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Examines the chemical and microbiological quality of effluent collected from two important industries in Nigeria, the Nigerian Fertilizer company and Star Paper Mill. Growth of representative organisms in the fertilizer factory effluent; Nitrate utilization assay results.

This paper surveys flood mapping and modelling in Nigeria in regard to frequency and impact of floods in the last decade. The aim is to understand the frequency and patterns of flooding and approaches to its modelling in relation to current practices globally. The northern part of Nigeria is affected more by flooding than the south, so should be prioritised for flood management. The use of remote sensing data with GIS techniques is the most common approach to flood modelling in Nigeria. Bayesian and machine learning approaches should be used, in preference to process-based models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationships between population growth, energy needs, and environmental sustainability in Africa. To do so, we take Nigeria as an illustrative case and set-up a multivariate framework incorporating total population, electricity demand, per capita income and the amount of CO2 yearly emitted by the power and heating sector over the largest period: 1971–2018. Results confirm the existence of a one-way causality from population to electricity consumption, per capita income, and CO2 emissions without feedback. Besides, a unidirectional link running from electricity consumption to economic growth is depicted, congruent with the electricity-led growth hypothesis. Finally, electricity consumption is found to be a substantial environmental pollution-enabler in Nigeria. The provision of affordable electricity should be balanced by a trend from fossil-fuel supply to sustainable energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste has been identified as the most important source of environmental deterioration in Nigerian cities. Leaf constitutes about one-third of the total waste generated. However, there are significant relationships between some socio-economic variables and the type of waste generated. Income and education are greatly associated with the production of paper and metal waste. On the other hand, modern building is negatively associated with the production of leaf waste. Composting and landfilling methods were suggested for the disposal of the waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of governance in environmental inequality in the Niger Delta. Fair access to environmental resources could help to guarantee human security and mitigate violence. Root causes of environmental inequality in Nigeria's Niger Delta can be linked to government policies and laws such as the Land Use Act and the negative impacts of the activities of multinational oil corporations. Environmental inequality and its concomitant effects produce a trend to conflict in the Niger Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results obtained from a study carried out, over a period of one year, to determine the levels of air pollutants in urban and rural areas of parts of Nigeria. Originally, five types of pollutants (dust, SO[sub 2], CO, Pb and NO[sub x] SO[sub 2] were scheduled to be monitored, but because of difficulty in obtaining equipment only SO[sub 2], CO and dust are monitored. Results of the study show that automobile exhaust emission is the main source of air pollutants. The levels in urban areas are higher than WHO long term limits, while the levels in rural areas are still low. The concentrations are highest at the road sides, where many people stay daily from morning till evening to work and sell their wares. In order to obtain a long-term picture of the problem, the research is expected to continue for many years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With special reference to a World Bank-assisted project, this paper draws attention to a common feature of livestock development programmes in Nigeria, a lack of integration of the crop and livestock subsectors, a general misfit between strategies and the existing local conditions and inability of programmes to significantly boost production and improve the nutritional status of the people. It is proffered that the country needs to prioritise its livestock development process and to place emphasis on integrating livestock with arable farming and on proper use of material and human resources, The necessity for consultation with local people and ensuring that programmes benefit from local knowledge and are fitting in ecological, social and economic terms is also stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design, construction and testing of a domestic water filter. Its construction was accomplished using mainly locally available materials to make it relatively affordable for both the rural and urban dwellers. The developed raw water filter was tested by using it to filter raw water samples obtained from wells, borehole and rain. The water samples were collected from different sources in Akure, Nigeria and were subjected to a series of tests before and after filtration. Comparison of results obtained with the WHO standards for drinking water showed that the filter can provide portable drinking water of the required standard. The filter average removal efficiency of turbidity, hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS) from water samples were 95.1, 70.3, 73.1, 69.4 and 98.