IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-8 ~ Issue-7 ~ July 2014

Abstract: This paper focused on the quality of groundwater at the ex-promontory-land of Carey Island to study agricultural impacts on groundwater aquifers. Groundwater quality was measured regularly by using ion chromatography from November 2010 to April 2012. High amount of ammonium-nitrogen(NH4-N) ~ 36.06 mgL-1, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) ~ 33.82 mgL-1, phosphate ions (PO43-) ~ 18.03mgL-1and potassium ions (K+) ~ 151.77 mgL-1were found in the groundwater indicating the impact of fertilizers application on the land formore a century period. Other physical parameters such as water temperature,groundwater table, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were also determined to trace out the groundwater quality trends. It is found that the difference in groundwater quality based on unconfined and semi-confined aquifers was not significant. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analysis (ANOVA) were employed to characterize the hydrogeochemical of the groundwater. Three clusters are developed according to the water quality variables and the loadings feature in PCA confirms the factors of groundwater contamination.

Keywords: Ex-promontory land; fertilizers; groundwater; hydrogeochemical; nutrients

[1]. D.S. Ngah, Groundwater investigation for determination of suitability using handpumpat rural area of Kuala Langat District, Selangor DarulEhsan, Report No. GPH1/1988.(Department of Mineral and Geosciences Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 1988).

[2]. R. Ismail, Construction and exploration of deep wells at Carey Island and KgKelanang, Kuala Langat District, Banting Selangor. National Groundwater Resources Studyunder Subproject groundwater resources for State of Selangor. (Report done by KS GlobalSdnBhd with collaboration Multical Card (M) SdnBhd under instruction the Department ofMineral and Geoscience Selangor State, Malaysia, 2008).

[3]. M.F.T. Baharuddin, S. Taib, R. Hashim, M.H.Z. Abidin, M.F. Ishak, Time-lapseresistivity investigation of salinity changes at an expromontory land: a case study of CareyIsland, Selangor, Malaysia, Environ. Monitor. Assess. 180(1–4), 2010, 345–369.

[4]. M.F.T. Baharudin, Z. Ismail, S.Z. Othman, S. Taib, R. Hashim, Use of time-lapseresistivity tomography to determine freshwater lens morphology. Measurement, 46(2), 2013, 964-975.

[5]. S. Igroufa, R. Hashim, S. Taib, Mapping of salt-water intrusion by geoelectrical imaging in Carey Island, Proc. 5th Int. Symp. Hydrocarbons & Chemistry (ISHC5), SidiFredj, Algiers, 23-25 May 2011.

Abstract: The presence of industrial activities in Sharada Industrial Estate in Kano city promoted the motive behind those studies. Hence the present study was undertaken to characterize the physicochemical parameters of well water in phase III of Sharada Industrial Estate by randomly taking Well water sample from five different locations. Evaluation of Physicochemical parameters was carried out and the result for pH 8.15 was least in sample SA and 9.15 in sample SB. Conductivity was least in sample SD (0.25) and highest in sample SC (0.32). Total dissolved solids (mg/l) wereleast in sample SB and 200mg/l in sample SD. TSS value of 20mg/l and 100mg/l was found in samples SB and SDrespectively. TH of 48mg/l and 1088 was detected in samples SBand SA. The BOD for the sample was all within 0.60 and 0.70. COD (mg/l) in sample SD was 1.60 and highest in sample SC, 51.60. For Nitrate, the least 1.90mg/l in sample SDand highest, 15.70 in sample SB. Compared to the World Health Organization and other recognized agencies, the result showed that the parameters are within tolerable limits.

Keywords: Well water, Sharada industries,

[1] Baker, R.A., (1964). Effect of Gaseous Aqueous Mixtures of Organic Chemicals.

[2] Baram L. (2007). Evaluating the Environmental Impact of various dietary patterns combined with different food production systems; European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

[3] Dezuane, J. (1997). Handbook of Drinking Water Quality. Second Ed.

[4] Gleick P. H., Water in Crisis. (1993). A Guide to World Fresh Water Resources,Journal of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), (2012). Certified Laboratories/Well Water Testing Council.

[5] Kulshreshthra S.N., (1998). A Global Outlook for Water Resources to the year 2025.

