scholarly journals Evaluation of Morphological Properties of Avenue Tree Species and Concentrations of Pollutants Under and Outside Their Canopies in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Uzoma Darlington Chima ◽  
Miriam Ugochi Opara
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Morphological Attributes ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tree Canopies ◽  
Rivers State

We evaluated the morphological attributes of three major avenue tree species (Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea and Terminalia mantaly) and the concentrations of pollutants under and outside their canopies at four locations reflecting different levels of anthropogenic activities that contribute to pollution, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The sites are: Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Agbada (II) Flow Station, Aluu; LNG Seaport (LNG), Trans-Amadi; Isaac Boro Park (IBP), Mile 1; and Rivers State University (RSU), Nkporlu. Three trees belonging to each of the three species were randomly selected at each site and measurements of their total height (THT), diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter (CD), and basal area (BA), were taken. Concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM) under and 50 m outside their canopies, were also measured. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in tree attributes and the concentrations of pollutants under canopies of each tree species among sites, while t-test was used to test for significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the concentrations of the pollutants under and 50 m outside tree canopies at each site. THT, DBH, CD and BA of the three tree species varied significantly at the four sites with highest and lowest mean values recorded for RSU and LNG, respectively, except for D. regia where DBH and BA were highest and lowest at IBP and LNG, respectively. The concentration of pollutants under tree canopies at different sites did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) in most cases (except PM) despite the significant differences in tree growth/morphological attributes. There was no significant difference between the concentrations of pollutants under and 50 m outside tree canopies in all the sites. Higher concentrations of CO and PM were recorded under trees at LNG Seaport while NO2, SO2 and CH4 were higher under trees at SPDC, indicating that the level of pollutants at each site reflected the nature of the activities associated with the sites and not differences in tree morphological attributes. However, concentrations of the pollutants, except CH4, were below recommended exposure limits under and outside tree canopies, at all the locations.

scholarly journals Malaria Infection and Efficacy of Antimalarials among Persons Patronizing Drugstores for Malaria Treatment in Port Harcourt

2020 ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
E. L. Augustine–D ’israel ◽  
A. E. Abah ◽  
E. O. Onosakponome
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
And Control ◽  
Effective Case

Background: Monitoring of malaria infection and antimalarial drug efficacy is necessary for effective case management, detection of resistance and control of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess malaria infection and the efficacy of antimalarials among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Whole blood was randomly collected from individuals visiting 24 drug stores for malaria treatment in three different locations in Port Harcourt and analysed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of 22.8% was recorded out of 633 participants for (P. falciparum) malaria. Infection was highest in Mile IV (Rumueme) 30.8% followed by Rumuosi, 23.1% and the least was D/Line area, 14.5% out of 221 participants per location respectively. The incidence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the intensity of malaria parasite infection in the study areas. Seven types of drugs were purchased to treat perceived malaria. 177 (26.7%) participants purchased coatem, 187 (28.3%) purchased Lonart. The others were Lumartem 133 (20.1%), P.alaxin 83 (12.5%), Amarla by 19 (2.9%) and artesunate by 57 (8.6%). All the antimalarial were purchased by those that tested positive. The most purchased drug was Lonart 11 (34.37%), Lumartem 25 (36.8%) and Malareich 19 (31.3%) in D/Line, Mile IV and Rumuosi cluster areas respectively. There was a significant difference in the antimalarials purchased. Result of Follow up test shows that only 59.6% returned to be tested and they all tested negative. Conclusion: Malaria preponderance was high among studied subjects, ACT was topmost among antimalarials regularly purchased by the individuals. Conformity to the use of ACT could be said to be impressive though not yet 100%. People who are treated for malaria should be encouraged to undergo a test after treatment for effective case management and detection of resistance.

scholarly journals Diversity of Tree Species in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 67-72
Author(s):  
P. C. Nnadi ◽  
B. B. Otene ◽  
Nwiisator David-Sarogoro
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
State University ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Pinus Spp ◽  
Rivers State

This study was carried out to examine the distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations at the Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to examine the Ecological distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations. The specific objective was to determine the species abundance of various plants in the study area and also to examine the ecological diversity of tree species in the various groups. The study area was divided into three groups (stations) with the various plants species identified and recorded. Data gotten from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistic and some ecological indices such as Margalef, Mehinick, Shannon diversity, Shannon Wiener, Evenness/Equitability and Simpson dominance.  A total of one thousand Sixty-nine (1069) individual plant were identified with 16, 17 and 12 species in stations 1-3 respectively. The highest individual plants (561) were observed in station 1 while the least (87) were observed in station 3. The mean values of stations 1 and 2 were significantly and statistically different from site 3 at p<0.05. The results obtained showed some dominant species to include Elaeis guincensis, Polyaithia longifolia, Pinus spp, Gmelina arborea, Wodyetia bifareata, Citrus sinensis, Cocos nuciferia while others were the least dominant species found in the study area. The Margalef, Mehinicks and Shannon Wiener values were consistently highest in station 2 but lowest in station 3.  Human disturbances had negative impact on tree species abundance especially in site 3. It is therefore recommended that management interventions are necessary in other to stop indiscriminate felling of the various trees species that made up the different groups.

