International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (The IJES)theijes
The International Journal of Engineering & Science is aimed at providing a platform for researchers, engineers, scientists, or educators to publish their original research results, to exchange new ideas, to disseminate information in innovative designs, engineering experiences and technological skills. It is also the Journal's objective to promote engineering and technology education. All papers submitted to the Journal will be blind peer-reviewed. Only original articles will be published.
Risk of toxic metal contamination in gold mining and processing areas of Borg...Premier Publishers
The study reviews artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Nigeria and the status of gold (Au) ore extraction and processing in Borgu and Mashegu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, Nigeria. The processing methods used and the potential environmental impacts of the practice are analysed. Toxic metals like mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are products of Au mining and processing and pose tremendous health risks for miners and other people within the vicinity as evidenced by the Pb poisoning saga that took place in Zamfara State in 2010. Strategies for reducing mercury emissions in ASGM are also discussed and recommendations are made regarding the detailed study and reduction of toxic wastes from ASGM in the LGAs.
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (The IJES)theijes
The International Journal of Engineering & Science is aimed at providing a platform for researchers, engineers, scientists, or educators to publish their original research results, to exchange new ideas, to disseminate information in innovative designs, engineering experiences and technological skills. It is also the Journal's objective to promote engineering and technology education. All papers submitted to the Journal will be blind peer-reviewed. Only original articles will be published.
Risk of toxic metal contamination in gold mining and processing areas of Borg...Premier Publishers
The study reviews artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Nigeria and the status of gold (Au) ore extraction and processing in Borgu and Mashegu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, Nigeria. The processing methods used and the potential environmental impacts of the practice are analysed. Toxic metals like mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are products of Au mining and processing and pose tremendous health risks for miners and other people within the vicinity as evidenced by the Pb poisoning saga that took place in Zamfara State in 2010. Strategies for reducing mercury emissions in ASGM are also discussed and recommendations are made regarding the detailed study and reduction of toxic wastes from ASGM in the LGAs.
Twenty (20) sample regimes were collected for each sample matrix. The samples were pretreated and digested for the determination of selected heavy metals of interest (As, Cd. Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb. The results reveals that mean concentrations of elements in the water samples decreases in the sequence as follows Hg > Ni > Cr> Pb > As > Cd. This clearly confirmed that Hg has the highest concentration followed by Ni, with Cd being the least. The mean concentrations of elements in the cat fish organs flesh, Gills, Kidney and liver of Barkin-Ladi pond water samples are given in table 4 above. The results confirmed the differences of accumulation of element in different catfish organs. The element concentrations in the cat fish samples decreased in the sequence for the flesh as Ni > Cr >Pb > Hg > As > Cd, for the gills Ni > Hg > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, for kidney Ni > Pb > Hg > Cr > As > Cd, for liver Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg > As. A two-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the mean concentrations of elements in the organs of the same fish species, while there is significant difference in the mean concentration between the organs of the different fish species investigated. The correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the concentrations of element in water sample of the study area. The result above reveals that there is a significant correlation between Cd and Pb, and also there is a significant relationship between Cr and Ni elements. While no significant correlation was observed between the other pairs. These implied that the pairs either have the same source or chemical species. Generally, the ponds were shown to be polluted with heavy metals thus the risk of bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the aquatic lives, thus endangering human health directly when consumed or through the food chain.
Influence Of Different Nitrogen And Organic Carbon Sources On Microalgae Grow...iosrjce
Microalgae based biofuels are getting attention due to energy crisis and enviromental protection. In
the present study, the Chlorella sp. was cultivated in BG-11 medium at batch mode. The effect of different
nitrogen (sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and urea) and organic carbon (glucose, glycerol and sucrose)
sources were analyzed on growth and lipid accumulation on this species. The highest biomass growth and
biomass productivity of chlorella sp. was found 1.29±0.04 g/l, 76.96±4.5mgl-1
d
-
1 in urea. However in case of
organic sources, the biomass growth and productivity was found maximum in glucose (1.43±0.075 g/l 86.04±3.2
mgl-1
d
-1
). The lipid content was examined using folch method and found better in potassium nitrate nitrogen
source (11.84%) . Among organic carbon sources, the maximum lipid content (13.22% and lipid yield 189.94
mg/l were found in case of glucose, followed by glycerol and sucrose. Various properties of biodiesel obtained
from chlorella sp. such as Cetane number, Saponification value, Iodine value and Degree of unsaturation were
followed standerds set by the national petroleum agency (ANP255), ASTMD6751 and EN14214.
Indonesian Government's Commitment in Achieving Sustainable Developmet of Pal...CIFOR-ICRAF
Presented by Moch. Edy Yusuf, Assistant to Deputy Minister for Estate Crops' Agribusiness Development at G20 - Recover Together, Recover Stronger: Advancing global trade in sustainable palm oil to benefit the planet and its people on 22 March 2022.
Effects of Corn Processing Method and Dietary Inclusion of Wet Distillers Gra...LPE Learning Center
Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/67580
The use of wet distiller's grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot diets has increased as a result of the growing U.S. ethanol industry. However, few studies have evaluated the use of WDGS in finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC), the processing method used extensively in the Southern Great Plains. The effects of corn processing method and WDGS on enteric methane (CH4) production, carbon dioxide (CO2) production and energy metabolism were evaluated in two respiration calorimetry studies. In Exp. 1, the effects of corn processing method (SFC or dry rolled corn -- DRC) and WDGS inclusion (0 or 30% of diet dry matter- DM) were studied using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and four Jersey steers in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. In Exp. 2, the effects of WDGS inclusion rate (0, 15, 30, or 45% of diet DM) on CH4 and CO2 production were measured in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Results indicate that cattle consuming SFC-based diets produce less enteric CH4 and retain more energy than cattle fed DRC-based diets. When dietary fat levels were held constant, dietary inclusion of WDGS at 15% of diet DM did not affect enteric CH4 production, WDGS inclusion at 45% of diet DM significantly increased enteric CH4 production and WDGS inclusion at 30% of diet DM had variable effects on enteric CH4 production.
UNESCO Transboundary Water Experience: FRIEND/NileFAO
UNESCO Transboundary Water Experience: FRIEND/Nile by Dr. Abdelaziz Zaki , UNESCO Cairo, , Land and Water Days in Near East & North Africa, 15-18 December 2013, Amman, Jordan
Detection of the Presence of Heavy Metal Pollutants in Eleme Industrial Area ...theijes
The presenceof some heavy metal pollutants which are deposited on soil in the Eleme environment due to the operational activities of some companies in the area have been studied. Some soil samples in areas situated around industrial installations were collected and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results obtained show the presence and concentration distributions of nine heavy metals. The metals are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co) and Cadmium (Cd). It was observed that over 90% of each of the metals was located in communities hosting the industrial corporations while the remaining 10% is distributed to areas away from the source or host communities. This reveals that, a link exists between the pollutants and the activities of these industries.
