IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-5 ~ Issue-5 ~ Sep–Oct 2013

Abstract: The aim of present study was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of minimally processed fruits and vegetables available in the markets. Minimally processed fruits and vegetables, which are raw products that are simply trimmed, peeled ,sliced, shredded, washed and are disinfected ,are generally considered safe to be eaten by consumers, since their surface have micro organisms that are not of human health significance. Various chemical parameters like moisture, PH, acidity as well as microbial analysis like Total plate Count (TPC), Yeast and Moulds were analysed .From the results of the study, there was a significant decrease in the physicochemical parameters and significant increase in microbial load was observed in minimally processed fruits and vegetables during the storage periods.

Keywords: Minimal processing, Fresh-cut produces, Total Plate Count, Yeast & Moulds.

[1]. Wojciech J. Florkowski "Post harvest handling –A system approach", 2nd edition, Food science and Technology international series, chapter No.3, Academic Press (2009).
[2]. Olusola lamikanra, "Fresh cut fruits and vegetables - Science, Technology, and Marketing", pp.01-03, CRC Press (2002).
[3]. R. Ahvenaineh "Trends in Food science and Technology- new approaches in improving the shelf life of minimally processed fruits and vegetables", Vol-7, pp.33 (1996),.
[4]. P.Ragaert, F.Devlieghere, J. Debevere "Role of microbiological and physiological spoilage mechanisms during the storage of minimally processed vegetables"Post harvest biology and technology, volume-44, issue-3:185-194(2007).
[5]. Rosa S. Rolle, Grandy W.Chismiii "Physiological consequences of minimally processed fruits and vegetables" Journal of food quality, Volume-10, Issue-3:157-177 (1987).
[6]. A. Keith Thompson "Controlled Atmosphere package of Fruits and Vegetables", 2nd edition, Chapter-8, pp.270-275(2010).

Abstract: The study investigated the concentration of heavy metals [Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and lead (Pd)] on topsoil of Oke-Afa refuse- dump in Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria. Samples taken from twenty (20) different spots from Oke-Afa refuse-dump were analyzed. The study linked the environmental pollution as result of concentration of heavy metals to public health. Total contents of Cadmium was found to range from 4.65 to 50.50mg/kg with mean of 19.35, total contents of Copper was found to range from 65.77 to 634.29mg/kg with mean of 259.08, and total contents of Lead was found to range from 109.23 to 821.45mg/kg with mean of 291.91. Comparison of the results obtained to those recorded in literature showed that the levels of Cadmium and Copper were very high and are referred to as heavily contaminated and contaminated respectively, while the result obtained for Lead falls within the reported range, hence considered uncontaminated. The study revealed that the Oke-Afa dump-site exposes the residents around Isolo community to unacceptable levels of environmental pollutants with adverse health impacts. It is recommended that, to forestall the ugly consequence of heavy metals in the soils of the refuse-dump; there is need to define principles, establish strategies, set up of administrative procedures, and enforce compliance and penalties for non-compliance using appropriate laws and proper waste management and disposal. Furthermore, in order to guarantee health safety in the community, knowledge of the concentration of heavy metals is expedient

Key words: Heavy metals, Refuse dump, Soil pollution, Total pollution

[1] Effiong Ukorebi Efim. and Percy Chucks Onianwa. Heavy metal pollution of Topsoil in the vicinity of an industrial Estate co – located with a housing Estate in south western Nigeria. Journal of Environmental protection. 4, 2013,91-98

[2] Onyegbule, A.F. Okorie , D.E. and Onyegbule, C.E. Heavy metal distribution in soils and health implications : An appraisal of Umuahia metropolis ,Nigeria. International Journal of toxicology and pharmacological research. 2(2), 2010, ISSN 0475-5160

[3] Adekunle,I.M, Toyin A. Arowolo, Naomi P. Ndahi, Babajide Bello and David A. Owolabi. Chemical characteristics of humic acids in relation to lead, copper and cadmium levels in contaminated soils from south western Nigeria. Annals of environmental science. Vol.1, 2007, 23-34

[4] Alloway, B.J. Heavy metal in soils. 2nd Ed. (Blackie publishers, Glaasgow.1990)

[5] Odukoya O.O, Bamgbose.O, and Arowolo T.A.Heavy metals in top soils of Abeokuta Dump sites. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. Vol. 7(3). June 2001, 467 - 472

[6] Harrison R.M and Chirgow, M. B. The assessment of air and soil as Contributors of some trace metals to vegetable plants. Use of filtered Air growth cabinet. Sci Total Environ. 83,1989,13 – 34

