College of Environmental Resources Management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.funaab.edu.ng/handle/123456789/254

Browse

Browsing College of Environmental Resources Management by Issue Date

Filter results by year or month
Now showing 1 - 20 of 51
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    SEASG LITYMDVOLATILITYOF PRICES O£FRESH FRUITS IN SOUTHWESTNIGERIA
    (2021-09-11) ADENIYI OmotumiTaiwoA
    ABSTRACT Seasonality ofagricultural commodities andtheir consequentprice volatility isinevitable and problematic if enoi nous and unpredictable.This study assessed produce seasonality and price volatility ofselected fresh fruits inmarkets intheSouthwest zone of Nigeria. A multistagesamplingprocedurewasusedtoselectrespondentsfromAla,Ifon,Ilara, Odopetu,Akesan,Araromi,Bodija,andOdo-Obamarketsinthestudyarea.Monthly retail prices ofplantain, banana, pineapple, and orange, from January 2003 to December 2015, wereobtainedfromOiiJoandOyoStates'AgriculturalDevelopmentProgram offices. Data were analyzed usingdescriptive statistics (mean and percentages), Gini Coefficient, AugmentedDickeyFNler(ADF),PhillipPerron(PP)analysis,Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin(KPSS),GeneralizedAutoRegressiveConditionalHeteroscedasticity (GARCH)andthe, Au*.t›RegressiveConditionalHeteroscedasticity (ARCH).Findings revealedthatthere were morefemale(74.2%) thanmale(25.8%) marketersintheselected marketsand92.8% of“be respondentswere married.Gini coefficientsshowedthat the ruralpineapple tmde wasthenearest tomonopolymarket (GR=0.73)whiletheurban plantainmarketwastheclosesttoperfectcompetition(G=0.17).Banana(GR—0.66,Gu =0.58)andorange(Ga=0.62,Gu=0.51)marketsreflectedamoderateoligopolysituation withahigh(XY=0.417)and(XY=0.381)degree ofsellerinequalityandmarket concentrationrespectively.Fromthe two-tailedt-testofdifferenceoftwoat te0.05,the mean retail prices in the urban markets (N102.73 -N1,161.36) were higher (p<0.05) than inrural markets (N82.80 -H715.91). ADF unit roots analysis revealedthat prices of the selectedfreshfruitsPit)werestationary(ADF=-12.4456to-6.4380)atlevelsPitI(0) andADF=-16.8126 to-8.6026) attheirfirstdiffereiices and P;iI(1), p<0.05. ThePhillip Perronunitrootanalysisrevealedthatpricesofallthefreshfruit(P;i)werestationary(PP =-12.4465to-6.499270)atlevelsP;-I(0)and(PP=-147.6859to-19.73897)andattheir firstdifferencesandkgI(1),(p<0.05).Johansen'sTraceand Maximum Eigenvaluefor pricesatP;-I(1)withr<1revealedthatthemarketshadastablelong-runrelationship (p<0.05).manger Casualty testshowed unidirectionalcausality (p=0.9486) among most selected marketpairsacrosstheStates.Rural marketsoccupied theleadership position for all theprices (R2<â)thereby informing prices inthe urban markets: Vector Error CorrectionModelestimationshowedahigh(R2= 0.720473)degreeoffitforonlyrural bananamarketaccountingfor72.0%ofthevariationintheshort-runpricechange(p<0.01) with (13.0%) price shocks (of rural banana market) corrected immediately.ARCH (o) = (0.909672 to -0.054322) and GARCH (§) = (0.991986 to -0.011384) coefficients for all the fresh fruit price series indicated the persistence of volatility shocks. Furthermore, the average rural (H = 23.5013) fresh fruit price volatility was highly influenced(72.0%) by those of the previous months and average urban (A= 35.2 594) fresh fruit price volatility was highly influenced (99.0%) by that of the earlier months. In conclusion, the prices of theselectedgreenfruitsgenerallyfacedaveryhighlevelofpricevolatility.Market reforms should focus on the rural (lead) markets to increase marketing efficiency.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS AND MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION LEVELS IN SELECTED PROCESSED VEGETABLES IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE/ NIGERIA.