Evaluation of the impact of oil spillage on izombe community and their produc...eSAT Journals
Abstract This project reviewed the environmental impact study of oil spillage, using the case study of Izombe in Imo State, Nigeria. It critically analysed the effects of oil spillage on marine life, land, ecological effect, and the effect on human health. It further treated the socio-economics of the people and appraised sustainable environment and development which only can be achieve through environmental impact assessment (EIA). The research also involved the use of primary and secondary sources of data collection for methodology. Questionnaires were developed, administered and observations recorded. We found out that oil spillage occurred up to two (2) times yearly at Izombe, thereby reducing the likelihood of any productivity improvement. It was traced mainly due to sabotage of oil installation. We found out that 56.4% of oil spillage was due to sabotage. We recommended increased efforts by the stakeholders in the management of the oil installations. Keywords: Evaluation, Oil spillage, Productivity, Izombe.
Influence of Organic Wastes on Ecotoxicity of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Conta...Premier Publishers
This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of organic wastes on the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a contaminated soil. Three groups of soil samples (60 kg per group) were contaminated with four petroleum products (spent engine oil, petrol, diesel and kerosene), mixed together in a volumetric ratio of 1:1:1:1. The first group was contaminated with 5% weight/weight (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products; the second group was contaminated with 10% (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products; while the third group was contaminated with 15% (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products. In the bioremediation process, 3 kg of soil from each contaminated group (5%, 10% and 15% contamination) was filled into plastic containers, and amended with 0.5 kg cattle dungs and 0.5 kg rice husk, and coded CD + RH; while another 3 kg from each contaminated group was filled into plastic containers, and amended with 0.5 kg cattle dungs and 0.5 kg sawdust, and was coded CD + SD. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) and ecotoxicity of the soils samples were determined in accordance to standards procedures. The results revealed that the soil contaminated with 5% petroleum products generally had the highest biodegradation rate. In term of the ecotoxicity of the petroleum hydrocarbons, the cucumber planted in the amended soil samples had a lower radicle growth inhibition rate; when compared with the control soil samples. This study revealed that a combination of organic waste materials can be effectively utilized in the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils.
Twenty (20) sample regimes were collected for each sample matrix. The samples were pretreated and digested for the determination of selected heavy metals of interest (As, Cd. Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb. The results reveals that mean concentrations of elements in the water samples decreases in the sequence as follows Hg > Ni > Cr> Pb > As > Cd. This clearly confirmed that Hg has the highest concentration followed by Ni, with Cd being the least. The mean concentrations of elements in the cat fish organs flesh, Gills, Kidney and liver of Barkin-Ladi pond water samples are given in table 4 above. The results confirmed the differences of accumulation of element in different catfish organs. The element concentrations in the cat fish samples decreased in the sequence for the flesh as Ni > Cr >Pb > Hg > As > Cd, for the gills Ni > Hg > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, for kidney Ni > Pb > Hg > Cr > As > Cd, for liver Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg > As. A two-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the mean concentrations of elements in the organs of the same fish species, while there is significant difference in the mean concentration between the organs of the different fish species investigated. The correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the concentrations of element in water sample of the study area. The result above reveals that there is a significant correlation between Cd and Pb, and also there is a significant relationship between Cr and Ni elements. While no significant correlation was observed between the other pairs. These implied that the pairs either have the same source or chemical species. Generally, the ponds were shown to be polluted with heavy metals thus the risk of bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the aquatic lives, thus endangering human health directly when consumed or through the food chain.
Influence Of Different Nitrogen And Organic Carbon Sources On Microalgae Grow...iosrjce
Microalgae based biofuels are getting attention due to energy crisis and enviromental protection. In
the present study, the Chlorella sp. was cultivated in BG-11 medium at batch mode. The effect of different
nitrogen (sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and urea) and organic carbon (glucose, glycerol and sucrose)
sources were analyzed on growth and lipid accumulation on this species. The highest biomass growth and
biomass productivity of chlorella sp. was found 1.29±0.04 g/l, 76.96±4.5mgl-1
d
-
1 in urea. However in case of
organic sources, the biomass growth and productivity was found maximum in glucose (1.43±0.075 g/l 86.04±3.2
mgl-1
d
-1
). The lipid content was examined using folch method and found better in potassium nitrate nitrogen
source (11.84%) . Among organic carbon sources, the maximum lipid content (13.22% and lipid yield 189.94
mg/l were found in case of glucose, followed by glycerol and sucrose. Various properties of biodiesel obtained
from chlorella sp. such as Cetane number, Saponification value, Iodine value and Degree of unsaturation were
followed standerds set by the national petroleum agency (ANP255), ASTMD6751 and EN14214.
Indonesian Government's Commitment in Achieving Sustainable Developmet of Pal...CIFOR-ICRAF
Presented by Moch. Edy Yusuf, Assistant to Deputy Minister for Estate Crops' Agribusiness Development at G20 - Recover Together, Recover Stronger: Advancing global trade in sustainable palm oil to benefit the planet and its people on 22 March 2022.
Effects of Corn Processing Method and Dietary Inclusion of Wet Distillers Gra...LPE Learning Center
Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/67580
The use of wet distiller's grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot diets has increased as a result of the growing U.S. ethanol industry. However, few studies have evaluated the use of WDGS in finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC), the processing method used extensively in the Southern Great Plains. The effects of corn processing method and WDGS on enteric methane (CH4) production, carbon dioxide (CO2) production and energy metabolism were evaluated in two respiration calorimetry studies. In Exp. 1, the effects of corn processing method (SFC or dry rolled corn -- DRC) and WDGS inclusion (0 or 30% of diet dry matter- DM) were studied using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and four Jersey steers in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. In Exp. 2, the effects of WDGS inclusion rate (0, 15, 30, or 45% of diet DM) on CH4 and CO2 production were measured in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Results indicate that cattle consuming SFC-based diets produce less enteric CH4 and retain more energy than cattle fed DRC-based diets. When dietary fat levels were held constant, dietary inclusion of WDGS at 15% of diet DM did not affect enteric CH4 production, WDGS inclusion at 45% of diet DM significantly increased enteric CH4 production and WDGS inclusion at 30% of diet DM had variable effects on enteric CH4 production.
