Environment

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Risk Associated with Quarrying Activities in Marksino Concession Area, Akamkpa (Published)

This study evaluates the environmental risks of quarrying activities in the Marksino Concession area, Akampka, with a focus on heavy metal contamination of the soil. Soil samples were collected at various distances from the quarry site and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS; PG990) to determine concentrations of lead, chromium, copper, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, and zinc. Pollution indices and ecological risk factors were calculated, along with hazard quotients and indices for non-carcinogenic impacts on children and adults. Results indicate that contamination values for all metals were below one, suggesting no significant impact at the sampling points. The geo-accumulation index values also indicated no significant impact for all metals. Furthermore, hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for all metals were below the permissible value of 1, indicating non-carcinogenic risks for residents. However, children showed higher HI values compared to adults, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to protect this vulnerable group. Continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts are crucial for sustainable quarrying activities and prevention of environmental hazards in the Marksino Concession area.

Keywords: Contamination, Environment, Heavy Metals, Natural, plastic

Health and Environmental Hazard of Plastic Waste in The Communities of Niger Delta (Published)

The purpose of this research was to investigate the possible adverse effects on human health that are caused by the presence of plastic rubbish in the villages that are situated in the Niger Delta area.  The samples of water, fish, sediment, and human blood that were collected and analysed for their physico-chemical characteristics included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate. Sulphate, nitrate, and sulphate were also determined to be present in the samples. In addition, the samples were analysed to determine whether or not they included any trace elements of metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, and zinc. The samples were analysed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). These techniques were used to determine the composition of the samples. Further research was conducted to develop ecological and human health risk indicators in order to evaluate the presence of heavy metals in water and fish. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 25.0, was used for the analysis of the data that was obtained. In order to evaluate the nature of the connections between the various variables, descriptive statistical measures such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used. In addition, inferential statistical approaches such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Turkey’s Test were applied in order to ascertain the existence of this link within a confidence interval of 0.05.  According to the results of the research, heavy metals were found in water, fish, and human blood, respectively. The degrees of contamination, cancer risk, hazard quotient, prospective contamination index, degree of contamination, and contamination factor were all significantly increased due to the presence of heavy metals in the fish and the water. As a result, it is very necessary to carry out regular monitoring in order to evaluate the impact that waste plastic is having on the aquatic resources and the human population in the vicinity of the Niger Delta. This will assist assess the current state of these environmental dangers and their impact on the health of the general people.                

Keywords: Environment, Health, Human, Natural, plastic

Circular Economy Innovations in Small and Medium Enterprises in Ngong Town Kajiado County, Kenya for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (Published)

Circular economy emerged as way of managing waste, lessening resource uses, and preventing environmental deterioration. Circular economy is being developed and implemented in governmental, business and academic settings mainly in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12. Waste generated from residents in Ngong town has built up landfills and has clogged sewer lines and pathways. These wastes encompass various forms of electrical, plastics and electronic appliances that have ceased to be of any value to their owners. These types of wastes can have harmful effects on humans and the physical environment. Waste require special handling and disposal techniques due to their hazardous properties as they may be toxic, carcinogenic, flammable including other effects. This study explored the circular economy innovations in SMEs in Ngong town as contribution to addressing this problem. The study specific objectives were, to find out the circular economy innovations, to identify opportunities and to determine the factors that influence circular economy innovations in Ngong town. A sample of forty owners/operators of SMEs in Ngong town was conveniently selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. It was found that a number of innovations were implemented and only 67.5% had knowledge of circular economy. The SMEs had customers who can buy product from their innovations, and there were factors that influenced circular economy innovations such as government policies and regulations, lack of infrastructure, financial resources, and partnerships.For SMEs to move from linear to circular economy in Ngong town, the study recommends training on circular economy innovations and the county government of Kajiado should implement policies and regulations that promote the circular economy innovations for the protection of the market and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Environment, Innovations, SME, Sustainability, circular economy

Assessment of Air Quality Parameters in Selected Road Intersections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Case Study of their Potential Impacts on Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment (Published)

Selected air quality parameters (SO₂, NO₂, CO, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀₎ concentrations were measured at selected road intersections within the study area. SO₂, NO₂, CO, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were found to be above permissible limits of Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) and WHO, while CO was within the limit at all sampling stations. The result of the statistical analysis showed that the P-value was less than 0.05 (level of significance) in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ parameters, which imply that these air quality parameters were significantly different from the FME limits. Similarly, NO₂ and SO₂ results showed significant differences when compared with FME standards. Generally, the results showed that the concentration the assessed pollutants were significantly higher than the recommended Nigeria FME limits. Thus, they constitute potential sources of health hazards to humans and aquatic flora and fauna within the water bodies in the study area. Routine monitoring of these air quality parameters and advocacy on their impacts on terrestrial and aquatic environment cum organisms amongst others, were recommended as a way of reducing air pollution within the study area.

