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The physicochemical and microbial qualities of septic tank effluent samples from households within the study area were evaluated. Three replicate samples from Locations A, B, and C representing Agbor, Benin City, and Sapele regions of Delta and Edo States, Nigeria were collected from both the inlet tank (raw sewage) and the outlet chamber (semi-treated sewage) for physicochemical and microbiological analyses using standard methods. Results of the physicochemical analyses showed that pH values ranged from 6.5 – 7.7 across locations and in both the raw and semi-treated samples. Electrical conductivity (EC), Total suspended solid (TSS) and BOD was significantly higher (p>0.05) in the raw sewage (RS) than in the semi-treated (SS), while DO was higher (p>0.05) in the SS in all three locations sampled. Microbial analysis shows that total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) was highest in the RS in two locations. Microbial isolates from wastewater samples included Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus niger. DO was low at an average of 3.20 and 3.73 mg/L in both chambers of the septic tank. Average BOD5 of 59.4 and 42.8 mg/L and COD average of 206.8 and 153.2 mg/L were reported for the RS and SS chambers. 0.3 was the value of the ratio of BOD5/COD for the RS and SS in the study. This infers that biodegradation was slow and inefficient in the septic tank system, and that modification of the design is recommended to increase retention time in the RS chamber

Kingsley Amaihunwa,1 Emmanuel Etim,2 Everista Osime,3 Zacchaeus Jeremiah4 1Department of Medical Laboratory Services, General Hospital Oghara, Oghara City, Delta State, Nigeria; 2Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Federal Medical Center, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; 4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University, Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, NigeriaCorrespondence: Emmanuel EtimLaboratory Department, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamawa State, NigeriaTel +234-806-392-4735Email emmasuti@yahoo.comBackground/Objective: In obese people, adipose tissue accumulates to the extent of having an adverse effect on certain procoagulant factors, such as: soluble vascular cell–adhesion molecules (sVCAMs), fibrinogen (Fg), and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFAg). This study thus aimed to evaluate the impacts of obesity on sVCAMs, Fg, and vWFAg in obese adults in Sapele, southern Nigeria.Methods: A total of 312 obese adults and 103 controls aged 18– 65 years were enrolled for this study. Venous blood (4.5 mL) was collected into EDTA containers for measurement of Fg, vWFAg, and sVCAMs using ELISA method. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, correlations, and one-way ANOVA followed by least significant difference post hoc tests on Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS 21.0, and results were expressed as means ± SD.Results: Mean body-mass index of obese and control (non-obese) subjects was 36.82± 0.55 kg/m2 and 20.43± 0.29 kg/m,2 respectively (P< 0.001). Mean Fg in obese subjects was 78.45± 13.79 ng/ml and in the control group 40.00± 2.55 ng/ml. Mean vWFAg in obese subjects was 85.63± 7.00u/l and in control subjects 59.02± 2.48u/l . Mean sVCAM counts in obese and control subjects were 7.53± 0.96Iu/l and 4.16± 0.19u/l, respectively (P< 0.01).Conclusion: Fg, vWFAg, and sVCAM levels were higher in obese people than the non-obese.Keywords: obesity, sVCAM, vWFAg, fibrinogen, Sapele

Background/Objectives: Aged people with obesity are vulnerable to coagulation disorders arising from alterations in procaogulants. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of age on procaogulant such as: fibrinogen (FG), von willebrand factor (vWF), Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules (sVCAM) tissue factor (TF), Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI) in obese people. Materials and Method: 312 subjects with age between 18 and 65years were enrolled for this study comprising of 111males and 201females who were further grouped into age ranges of 20-39years, 40-49years and 50-59years respectively. 4.5mls of venous blood was collected into Ethylene Diamine Tetra-acetic Acid (EDTA) container. Plasma obtained was analyzed using ELISA method. Results: FG values in obese people within age range 20-29years was 100.59±209.23ng/ml while FG level of people within age range 40-49years and 50-59years were71.14±64.24ng/ml and 41.83±15.63ng/ml respectively at p Conclusion: Procaogulants such as: FG, PAI, sVCAM and TF were higher in younger people than in older people with obesity at Sapele southern Nigeria.&nbsp

