IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-8 ~ Issue-2 ~ February 2014

Abstract: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of several regions with different varied climatic conditions. Eastern Saudi Arabia has a subtropical desert climate, arid basically because of its geographical situation in global patterns of atmospheric circulation. Low rainfall and high temperatures certainly class the area as a desert; five plants samples were collected in the year 2012 from different locations and different distances; they were Zygophyllum album, Halopeplis perfoliata, Cyperus conglomeratus (A) (B), Zygophyllum decumbens. Some soil minerals (Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++, B+++) and proteins concentration were investigated during dry and wet seasons. In the dry season, tested minerals concentrations increased and the difference between concentrations were significant at p > 0.05, the protein contents decreased as a result of salt and water stress , the difference between concentrations were significant at p > 0.05, while in the wet season, the minerals concentrations of the soil decreased, the difference between minerals concentrations were significant at p > 0.05; the proteins content increased, and the difference between concentrations were significant at p >0.05. The littoral salt marshes show different results during dry and wet seasons, because of the character of the soil of these habitat.
Key wards: Soil minerals, Proteins, salt stress, temperature stress.

[1] D.J. Bowles, Defens-related proteins in higher plants., Annu. Rev. Biochem., 59, 1990:873-907.
[2] K. Kanlaya, D. Sakda, W. Chaisri, B. Sumontip, K. Manit, and T. Piyada, Protein profiles in response to salt stress in leaf sheaths of rice seedlings. Science Asia 31, 2005.403-808.
[3] G. A. Swire- Clark and W. R. Jr. Marcotte, The wheat LEA encoding oxygen evolving enhancer protein 1 increased by salt treatment in the mangrove Bruguiera gymnorhiza. Plant cell Physiol. 41, 1999. 1279-1285.
[4] X. Y Xu, M. Abo, A. Okubo, and S. Yamazaki, Salt- stress- responsive membrane proteins in Rhodobacter sphaeroides f.sp. denitrificans IL106. J. Biosci. Bioeng. 91, 2001.228-230
[5] P. A. Yash and T. I. Keith, Effects of higher day and night temperatures on growth and yields of some crop plants. Natural Resources Management and Environment Department. 1996: 1- 15.

Abstract: Sex ratio of Ribbonfish, Lepturacanthus savala has been studied from Karwar waters, Uttar Kannada District Karnataka. Sex ratio indicates the proportion of males to females in a population. This is normally expected to be 1:1 in nature. Total 631 fish were studied during the period December 2011 to December 2012. Sex ratio was calculated for different months and size groups of the fish were tested by using Chi-square (X2) test. The ratio of males to females was found to be 1.7:0.5. The test of significance revealed that in January and February 2012 proportion of males and females varied significantly (X2 = 7.89, P < 0.01 and 7.46, P < 0.01) respectively. In other months the difference was significant and the chi-square test for pooled data did not show any significant variation (X2= 2.28, P<0.05). The data on sex ratio in relation to size groups suggest that males outnumbered females in all the size groups. The chi-square test values for pooled data did not show much variation (X2=9.16, P<0.05) So far there have been some earlier reports about distribution, abundance and biological aspects but no attempt has been made towards the sex composition of Lepturacanthus savala, hence the present investigation was undertaken.
Keywords: Lepturacanthus savala, Ribbonfish, Sex ratio.

[1]. Surendra Babu and Neelakantan, Biology of Liza parsia in Kali estuary Karwar, Mahasagar. 16(3), 1983, 381-389.
[2]. Dutt, Biometric studies on Sardinella spp. of Waltair Coast. 1. Sardinella fimbriata (Val.) Proc. 1st All India Congr. Zool., Pt. II, 1962, 286.
[3]. Anantha, C. S, P. Santha Joseph, G. V. S. Reddyand b. S. Raghunath, Reproductive biology of Gerris setifer (Hamilton-Buchanan) inhabiting the coastal waters of Mangalore. J. Aqua. Biology. 10 (1 & 2), 1995, 61-65.
[4]. Sharma, S. V., Jayaraju, P. B. And Alankara Rao, T.J.S., Reproductive biology of tropical freshwater catfish, Mystus cavasius (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from Guntur, India. J. Aqua.biology.11 (1&2), 1996, 33-40.
[5]. Raje, S. G, On the biology of Tachysurus caelatus (VAL.) from Veraval. J. Ind. Fish. Asson. 30, 2003, 91-96.

Abstract: Growing populations may put stresses on natural waters both the quality of the water and hydrological budget. River Siang is the main river of East Siang district and also it is one of the most important tributary of the mighty River Brahmaputra drainage system. Potable quality of river water is affected by seasons and other factors. Assessments of physico-chemical parameters were carried out during July 2012 to June 2013 in the six different study sites of River Siang. Twenty (20) different water quality parameters were measured in all collected samples, including Water Colour, Air Temperature, Water Temperature, pH, DO, FCO2, Conductivity, Total alkalinity, Turbidity, total hardness, TSS, TDS, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphate, Chloride, Iron, Sodium, Manganese, Zinc. The results that are recorded in the different stations are compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) [1] and it was found that the water of River Siang may be suitable for drinking and domestic purposes because all the values are between WHO ; except the values of Iron.
Keywords: Seasonal Variations, River Siang, Physico-chemical parameters, Arunachal Pradesh, WHO.

[1]. WHO, World Health Organization, Guideline for Drinking Water Quality, Geneva, 2010.
[2]. Jain, A. K., River Pollution, First Edition, APH Publishing, New Delhi, 2009, 330.
[3]. Das, B. K. and Kar, D., Habitat Mapping, Spatial Analysis to Fish Diversity of River Subansiri during Winter Season in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (India). Environment and Ecology, 29 (4A), 2011, 1948-1951.
[4]. Das, B. K., Dutta, B., Kar, S., Boruah, P. and Kar, D., Icthyofauna of Subansiri River in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India. International Journal of Current Research, 5, (11), 2013, 3314-3317.
[5]. Riedel, G. F., Tvvillims, S. A., Riedel, G. S., Olimour, C. C. andSander, J. G., Temperoal and Spatial Patterns of Trace Elements in the Patuxent River; A whole Watershed approach, Estuaries, 23, 2000, 521-535.