UNESCO Transboundary Water Experience: FRIEND/NileFAO
UNESCO Transboundary Water Experience: FRIEND/Nile by Dr. Abdelaziz Zaki , UNESCO Cairo, , Land and Water Days in Near East & North Africa, 15-18 December 2013, Amman, Jordan
Detection of the Presence of Heavy Metal Pollutants in Eleme Industrial Area ...theijes
The presenceof some heavy metal pollutants which are deposited on soil in the Eleme environment due to the operational activities of some companies in the area have been studied. Some soil samples in areas situated around industrial installations were collected and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results obtained show the presence and concentration distributions of nine heavy metals. The metals are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co) and Cadmium (Cd). It was observed that over 90% of each of the metals was located in communities hosting the industrial corporations while the remaining 10% is distributed to areas away from the source or host communities. This reveals that, a link exists between the pollutants and the activities of these industries.
Evaluation of the impact of oil spillage on izombe community and their produc...eSAT Journals
Abstract This project reviewed the environmental impact study of oil spillage, using the case study of Izombe in Imo State, Nigeria. It critically analysed the effects of oil spillage on marine life, land, ecological effect, and the effect on human health. It further treated the socio-economics of the people and appraised sustainable environment and development which only can be achieve through environmental impact assessment (EIA). The research also involved the use of primary and secondary sources of data collection for methodology. Questionnaires were developed, administered and observations recorded. We found out that oil spillage occurred up to two (2) times yearly at Izombe, thereby reducing the likelihood of any productivity improvement. It was traced mainly due to sabotage of oil installation. We found out that 56.4% of oil spillage was due to sabotage. We recommended increased efforts by the stakeholders in the management of the oil installations. Keywords: Evaluation, Oil spillage, Productivity, Izombe.
Influence of Organic Wastes on Ecotoxicity of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Conta...Premier Publishers
This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of organic wastes on the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a contaminated soil. Three groups of soil samples (60 kg per group) were contaminated with four petroleum products (spent engine oil, petrol, diesel and kerosene), mixed together in a volumetric ratio of 1:1:1:1. The first group was contaminated with 5% weight/weight (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products; the second group was contaminated with 10% (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products; while the third group was contaminated with 15% (w/w) of the mixed petroleum products. In the bioremediation process, 3 kg of soil from each contaminated group (5%, 10% and 15% contamination) was filled into plastic containers, and amended with 0.5 kg cattle dungs and 0.5 kg rice husk, and coded CD + RH; while another 3 kg from each contaminated group was filled into plastic containers, and amended with 0.5 kg cattle dungs and 0.5 kg sawdust, and was coded CD + SD. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) and ecotoxicity of the soils samples were determined in accordance to standards procedures. The results revealed that the soil contaminated with 5% petroleum products generally had the highest biodegradation rate. In term of the ecotoxicity of the petroleum hydrocarbons, the cucumber planted in the amended soil samples had a lower radicle growth inhibition rate; when compared with the control soil samples. This study revealed that a combination of organic waste materials can be effectively utilized in the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils.
Quantification of Heavy Metals using Contamination and Pollution Index in Sel...IJEAB
Many sites in urban cities are used for dumping of domestic, industrial and municipal wastes because of high human population density in the area. Most often, people use these dumpsites for growing of crops without knowing the level of heavy metal contamination in soils of these areas. This study evaluated the quantification and contamination level of heavy metals in some refuse dumpsites in communities of the State Nigeria. Three replicate soil samples were collected from the dumpsites and at 20 m away from the non - dumpsite which do not receive sewage water within the root zone of 0 – 40 cm depth using soil auger sampler. Samples were analysed for soil properties and heavy metal concentrations using standard methods. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd) were compared with the permissible limits of other countries. Results showed that in the three studied locations, soil pH at dumpsites were 40 .6%, 39.4% and 38.9% higher than the values in the control sites while soil organic carbon were higher in the dumpsites by 50.1%, 31.3% and 41.1% as compared to the control sites. Cu concentrations at the three locations were below the standard limits of United Kingdom, European Union (EU), USA and WHO. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals passed the contamination stage and therefore will pose negative effect on plant and soil environment. Use of the dumpsite for crop cultivation or as compost materials should be avoided and construction of shallow wells near these areas should be discouraged.
Spatial Distribution of Residual Petroleum Hydrocarbons in an Oil Spill Site ...Premier Publishers
The study was done to evaluate the residual total hydrocarbon content (THC) concentration in an oil spill site within Delta State, Nigeria. To achieve this study’s objective, soil samples were collected from two sites (contaminated site and control site) within Delta state. The soil samples were collected from the contaminated site (between Oleh and Idheze communities of Delta State) about nine months after the oil spill and the clean-up by the oil company. The THC concentration of all the soil samples collected were analyzed in accordance with standard ASTM recommended procedures. Results obtained from the laboratory tests showed that the THC concentrations were higher in the already cleaned up oil spill site, when compared with the results obtained from the control site. This indicates a significant residual THC concentration in the already cleanup oil spill site. Lower THC concentrations were generally observed at the soil surface (0-10 cm) when compared with higher THC concentrations obtained at higher soil depth (30 cm and 70cm). Concentration of residual THC at the soil surface (samples collected from the contaminated site) ranged between 1201 to 10046 mg/kg with a mean value of 5858.83 mg/kg; while the concentration of residual THC at subsurface soil (40 cm depth) ranged between 1016 to 11675 mg/kg with a mean value of 6374.50 mg/kg. These results show the relevance the oil companies to practice remediation follow-up in oil spill sites, in order to prevent remediation failure; leading to accumulation of residual hydrocarbon in the environment.
Cadmium and lead hazards as occurring with their speciations in periurbain ag...Premier Publishers
Environment pollution hazard awareness is required for less industrialized countries which are faced with increasing periurban agriculture practice however. Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) were characterized around Abidjan city (Bingerville, Port-Bouët and Yopougon) in soil, perched ground water and vegetable crops (Hibiscus and sweet potato). Total amounts and speciations of metals were determined respectively. The sites were mainly differing with pH observed at Yopougon characterized by highest soil content of Pb (40 mg kg-1). In contrast with the low soil contents of metals, plant contaminations were observed in the root for Cd and Pb at Yopougon and Port-Bouët sites respectively with variance involving above and below ground organs as specific contamination of Hibiscus or sweet potato. Skeleton fractions as exchangeable (F1) and carbonate bound (F2) were characterizing these contaminations although additional fraction as oxide bound (F3) Cd and organic (F4) Pb were required respectively for effectiveness. The non-polluted perched groundwater pH, Eh, temperature and O2 concentration were likely concerned by these fractions availability beside that of residual fraction (F5) of Cd. Enhance isomorphic substitution of anionic Pb forms transforming F2 into F5 and the cationic substitutions between Cd and Pb were suggested for pollution management.