Impact of temperature and humidity in different month of lay was evaluated on fertility and hatchability in broiler breeder hens reared in Sapele, Nigeria. Six million, six hundred and nineteen thousand, seven hundred and forty six eggs from flocks of Avians broiler-breeder hens reared between 2005 and 2006 in a farm located in Sapele were used. Egg fertility and hatchability (P

Air pollution in Nigeria and many other countries all over the world is a big problem of the 21st century caused by globalization and industrialization. Oil exploration in the Niger Delta region, including Delta state, has grossly reduced the quality of air in the region. This research work focused on evaluation of air borne particulate matter in major cities such as Warri, Ughelli, Sapele and Ugbenu in Delta State. This was done to determine their concentrations, impacts of the pollutants, health implications and possible management measures on lives and environment. Particulate matter in air samples were obtained using Casella microDust Pro Aerosol monitoring system and monitored for a period of one year covering both wet and dry seasons. Polyurethane Foam Filter (PUF) gravimetric adapter was used to provide size-selective sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 fractions. The results showed that Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) and Particulate Matter 2.5(PM2.5). ranged between 1.02 – 12.36 mg/m3 (average 5.03 ± 0.38), 0.17 – 10.5 mg/m3 (average 2.13 ± 0.26) and 0.44 – 6.64 mg/m3 (average 2.17 ± 0.20) respectively; clearly exceeded the regulatory limits of Federal Ministry of environment (FMENV) and National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in both seasons. The study also showed that Matrix (Warri), Amukpe (Sapele) and Ekakpamre (Ughelli) recorded the highest concentration of particulates in the three cities studied. Higher values were obtained in the dry season than the wet season. The correlation of meteorological parameters with TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 shows that only temperature had a weak, but significant, correlation while other parameters did not show any correlation with the concentration of the particulates. The low correlation or absence of correlation between the particulates and meteorological parameters suggests that anthropogenic contributions are significant to their concentration in the study areas. This can be attributed to high level of fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation and industrial facilities. The pollution could also be due to dusty industries, windblown dust, crushing and grinding operations. Ugbenu, the control location also recorded high level of particulates; this is due to residential fireplace, wood stoves, unsuspended dust from untarred road, bush burning and windblown dust predominant in the area.

The biodegradation potentials of some selected bacteria isolated from septic tank sewage in the region under study were examined. Three replicate samples from Locations A, B and C representing Agbor, Benin and Sapele regions of Delta and Edo States, Nigeria respectively were collected from the influent tank (raw sewage) between November 2018 and January 2019 for testing. The sewage in 10 ml septic tubes for both experimental and control samples was subjected to shake flask biodegradation analysis using the isolates with the highest screen test result. A total of 18 bio-treatment options were available in this study. In the shake flask biodegradation of sewage using isolates, total organic carbon (TOC) values from day 0 to 25 in all isolates were lower compared with the control experiments. TOC values at day 25 were lowest (0.10 mg/L) in the treatment containing Bacillus sp. + Klebsiella sp. as compared to the TOC value (2.01 mg/L) of the treatment which had Aeromonas sp. + Bacillus sp. + Klebsiella sp. pH, EC, COD, TDS, DO and BOD were also monitored for a period of 3 weeks. In all treatment options, there was a rapid increase in the BOD for the experimental set up around day 10 - 20 which ranged between 74.82 - 187.54 mg/L. The overall physical observation (odour, consistency and colour) of the experimental and the control septic tubes showed very high remarkable reductions in the experimental set-up when compared with the observation made for the control samples.

The crude oil industry in Nigeria remains a major source of revenue and foreign exchange. However, oil exploration and production activities have the potential of causing a lot of distortions in the environment, affecting the ecosystems and human life. The purpose of this study is to assess the physicochemical status of surface and groundwater in Sapele, Delta State, a region that has witnessed oil exploration and production activities. In carrying out this study, water samples were collected monthly from April to September 2016 from stations 1 and 2 (perturbed locations) and station 3 (control) for analysis of physicochemical parameters including heavy metals. Samples were analyzed using standard procedures and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. At significant level of P