Abstract: Zingiberaceae is one of the largest families of the plant kingdom with 53 genera and over 1300 species. About 80 species are mainly distributed in Eastern Himalaya to Southern China, India and South-Eastern Asia, 22 genera and 178 species are recorded in India, 9 genera and 70 species in South India. Out of 19 genera and 88 species available in North East India, 42 species have been recorded from Manipur State. Out of which 24 species were recorded to have ethnomedicinal value in the valley districts of Manipur.
Keywords: ethnomedicinal, Manipur, valley districts, Zingiberaceae.

[1] Prakash, V. and Mehrotra, B.N. (1996). Zingiberaceae of Northeast India: diversity and taxonomic status. Proceedings of the 2nd symposium of the family Zingiberaceae: 262-273.
[2] Pandey, P.C. and Samant, S.S. (eds) (2001). Plant Diversity of the Himalaya: pp 101-118. Gyanodaya Prakashan Nainital.
[3] Kress,W.J Prince, L.M. and Williams, K. J. (2002). The phylogeny and a new classification of the gingers (Zingiberaceae): evidence from molecular data. American J. Bot. 89:: 1682-1696.
[4] Bhunia, D. and Mondal, A.K. (2012). Antibacterial activity of Alpinia L. (Zingiberaceae) from Santal and Lodha Tribal areas of Paschim Medinipur Districts in Eastern India. Advances in Bioresearch 3 (1): 54-63.
[5] Tushar, B. S., Sarma, G.C. and Rangan, L. (2006). Ethnomedicinal uses of Zingiberaceous plants of Northeast India. J. Ethnopharmacology 132 Ham- An overview. (1): 286-296.

Abstract: The rapid increase of Mombasa City population has resulted into a significant rise in demand for decent housing. The inadequacy of planned decent housing has forced low level income households to inhabit slums around Tudor Creek along the Indian Ocean. The expansive unplanned settlement along Mombasa Island lacks basic infrastructural facilities that culminate into raw effluent discharge into the ocean. Environmental pollution present a great risk to human health, especially industrial waste water loaded with heavy metals. An investigation of anthropogenic activities and corresponding environmental pollutants was undertaken in three sites (Mikindani, Moroto and Old Town) within Tudor Creek ecosystem. Floral and faunal populations as well as heavy metal bioaccumulation varied significantly among the three sites. Floral biodiversity was dominated by mangroves that potentially acted as buffers by immobilizing heavy metals and climatic change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Key words: Biodegradable, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Fauna and flora, Heavy metal and Pollution.

[1] M.I Yahaya, S. Mohammad and B.K. Abdullahi, Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals Concentration in Abattoir Dumping Site Soil in Nigeria. Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management, 13(4), 2009, 9-13.
[2] P. Szefer, K. Ikuta, S. Kushiyama, K. Frelek and J. Geldon, Distribution of trace metals in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. and Crabs from, the East Coast of Kyusha Island. Japanese Bulletin of Environmental Contamination Toxicology, 58, 1997, 108-114.
[3] V. Pahalawattaarachchi, C.S. Purushothaman and A. Vennila, Metal phytoremediation potential of Rhizophora mucronata (Lam.). Indian Journal of Marine Sciences, 38(2), 2009, 178-183.
[4] J.O. Duruibe, M.O.C. Ogwuegbu and J.N. Egwurugwu, Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects. International Journal of Physical Science, 2(5), 2007, 112 – 118.
[5] E.O. Farombi, O.A. Adelowo, Y.R., Ajimoko, Biomarkers of oxidative stress and heavy metal levels as indicators of environmental pollution of African Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) from Nigeria Ogun river. International Journal of Environmental Research in Public Health, 4(2), 2007, 158-165.

Abstract: Haematological (Hb, PCV, WBC, N and L) effects of Paraquat Dichloride on Clarias gariepinus were studied. Thirty – eight juvenile fishes of Clarias gariepinus (mean weight, 149.21+ 1. 44g SD; mean length, 26.25+ 2.10cm SD) were exposed to Chronic and acute levels of Paraquat Dichloride, an organophosphate pesticide. The range of concentrations used for the definitive test were 0.00ppm, 0.05ppm, 0.10ppm, 0.20ppm, 0.30ppm and 0.40ppm. There were fluctuations in the blood parameters. Haemoglobin and PCV had their highest values 43.1+ 0.00 SD and 33.6+ 0.24 SD respectively at 0.4ppm concentration of the toxicant. WBC had the least value of 93+ 0.00 SD. Lymphocytes on the other hand increased steadily with increase in the concentration of the toxicant ranging from 85.70+ 0.17 SD at 0.00ppm of toxicant to 88.30+ 0.17 SD at 0.40ppm of toxicant. Neutrophils did not show any definite pattern of variation. The results showed that Paraquat dichloride had profound effect on the haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus.
Key words: Clarias gariepinus, paraquat dichloride, Haematological parameters (Hb,PCV, WBC, N and L.).