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantities and types of solid wastes generated at Ogbomosho leprosarium (Oyo State, Nigeria) have been investigated. Data collection, through waste sampling and analysis, interviews, questionnaire surveys and field observations, was conducted between August and November 2006. Results indicate a notably low mean waste generation rate of 241.5 g/h/d, which included bandages, paper, food waste, animal waste, wood ash, yard trimmings, amongst others. There is no national policy on waste handling. Domestic waste is mixed with biomedical waste without sorting. Moreover, waste-handlers deal with waste materials by hand and without protective clothing or gloves, which needlessly exposes them to greater health risks. Similarly, primitive hygiene facilities (e.g. pit latrines, plus inadequate and intermittent water supplies) constitute a health risk to patients, staff and visitors. Recommendations include i) provision of separate waste receptacles at generation points to facilitate proper sorting and segregation; ii) adequate training and protective clothing for waste handlers; and iii) national and international action for leprosy patients housed in these 'out of sight, out of mind' communes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of high rates of resource consumption, cities face serious problems of high volumes of waste, characterized by inadequate disposal technologies, high costs of management, and the adverse impact of wastes on the environment. Abattoirs, or slaughterhouses, are a major source of water and air pollution worldwide. Waste generated by abattoirs in Nigeria includes condemned organs, carcasses, blood, hides, horns, hoofs, hairs, paunch content and carcass trimmings. The main waste disposal practice at Bodija abattoir is dumping. This paper assesses the environmental and public health implications of unhygienic waste disposal. The waste management at the Bodija abattoir is aesthetically unappealing, environmentally unsustainable and also makes the meat processed and offered for sale unwholesome. Waste disposal techniques of developed countries have been appraised. Recommendations to encourage the safe disposal of abattoir waste and limit the methods of disposal to those internationally permitted are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the public perception of climate variability and change on both local and global scales by residents of Ibadan, the largest truly indigenous city in sub-Saharan Africa. Data for the survey was collected by the administration of a questionnaire to 453 respondents of different social and demographic strata within the city. The questions were aimed at eliciting how citizens perceived climatic experiences in their local environment and globally; its dynamics and citizens explanations for the changes identified. Sources of climatic information of respondents were explored and the social and demographic specific difference of respondents on the issues analysed. The outcome of the study indicates that a significant proportion (92%) of the public is aware of the dynamics of the local climate. In addition, almost 70% of the respondents have heard of global climate change but less than 25% know the causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the current status of vegetation and determines the trace element concentration, of plant species and soil in the Ilesa goldfields of Southwestern Nigeria. The results show that there is a drastic reduction in the vegetal cover in the area as a result of mining activities. There is also an appreciable level of contamination of soil and plant species of the mined sites compared with unmined areas. For instance, the Pb content in cassava and oil palm grown on the mined sites are much higher than the FAO/WHO guideline. The results of this study underscore the need for close monitoring of mining operations in Southwestern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste pickers are ubiquitous in major cities and involved in sorting, reusing, recycling, and