Abstract: Healthcare waste is a major public health hazard in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare waste management (HCWM) system currently employed in selected healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Madagascar.Data was collected through a questionnaire and field visit in 2009. Seventeen HCFs were randomly selected from seventy six HCFs whose staff had undergone HCWM in 2006. The quantity of infectious waste generated per day at the HCFs was in proportion to the number beds (r= 0.838 and p<0.05). Non-sharps infectious waste was positively correlated with sharps (r=0.709, p=0.001). The availability of waste management plan was reported in 52.9% while the implementation of color coding system for waste segregation was reported in 76.5% HCFs. Waste segregation was reported by majority of HCFs (82%). Moreover, the most common disposal method was Montfort incinerator (65%). In general, there was improved HCWM system in HCFs surveyed, although certain HCFs still had poor management due to inadequate infrastructure and equipment for segregation, collection, transport, and disposal of medical waste (MW) as well as poor waste generation records. Interventions strategies should include adherence to national regulatory framework, periodic training and sensitization of healthcare worker and increased allocation of resources for HCWM.

Key words: Healthcare waste, generation rate, HCWM system, healthcare facilities

[1]. United States Environmental Protection Agency, (2011).
[2]. URL: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/industrial/medical/ (accessed December 2011).
[3]. World Health Organization (WHO) Management of Solid Health Care Waste at Primary Health Centers, A Decision-Making Guide, WHO, Geneva 2005.
[4]. Komilis D, Fouki A, Papadopoulos D. Hazardous medical waste generation rates of different categories of health-care facilities. Waste Management, 2012 Jul; 32(7):1434-41. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2012.02.015. Epub 2012 Mar 22. PMID: 22444895 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[5]. Ahmed R. (1997). Hospital waste management in Pakistan. Case study report, UWEP, Gouda, The Netherlands. URL: http://www.bvsde.paho.org/bvsacd/cd48/pakistan.pdf

Abstract: In the course of last few years, media has drawn attention to the crisis faced by the inhabitants of the Dankuni area, Hooghly district, West Bengal, India. Innumerable instances have been brought to the limelight, which clearly indicate wide spread environmental damage in the areas lying in close proximity of the Dankuni Coal Complex. The consequences of development strategies have been extremely adverse as far as environment is concerned. In its lust for immediate gains, the industry is following a myopic policy with no concern for pollution of air, water and land. While it is important to uphold developmental initiatives like the Dankuni Coal Complex (DCC), it is equally desirable that the residents in the vicinity of such establishments do not suffer. The obsession with quantitative economic growth has bred a natural conflict between environment and development. The very location of DCC is ecologically very sensitive as it has been set up adjacent to the Dankuni Drainage Channel which invariably acts as a receptacle channel for the coal complex effluent. Further accentuating the problem are the low-lying marshes, locally known as the Bhils, whose ecology has been long withstanding the onslaught of mass production, with inadequate attention on the rapidly degrading ecosystem. This is a humble report on the dehumanizing metamorphosis that an industry brings with active support of the Government in the life of simple folks who once considered themselves to be children of the Earth, but today are 'ecologically handicapped.'

Keywords: coal complex effluent, Dankuni Coal Complex (DCC), degrading ecosystem, 'ecologically handicapped', pollution

[1]. Mrittikaa, November, 2010.
[2]. The Statesman, 04.05.1997

Abstract: Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, and their capability to capture, store, manipulate and display data, have found great utility in the analyses of any spatial phenomena with speed and accuracy anywhere on/above/below the earth surface. One such application is watershed conservation and management. This study demonstrates the role of spatial technologies, in the identification, delineation of river channel network within watersheds, generation of slope and flow direction maps from digital elevation models (DEMs), besides the analyses of impacts by human activities on land cover through land use practices within the upper Gucha watershed – a major contributor to the Lake Victoria catchment. With a population growth rate of 2.75% per annum and poverty level of 51% and average population density of 874.7 persons per km2, this watershed is characterized with land fragmentation and clearing of primary vegetation within the river valleys and swamps for agricultural space. The methodology involved digital contour map preparation, by geo-referencing and digitizing, DEM generation and watershed delineation. Slope map, Stream network and flow direction maps of the watershed were generated as management tools. Using Satellite imageries of years 1990, 2000 and 2013, change detection was done. The results include change detection map, a DEM, slope map and flow direction map of the watershed for visualization of topographic characteristics of the watershed as tools for informed decision making by managers during conservation and management process. Conclusions appreciate and recognize the importance of spatial technologies in watershed conservation and management and recommend their use in developing watershed conservation and management tools.