[1]. Adeyemo, O.K.(2005). Haematological and histopathological effects of cassava mill effluent on Clarias gariepinus. Afri .J. biomed. Res. 8(3):179-183).
[2]. American public Health Association (APHA). (1998). Standard methods for the Evaluation of water and waste water. 20th. Ed. Washington, DC: American Public Health.
[3]. Atamanalp, M. Yanik, T.(2003). Alteration in hematological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhyrichius mykiss) exposed to mancozeb. Turk. J.Vet. Anim.Sci. 27: 1213-1217.
[4]. Ayalogu, O.E: Igboh, N.M.Dede, E.B.(2001). Biochemical changes in the serum and liver of albino rats exposedto petroleum samples (gasoline, kerosene and crude petroleum). J.Appl. Sci. Environs. Manage. 5(1):97-100.
[5]. Barton, A.B. (2002). Stress in fishes: a diversity of responses with particular reference to changes in circulating corticosteroids. Integer. Comp. biol.

Abstract: This study aims to analyze the problems that occurred in the area of Sentani Lake, including the erosion in the watershed, increased the sediment deposition and its relation to the silting up of the lake. The purpose of this study is to provide information to stakeholders, especially related to the preservation of Lake Sentani. These study results explained that the Lake Sentani experiencing silting caused of the deposition of sediment. Results of the mapping erosion potential is to provide information that the highest erosion potential of between 60 to 180 tons per hectare per year in the north of the lake, they are areas that have a high degree of slope. The lake of suspended solids concentration (TSS) between the top layer and the bottom layer there are significant differences in the upper layer of the TSS concentrations ranging from 20 milligrams per liter to 320 milligrams per liter while the bottom layer of the TSS concentrations ranged from 80 milligrams to 410 milligrams per liter liter.
Keywords: erosion, TSS, sediment deposition, siltation of the lake.

[1]. Anonymous, 2011. Pengembangan Model Pemanfaatan Data Penginderaan Jauh untuk Pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) dan Danau, The final report of activities 2011, Regional Land Resources Sector, Pusfatja, LAPAN
[2]. Asdak, Chay. (2004). Hidrologi dan Pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai (edisi kedua). Gadjah Mada University Press.Yogyakarta.
[3]. Budiyanto, Eko.(2005). Sistem Informasi Geografis dengan Menggunakan ARC-VIEW GIS. Publisher ANDI. Yogyakarta.
[4]. Collen, D.W & G.J Miller. 1996. Kimia dan Ekotoksikologi Pencemaran (terjemahan Yanti Koestoer). Publisher Univesitas Indonesia (UI-Press).Jakarta
[5]. JorgensenI. 2009. "Human Induced Eutrophication is Minimized Especially Adverse Effect". Final Report, European Commision.

Abstract: Water and wastewater systems in Iraq have thoroughly been damaged in the First and Second Gulf Wars. Moreover, the Hussein regime in Iraq left the water system to collapse, and caused it to be in desperate need of modernization, redevelopment and improvement. For the purpose of this study, samples were collected from two stations along with Diyala River in Baghdad City. The major sources of data are the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Water Resources. We used Detection of Violation to determine the water quality of Diyala River and Al-Rustumiya Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Violation for Diyala River shows the parameters (BOD, SO4, PO4 & Cl) are 100% violations and that maximum level of pollution. Al-Rustumiya Wastewater Treatment Plant was having very high level of violation for the years (2005, 2006 & 2007) and the values were between (55% - 87%).
Keywords: Water Quality, Water Pollution, River Pollution, WWTP, Detection of Violation, Water resource and Diyala River.

[1] AbdulKarim Muneer AbdulRazzak, 2013. Performance Evaluation of Al-Rustamiya Wastewater Treatment Plant. Journal of Engineering, Number 4, Volume 19 April 2013Wikipedia foundation Inc, 2011. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
[2] ACSAD and UNEP-ROWA (Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands; United Nations Environment Programme- Regional Office for West Asia). 2001.
[3] Allaa M. Aenab, S. K. Singh, 2011. Critical Assessment of Environmental Quality of Baghdad, Iraq. Journal of Environmental Engineering, Vol. 138, No. 5, May 1, 2012. @ASCE, ISSN 0733-9372/2012/5-601-606/$25.00.
[4] Allaa M. Aenab, S. K. Singh, 2012. Evaluation of Drinking Water Pollution and Health Effects in Baghdad, Iraq. Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012, 3, 533-537 doi:10.4236/jep.2012.36064 Published Online June 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/jep).
[5] Allaa M. Aenab, S. K. Singh, 2012. Environmental Assessment of Infrastructure Projects of Water Sector in Baghdad, Iraq. Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012, 3, 1-10. doi:10.4236/jep.2012.31001 Published Online January 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/jep).

Abstract: Nigeria as a nation suffers the effects of Climate Change majorly through flood events. Recent flood disasters in Nigeria have been of major concern to people, communities and institutions. In a bid to mitigate the extent of damage and casualties during a flood disaster, this study aimed to promote the use of Nigeria satellites in the preparedness phase of flood disaster management cycle for more practicable and effective response and mitigation. The study also identifies the relevant agencies to collaborate with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in order to promote synergy towards attaining a stable disaster risk management in Nigeria; and provides a framework for improving and managing disaster preparedness and response using Nigerian satellites and through geospatial approach. The approach employed was a combination of satellite imagery, imagery intelligence and geospatial information with the help of Information Communication Technology to plan ahead for any flood event during the pre-disaster phase. The incorporation of geospatial techniques using the Nigerian earth observation and communication satellites in disaster preparedness and response will strengthen our contingency plan provided there is synergy, commitment and information sharing among relevant agencies.
Key Words: Flood, Preparedness, Response, Disaster and Satellites.

