Batch Studies for the Investigation of the Adsorption of Lead onto Bentonite and Soil of Owerri, Nigeria. (Published)
Variability in lead adsorption by soil and bentonite was analyzed and results indicated that adsorption of lead increased as volume of Pb2+ solution increased. At 25ml adsorption capacity of bentonite and soil were 2494.19mg/kg and 2372.89mg/kg respectively. Maximum adsorption was observed at 100ml of Pb2+ in both soil and bentonite which were 9031.75mg/kg and 9935.75mg/kg respectively. At all volumes of Pb2+ solution, a significant positive correlation at (p≤0.05 and p≤0.01) probability levels were observed between clay, pH, CEC and organic matter content and adsorption capacity in soil and bentonite. While sand and silt content correlated negatively. Clay, sand, pH, CEC and organic matter content, were indicated to be the vital properties controlling adsorption in soil and bentonite. Bentonite and soil adsorption data were analyzed with both freudlich and langmiur adsorption isotherm, freudlich isotherm showed a better fitting of the adsorption data in both soil and bentonite with correlation factor (R2>0.9).
Keywords: Adsorption of Lead, Batch Studies, Bentonite, Nigeria, Sand, Silt Content
Solid Waste Management Trends in Nigeria (Published)
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current trends in solid waste management in Nigeria and to identify the major challenges inhibiting the attainment of sustainability in solid waste management in the country. The study relied on a desktop and descriptive approach; hence, data were obtained mainly from previous publications relevant to the current study, particularly from peer reviewed publications. Sources such as waste management agencies webpages and documents, journal articles, environmental organizations reports and books were used to obtained data. These data were then analysed using a descriptive approach. It was found that solid waste management is a major concern in the country. Inadequate environmental policies and legislation, low level of environmental awareness, poor funding and inappropriate technology, corruption and unplanned development were some of the challenges facing solid waste management in the country. As a result, the paper concludes that for waste management to work, various aspects of Government services such as engineering, urban planning, Geography, economics, public health and law among others must be brought together under a proper policy to deliver an effective waste management system.
Keywords: Environmental Awareness, Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Solid waste management, policies
Sources of Funds Available To Private Investors for Housing Development In Nigeria (Published)
Housing has been universally recognized as one of the most essential necessities of humans and is a major economic asset in every nation. Adequate housing provides the foundation for stable communities and social inclusion. There is a significant association between housing conditions and physical and mental health of an individual. People’s right to shelter is thus a basic one and the provision of decent housing to all requiring it should be the hallmark of every civilized society and one of the criteria for assessing the extent of a nation’s development. However, the provision of adequate housing in Nigeria and other developing nations alike still remains one of the most intractable challenges facing the nations. Previous attempts by all stakeholders, including government agencies, planners and developers to provide necessary recipe for solving the housing problem have yielded little or no success. Fund, a basic ingredient for housing development, has to be made easily accessible to investors in housing development if the problem of housing delivery is to be tackled at the root. This paper therefore exposes the various sources of funds available to private housing developers which can be harnessed to enhance housing supply in Nigeria.
Keywords: Housing Fund, Housing Supply, Mortgage, National Development, Nigeria
Influence of Automobile Commercial Activities on Nnewi Urban Development, Nnewi North L.G.A, Anambra State. (Published)
This research work was based on the growth and impacts of emerged Automobile Commercial activities in Nnewi urban development. The research methods data collection were well structured questionnaires, oral interview and observation by the researcher. The data presentation was done using tables, pie chart and bar charts .Chi-square statistical technique was adopted in the analysis of the data. The study revealed that emerged Automobile commercial activities has a lot of impacts on Nnewi urban development. It was discovered development of Nnewi started with the establishment it. The urbanization of Nnewi as a result commercial and industrial activities has led to urbanization in Nnewi problems .This urbanization problems such increase in crime and insecurity, lack of infrastructures also affect the growth of economic activities in Nnewi .Based on the findings the researcher recommended that insecurity issues should be tackled, provision of infrastructures and proper urban planning should be done in Nnewi
Keywords: Automobile, Commercial Activities, Infrastructures, Nigeria, Nnewi, Urban Development, Urbanization
Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination by Artisanal Refining Plants in the Niger Delta Region, Southern Nigeria (Published)
Artisanal refining Plants are common features of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The effects of heavy metal contamination on soil by non-conventional refining plants were investigated and analyzed using standard methods. Two soil samples were collected at 18 m intervals between Plants A and B and at 24 m intervals between Plant B and C. Then control sample was collected 2 km away from unimpacted soil. The result of the analysis showed that polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) recorded maximum concentration of 6899.4942 ppm at station C at the depth of 0-15 cm. Furthermore, the concentration of heavy metals investigated are below critical levels as proposed by FEPA (1991) and NCC(1991).
Keywords: Artisanal Plants, Heavy Metal, Hydrocarbon Contaminated, Niger-Delta, Nigeria
The Effect of Slum on Property Values in Asaba Metropolis of Delta State (Published)
jUrban degradation is caused principally by urbanization process, however, most of the environmental problems in Asaba metropolis suburbs result largely from its unplanned land uses, swampy nature of built areas and weak development control. Other critical problems that bother minds also include lack of open space, poor management of flood channels and substandard housing. This paper discuses the possible intervention strategies in the regeneration effort of Asaba slum area. The research method which is both narrative and statistically descriptive in nature enables the author engage in a detailed literature study of the chronological development of Asaba metropolis with view to determining how the city came about the current level of degenerating infrastructural facilities. The study found that the principle of cooperative leadership by government at all levels is fundamental to making important difference in qualitative development controls of the study area. It however concluded that the duo role of the public and traditional power structure of the community leaders must be involved in the conception and implementation of Delta State environmental planning programmes.