scholarly journals The Awareness Level and Perception of Secondary School Physics Teachers towards Nanotechnology in Rivers State

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Avwiri, Eseroghene
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Physics Teachers ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Senior Secondary ◽  
Awareness Level ◽  
Secondary School Physics

This paper adopted a descriptive design to investigate the awareness level and the perception of secondary school Physics teachers towards Nanotechnology in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State. The population of the study was 43 physics teachers comprising of 25 male and 18 female which was used from the 12 public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State. The instrument for the study was a self- made questionnaire titled, Nanotechnology Questionnaire on Awareness and Perception for Teachers (NQAPT) with a reliability of 0.85 obtained using Cronbach Alpha reliability formula. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using the criterion mean of 2.5 and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t- test. The findings revealed that the awareness level of Nanotechnology among teacher was low and their perception towards nanotechnology was positive. There is no significant difference between the awareness level and perception of the concept of Nanotechnology among male and female senior secondary school Physics teachers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more awareness on the concept of Nanotechnology be created among secondary school teachers through symposium and science teaching workshop in order to publicize the benefits of nanotechnology to the society.

scholarly journals Determination of Arsenic Content in Different Brands of Rice Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 437-443
Author(s):  
Waribo, Helen Anthony ◽  
George, Daye Mandy ◽  
Selbut, Selchak Danjuma
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Arsenic Concentration ◽  
Atomic Emission ◽  
Arsenic Content ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Rice Samples ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Mean Concentration

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element seen in the environment and cycled by water has been seen to be a pollutant in soil, water and air. The inorganic form of arsenic is associated with major health problems and cancer mainly arising due to its anthropogenic activities. The content of arsenic was assayed in six rice brands sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The rice samples were ground to powdered forms and subjected to acid digestion before analysis. The Agilent Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES) was used to analyze the digested samples. Results showed mean arsenic concentration in Vico Rice, the highest as 1.0073. This was followed by Local Rice 0.9420, Marori Benz 0.9140, Golden Stallion Rice 0.861 and the Cap Rice 0.8077 while the least mean concentration of arsenic was recorded in African Princess Rice 0.6417, all in mg/kg. The mean concentration was significantly different in the six brands of rice (P<0.05). The arsenic content in the different rice brand was within the tolerable concentration of 1.4 mg/kg as in cereals and vegetables. This concentration did not exceed the Maximum Permissible Limit of 1 mg/kg hence considered safe for consumption except Vico rice with a higher concentration above 1 mg/kg. This shows that rice brands sold in Port Harcourt pose no health risk for consumers with respect to arsenic content.

scholarly journals Impacts Assessment of Coastal Activities on Water Quality of Upper Segment of Qua Iboe River, Akwa Ibom State, South-South, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1217-1222
Author(s):  
U.E. Jonah ◽  
E.S. Iwok ◽  
H.E. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Water Quality Monitoring ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference

A study was carried out at the supper segment of Qua Iboe River from November, 2018 to August, 2019 in four sampling stations to assess the  impacts of coastal activities on water quality. Water samples were collected monthly and analyzed using standard procedures of Associations of Official Analytical Chemist and American Public Health Association. The stations comparisons and location of significant differences were carriedout using ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (LSD) test, while paired sample t-test were employed to compare the seasonal difference. The mean ranged values of water temperature were (25.03 – 25.330C), pH (5.8 –6.6 mg/l), DO(3.11 - 5.45 mg/l), TDS (18.63 – 32.53mg/l), EC  (8.33-13.16􀀁s/cm), Turbidity (7.61 – 18.32 NTU), TSS (90.80 - 165.63 mg/L), NO3 -1(33.02 – 78.33mg/l), P04 3-(4.44 – 7.39mg/l), Cl-(43.60 – 63.21mg/l), COD(35.96 – 113.05mg/l), NH3(0.33 – 0.62 mg/l). Mean values of TSS, EC, TSS, NO3, PO4 3-, NH3 and turbidity were higher in wet season, while water temperature, pH, DO, Cl- and COD values obtained were higher in dry season. Spatial variations in parameters were ascribed to levels of  anthropogenic activities and wastes discharged within the stations; the seasonal variations were emanated from influx of wastes, and dilution as result of surface run-offs during wet season. Based on the findings, the WQI values were poor for human consumption; especially from station 2 to4.These calls for urgent attention by Federal / State Ministry Health and Environment regards to its effects on human health and consistent water quality monitoring should be put into consideration. Keywords: Impact, Assessment, Coastal activities, Water Quality, Qua Iboe River Keywords: Impact, Assessment, Coastal activities, Water Quality, Qua Iboe River

scholarly journals Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Content of Dried Crayfish Sold in Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
H. A. Waribo ◽  
E. S. Bartimaeus ◽  
I. C. Onuoha
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Atomic Emission ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Permissible Limit ◽  
Lead Content ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Rivers State

