IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-5 ~ Issue-6 ~ Sep–Oct 2013

Abstract: In the present study attempt was made to biodegrade coir pith using suitable microbes and their consortium, isolated from the naturally decayed coir pith, From the total colony forming units isolated from old coir pith, seven bacterial and five fungal strains which showed predominant growth were selected and independently screened for predecomposition of water washed coir pith for a period of 30 days. Pleurotus sajor caju was also tested for predecomposition of coir pith. Based on the predigestion characteristics, two microbes i-e Isolate-6 (bacteria, Pseudomonas spp) and Isolate-8 (fungi, Aspergilus niger) were selected. The two selected isolates and Pleurotus sajor caju were mixed with each other into four types of microbial consortia and were used for predecomposition (30 days).

Keywords: Aspergilus niger, Coir pith, Pleurotus sajor caju, Pseudomonas spp and predecomposition.

[1]. Alexopoulos, C.J. and Mims, C.W. 1983. Text Book on Introductory Mycology. Wiley eastern Ltd., New Delhi.
[2]. Aneja, K.R. 2001. Experiments in Microbiology, plant pathology, tissue culture and mushroom production technology. New age International publishers, New Delhi. Pp. 282-291.
[3]. Apun, K., Jong, B.C. and Salleh, M.A. 2000. Screening and isolation of a cellulolytic and amylolytic Bacillus from sago pith waste. J. Gen. Appl. Microbial. 46:263-267.
[4]. Daniel, T. and Karmegam, N. 2000. Bio-conversion of selected leaf litters using an African epigeic Earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. Ecol.Env. and Cons. 5 (3):273-277.
[5]. Gajalakshmi, S., Ramasamy, E.V. and Abbasi, S.A. 2002-b. High-rate composting vermicomposting of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes, Mart.Solms). Bioresource Technology. 83:235-239.
[6]. Holt, J.G., Krieg, N.R., Sneath, P.H.A., Staley, J.T. and Williams, S.T. 1994. Bergey's Manual of determinative bacteriology. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, A. Wolters Kluwer company, Philadelphia.
[7]. Inbar, Y., Chen, Y., Hadar, Y., Hoitink, H.A.J., 1990. New approaches to compost maturity. BioCycle 31, 64-69.
[8]. Jothimani, S. 1994. Organic farming in coconut. Indian Coconut Journal, 48-49.
[9]. Karmegam, N. and Daniel, T. 2000-a. Decomposition of leaf litters using the compost earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Indian J.Environ and Eco.Plan. 3(1):111-116.
[10]. Mahalingam, P.U. and Daniel, T. 2008-a. Gut microflora of earthworm, Eisenia fetida, Environment and Ecology. 26(1A):297-299

Abstract: Climatological changes in the coming decades most likely will alter compositions and abundances of zooplankton. What we need to rapidly and comprehensively assess polar, boreal, subtropical and tropical regions and communities is automated instrumentation with which longer time-series and frequent coverage are possible. Such long-time series could be obtained from an Ocean Observatory (Wiebe et.al. 1987). These field studies need to cover processes over scales from seconds to decades, especially to distinguish between natural variance and that created by climatological changes.

Key words: Zooplankton,Coringa,Mangroves,Biomass,Numerical abundance

[1]. Achuthankutty C.T, and George M.J. and Goswami S .C, 1977,. Larval regression of penaeid prawns in the estuaries of Goa. Proc. Symp. Warm water Zooplankton. UNESCO / NIO Spl. Pub 412-424.
[2]. Allan J.D., Kinsey T.G. and James J.L. 1976.Abundance and production of copepods in the Rhode river estuary of chespeake Bay .,Chespeake .Sci 17 : 86-92.
[3]. Antony MK, Panakala Rao. D and Sankaranarayana V.N. 1974.Studies on the monsoonal flow of the Mandovi estuary, Mahasagar, Bull. Nat. Inst. Oceanography 7 (1&2) 69-72.