Key Words: GIS, Remote Sensing, Watershed, Conservation, Management

[1]. Kaburi A. N. and Odera P. A., (2014), Mapping and Analysis of Land cover Changes in the Upper Gucha Catchment using GIS and Remote Sensing. Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Research and Innovation (SRI), JKUAT, Kenya, pp.172 – 177.
[2]. Chang K. T., (2009); Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. McGraw-Hill co. [3]. Cynthia A. Brewer and Ken A. Marlow, (1993); Color Representation of aspect and Slope Simultaneously: Proceedings, Eleventh International Symposium on Computer-Assisted Cartography (Auto-Carto-11), Minneapolis, October/November, pp. 328-337.
[4]. Karanjit S., (1998); Remote Sensing and GIS in Watershed Area Management; Free Lance Environmental Consultant and Part time Trainer; Institute of Environmental Management. Nepal.
[5]. KBS, (2009); National Census; Government Printers, Republic of Kenya.

Abstract: The effect of protease inhibitor used in treatment of HIV patients leading to abnormally increased Uric acid level was the focus of this research.100 HIV positive patient on Medication (protease inhibitor) and 100 HIV positive patients not on Medication (control) was investigated for Uric acid levels using Fortress Reagent Kit. The mean Uric acid level of HIV Patients on medication was 385.16mmol/l in males and 381.06mmol/l in females respectively, while mean Uric acid level of HIV Patients not on medication was 336.27mmol/l and 321.6mmol/l for male and female controls respectively. Comparism of mean Uric acid levels of HIV Patients on Medication with those not on Medication (control) was statistically significant (p<0.05). Comparism of mean Uric acid of male and female HIV Patients on Medication with corresponding male and female HIV Patients not on medication was statistically significant (p<0.05). However comparism between age groups of male and female on medication was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Comparism between age groups within male and female not on medication was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusion was that uric acid level be monitored in HIV patients on medication (protease inhibitor) as treatment progresses since high uric acid level has been associated with gout as well as kidney stone formation.

Keywords: Protease Inhibitors, Uric acid, Monitoring, Gout, Kidney stone .

[1]. Anonymous. (2006). "Protease Inhibitor; A Simple Fact Sheet from the AIDS Treatment Data Network".
[2]. Buchbinder, S.P., Katz, M.H., Hessol, N.A., O'Malley, P.M., Holmberg, S.D., (1994). "Long-term HIV-1 infection without immunologic progression." AIDS Vol.8 No.8, pp. 1123-1128.
[3]. Dehghan, A. (2007). "High serum uric acid as a novel risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus".pp 61-76
[4]. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), (2006). Grants Fast Track "Hostile takeovers: viral appropriation of the NF-kappaB pathway". Designation To Oral HCV Protease Inhibitor SCH 503034.
[5]. Fantry, LE (2003). "Protease inhibitor-associated diabetes mellitus: A potential cause of morbidity and mortality". Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) 32 (3): 243–4. PMID 12626882

Abstract: The nutritional and phytochemical composition of Utu (Icacina senegalensis) and sycamore (Ficus sycomorus) were studied using standard analytical techniques. The results revealed that the moisture content of sycamore (9.65 ± 0.10%) is lower than 12.89 ± 0.26% of Utu seeds respectively. therefore, sycamore will have more storage advantage than the Utu seeds. The crude fat value of both seeds are 28.62% and 31.34% for Utu and sycamore respectively. This means that both seeds can serve as energy supplier in food. The mineral composition of both seeds were analyzed. The results obtained revealed that copper, sodium and zinc have the least value of minerals in the seeds. Phosphorus, magnesium and calcium content of sycamore seeds are 380.24 ± 0.031, 300.67 ± 0.021, 390.77 ± 0.012mg/100g respectively, they are higher than the results of the utu which are 119.14 ± 0.040, 138.15 ± 0.040, 309.71 ± 0.023% mg/100g. Phytochemical screening of the two samples show small amount of antinutrient like saponin, phytate and flavonoid etc. The tannin content of Utu is 5.84 ± 0.012% which is higher than 4.03 ± 0.015% of Sycamore. The alkaloid content is higher in sycamore (5.65 ± 0.021%) than that of utu (3.92 ± 0.025%). These values are below the toxic levels, which means that they will not be harmful when consumed.

Keywords: Icacina senegalensis, ficus, sycomorus, seeds, nutritional, phytochemicals.

[1]. A.O.A.C (1990). Official methods of Analysis. Ass. of Official Analytical chemists. Washington D.C ., USA.
[2]. Abulade, F.O, Alo, F.I, Ashafe, S.L and Fesobi, M. (2008). Chemical composition and functional properties of irvingia gabonensis seed flour. In continental J. Food sci. tech. vol2, pp33-3b
[3]. Akubugwo, I.E; Obasi, A.N and Ginika, S. (2007) nutritional Potential of leaves and seed of black night shade. Solanum Nigrum l Pakistan J. nutri; 6: 323-326.
[4]. Barmimas, J.T., Charles, M., and Emmanuel, D. (1998). Mineral composition of non-conventional leafy vegetables. Plant Foods and Human Nutrition. 53:29-36.
[5]. Bello, M.O, Farade, O.S., Adewusi, S.R.S and Oluwone, N.O. (2008). Studies of some lesser known Nigerian fruits. In Afri J. Biotechnol, vol. 1, pp.3972-3979.

