African
Journals Online
Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management
VOLUME 6 NUMBER 2, 2002
The
metaphysical and epic rise of the scientific method (from the chaos
and ashes
of superstition and religious dogmatism) (Scientific Method I)
Chinwah,
U H
Department
of Physics, Rivers State University of Science and Technology,
Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
ABSTRACT:
This
paper has attempted to sketch the rather shaky beginnings of the
metaphysical and epic rise of the "Scientific Method" as it
emerges from the midst of superstition and the labyrinths of
unbelieving dogmatic authoritarianism of the religious mode into the
sunlit skies of logic, coherence and purposeful (systematic)
development and power. This rise is traced from its early beginnings
in the philosophical musings of the Pre-Socratics, through the
intuitive and pragmatic thoughts of Francis Bacon, and the illumining
starting point to the present. @JASEM
Blocking
actions of the sea anemone, Bunodosoma cavernata extract on
Histamine and Acetylcholine induced contractile actions of the wild
grass cutter and rabbit Ilea
Konya,
R S
Department
of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, Port
Harcourt, Rivers Stat, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT:
Extract
from the sea anemone, Bunodosoma cavernata was prepared by
homogenizing 100 of the sea anemones in 300ml of 0.9% saline in a
Moulinex blender. This was centrifuged at 4000 revolutions per minute
for 10 minutes. The supernatant was re – centrifuged to obtain the
crude extract. The extract (1ml/l) was found to elicit long lasting
contractions on the ilea of wild rabbit and grass cutter. It was also
found to block acetylcholine (ACh) – induced contractions of the
ileum of grass cutter (90 + 6.2% inhibition + SEM) and
the contractile action induced by ACh (0.2mg
and 0.4mg)
(89 + 5.8% inhibition + SEM) and histamine (0.075mg
and 0.15mg)
on the rabbit ileum (80 + 4.6% inhibition + SEM) . The
antagonism by the extract was non – selective. © JASEM
Seasonal
effect on the bacterial and fungal population of an oilfield waste
water-polluted soil in Nigeria
Obire,
O; Wemedo.S A
Department
of Biological Sciences, Rivers State University of Science &
Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt
ABSTRACT:
Seasonal
effect on the bacterial and fungal populations of an oilfield
wastewater – polluted soil was investigated for a period of 12
months. Many bacterial and fungal species were present in the soil and
the wastewater of the area investigated. Some of the organisms
occurred in both the soil and oilfield wastewater while others
occurred only in the soil. Eighteen (18) organisms were isolated; 4
species (2 bacteria and 2 fungi) occurred in all the seasons whereas
the other organisms occurred in at least one season. This showed that
different seasons selectively favour the growth of certain microbial
types. The chemical analysis of the oilfield wastewater revealed the
presence of inorganic components and oil residues in the wastewater.
The microbial counts of the polluted soil when compared to the control
samples in all the locations did not reveal a clear seasonal-pollutant
effect on the microbial densities. However, fungal counts showed
somewhat seasonal-pollutant effect in two locations. The chemical
constituents of the wastewater are relatively of low toxicity and
hence had no toxic effects on the soil microbial population. Seasonal
variations show that the drier seasons supported large active
population and wetter season had smaller population of microbial
densities. However, seasonal influence was more pronounced on the
fungi than on the bacteria. @JASEM
Determination
of the levels of some heavy metals in urban run-off sediments in
Ilorin and Lagos, Nigeria
Adekola,
F A; Eletta O A; Atanda,S A
Department
of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
ABSTRACT:
The
concentration of zinc, cadmium, lead and iron in run-off water
sediments on paved roads in Ilorin and Lagos areas of Nigeria were
determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique Zinc,
iron and cadmium were found in very concentration in the Urban
sediment from these cities whilst for most of the locations, lead was
found to be below the detection level. Iron has the highest mean
concentration while lead had the lowest level. A significant
correlation was obtained between iron and zinc in Lagos (r =0.8820)
and in Ilorin (r = 09937) at 95% probability level. These results
suggest a probable common source for iron and zinc. The average
concentrations of iron and lead were higher in Lagos than in Ilorin.@
JASEM
The
growth and survival of Clarias anguillaris fingerlings fed on
various lipid sources
Okoye,
F C, Eyo, A A
National
Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, P.M.B. 6006, New Bussa,
Niger State.
ABSTRACT:
An
experiment was conducted over 56 days to determine the effects of shea
butter oil, parklard and palm oil on weight gain, food conversion
ratio and survival of Clarias anguillaris fingerlings (mean
weight of 1.28g). The results indicate that there was a significant
difference (P<0.05) in the growth of the fingerlings fed with
various lipid sources but no statistical difference (P>0.05) was
observed in the survival. The fingerlings fed with shea butter oil
showed the best mean weight gain and food conversion ratio (3.85g),
while those fed with diet containing no lipid had the least growth
performance. This clearly shows the importance of lipids in fish diet.