    (2023-09-30) ODOFIN EDWARD OLUWAFERANMI
    ABSTRACT Processed vegetables are staple foods within Nigeria, serving as an all-year-round source of vitamins and fibre to consumers. Processing methods like sun drying can expose them to heavy metal and microbial contamination. This study assessed the health risk of heavy metals (HM) and microbial contamination in selected major processed vegetables through sun-drying consumed within Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Vegetable samples such as; Adansonia digitata (Luru), Cayennes frutescens (Shombo), and Abelmoschus esculentus (Orunla) were collected from three popular markets (Oja Oba, Ipata and Oja Tuntun) in Ilorin. Ground and sieved vegetable samples were digested with perchloric and nitric acid and analysed for HMs (Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Zn, and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Microbial assessment was carried out for Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Fungi count (TFC) using standard procedures. Identification was based on biochemical analysis for bacteria and largely on morphological characteristics for fungi. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The health risk associated with consumption of the processed vegetable with respect to their heavy metal contents was assessed using the estimated daily intake, total hazard quotient, and hazard index (HI). The analysis of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn) in vegetables (Orunla, Luru, Ata gigun) from different markets (Oba, Tuntun, Ipata) revealed significant variations in the results. Abelmoschus esculentus had the highest levels of Pb (Tuntun: 12.26±1.71 mg/kg), Cd (Tuntun: 1.42±0.25 mg/kg), Cr (Tuntun: 1.42±0.25 mg/kg), and Zn (Tuntun: 71.31±4.37 mg/kg). Adansonia digitata exhibited the highest concentrations of Pb (Ipata: 18.20±18.72 mg/kg), Cd (Tuntun: 2.24±0.15 mg/kg), Cr (Ipata: 0.86±0.45 mg/kg), and Zn (Ipata: 62.39±3.25 mg/kg). C. frutescens showed the highest levels of Pb (Tuntun: 15.97±2.06 mg/kg), Cd (Tuntun: 2.72±0.16 mg/kg), Cr (Ipata: 1.47±0.26 mg/kg), and Zn (Ipata: 68.12±6.18 mg/kg) at a significance level of P<0.05.The order of abundance of HMs in vegetables was consistent at these markets and are as follows: Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. The concentrations of HMs (Pb and Cd) exceeded the maximum permissible limits (0.3 and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively) of FAO/WHO. The microbial analysis revealed the presence of coliforms, Bacillus species, and Aspergillus flavus. The TBC for the three vegetable samples from Oba market ranged from 1.5 × 106 to 4.0 × 106 Cfu/g and the TFC ranged between 0.1× 106 Cfu/g to 0.4 × 106 Cfu/g. In conclusion, the presence of coliforms and pathogenic fungi in the samples raises concerns about food safety and thus emphasizes the critical need for improved practices in processing vegetables especially through sun-drying. The HI values were greater than the permissible level of 1.0 indicating the potential non-carcinogenic adverse health effects for consumers. The Target Hazard Quotient values for Cd and Pb were greater than 1.0 in all the vegetable samples indicating potential health risk associated with the consumption of these vegetables. This study revealed potential health risks associated with eating sun-dried vegetables in the study area.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS FROM CO-DIGESTION OF ANIMAL DUNGS, WATER HYACINTH AND PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT, AND POTENTIALS OF THE SLURRY AS SOIL AMENDMENT
    (2023-12-05) BAKARE, ADEWALEWASIU
    ABSTRACT A substantial amount of agricultural waste is generated and disposed through dumping and burning in Nigeria. This study assessed effects of co-digestion of animal dungs, water hyacinth and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) on biogas production; and potential of the slurry as soil amendment. The Agricultural waste: Poultry Manure (PM), Pig Dung (PD), Cow Dung (CD) and Water Hyacinth (WH) were co-digested in triplicates each in ratios: 75:25, 50:50 and 25:72 for PM:PD, CD:PM, PD:CD, WH:CD, WH:PD, WH:PM using POME as diluent. The control: PD, CD WH and PM each were 100 %. The digestion was done under a 30-day retention period in 25L plastic digesters (Batch Experiment) The first three substrates with higher biogas production PD:CD (25:75), CD:WH (50:50) and PD:PM (25:75) were used to determine the effect of loading rate of 2.62 L on biogas production in the Continuous Experiment. Effect of scrubbers: iron sponge, silica gel, NaOH, and saw dust to remove H2S, moisture and CO2 respectively on the quality of biogas produced was assessed. The purified biogas was later compressed using car air conditioner compressor into 3 kg LPG cylinder. Flammability test was carried out by using 500 mls of borehole water. The slurry of the highest biogas production and NPK (15:15:15) fertiliser were used to grow Amaranthus hybbridus for four weeks. Plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were collected weekly. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Biogas produced was highest (7.166 L) in PD:CD (25:75) followed by 2.000 L in PDPM (25:75) and the lowest in CD:WH (25:75) with 1.666 L. After purification, the methane content ranged from 41 to 50 %, while the CO2 content range from 10 to 15% respectively. During compression, the temperature and pressure increased from 33.4 to 34.6 ℃ and 0 to 6.34 bar for temperature and pressure respectively. As the temperature and pressure increased, the amount of biogas compressed increased from 0 to 102 g. The LPG was 9 seconds faster than biogas at heating the water to boiling point with flame temperatures of 325℃ and 213℃ for LPG and biogas respectively. The soil+slurry had plant height of 61.8 cm, followed by 42.72 cm in soil+NPK while the least height of 41.33 cm was observed in soil only. The stem girth was 11.78, 8.03 and 7.98 mm in soil+slurry, soil+NPK and soil only respectively. The number of leaves was 25 23 and 18 in soil+slurry, soil+NPK and soil only respectively. In conclusion, all the co-digested agriculture waste with palm oil effluent, are rich in biogas. The co-digested of PD:CD (25:75) produced the highest biogas and the slurry improved the growth of Amaranthus hybridus
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PRODUCTION AND SURVIVAL OF HYBRIDS OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS AND HETEROBRANCHUS SPECIES UNDER HATCHERY CONDITION
    (2024-01-20) OLATUNDUN, ISMAIL ABIODUN
    ABSTRACT Hybridization is a genetic improvement technique in the aquaculture industry, which has been recognized as a tool to enhance production intensities and efficiency, for food security and employment generation. This study evaluated the production and survival of hybrids of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus species under hatchery conditions. Twenty gravid broodstocks of C. gariepinus (CG), H. bidorsalis (HB) and H. longifilis (HL) with average weight (531.67±7.55 g) were cultured for three months before selecting twelve for hybridization. The crosses of CG (1100.00±57.74 g), HL (1200.00±57.74 g) and HB (1150.00±28.87 g) were carried out using ovaprim at 0.5 ml per kg body weight of female fish. The hybrids of HL♂ x HB♀ (T1), HB♂ x, HL♀ (T2), HB♂ x CG♀ (T3), CG♂ x, HB♀ (T4), HL♂ x CG♀ (T5) and CG♂ x HL♀ (T6) formed the triplicated treatments which were cultured for ninety days. The data obtained such as growth parameters, fertilisation and hatching rates among others were subjected to one-way analysis of variance using Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS), while treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The growth response of the broodstocks showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in all the parameters. H. longifilis had the highest measurable values of final weight (1200.00±57.74 g), weight gain (680.00±46.19 g), specific growth rate (0.93±0.03 %/day) and relative growth rate (130.50±5.99 %), while the least values of final weight (1100.00±57.74 g), weight gain (555.00±65.26 g), specific growth rate (0.78±0.08 %/day) and relative growth rate (102.40±13.55 %) were recorded in CG. Results indicate significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of weight of stripped eggs, number of eggs per gram and fecundity of the fish among the treatments. The highest values for weight of stripped eggs (183.33±8.82 g), highest number of eggs per gram (741) and fecundity (133.31±3.06) were recorded in T3. The highest significant values for number of eggs fertilized (11577), fertilization rate (83.67 %) and hatching rate (66.67 %) were recorded in T3, T2 and T1, respectively. The lowest values of fertilization rate (70 %) and hatching rate (53.33 %) were observed in T5 and T6, respectively. The highest percentage survival (87.67 %) was recorded in T2 while T6 recorded the lowest percentage survival value (44 %). The trend of percentage mortality was T6>T4>T3>T5>T1>T2. The growth response showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the values of initial weight, specific growth rate, daily growth rate, mean growth rate and relative growth rate among the treatments but had significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of final weights and weight gain among the treatments. Fish in T3 had the highest final weight (5.44 g) and weight gain (5.28 g) while fish in T6 had the least values of final weight (4.12 g) and weight gain (4.00 g). Water temperature, nitrate, turbidity, conductivity and total solids showed no significant difference at p>0.05. This study revealed that, the production and survival of C. gariepinus and Heterobranchus species under hatchery conditions was viable and could be sustainable based on the breeding performance and survival rates recorded.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    VEGETATION iDYNAMICS iAND iCARBON iSTOCK iESTIMATE IN iFOREST iSURROUNDING iSELECTED iAIRPORTS SOUTH iWEST iREGION, iNIGERIA.