Abstract: Forest resource use and traditional conservation practices were studied in nine forest neighbouring communities to Kpashimi Forest Reserve, Niger state. The aim of the study was to examine the importance of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation among the communities surrounding Kpashimi Forest Reserve. Ecological survey and Rapid Rural Appraisal methods were adopted for the study. Matrix ranking and scoring was employed to analyse data on communities' utilization of vegetation species. The average rank score for each perceived important value was calculated. Medicinal value was ranked first with average rank score of 1.21, followed by fuel wood (2.33), food (2.62), cultural value (3.72), timber (3.86), building materials (3.92), grazing (5.24), aesthetic (7.10), fibre (7.34), and employment (8.22). Analysis of respondents' perceived relevance of indigenous knowledge on biodiversity conservation indicated weighted mean score statistics and standard deviation ranging between 3.33- 4.16 and 0.078 - 0.596, respectively. This implies that their mean values were all above the cut-off point of 2.50 and therefore recognised the importance of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation. The study revealed that existing traditional conservation methods among the natives include preservation of sacred landscapes for threatened species, myths and taboos restricting use through dos and don'ts, harvesting methods, spiritual values associated with forests and individual species. Appreciating these immense values and threats from changing environment, the natives indicated approval for the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern forest management practices. The study therefore contends that for continued sustainability of forest biodiversity, conservation strategies need to recognise local knowledge in both content and practice.

Key words: biodiversity, conservation, indigenous knowledge, plant species, traditional.

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[2] IUCN, (International Union for Conservation of Nature). IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland (2001).

[3] IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Redlist of threatened species (2006); [accessed 2013 March 15]. Available from: http:// www.iucnredlist.org.
[4] IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Redlist of threatened species(2008) ; [accessed 2013 April 25]. Available from: http:// www.iucnredlist.org.

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[6] Royal Society. Measuring Biodiversity for Conservation. Policy document (2003) 11/03. http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk. Retrieved 6/5/12

[7] Millennium Ecosystem Assessment [MA], Millemium Ecosystem Assessment: Ecosystem and Human well-being: Synthesis Report, Island Press, Washington D.C. USA. (2005)

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[9] Convention of Biological Diversity – CBD, (2002). Global strategy for plant conservation: Refinement of the 16 Targets. UNEP/CBD/COP/6/INF/21/Add.1.

[10] T.Noguchi, M.A. Salam., M. Koike, Factors influencing the sustained participation of farmers in participatory forestry: a case study of Central Sal forests in Bangladesh. Journal of Environmental Management, 74: 43-51 (2005).

Abstract: Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA), were applied for evaluate the water quality of Erbil wastewater channel. Seventeen variables have been monitored in three selected sites on monthly basis for one year (May 2010- April 2011). Results revealed that the most important variables are those related to salinity factors, temporal hardness and mineral salts according to PCA/FA techniques. In addition to, CA results showed that dissimilarity of site 3 from other two sites, and most similarity between ions related to processes of hydrogeochemical and mineralization. Generally, water quality for irrigation purposes comes under good water type (86% of total samples) to moderate type (16%) depending on EC- SAR values guidelines. Increases in ions concentrations for EC, TDS and hardness were observed from upstream toward downstream of Erbil wastewater channel.

Keywords: Water quality, factor analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, irrigation, wastewater.

[1]. E.O. Igbinosa, and A.I. Okoh, Impact of discharge wastewater effluent on the physic- chemical qualities of a receiving watershed in a typical rural community, International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, 6(2), 2009, 175- 182.
[2]. K. Sekabira, H. O. Origa, T.A. Basamba, G. Mutumba, and A. Kakudidi, Heavy metal assessment and water quality values in urban stream and rain water, International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, 7(4), 2010, 759- 770.