@JASEM
Comparative
properties of ceramic-based roofing sheets from local raw materials
synthetic products after heat treatment
Chukwuocha,
E; Owate, I O
Materials
Science Group, Department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, PMB
5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
ABSTRACT:
Ceramic
roofing sheets were fabricated in the laboratory by using ideal raw
materials. The fabricating materials are coiled coconut fibre, palm
fruit fibre, fresh water, river sand, polymeric dust, saw dust and
cement. The resulting product was compared with factory -produced
ceramic-based roofing sheets that are easily available in the Nigerian
market. Both materials were of similar compositions except the mode of
introduced polymeric materials. Samples of both materials were
characterized in terms of rate of water absorption, density and
breaking load. The properties of the materials show that the
introduction of the polymeric dust at the fabrication stage and
heat-treatment within the polymeric organic solution tremendously
improved the quality of the ceramic-based roofing sheets. There was no
significant difference on the quality of both samples. However, the
total cost of production for the heat-treated finished production was
relatively higher than the samples that were directly fabricated with
polymeric dust as the dopant. @ JASEM
Effect
of lethal and sub-lethal concentrations of tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum)
leaf dust extract on weight and hematological changes in Clarias
gariepinus (Burchell)
Omoniyi,
I.; Agbon, A O; Sodunke, S A
Department
of Aquaculture & Fisheries Management University of Agriculture,
P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT:
Lethal
and sub-lethal bioassays on Clarias gariepinus were conducted
to evaluate the toxicity of tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum)
leaf dust on weight gain and haematological indices of Clarias
gariepinus (mean weight 10.5±0.70g) in glass aquaria
with aeration system. The concentrations used during the lethal
exposure are: 2.00, 1.00, 0.50, 0.25g/l and a control (0.00g/l); while
the concentrations of the toxicant used during the 21–days
sub-lethal exposure were 0.30, 0.15, 0.10, 0.05g/l and a control
(0.00g/l). The 48-h LC50 estimated by probit analysis
during acute exposure was found to be 626.0 mg/l. The results obtained
from the sub-lethal exposure showed that there was a progressive
decrease in weight of fish as the concentration of the toxicant
increased. Also, haematological indices indicated that the fish became
anaemic and the severity of this condition was directly proportional
to the tobacco dust concentrations. @ JASEM
Sensory
evaluation and proximate analysis of African yam bean (Sphenostylis
stenocarpa Harms) moimoi
Frank-Peterside,
N; Dosumu, D O; Njoku, H O
Department
of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt,
P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Rivers State
ABSTRACT:
A
moimoi-like dish, similar to the very popular steamed cowpea dish, was
produced from the African Yam Bean (AYB). The AYB moimoi was compared
with cowpea and soybean moimoi by a panel of eight (8) judges. The
samples were compared for taste, colour, aroma texture and overall
acceptability. For texture, aroma and overall acceptability, cowpea
moimoi ranked highest followed by AYB moimoi and lastly soybean
moimoi. Colour wise, AYB moimoi was preferred over cowpea moimoi
followed by soybean moimoi. Texture wise, AYB and cowpea were scored
equally followed by soybean moimoi. Proximate analysis of the product
revealed total carbohydrate content of 40.8%, crude protein 18.4%,
Ash, 7.1%, crude fibre 8.3%, crude fat 25.4% and moisture content,
20%. @ JASEM
Culture
characteristics of Candida sp in waste conversion: implications
for single-cell- protein-enriched feed supplement production
Adoki,
A
Institute
of Pollution Studies, Rivers State University of Science &
Technology, P. M. B. 5080 Port Harcourt
ABSTRACT:
A
strain of Candida sp. was isolated from ripe banana pulp during
the preliminary phase of a process for the production of a
protein-enriched feed supplement. Morphological and biochemical tests
demonstrated that the strain, which was bipolar and elongated, was not
capable of growth at 37ºC but grew at room temperature only on
dextrose and fructose and was able to supply its amino acid
requirements in culture. The efficiency of conversion of readily
utilizable carbon sources in fruit wastes used for feed supplement
production by the test strain was also studied. Results obtained
showed that reducing sugars were most readily utilized compared to
other soluble carbohydrates. Conversion efficiencies were high and
averaged about 75% in unsupplemented substrates. Supplementation with
organic carbon and inorganic nitrogen compounds resulted in greatly
increased biomass yields. @JASEM
Photo-oxidation
of 2-Methyl-1-phenylcyclohexene
Fekarurhobo
,G K, Obomanu, F G
Department
of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology,
P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt.