    (2024-04-25) OGUNLUSI iOLUFEMI iADEOLA
    ABSTRACT Shortage iof iecological iassessment iin itropical irain iforest ihas ibeen iidentified ias imajor ichallenges ifor ithe iforestry iindustries iand igovernment ifor isustainable iforest imanagement iin iterms iof iconservation, iadvocacy, icarbon isequestration iand ipolicy irecommendation. iThe istudy iwas icarried iout ito iassess itree ispecies idiversity, isoil iproperties, icarbon istock iestimation iand iland iuse iand iland icover ichanges iof ifour iairport isurrounding iforests iin iNigeria. iFour iairports isurrounding iforests iused ifor ithis istudy iwere: iBenin, iAkure, iIbadan iand iLagos irespectively. iAlternate iline itransect imethod iwere iused iin ilaying iand iselecting i50 im iX i50 im ifor idetailed ienumeration. iEach itransect iwas i1000 im iin ilength. iSample iplots iwere ilaid iat ievery i100 im ialong itransect. iEight i(8) iplots iwere iselected iper istudy isites iwhile i32 isample iplots iin itotal iwere iused ifor ithis istudy. iIn ieach isample iplot, iall iliving itrees iwith iDiameter iat iBreast iHeight i(DBH) igreater ithan ior iequal ito i10 icm iwere imeasured iand iidentified iby itheir ibotanical iand ithe ifamily inames. iFor ifloristic iassessment, i5 im iX i5 im iquadrants iwere ilaid iapproximately iat ithe icentre iof ieach iplot. iAll ivegetation/seedling iwith iDBH iless ithan i10cm iwere iidentified iand irecorded. iSoil isamples iwere irandomly icollected ifrom ifive ipoints iwithin ieach iplots. i(Each ifrom ithe ifour icorners iof ithe iplots iand iat ithe icentre iof ithe iplots). iSoil isamples iwere itaken ifrom itwo isoil idepths iof i0-30 icm iand i30-60 icm. iSoil isamples ifrom ithe isame idepths iand ifrom ithe isame iplot iwere ithoroughly imixed ito iform ia icomposite isoil isample ifor ilaboratory ianalysis. i iStatus iof ilanduse iland icover ichanges iat itwenty iyears iintervals ifrom i1983–2023 iwere iexamined. iLandsat iimages iand iGoogle iEarth iimage iwere iused ifor ithe ianalysis iof ithe istudied isites. iData iwere ianalysed iwith iSPSS iversion i(13) iand iPAST iversion i(30) iand ithe iresults iwere ipresented iusing itables, ifigures iand imaps. iResults irevealed ithat ithe ifour iairports isurrounding iforest iecosystems icontributed idifferently ito itree ispecies idiversity. iA itotal inumber iof i34 ifamilies iin iAkure, iIbadan, iBenin iand iLagos iwere iencountered. iThe inumbers iof itree ispecies iencountered iwere iin idecreasing iorder: iIbadan i(59); iBenin i(51), iLagos i(46) iand iAkure i(41). iThe ihighest iSimpson idiversity iindex i(0.965) iwas iobtained iin iIbadan iwhile ithe ilowest ivalue i(0.927) iwas iobtained iat iAkure iforest. iValues iobtained ifor ispecies ievenness iresults iwere i0.691 ifor iLagos iwhile iAkure ihas ithe ileast ivalue iof i0.55. iMalvaceae iwas ithe idominant ifamily iin ithe ifour iforest iecosystems, iwith iLagos iand iIbadan ihaving ihighest isimilarity iindex. iThe itree ispecies iencountered iwith ihighest iIVI iwas iCeltis izenkeri i(11.98%) iwhile ithe ileast iwas iBateria ifistulosa i(0.81%). iResult iof icarbon istock isequestration ipotential iof ithe ifour iassessed isurrounding iforests iindicated ithat iBenin iforest ihad ithe ihighest imean icarbon istock iof i i(0.135) ifollowed iby iAkure i(0.127), ifollowed iby iLagos i(0.119), iand iIbadan iforest ihaving ithe ilowest ivalue iof i0.107 icarbon istock idensity. iSoil idepth ihas isignificant ieffect ion iphysical iproperties iacross ithe istudy ilocations, iPhysical iproperties iand iits iinteraction iwith isoil isignificantly iinfluence ithe iresponse ivariables. iThe iresults ishowed ithat ithe imeans iof ichemical iand iphysical iproperties iacross ithe ifour iairports iforests ivaried iaccordingly. Furthermore, iland iuse iand iland icover ichanges ishowed ithat iforest icover iloss iin ithe istudy iarea ifor iyear i2003 iwas ievident idue ito ianthropogenic iactivities ibefore istrict ilaw iof iprotection ifor ithe iairports ibetween i2003 iand i2023 iwas imade. iThe iresults iof ithis istudy iconcluded ithat ithe ifour iairports isurrounding iforest iassessed iwere ihaven ifor ibiological idiversity iparticularly iIbadan iand iBenin iforest, itherefore iconservation iof itree ispecies iin ithe isurrounding iforests iof iairports iis irecommended.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF PASTORALISM IN TWO SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA.