Abstract: Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members of Abia State University community. The Physicochemical and heavy metal content of Igwi-stream were studied on 2000ml of the water sample. The objective is to establish preliminary data on the stream with a view determine if the quality of the water meets standard for drinking and domestic uses. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that pH of the stream water sample was 5.0 which indicated some level of acidity in the stream which deviated slightly from the recommended standard of (6.5) WHO (2010).The pH of 5.8 was observed in the downstream which was very close to the recommended level of 6.5 by NAFDAC, USEPA and WHO. Total hardness (8mg/L), total alkalinity (0.4mg/L), sulphate (12.85mg/L), chloride (82mg/L), total solid (0.006mg/L) and total dissolved solids (0.003mg/L). The parameters obtained were below the recommended standard of World Health Organization (WHO). The results obtained from the sample show the heavy metal contents as follows; lead (0.002mg/L), zinc (0.011mg/L), copper (0.013mg/L), iron (0.011mg/L), cadmium (0.00mg/L), and chromium (0.011mg/L), these heavy metals content were found to be within the recommended level of acceptance for WHO (2004) except zinc. Cadmium was not found in the downstream and upstream samples.

Keywords: Abia State University, surface water, Igwi-Stream, Nigeria

[1]. Ajewole, G. (2005). Water. An overview. Food forum magazine, Nigerian institute of food science and technology, (NIFST). P.15.
[2]. Bora, C. (2013). Industrial water pollution. "Buzzle buzzle. n.d web.http://:www.buzzle.com/articles/industrialwaterpollution.html, assessed April 2014.
[3]. Charlottle de Fraiture, (2012). Water and food security in an insecure world: Inaugural address at UNESCO. IHE Institute for Water Education. Delff, the Netherlands 40pp.
[4]. Dawson, D.Y., and Spartory, D.P (2000). Microbiological safety of water: British Medical Bulletin. 56(1) pp 74-78.
[5]. Ebena, R.U.B., Efiok, C.A., and Alike, Y.E. (1999). Physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of selected water sources in Calabar. Int. J. Trop. Env. 1:15-27

Abstract: Jatropha curcas L. commonly known as physic nut or purging nut, is a drought resistant shrub belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, was analyzed for its accumulation capacity of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). Bioassay was conducted by raising the plant by vegetative propagating the stem cutting in varying concentration of respective heavy metals. The metal concentration in the bioparts of experimental plant revealed that the treated plants accumulated enormous quantity of lead, cadmium and chromium as compared to control plant. The effect of heavy metal stress on antioxidant activity in of J. curcas was investigated. The activity of enzymatic antioxidant such as superoxide dismutase (SOD; E.C. 1.15.1.1) catalase (CAT: EC 1.11.1.6) polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1), peroxidase (POX; E.C. 1.11.1.7) and, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; E.C.4.3.1.5) were estimated and showed profound variations in response to heavy metal stress from the control plants. Non enzymatic antioxidants such as proline increased with heavy metal concentration and phenol concentration fluctuates. Carotenoids and chlorophyll content found to be reduced with increasing heavy metal concentration. Jatropha curcas L. was capable of self protection against multi-metal stress through activation of various enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants.

Keywords: Jatropha curcas; Antioxidant enzymes; non-enzymatic antioxidants; Heavy metal stress; Metal accumulation.

[1] McGrath, S.P., Zhao, F.J., Lombi, E., Plant and rhizosphere process involved in phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils, Plant Soil, 232(1/2), 2001, 207-214.
[2] Pendias, K A and Pendias, H. Trace elements in soil. CRC Press, London 2001.
[3] Sanita di Toppi L and Gabbrielli R Response to cadmium in higher plants, Envir.Exp. Bot. 41, 1999, 105–130.
[4] Sandalio L M, Dalurzo H C, Gomez M, Romero Puertas M C and Rio L A, Cadmium-induced changes in the growth and oxidative metabolism of pea plants. J. Exp. Bot. 52(364), 2001, 2115-2126.
[5] Openshaw K. A review of Jatropha curcas: an oil plant of unfulfilled promise, Biomass Bioenergy, 19, 2000: 1–15. [6] APHA, Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water. 18(Ed), APHA-AWWA-WPCF, 1992.