Abstract: In this paper, the pattern of desertification in Yobe State of Nigeria was investigated. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select the eighteen development Areas for study. Data on the causes, damages / influence, and remedies for desertification were collected through the use of questionnaires and aerial photographs obtained from the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) for the 1990s and 2000s. Data analysis employed the use of descriptive statistics and interpretation of aerial photographs. The photo interpretations were used to establish the presence of sand dunes, bare grounds, depletion of water bodies and vegetation cover. These interpretations were further validated at the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos, Plateau state of Nigeria. The study showed the expanding desert as one of the severe environmental problems. A combination of climatic factors, increase in population and livestock pressure on the land and vegetation has been identified as the chief causes of desertification. Environmental degradation have been significant particularly in the case of reduction in water body, depletion of vegetation cover, shifting sand dunes, increasing bare grounds and loss of biodiversity. The study suggests some remedial and corrective anti-desertification measures such as the incorporation of indigenous desert control knowledge into government environmental conservation Programmes as well as massive and sustained tree planting exercise with recommended and adaptable tree species.

Key Words: Desertification, Development Areas, Aerial Photographs, environmental Degradation.

[1]. Julie, Kerr Casper (2007) Forests: More than Just Trees.
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[6]. Perspectives on Environment, Association of American Geographers Publication, Vol. 13, pp 1 – 23
[7]. Mortimore, M. (1987). "Shifting Sands and Human Sorrow: Social Response to Drought and Desertification," Desertification Control Bulletin, No 14, pp 1 – 4.
[8]. Olofin, E. A. (1989). "Human Responses to the Natural Environment in the Kano Region," and some of her Neighbors, ABU Press, pp 2 – 23.
[9]. Silitshena, R. M. K. (1990). "Social Sciences Research on Drought in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland; a state of the Art Review," in International Development Research Centre (ed.), Drought in Africa, Ottawa, IDRC.
[10]. Uyanga, J. (2002). Indigenous Environmental Knowledge in North Eastern,

Abstract: The Southern part of the Gulf of Gabes, SE of Tunisia, is a microtidal sandy coast. It is recently developing a series of sand spits. We seek to determine the evolution of the coast over the past decades and to establish the hydrodynamic conditions that led to this development. To do this, we relied on the diachronic study of the shoreline from aerial photographs from 1985 and 1997. Thus, the evolution of the coast is subject to continuous changes that reflect an active sediment dynamics.

Keywords- Littoral drift, morphological evolution, sandy coast, sediment dynamics, spits.

[1] O.T.C (Office of Topography and Cartography), "Tide calendar of Gabes, Tunisia," Report, 2005, 30 p.

[2] Bardi I., Morphodynamique de la côte sableuse microtidale à barres le long de la frange littorale Gabès-Oued Ferd, (Golfe de Gabès-Tunisie) Ph.D Thesis, Faculty of sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar Tunisia, 2010.

[3] BARDI I., ABDELJAOUAD S. et SOUAYED M. (2011). Evolution du trait de côte de Gabès-oued Ferd (SE de la Tunisie). Proc, 2nd Conf. Internat. Méditerranean Coastal and Maritime, Tanger, Maroc, 2011, 129-132.

[4] D.R.E, (Directorate of water resources), "Report Gabès, Tunisia", 2005, 40 p.

Abstract: This study investigated the place of intergovernmental relations to revitalizing physical development efforts in Enugu State of Nigeria. It was with a view to finding out if the failure and/or abandonment of physical development projects is as a result of not maintaining intergovernmental relations. The sample frame of the study included consultation with officials in town planning matters, relevant ministries and parastatals, communities and other concerned international agencies. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used in selecting the various populations studied. Data collected were based on agencies involved in projects execution, the number of projects executed as well as the funds released for such projects for the period under study. Multiple regression analysis was used in the data analysis. The use of the model was to ascertain the magnitude and significance of relationship among given variables. The test was performed at 5% level of significance. The analysis revealed that intergovernmental relations on implementation of physical development projects do not facilitate achievement of objectives. The study advanced measures for efficiency chief of which is the institution of intergovernmental co-operations in the state at state, regional and local levels.

[1] Adamolekun, L. (1989). "The 1979 Constitution and Intergovernmental Relations" in Ekeh, P. P., Cole, P. D. and Olusanya, G. O. (eds). Nigerian Since Independence" The First 25 years. Vol. 5: Ibadan; Heinemann Educational Books (Nig.) Ltd.
[2] Anderson, W. (1960) Intergovernmental Relations in Review: Minneapolis:University of Minnesota Press.
[3] Enugu State of Nigeria (2009) Draft Estimates (Recurrent and Capital): Enugu; Government Printer.
[4] Enugu State of Nigeria (2010) Draft Estimates (Recurrent and Capital): Enugu; Government Printer.
[5] Enugu State of Nigeria (2011) Approved Budget (Recurrent and Capital): Benak Ventures
[6] Federal Government of Nigeria. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. Lagos: Federal Government Printer
[7] Federal Ministry of Finance (2011) Detailed Breakdown of Allocation to Federal, State and Local Government.
[8] Greenvile, J. A. S (1974) The Major International Treaties, 1914 – 1973: A History and Guide with Texts. Methuem and Co. Ltd.
[9] Mashele, P. (2007). "The New Partnership of Africa Development" Four years of Promising Attempt or Hollow Optimism?" 2000 – 2007 DGAP e.v. Alle Reachte Vorbehalten.
[10] McElroy, S. (2000). Divided Waters, Common Ground: Co-operative Research and Management of Binational Resources in the Upper San Pedro River Basin of Sonora and Arizona" San Pedro Conference Proceedings Pp. 1 – 13.