    (2024-06-20) EGBEJA, TSOBAZA IDRIS
    ABSTRACT Conflicts arising from utilization of natural resources among crop farmers and pastoralists have escalated in recent times in Nigeria. This study assessed environmental and social impacts of pastoralism in two selected Local Government Areas of Kogi State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to draw the sample for the survey. The first stage involved a purposive selection of four villages (Agbenema, Ajichekpa, Iyano and Opada) representing two Local Government Areas where pastoralists and farmers conflicts are prevalent. The second stage involved a snow-ball selection of 30 farmers and 10 pastoralists from each village. In total, 144 respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Relative importance index (RII) was used to measure the magnitude of causes of the conflict, socio-psychological consequences of conflicts on rural livelihoods and the mitigation strategies associated with the management of the farmer-herder conflict. Plants were classified into various palatability classes by daily monitoring individual animal’s grazing preferences of different plant species, parts and condition for two successive years. The standard methods recommended by the American Public Health Association were adopted for determination of physical and chemical parameters of water. These parameters were pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), including heavy metals like; iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA) statistics using Statistical Analysis System version 9.0 portable. Means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results revealed that causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists were crop destruction by cattle (RII =3.7), little respect for traditional rulers (RII =3.5) and contamination of stream by cattle (RII =3.4). Consequences of farmer-herder conflicts were sleepless nights (RII =3.14), feelings of fear and anxiety (RII =3.07), reductions in farm income (RII =2.9), reduction in crop yields (RII =2.6), incidence of death (RII =2.6) and farm destruction (RII =2.60). The effective strategies for conflict resolutions were dialogue between parties involved (RII =2.77), prayed for peace (RII =2.57) and intervention by traditional rulers (RII =2.53). Analysis of the palatability of plant species to grazing animals was shaped by a range of factors including the type of animal, seasonal fluctuations, habitat characteristics, and prevailing weather conditions. Physical and chemical analyses of water sampled from the study locations indicated values within the world health organization acceptable limits. There were significant (p < 0.05) spatial and seasonal variations in the physical and chemical parameters of the water. Heavy metals concentrations were mostly below detection limit, except for Pb with higher values during the wet season. Correlation coefficient showed significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between temperature and pH (r = 0.877), temperature and TSS (r = 0.748), EC and TSS (r = 0.850), and DO and BOD (r = 0.768) in both dry and wet seasons. This study showed that the conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists negatively impacted various aspects of rural livelihoods, vegetations and river water in Kogi State.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF PASTORALISM IN TWO SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA.
    (2024-06-25) EGBEJA, TSOBAZA IDRIS
    ABSTRACT Conflicts arising from utilization of natural resources among crop farmers and pastoralists have escalated in recent times in Nigeria. This study assessed environmental and social impacts of pastoralism in two selected Local Government Areas of Kogi State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to draw the sample for the survey. The first stage involved a purposive selection of four villages (Agbenema, Ajichekpa, Iyano and Opada) representing two Local Government Areas where pastoralists and farmers conflicts are prevalent. The second stage involved a snow-ball selection of 30 farmers and 10 pastoralists from each village. In total, 144 respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Relative importance index (RII) was used to measure the magnitude of causes of the conflict, socio-psychological consequences of conflicts on rural livelihoods and the mitigation strategies associated with the management of the farmer-herder conflict. Plants were classified into various palatability classes by daily monitoring individual animal’s grazing preferences of different plant species, parts and condition for two successive years. The standard methods recommended by the American Public Health Association were adopted for determination of physical and chemical parameters of water. These parameters were pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), including heavy metals like; iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA) statistics using Statistical Analysis System version 9.0 portable. Means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results revealed that causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists were crop destruction by cattle (RII =3.7), little respect for traditional rulers (RII =3.5) and contamination of stream by cattle (RII =3.4). Consequences of farmer-herder conflicts were sleepless nights (RII =3.14), feelings of fear and anxiety (RII =3.07), reductions in farm income (RII =2.9), reduction in crop yields (RII =2.6), incidence of death (RII =2.6) and farm destruction (RII =2.60). The effective strategies for conflict resolutions were dialogue between parties involved (RII =2.77), prayed for peace (RII =2.57) and intervention by traditional rulers (RII =2.53). Analysis of the palatability of plant species to grazing animals was shaped by a range of factors including the type of animal, seasonal fluctuations, habitat characteristics, and prevailing weather conditions. Physical and chemical analyses of water sampled from the study locations indicated values within the world health organization acceptable limits. There were significant (p < 0.05) spatial and seasonal variations in the physical and chemical parameters of the water. Heavy metals concentrations were mostly below detection limit, except for Pb with higher values during the wet season. Correlation coefficient showed significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between temperature and pH (r = 0.877), temperature and TSS (r = 0.748), EC and TSS (r = 0.850), and DO and BOD (r = 0.768) in both dry and wet seasons. This study showed that the conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists negatively impacted various aspects of rural livelihoods, vegetations and river water in Kogi State.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EFFECTS OF PLANTING MEDIA, SEED PRIMING AND PHYTOHORMONES ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLINGS’ GROWTH OFAnogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. and Perr. (AFRICAN BIRCH)
    (2024-07-20) OLUNUGA, ADELAJA MUYIWA
    ABSTRACT Anogeissus leiocarpus (African birch) is a multipurpose agroforestry tree species found in most savanna and woody grassland areas. The germination requirements and silvicultural information necessary for successful seedling establishment of the species are not widely explored. This study was conducted to assess effects of planting media, seed priming and phytohormones on seed germination and growth of A. leiocarpus. Seeds of different weights (10, 20 and 50 g) were soaked in hot water at 20, 40 and 60°C for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively and percentage germinated were calculated.The effect of phytohormones on the germination of A. leiocarpus seeds was carried out using Gibberellic Acid (GA3), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) applied at 10, 20 and 30 ppm with a separate control and arranged in 3x3 factorial experiment with four replicates. The planting media wereRiver sand-50% + Top soil-50% (R50T50), River sand-75% + Top soil-25% (R75T25), River sand-100% + Top soil-0% (R100T0), River sand-0% + Top soil-100% (R0T100) and River sand-25% + Top soil-75% (R25T75) which were laid out in a completely randomized design. The study had five replicates and were observed for a duration of eight weeks. The datacollected on percentage germination and growth parameters including plant height (PH), collar diameter (CD), number of leaves (NL) and leaf area (LA)were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Analysis System (SAS vs 13.0). The means were separated using the Least Significant Difference at p≤0.05. Results obtained revealed that a combination of soil potting media significantly increased all measured parameters. A. leiocarpus seeds (10 g) soaked in 20°C of hot water for 15 minutes had the highest germination percentage (46.60%) at eight Weeks After Sowing (WAS) which was significantly different (p≤0.05) from other treatments while 50 g of seeds soaked in 60°C of hot water for 10 minutes recorded the least germination percentage (1.00%) at eight WAS. Seeds of A. leiocarpus soaked in GA3 at 10 ppm recorded the highest germination percentage (36.60%) while seeds soaked in IBA at 30 ppm recorded the least germination percentage (7.80%) at eight WAS. Seedlings grown in R75T25 treatment recorded the highest PHof 23.42±1.27 cm, CD: 0.38±0.08 mm, NL: 21.20±2.28 andLA: 26.25±2.30 cm2at eight WAS while seedlings grown in R50T50 treatment had the lowest PH (19.82±1.25 cm), CD (0.26±0.05 mm), NL (19.20±2.28) and LA (19.11±0.05 cm2). The study concluded that the use of GA3 at 10 ppm, 10 g of seeds soaked in 20°C of hot water for 15 minutes and R75T25 planting mediaaided the germination and growth of A. leiocarpus.Further investigations should be carried out to determine other priming methods for improved germination of A. leiocarpus seeds.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EVALUATION OF SELCTED PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE PRODUCED FROM THERMOPLSTIC WASTE AND WOOD SAWDUST
    (2024-07-25) ELAIGWU, Victor Onuminya
    ABSTRACT There are increasing environmental concerns on the need for sustainable materials for construction. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), produced by the mixture of plastic wastes and lignocelluloses wastes offers a promising alternative to traditional wood products. This study evaluated selected physical and mechanical properties of WPC manufactured using recycled thermoplastic wastes of Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP), with wood sawdust of Albizia zigia, Cleistopholis patens and Alstonia boonei in the following ratios of 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 to achieve optimization for their applications. Separately prepared mixtures were compounded at 160oc in a twin-screw extruder. The resultant molten mixture, after extruding the die, was collected into a 22cmx4cmx4cm metal mould and compressed at 4.5 metric tons for one minute to form a composite block. The experiment