IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-8 ~ Issue-9 ~ September 2014

Abstract: The concentration of heavy metals in respiration dust (˂10μg) within Jos Metropolis was monitored in seven sites made up of two industrial and high traffic areas each, with residential site as control were studied for nine consecutive months (October, 2013 to June, 2014). The concentrations of the heavy metals were studied in terms dust mass, time dependence and safety. The mass of respirable dust ranged from 0.079 - 0.288g, while the mean concentration ranged from 49 - 208ug/m3. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) analysis shows that the concentrations of heavy metals ranged from Pb, (0.016 - 0.331) mg/kg, Cr, (0.016 - 0.118)mg/kg Fe, (0.012- 0.652) mg/kg, ( 0.07 - 0.056) mg/kg, Cd, (0.002 - 0.107 )mg/kg, Zn, (0.0233 - 0.988) mg/kg, Cu, (0.023 -0.668) mg/kg and Ni (0.004 - 0,058) mg/kg across sites studied. The data obtained were treated statistically using one-way analysis of variance at 95% confidence limit for mean and correlated with the anthropological and industrial activities of the sites. The main sources of these heavy metals in the sampled areas, was attributed to anthropogenic activities like open incineration of waste, vehicular traffic and ongoing construction work within some of the sites.

Keywords: Concentration; Respirable Dust; Heavy Metals; Air Quality; Statistical Analysis

[1]. Ahmed, F. and Ishiga, H. (2006) Trace Metals Concentration in Street Dusts of Dhaka City Bangladesh, Atmospheric Environment, 40, 3835-3844.
[2]. Awan, M.A and Ahmed, S.H. (2011) Determination of Total Suspended Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals in Ambient Air of Four Cities of Pakistan. Ironical journal of Energy & environment, 2. 128-132.
[3]. Aybek, A.and Selcuk, A. (2007) Dust Exposures in Tractor and Combine Operations in Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. Journal of Environmental Biology, 28, 717-722.
[4]. Bhargava, A., Gupta, K., Bhargawa, R. and Pardhi, S. (2003) The effects Automobile Exhaust on Total N. P and Heavy Metals of Road Side Sugarcane at District, Saharanpur Ad Plant Science, 16, 557-560.
[5]. Curtis, L. W., Pea, P. Smith-Willis, E, Fenyves and Y. Pan (2006): Adverse Health Effects of Outdoor Air Pollutants. Environ.Intern.32, 815-830.

Abstract: In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, ship-source marine pollution has, for a long time, been singled out for special attention. While large oil pollution incidents have reduced both in number and in size over recent decades, the potential threat of environmental damage and economic loss associated with the carriage of oil remains disconcerting. In the last century the world experienced some major oil spills of the time with catastrophic effects to marine environment. Responding to such unfortunate events, among other things, enacted liability and compensation conventions to ensure timely and adequate compensation to victims of oil pollution. Even so, the application of such conventions raised some questions.This paper focuses on the international legal framework for prevention of vessel-source oil pollution. Regulatory international law regarding prevention of vessel-source 0il pollution is discussed within the framework.This paper examined the role of oil pollution liability conventions in the protection of marine environment through compensation and challenges facing the conventions in the process of application in relevant oil pollution incidents. The relevant issues have, therefore, been discussed and analyzed.

Key Words: Marine environment, Vessel source pollution, Oil pollution, Marine environment protection, International liability legislation

[1]. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
[2]. International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC)
[3]. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC)
[4]. International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (FUND)
[5]. The 2003 Protocol (Supplementary Fund)
[6]. HNS (Hazardous Noxious Substances) Fund