[3]. B.Y. Mustafa, and S. Sabir, Reuse of Erbil City sewage for irrigation purposes, Proc. Scientific conf. of water- Erbil. Brayeti-Center, 18, 2001, 303- 317.
[4]. A.H. Pejman, G.R. Nabi Bidhendi, A.R. Karbassi, N. Mehrdadi, and M. Esmaeili Bidhendi, Evaluation of spatial and seasonal variations in surface water quality using multivariate statistical techniques. International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, 6(3), 2009, 467- 476.
[5]. Y.A. Shekha, An ecological study on the main sewage channel of Erbil city, M.Sc. Thesis, University of Salahaddin -Erbil, Iraq, 1994.
[6]. F.H. Aziz, S.N. Darokha, and Y.A. Shekha, Ecological and microbiological studies of Erbil city's sewerage. Proc. Scientific conf. of water- Erbil. Brayeti-Center, 18, 2001, 189- 206.
[7]. L.A. Ali, Algal studies in sewage water within Erbil city, M.Sc. Thesis. University of Salahaddin - Erbil, Iraq, 2002.

Abstract: Chromium (Cr) in the trivalent form (Cr III) is an important component of a balanced human and animal diet and its deficiency causes disturbance to the glucose and lipid metabolism in humans and animals. In contrast, hexavalent Cr (Cr VI) is a highly toxic carcinogen and may cause death to animals and humans if ingested in large doses. Recently, concern about Cr as an environmental pollutant has been escalating due to its build up to toxic levels in the environment as a result of various industrial and agricultural activities. In the present study, the hexavalent chromium was reduced into trivalent chromium from chromium contaminated (300 μg g-1) soil. In the presence of organic amendments (poultry manure) and microbial inoculants (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride) the chromium (VI) reduction was observed in maximum in the poultry manure treatment (91%) whereas poultry manure with Pseudomonas fluorescens reduced the hexavalent chromium up to 90 %.

Key Words: Bioremediation, Cr (VI), Poultry manure, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, detoxification

[1]. Adriano D C, 2001. Trace Elements in Terrestrial Environments: Biogeochemistry, bioavailability and risks of metals. 2nd ed. Springer, New York
[2]. An H K, Park B Y, Kim D S, 2001. Crab shell for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution. Water Res., 35 (15): 3551-3556
[3]. Applegate L E, 1984. Membrane separation processes. Chem. Eng. J., 91: 64 - 69
[4]. Babel S, Opiso E M, 2007. Removal of Cr from synthetic wastewater by sorption into volcanic ash soil. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Tech, 4 (1): 99 - 107
[5]. Bolan N S, Adriano D C, Natesan R, Koo B J, 2003. Effects of organic amendments on the reduction and phytoavailability of chromate in mineral soil, J. Environ. Qual. 32: 120 - 128

Abstract: This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the level of awareness of healthcare as indicators of waste management problems by the medical personnel. This involved the survey of a cross section of four tertiary facilities. The study showed that the increase of environmental awareness inputs and safety into healthcare waste management guide will increase the level of awareness of healthcare waste management problems. It indicates that there is urgent need for training and educating all categories of medical personnel to be abreast with the policy in place about the healthcare waste management. Lack of necessary rules, regulations and instructions on different aspects of waste management, non availability of records kept on waste generated and disposed, lack of colour coding and financial allocation are all contributors to average level of awareness on healthcare waste management in Enugu metropolis. Keywords: Investigation, indicators and management

[1]. Engineer, A. D., (2009): Angola's National Healthcare Waste Management Plan.
[2]. Farzadika M. Moradi A., Mohammdi M. S (2009): Hospital Waste Management Status in Iran: A Case Study in the Teaching Hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Waste Management Res. 27: 384 – 389.
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[5]. Healthcare Services Executives, (2011): Waste Management Awareness Handbook 2011.
[6]. Kgathi, D. I., Bolance, B. (2001): Instruments for sustainable solid waste management in Bobwana, Waste Management Research, 19, 342 – 5.
[7]. Oke, A. (2008): Management of immunization Solid Wastes in Kano, State, Nigeria. Waste Management, 28:2512 – 2521.
[8]. Olubokola, B. O. (2009): Comparative analysis of healthcare waste management practice in two general hospitals in Nigeria. Available at http://www.ecoweb./com/edi/index.htm. Accessed March, 2012.
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[10]. Rizwan, S. A., Baridalyne Norigkynth, Sayeen Kumar Gipta – Apr – June 2011.