ABSTRACT:
The
reaction mechanism of photo-oxidation of 2-methyl-1-phenylcyclohexane
was studied. Singlet oxygen (1O2) reacted with
2-methyl-1-phenylcyclohexene (1) in the ‘ene’ mode only. The
products of the reaction were isolated and identified as
2-methylene-1-phenylcyclohexyl hydroperoxide (20.7%) and
1-methyl-2-phenylcyclohex-2-enyl hydroperoxide (22.6%). A mixture of
the two hydroperoxides (39.8%) was also isolated. @ JASEM
Variation
in oil composition of Thevetia peruviana Juss ‘Yellow
Oleander’
fruit
seeds
Ibiyemi1,
S A; Fadipe, V O; Akinremi1, O O; Bako2, S S
1Chemistry
Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
2Chemistry
Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
ABSTRACT:
Thevetia
peruviana
J ‘Yellow Oleander’ is a potential oil seed (63% oil) and good
alternative protein source (37%) for livestock feeds. The plant
remains an ornamental plant because of the high level of toxins in the
seeds. Thevetia peruviana, a tropical oil-seed plant can be
grouped into four varieties based on the number of kernels per fruits;
two varieties based on the colour of the flower and three varieties
based on the geographical locations. The two-seed variety is the
richest in oil (63%); examinations of the oils for variations based on
the geographical location show that plants growing in the middle
region of Nigeria have the best oil properties. The fatty acid
composition of purple colored flowers is slightly higher in
unsaturated fatty acids; and oils from seeds of the driest zone was
higher in level of total unsaturation of the oil (62.7%). @JASEM
The
growth pattern of infants (0 - 12 months) in a rural area of
Rivers
State, Nigeria
Ofuya,
Z M; Iwuji, S C
Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT:
The
growth pattern of two hundred and fifty infants attending the
University of Port Harcourt, Primary Health Care Centre, Aluu was
studied. Infant’s aged 0 – 4 months had a growth curve similar to
that of National Centre for Health Statistics 50th centile
standard. After this age, the growth pattern fell below the 50th
centile of the aforementioned standard. The decline in growth was more
pronounced during the weaning period. Most of the infants were found
to be short in height. @JASEM
Bacterial
Community of leachate from a waste-dump and an adjacent stream
Obire,
O; Aguda, M
Department
Of Biological Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and
Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
ABSTRACT:
A
total of 48 water samples collected from raw leachate and an adjacent
stream were examined for temperature, pH and for the frequency of
occurrence of bacterial isolates. The mean temperature values of the
leachate ranged from 24.8oC to 28.3oC while
values for the stations of the stream ranged from 23.2oC to
25.5oC. The mean pH values of the leachate ranged from pH
6.3 to 7.2 and pH values for the stream ranged from pH 6.7 to 7.9. The
mean total viable aerobic heterotrophic bacterial counts for the
leachate and stream ranged from, 2.5 x 106 CFU/ml to 6.5 x
106 CFU/ml and from 1.2 x 106 CFU/ml to 1.20 x
107 CFU/ml respectively. The bacteria with their frequency
of isolation from the leachate and stream during the investigation
are; Bacillus (26.08%), Citrobacter (4.35%), Enterobacter
(4.35%), E. coli (4.35%), Klebsiella (4.35%), Nieseria
(4.35%), Pseudomonas (4.35%), Shigella (4.35%), Staphylococcus
(13.04%), Streptococcus (26.08%) and Vibrio (4.35%).
However, this frequency of isolation is quite different from their
frequency of isolation from each station. Only Bacillus sp
occurred in the leachate and all the stations of the stream. Staphylococcus
and Streptococcus sp occurred in the leachate and some
stations of the stream. Klebsiella and Shigella occurred
only in the leachate while Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli,
Neiseria, Pseudomonas and Vibrio species occurred only in
some stations of the stream. Statistical analysis using ANOVA (F-test)
showed that there is no significant difference at 5% level among the
bacterial counts (population) of the raw leachate and the stations of
the stream. @ JASEM
Nutritive
values of fruits and seeds usually eaten raw in Nigeria
Akaninwor,
J O; Arachie, S N
Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, PMB
5323, Port Harcourt.