sales of recyclables. Waste picking serves as a source of livelihood and helps where the formal sector is encumbered with municipal waste management. This study focuses on waste picking and pickers' views on the effects of households' separation of solid wastes on their jobs. An intercept survey was conducted amongst 65 waste pickers in Ibadan metropolis. Data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Most waste pickers were males (92.3%) and single (53.8%) and 61.5% faced repression from law enforcement agents. Although aware of the benefits of source separating solid waste, 61.5% of respondents were not in support of the government making it mandatory, fearing that their income would suffer. The study recommends integrating waste pickers into the city's waste management plan. This would improve the livelihood of waste pickers and ensure a sustainable and clean environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined occupational risks associated with waste picking and pickers well-being in Lagos, Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select 152 landfill-waste pickers, and the respondent-driven sampling technique was used to select 53 street-waste pickers. We discovered that waste pickers were exposed to occupational health risks such as body pain, tiredness, twisted ankles, chest pain, and eye soreness. Non-use of personal protective equipment contributed to waste pickers' susceptibility to occupational health risks. Most waste pickers were dissatisfied with their well-being connected to the unhealthy conditions in which they work, the extreme poverty they live in, and the stigmatisation they experience. The study concludes that waste pickers' well-being is critical for effective solid waste management; hence, they should be considered adequately in policy design and implementation programs/strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts a comparative analysis of the economic and non-economic damage of rural industrialization to the environment of a poor community in a developing country. The major finding is that rural industrialization is more directly and strongly associated with environmental disamenities than with economic loss. A policy implication of this is that the package of rural industrialization strategy in developing nations must transcend conventional compensation schemes. The package must include programmes to provide for alternative sources of water, say, and an adequate health care delivery, where the disamenities caused are in the forms of polluting natural sources of water supply and/or increasing health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, food crop production rates rarely match the phenomenal population growth rates. Of greater concern is the fact that the very densely populated States, often with limited landmass, are among the low food crop producers. Equally, disturbing is the fact that some of the low densely populated States with extensive landmass experience low per capita food crop production. The consequence is overall low food crop production and food deficiency in Nigeria as a whole, but more serious in the high population density States. The differences may be blamed on the varying prevailing physical, social and economic environment in Nigeria. To ensure food security in the country, available arable land has to be properly managed in terms of land use and cropping patterns to boost food crop production for the teaming population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the health effects due to air pollution on peasant farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. The study is based on the review of epidemiological data collected from clinics and hospitals in the State. The diseases found to be prevalent in the study area include allergic asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), chronic bronchitis and visual impairment. The ambient air quality in the state is far worse than national and international ambient air quality standards. This gives an indication of a strong correlation between the diseases and the air pollutants. The environmental impact matrices of the patients versus diseases indicate that pollution is already affecting the quality of life and productivity of the people. Since agriculture is the principal occupation of Nigerians, accounting for about 60% of employment, a case is made for an intensification of environmental education, especially among the rural farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the implications of environmental degradation in Nigeria in relation to the concept of sustainable development. Environmental policy-making; Sources of environmental degradation; Nigeria's compliance with the global action concept of sustainable development.