was conducted in triplicates. Samples were sawn to dimensions recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Physical and mechanical properties of (Density (D), Thickness Swelling (TS), Water Absorption (WA), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Impact Bending Strength (IBS) and Compressive Strength (CS)) were evaluated. The controls were wood samples of the species devoid of plastic. The results of selected physical properties showed that the density of A. zigia with PP at 30/70 had the highest mean value of 1.06±0.010 g/cm3, WA of A. boonei with PE at 50/50 had the least mean value of 0.67±0.010 % and TS of A.zigia with PP at 50/50 had the least mean value of 0.09±0.000 %. Analysis of variance on physical properties of wood species showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in density and TS, while A. boonie showed significant difference in WA. Hard wood species increased density and reduced WA and TS in WPC production. The results of mechanical properties showed that MOE of A. zigia with PE at 50/50 had the highest mean value of 9684.21±1063.76 MPa, MOR of A. zigia with PE at 30/70 had the highest mean value of 63.33±3.41 MPa, CS of A. zigia with PE at 50/50 had the highest mean value of 45.44±1.79 MPa and IBS of A. zigia with PE at 30/70 had the highest mean value of 16.51±1.10 J/cm. Analysis of variance performed on mechanical properties of WPC showed significant difference (p<0.05) in MOE, MOR and CS except IBS. Sawdust of wood species with higher mechanical properties combined with PE polymer enhanced better mechanical performance of produced WPCs. Promoting WPC production according to requirement will enhance its application in the field of structural construction. Keywords: wood plastic composite,thermoplastic, sawdust, recycling
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EFFECTS OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGE IN IMEKO-AFON, OGUN STATE
    (2024-08-20) OGUNBANWO, FOLORUNSO TAOFEEK
    ABSTRACT The study investigated the impact of charcoal production on greenhouse gas emission and land-use land-cover change in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on the influence of charcoal production on GHG emissions and vegetation cover degradation in the study area. A gas analyser and portable air quality meter was used to collect data on CO2, CH4, and particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) emissions from five sites; Araromi, Igbo-Ayin, Mowodani, Sagbala and Segile (the control site). A structured questionnaire was administered to seventy charcoal producers and sellersusing a purposive sampling method to assess their level of awareness of the consequences of charcoal production and the volume of charcoal produced. The land-use land-cover changes from 2003 to 2023 were also assessed using the IDRISI Terset; a GIS software by which predictions was made till 2043. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive(frequency, percentages, means) and inferential (correlation, ANOVA and chi-square) statistics.The study revealed that the mean carbon dioxide emissions (ppm) from the site were significantly higher at Mowodani (5589.62), Araromi (4776.58), Sagbala (4684.27) and Igbo-Ayin (2927.83) compared to those obtained from Segile (444.82). Also, the mean methane emissions (ppm) from the site were significantly higher at Mowodani (638.74), Sagbala (538.55), Araromi (497.16) and Igbo-Ayin (418.17) compared to those obtained from Segile(10.44). The result of particulate matter emissions across the study locations showed a mean emission for PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10to be 54.79µ/m3, 107.66µ/m3 and 103.86µ/m3, respectively, in comparison to the mean obtained from the control sites which are 24.72µ/m3, 29.40µ/m3 and 49.53µ/m3, respectively, affirming that the mean emissions were indeed significantly different and positive. Respondents during socio demographic assessment reported an improvement in their standard of living (85.7%) and income (87.1%). Furthermore, 54.3% of the respondents wanted charcoal production to be discouraged and 60% were willing to try other economic activities. There is a positive relationship between the CO2 emission and charcoal production (p< 0.05 r=0.539) andbetween the CH4 emission and charcoal production (p< 0.05 r=0.419) across the study locations. The land-use land-cover change revealed that the built-up/bare surface increased by 6,148ha while the disturbed forest increased by 20,930ha. The woodland savannah and riparian vegetation increased by 290,715ha and 38,076ha respectively. However, the cultivated farmland decreased by 355,869ha. The remote sensing projection in 2043 revealed 0.81% reduction in the built-up/bare surface and an increase of 38.50% in disturbed forest while the woodland savannah and riparian vegetation would increase by 3.13% and 20.19% respectively whereas cultivated farmland is expected to reduce by 10.94%. The study concluded that there is a significant increase in GHG and particulate matter emissions (approximately 3.4001908 x 1014 tons CO2e) resulting from charcoal production in the study area with corresponding land cover change over the past two decades and a projected decrease in cultivated farmland in 2043. The study therefore recommends the creation of awareness and alternative energy sources to reduce carbon footprint for the charcoal producers through the REDD+ programme.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION CAPACITY OF THE FUNAAB ZOOPARK USING REMOTE SENSING.