Health risk assessment of consuming heavy metal contaminated benthic seafood,...Premier Publishers
This study evaluated health risks associated with the consumption of a seafood (bivalve - Anadara (Senilia) senilis) contaminated with some heavy metals in southern Nigeria. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for metal analysis. Mean metal concentrations (µgg-1) was in the order of Zn(12.96±1.0)> Pb(4.69±0.6)> Cr(2.91±0.7)> Ni(2.47±0.2)> Cu(2.03±0.3)> Cd(1.68±0.2). Mean concentrations of Cr, Cu and Zn were below their respective FAO/WHO recommended limits while those of Ni, Cd and Pb exceeded. The Estimated daily intake-EDI values of all metals were less than their respective reference oral doses-RFD implying minimal health risk. The target hazard quotient (non-carcinogenic) and hazard index-HI had values <1suggesting minimal health risk of non-carcinogenic origin but HI value showed potency of increase. The value of Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk-ILCR ranged from 10-5-10-2 with Ni and Cd within the acceptable range of 10-4-10-6 while Cr and Pb exceeded the limit. The target cancer risk-TR had values of 10-3 indicating moderate to high risk according to the New York State Department of Health classification. The study concluded the presence of moderate to high carcinogenic risk due to Cr and Pb for consumers of heavy metal contaminated seafood (bivalves) in southern Nigeria. Minimal consumption and further action are advised with regular monitoring to detect changes.
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Scienceresearchinventy
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Science is published by the group of young academic and industrial researchers with 12 Issues per year. It is an online as well as print version open access journal that provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of the subject such as: civil, mechanical, chemical, electronic and computer engineering as well as production and information technology. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published by rapid process within 20 days after acceptance and peer review process takes only 7 days. All articles published in Research Inventy will be peer-reviewed.
Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Commonly Edible Vegetables available in Markets...AI Publications
Vegetables are considered vital given that they supply to humans vitamins, minerals, nutritional fiber, and phytochemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in common vegetables, locally available in Akure South LGAs markets for consumers. Samples of vegetables belonging to Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Basellaceae families were procured from local markets of different areas of Akure south LGAs and analyzed for Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn and Mnby Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results indicated that the trace metal content of Telfariaoccidentalis, Corchorusolitorus, Amaranthushybridusand Abelmoschusesculentus from Oja Oba were higher than the other markets. Basellaalba purchased from Isikan possessed the highest metal content. Maximum concentration of Fe was found to be 1.93μg/g in Basellaalba, Zn 0.76 μg/g in Basella alba, Mn 1.12 μg/g in Basella alba, Cu 0.76μg/g in Telfairiaoccidentalis. The overall content of metals appeared to be within the limit laid down for safe human consumption.
Crude Oil Fractions in the Environment: A Comparative Study of Agbada Communi...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) multidisciplinary peer-reviewed Journal with reputable academics and experts as board member. IOSR-JESTFT is designed for the prompt publication of peer-reviewed articles in all areas of subject. The journal articles will be accessed freely online
Hydrocarbon Concentration Levels in Groundwater in Jesse and Environ, Ethiope...Editor IJCATR
This study investigated Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content of groundwater samples from Jesse and environs, Delta State Nigeria to ascertain the level of concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and the Aliphatic components in the water sample from the study area.10 groundwater samples were collected from ten (10) different water borehole in Urhodo, Okurodo, Ajanasa, Idjedaka. etc in Jesse. The samples collected were analyzed using Gas chromatography method (GC-MS method). The result shows that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content ranges from 0.002 to 0.007(mg/l) and the aliphatic hydrocarbon content ranges from 0.03 to 0.422 mg/l. This concentrations levels when compared with standard limits from World Health Organization (WHO) tables, indicates that the concentrations of the Total petroleum hydrocarbon is relatively low and within the permissible limit. Thus, the contamination of the environment by total petroleum hydrocarbon in the study area pose no harmful threat to the environment. However, Periodic monitoring will serve for the protection of the groundwater supply in the study area. Further oil spillage should be avoided as it may lead to accumulations of hydrocarbons at dangerous level.
Oil spillage and gas flaring by the oil industry has devastated the Niger Delta for more than half a century. Oil pollution causes both immediate damage and long-term harm to fish, agricultural lands and the health of the living environment.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using Deplo...James Anderson
Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
DevOps and Testing slides at DASA ConnectKari Kakkonen
My and Rik Marselis slides at 30.5.2024 DASA Connect conference. We discuss about what is testing, then what is agile testing and finally what is Testing in DevOps. Finally we had lovely workshop with the participants trying to find out different ways to think about quality and testing in different parts of the DevOps infinity loop.
Let's dive deeper into the world of ODC! Ricardo Alves (OutSystems) will join us to tell all about the new Data Fabric. After that, Sezen de Bruijn (OutSystems) will get into the details on how to best design a sturdy architecture within ODC.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey 2024 by 91mobiles.pdf91mobiles
91mobiles recently conducted a Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey in which we asked over 3,000 respondents about the TV they own, aspects they look at on a new TV, and their TV buying preferences.
Neuro-symbolic is not enough, we need neuro-*semantic*Frank van Harmelen
Neuro-symbolic (NeSy) AI is on the rise. However, simply machine learning on just any symbolic structure is not sufficient to really harvest the gains of NeSy. These will only be gained when the symbolic structures have an actual semantics. I give an operational definition of semantics as “predictable inference”.
All of this illustrated with link prediction over knowledge graphs, but the argument is general.
Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
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C0332015021
1. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention
ISSN (Online): 2319 – 6734, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 6726
www.ijesi.org Volume 3 Issue 3ǁ March 2014 ǁ PP.15-21
www.ijesi.org 15 | Page
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Food Crops Grown In Crude Oil
Impacted Soils in Olomoro, Delta State-Nigeria and Their Health
Implications
1,
Okoye, Chinedu O. ,2,
Okwute, Gloria A.
1,2,
Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria.