Abstract: Comamonas acidovorans has vital role in degradation of natural as well as complex organic compounds. Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 is mainly used for bioconversion of different steroids but now it is a novel approach on bioremediation. In heavy metals hexavalent chromium, mercury and lead is very toxic and carcinogenic for human health. Organism can tolerate heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, mercury, lead and aluminium with high efficiency. Removal of hexavalent chromium is major problem to textile as well as different industries. Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 removed 99% of the hexavalent chromium from the medium and it can tolerate up to 600 ppm of chromium and 200 ppm of mercury in solidified medium. This organism shows high tolerance against salt i.e. it can tolerate up to 10% of salt. Chromium removal was also observed by using biosorption studies and MIC method. This bacteria increases pH during removal of chromium and makes chromium oxide which is trivalent chromium; it is a non-toxic compound. High salt tolerance, heavy metal tolerance and removal of hexavalent chromium make applicability in the treatment of waste water technology and treatment of industrial effluent which contain high amount of salt and heavy metals.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364, heavy metal tolerance, hexavalent chromium removal, salt tolerance

[1]. Patterson, J.W. 1985. Industrial wastewater treatment technology. p53-393 Butterworth Pubilisher, Stoneham, MA
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[3]. Sankar Narayan Sinha, Mrinal Biswas, Dipak Paul, Saidur Rahaman 2011. Biodegradation potential of bacterial isolates from tannery effluent with special reference to hexavalent chromium. Biotechnol. Bioinf. Bioeng., 1(3), 381-386.
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[9]. US Environmental Protection Agency, Introduction to Phytoremediation, EPA/600/R-99/107 (2000)
[10]. Shen, H. and Y.T. Wang, 1993. Characterization of enzymatic reduction of hexavalent chromium by Escherichia coli ATCC 33456. Applied Environ. Microbiol., 59, 3771-3777. PMID: 8285683

Abstract: We have enough reserves of groundwater in Rajasthan but good quality potable water is limited. If we talk about its contamination and pollution by human activities, a major part of groundwater in its natural form has dissolved chemicals more than the limit prescribed by the National and International health agencies. Important chemicals that are hazardous to health, if intake in human body exceeds the prescribed permissible limit, include total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, sulphate, chloride and fluoride. Fluoride if present in a very small quantity in groundwater is essential for protection of enamel on teeth and normal growth of bones, a slight increase in its intake may causes serious danger to human health.The present study was carried in high Fluoride groundwater terrain of bankapatti area of nagaur district of Rajasthan in India with special emphasis on in take of high fluoride concentration groundwater by local people which is seen as indicator of different types of fluorosis. The enrichment of concentration of high fluoride in this limited areal extent of Banka Patti area of Nagaur district indicates that high residence time due to basin boundary configuration is plausibly main reason apart from litological control. During field survey, it is also established that consumption of high fluoride groundwater by local people of Bankapatti area of Nagaur distsrict are vulnerable to various kinds of fluorosis.

Key words: Water, chemical & fluorosis etc.

[1] Effiong Ukorebi Efim. and Percy Chucks Onianwa. Heavy metal pollution of Topsoil in the vicinity of an industrial Estate co – located with a housing Estate in south western Nigeria. Journal of Environmental protection. 4, 2013,91-98

[2] Onyegbule, A.F. Okorie , D.E. and Onyegbule, C.E. Heavy metal distribution in soils and health implications : An appraisal of Umuahia metropolis ,Nigeria. International Journal of toxicology and pharmacological research. 2(2), 2010, ISSN 0475-5160

[3] Adekunle,I.M, Toyin A. Arowolo, Naomi P. Ndahi, Babajide Bello and David A. Owolabi. Chemical characteristics of humic acids in relation to lead, copper and cadmium levels in contaminated soils from south western Nigeria. Annals of environmental science. Vol.1, 2007, 23-34

[4] Alloway, B.J. Heavy metal in soils. 2nd Ed. (Blackie publishers, Glaasgow.1990)