Citation: Akankali J. A., Chukwuma B., Ambrose I. S., Unyime U. S.  (2023) Assessment of Air Quality Parameters in Selected Road Intersections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria:  A Case Study of their Potential Impacts on Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment, International Journal of Environment and Pollution Research, Vol.11, No.1 pp.24-42

Keywords: Air, Environment, Impacts, Quality, aquatic, terrestrial

Reduce Carbon footprint in Rawalpindi Pakistan (Published)

In developing countries such as Pakistan, atmospheric pollution has become a disaster. This study’s objective was to observe and evaluate the air quality in the 15-million-person combined population of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan. The quantities of particulate pollution, as well as CO2, were measured in five different cities. There are now far too many types and sources of pollution from numerous air pollutants. However, due to an absence of management skills for air pollution, the world is currently facing diminishing air quality. The ecosystem, public health, and quality of life are all seriously threatened by air pollution, according to facts from multiple governmental organizations and foreign organizations. Through the Pakistan Environmental Protection Program, the Pakistani government has implemented important strides toward air quality management, including the establishment of few active monitoring stations. However, there are currently no standards for environmental protection. This paper examines the standards for air pollutants from observational studies. Five main air pollutants—NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and PM2—were taken into consideration. Our findings show that under the baseline scenario, Existing air pollution in Pakistan management efforts are inadequate to achieve the nation’s air quality criteria. By 2050, the percentage of deaths caused by PM2.5 will be 24% lower nationwide because of the implementation of sustainable development policies. Innovative standard precautions can improve Pakistan’s air quality and public health, but when associated with foreign long-term new developments, they can also lower greenhouse gas emissions (implementing SDG 13’s indicator on climate action) and save about a quarter of GDP (0.32% of GDP) on costs associated with emission control by 2050. It seems to have a substantial co-benefit in terms of cost (economic), health (social), and air pollution (environmental), suggesting that Pakistani public policy should consider a co-control at a low cost of greenhouse gases and air pollution in the future.

Keywords: Air Pollution, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Environment, asthma, carbon footprint, clean water, greenhouse gas emissions, health. air quality, public health, smoke

Evaluation of Ambient Air Quality at Nekede and Naze Dumpsites, Imo State, South East Nigeria (Published)

Environmental pollution is one potential consequence of lack of proper management of municipal solid waste. The study was carried out to evaluate on-site air quality at Nekede and Naze dumpsites with respect to dry and wet seasons. Samples were measured at six (6) sampling points within and around the field using a series of calibrated hand held air quality monitoring equipment. At each sampling point, nine (9) air quality parameters (particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), Ammonia (NH₃), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Methane (CH₄), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were measured.Results showed that PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were detected in all stations of both dumpsites in both seasons. The highest values for all parameters measured were at the dumpsites except for CO which increased as distance progressed off the dumpsite. The CO ranged 0.42-0.94ppm at Nekede dumpsite and 0.20-1.12 ppm at Naze dumpsite during the dry season with the lowest values measured at station NKAQ1 and NZAQ1 with corresponding values of 0.42 and 0.20 ppm. CH₄ was less than 0.01 ppm at NZAQ3 in both seasons under study. All parameters measured were higher in Nekede area than Naze except for NH₃ which ranged 0.01- 0.15 ppm and 0.02-0.17 ppm respectively for both seasons. Generally NKAQ3 and NZAQ3 which all served as control stations had the lowest concentration of all parameters measured but otherwise for CO. Result further revealed that all parameters except CO exceeded the concentration values stipulated by USEPA and WHO, implying serious health implications in the study area. Results from this study calls for proper waste management system to ameliorate air pollution in the study area.