P.M.B. 5025, Awka - Nigeria
This research examines the heavy metal concentrations in crude-oil impacted soil (site 1) and un-impacted soils
(site 2), in Olomoro, an oil producing community in Delta state. It also examines heavy metal concentrations in
cassava tubers (cortex) and in plantain fruits (mesocarp) grown and harvested at both sites and the health
implications of consuming these food crops. Heavy metal concentrations of soils pooled from both sites were
compared. Results showed higher values of Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn at site 1 than site 2, indicating that there is
significant difference between both soils (p<0.05). Food crops grown and harvested from both sites were also
compared, and results showed higher values in crops harvested at site 1 than those harvested at site 2,
indicating a significant difference between food crops grown and harvested from both sites (p<0.05). Crops
harvested from site 1 were compared with WHO acceptable limits for food and results showed that only Pb was
above permissible limits (0.30mg/kg). Zn and Pb showed high accumulation in both food crops suggesting that
there is a likely possibility of Zn and Pb poisoning if contaminated food crops are ingested. Research methods
also involved the use of two structured questionnaire. The first questionnaire examined 130 households with 10
numbers of items to identify the common diseases experienced in households among others, while the second
questionnaire administered to medical personnel showed the degree of prevalence of these common diseases.
Common ailments experienced by household members were acute headache, body pain, stomach disorder,
nausea/ vomiting and dizziness (acute symptoms of Pb and Zn poisoning) which were reported to be prevalently
high among the people, while cancer, bone malformation in children, mental illness and depression (chronic
symptoms) were not as prevalent as the acute symptoms of Pb and Zn toxicity mentioned earlier. The paper
recommends among others that agricultural activities be carried out 5km away from petroleum activities/ oil
spill sites and that public awareness and enlightenment be done in rural areas to warn the people about the
dangers of consuming contaminated food crops and the associated health implications, since most of the
populace are illiterates.
KEYWORDS: Crude Oil, Food Crops, Impacted Soils, Heavy metals, Oil pollution
I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Crude oil has had profound impact on the world civilization than any single natural resources in
recorded history. Nigeria joined the league of oil producing nations on August 3rd
, 1956 when crude oil was
discovered in Oloibiri, a village in Ogbia L.G.A of Niger Delta (present day Bayelsa State) and today ranks as
the leading oil and gas producer in Africa and the 6th
largest oil exporter in the world. According to the statistics
bulletin of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN, 2004), the average contribution of oil to the government export
revenue and natural earnings between 1970 and 2004 was 93 percent .Crude oil exploration has taken place in
five major sedimentary basins, namely; the Niger Delta, the Anambra Basin, the Benue Trough, the Chad Basin
and the Benin Basin. The most prospective basin is the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta Region, the world’s largest
wetland accounts for 7.5 percent of the total landmass of Nigeria (Ugbomeh and Atubi, 2010). With an
estimated population of about 2 million, the region’s oil resources account for 90 percent of the nation’s export
earnings. The region also houses over 600 oil fields, 5284 on and off-shore oil wells, 10 export terminals, 272
flow stations, 4 refineries and a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, with an estimated oil reserve of 30 billion
barrels (Lubeck, Michael and Lipschutz; 2007). There is no doubt that Crude oil and other associated petroleum
activities have brought prosperity, better living conditions and general economic development to Nigeria
(Okpara, 2004). However the irony is that the region that produce this large percentage of national wealth
continue to experience abject poverty, psychosocial and environmental abuse and degradation resulting from
intensive exploration/exploitation of the petroleum resource yielding the wealth.
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The Niger Delta Region, over the years, have witnessed massive soil fertility loss (Nwuche and Ugorji,
2010), agricultural decline (Duru, 2005), oil spillage and gas flare (Ezebuiro, 2004), fisheries decline and
depletion of biodiversity (Ikelegbe, 2004). Oil spill has also been observed to cause death of plants, and have
been linked with blood contamination of people working at impacted sites (McKelvey, Charon, and Jeffery;
2007).One of the greatest problems associated with oil pollution is the constant exposure to high concentrations
of heavy metals from oil (Nkwocha and Duru, 2010). Crude oil is a complex mixture containing hundred of
aliphatic, alycyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons and non hydrocarbon compounds including heavy metals as well
as varying amounts of oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur (Okolo, Nnamdi, and Odu; 2005). The uncontrolled input
of heavy metal in soil through oil spillage is undesirable because once accumulated in the soil, the metals are
generally very difficult to remove. Nigerian crude oil contain heavy metals such as Zn, Al, As, Ba, Fe, Pb, Co,
Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, Cd, Sb, Ni and V, therefore plants growing in crude oil impacted soils can accumulate the toxic
metals at high concentrations causing serious risk to human health when consumed (Nkwocha and Duru, 2010).
Once heavy metals contaminate a soil, it remains so indefinitely. They may find their way into many
environments through agricultural crops, soil surface and ground water where they undergo a process of
redistribution and are now detected at different levels of concentration in the food chain (Oviasogie and
Ukpebor, 2003). Most frequent metal contamination include: Zn, Pb, Fe, Cu, and Cr, hence the need to
investigate their levels in crude oil impacted soils in Olomoro community, Delta state, because to a greater or
lesser degree, all of these metals are toxic to humans, through the dietary pathway . It is based on this premise
that this study seeks to investigate the heavy metal concentration in plants found in crude oil impacted soil of
Olomoro community.
II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study has become very imperative due to the environmental degradation occasioned by oil spill in
Olomoro community of Delta State, Nigeria. Over the last forty years, oil exploration and exploitation has
impacted negatively on the socio-physical environment of the Niger Delta oil bearing communities including
Olomoro, massively threatening the subsistent farming and peasant economy, the environment, livelihood, and
basic survival of the people (Ezebuiro, 2004). Several hectares of land have been rendered useless by oil spills
in this community. The community faces some specific problems like unemployment, potential loss of habitat
such as mangrove and unsafe water for drinking.Heavy metal pollution may constitute hazard to the health of
Olomoro people who grow and consume crops grown on crude oil impacted soils. Data on heavy metals in soil
is important in determining the quality and health impact such soil could have on the food chain; – soil-plant-
animal-humans. Most people who live in Olomoro, farm in crude oil impacted soils, since most of their
farmland has been lost to oil spillage. Most farmers are ignorant of the consequences of growing crops in
contaminated soils; it is therefore possible that the crops harvested could contain heavy metals. It has been
widely documented that the consumption of food crops contaminated with heavy metals may lead to serious
systemic health problems in the body of the affected person (Griggs, 2004). Despite these findings, few studies
in Nigeria have attempted to examine the effects of growing and consuming food crops grown in oil impacted
soils, therefore, there is a need to carry out this study, in order to address the health related implications of
consuming these food crops, so as to reduce health problems and if possible avoid the loss of lives in Olomoro
community.