The concentration of metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) was measured in selected samples of honey in Nigeria with a view to providing information on the regional concentration profile of metals in these honeys. The honey samples were digested with a mixture of acids and analysed for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of metals (mg kg?1) in these honeys ranged from < 0.3 for Cd,<0.50–39.75 for Pb,<0.25–6.98 for Ni,<0.25–55.25 for Cr,<0.25–71.25 for Cu,<0.25–3.50 for Co,<5.0–163.15 for Fe,<11.0–31.75 for Mn and 1.0–31.0 for Zn. The concentrations of metals were relatively high but lower than their respective permissible limits in food except for Pb and Cu in some samples. The regional distribution patterns of metals indicated that honey samples from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had higher mean concentrations of Ni, Cr, Co, Fe and Zn than honey samples from other regions. The honey samples from the northern region had higher mean concentrations of Pb and Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The moth Niphograpta albiguttalis was found infesting water hyacinth on waterways in Nigeria in 2009 in the areas of Badagry, Ejirin and Epe in Lagos State and Iwopin in Ogun State. This moth has not been released in Nigeria but it was released as a biological control agent for water hyacinth in Ghana in 1996 and in Benin in 1993. It is not reported to have established in those countries, but it would appear that as a result of those releases N. albiguttalis is now present in Nigeria. The larval instars found were damaging only water hyacinth with bulbous petioles. The larval developmental periods ranged between 10 and 15 days (n = 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baseline nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration and distribution in 10 offices in Benin City, Nigeria have been evaluated. Palmes diffusion tubes were employed in capturing NO2 data in this survey. The diffusion tubes were deployed at the specific offices at a height of approximately 2.0 m above the floor, and changed at two-week intervals. The survey was carried out between May and July 2005 in accordance with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) UK NO2 Diffusion Tube Network Instruction Manual - Version 1.5. A NO2 range of 1.89 µgm-3-24.83 µgm-3 was obtained for the offices studied which indicate good compliance with the available National and International regulatory limits for NO2. Significant spatial variations (p < 0.05) were noticed in the NO2 distribution. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified several clusters of NO2 and different degrees of correlation between the monitoring sites. Outdoor sources were identified as the main source of NO2 at these work places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, environmental problems are severe, particularly in the Niger Delta region of the country. In that region, crude petroleum activities damage the fertility of the soil, and destroy wildlife and the breeding ground for marine fishes because of the toxicity of oil and gas. Consequently, the indigenous people are impoverished, with attendant increase in environmental abuse occasioned by their struggle for survival. The various government programmes aimed at ameliorating their plight have failed due to inefficiency and corruption. The federal government is also thwarting efforts by Niger Deltans at resource control that would help to distribute equitably the oil resources of the region. This opposition to a derivation‐based redress to the development problems of Niger Delta is partly responsible for the anarchy that the region is experiencing. Unless the underlying problems are addressed, the Niger Delta will remain a source of instability for the Nigerian federation. Therefore, the oil of the Niger Delta needs exploitation in ways that advance the cause of development in Nigeria without compromising the environmental values of that region and the welfare of its people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in surface water and sediment samples from the Ethiope and Benin Rivers of the western Niger Delta. Specific individual congener analysis of PCBs was undertaken using a HPGC, series 6890. Mean levels of ΣPCBs (sum of eight congeners) in surface water samples from river stations ranged from 1.50–1.5 µg l -l (Ethiope River) and 0.03–2.93 µg l -l (Benin River). Levels in sediment samples were higher with mean concentration of PCBs ranging from 0.73–6.7 ng g -l (Ethiope River) and 0.35–15.15 ng g -l (Benin River). The null hypothesis of normality was rejected at P > 0.05 indicating a significant difference between the matrices. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that patterns of distribution of individual congeners differed between the stations and matrices. Although low levels of PCBs were observed in the water samples, some stations, had values exceeding the USEPA PCBs limits in surface waters (0.0005 mgl -l ) and water quality criterion for chronic exposure (79 pgl) through drinking water and fish ingestion. This observation makes PCBs, contaminants of concern in western Niger Delta aquatic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, tin, aluminium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, lead, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, titanium and calcium were determined in cocoa seeds shell ash, liquid effluent, soil sediments and associated plants (kokoyam and cassava parts) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer from a cocoa processing industry located at Akure along the Akure–Owo express road, Ondo State, Nigeria. The soil sediments metals were more highly concentrated than the corresponding values in the liquid effluent; both samples showed evidence of metal bioaccumulation. The toxic trace metals determined were mostly above the permissible safe levels. Plants should not be planted along the effluent channel to avoid plant bioaccumulation of toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with an assessment of flood vulnerability zones in the Niger Delta region by using a hydrological technique based on some measurable physical characteristics of flooding and vulnerability factors. On the basis of these factors, 18 settlements randomly selected across the three ecological zones in the region were assessed. Three flood risk zones emerged from the analysis. These are severe flood risk zones, moderated flood risk zones and low flood risk zones. Strategies for mitigating the hazard of flooding in the region are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to put in perspective the spatial and floristic variations, which exist in the tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria by virtue of different management practices. The variations were examined by comparing the floristic and biomass properties of a government-managed forest with that of an adjacent community-managed forest in the same eco-climatic zone. A floristic similarity of 38.4% was observed between the two sites, while the species richness of the two sites were not significantly different, despite the different management regimes. A classification of the tree species found on both sites using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that savanna elements were gradually being introduced into the community-managed forest. However, this variation may be presumed to be temporal if forest management by rural dwellers is monitored or guided by responsible government agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the social implications of petroleum oil industry in Nigeria. Existence of social conflicts; Inequality in the distribution of petroleum-derived wealth; Occurrence of health problems.