[5] Odukoya O.O, Bamgbose.O, and Arowolo T.A.Heavy metals in top soils of Abeokuta Dump sites. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. Vol. 7(3). June 2001, 467 - 472

[6] Harrison R.M and Chirgow, M. B. The assessment of air and soil as Contributors of some trace metals to vegetable plants. Use of filtered Air growth cabinet. Sci Total Environ. 83,1989,13 – 34

Abstract: Owing to the careless disposal of wastes in Enugu State, leachate rich in selected sampled heavy metals are generated which pollute the surrounding soil of the area. Consequently, atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to investigate the concentration of the pollutants (heavy metals) in the leachate and soil. Three (3) samples each of soil and leachates were collected in locations in the two study area (Coal Camp and Abakpa Nike) and analyzed for arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), Cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). All the metals were empirically higher than the recommended standards. The study tested if there was an interaction between the leachate and soil of the area and revealed that an interaction exist between the two. Thus, heavy metal contamination of the soil is as a result of the leachate. This is attributed to careless disposal of wastes in the area giving rise to leachate. Efficient management of wastes, remediation of the polluted soil was recommended, as it can give rise to groundwater pollution or bioaccumulate in the food grown in the soil and pose health risks.

Keywords: Heavy metal, leachate, soil, pollution, Enugu, Nigeria.

[1]. Abowei, J.F.N. and F.D. Sikoki, 2005. Water Pollution Management and Control, Double Trust Publications Company, Port Harcourt, ISBN: 978303802016, pp: 236.
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[3]. Erakhrumen, A. A. (2012). Phytoremediation: an environmentally sound technology for pollution, prevention, control and remediation in developing countries. Education Research & Review Vol 2(7):pp151 – 156.
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[7]. Onwuka, S.U., Okoye, C.O. and Onwuemesi, F.E. (2012). Mathematical Models for Predicting Pollutants Movement through Porous Rocks. Advances in Applied Research Vol 3(5): 3150 – 3159.
[8]. Soil and Environment: Heavy Metals on the Environment and their Health Effects. Tuesday, July 21, 2009 (www.wikipedia.com)
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Abstract: Today's growing industrial world is in great need of the enzymes that can effectively process the plant fibers. Especially in the textile industries, the processing of these fibers is of great need wherein the process mainly consists of the degradation of compound such as cellulose, xylan and pectin. Since textile processing industries have become one of the major causes for environmental pollution. Cellulases, pectinase and xylanase enzymes that can effectively hydrolyze polysaccharides are of great interest in industrial point of view. These enzymes are optimally produced from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum using single factorial design. Results of the single factorial design can be scaled-up for the future large-scale and an eco-friendly processing in textile and many other industries. These enzymes were also partially purified, and characterized.

Keywords: cellulose, pectin, xylan, cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, Penicillium chrysogenum

[1] Asma Safdar, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Nadeem, Quratulain Syed (September 30, 2012) 'Isolation and screening of cellulolytic bacteria from soil and optimization of cellulase production and activity', Turkish journal of Biochemistry Vol.37, pp.287-293.

[2] Kunio Ohmiya, Kazuo Sakka, Shuichi Karita, Tetsuya Kimura (April, 1997) 'Structure of Cellulase and their Application', Biotechnology and Genetic engineering reviews Vol.14. pp 365-413.

[3] Bin Yang, Ziyu Dai, Shi-You Ding, Charles E Wyman (2011) 'enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass', Biofuels Vol.4, pp.421-450.

[4] Johnvesley. B, Virupakshi, G.N. Patil, Ramalingam, G.R. Naik (December 21, 2001) 'Cellulase-Free Thermostable Alkaline Xylanase from Thermophilic and Alkalophilic Bacillus sp. JB-99', Journal of Biotechnology and Microbiology Vol.12, pp.153-156.

[5] D.R. Kashyap, S. Chandra, A. Kaul and R. Tewari (2000) 'Production, purification and characterization of pectinase from Bacillus subtilis', World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol.16,pp.277-282.