In this study, natural weathering behavior of sixteen different wood species was investigated under the same conditions in order to clarify the resistance against outdoor degrading agents regarding wood color, gloss, surface roughness and surface chemistry. For this purpose, American walnut, ash, cherry, oak, maple, teak, mazel, beli, limba, anigre, tulip, sapele, walnut, eucalyptus, beech and pine samples were exposed to weathering agents on above ground test equipment for a year in Bursa, Turkey, and 36 periodic measurements were carried out from the surfaces during the exposure period. The results showed that the darkest and the greatest color change were found on the surfaces of pine, maple and tulip samples while the least color change was observed on walnut, A. walnut and oak samples. The surface roughness, crack formations and degradation of surface components increased with the increase in exposure period. Gloss property had a tendency to increase on some species such as teak, sapele, walnut, A. walnut, limba and beli while the others lost the gloss, and had a paler surface than the initial stage. In accordance with the color and roughness measurements, FTIR spectra proved that lignin degradation continued on the exposed surfaces during 3 months of natural weathering for all species. Correlation analysis showed that wood species with high density had more stability against color changes. However the roughness and gloss showed nonsignificant correlation between density of samples. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mono-sex population of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings were collected from Nigerian Institute for oceanography and Marine Research Sapele station Hatchery and acclimatized for a week and randomly stocked at density of 300 fish/tank in nine fibre glass tank. The fingerling were fed daily 800h and 1600h with three different types of feed (Dry chicken manure, mixture of chicken manure and commercial diet, and commercial (coppens) only. Each treatment was replicated three times. The water quality parameters are within tolerant limit. The growth response in all the treatment wee generally satisfactory. Though treatment T3 Tanks fed with commercial diet only (coppens) had better growth performance compared with treatment T2 and T1, chicken manure and mixture of chicken manure and commercial diet respectively. The results demonstrate the feasibility of rearing all male tilapia (O. niloticus) fingerlings in fiber glass tanks.

Over the past two decades there has been increasing interest in studies of air pollution and its effects on human. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to relate these measures to the degree of air pollution in an urban area (Sapele) and to establish a relationship between peak flow rate and the anthropometric measurements among the respondents in an urban area. Four hundred respondents were administered on the frequency and duration of cough, production of phlegm (viscid mucous secreted in abnormal quantities in respiratory passages and sputum) (saliva discharge from respiratory passages), shortness of breath and occurrence of chest illness. The expiratory flow rate was recorded in a standing position using a mini-Wright peak flow meter (Clements Clarke-London UK). Anthropometric measurements; weight and height were also done.&nbsp

The proximate composition of fish is important for easy formulation of both animal and human diets. The study on the proximate and mineral composition of captured Synodontis nigrita and Tilapia mariae was aimed at gaining knowledge of their consumption-associated benefits. Fish specimens were purchased on the bank of the river between February and April 2017 and transported to the laboratory where routine measurements, body and biochemical analysis for moisture content, fat, ash, protein, crude fibre, carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were performed using the standard methods of AOAC. The result of the proximate composition of Synodontis nigrita and Tilapia mariae showed moisture content of 79.00% and 78.87%, fat value of 3.43% and 0.67%, ash content of 6.22% and 6.68%, protein value of 7.09% and 8.84%, crude fibre value of 0.40% and 1.80%, carbohydrate content of 3.86% and 3.14%, respectively. The mineral composition of Synodontis nigrita and Tilapia mariae revealed sodium values of 32.90 mg/kg and 30.20 mg/kg, potassium values of 171.70 mg/kg and 175.60 mg/kg, calcium values of 13.50 mg/kg and 9.20 mg/kg, magnesium content of 15.00 mg/kg and 13.40 mg/kg, respectively. The results obtained in this study provided scientific knowledge of the nutritional composition of these commercial fish species.

Branchwood is being exploited as a supplement to stemwood in wood products manufacturing, and the wood’s bending strength properties are vital for structural and non-structural applications. Non-destructive methods are being adopted in determining wood properties, and wood density and moisture content are two variables that could be useful. This study assessed the influence of density and moisture content (MC) on the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of branch and stem woods of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) tested at two moisture levels (10 ± 4% MC and 17 ± 3% MC). Density was determined in accordance with ISO 3131. To determine bending strength properties, BS 373 was followed, using an INSTRON TCM Machine with a crosshead speed of 6.6 mm per minute. Results indicated that branchwood has higher density than its stemwood counterparts. MOE and MOR of both wood types were significantly higher at 10 ± 4% MC than their counterparts at 17 ± 3% MC. Differences in MOE and MOR...