[1]. Abam, T.S.K., 2006. Development Policy Framework for Erosion and Flood Control in Nigeria. EARTHWATCH - Magazine for Environment and Development Experts in Nigeria, 5(1), 25-32.
[2]. ActionAid (2006). Climate Change, Urban Flooding and the Rights of the Urban Poor in Africa: Key Findings from Six African Cities, A Report by ActionAid October 2006.
[3]. Askew, A.J. (1999). Water in the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. In: Leavesley et al (Eds) Destructive Water: Water-caused Natural Disaster, their Abatement and Control. IAHS Publication No. 239.
[4]. Etuonovbe, A.K., 2011. Devastating Effect of Flooding in Nigeria. FIG Working Week 2011
[5]. Folorunsho, R. and Awosika, L.F., 2001. Flood Mitigation in Lagos, Nigeria through Wise Management of Solid Waste: a case of Ikoyi and Victoria Islands; Nigerian, Paper presented at the UNESCO-CSI workshop, Maputo 19-23 November 2001.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the water quality status of Anchar lake Kashmir whole year from January 2013 to December 2013. Anchar lake, an urban shallow basin lake with a maximum depth of 2.6 meters was getting modified as a result of cultural eutrophication due to anthropogenic pressure, siltation and the effluent released from Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). The physico-chemical characteristics assessed at seven selected sites for pH, conductivity, temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), Total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, free CO2, sulphate, phosphate, iron, ammonical nitrogen, sodium and potassium. Result shows positive correlation among all the physico-chemical parameters except DO. The study reveals that site 7 near SKIMS was highly nutrient rich with respect to other sites.

[1]. Akuskar, S. K. and Gaikwad, A.V. (2006). Physico-chemical analysis of Manjara dam back water of Manjara river Dhanegoan, Maharashtra. India. Ecol. Environ. and Conserv., 12(1): 73-74.
[2]. APHA (1998). Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water. American Public Health Association Washington 20th edition, Washington DC (U.S.A.): 1-1193.
[3]. Avnish K.Verma and D.N. Saksena (2010). Assessment of Water quality and Pollution Status of Kalpi (Morar) River, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: with special reference To Conservation and Management plan. Asian J. Exp. Biol. Sci., 1(2): 419 -429.
[4]. Bhandari, N. S. and Nayal, K. 2008). Correlation Study on Physico-chemical parameters and quality assessment of Kosi river water, Uttarakhand. J. Chem., 2(5): 342-346.
[5]. Bhaskar, B., Mukherjee, S., Chakraborty, R. and Nanda, A. K. (2003). Physico-chemical and bacteriological investigation on the river Torsa of North Bengal. J. Environ. Biol., 24: 125-133.

Abstract: The effect of Carbosulfan (CB), a carbamate insecticide which has been used widely in agriculture, was investigated using wistar rat. Carbosulfan was administered orally at sublethal concentration at a dose of 25 mg/kg to 12 male rats ad libitum during the tests for 30 days consecutively. The effect of CB on hematological constituent [Red Blood Corpuscules (RBC), White Blood Corpuscules (WBC), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), platelet (PLT) Hemoglobin (HGB) and Hematocrit (HCT) levels] and serum damage marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] of rats were investigated under laboratory conditions. Body weight, organ weight, cellularity of spleen, spleen cell subtypes, cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation assay were also studied. CB treatments caused different effects on the hematological constituents and the serum marker enzymes of the treatment groups as compared to the controls.
Keywords: Keywords: Carbosulfan; immunotoxicity; spleen; hematotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; nephrotoxicity.

[1]. P. Guillet, R. N'Guessan, F. Darriet, M. Traore-Lamizana, F. Chanre, and P. Carnevale, Combined pyrethroid and carbamate two-in-one treated mosquito nets: field efficacy against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae and Culexquinque fasciatus, Med. Vet. Entomol. 15, 2001, 102–112.
[2]. FAO/WHO, Pesticide residues in food. Toxicological evaluations, World Health Organization, Geneva. http//www.who.int/pcs/jmpr/2003.htm.
[3]. P.J. Marsden, E. Kuwano, and T.R. Fukuto, Metabolism of carbosulfan [2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl (di-n-butylaminothio) methylcarbamate] in the rat and house fly, Pestic. Biochem. Physiol, 18, 1982, 38–48.
[4]. K. Abass, P. Reponen, S. Mattila, and O. Pelkonen, Metabolism of carbosulfan. I. Species differences in the in vitro biotransformation by mammalian hepatic microsomes including human, Chem. Biol. Interact, 181, 2009, 210–219.
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Abstract: Nigeria as a nation suffers the effect of Climate Change majorly through flood events. Recent flood disasters in Nigeria have been of major concern to people, communities and institutions. Flash floods are the most common in Nigeria during the peak of the rainy season (June-October) and the 2012 flood event in Nigeria is described as the worst in recent times. Kogi State was the most affected state due to its location at the confluence of the country's major rivers (Niger-Benue Rivers). The flood events have pushed rivers to overflow their banks submerging hundreds of kilometers of the urban and rural land in Kogi State which is beyond description and has attracted humanitarian assistance from both national and international organization. In a bid to mitigate the extent of damage and casualties during a flood disaster, this study aimed at assessing, mapping and analyzing the 2012 flood disaster in Kogi state, Nigeria for an effective flood disaster risk management and proper planning..
Keywords: Satellite data, Flood Disasters, GIS, Vulnerability, Risk, IDPs.

[1]. Adeoye, N O, Ayanlade, A and Babatimehin, O (2009), "Climate change and menace of floods in Nigerian cities: socio-economic implications", Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 3 (3), pages 369-377.
[2]. Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). 2005. Disaster Risk Management in Asia, a Primer. Prepared under USAID Cooperative Agreement No. DFD-A-00-03-00077-00.
[3]. Clark G. E, Moser S.C, Ratick S.J, Mayer W.B, Emani S, Jin Weigen, Kasperson J.X, Kasperson R.E, Schwarz H.E (1998). Assessing the Vulnerability of Coastal Communities to Extreme Storms: The Case Study of Revere, MA,USA. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 3: 59-82, Kulwer Academic Publishers, Netherland.
[4]. European Commission (EC) (2007), "Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October, 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks",Official Journal of the European Union, L288/27-34.
[5]. Few R., Ahern M., Matthies F. and Kovats S.; Floods, health and climate change: a strategic review. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, 2004, (63).