Abstract: Wastes collectors refer to groupof people who collects solid waste generated in various areas for disposal at designated locations. The service is usuallyprovided by responsible contractors assigned to schedule areas. In advanced nations such as Europe and the USA, automated trucks are used in collection and disposal of waste using hydraulic lifts. The opposite is applied in developing countries such as Malaysia. Wastes collectors in the study area are manually collecting the waste before lifting it on the operational trucks. Manual waste collection service is associated with health danger. The workers are exposed to odors, and they can dirty their cloths easily as result of non-usage of protective gears. Other health danger includes injuries from broken glasses, musculoskeletal disorder and diseases that accompany solid waste. The aim of this project was to determine whether the workers are exposed to the work practices, injuries, musculoskeletal disorder and other danger faced by Malaysian refused collectors in carrying out their responsibilities. The sample for the study constituted thirty (30) solid waste collectors selected through convenient sampling technique. Data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire on Malaysian refused collectors and visual observation. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that out of the total respondents 56.6% disagreed and strongly disagreed that collectors always make use of their protective material at work, 10% were neutral while 33.3% agreed and strongly agreed. This implied that majority of the collectors have no access to personal protective equipment which is contrary to OSHA requirements. The study therefore concludes that solid waste collectors experienced different types of preventable dangers inherent in their duty due to their work practice.

Keywords: Garbage/refuse collector, personal protective equipment, musculoskeletal disorder, Seri kembangan metropolis, Selangor, Malaysia.

[1]. Abou-Elwafa HS, El-Bestar SF, El-Gilany A-H, et al, Musculoskeletal disorders among municipal solid waste collectors in Mansoura, Egypt: a cross-sectional study, BMJ Open 2012;2:e001338.
[2]. Daniel Bogale, AberaKumie and WorkuTefera: Assessment of occupational injuries among Addis Ababa city municipal solid waste collectors: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2014 14:169
[3]. California Occupational Guide Number 460 (2002).File://E:/Refuse collectors.1 htm.Retrieved on 13 March 2014.
[4]. IJzelenberg W, Molenaar D, Burdorf A. Different risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints and musculoskeletal sickness absence. Scand J Work Environ Health 2004;30:56–63.
[5]. Inyang M. Health and safety risks amongst the municipal solid waste collectors in Port Harcourt Metropolis of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. International Conference ―Waste Management, Environmental Geotechnology and Global Sustainable Development (Icwmeggsd'07—Gzo'07)‖ Ljubljana, Slovenia, August 28–30, 2007.

Abstract: The present attempt has been made to study the status of freshwater bodies from Ajara tahsil of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India by using Global Positioning System (GPS) with reference to survey and mapping. The investigation mainly focused on survey, location, mapping and submergence area of wetlands from this Tahsil. The results obtained from the study has compared with secondary data made available from Government authorities so as to reveal the percentage of change in the total submergence area of wetlands due to anthropogenic activities and other environmental factors. The study adds multi-temporal GPS information on the water bodies, which have prime importance to indicate environmental changes and anthropogenic activities. The present results indicate that 30 water bodies located in this tahsil, among which 5 are seasonal ponds while remaining are perennial water bodies. Total wetland area of tahsil is about 483.77 ha. The actual submergence area of Yarandol freshwater body was noted highest while lowest submergence was noted for Dabil pond. Since, emphasis is given on comparative morphometric features of6 minor irrigation tanks and 1 percolation water body. The comparative study revealed that the submergence area of all reservoirs got increased except Ningudage water body, it might be due to anthropogenic activity.

Keywords: Freshwater body, morphometric features, GPS, anthropogenic activity, submergence area

[1]. Chopra, R., V. K. Verma and P. K. Sharma (2001).Mapping, monitoring and conservation of Harike wetland ecosystem, Punjab, India through remote sensing.Int. J. Remote Sensing.22 (1): 89-98.
[2]. Dugan P. J. (1993). Editor wetlands in Danger.London: Mitchel Beazley and IUCN (World Conservation Union).
[3]. Hammer D. A. (1992). Creating freshwater wetlands.Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers.