This Research is based on geophysical survey of the ground water development of Okha community along Sapele Road in Benin City. The Schlumberger configuration was used for a total spread (L) of 400m. The location geographical coordinates in WGS84 is: N5 0 10’ 51.540’’ E6 o 12’ 58.080’’ and with Ellipsoidal height of 37 m. The results indicate that seven sub layers were identified as reflected from the table. The result of data processing by the software package was integrated in order to arrive at the realistic composition and layering of the subsurface. The interpretation suggested that the area was underlain with substantive aquiferous formation but at a depth not exceeding 93.4 metres (306.43 ft). However, adequate borehole logging of the samples from well bore to enable the proper screening of the aquifer zones which are captured is recommended, Keywords : WGS84, Aquifer, formation, depth, logging, borehole.

Spillages of oil from processes of discharge of imported petroleum products and lubricating base oil and the process of production of lubricating oils can have adverse effect on water, sediments, soil, and biota of an environment. The study examined the effect of these spillages of oils on the soil by determining oil residues, physicochemical parameters of soils, and the concentrations of seven heavy metals in soil and plant of the area. Soil and plant samples were collected from areas around the Benin-Ethiope Fluvial system in the vicinity of Sapele Town and her satellite towns. Total petroleum hydrocarbons TPH and other physicochemical parameters of soil were determined by standard methods. Heavy metals in soil and plant were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after appropriate wet acid digestion procedures. Average values of important parameters determined in soil were: pH, 6.5±1.0; TPH, 1930 mgkg-1; Cr, 4.4±2.1 mgkg-1; Cu, 7.0±4.3 mgkg-1; Zn, 99±63 mgkg-1; Pb, 35.5±9.0 mgkg-1; Cd, 3.3±0.9 mgkg-1; Ni, 7.6±5.5 mgkg-1 and Mn, 167±170 mgkg-1. Results showed that the levels of pH and pollutant parameters (which include TPH and the heavy metals) were significantly higher in the study area than the control area. The average values of pH, Cd, Zn and TPH in most of the sampling stations exceeded soil guideline values (SGVs) (lower than guideline range in the case of pH). Transfer factors of most of metals indicated that they had been moderately transferred from soil to plant. Various indexes calculated in the study also showed that the soils in the study area were of low quality as a result of these pollutants.

Aquifer protective capacity and groundwater quality investigations around some open dumpsites were conducted along New Road Sapele, Delta State. Nine Schlumberger arrangements of vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out with a maximum electrode separation of 500 m, and obtained data were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iteration using Win Resist software. 2D survey using nine dipole-dipole stations was also utilized to give resistivity map of the dumpsites, while standard laboratory methods were used to analyze the groundwater. The study shows four to five geoelectric sections. The aquifer is within the third, fourth, and fifth layers at a depth of 30 m. The overburden protective capacity from the total longitudinal unit conductance indicates that VES 1 and 5 are adequately protected with protective capacity of 0.7 to 0.9 mhos, VES 2, 3, 6, and 7 are moderately protected with conductance values of 0.2 to 0.69 mhos, VES 4 is weakly protected with values of 0.12 mhos, and VES 8 and 9 are poorly protected with values of 0.003 to 0.004 mhos. In the 2D imaging, VES 4, 8, and 9 show contaminant presence to the depth of 20 m while VES 3, 6, and 7 show contamination to a depth of 50 m. However, the aquifer shows good transmissivity, an indication that if it is contaminated, the contaminants will circulate the aquifer at a high rate. The groundwater flows in the northeast (NE) direction, thereby recharging river Ethiope. The study also shows the presence of lead (0.01 mg/l), nickel (0.02 mg/l), and cadmium (0.03 mg/l), which made it unsafe for drinking and use in other life-related activities. Groundwater should hence be sourced from a depth of about 45–50 m in order to tap from the uncontaminated aquifer.