Abstract: The efficacy of cattle bone powder in biostimulation of farmland polluted with diesel in Uturu-Abia State, Nigeria, was investigated. This was done by estimating the bioloads which include: Total diesel degrading bacteria count(TDDBC),Nitrifying bacteria count(NBC), Phosphate solubilising bacteria count(PSBC) and Total heterotrophic bacteria count(THBC).The bioloads were estimated using the spread plate method at 24hrs,21days and 42days after biostimulation. The bioloads for THBC were from 2.6x104±0.1 to 6.8x106±0.0, which was the highest bacteria count among all the groups while the bioloads for NBC were from 1.6x103±0.3 to 3.4x104±0.1, which were the least among all the bacteria species determined. The results gotten showed that in the polluted portion without treatment (group" P"), the bioloads were decreasing significantly(P<0.05) with time from, 1.9x103±0.1 to 1.6x103±0.1 for NBC,from 2.8x106±0.1 to 2.6x104±0.1 for THBC, from 2.0x104±0.3 to 1.9x103±0.0 for PSBC. The bioloads for other treatment groups "L','M", "H", increased significantly(P<0.05).The results gotten so far suggest that the population of the microorganisms in the polluted portions treated with cattle bone powder were stimulated as a result of the introduction of the cattle bone powder ,hence, improvement on the fertility of the soil.

Key words: Bone powder, Biostimulation, Bioloads and Diesel pollution

[1] N.N. Mette, and W. Anne, Microorganisms as indicators of soil health. NERT Technical Report. No. 388. Pp.7. July 2002. [2] A.L. Mills, and R.R. Cowell, Enumeration of petroleum degrading marine and estuarine microorganisms by the most probable number method. Can. J. Microbial. Vol. 24,pp. 552. August 1998.

[3] O. Wei, L. Hong, V. Murygina, Y. Youngyong, X. Zengbe, and S. Kalyuzhnyi, Composting for remediation of oil sludge: a field-scale study in China. Proc. Biochem. Vol. 40, pp.3763-3768. June 2005.

[4] D.G. Rushton, A.E. Ghally, and K. Martinel, Assessment of Canadian regulations and remediation method for diesel oil contaminated soils. Am. J. Appl. Sc. Vol. 4, issue 7, pp.465-478. Apr. 2007.

[5] J. Blondeau, J.G. Pon, S. Bresciani, and M. Reang, Analysis of selected diesel fuel markets in Canada. Agricultural and agrifood, Canada. Am. J. Appl. Sc. Vol.5, pp. 18-24. August 2004.

[6] C.O. Nweke, and G.C. Okpokwasili, Drilling fluid base oil. Biodegradation potential of a soil with Staphylococus species. Afr. J. Biotech. Vol. 2, issue 9, pp.293-295. Jan. 2003.

[7] V.O. Nwaugo, R.A. Onyeagba, and N.C. Nwachukwu, Effects of gas flaring on soil microbial spectrum in parts of Niger Delta area of Southern Nigeria. Afr. J. Biotech. Vol. 5, issue 19,pp.1824-1826. March 2006.

[8] J.C. Okolo, E.N. Amadi, and C.T. Odu, Effects of soil treatment containing poultry manure on crude oil. Degradation in a sandy loam soil. Appl. Ecology and Env. Res. Vol. 3, issue 1, pp. 47-53. March 2005.

[9] H. Li, Y. Zhang, C.G. Zhang, and G.Chen, Effects of petroleum containing waste water irrigation area. J. Env. Quali. Vol. 34, pp. 1073-1080. June 2005.

[10] F.J. Rivas, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons sobbed on soils. A short review of chemical oxidation based treatment. J. Harzardous Materials. Vol. 138, pp. 234-251. Feb. 2006.