Abstract: For decades now, petroleum and its invaluable products have been serving us. Among the multifarious fuels used to drive our cars and fly our planes, natural gas is the cleanest of all. Natural gas however, makes up only 20-25% of global usage as a fuel. Around 75% comprise of jet fuel, diesel oil and petrol. These petroleum derivatives are the chief culprits for the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Natural gas on the other hand, emits 40-50% less carbon dioxide than these petroleum derivatives. This paper illustrates a new-found source of fuel in the form of methane hydrates. They are clathrate compounds that act as active sources of methane gas which can be exploited and used as a cleaner source of fuel. They are primarily found in the sandy sediment layer of the seabed, ranging from Alaska to Japan as also in the Andaman Islands, India. They have an ice like appearance and burn when a flame is set on them, suggestive of "burning ice". Methane hydrates are most stable in a high pressure-low temperature environment hence extraction methods are accordingly altered with special care taken to avoid methane gas leakage. This untapped and cleaner source of fossil fuels can be a turning point in the way current sources of energy are being utilized.
Keywords: Natural gas, Clathrates, Methane hydrates, Greenhouse gases.

[1]. Japan oil, gas and metals national corporation; promoting the development of methane hydrates, accessed on 20th February, 2014.
[2]. How stuff works; how frozen fuel works, accessed on 20th February, 2014.
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[5]. Carolyn Ruppel; "methane hydrate and the future of natural gas" supplementary paper 4.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial POPs which have been released into the environment resulting in widespread and persistent contamination. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the alterations in the activities of few lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase) in lysosomal cellular sub-fractions of kidney and intestine of mice after the exposure to different concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) for two different time intervals (15 and 30 minutes). The study was aimed to answer a couple of hypothesis set in null form, that (a) Aroclor 1254 does not have any direct effect on the selected lysosomal enzymes under in vitro condition, and (b) Aroclor 1254 does not exhibit any organ-specific toxic effects on the activities of selected lysosomal enzymes in kidney and intestine of mice under in vitro condition.
Keywords: Aroclor 1254, Intestine, Kidney, Lysosomal enzymes, PCBs.

[1.] S. Pathak, H. Pansuria, R. Kundu, Low concentration of PCB (Aroclor 1254) alter membrane-bound ion dependent ATPases in the hepatocytes cells of mice, IOSR Jour. Env. Sci. Tox. Food Tech. 3(1), 2013, 86-90.
[2.] A.L. Hammond, Chemical pollution: Polychlorinated biphenyls, Science. 175, 1972, 155-156.
[3.] W.T. Collins Jr., C.C. Capen, L. Kasze, C. Carter, R.E. Dailey, Effect of Polychlorinated bipheyls (PCBs) on the thyroid gland of Rats, American J. of Pathol. 89(1), 1977, 119-130.
[4.] R. Kundu, K. Ramani, A. Vaghela, M. Thakar, P. Bhadja, S. Pathak, J. Jigyasi, Heavy metals in vegetables, fish and poultry meat at Rajkot city, Gujarat, India, VAK. 6, 2011, 64-75.
[5.] S. Pathak, R. Kundu, Short-term PCB (Aroclor 1254) toxicity on few phosphatases in mice brain, Dose Response. 11(1), 2013a, 1-8.

Abstract:(Spinaciaoleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceous. It is native to central and southwestern Asia. It is an annual plant (rarely biennial), which grows to a height of up to 30 cm. Spinach may survive over winter in temperate regions. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular-based, very variable in size from about 2–30 cm long and 1–15 cm broad, with larger leaves at the base of the plant and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. To substantiate this, an analysis of the proximate principles of the samples was carried out using bench science experiments. The proximate profiles of Carbohydrate, Minerals, proteins and Crude fibers were analysed. The study showed a linear increase in Proteins, Carbohydrates, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorous and Vit C content. At the same time the composition of crude fibers were lowered.
Keywords: Amaranthaceous, micro-analysis, salmonella typhi , proximate principles , value for money.

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Abstract: River Ona, Apata, Ibadan is a water body used for a lot of domestic purposes. In this study the physicochemical properties of River Ona and tap water were determined as well as their effects on liver and kidney of albino rats. The heamotological parameters were also studied. Thirty albino rats used for this study were grouped into five. Rats in group 1 served as control and were administered tap water ad-libitum, while rats in groups 2-5 were administered River Ona water in varying concentrations (25%v/v, 50% v/v, 75% v/v and 100% v/v) for 20 days. The physicochemical test results revealed that the colour, turbidity, total dissolved solids, chloride were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the W.H.O. standards while pH, sulphate, magnesium, copper were significantly (p<0.05) lower, manganese and cadmium were not detectable. A significant increase in the specific activity of Alkaline phosphatase relative to the control was observed. Whereas a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in the specific activity of Alanine transaminase, the concentrations of Heamoglobin, Pack Cell Volume, Red Blood Cell, Mean Cell Volume, White Blood Cell, Platelets, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes was observed. These results suggest that the use and intake of water obtained from River Ona may predispose the liver and kidney to damage; also it might lead to compromised immune system.
Key words: Haematological, Physicochemical, River Ona, Sewage.

[1] O. Oladele, P.D. Adegbenro, and M.G. Adewole, The impact of industries on surface water quality of River Ona and River Alaro in Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10 (4), 2011, 696-702.
[2] K. Ogedengbe, and C. Akinbile, Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Industrial and Agricultural Effluent on Ona Stream in Ibadan, Nigeria. New York Science Journal, 3(7), 2010, 25 – 33.
[3] G.M. Hudges, Hydrologic Considerations in the Citing and Design of Landfills, Environmental Geology, (Notes, no 51 Urbana: Illinois State Geological Survey, 1972).
[4] T.O. Sunmonu, O.B. Oloyede, Haematological Response of African Catfish (Clariasgariepinus) and Rat to Crude Oil Exposure, The Internet Journal of Hematology, 4(1), 2008.
[5] B.J. Alloway, and D.C. Ayres, Chemical Principles of Environmental Pollution. (Blackie Academic and Professional, CRC Press, 1997) 190-220.