Heavy metals are elements that contaminate seafood and make them harmful to human health when present in quantities that are higher than the permissible limit. This study was conducted to determine some heavy metals such as lead and mercury contained in dried crayfish gotten from three different locations (Oron, Ataba and Nembe town in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa State respectively) and sold in the Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The dried crayfish samples were purchased randomly from marketers in the market. 5g of the dried crayfish samples with its different organs (Gills, muscle tissues) were ground into powdered form and digested with HNO3  using standard procedures   and analysed for lead and mercury using the micro plasma atomic emission spectrophotometric analyser. The results showed that Lead content in the dried crayfish from Oron, Ataba and Nembe were 0.140 ± 0.014 mg/kg, 0.040 ± 0.014 mg/kg and 0.016 ± 0.002 mg/kg respectively while for Mercury content, Oron crayfish contained 5.136 ± 0.017 mg/kg, Ataba 3.744 ± 0.017 mg/kg and Nembe 3.948 ± 0.023mg/kg. The mean values in the three different crayfish samples were significantly different (p<0.05). This result shows that the lead content present in the dried crayfish are within the permissible limit of 1 mg/kg as indicated by FAO hence safe for consumption purposes with no expected form of toxicity and health implication to consumers whereas for mercury content, the level was found to be above the permissible limit.

scholarly journals Levels of some chemical species in water of boreholes situated near dumpsites in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-211
Author(s):  
Nwoke IB ◽  
Edori ES
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Atomic Absorption ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Government ◽  
Rivers State

The concentration of six chemical species Pb, Cd, As, nitrates, fluorides and sulphates in the groundwater (borehole) samples were investigated in four boreholes sited close to a dumpsite in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nitrates, fluorides and sulphates were analyzed using standard conventional methods while the heavy metals were determined and analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean values obtained for the different chemical species within the months of investigation for the stations were in the range: lead; 0.012±0.001-0.015±0.000mg/L, with an average of 0.013±0.001mg/L within the months, Cd; 0.004±0.002-0.005±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months, As; 0.002±0.001-0.003±0.002mg/L, with an average of 0.003±0.001mg/L within the months, nitrates; 0.413±0.172-0.730±0.691mg/L, with an average of 0.511±0.139mg/L within the months, fluorides; 0.004±0.001-0.006±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months and sulphates; 0.197±0.046-0.338±0.072mg/L, with an average of 0.290±0.055mg/L within the months. These values obtained for the different chemical species showed that the boreholes sited near the dumpsite were still at the level that will not pose any health risk to the user, for their concentrations were still within limits allowed by WHO and USEPA. Even though the government and its agencies should regulate the mode of dumping of refuse and also the siting of boreholes so that the groundwater will not be polluted.

scholarly journals Assessment of Some Physico-Chemical Parameters of Lagos Lagoon, Southwestern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 09-11
Author(s):  
Peter Olaoye Oyeleke ◽  
Samuel Olatunde Popoola ◽  
Olushola Ayoola Abiodun
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lagos Lagoon

The pollution status of Lagos Lagoon was investigated to determine some physical and chemical parameters, in order to further understand its water quality. Five locations were selected according to the anthropogenic activities taking place in the areas. The measured parameters are water temperature, salinity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and alkalinity. The mean values ranged from 28.50-30.15°C for temperature, 7.86-8.50 for pH, ND-10.60‰ for salinity, 0.18-15.20µS/cm for electrical conductivity, 12.00-14.00 mg/l for alkalinity and 1.60-6.40 mg/l for dissolved oxygen. The statistical analysis of the measured physicochemical parameters revealed non-significant difference (p>0.05) across all stations in the physico-chemical parameters. Generally, the values obtained suggest the influence of anthropogenic activities especially the depletion of DO in most of the stations. Therefore, point source and non-point source pollution into the Lagos Lagoon should be controlled for the health and safety of the aquatic ecosystems. Generally, all the measured parameters were either below or within the permissible limits obtainable in the marine environment.