Abstract: The stoichiometry of the reaction of plasma albumin and formaldehyde was determined by the spectrophotometric method. Measurements were made at pseudo –first order condition of formaldehyde using the method of continuous variation (Job's method ) and the mole ratio method at varying concentrations of formaldehyde and plasma albumin at their respective determined λ max and at constant conditions. The ionic strength of the reactants μ, was kept constant at 0.5moldm3 (NaCl), and at constant temperature of 370C. The results showed a stoichiometric ratio of 1: 2 of plasma albumin to that of formaldehyde in aqueous medium

Keywords: Spectrophotometric, Stoichiometry, Formaldehyde, Plasma Albumin, Water solution, Jobs's method, mole ratio method

[1]. White, P; P. Handler, E.L.Smith (1968). Principles of Biochemistry, 4th ed, McGraew- Hill Book company, NewYork , 1968
[2]. Tanaka , K., Sawatani , E., Shigueoka, E. M., Dias, G.A., Nakao, H.C., Arasiro, F.(2001). Isolation of bovine plasma albumin by Liquid Chromatography and its polymerization for use in Immunohematology. Brazillian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 34: 977- 983.
[3]. Bedino, J.H. .EmbalmingChemistry:Glutaraldehyde versus Formaldehyde: The PChampion Company No.609., 2003
[4]. Metz, B; Kersten, G.F.A ; Hoogerhout, P; Humphrey F. Brugghe, P.H; Hans A. M. Timmermans, H.A.M; Jong, A.D; Meiring, H; Jan ten Hove, J T; Hennink, W.E ; Crommelin, D.J. A , and Jiskoot, W (2004). Identification of formaldehyde-induced modifications in proteins reactions with model peptides The Journal of Biological, Chemistry Vol. 279, No. 8,, Pp. 6235-6243, 2004DOI 10.1074/jbc.M310752200
[5]. Chun, L. N., Wei,Y., Chen,X., Yan Y, L., Wen, D., Ying, L., Davies, M , C., Tendler, S.J.B., Rong G. H. Formaldehyde at Low Concentration Induces Protein Tau into Globular Amyloid-Like Aggregates In Vitro and In Vivo, PLoS ONE, 2(7 ) ,2007 : 3
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Abstract: House to house inspection around the University of Uyo and environs revealed apparently poor sanitary situation. This unhealthy environmental situation was largely blamed on unwholesome waste disposal habits of the students living in the neighborhood. The aim of this study was to investigate waste disposal habits of the students of the University of Uyo. Methodology employed questionnaire, interview and observation techniques. The study area was divided into three zones. A total of Ninety randomly selected houses were sampled, thirty in each of the three zones. Seventy-one percent of the houses in the study area accommodated students of the University. The environments where students were accommodated were generally poor as a result of the indiscriminate waste disposal habits of the university students. The remaining 29% that accommodated no student were judged above average. It is recommended that students irrespective of the course of study should be enlightened on environmental issues. Landlords must be encouraged to create circumstances that make for easy disposal of waste. Each home should have at least 3 different bins, properly labeled: waste to recycling; food wastes; wastes to dumping site. Home compost of leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable waste from kitchen is also recommended among others. The compost product can be added to vegetable garden and flower beds thereby reducing the need for artificial fertilizers and increasing garden productivity. Students in the university must be properly educated to take the lead in the course of environmental friendliness.

Key words: Solid waste, waste disposal, university students, habits, University of Uyo, Nigeria