The aim of this research is to appraise the performance of a gas turbine engine through the use of compressor online and off-line water washing optimization maintenance technique. Data were collected from the power generation station, Sapele, Delta State over a period of twenty four months (two yrs) from two gas turbine engines "GT1 & GT2", of the same capacity, and at the same location, commissioned the same time. GT1 uses both compressor online and off-line water washing optimization technique, while GT2 uses only off- line water washing optimization technique. The data collected were analyzed. It shows that before the offline water washing exercise, GT2 were operating at 8.47 bar, as depicted in trend for GT2. The compressor outlet pressure is an indication of fouling, as this menace causes a reduction of the pressure. The application of online water washing to GT1 increases the pressure to 9.99 bar. The trend shows that the use of online water washing improved the firing temperature of GT1 by 6.96%. The trend shows that the use of online water washing improved the Network output of GT1 by 6.42%. The network output momentarily decreases due to redeposition of foulants in the later stages of the compressor indicating inappropriate application of washing procedure. GT1 yielded compressor efficiency of 81.6% as a result of online water washing against the 78.5% of GT2. It also implies that the air pumping capacity of the GT1 compressor has increased. It is observed that a small change of the compressor efficiency have a significant effect on the overall GT performance and efficiency. GT1 has compressor efficiency of 81.6% which resulted to overall GT efficiency of 28.3% against 27.7% of GT2. GT1 fuel consumption was less by 2.14kg/kwh as a result of online water washing against the 18.55kg/kwh of GT2.

This study evaluated some geophysical and physicochemical characteristics of soil and groundwater resources in Sapele, Delta Sate of Nigeria using various standard techniques. The results of the resistivity data shows that a high resistive plume with resistivity > 12,000 Ohm-m has penetrated the soils beyond 21m beneath the surface in most parts of the surveyed area. The water samples shows high acidity with pH values in the range 4.6-5.1. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is low 46.40- 47.98mg/l and conductivity ranges from 72.80-78.8 μS/cm, There is no incidence of heavy metal pollution, only Iron is high (0.772-0.915mg/l). Total petroleum hydrocarbons-(TPH) as oil and gas revealed by gas chromatography result is below detection level (

International audience; Sorption behavior of four tropical woods coming from Cameroon is studied using a Dynamic VaporSorption-Intrinsic apparatus. Sorption isotherms at 20°C and 40°C ofTriplochiton scleroxylon(obeche),Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele), Sterculia rhinopetala (lotofa) and Terminalia superba (frakealso called limba) are compared to those in the literature with methods using saturated salts for lotofaand frake with satisfactory results. Experimental values are fitted using two sorption isotherm models.Sorption hysteresis is greatest in sapele and least in frake. When temperature increases, differencesin the hysteresis of sorption among the woods decreases. Hystereses of all studied woods rangedfrom 0,5 to 3%. Our studied woods have lower equilibrium moisture content probably caused by thehigher values of extractives content. The water sorbed molecules on multilayer during both adsorptionand desorption at 20°C and 40°C is greater in the case of frake and lower in the case of lotofa. Thewater sorbed molecules on multilayer of sapele is greater than those of obeche. The predominance ofmultilayer over monolayer of our woods is from 0,2 to 0,4 relative humidity in adsorption phase, andfrom 0,3 to 0,4 relative humidity in desorption phase.