Abstract: Southern Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate variability and change because of multiple existing climatic stresses and low adaptive capacity. It is now indisputable that climate change will have a grave effect on livestock production in Southern Africa, coming as an additional factor affecting livestock production that is already highly dynamic and facing a host of challenges. Climatic change is threatening the sustainability of livestock production systems by reinforcing existing stressors such as heat stress, droughts, and flooding events which have lead to reductions in livestock productivity. This review attempt to explore the likely impacts of climate change on livestock production systems, and discuss influence of climate change on water and feeds, livestock genetics and breeding, and animal health. The expected responses to climate induced environmental stressors on livestock production are also highlighted.
Keywords: Adaptation, Climate Change, Impact, Livestock Production, Southern Africa.

[1] M Miraglia, H.J. Marvin, G.A. Kleter, P. Battilani, C. Brera, E. Coni, F. Cubadda, L. Croci, B. De Santis, S. Dekkers, L. Filippi, R.W. Hutjes, M.Y. Noordam, M. Pisante, G. Piva, A. Prandini, L. Toti, G.J. van den Born, and A. Vespermann, Climate change and food safety: an emerging issue with special focus on Europe. Food Chem Toxicol 47, 2009, 1009–1021.
[2] P. Van den Bossche, and J.A. Coetzer, Climate change and animal health in Africa. Rev Sci Tech 27(2), 2008, 551–562.
[3] S Forman, N Hungerford, M Yamakawa, T Yanase, H.J. Tsai, Y.S. Joo, D.K. Yang, and J.J. Nha JJ, Climate change impacts and risks for animal health in Asia. Rev. Sci. Tech. 27(2), 2008, 581-597.
[4] PF Black, J.G. Murray, and M.J. Nunn, Managing animal disease risk in Australia: the impact of climate change. Rev Sci Tech, 27(2), 2008, 563–580.
[5] J Pinto, C. Bonacic, C. Hamilton-West, J. Romero, and J. Lubroth, Climate change and animal diseases in South America. Rev Sci Tech 27(2), 2008, 599–613.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effect of ethanolic cowpea extract (CE) on inhibiting the decrease of SOD and the increase of MDA, TNF-α level and neuron cell vacuolation in rat brain after exposed with the gasoline fume. This study were divided into 8 groups: 1)Negative control with no fume exposure and CE(-), 2)No fume exposure with CE(+), 3)Fume exposure for 2 minutes with CE(-), 4)Fume exposure for 2 minutes with CE(+), 5)Fume exposure for 3 minutes with CE(-), 6)Fume exposure for 3 minutes with CE(+), 7)Fume exposure for 4 minutes with CE(-), 8) Fume exposure for 4 minutes and CE(+). All groups received oxygen for 4 minutes. There was a significant difference between groups which were treated with cowpea supplementation and groups without the treatment in terms of SOD activities (p < 0,05) in 4 minutes exposure groups, MDA and TNF-α levels (p < 0,05) in all exposure groups. In addition, there was an insignificant difference (p > 0,05) on vacuolation in all exposure groups. In conclusion, ethanolic extract of cowpeas inhibits the decrease of SOD and the increase MDA and TNF-α, but does not reduce cell vacuolation in rat brain tissues after exposed to gasoline fume.
Key word: Vigna unguiculata, SOD, MDA, TNF-α, vacuolation, gasoline fume.

[1] Block, M.L., and Calderon-Garciduenas L., Air Pollution : Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation& CNS Disease. Trends Neurosci. 2009.32(9): 506–516.
[2] Elder, A., Gelein, R., Silva, V., et al.. Translocation Of Inhale Dultra Fine Manganese Oxide Particles To The Central Nervous System. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2006.114: 1172–78.
[3] Lucas S M, Rothwell N J, Gibson R M, The Role of Inflammation in CNS Injury and Disease, British Journal of Pharmacology.2006.vol 147; 232–240
[4] Moore, et al.,Molecular Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease. Annu. Rev. Neurosci.2005.28: 57-87.
[5] Balamurugan, G., and Muralidharan P., Effect of Indigoferatinctoria on β-amyloid (25-35) Mediated Alzheimer's disease in Mice : Relationship to Antioxidant Activity, Bangladesh J Pharmacol. 2010.5: 51-56.

Abstract: In the field of healthcare, temperature monitoring has assumed a very vital role both in the management of patient's condition and general hospital storage facilities. Current advancements in the technology of temperature measurement have led to a huge variety of sensors and measuring instruments now being available for making accurate measurements. Most of the types available locally are the analogue type. In this work, a digital thermometer has been designed and constructed based on ATMega16 microcontroller using LM35 as the temperature sensing device. The design is in four modules; power supply, temperature sensor, LCD device and ATmega16 modules. While the ATmega16 forms the main control element, the temperature sensor senses the temperature to be measured and converts it to a corresponding analogue voltage. The measured temperature is displayed on a 16 by 2 Character LCD incorporated in the system. The system was tested and the results showed a mean deviation of from the readings when compared to a standard digital thermometer (ST-9269 MULTI-STEM THERMOMETER) reading. The thermometer is most suitable at higher temperatures.
Keywords: Design, microcontroller, thermometer, LCD, Temperature.