Abstract: The combine effect of bio-fertilizer (Azospirillum and arbuscularmycorrhiza fungi, AMF; Glomusmossea)and poultry manure (PM) on nutrients uptake, plant growth and soil microbial population associated with sesame under field condition was studied. The experiment comprised of four treatments; T1 (Azospirillum + AMF), T2 (Azospirillum + AMF + 5 ton ha-1 poultry manure), T3 (10 ton ha-1 poultry manure), and T0 (Control) laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant growth parameters viz., plant height, numbers of leaves/plant, numbers of branches/plant, leaf area, shoots and root dry biomass increased significantly due to the application of bio-fertilizer and poultry manure singly or in combination over control. Combined application of bio-fertilizer and poultry manure @ 5 ton ha-1 (bio-organic) significantly produced the plants with desirable growth parameters, nutrients content and uptakes for N, P, and K. Root colonization by AM fungi was recorded in inoculated and un-inoculated plants. Colonization % ranges from 6% in control to 62.8% in Bio-organic. There was no significant difference in % root colonization of inoculated plants. Populations of Azospirillum and AM spores have increased in all treatments over the initial population prior to experiment in all treatments. Bio-organic recorded the highest Azospirillum population (28.56 × 10-6 CFU g-1 soil) and 69.3 AM spores g-1 soil and values were significantly higher to all the treatments. The overall findings of this research indicated that Bio-organic(bio-fertilizer and poultry manure @ 5 ton ha-1) produced plants with highest growth parameters, nutrients uptake, increased soil Azospirillum population, AM spore density and mycorrhization compared to exclusive application of bio-fertilizer or poultry manure @ 10 ton ha-1.Combination of bio-fertilizer with organic amendments could be recommended for successful production of sesame.

Key words: Bio-fertilizer, Poultry manure, Bio-organic, Plant growth, Nutrients uptake, Microbial population

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[5] Assaf, T.A., Turk. M.A and Hameed .K.M. (2009). Impact of olive pomace wastes and fungicide treatment on indigenous arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi associated with chicken (Cicerarietinum L.) under field conditions .Australian Journal of Crop Science Southern Cross Journals 2009 3(1) :6-12 (2009). ISSN: 1835-2707.
[6] Babajide, P.A., Fagbola O. and Alamu L.O (2012). Influence of Biofertilizer-Fortified Organic and Inorganic Nitrogenous Fertilizers Performance of Sesame (Sesamumindicum Linn.) and Soil Properties Under Savanna Ecoregion . International Journal of Applied Agricultural and Apicultural Research IJAAAR (1) 108-116,108.
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[10] Geeta. B., Patil 1,H,C., Lakshman, Romana. M., Mirdhe and Agadi.B.S.(2013).Effect of co- inoculation of AM fungi and two beneficial microorganisms on growth and nutrient uptake EleusiencoracanaGaertn. (Finger millet). Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research,2013,3(1):26-30.

Abstract: The effect of lethal (26.5μl/l) and sub-lethal (2.65μl/l) concentrations of monocrotophos (36% SL) on oxygen consumption and behavior of the fish Puntius filamentosus were studied in the laboratory. The oxygen consumption level was drastically reduced in lethal concentration and no much difference was seen at sub-lethal concentration. Similarly, in lethal concentration, the fish behaved abnormally with abnormal swimming pattern and eventually died. In sub-lethal concentration a little difference was seen in the behavior of the fish for the first 4 days but later on the fish adapted to the surrounding environment. The study reveals that the fish P. filamentosus can adapt to low concentration of monocrotophos toxicity during long-term exposure periods but the increase in concentration is toxic to the fish.

Keywords: Organophosphate, insecticide, Monocrotophos, Puntius filamentosus, behavioural studies, oxygen consumption

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Abstract: African breadfruit seed (ABFS) like any other legumes takes longer time to prepare for consumption, hence its traditional preparation involves use of alum and Trona. In this study, ABFS was steeped with different concentrations of alum (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) for 24 h. The seeds were parboiled, dehulled and then cooked with different Trona concentrations (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) for 90 min. The minerals, vitamins and antinutritional properties of these samples were each analyzed alongside the control (raw dehulled ABFS). The results obtained showed that significant differences (P<0.05) exist between the control and the processed samples as well as among the processes samples. ABFS sample steeped without Alum had the highest mineral and vitamin contents. The raw ABFS sample had the highest values for oxalate (0.21±0.01), tannin (0.06±0.01), saponin, (0.47±0.01), hydrogen cyanide (1.34±0.02), phytate (1.85±0.02) and trypsin inhibitor (11.26±0.02). These antinutrients reduced to safe consumption levels in the processed samples. Cooking ABFS with Trona had significant effect on anti-nutrient reduction which enhanced the nutritional quality of ABFS.

Keywords: Treculia africana, African breadfruit seed, Alum, Trona, Steeping, Cooking, Chemical quality.

