy season. The values of heavy metals during the rains were within the range of 0.0008ppm– 1.5605ppm, but 0.0001ppm– 0.0339ppm, in dry season. There were no significant differences in some bacteriological and chemical properties with season, but the physical parameters such as depth, flow rate, pH, and turbidity were, at p ˂ 0.05. The study revealed that Oyibo River is not safe for drinking (inasmuch as it serves as source of drinking water for some communities), unless subjected to appropriate treatment.
Open Access
Possible health implications associated with cosmetics: A review
(Science Publishing Group, 2015) Okereke, J. N.; Udebuani, A. C.; Ezeji, E. U.; Obasi, K. O.; Nnoli, M. C.
Cosmetics are products applied to the body or face to improve appearance. They cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness and alter the appearance of the body. The concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. Assorted beauty products such as skincare products, hair products, fragrances, oral hygiene, and nail products, which may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to health are used especially by women. Most cosmetic products contain hazardous chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Talcum, Parabens, Coal tar dye, Phthalates, Fragrance, Mineral oil, Triethanolamine and some heavy metals eg, Lead, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium, and Mercury. The bioaccumulation of these harmful chemicals and metals in the body over time has been associated with cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, ageing, skin disease and reaction, allergies, and damage of nails. The deleterious chemicals and metals can enter into the body by inhalation of perfumes, deodorant, nail polish, scented powder, etc; by absorption through penetration of harmful chemicals from body creams, moisturizers, cleanser, eye shadow, etc. It can also be by ingestion of chemicals and metals in lip sticks, lip balm, lip gloss, etc. through the mouth.
Open Access
Environmental and health impact of industrial wastewater effluents in Nigeria - A review
(U. P., 2016) Okereke, J. N; Ogodi, O. I.; Obasi, K. O.
Wastewater effluents from industries particularly in developing countries like Nigeria are in most cases discharged into the adjoining environment; water bodies being mostly affected. Some of these wastewater effluents are untreated or inadequately treated before being discharged, which has become a worrisome phenomenon due to its impact on environmental health and safety. This paper is aimed at reviewing the environmental and health impacts of untreated or inadequately treated industrial wastewater effluents. The quality of wastewater effluents is responsible for the degradation of the receiving water bodies. This is because untreated or inadequately treated wastewater effluents may lead to eutrophication of the receiving water bodies and also create environmental conditions that favor proliferation of water-borne pathogens or toxin-producing cyanobacteria. In extension, recreational water users coming into contact with the infected water are at risk. Although various microorganisms play many beneficial roles in wastewater systems, a great number of them are considered to be critical factors in contributing to numerous water-borne diseases outbreak. Also, wastewater effluents have been shown to contain a variety of anthropogenic compounds, many of which have endocrine-disrupting properties. Since large amounts of wastewater effluents are passed through sewage treatment systems on a daily basis, there is a need to remedy and diminish the overall impacts of these effluents in receiving water bodies. In order to comply with wastewater legislations and guidelines, there is a need for adequate treatment before discharge. This can be achieved through the application of appropriate treatment processes, which will help to minimize the risks to public health and the environment. To achieve reduced discharge of wastewater into receiving water bodies, careful planning, adequate and suitable treatment, regular monitoring and appropriate legislations are necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Access
Potentials of consortium of banana, orange and potato peels as bio-sorbents in the purification of paint industrial wastewater
(Elixir, 2019) Ogidi, O. I.; Okereke, J. N.; Anyalogbu, E. A.
The research aimed at evaluating the potentials of consortium of banana, orange and potato peels as bio-sorbents in the purification of paint industrial wastewater, using column adsorption technique. The experimental conditions observed were pH 4 and 8 and adsorbent doses 1 g and 2 g. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometric method was adopted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the wastewater samples. Results showed that the consortium were effective in the removal of COD, BOD, total solid, colour, turbidity, nitrate, chloride, copper and cadmium while the values of lead, sulphate and phosphate was observed a noticeable increase on the treated wastewater samples. The best experimental conditions according to the adsorption capacity were pH 4 and 1g adsorbent dose. The efficacy of the percentage removal for heavy metal and inorganic anions in the wastewater samples after treatment were in this order: Cl- ˂ Cd˂ NO3– ˂ Cu. It can be deduced that all models can be used reasonably well to describe the behaviour of the adsorption of cadmium, copper, chloride and nitrate. The best model for the column adsorption process was observed to be Yoon – Nelson isotherm model which have the highest correlation coefficient values of the study. The results of this study showed that the agrowastes consortium has the potentials in the treatment of industrial wastewater, which is cost effective, economical and eco-friendly
Open Access
Removal of phenol and selected anions from refinery wastewater using activated carbon from selected agrowastes
(U. P., 2019-11) Okereke, J. N.; Iloegbunam, C. A.
Refinery wastewater was treated with activated carbon from rice husk (ARH) and corn cob (ACC) using batch method. Agrowastes were carbonized at 600oC and chemically activated, using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and used as adsorbents. Titrimetric and spectrophotometeric methods were adopted for the determination of phenol, and some anions (Phosphate, Nitrate – Nitrogen, Sulphate and pH) of refinery wastewater. Readings after treatment with the adsorbents were also recorded and the efficiencies of the adsorbents compared, to ascertain the dose at which purification was best achieved. Initial phenol concentration of 315.9 mg/l was reduced to 159.0±48.0 - 276.5±46.0 mg/l (ARH), 154.7±50,0 - 260.2±53.0 mg/l (ACC) and 132.5±21.0 - 201.9±1.0 mg/l (ARH + ACC). The efficiencies of the activated carbon were of the order: Rice husk + corn cob > rice husk > corn cob, while the corresponding dose efficiencies was: 15g >10g > 5g. The highest adsorption efficiency observed for anions were COD (49.15% by corn cob), BOD, (49.4% by corn cob), phosphate, (68.18% by Rice husk + corn cob), nitrate (70.68% by rice husk) and sulphate (56.68% by corn cob). Efficiency removal was in this order: Rice husk + corn cob > corn cob > rice husk and 15g >10g > 5g for the dosage. There was significant difference (p≤0.05) between the untreated and the treated refinery wastewater samples and a significant difference also exists between the adsorbents. Findings herein showed that activated rice husks and corn cobs are effective in adsorbing phenol and selected anions in refinery wastewater
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 ethanol
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 populace
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.