[4]. Khorram, S. and Cheshire, H. M. (1985) Remote sensing of water quality in the Neuse river estuary, North Carolina.Journal of Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 51, 329–341.
[5]. LIANG Guofu and DING Shengyan (2004). Impacts of human activity and natural change on the wetland landscape pattern along the Yellow River in Henan Province. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 14 (3): 339-348

Abstract: The effects of effluent discharge into two different stream (Nkuho and Nworie stream) in Abia and Imo State were evaluated by collecting sample in different designated stations of the rivers. Physicochemical analysis revielled the level of temperature, pH, turbidity dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, mercury, lead, and copper of the river water. Samples were taken from coca-cola, Saclux paint, upstream, downstream, point of effluent discharge respectively. The results reveled significant different (P < 0.05) in the different locations in temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, lead, and zinc with values tabulated as follows; 26.000C to 32, 6.20 to 9.20,0.21 to 1.40NTU, 2.29 to 5.85mg/L, 5.24 to 10.5mg/L, 38.25 to 64.26mg/L, 0.12 to 0.25mg/L and 0.42 to 0.75mg/L respectively. There were no observed significant difference (P< 0.05) in mercury and cupper. Some of the quality parameters evaluated had values higher than the tolerant levels established by WHO and FEPA and this calls for caution. There is need therefore, to bring to an end to the indiscriminate discharge of untreated effluent into the rivers through the law enforcement agencies (FEPA guidelines).

Keywords: Effluent, discharge, river, physicochemical

[1]. APHA (1985). American Public Health Association Standard Methods for the Examination of water and waste water. Washington D.C 15th ed.
[2]. Botkin, D.B., and Keller, E.A (1998). Environmental Science. Earth as a living planet. John Wiley and Sons Inco. New York pp. 416-436.
[3]. E.U (2010). Water is for life. How the water framework directive helps safeguards Europe. Resources 28pp www.ecoLABEL.Ew Assessed, 2014.
[4]. Ezemonye, L.N., and Kadiri, M.O (2000). Bioremediation of aquatic ecosystems, the African perspectives (a review paper). J. Env. Rev. 3(2): 137-147.
[5]. FEPA, (1991). National guidelines and standards for environmental pollution in Nigeria. P. 238
[6]. Ihekoronye, A.I., and Ngoddy, P.O. (1985). Integrated food science and technology for the tropics. Macmillan Edu. Ltd Ibadan P. 346

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria responsible for the fermentation of kunu-zaki and burukutu were studied in order to access their use as starter culture. Representatives of the lactic acid bacteria were isolated at 12hours interval during the course of fermentation characterized and identified using morphological, physiological and biochemical examination. Changes in pH, titratable acidity, LAB counts were also investigated during the fermentation of the two cereals at different fermentation time (12hrs and 24hrs) . The isolates obtained were accessed to have some level of starter culture. Based on the comparative performance of single isolates to a substrate and pH reduction. Isolates identified are lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus cellobiosus, lactobacillus pentosus, leuconostoc mesenteriods, and pediococcus pentosaceus. Results indicates a predominance of lactobacilli among isolates. Lactic acid bacterial counts in the kunu-zaki and burukutu were isolated at levels of 106, 107, cfu/ml. A very high reduction in pH was associated with an increase in titratable acidity. Analysis of variance show significance difference between pH of all the isolates in the two substrates used at P < 0.05% of freedom

[1]. Abegaz, K. (2007). Isolation, characterization and identification of lactic acid bacteria involved in traditional fermentation of borde, an Ethiopian cereal beverage. Afr. J. Bacteri. 6(12):1469-1478.
[2]. Adeyemi, I.A., and Umar, S. (1994). Effects of method of manufacture on quality characteristics of kunun-zaki, a millet based beverages. Nig. Food J. 12:34-41.
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[4]. Chamumorwa, A.T., Sara, B.F., and Anthony, N.M. (2002). Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from opaque beer (chibuku) for potential use as starter culture. Afr. J. Food Technol.7(3):93-97. http//www.efloras.org/floratoxon.aspx.(Accessed,July, 2014). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
[5]. Chessbrough, M. (2000). District laboratory practice in tropical countries part 2. Cambridge University Press