[1] ATmmega16 Data Book. (2001, November 4). Atmega16. Retrieved May 5, 2011, from ATmel corporation: http;//www.atmel.com
[2] Bellis, M. (2011). The history of thermometer. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from The New York Times Company: About.com.Inventors
[3] Halden, A. V. (1995). The Thermometer. Retrieved January 15, 2011, from The Galileo Project.
[4] LM35 Data Book. (2000, 11). LM35 Presition Centigrade Temperature Sensors. Retrieved May 5th, 2010, from National Semiconductor corporation: http;//www.national.com
[5] LM7805Databook. (2001). KA78XX/KA78XXA 3-Terminal1A positive voltage regulator. Retrieved SEPTEMBER 6, 2009, from Fairchild Semicondoctor Corporation: http;//www.fairchildsemi.com.

Abstract: Most of the weighing machines available currently are the analogue types. Analogue weighing machines are often not very accurate and convenient to read. In this research, analogue weighing machine was obtained from the market and converted to a digital type. To do this, the extension of the spring in the analogue weighing machine was first converted into voltage using a simple voltage divider circuit. The output of the voltage divider (transducer) was then fed into a microcontroller that converts the analogue voltage into a corresponding digital value using the internal ADC embedded in a microcontroller. The microcontroller was programmed to display the mass and the corresponding weight of the measured weight simultaneously on a Liquid Crystal Display(LCD device). The readings of the digital weighing machine produced were used to compare that of a standard weighing type. The result showed that there was a mean deviation of 1.44Kg between the readings of the modified scale and the analogue type which served as the control. A simple product moment correlation coefficient was used to compare the two readings and the result obtained indicated that there was a near perfect correlation (0.9998) between the readings of the two scales.
Keywords: Digitisation, analogue, weighing scale, microcontroller, ADC, LCD.

[1] Alan, S. M. (2001). Measurement and Instrumentation Principles. Oxford, Auckland, Boston,Johannesburg, Melbourne and New Delhi: Butterworth Heinemann.
[2] Ismaila, S. and Momoh, M. (2011): Temperature sensing and GSM messaging of patient. Paper presented at Solar Energy Society of Nigeria Annual Conference. Sokoto Energy Research Center: Energy Society of Nigeria 16th November, 2011.
[3] Jorge, P. (2012a). An Open source bathroom scale with bluetooth communication to Android Smart Phones.
[4] Jorge, P. (2012b). Digital bathroom scale which logs weight and dataon SD Card. Retrieved from www.code.google.com/p/casainhoprojects/
[5] Lund, R., Manjrekar, M., Steimer, P., and Lipo, T. (2008); Control strategy for ahybrid seven-level inverter, in Proc. European Power Electronics Conf.(EPE'), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract: Diazinon (DZN) is one of the organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, can affect both animals and man even after exposure to a single dose. Pomegranate molasses (PM), a concentrated pomegranate juice, may be rich in more efficient antioxidants than that found in the juice, but no research has been done on this product. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of PM against single half lethal dose of DZN (300mg/Kg b wt) induced adverse effects on contents of Malondialdehyde (MAD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat liver and brain tissues, haematological and some biochemical parameters. Thirty six male albino rats were divided into four groups for ten days as follows: Group1, rats from that group were fed orally with 0.5ml from a corn oil (6 rats). Group (2) rats were injected orally with a single dose of LD50 of DZN (300mg/kg) (12 rats), group (3) rats were given 0.5ml PM plus 0.5ml distilled water / day for 10 days (6 rats), Group (4) animals were given the same single dose of DZN as group plus PM / day for 10 days (12 rats).
Keywords: Diazinon, pomegranate molasses, oxidative stress, hematological, biochemical, rats.

[1]. T. S. S. Dikshith and P.V. Diwan, Industrial guide to chemical and drug safety (A Wiley-IEEE, 2003).
[2]. R.D. Johnson and D.D.Manske, Pesticide and other chemical residues in total diet samples, Pestic. Monit. J,11, 1977, 116-131.
[3]. G.W. Ware, The pesticide book (Fresno, CA., Thomson Publications, 2000).
[4]. S. Kalender, A. Ogutcu, M. Uzunhisarcikli, F. Açikgoz, D. Durak, Y. Ulusoy, and Y. Kalender, Effects of diazinon on pseudocholinesterase activity and haematological indices in rats: the protective role of vitamin E, Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 22, 2006, 46-51.
[5]. S. Kalender, A. Ogutcu, M. Uzunhisarcikli, F. Açikgoz, D. Durak, Y. Ulusoy, Y. Kalender, DZN-induced hepatotoxicity and protective effect of vitamin E on some biochemical indices and ultrastructural changes, Toxicology, 211, 2005, 197-206.

Abstract: Extraction of carotenoids was carried out from Calendula officinalis (English marigold) flowers and their effects on the oxidation stability of mustard oil under light storage was determined. Four solvents viz., hexane, acetone, ethanol and tolune were used for extraction of total caroteinoids.The carotenoid extract of the calendula flowers obtained was incorporated in mustard oil at 10, 25 and 50 ppm concentrations to prevent oxidation in oil samples placed in 20w illuminating closed chamber.The antioxidant effectiveness of carotenoid extract towards mustard oil was dependent upon concentrations. Samples were observed to determine peroxide and TBA values after storage period of 0,1,3, 5 and 7 days. Samples incubated with carotenoid extracts of calendula flowers exhibited lower values of Peroxide and TBA values as compared to control samples. Minimum values of peroxide and TBA values were observed in case of oil samples incubated with 50 ppm concentrations as that of 25 and 10 ppm concentrations.
Keywords: Calendula, oxidation stability Carotenoids, solvent mixtures.

[1]. Bcerentrup, H., Robbelen, G., (1987). Calendula and Coriandrum—new potential oil crops for industrial use. Fat. Sci. Technol. 89, 227–230.
[2]. Correa Júnior, C. (1994). Cultivo de plantasmedcinais, condimentares e aromáticas, 2nd ed. FUNEP, Japoticabal, 162 pp
[3]. Chiej, R. (1988). The Macdonald Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. Macdonald & Co., London.
[4]. Bogdanova, X., Farmakol, T. (1970). Biological effects of some aromatic plants.Toksikol. 33, 349–355.
[5]. Lea, A.G.H. (1988). HPLC in Food Analysis. Academic Press, London, p. 277.