Research Aim and Objectives
The aim of this study is to investigate the heavy metal levels; Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe and Cr in soils and food crops
found in crude oil impacted soils in Olomoro community and the health implications.
[1] In order to achieve the stated aim, the following objectives were pursued:
[2] To determine heavy metal concentrations in crude oil impacted and un-impacted soils.
[3] To determine heavy metal concentrations in cassava tubers and plantain fruits grown and harvested from
crude oil impacted and un-impacted soils.
[4] To compare the results obtained in objective two (2) with the WHO internationally accepted limits for food.
[5] To examine the health implications of the impacts on the surrounding community.
[6] To recommend appropriate remedial measures to combat the impacts.
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were tested in the course of the study:
[1] Ho: There is no significant difference between heavy metal concentrations in soils impacted with crude oil
and un-impacted/control site.
[2] Ho: There is no significant difference between heavy metal concentrations in food crops grown in crude-oil
impacted soil (Site1) and un-impacted/control site (Site2).
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[3] Ho: There is no significant difference between heavy metal concentrations in food crop (food quality)
grown in crude-oil impacted site (site 1) and the WHO acceptable limits for food.
III. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual framework adopted for this work is the hydrogeo-pollution cycle (Egboka, Nwankwor, Orajaka,
Ejiofor, 1989). Hydrogeo-pollution cycle involves two processes; hydrologic and geologic cycles. In both
processes pollutants and contaminants may be produced and cyclically dispersed from one point of hydrologic
cycle to another. Pollutants and contaminants may be generated through natural or anthropogenic processes and
circulated into the environment (atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere) through the activities of
air, water, chemical, physical and microbiological processes. These complex and cycle processes may be
continuous with respect to distance and time and may be localized or regional in aerial spread. Thus, pollution at
one source or area may threaten nearby or distant places unless its spread is checked or controlled.Pollutants
from spilled crude-oil can reach soil, plant and man through a combination of the actions involving the
hydrologic and the geologic cycle. The geologic cycle involves movement of rocks, sediments and soils.
Geologic characteristics of rocks can play a role in contaminants spread or retention. The hydrologic cycle
involves water evaporation, precipitation, ground water flow, water run-off and aquifers. The sources of
pollution and contamination can be either point sources or distributive sources.Point sources of pollution and
contamination can be geometrically defined and are discernible in size, shape and location. Distributed sources
of contamination are spread throughout a large area with boundaries which are difficult to define. Point sources
include hazardous chemical and oil spill sites, waste dump sites, mining operation wastes and sewage areas.
Distributed sources are widespread and may receive contaminant input through the spread of pollutants by rain,
soil erosion, wind, flooding and other natural elements (Sullivan and Kreiger, 1992). Through a complex
interplay of both hydrologic and geologic cycles, a combination termed; hydrogeopollution cycle is formed.
Contaminant and pollutant spread can be enhanced from either point sources or distributive sources. In view of
the above therefore, this work is meant to examine the distribution of heavy metals in soils and plants in the
study area. This study is prompted by the fact that agricultural activities and human habitation is close to oil
spill sites. Moreover excess heavy metal is dangerous human health and to the environment as this could lead to
the contamination of the food chain (soil – water–plant-humans).
Study Area
The area plays host to the Shell Producing and Developing Company (SPDC), making population
density high, as a result of influx of a large number of migrant settlers most of who provide manpower. Other
means of livelihood amongst the local population include: farming, fishing, trading, civil service, and sundry
artisan undertakings. Geology of the area consists of a sedimentary basin with nearly level plain and saprolitic
parent material. Study area marks the geological boundary of the Sombreiro-Warri formation and the meander
belts of the Upper Deltaic plains of the Niger Delta (Short and Stuable, 1967). The Sambreiro-Warri formation
has been described by Allen (1965) as older sands of the Niger Delta comprising massive, generally fine to
medium grained and fairly sorted but consolidated sands. Climate is characterized within the humid tropical
climatic zone of the Nigerian equatorial hot and humid climate. Annual rainfall varies from 1650mm to
1800mm for a length of rainy season greater than 250 days. Rainfall distribution is bimodal which peaks in July
and September and the two-weeks break in August. Vegetation is mosaic with swamp marshes, due to high
intensity of rainfall.The study area is located at two sites of cultivated land in Olomoro, Isoko South Local
Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The area lies within Latitude 5⁰38’N and 5⁰45’N and Longitude
6⁰22’E and 6⁰37’E.Site 1 is a farmland containing spilled crude oil with two flow stations, gas compressor and
many oil wells nearby. Cassava, Plantain, Maize and other food crops are cultivated in this farmland. Site 2 is
also a farmland in which cassava and plantain are cultivated among others. It lies by a tarred road with few
inhabited houses. The site 2 is 4.25km away from Site 1. Traffic is relatively low. Crude oil spillage and other
petroleum activities are completely absent.
IV. STUDY METHODOLOGY
Population and Sample technique
The study population includes the number of inhabitants, households and hospitals in Olomoro
community. In 2006, Olomoro had a population of 10,230 people according to the National Population
Commission (NPC, 2006). The projected population as at May 2013 was 12,306 people. From direct field
observation and counting by the researcher, the total number of villages, wards, and households in Olomoro
were 7 villages, 102 wards, and 418 households respectively.A pilot counting technique was employed in order
to identify all households in Olomoro. To ease this sampling technique, the seven villages represented the
clusters, thus seven clusters were established. They include Irri cluster, Oviri cluster, Ikiagboda cluster,
4. Heavy Metal Concentrations In Food…
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Uwherun cluster, Iwride cluster, Jekota cluster and Oleh cluster. A total number of 102 wards constitute the
entire 418 household population from the seven clusters, that is, Irri cluster-13 wards, Oviri cluster-18 wards,
Ikiagboda cluster-9 wards, Uwherun cluster-22, Iwride cluster-17, Jekota-9 and Oleh-14 wards, making a total
of 102 wards as earlier stated.However, not all wards were sampled. Only a total number of 53 wards were
sampled among the seven clusters. The wards were chosen on the basis of odd numbers in the clusters i.e if the
first ward is chosen, the next ward would be the third, then the fifth ward and so on. Therefore the number of
sampled wards in the following clusters; Irri, Oviri, Ikiagboda, Uwherun, Iwride, Jekota and Oleh were
7,9,5,11,9,5 and 7 respectively. As earlier stated the total number of household in the following clusters; Irri,
Oviri, Ikiagboda, Uwherun, Iwride, Jekota and Oleh were 53, 72, 47, 85, 68, 32 and 61 respectively. However,
not all household were chosen. A systematic technique was adapted to select one (1) out of every three (3)
household. Therefore, the total number of sampled household in the order of cluster arrangement used earlier
(starting with Irri and ending with Oleh) were 17, 24, 15, 28, 22, 10 and 20 respectively making up a total of 136
sampled households. Therefore based on the population of households in each ward, 32.5% of the household
population was sampled. Questionnaire method was adopted to elicit the views of the people on possible
pollution sources to their farmlands; crops they produce and consume and the diseases prevalent among them
etc. Data was collected from hospitals were the residents attend.