scholarly journals Assessment of Some Haematological, Coagulation and Immune Parameters among Male Oil Refinery Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
Ehiaghe-Shepherd, Bridget Obofoni ◽  
Christian, Serekara Gideon ◽  
Eze, Evelyn Mgbeoma
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Refinery ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some hematological, coagulation and immune parameters among male oil refinery workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Modular Oil Refinery, Rivers State, between January 2021 and September 2021. Methodology: A total of one hundred (100) subjects (50 oil and gas workers as test subjects and 50 non-oil and gas workers as control subjects), were enrolled in the study. The convenient sampling technique was employed in the study. Venous blood samples were collected from all subjects and tested for Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Fibrinogen concentration, Full Blood Count (FBC) (Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Lymphocyte, Neutrophils, monocytes and Platelet Count), CD4 cell count, CD3 cell count and CD8 cell count. Data generated were analyzed statistically using Graph-Pad Prism, Version 8.0.2. Results: There was statistically significant decrease (P<.001) in Prothrombin time (PT) (11.55±0.73s), International Normalized Ratio (INR) (0.85±0.05), Fibrinogen (202.4±27.4mg/dl), Platelet count (185.6±37.1(103/μl)) and Neutrophils (46.6±6.4%) in oil refinery workers exposed to gas flare, while there was a statistical significant increase in APTT (31.8±4.15s), Hb (13.7±1.0g/dl), PCV (41.1±3.2%), Monocytes (8.4±3.0%) in subjects exposed to gas flare over control subjects with Prothrombin time(12.23±0.82s), INR(0.90±0.06), Fibrinogen(252.0±57.0mg/dl), platelet count(213.3±49.5(103/μl)) and Neutrophils(52.6±11.7%). Other parameters showed no statistical significant difference at P<.05 in both test and control subjects. Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on age using Analysis of Variance showed no statistically significant difference in all parameters at P<.05. Also, Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on duration of Exposure using Analysis of Variance showed a significant decrease in CD8 cells as the years of exposure increase (2-5years exposure = 865±319, 6-10years exposure = 579±288, 11-20 years exposure = 591± 286, F- Value = 3.869, P- Value = 0.0278). Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the findings, some haematogical, coagulation and immune parameters increased while others decreased in male oil refinery workers and duration of exposure can also be considered as a risk factor and age was considered not a risk factor as to cause any aberrations in the studied parameters.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Vitamin B₁₂, Folate, Haematological Parameters and Some Reproductive Hormones in Subjects Attending Fertility Centres in Port Harcourt

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
Abiye Chiladi Isomah ◽  
Risikat Oladunni Allison ◽  
Serekara Gideon Christian ◽  
Evelyn Mgbeoma Eze
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
And Control

Background: Vitamin B12 has proven to have effect in fertility because it improves mature oocyte counts and embryo quality in women and helps in sperm quality in men, so it is efficient to carry out vitamin B12 analysis in addition to other hormone profile during routine infertility examination. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin B12, folate, some haematological parameters and some reproductive hormones in men and women attending fertility centres in Port Harcourt. Study Design: This study is a case-control and comparative study, and a random convenient sampling method was employed. A total of two hundred (200) apparently healthy participants within the reproductive age group of 18-44 years attending the fertility clinics of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) Port Harcourt formerly Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH) which is the only State Government owned teaching hospital in Rivers State located at Forces Avenue Port Harcourt and Save a Life Mission Hospital Port Harcourt a private owned fertility hospital located at Stadium Road, Port Harcourt were recruited for this study. Results: The result showed that there was no statistically significant difference in haematological parameters in cases of infertility in the female and male test groups as compared to control groups (p>0.05). The mean ±SD showed non-significant difference of serum folate in the male and female test and control groups of the study (p>0.05). This study however observed Vitamin B12 level to be statistically significantly lower in infertile females when compared with the controls (p=0.0078). There was also a statistically significant difference between the mean values of Vitamin B12 in the male test and control groups of this study (p<0.0001). Prolactin levels in the females showed a significant difference between the test and control group at (p<0.0001), with the mean (± SD) value higher in the test than the control which shows that the infertile female group were mostly having high prolactin levels. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly lower in infertile female group as compared with the control (p<0.0001). In the study carried out on the principal reproductive male hormone testosterone there was a statistically significant difference between the test and control groups (p<0.0001). Conclusion: There was a significant fall in vitamin B12 alongside predominant fertility hormones like testosterone in the infertile male subjects. There was also significant reduction in the serum concentration of vitamin B12 with a corresponding fall in serum concentration of fertility hormones like; luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the infertile females and a significant rise in the concentration of the female prolactin level. Therefore, Vitamin B12 should be included in the evaluation of infertility either primary or secondary alongside other vital conventional parameters usually considered in infertility cases.

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