[1]. J.O. Osuji and S.D. Owei, Mitotic index studies on Treculia African Decne in Nigeria. Australian Journal of Agricultural Engineering 1(1): 25-28, 2010.
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[3]. G.I.O.Badifu and P.I. Akubor, Influence of pH and sodium chloride on selected functional and physical properties of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) kernel flour. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 56: 105-115, 2001.
[4]. F.M. Ugwu, F.C. Ekwu and I.C. Okoye, Protein quality indices and food intake pattern of parboiled and roasted breadfruit-corn diets. Journal of Science, Agricultural, Food Technology and Environs. 2: 97-100, 2001.
[5]. E. Nwokolo, African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne), and polynesian breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Fosbery). In: nwokolo, e. and smarth, j. Edition, Legumes and oilseeds in nutrition, Chapman and Hall London. pp. 345 – 354, 1996.
[6]. H. Agu, J.A. Ayo, A.M. Paul and F. Folorunsho, Quality characteristics of biscuits made from wheat and African breadfruit (Treculia africana). Nig. Food Journal 25 (2): 19 – 27, 2007.
[7]. I.I. Ijeh, C.E. Ejike, O.M. Nkwonta and B.C. Njoku, Effect of traditional processing techniques on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of African breadfruit (Treculia africana) seeds. Journal of Applied Sci. Environmental Management, 14(4):169-173, 2010.
[8]. J.C. Onweluzo and O.M. Nnamuchi, Production and evaluation of porridge-type breakfast product from Treculia africana and sorghum bicolor flours. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 8 (6): 731-736, 2009.
[9]. Y.G. Sunday, N.A. Mattew, O.A. Monday and N.E. Juliet, Compositional, functional and storage properties of flours of raw and heat processed African breadfruit (Treculia africana) seeds. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 55:357-368, 2000.
[10]. J.C. Onyekwelu and O.J. Fayose, Effect of storage methods on the germination and proximate composition of Treculia africana seeds. Conference on international Agricultural Research for Development, University of Kassel-witzenhausen and University of Göttingen, October 9-11, 2007.

Abstract: The present work aims to investigate the removal of dye Rhodamine-B (RB) and Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions by low cost bio-waste adsorbents, such as Maranta arundinacea activated carbon (MAC) under various experimental conditions. The effect of dye concentrations, contact time, temperature and adsorbent dose on the removal of dyes was studied. The kinetic experimental data were fitted to pseudo-first- and pseudo-second – order model. Results imply that adsorption of RB and CR on these adsorbents nicely followed the second order kinetics model and maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 88.4 mg/g for RB and 79.3 mg/g for CR, however it increase with increase in temperature for both dyes. Equilibrium adsorption was investigated by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, D-R and Jovanoic isotherms. The thermodynamics parameters of adsorption systems indicated spontaneous and exothermic process.

Key words: Activated carbon, Congo red, Isotherms, Kinetics, Rhodamine-B

[1]. A.S Alzaydien, Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution onto a Low-cost Natural Jordanian Tripoli, Am.J. of Environ. Sci. 5, 2009, 197-208.

[2]. B. Noroozi, G.A. Sorial, H. Bahrami, M. Arami, Equilibriums and kinetic adsorption study of cationic dye by a natural adsorbent-silkworm pupa, J.Hazard.Mater B, 139, 2007, 167- 174.

[3]. M.A.M. Salleh, D.K. Mahmoud, W.A.W.A. Karim, A. Idris, Cationic and anionic dye adsorption by agricultural solid wastes: A comprehensive review, Desalination, 280, 2011, 1-13.

[4]. S. Dawood, T.K. Sen, Removal of anionic dye Congo red from aqueous solution by raw pine and acid-treated pine cone powder as adsorbent: Equilibrium, thermodynamic, kinetics mechanism and process design, Water Res. 46, 2012, 1933-1946.

[5]. S. Chatterjee, B.P. Chatterjee, A.K. Guha, Adsorptive removal of Congo red, a carcinogenic textile dye by chitosan, hydrobeads: Binding mechanism, equilibrium and kinetics, Colloid Surf A: Physiochem. 299, 2007, 146-152.

[6]. S.Arivoli, M. Thenkuzhali, Adsorption of Rhodamine B by acid activated carbon- kinetic, thermodynamic and equilibrium'', Orbital, 2, 2009, 138-155,

[7]. M.N. Abbasi, R. Asl, Sonochemical degradation of Basic Blue 41 dye assisted by nanoTiO2 and H2O2, J. Hazard. Mater. 153, 2008, 942-947.

[8]. V.K. Gupta, A. Mittal, R. Jain, M. Mathur, S. Sikarwar, Photochemical degradation of hazardous dye- Safaranin-T using TiO2 catalyst, J. Colloid. Interface Sci. 309, 2007, 460-465.

[9]. L. Fan, Y. Zhou, W. Yang, G. Chen, F. Yang, Electrochemical degradation of aqueous solution of Amaranth azo dye on ACF under potentiostatic model, Dyes Pigments, 76, 2008, 440-446.

[10]. M.H. Zonoozi, M.R.A. Moghaddam, M. Arami, Coagulation/Flocculation of dye containing solutions using Polyaluminium chloride and alum, Water Sci. Technol. 59, 2009, 1343-1351.