Sample Collection, Preparation and Instrumentation
Three (3) sample points were selected randomly by the researcher at a depth of 20m (bottom soil) at
both sites of the study area (site 1 and site 2). 15 soil samples each were collected from site1 and site 2, making
a total of 30 samples collected from the study area. The samples weighed 20kg each and were put into sterilized
cellophane bags and labeled before finally taken to the laboratory for analysis. The laboratory analysis was done
in Quality Analytical Laboratory Services Limited, Isihor, Benin city. Three (3) samples of Cassava tubers and
Plantain fruits were randomly selected at both sites.All soil samples were air dried for five days under room
temperature to ensure constant weight. The samples were ground manually to powder with an agate mortar and
pestle to grain size of 125µm. Selected samples of cassava tubers and plantain fruits were washed with clean
water, peeled, sliced, dried in an oven at 70c for a period of 72 hours. The specimen were then cooled to
ambient temperature, milled and sieved through a mesh of 1mm diameter and then carried for laboratory
analysis The analysis of Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, and Zn in soil and plant samples was done using the Atomic Absorption
Spectrometer (AAS Model 451). . The prepared plant samples were digested slowly on an electro thermal heater
for about 20 minute, then cooled and filtered through a 541 Whatman filter paper into a volumetric flask. The
residual acid concentration of the digested plant samples were brought to 1 percent v/v after digestion. The
digested plant samples were then analyzed for trace heavy metals. Student T-test was used to test hypotheses 1
and 2 while multiple regression analysis was used for hypothesis 3
Summary on Findings
There was a significant difference between soils pooled from both sites. Higher values of heavy metals was
recorded in soil pooled from site 1(crude- oil impacted) than soil pooled from site 2 (control).
There was a higher concentration of heavy metals in cassava tubers and plantain fruits harvested from site 1
than those harvested from site 2.
Pb in the both food crops were found to be above WHO acceptable limits for food (0.3mg/kg).
The values of Pb and Zn recorded in cassava tubers were higher than the values recorded in the
corresponding soil samples, indicating hyperaccumulation and a likely threat to Pb and Zn poisoning.
Acute symptoms of Zn and Pb poisoning such as headache, abdominal pain, body pain, stomach disorder,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness and depression were prevalently high among the people of Olomoro.
The questionnaire survey showed that the most prevalent diseases/ ailments among the people of Olomoro
in the order of the most prevalent to the least prevalent is acute headache / stomach disorder >body pain
>nausea > dizziness> cancer> depression> mental illness> bone malformation in children i.e the most
prevalent disease/ ailment is acute headache and stomach disorder while the least prevalent is bone
malformation in children.
V. DISCUSSION ON THE FINDINGS
Heavy Metal Concentration in Soils at Crude-Oil Impacted site (Site 1) and Control Site (Site 2)
The mean concentrations of heavy metals in soil sampled at site 1 recorded 6.65mg/kg, 0.77mg/kg,
87.03mg/kg, 0.78mg/kg and 3.06mg/kg for Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn respectively. At site 2, mean concentrations of
Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn recorded 1.96mg/kg, 0.004mg/kg, 57.88mg/kg, 0.05mg/kg and 2.62mg/kg respectively
(table1). There was a significant difference between soil samples at site 1 and site 2. This could be attributed to
the presence of spilled crude-oil at site 1, which must have been washed by rain from nearby flow stations, gas
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compressors, giant electric generators and numerous oil wells. The low concentrations of heavy metals found in
control site (site 2) which was 4.25km away from site 1 is a confirmation that spilled crude-oil was responsible
for the higher values recorded at site 1. This is expected since any area near petroleum activities has higher level
of pollutants including heavy metals (Nkwocha and Duru, 2010). It was observed that Fe had the highest mean
concentration of 87.03mg/kg and 57.88mg/kg at both site 1 and site 2 respectively, while Cr had the least mean
concentration of 0.77mg/kg and 0.004mg/kg at both site 1 and site 2 respectively (table 1)
Table 1: Concentration of Heavy Metals (mg/kg) in crude-oil impacted soils (Site 1) and control (site2)
SITE 1(Crude - Oil impacted) SITE 2 (Control)
S/N Heavy
Metal
SSA SSB SSC Mean SSD SSE SSF Mean
1 Cu 6.70 7.00 6.25 6.65 1.94 1.95 2.00 1.96
2 Cr 0.76 0.85 0.70 0.77 ND 0.002 0.01 0.004
3 Fe 90.40 90.45 80.25 87.03 62.75 50.40 60.50 57.88
4 Pb 0.70 0.80 0.85 0.78 0.01 0.03 0.10 0.05
5 Zn 3.02 3.10 3.05 3.06 2.74 2.50 2.63 2.62
Source: Author’s Laboratory Analysis (2013)
ND: Not Detected
SS: Sample Station
Heavy Metal Concentration In cortex of cassava tubers and Mesocarp of Plantain Fruits
All heavy metals in cassava tubers and plantain fruits at Site 1 recorded higher values than crops at site
2 (control), except for Cr which was not detected at both sites. (tables 2 A and 2 B). In the cortex of cassava
tubers harvested at site 1, the mean concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn recorded 0.22mg/kg,
ND, 13.84mg/kg, 170mg/kg, and 3.95mg/kg respectively, with Fe being the most abundant, and Cr being the
least. (Table 2(A)). It was observed that the values of Pb and Zn recorded in cassava tubers were higher than the
values recorded in the corresponding soil samples indicating hyper accumulation (tables 4.1 and 4.2 (A)). The
mean concentration of Pb (1.70mg/kg) in cassava tubers was higher than WHO (1988) acceptable limits for food
(0.30 mg/kg).