Abstract: The effects of different salt concentration on the Microbiological quality of meat were studied in order to fashion out the ideal concentration that will reduce or retard Microbial spoilage of meat and become cheaper than high cost preservative. Ten (10) samples of fresh meat of the same weight (10cm) length, 1cm in diameter, and 2cm in width) were purchased from the Okigwe abattoir and labelled from salt concentration 2-16, and with the following percentages = 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9.8%, 10%, 12%, 14% and 16% respectively. The above percentages were subjected to microbial analysis. The results obtained show that Acetobacter, Vibro Spp., Micrococci spp., and Bacillus spp., were identified with 2% salt concentration: Acetobacter, Vibro spp., Micrococci spp., and Clostridium spp., were present in sample with 4% salt concentration, Staphylococci spp. and Clostridium spp. were predominant in all samples analyzed. The results revealed that microbial growth retarded immensely with an increase of salt concentration and vise versa

Keywords: Salt, concentration, fresh meat, microbiological

[1]. Alonge, D.O. (1991). Textbook of meat hygiene in the tropics. Farmcoe Press, Ibadan. 58.
[2]. Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Official methods of analysis (12th ed). AOAC Washington D.C
[3]. Bolder, N.M. (1997). Decontamination of meat and poultry carcasses. Trends in food science and technology. 8:221-225.
[4]. Centre for Disease Control Project (1998). Preventing emerging infectious diseases. A strategy from 21st century. overview of update CDCP. 47"1-8.
[5]. Cheesbrough, M. (2005). District laboratory practice in tropical countries, plant 1, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, 462.
[6]. Dosunmu, M.I., and Bassey, F.I. (2003). A comparative study of the starch pasting properties of unprocessed and processed cassava (Manihot esculenta), plantain (Musa paradisiacal) and banana (Musa sapieutum) flours. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Science. 9:517-522.

Abstract: World demand for sustainable food security, nutritional and healthy foods is increasing. The prevalence of food insecurity and undernourishment is 18.4% and 12% people worldwide, respectively, in 2011 - 2013 years. Highest percentage of postharvest losses, food insecurity and malnutrition – linked diseases are counted in sub Saharan african countries. The losses of fruits and vegetables were 44 %, roots and tubers (20 %) and cereals (19 %), oilseeds and pulses (3 %), meat (4 %) milk (8 %) fish and seafoods (2 %) in 2011. Fruits and vegetables are considered as the highest perishable of the plant source foods due to the highest amount of water they contain. Water content in fruits and vegetables range between 81 % - 88 % and 90 % - 96 %, respectively. In 2011 year, the food loss in production was 23 % in handling, 37 % in storage and 7 % in processing in sub Saharan Africa, while in the North african countries; the loss was 21 % in handling and storage and 4% in processing. In 2012 year, in 1.2 billion people without access to electricity, 590 million live in sub-Saharan Africa, mostly in rural areas. In 2.3 billion people who do not maximally benefit from electricity, 700 million are in sub Saharan Africa. Therefore, the use, adoption and up scaling of simple, economic, sustainable and effective postharvest techniques such as sun, passive solar and active solar drying are highly recommended for the contribution to fruits and vegetables preservation by ensuring the good nutrition and health of people in sub Sahara countries where electricity is a major obstacle.

Keywords: Fruits and Vegetables, Sub Saharan Africa, Traditional drying techniques

[1] FAO, The state of food insecurity in the world. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2013

[2] FAO, Global food losses and food waste extent, causes and prevention. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2011

[3] World Energy outlook . International Energy Agency. 2012, 532.

[4] S. Gebhardt & R. Thomas, Nutritive Value of Foods. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Home and Garden Bulletin, 2002

[5] Cesarettin, A., & Fereidoon, S. (2013). "Dried Fruits: Phytochemicals and Health Effects". Wiley-Blackwell, 1-14

[6] K. Lisa & C. Marita, Identification of appropriate postharvest technologies for improving market access and incomes for small horticultural farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.WFL Grant Final Report to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. WF, 2010