    (2024-08-20) SUNDAY JAMES ABIOLA
    ABSTRACT Conservation is essential to protect and sustainably manage biodiversity for economic, social, cultural, and environmental purposes. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) are significant in studying habitat effects on free-range animals. This study examined the biodiversity distribution and conservation capacity of Zoo Park at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta using remote sensing. Four existing transects (A, B, C and D) of the zoological park were selected for the direct technique count method. Each transect was traversed for the period of five months and observations were carried out twice a day. Sample plots of 50 m by 50 m were demarcated randomly in eight different locations. The Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of each tree was measured in centimeter. Landsat 7 and 8 data satellite images of the study area for 2012 and 2022 were downloaded to assess the changes in the vegetation cover and temperature of the study area. Descriptive (mean and standard deviation) statistics were used to analyze the population encountered across months and transects. Simpson’s diversity index was used to measure animal species diversity while plant species diversity index was calculated using Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index. The results revealed that eight species of natural inhabitants identified were Chlorocebuspygerythrus, Philantombamaxwellii, Herpestesbrachyurus, Tragelaphusscriptus, Pseudohaienigraus, Xeruserythropus, Veranusniloticus and Opheodrysvernalis. Transects A and D recorded the highest number of animals. Transect B had the highest diversity index (0.8348), while transect C had the lowest (0.3517). A total number of 199 trees per hectare from 21 species and 12 families were recorded. Moraceae (5) accounted for the highest frequency of family while Antiaristoxicaria (23) accounted for the species with highest number of individual trees. Miliciaexcelsa (304.00 cm) accounted for the highest mean DBH while the tree diversity index was 2.78. The NDVI analysis of the Zoo Park showed five different land classes (barren land, built-up areas, shrubs/grasslands, sparse vegetation and dense vegetation). A notable change in the land cover categories was observed between 2012 and 2022. The change analysis showed that barren land, built-up areas, dense vegetation and shrubs/grasslands declined by 0.59%, 1.6%, 4.93%, and 17.52% respectively while sparse vegetation increased by 24.64% within the space of ten years. The ambient temperature of the study area ranged from 25.92 to 31.06⁰C in 2012 and 20.19 to 33.13⁰C in 2022. The minimum temperature experienced in 2022 was lower than that of 2012 which could be attributed to the exposed areas in 2012 that had been filled with vegetation. Also, the maximum temperature in 2022 was higher than that recorded for 2012 and this could be attributed to the reduction of dense vegetation. The study showed that resources availability of FUNAAB Zoo Park and its ambient temperature made it a suitable site for the free-range animals to thrive.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EFFECTS OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGE IN IMEKO-AFON, OGUN STATE
    (2024-08-25) OGUNBANWO, FOLORUNSO TAOFEEK
    ABSTRACT The study investigated the impact of charcoal production on greenhouse gas emission and land-use land-cover change in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on the influence of charcoal production on GHG emissions and vegetation cover degradation in the study area. A gas analyser and portable air quality meter was used to collect data on CO2, CH4, and particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) emissions from five sites; Araromi, Igbo-Ayin, Mowodani, Sagbala and Segile (the control site). A structured questionnaire was administered to seventy charcoal producers and sellers using a purposive sampling method to assess their level of awareness of the consequences of charcoal production and the volume of charcoal produced. The land-use land-cover changes from 2003 to 2023 were also assessed using the IDRISI Terset; a GIS software by which predictions was made till 2043. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentages, means) and inferential (correlation, ANOVA and chi-square) statistics. The study revealed that the mean carbon dioxide emissions (ppm) from the site were significantly higher at Mowodani (5589.62), Araromi (4776.58), Sagbala (4684.27) and Igbo-Ayin (2927.83) compared to those obtained from Segile (444.82). Also, the mean methane emissions (ppm) from the site were significantly higher at Mowodani (638.74), Sagbala (538.55), Araromi (497.16) and Igbo-Ayin (418.17) compared to those obtained from Segile (10.44). The result of particulate matter emissions across the study locations showed a mean emission for PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 to be 54.79µ/m3, 107.66µ/m3 and 103.86µ/m3, respectively, in comparison to the mean obtained from the control sites which are 24.72µ/m3, 29.40µ/m3 and 49.53µ/m3, respectively, affirming that the mean emissions were indeed significantly different and positive. Respondents during socio demographic assessment reported an improvement in their standard of living (85.7%) and income (87.1%). Furthermore, 54.3% of the respondents wanted charcoal production to be discouraged and 60% were willing to try other economic activities. There is a positive relationship between the CO2 emission and charcoal production (p< 0.05 r=0.539) and between the CH4 emission and charcoal production (p< 0.05 r=0.419) across the study locations. The land-use land-cover change revealed that the built-up/bare surface increased by 6,148ha while the disturbed forest increased by 20,930ha. The woodland savannah and riparian vegetation increased by 290,715ha and 38,076ha respectively. However, the cultivated farmland decreased by 355,869ha. The remote sensing projection in 2043 revealed 0.81% reduction in the built-up/bare surface and an increase of 38.50% in disturbed forest while the woodland savannah and riparian vegetation would increase by 3.13% and 20.19% respectively whereas cultivated farmland is expected to reduce by 10.94%. The study concluded that there is a significant increase in GHG and particulate matter emissions (approximately 3.4001908 x 1014 tons CO2e) resulting from charcoal production in the study area with corresponding land cover change over the past two decades and a projected decrease in cultivated farmland in 2043. The study therefore recommends the creation of awareness and alternative energy sources to reduce carbon footprint for the charcoal producers through the REDD+ programme.