Abstract: Inappropriate use, handling and disposal of agrochemicals could have adverse health and environmental impact.This study was done in selected villages of a rural developmental block in Tamilnadu with the main objectives of assessing the knowledge and practices regarding storage, handling and disposal of routinely used agrochemicals; exploring the farmers' perceptions of agrochemical use and its potential ill effects on health and to determine if commonly used agrochemicals have reached the water consumed by the local population. Methodology involved cross sectional survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and water sample testing.Of the 98 farmers interviewed 18.4% stored agrochemicals in their homes prior to usage. Thirty nine percent used bare hands to mix the chemicals, a third disposed empty sacs or tins of agrochemicals in the open and 43% reused containers/sacks to store materials at homes. Only 28% used adequate personal protective equipment while applying agrochemicals. Focus group discussion and key informant interviews revealed that awareness regarding health effects of chemicals was poor among the farmers. Except for phosphorous, all chemicals tested were below detectable levels in the ground water samples from both the study villages.The practice of storing, mixing and applying agrochemicals without personal protection and unsafe disposal of pesticide containers appears to be widely prevalent in the study villages. A comprehensive program for creating awareness for safe management, handling and disposal of pesticides among both users and shop keepers is required to address this important health and environmental problem

Key words: agrochemicals, practices, pesticides, personal protective equipments, water contamination.

[1] Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture.Annual report,2010-2011.New Delhi: Government of India; March 2011.
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Abstract: A detailed lithostratigraphic study of the Campanian-Maastrichtian formations (Early basal Campanian to Maastrichtian) from a borehole and wells in the Anambra Basin has been undertaken. The lithofacies of the Nsukka Formation comprises shales, sandy clay and sands. The formation was encountered at several wells in the Anambra Basin. The Elf Nigeria Ltd well numbers 447/1/AAR-1, 7/4/AO-1 and 447/6/NM-1 penetrated the entire Campanian-Maastrichtian sequences of the formations. A lectostratotype has been proposed from the lithological differences between the Mamu and Nsukka Formations for the proper definition of the stratigraphic unit. This is to satisfy the code of accepted stratigraphic practice which states that stratotype should be proposed for established formations. It will also help to reduce the general assumption on similarities in the stratigraphic nomenclature of some lithofacies in the Mamu and Nsukka Formations.

[1]. Akande, S.O., Hoffknecht, A. and Erdtmann, B.D. (1992), Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary Coals from southern Nigeria: Composition, rank, depositonal environments and their technological properties. Bulletin Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, 7, 26-38.
[2]. Akande, S.O., Ogunmoyero, I.B., Petersen, H.I. and Nytoft, H.P. (2007), Source rock evaluation of coals from the Lower Maastrichtian Mamu Formation, SE Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 30(4), 303-324.
[3]. Allix, P. (1987), Le Bassin d'Anambra: essai de caraterisation de I'evolution tecono-sedimentaire au Cre'tace' superieur. Bulletin Centre for Research Exploration-production, Elf-Aquitaine, 11, 158-159.
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[8]. Hazell, J.R.T. (1958), The Enugu ironstone, Udi Division, Onitsha province. Report, Geological Survey of Nigeria, 1955, 44-58.
[9]. Ladipo, K. O. (1988), Paleogeography, sedimentation and tectonics of the Upper Cretaceous Anambra Basin, southeastern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 7, 865-871.
[10]. Ladipo, K. O., Nwajide, C. S. and Akande, S. O. (1992), Cretaceous and Paleogene sequences in the Abakaliki and Anambra basins, Southeastern Nigeria, National Symposium on Geology of deltas.

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect in vitro induction of sub-acute oral dose of imidacloprid and ameliorating role of tea and Vit.C on oxidative stress and osmotic fragility of albino wistar rats. On the basis of imidacloprid having LD50 450mg/kg body weight in rats, which exert oxidative stress on mammalian system and is moderately toxic via oral route. We observed a significant alteration in osmotic fragility of rat erythrocytes upon imidacloprid treatment shown by mean erythrocyte osmotic fragility at relatively higher NaCl concentration of (0.45%) as compared to mean erythrocyte fragility(MEF) at 0.40%,0.41% 42%,0.32% and 0.30% NaCl in control, Vit. C, tea, IP+ tea, IP + Vit.C treated groups, respectively. The results suggest that imidacloprid induced toxicity exerts OF in erythrocytes of rats and pretreatment with Vit. C and tea can mitigate to some extent the toxic effects.

Keywords: albino wistar rats, erythrocytes, Imidacloprid toxicity ,osmotic fragility, mean erythrocyte osmotic fragility,.

[1] M. A. Kamrin. Pesticide profiles: toxicity,environmental impact and fate.BMC Public Health,1997,7:357.

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[3] J. R. Hatherill, G.O. Till and P. A.Ward. Mechanisms of oxidant-induced changes in erythrocytes

[4] A. Kamboj A., R. Kiren, R. Sandhir. N.acetylcysteine ameliorates carbofuran induced alterations in lipid composition and activity of membrane bound enzymes. Mol. Cell. Biochem.2006, 286:107-14.