International audience; This study provides the sorption isotherm, its hysteresis and their mass transfer properties of four Central Africa Tropical woods widely used for building construction: frake (Terminalia Superba), lotofa (Sterculia Rhinopetala), sapele (Entandrophragma Cylindricum) and ayous (Triplochiton Scleroxylon). Characterization of these four species in particular and Central Africa tropical woods in general were necessary to develop conservation and treatment of wood after first transformation using the drying. Also, moisture transport on wooden material used such as wall buildings can be facilitating to found the thermal comfort. Measurements of isotherms were performed using a dynamic vapor sorption apparatus (Surface Measurement Systems) at 20 and 40 degrees C with air relative humidity ranged from 0% to 90%. Mass diffusivity was determined in steady state using a specific vaporimeter. Air permeability was determined using a specialized device developed to measure over a wide range of permeability values. Permeability and mass transfer properties were determined in the tangential direction with a "false'' quartersawn board (sapele and lotofa) and in the radial direction with a flatsawn board (ayous and frake). Samples of sapele, ayous and frake are heartwood when lotofa contains as well as heartwood than sapwood. Results obtained showed that the temperature effect on sorption behavior was quite low. We observed also a low difference between the sorption behavior of these different species and hysteresis of sorption decreases when temperature increases. Hailwood-Horrobin model's explains plausibly the experimental sorption isotherms data. Results on characterization of mass transfer properties showed that, in the steady state, mass diffusivity decreases exponentially when basal density increases. Mass diffusivity was higher in desorption than in adsorption phase. The gaseous permeability of these species was between than those of Australian hardwoods and temperate woods. It was difficult to define a relationship between permeability and mass diffusivity.

The determination of some quality and performance properties of windows, made of tree species used frequently in industrial window manufacturing and the effects of tree species on those properties have been examined. According to the results of the study by considering regular standards, in the air resistance tests, the classification has been determined as follows: those made of Scots pine as (Pinus sylvestris) A4, European larch (Larix decidua) as A3 and Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum) as A2. The water resistance test has classified those made of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) as in between RA6 and RA7, European Larch (Larix decidua) as in between RA1 and RA3 and Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum) as RA1. As for wind resistance test, all species have been found in the class W5. When having made the same test in PVC for the purpose of controlling and making comparison and to verify the outcomes obtained from regular test, it was found that air permeability was A4, water tightness was RA9 and wind resistance test was W5. As can be seen from the given results, PVC has proved to show best performance among all, whereas Scots pine samples has shown the the best performance among all the other wood products followed by European Larch and Sapele. The reasons for that are the woodworking and workmanship quality rather than changeable physical, mechanical and technical properties of the wood species.

The study was carried out in Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from nine locations within Delta State namely Agbor, Asaba and Ubulu-uku (Delta North), Abraka, Oghara-Eki, Sapele (Delta Central), Oleh, Ozoro, Patani (Delta South). Surface soils (0-15 cm) and sub-surface soils (15-30 cm) depth. These were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. In one of the locations (Agbor) found to be deficient in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) field trials on the effects of these nutrients on the performance of maize (Zea mays) were carried out. The variety ACR-89DMRESR-W was used. The design was a 4 × 4 factorial scheme fitted into a randomized complete block design given sixteen treatments combinations with three replicates. The following treatments combinations were applied N0P20kg/ha, N0P40kg/ha, N0P6okg/ha, N20P0kg/ha, N20P20kg/ha, N20P40kg/ha, N20P60kg/ha, N40P0kg/ha, N40P20kg/ ha, N40P40kg/ha, N40P60kg/ha, N60P0kg/ha, N60P20kg/ha, N60P40kg/ha, and N60P60kg/ha. The parameter measured were plant height and leaf number at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting (WAP), respectively. Combined application of 40 kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha significantly increased maize plant height and leaf number among all the treatments. Therefore combined application of 40 kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha is recommended for optimum growth of maize in the study area.

The electrical resistivity survey has been used in the determination of the overburden protective capacity in Amukpe area of Delta State, Nigeria. Nineteen Schlumberger vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out with maximum electrode separation of 1000m. The data were presented as VES curves interpreted quantitatively by computer iteration using the Resist Software to obtain the first order geoelectric parameters. Three geoelectric layers namely the topsoil, laterite/clayey sand and sand (medium to coarse grained) were delineated from the survey. The topsoil has resistivity values ranging from 43 to 1067Ăm and thickness varyingfrom 0.8 to 1.6 m. The second geoelectric layer is composed of clayey sand and laterite with resistivity values ranging from 77 to 644 Ăm and thickness varying from 3.8 to 6.7 m. While the third geoelectric layer represents the aquiferous unit with resistivity values ranging from 200 to 1067 Ăm diagnostic of sand (fine to coarse grained). The interpreted geoelectric data correlated with lithologic logs of a borehole drilled in the study area. The overburden protective capacity in an area was evaluated by utilizing the total longitudinal unit conductance values. The generated longitudinal conductance map showed poor protective capacity (