[1]. Adekunle, U. A. (1990) " Current Status of Water Supply and Sewage Disposal in the Urban and Rural Centres in Nigeria" in Onajude, M. O. eta al (eds) Revitalising the Urban and Rural Centres of Nigeria. Ile- Ife. L.G. Studies.
[2]. Catholic Institute for Development. Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) (1998). Sustainable improvements in Agricultural production and urban sanitation through Municipal solid waste recycling. Project proposal for Bread for the World. Germany: Bret Fiir Die Welt.
[3]. Chiras, D. D. (1985) Environmental Science: A framework for Decision Making. U.S.A. Benjamin/Cumings.
[4]. Daniel, E. and Ituen, U. (2013). Inter-Urban Trip Generation Models for the Urban Centres in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Civil and Environmental Research, vol. 3, no. 4: pp. 55-62.
[5]. Fellman, H. J., Getis, A and Getis , J. (1995) Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activities. Chicago: WMC Brown Publishers.
[6]. Goldstein, J. (1979) Recycling: How to Re-use Waste in Home, industry and Society. New York: Schocken Books, Informative and Practical Guides.
[7]. Madu, I. A. (2004). Urban solid waste problems in Nigeria. In: Ezenni, E. and Olekwa, N. N. (eds) Issues in Urbanization and Urban Administration in Nigeria, Enugu; Jamoi Enterprises (Nig.) pp. 100-126.
[8]. Moruff, Mudasiru (2012). Cultural Understanding of Space and Waste Disposal Habit Among the Urban Populace in Ibadan Metropolis, South Western Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, vol. 14, no. 4: pp. 82-95
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[10]. Okpala, J.(1997). "Problems of Solid Household Waste Disposal in Nigeira; Sorting at Source as Starting Point for Solution." In: Okwi, D. K. and Igbozuriki, U. M. (eds) Perspective in Environmental Movement. NEST Ibadan, pp. 101 – 112.

Abstract: Mangroveforests in Tatapaan,South MinahasaRegencyis one of coastalresourceswith significant valuebecause it is included assupporting zoneforthe Bunaken National Park. There for thecoastal areabecome a very important partin thedevelopmentandconservationactivities. The research wasconductedinthe SondakenVillage,District of Tatapaan,SouthMinahasa Regencywhich aimed to (1) perform economic evaluation of mangrove resources, (2) analyze the potencies of mangroveecosystem,and(3) analyze mangrove contributionto the regional development.Mangrove forest ecosysteminthe Sondakenvillage apparentlyhas benefitsandfunctionsboth asan economicresourcesandecologicalresourcesfor human being incoastal areas ofTatapaan,as well as for conservation of the Bunaken NationalPark.Result of the study showed that Importance Value Indexvariableof mangroveforestsinthe SondakenVillage,District of Tatapaan isdominatedbyRhizophoraspeciesby71,433(27%);Avicenniaspeciesby57,556(22%); Sonneratiaspeciesby53,775(20%);Ceriopsamounts for35 777(13%); danBruguieraspeciesby25,995(10%).Based oneconomic valuation, the economicvalue ofmangroveforestsas adirect benefit (direct use value)is amounts forRp.29.615.030peryear, indirect benefits(indirect use value)byRp.297.916.110peryear,optionalbenefit (option value)byRp.27.362.863peryear and existence benefit (existence value) by Rp.82.088.589 per year. Thus thetotaleconomicbenefits (Total economic value, TEV)ofmangroveforestsisRp.436.088.589peryear Keywords: mangrove, EconomicValuation, ImportanceValueIndex

[1]. Barbier, E.B 2007, Valuing Ecosystem Services as Production Inputs. Economic Policy 22, 177229
[2]. SuthawanSathirthai and Edward.B.Barbier, 2010.Valuing Mangrove Conservation inSouthernThailand, Contemporary Economic Policy (ISSN 1074-3529) Vol. 1, No. 2,April 2011, 109-122.
[3]. R.Kerry Turner, Sian morse-Jones, and Brendan Fisher, 2010. Ecosystem Valuation, Annals of The New York Academy of Scienes, Ecological Economics Reviews.
[4]. Godstime K, James O.Adegoke, Ekechukwu Saba, Peter Nwilo, Joseph AkinyedeOsagie, 2011. Economic Valuation of Mangroves in the Niger Delta, A social- Ecological Analysis ,first edition 2011
Books:
[5]. Santoso, U. 2007. PermasalahandanSolusiPengelolaanLingkunganHidup di PropinsiBengkulu.Pertemuan PSL PT se-Sumatera tanggal 20 Februari 2006 di Pekanbaru.
[6]. Cahyo. Saparinto,2007.Pendayagunaan Ekosistem Mangrove.Dahara Prize Semarang.
[7]. Bengen.G.D,2000.PengenalandanPengelolaanEkosistemMangrove. Bogor. PusatKajianSumberdayaPesisirdanLautan.InstitutPertanian Bogor.
[8]. BAKOSURTANAL, 2009. Peta Mangrove Indonesia. ISBN: 978:979-1266-39-0
[9]. Santoso,U.2007. PermasalahandanSolusiPengelolaanLingkunganHidup di PropinsiBengkulu.Pertemuan PSL PT se-Sumatera tanggal 20 Februari 2006 di Pekanbaru.
[10]. CecepKusmana,1996.NilaiEkologisEkosistemHutan Mangrove (Ekological Value of Mangrove Forest Ecosystem),JurusanManajemenHutanInstitutPertanian Bogor.