ABSTRACT:
The
nutritive values of some fruits and seeds usually eaten raw in Nigeria
have been studied. These include avocado pear (Persea amaricana),
pawpaw (Garcine papaya), Banana (Musa sapietum), Coconut
(Cosos nucifera), Bitter Kola (Garcine kola), Black
tamarind (Dalilium guineensis), Mango (Mangifera indica)
and Garden egg (Solanum melongena). The fruits showed
appreciable amounts of moisture; pawpaw (80 .24) ± 4 .20%), garden
egg (73 .46 ± 3 .15%), banana (68 .84 ± 3 14%) and avocado pear (66
.36 ± 3.20) in decreasing content. Only avocado and coconut had high
fat content with values of 30.27 ± 1.20% and 18.05 ± 2.50%
respectively on a dry weight basis. The protein content of all the
fruits and seeds were not high; the highest value of 3.00 ± 0.21% was
obtained for coconut. Appreciable amounts of calcium and vitamins C
(13.80 ± 210% and 7.19 ± 0 .14 %) respectively have been obtained
from fruit some of the seeds. The carbohydrate content (expressed as
glucose) of the fruits and seeds also gave values ranging from 2.97 ±
0.02% to 4.00 ± 0.10%. The results show that thee fruits and seeds
eaten raw are good sources of essential nutrients particularly Vitamin
C which is destroyed by high temperature during preparation. @
JASEM
Impact
of environmental conditions on sub-surface storage tanks (Part I)
Owate,
I O; Ezi, C W I; Avwiri, G
Department
Of Physics, Environmental Physics Group, University Of Port Harcourt,
Port Harcourt. Nigeria.
ABSTRACT:
The
present investigation concentrates on the effects of environmental
changes upon sub-surface storage tanks that are frequently used in the
Niger Delta region and other parts of Nigeria for petroleum products.
The research is part one of a long-term study that aims at the
determination of corrosion rates of the under ground tanks within the
Port Harcourt Municipality. Cast iron made storage tanks with gasoline
fluid were buried under the soil at a depth of 4 m under various
environment conditions. The simulated conditions include natural rain
fail, temperature and acidic, alkaline and neutral soils. A control
condition of neutral sea sand as base and filling materials were also
investigated. After various exposure periods, the densities of the
storage tanks, composition of soil, soil pH, corrosion rates and soil
resistivities were determined. The experiments were repeated after
every six months. Within the last three years, it has been observed
that the corrosion rates of the tanks covered with cellophane
materials were relatively less than those tanks that were buried
directly within the soil except that of the control experiment. In
addition the corrosion rates of tanks buried within the acidic
environment were more than those buried within the alkaline and
neutral soil conditions. Also, it was interestingly observed that the
corrosion rates were generally and initially very rapid during the
first year of the work, and decreased with time. Equally the water
content of the soil was low. The soil resistivity increased relatively
to the control sample site (G). @ JASEM
Sulphide
and carbon (IV) oxide corrosion in oil exploration and exploitation
operations
Dosunmu,
A; Echendu, K C
Department
of Petroleum Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323,
Nigeria
ABSTRACT:
This
is an attempt to determine the susceptibility of carbon IV oxide (CO2)
and Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) corrosion of three different
materials, namely; Type (316) Austenite Stainless Steel, Mild Steel
and Conventional drill-pipe in sour environment -(H2S/mud
medium and CO2/mud medium). The weight loss method was
used. Results of the experiment showed that mild steel material was
the most susceptible material to corrosion in the environment while
Type (316) Stainless Steel material exhibited the best performance of
all the materials. The result of this study can be used in the design
of crude/product flow lines in the refining and producing operations. @JASEM
Studies
on the use of agricultural by-product for the removal of trace metals
from aqueous solutions
Abia,
A. A; Horsfall, M Jnr; Didi, O
Department
of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt,
Uniport P.O. Box 402, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT:
The
use of pure activated and differentially thiolated cassava waste
biomass as adsorbents for the removal of metal ions such as cadmium,
copper, and zinc in aqueous solutions were studied by means of
equilibrium sorption. The sorption rates of the three metals are
0.2303 min-1 (Cd2+), 0.0051 min-1 (Cu2+)
and 0.0040 min-1 (Zn2+) for 0.5M thiolation
level and 0.109 min-1 (Cd2+), 0.0069 min-1
(Cu2+) and 0.0367 min-1 (Zn2+) for
1.00M thiolation level respectively. The adsorption rates are quite
rapid and within 60 minutes of mixing about 60 - 80 percent of these
ions were removed from the solutions by the biomass. The results
further showed that increased thiolation led to increased
incorporation or availability of more binding groups into the
cellulosic matrix, resulting in improved adsorptivity of the cassava
waste biomass. The binding capacity study showed that the cassava
waste, which is hitherto a serious environmental nuisance due to the
fouling odour, released during decomposition has the ability to adsorb
trace metals from solutions. @JASEM
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