The question of whether the rise in CO2 levels observed during the industrial era has influenced the rates of tree biomass growth represents one of the main unsolved questions in the field of climate change science. In this framework, the African tropical forest represents one of the most important carbon (C) sinks, but detailed knowledge of its response to elevated CO2 is still lacking, especially regarding tree growth rate estimations. A major limitation to determining growth rates in the African tropical region is that many trees lack seasonality in cambial activity determining annual growth rings. In this study, several species of trees characterizing the African tropical forest have been investigated to estimate their biomass growth rate by means of a procedure based on 14C and growth models. A total of 71 subsamples were analyzed for a Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) tree, and 38 and 25 wood subsamples for Erythrophleum suaveolens (tali) and Triplochiton scleroxylon (ayous) trees, respectively, using radiocarbon measurements at the Centre for Isotopic Research on Cultural and Environmental Heritage (CIRCE). All measured modern samples were in agreement with the Southern Hemisphere (SH) 14C bomb-spike curve. Observed preliminary results indicate a decrease in the growth rate of the sapele tree (~350 yr old) in the industrial period compared to the pre-industrial era. Growth rates for trees of the other 2 species were higher than sapele, with ayous being the fastest-growing species. © 2013 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona. The question of whether the rise in CO2 levels observed during the industrial era has influenced the rates of tree biomass growth represents one of the main unsolved questions in the field of climate change science. In this framework, the African tropical forest represents one of the most important carbon (C) sinks, but detailed knowledge of its response to elevated CO2 is still lacking, especially regarding tree growth rate estimations. A major limitation to determining growth rates in the African tropical region is that many trees lack seasonality in cambial activity determining annual growth rings. In this study, several species of trees characterizing the African tropical forest have been investigated to estimate their biomass growth rate by means of a procedure based on 14C and growth models. A total of 71 subsamples were analyzed for a Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) tree, and 38 and 25 wood subsamples for Erythrophleum suaveolens (tali) and Triplochiton scleroxylon (ayous) trees, respectively, using radiocarbon measurements at the Centre for Isotopic Research on Cultural and Environmental Heritage (CIRCE). All measured modern samples were in agreement with the Southern Hemisphere (SH) 14C bomb-spike curve. Observed preliminary results indicate a decrease in the growth rate of the sapele tree (~350 yr old) in the industrial period compared to the pre-industrial era. Growth rates for trees of the other 2 species were higher than sapele, with ayous being the fastest-growing species. © 2013 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona.

The Niger Delta is unique in Nigeria because it is the home of Nigeria’s oil industry, with its attendant environmental hazards such as water, land and air pollution. Polycyclic aromatic hy-drocarbons (PAHs) are among the most toxic and persistent components of crude oil. The im-pact of PAHs in the environment will be determined by the types and quantity of each PAH. This study was therefore designed to screen some rivers in oil-producing Delta state for pollu-tion with PAHs. Water and fish samples were collected from six Rivers (Egbokodo River in Warri, River Ethiope in Sapele, Urie River in Igbide Isoko, Asaba-Ase creek, Aragba River in Abraka, and Uzere Creek) in Delta State. The levels of PAHs were determined in the water and fish samples, and also in the processed dry ready-to-eat fish obtained from the same rivers. Generally, all the 16 priority PAHs were detected in five of the six Rivers, in three fresh fish samples and three dry ready-to-eat fish samples. The highest mean concentrations (3.79, 0.91, and 0.89 ppm) of PAH in water samples were in Rivers Ethiope, Asaba-Ase and Egbokodo re-spectively. Fresh fish samples from Aragba, Oteri, and Egbokodo Rivers had PAH values of 10.35, 0.36, 0.09 mg/kg wet weight respectively, while dry ready to eat fish from Oteri, Asaba-Ase, and Sapele had 29.33, 23.96, 0.39 mg/kg, respectively. Total bioconcentration factors (BCF) ranged from 0.0-1.73 in the rivers, except for aragba, which had a very high BCF (554.6) for anthracene. The results from this study portend a significant public health risk. An immediate attention from Nigeria’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency is required in or-der to protect the river from further pollution and the people living in these communities.