Table 2 (A): Concentration of Heavy Metals (mg/kg) in Cassava Tubers harvested from site 1 (crude-oil
impacted) and site2 (control)
SITE 1(Crude - Oil impacted) SITE 2 (Control)
S/N Heavy
Metal
SSA SSB SSC Mean SSD SSE SSF Mean
1 Cu 0.24 0.20 0.23 0.22 0.11 0.32 0.21 0.21
2 Cr ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
3 Fe 13.95 13.78 13.80 13.84 3.00 3.05 2.91 2.99
4 Pb 1.75 1.66 1.70 1.70 0.20 0.05 0.10 0.15
5 Zn 3.91 4.00 3.95 3.95 ND 0.13 ND 0.04
Source: Author’s Laboratory Analysis (2013)
In the mesocarp of plantain fruits, harvested at site 1, the mean concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb
and Zn recorded 0.34mg/kg, ND, 14.72mg/kg, 1.39mg/kg and 3.67mg/kg respectively, with Fe being the most
abundant heavy metal, and Cr being the least (Table 2 (B)) .Cr having the least recorded value may be attributed
to its unavailability in the corresponding soil as shown in table 4.1 and also because Cr is not readily absorbed
by plants (Nkwocha et al, 2010; Okoronkwo et al, 2005; Hart et al, 2005 and Gideon – Ogero, 2008). It was
observed that the values of Pb and Zn recorded in plantain fruits were higher than the values in the
corresponding soil samples at site 1, indicating hyper accumulation of the metals as earlier observed in cassava
tubers (Table 1 and 2b). Therefore cassava and plantain could serve as bio-indicators in contaminated soils.
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Table 2 (B): Concentration of Heavy Metals (mg/kg) in Plantain Fruits harvested from site 1 (crude-oil
impacted) and site2 (control)
SITE 1 (Crude – oil impacted) SITE 2 (Control)
S/N Heavy
Metal
SSA SSB SSC Mean SSD SSE SSF Mean
1 Cu 0.30 0.35 0.38 0.34 0.14 0.20 0.12 0.15
2 Cr ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
3 Fe 14.87 14.80 14.50 14.72 2.08 2.15 2.10 2.11
4 Pb 1.48 1.40 1.30 1.39 ND 0.05 0.01 0.02
5 Zn 3.10 3.90 4.02 3.67 ND 0.01 ND 0.003
Source: Author’s Laboratory Analysis (2013)
Health Implications
Heavy metals found in food crops, have a potential hazard to man through the dietary pathway (Batra,
2012). Some heavy metals like Pb are toxic even in small concentrations. Pb was observed to be above WHO
(1984) acceptable limits in both cassava and plantain (3.0mg/kg), therefore posing serious health risks to people
who ingest these food crops. General symptoms of Pb poisoning such as headache, abdominal pain, body pain,
stomach disorder, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and depression (Mills, 1971) were commonly experience by the
people. Of particular concern was the high prevalence of acute headache, body pain and stomach disorder
sourced from the medical personnel. The most vulnerable populations affected by consumption of contaminated
products were women, Okwute (2014). In pregnant women, Pb can easily cross the placenta and damage foetal
brain and may also cause development of auto-immunity in which a persons’ immune system attacks its own
cells, leading to diseases related to the nervous and circulatory system (Mills, 1971). Majority of the women
(30.8%) complained of nausea as a common ailment, while 48.5% complained of dizziness. It was observed that
although depression is a symptom of Pb and Zn poisoning, the people’s social life were completely unaffected,
and they seem to be very happy and friendly even with strangers. This was supported by the response majority
of them gave when asked if they were depressed. Only about 23.8% strongly agreed to being depressed, while
majority argued that they were not.
In children, Pb poisoning may cause mental retardation and learning disorders (Curtis, 1999). This
accounts for the reason why majority of the people are farmers and secondary school certificate holders, since
they lack the mental capacity to attain a higher level of education. Only 7.7% strongly agreed to experiencing
mental illness/learning disorder among their children, while majority (52.3%), strongly disagreed. This could be
attributed to the fact that most people did not like to be affiliated among people whose households were known
for mental illness. Zn and Pb were found to readily accumulate in both crops harvested from site 1. Therefore,
there is also a likely threat to Zn poisoning if contaminated food is ingested. It is important to note that Zn in
small quantities is essential for normal body metabolism (Batra, 2012) and is crucial for the body when high Cu
levels are detected in body tissues (Taylor et al, 1984). Continual accumulation of Zn in the body may lead to
serious health problems. Symptoms of Zn poisoning include nausea, vomiting and headaches (Prasad, 1995). All
these symptoms mentioned were commonly experienced among household members and were reported to be
prevalently high by medical personnel. Pb and Zn accumulated in the body over long periods may result to
cancer (Essien, 1992). Only about 21.5% of the sampled population agreed to have cancer as an ailment in their
household while majority were not sure if they had cancer or not. Therefore, there is a possibility that a high
percentage of people have cancer without knowing, although as reported by medical personnel, cancer was
prevalently low among the people.
VI. RECOMMENDATION
Based on the inferences, findings and experiences in the course of this research work, the following is hereby
recommended:
[1] Farmers should test soil before planting to avoid food contamination.
[2] People should live or carryout agricultural activities within a distance of at least 5km away from oil spill
sites.
[3] Public education should be carried out to create awareness among the people on the dangers of consuming
contaminated food crops.
[4] People should wash their food crops especially leafy vegetables, to avoid heavy metal accumulation in the
body, and consequently heavy metal poisoning.
7. Heavy Metal Concentrations In Food…
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[5] Strict law enforcement on oil companies in order to minimize oil spills.
[6] Bioremediation of soil by planting phyto-remediants in crude-oil impacted soils or cleaning soil with micro
organism that degrade oil components
VII. CONCLUSION
Garri, a product of cassava, is consumed daily by the people of Olomoro in large quantities, while
plantain serves as a staple food commonly used in preparing their local delicacy “boiled unripe plantain and
pepper soup”. Not only are these staples consumed in olomoro, but in other localities by millions of Nigerians. It
is therefore important that the levels of heavy metals found in these food crops be checked before consuming, so
as to avoid serious health implications.Most of these rural communities affected by oil spill and oil-related
activities in the Niger Delta still remain the food baskets of the nation. As more people, especially those living
in urban areas depend on the agricultural products from these rural communities for their food, they are more
and more exposed to heavy metal poisoning, and its associated health problems.
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