Abstract: In this study we assessed the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat foods (rice and moimoi) sold by vendors in Federal Polytechnic, Bali campus, Taraba State. A total of six ready-to-eat food samples were collected from the vending site. The result obtained revealed that total bacterial count ranged from 1.0 x 102 to 8.7 x 104cfu/g. Microorganisms isolated include staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella spp, Mucor spp and Aspergillus spp. The study showed that ready-to-eat foods (rice and moimoi) sold by vendors in Federal Polytechnic, Bali campus were contaminated with various microorganisms indicating inadequate processing and poor handling practices which can pose danger to the health of the consumers. Based on the specification by the international commission for microbiological specification for foods (ICMSF), the level of contamination was within acceptable and tolerable microbiological limits. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) of microbial load between rice and moimoi. However, a closer and stringent supervision of ready-to-eat foods sold to staff and students in the polytechnic campus should be carried out by the relevant authorities to prevent possible outbreak of foodborne illness. Furthermore, health education to improve the knowledge of food vendors on food safety and hygiene practices is imparative.
Keywords: Food vendors, Hygienic practices, Microbiological quality, Microorganisms, Ready-to-eat foods.

[1]. S.U. Oranusi, O.I. Oguoma, E. Agusi, Microbiological quality assessment of foods sold in students cafeterias, Global Research Journal of Microbiology, 3(1), 2013, 1-7.
[2]. K.N. Chukwuemeka, I.I. Nnenne and U.I. Christian, Bacteriological quality of foods and water sold by vendors and in restaurants in Nsuka, Enugu State, Nigeria: A comparative study of three Microbiological methods, Journal of Heath Population and Nutrition, 29(6), 2011,560-566.
[3]. D. Tsang, Microbiological Guidelines for ready to eat foods, Road and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong, 2002,115-116.
[4]. World Health Organization, Food borne diseases; A focus for health education, 53rd world health assembly, Geneva, 2000.
[5]. O.I Musa and T.M Akande, Effect of health education intervention or food safety practices among food vendors in illorin, Sahel Medical Journal, 5: 2002, 120-124.

Abstract: The reactivity and removal kinetics of arsenite treated with single and mixed mineral systems of kaolinite, montmorillonite and goethite injected with iron sulfide under sulfidic- anoxic conditions has been investigated. Using empirical models derived from Freundlich isotherm model, injection of sulfidic-anoxic solution of iron sulfide onto the mixed mineral systems enhanced proton coefficient of all single minerals. Differences in sorption kinetics between the single and mixed mineral phases may be attributed to different types of reactive sites on the single and mixed mineral systems Except for iron sulfide, kinetic studies demonstrated three phase reactions attributed to outer sphere complexation, inner sphere complexation and intra-particle diffusion. Injection of sulfidic-anoxic solution of iron sulfide could not change the three phase reaction trend.
Keywords: iron sulfide, kinetics, mixed minerals, reactivity, sulfidic-anoxic.

[1]. P.L. Smedley, D.G. Kinniburgh, Review of Arsenic in natural water Appl. Geochem. 17 2002, )517–568
[2]. World Health Organization (WHO), Guidelines for drinking-water quality, Fourth edition. WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, 2011.
[3]. C. A., Jones, H. W., Langner, K. Anderson, T. R. McDermott, and W. P. Inskeep, Rates of microbially mediated arsenate reduction and solubilization. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 64, 2000, 600–608
[4]. N.J., Welham, K.A. Malatt, and S. Vukcevic, The effect of solution speciation on iron-sulphur-arsenic-chloride systems at 298K, Hydrometallurgy, 57: 2000, 209–223.
[5]. National Research Council, Arsenic: medical and biological effects of environmental pollutants. Technical report, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC. 1997.

Abstract: The role of solution composition and ageing of arsenite treated with single and mixed mineral systems of kaolinite, montmorillonite and goethite injected with iron sulfide under sulfidic- anoxic conditions have been investigate. Variability in arsenite sorption exists over the range of pH investigated. This variability in sorption may be attributed to the presence of thiol (≡S-H) functional group contained in solution under sulfidic-anoxic condition. Arsenite sorption exhibits a non-promotive Cp effect (i.e. sorption decreases as Cp increases for all mineral systems. the nature of ionic species formed in solution is affected by changes in the mineral/ solution ratio. All mineral systems but kaolinite-goethite exhibits a step up arsenite sorption up to 288 hours residence time and flattens g out over the remaining residence time of the reactions.
Keywords: iron sulfide, solution composition, ageing, mixed minerals, sulfidic-anoxic.

[1] -arsenite interactions: adsorption behavior onto iron monosulfides and controls on arsenic Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 60: 1996., 4167-4179.
[2] F. Suna, B. A. Dempseya, K. A. Osseo-Asareb, As(V) and As(III) reactions on pristine pyrite and on surface-oxidized pyrite, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Volume 388, Issue 1, 2012, 170–175.
[3] P.L. Smedley, D.G. Kinniburgh, A review of the source, behavior and distribution of arsenic in natural watersm Applied geochemistry, 17, 2002, 517-568.
[4] B . M a n n i n g , S. F e n d o r f , S . G o l d b e r g, Surface Structures and Stability of Arsenic(III) on Goethite: Spectroscopic Evidence for Inner-Sphere Complexes, Environ. Sci. Technol. 32, 1998, 2383-2388.
[5] G. Long, Y. Peng, D.Bradshaw, A review of copper–arsenic mineral removal from copper concentrates, Minerals Engineering 36–38, 2012 , 179–186.