Focuses on petroleum oil and attendant environmental disaster in Nigeria. Engine of development since 1958; Domination of the economy by petroleum oil since 1973; Environmental hazards of its production processes, waste management and gas disposal; Need to mobilize techniques to save the region from gaseous pollutants.

Assesses the contribution of the print and electronic media on environmental education and consciousness in Nigeria. Perception of residents on environmental problems; Information resources on the problems; Notion on the relevance of mass media.

Presents a longitudinal study on environmental reporting in Nigerian newspapers. Level of coverage; Reporting of environment issues in the energy sector; Reporting of noise pollution.

Asserts that poverty is the basic causal issue in rural development in Nigeria. Essential elements of rural welfare; Goals and strategies of rural development in Nigeria; Objectives of the integrated rural development strategy implemented in Funtua, Gombe, and Gusau; Factors responsible for the failure of the agricultural sector to attain the desired goals of rural development.

Discusses the spatial expression in intra-rural terms of social deprivation in Irepodun local government of Kwara State, a typical rural Nigerian environment. Details of the rationale for the selection of the criteria used in the analysis of rural deprivation; Organization of the criteria under six components of social living conditions; Scores indicating the levels of deprivation for the various districts.

The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide residues and trace metals in a Nigerian surface water ecosystem is reported. Analysis of 21 water samples revealed that concentrations of the quantifiable organochlorine compounds detected (lindane, DDT-complex and heptachlor epoxide) were significantly low. The values ranged from 0.001 to 0.014 ng/ml. In the fish sample, on the other hand, more significant concentrations were obtained, ranging from 0.70-1 5 ng/g. The insecticides were analysed by gas liquid chromatography with [sup 63]N[sub 1] electron capture detector. Analysis of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb and As) was accomplished by atomic absorption spectrophotomerry. The concentration levels were comparable with levels obtained in other parts of Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study indicating dimensions of the various problems consequent on petroleum exploitation in Nigeria. Description of the location of the study; Environmental disturbances affecting producing areas in the country; Cost of emerging as one of the world's leading exporter of petroleum.

Identifies a crisis in the oil sector of Nigeria in addition to the problems affecting the environment and the economy. Initiatives to discover the technical relationships between oil and gas explorations; Policy for protecting aquatic resources and the environment; Policy instrument available to the government to correct adverse environmental behavior.

Many communities in the Rivers State, Nigeria, are complaining about pollution problems due to waste discharges from industries located in their neighbourhood. Such incessant complaints indicate that effluents are not given standard treatment before their discharge into the environment. This study examined the quality of effluents collected from 6 randomly selected industries in the Rivers State and corroborated results obtained with those of questionnaires circulated in the communities where these industries are situated. Results confirms the observations of the communities that wastes are not properly treated before being discharged into their environment; this has greatly affected their health, water sources, marine life, vegetation and generally the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of zinc, iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, cadmium and lead were determined in some organs and body muscles of lllisha africana fish, water and sediments from three neighbouring man-made freshwater ponds using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The ponds were located at the Research Farm of the Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ondo State, Nigeria. The water levels of these metals were found to be much lower than their corresponding concentrations in the sediments, but the levels in the sediments were less than those in the fish. Lead, iron and copper were found to be highly concentrated in the fish organs showing some likely evidence of bioaccumulation, while chromium was not detected in any of the samples whereas cobalt was not bioaccumulated in the fish organs. However, the metals concentration in the fish body muscle was low. A chemical analysis of fish, water and the sediment has to be carried out to monitor the correlation of the trace heavy metal pollutants resulting from the uptake from the aquatic environment and their probable effect on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the quality of water pumped from some boreholes in rural Nigeria. Comparison of water quality with International Drinking Water Standards; Changing significance of borehole construction to enhance agricultural and domestic water demand; Problems facing underground water development.

Crucial soil nutrient property were investigated in interplanted cocoa and kola plots of farmers and at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, both in the major cocoa and kola belt of Nigeria. The results show that soil productivity is highly enhanced by a specific planting arrangement in which litter components of cocoa and kola intermix for a synergistic relationship; this leads to a higher level of organic matter content. The study implies that peasant farmers could be advised on the specific pattem of interplanting their cocoa farms with kola, and that they would no lonser require chemical fertilisers and mulches to improve soil fertility under cocoa and kola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a comprehensive situation where much oil and oil products are handled and with probable effects on plants and animals in Nigeria. Quantification of suspect carcinogens; Environmental safety; Use of high performance liquid chromatography.

Lagos was said to be the filthiest capital in the world. Many reasons have been suggested for such situation. A survey was carried out to identify the problems associated with environmental sanitation of the Lagos Mainland and to classify the solid waste of the area. The results of various analyses carried out on the data collected show that there are significant differences in the generation, rate and the composition of the wastes. Various types of relationships exist between the socio-economic characterstics of reapondents, the composition and the rate of waste generation. Suggestions for better management are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]