Keywords: Environment, Imo State, Pollution, air quality

Environmental Quality of Enugu, Nigeria As Impacted by the Primary Air Pollutants in the Area (Published)

Air pollution activities have increased over the years in urban areas of most developing countries like Nigeria. The same has been experienced in Enugu metropolis. This study therefore examined how environmental quality of Enugu metropolis has been impacted by the polluted air in the environment. The metropolis was classified into different neigbourhoods and then stratified into low, medium and high density areas. Samples were randomly collected from these neighborhoods. In determining the residential environmental quality of the area factor analysis (principal component analysis was used to reduce the various environmental quality variables into single factor known as “Y” variable. This served as dependent variable. Primary air pollutants; particular matter, Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide constituted the independent variables as x1, x2, x3 and x4 respectively. Using multiple regression model a relationship between the dependent and independent variable was established. The coefficient of determination in the result showed that adjusted r²=.917, indicating that 91.7% variation in the   residential environmental quality could be predicted from air pollution. Health challenges of reduced oxygen carrying capacity of blood, chronic bronchitis and worsening respiratory illnesses were identified as some of the effects. Also identified, are acidification of soils, staining of fabrics among others on the environment. Making petroleum products like kerosene available and affordable to all by the federal government of Nigeria, among others have been recommended.

 

Keywords: Enugu, Environment, Impact, Nigeria, Quality

Effect of Cassava Mill Effluent on Microbial Properties of Garden Soil: Eziobodo Imo State Nigeria (Published)

An assessment of the Effect of Cassava Effluent on Garden Soil was made. Two soil samples were collected; one from a farmland polluted with cassava effluent and, another as an unpolluted sample – free from cassava effluent pollution. The microbial analyses were carried out to investigate the effects of the cassava effluent on the soil microbial qualities of garden soil. Results showed that unpolluted soil sample was normal, while the results of the polluted soil sample showed extinct or absence of normal garden soil microbial fauna with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus which are more harmful than good wherever they are found. However, the presumptive identification of fungi in the polluted soil sample showed presence of Candida sp. The results of the bacteriological count showed absence of coliform bacteria, and the Triple sugar iron and various biochemical reactions showed the absence of bacteria such as Bacillus sp which possess nitrogenise and is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Such genus of bacteria could stimulate plant growth by colonizing plant tissues – external or internal and providing fixed nitrogen to the host plant. Also various species of Bacillus have the ability to increase plant nutrients in soil. Bacillus forms positive interactions (symbiotic) involving bacteria and fungi to stimulate growth in plants. Many strains are capable of inhibiting pathogenic growth or activity directly and indirectly in soil.Enlightenment campaign, detoxifying cassava effluent in accordance with regulatory Standard, appropriate method(s) of environmental friendly disposal of both solid and cassava wastewater are recommended for safe and healthy environment.

Keywords: Cassava effluent, Contamination, Environment, Microbes, Pollution, Soil

Effects of Industrial Effluent on the Environment Using Allium Cepa and Zea Mays As Bioindicators (Published)

Indiscriminate handling and disposal of industrial effluents into the environment represents one of the major sources of environmental pollution which invariably affects the health of man, plants and animals. The toxic effect of effluent from a candy-producing industry was investigated in terms of root growth inhibition and overall phytotoxicity using bio-indicator plants; Allium cepa and Zea mays. The presence and concentrations of some metals of environmental concern as well as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the effluent were also determined. The Allium cepa and Zea mays tests were carried out at concentrations of 1, 5,10,25,50 and 100% of the untreated effluent. There was statistical significant (P<0.05) inhibition of root growth in both plants, the shoot length measurement also showed significant difference (P<0.05) at the different concentrations of the effluent as compared with the control. Morphological abnormalities were observed in the roots of the bio-indicator plants, it is therefore recommended that industrial effluents be treated before being disposed into the environment.  

Keywords: Allium Cepa, Bio-Indicators, Environment, Industrial Effluent, Phytotoxicity, Zea Mays

Effects of Industrial Effluent on the Environment Using Allium Cepa and Zea Mays as Bioindicators (Published)

Indiscriminate handling and disposal of industrial effluents into the environment represents one of the major sources of environmental pollution which invariably affects the health of man, plants and animals. The toxic effect of effluent from a candy-producing industry was investigated in terms of root growth inhibition and overall phytotoxicity using bio-indicator plants; Allium cepa and Zea mays. The presence and concentrations of some metals of environmental concern as well as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the effluent were also determined. The Allium cepa and Zea mays tests were carried out at concentrations of 1, 5,10,25,50 and 100% of the untreated effluent. There was statistical significant (P<0.05) inhibition of root growth in both plants, the shoot length measurement also showed significant difference (P<0.05) at the different concentrations of the effluent as compared with the control. Morphological abnormalities were observed in the roots of the bio-indicator plants, it is therefore recommended that industrial effluents be treated before being disposed into the environment.  

Keywords: Allium Cepa, Bio-Indicators, Environment, Industrial Effluent, Phytotoxicity, Zea Mays