This study was carried out in Sapele, Jesse and Oghara, Delta state to determine the groundwater potential by correlating results of seismic refraction survey and those of electrical resistivity studies. Fifteen vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations were sounded and nine seismic stations were shot to complement the study. The seismic results show that the area has generally three or four layer formations. The thin weathering layer with thickness of 1.0 - 3.5 m has velocity range of 250 – 350 m/s. while the velocities of second and third layers range from 900 -1400m/s to consolidated zone. The analysis of the VES data delineated 4 to 5 layers with HK and AKA curves types mainly and showed that the formation of the area is basically conducting which suggests the existence of heavy clay or clayey sand formations. Although the numbers of layers delineated differ, both methods indicate that viable aquifer at Sapele and Jesse is generally within 25m although false and contaminated aquifer may be intercepted at 10 -15 m. On the contrary, Oghara is more of sandy formation with aquifer above 35 m.

Several factors affect wood durability but the influence of anatomy is scarcely studied. Vessels and fibres sampled across and along stems of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg) (odum), En-tandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague (sapele), Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. (emire) and Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (kyenkyen) were studied to understand the relationship between their vessel-fibre (V-F) ratios, specific gravities (SGs) and durabilities. Vessels, fibres and their proportions were examined from macerates and T.S. of prepared slides. While the timbers ex-hibit major hardwood cell-types (e.g. vessels, fibres and parenchyma), intra-stem variability ex-ists with more vessels and greater V-F ratios at the crowns and in sapwoods than at the butts and in heartwoods, unlike for fibres. Inter-specific variation also shows A. toxicaria has the greatest vessel content then T. ivorensis, E. cylindricum and M. excelsa, a contrary pattern for fibre con-tents. V-F ratio ranks as: A. toxicaria > E. cylindricum > T. ivorensis > M. excelsa, while SGs are higher in E. cylindricum (667) and M. excelsa (635) than in T. ivorensis (507) and A. toxi-caria (505), which hardly differ from published data. Except for E. cylindricum, butts have the greatest SGs. Correlations between their V-F ratios and SGs are R2 = 34%, 84%, 32% and 1% respectively. Timbers with greatest vessels and V-F ratios but least fibres and SGs have weak relationship and very low durabilities, as in A. toxicaria (R2 = 1%). However, M. excelsa, which has the strongest V-F ratio and SG relationship (R2 = 84%), is very durable.Keywords: Cell type, durability class, macerates, paratracheal parenchyma, vessel- fibre ratio

Despite longstanding laws against gas flaring in Nigeria which is the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, and shifting deadlines to end the practice, the activity continues, with serious environmental and health consequences for people living nearby. In the Niger Delta, especially in the Sapele community of Delta State where most of the flaring takes places, residents living near gas flares complain of respiratory problems, skin rashes and eye irritations, as well as damage to agriculture due to acid rain. The major environmental implications considered in this study are environmental pollution, and ecological disturbance or destruction. Several visitations to the neighboring communities like Amukpe and Ugberikoko Communities of Delta State adjacent to most gas flare locations were carried out to ascertain any existence of common environmental hazards. Data were gathered through a well-designed survey and direct and first-hand observation from the flared environment. Different samples at various proximities from the gas flare locations were taken and measurements and experimentations were logically carried out. The result obtained in this study showed some variations away from the flare point in the flow stations. The temperature tends to normalize at 31oC. This result shows a surface temperature elevation of about 1.8 oC above mean normal daily temperature within a distance of 400 m radius away from the flare point. Hence the thermal equilibrium within Sapele localities has been altered. Soil PH is near neutral (6.62-7.88) away from the flare points and the average high soil moisture content ranges between (92% - 94%) as against 96% for the flare points and control distance. These values portray a good omen for these communities under investigation. However, less than or closer to 400 m from the flare point, residents are likely to be exposed to gas flaring effects. Nigerian oil and gas industries should design and develop a gas compression and re-injection facility with the sole objective of achieving zero flaring. The facility should also be designed to ensure export capability and to compress wet and dehydrated gas to gas re-injection wells. Finally, residential buildings should be sited at least 1 km away from the flare point

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