Abstract: Rajshahi District is a small but it bears a huge population, resulting in a very high density of population and very high intensity of land and resource use. Per capita land is estimated to be only about 0.0526 ha. Two significantly prominent phenomena driving district's overall scenario of economic development and environment imbalance include: (a) the high growth rate of population engulfing precious land for settlement and (b) scarcity of land for ever increasing demand of food. As a result, the land is using very intensively of this District. Every year the district is losing 0.47% arable land due to the population growth and its infrastructure development. This study was conducted on Rajshahi District where the major focus was to see the causes of agricultural land losses and its consequences on environment. For analyses primary data through PRA techniques were used and secondary data were collected from published and unpublished data regarding crop, population and other ambient information from mostly government sources. Results show that the causes of agricultural land losses diversified and its consequences also multi-dimensional. If proper steps would not taken the district faces environmental hazards near future.

Key words: Agricultural land, Causes, Consequences, PRA, Rajshahi.

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Abstract: Effects of heavy metal pollution on the enzymatic activities of soils were investigated in the Ishiagu mining area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Soil dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, hydrogen peroxidase, alkaline and acid phosphatases and urease were measured to evaluate the effects of heavy metals mining operations on soil biochemical characteristics. Results showed that the soil pH ranged from 5.04 to 6.56 while the heavy metals were of the ranges: Pb (13,754-29,491 mg/kg), Zn (1,151-2,778 mg/kg), Cd (17.65-27.71 mg/kg), Cu (9.59-39.91 mg/kg) and total heavy metals (014,932.24-32,336.62 mg/kg). Soil heavy metals concentrations significantly decreased with the increase of distance from the mining pit while soil pH increased with the increase of the distance from the mining pit. Analysis of the soil enzyme activities indicated a significant positive correlation at P≤ 0.05 between soil enzyme activities and soil pH. On the contrary, the activities of dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, hydrogen peroxidase, alkaline and acid phosphatases and urease showed significant negative correlation at P≤ 0.05 with the heavy metal contents except for Zn against dehydrogenase activity and Cd against hydrogen preoxidase and urase activities that were though negative but statistically not significantly correlated at P≤ 0.05. This showed that the activities of the enzymes analysed could be used as sensitive indicators of heavy metals contamination. The results in general indicated that the mining operations at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State affect the soil quality due to heavy metal contamination

Key words: Enzyme activities, heavy metals, Ishiagu, soil, pollution.

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Abstract: Vinasse is a mixture of water, organic and inorganic compounds. This liquid residue after distillation of the alcohol, present a surcharge for the industry distillers, views its high pollution load, which can contaminate water and soil, causing a big environmental problem. The treatment by anaerobic digestion can be used to reduce the pollution of this type of waste, while producing biogas, which is a renewable energy. The objective of this study is to determination of the potential of biogas from the anaerobic digestion of vinasse in Morocco, and keeping the stability of physic-chemical parameters in the environment. The experiment test were realized in laboratory scale using the mesophilic digester at 35°C and with 0.5L capacity, and using as raw material the vinasse from the process of the production of ethyl alcohol. The results obtained in this study indicate that the anaerobic digestion under mesophilic conditions, presents a reliable solution for production of biogas by treatment of this type of waste, this is proved by the increase in the volume of biogas collected which could reach 370mL of biogas for a load of 0.5g VS added, with a yield coefficient in biogas 0.7L/g VS.

Keywords: Anaerobic Digestion – Biogas – Digester – mesophilic – pH – Vinasse - Volatile solids.

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