Keywords: Development Control, Effects of Slum, Environmental Problem, Nigeria, Property Value
Effects of the Land Use Act of 1978 on Rural Land Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Nnobi. (Published)
This study is concerned with the effects of Land Use Act on rural land development in Nigeria with reference to Nnobi as a rural area. Obviously, the law was enacted barley 30 years ago but seems to be a recent innovation to many Nigerians especially in rural areas. The Act conflicts so much with the traditional land proprietary structure in the Southern Nigeria in particular which was predominantly owned by communities. It introduced more controversies and fear from most Nigeria than any previous Act. The importance to the profession of Estate Management of such a radical piece of legislation as the Land Use Act cannot be over emphasized. It is true that laws are for the judiciary to make and interpret, but laws and policies affecting land are also matters in which profession Estate surveyors and valuers as experts on land matters ought to take the front row in offering the benefit of his expertise. Questionnaire and interview methods were mainly used. The purposive sampling technique was used and One hundred twenty (120) respondents. Personal observation was also used to complement the information gathered. The result shows that people especially those living in rural areas are mostly not aware of the Act let alone its provisions on rural land as an avenue for rural land development. This wide ignorant of the Act, by the people has completely retarded the pace of development in our rural areas as well as the socio-economic conditions of the people. After examining the effects of the Act on rural land development in the area concerned and other allied issues, recommendations were made based on the findings for efficient and effective implementation of the Act in rural areas cum rural Lands of Nigeria and if strictly adhered to will go a long way to achieving overall objectives for which the Act was enacted.
Keywords: Estate Management, Land, Nigeria, Rural Land Development
Determining the Individual Significant Contribution of Public and Private Sector in Housing Delivery in Nigeria (Published)
One of the greatest challenge confronting both rural and urban residents in Nigeria is the need to provide adequate shelter. This study examined the individual significant contribution of the public and private sector in public-private partnerships (PPP) in housing contracts in Ogun State, Nigeria. A field survey was conducted in government ministries (public sector) and some selected professionals (private sector) within the study area. Information gathered from both primary and secondary data was used to determine the significant contribution of the public and private sector in housing delivery. Questionnaires were distributed through systematic sampling method to 58 respondents in both private and public sector participating in PPP housing production in the study area. Result showed that the significant contribution of the public sector in PPP housing provision in Nigeria is the provision of land while the private sector contributes significantly high percentage of finance, manpower and technical support. The study recommended that for successful implementation of PPP housing projects, all tiers of government must strive to complement the weaknesses of the public sector with the strengths of the private sector. Furthermore, since the private sector provides bulk of the finance for PPP housing projects, government should provide a more conducive economic environment to attract more private sector investors.
Keywords: Housing, Nigeria, Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Systematic Sampling Method
ASSESSMENT OF THE CAUSES OF 2012 FLOODS IN AGULERI AND UMULERI, ANAMBRA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA (Published)
The study assessed the causes of 2012 flood in Aguleri and Umuleri in Anambra East Local Government Area. In doing this, questionnaire was administered randomly to the residents. The data generated were analyzed using frequency/percentage tabulation and Mann-Whitney U-Test statistical techniques. The following hypothesis was tested: (1) there is no significant difference between the causative factors of 2012 floods in the two communities. The results showed that there is no serious variation between the causes of 2012 flood in the two communities. In addition, the result also proved that anthropogenic activities induced the 2012 flood in the community. Consequent upon the findings, the study recommended that there should be flood hazard mapping in order to ascertain areas prone to flooding, so as to reduce the occurrence of flood in the area. It further recommended that the river channels in the area be constantly dredged from time to time so as to increase their capacity for retaining water. Moreover, it recommended that the inhabitants of the area be enlightened on the causes of flood. Finally, it recommended that environmental laws, especially those relating to flood occurrence and management, and land-use be enforced. In addition, areas of future research should be: (1) to ascertain the after-effect (post effect) of flooding on agriculture in the area; and (2) to obtain a flood hazard map for the entire Anambra State, especially the Anambra East Local Government Area, so as to know the areas prone to flooding, and to adopt adequate flood management techniques.
Keywords: Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, The Causes of 2012 Floods, Umuleri
ESTABLISHMENT OF STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING AFFORDABLE AND HABITABLE PUBLIC HOUSING PROVISION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA (Published)
This view of this study was based on the establishment of strategies for improving affordable and habitable public housing provision in Anambra state, Nigeria. This study utilized a survey research design in the collection of data. The universe of study consisted of 2,805 occupants comprising mainly households, and 2,805 house units, comprising 1,032 in Awka city and 1,773 in Onitsha city. The sample size of 30% (842) was used as derived from Taro Yamani technique. A stratified random sampling of these disparate public housing estates based on their proportion to population was studied. A 16-item structured questionnaire on establishment of strategies for improving affordable and habitable public housing provision in Anambra state, Nigeria (QSAHPH) was developed. This instrument was face and content validated. Cronbach Alpha Technique index was used for reliability test which gave a value of 0.90. The data were obtained by pulling all positive responses for each group of occupants (Awka or Onitsha) as positive responses and as negative responses and their proportions obtained and filled below pooled observations (counts). Undecided responses were left as neutral. Complete responses were 797 comprising 299 occupants in Awka and 498 occupants in Onitsha. The research questions were processed using percentages. The major finding of the study was (1). Hence, the inference is that occupants in Awka perceived this dimension of public housing more positively than occupants in Onitsha. This difference between the two cities needs to be addressed in order to validate the Adam’s equity requirements in the built environment.
Keywords: Establishment, Nigeria, Strategies., public housing