[5] J .M. Rifkind , K. Araki and E. C. Hadley.The relationship between the osmotic fragility of human erythrocytes and cell age. Arch. Biochem. Biophys.1983; 15:582-9.

[6] M. Hitoshi and H. Hiroshi H. (2005). Structure-dependent and receptor-independent increase in osmotic fragility of rats erythrocytes by short-chain fatty acids. Biochem.Biophys.Acta.,2005,1713:113-7

[7] D. M. Rai, A. Baligo, N. A. Buckley, G. Manuweera, M. H. Sheriff. Influence of pesticide regulation on acute poisoning deaths in Sri Lanka. Bull World Health Organ ,1996;81:789-798.

[8] A. R. Singh, R. C. Gupta and M. Aschner . Anticholinesterase toxicity and oxidative stress.Sci.World.J.,2006,28:295-310

Abstract: Bullet pear (Canarium schweinfurthii) fruit oil was used as a replacement for bakery fat in bread production. Five loaves of bread samples were baked, the control sample was baked with 100% bakery fat and the other four loaves were baked with bullet pear fruit (BPF) oils as substitute for the bakery fat at 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels. The proximate, physical parameters and sensory quality analyses were carried on of these five loaves samples. The results showed some significant differences (P<0.05) in the proximate compositions between the control and the samples and within the samples. The proximate composition of the bread samples substituted with BPF oil ranged from 34.48 - 31.83% (moisture); 2.61 – 2.48% (ash); 8.14 – 8.60% (crude fat); 0.19 – 0.27% (crude fibre); 7.57 – 7.58% (crude protein); 49.02 – 49.11% (total carbohydrate) and 299.61 – 305.71Kcal/100g (energy). Significant differences (P<0.05) exist in the loaf heights, weights, volumes and specific volumes with the control sample having the highest specific volume of 5.27cm3/g. Also, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in appearance, flavor, texture, mouth feel and overall acceptability of the bread samples. However, the substitutions of the bakery fat with BPF oil up to 50% level were acceptable.

Keywords: Bakery fat, bread, Bullet pear, physical parameters, proximate composition, sensory quality.

[1]. K. Dewettinck, F.V. Bockstaele, B. Kuhne, W. Van, T. Courtens, and X. Gellynck, Nutritional value of bread: influence of processing, food interaction and consumer perception, Journal of Cereal Science, 48, 2008, 243- 257.

[2]. J.U. Anyika, and A.C. Uwaegbute, Frequency of consumption and nutrient content of some snacks eaten by adolescent female students in Abia state, Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Nutritional Sciences 26 (2), 2005, 10 – 15.

[3]. E.N.T. Akobundu, C.N. Ubbaonu, and C.E. Ndupuh, Studies on the baking potential of non-wheat composite flour, Journal of Food Science and Technology 25 (4), 1988, 211 -214.

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[6.] FAO. Food and Agricultural Organization. Cassava Industrial Revolution in Nigeria. FAO Corporate Reposition, 2006.

[7]. C.M.F. Mbofung, T. Silou, and I. Mouragadja, Chemical characterization of sajou (Dacryodes edulis) and evaluation of its potential as ingredient in nutritious biscuits, Tree and Livelihoods 12, 2002, 105 – 117.

[8]. N.C. Onuegu, E.U. Onyeka, and D. Agbayi, Evaluation of African black pear pulp and oil as ingredients in bread production, Nigerian Food Journal 25 (2), 2007, 171 – 175.

[9]. V.I.E. Ajiwe, C.A. Okeke, J.O. Ogwuagu, U. Ojukwu, and V.I. Onwukuru, Characterization and application of oils extracted from Canarium schweinfurthii, Vitex doniana and Xylopia acthiopia fruits/seed, Bioresource Technology 68, 1997, 249 – 252.

[10]. H.M. Burkill, Useful plant of West tropical Africa. Vol. 2, Families E – 1 Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, 2004, 5 - 9.

Abstract: The present works is carried out to monitor the concentrations of heavy metals in water sediments and fishes present in Yamuna River, with the view to evaluate and monitor the contamination in Yamuna river water and for public health issue. Water, sediments and fish samples were collected from different sites of Yamuna River in Allahabad. Metal contaminations in water showed significant correlation and seasonal variations with atmospheric deposition. The study revealed a positive metal contamination in Yamuna River, fishes and sediments for human health perspectives. The data revaled that, Cu, and As although remained below their maximum permissible concentration but, levels of Pb and Zn in waters at six sites of river in Allahabad had higher than their maximum permissible concentrations.

Keywords: Heavy metals, water, fishes, sediments, Yamuna river.

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