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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.

In this study, the effect of wood species on pore structure of activated carbon (AC) generated from a self-activation process at different dwelling times was investigated. Ten hardwood species were selected (afromosia, alder, black cherry, makore, pomelle sapele, soft maple, teak, walnut, white oak and yellow poplar) were activated at 1050 O C for three dwelling times (10 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h). X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental analysis were performed on AC to analyze the carbon structure. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore volume, and BJH pore width of AC samples were determined. It was shown from the study that the mesopore width of AC decreased as micropores were transitioned to mesopores, leading to an increase in the pore volume and surface area. The density and porosity of the samples that underwent 2.5-h dwelling time were determined. The porosity of the wood and their resultant AC were compared. The porosity between the wood and its AC possessed a relationship when true bulk densities of the wood and carbon were compared. The porosity of wood had an impact on the bulk density of the carbon but not on the true density. No relationship was observed between the porosity and surface area of the carbon samples.

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

Acoustic insulation properties of selected African wood species: padouk, bubinga, sapele. The work determines the sound insulation properties of three wood species used in various types of acoustic partitions. The tests were carried out in a small acoustic chamber after generating white acoustic noise for 5.5 s. The level of sound intensity generated by the loudspeaker was 110 dB. The thickness of the wooden partitions was 20, 10 or 5 mm. The study was preceded by the determination of the moisture content, density and dynamic modulus of elasticity of the tested wood samples. In the 20–600 Hz frequency range, the sound insulation characteristics of the tested partitions changed dynamically but very similarly, while maintaining the mass law. In the higher frequency range, the impact of the partition thickness on insulation was individual, different for each wood species.

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.

This paper presents a numerical investigation of an indirect solar dryer for wood, using an absorber placed directly behind the transparent cover on the top of the dryer with a layer of air separating it from the cover. The floor and north wall are insulated and painted in black. The dryer is very simple to build and electrical energy is only used for the fan. Applications are done on three tropical woods with 50 mm thick most utilized in Central Africa: obeche (Triplochilon scleroxylon), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum). Comparisons between the numerical results and those experimentally obtained are given and the performances of this solar dryer are discussed under the weather conditions of seven towns in Central Africa region located in six different countries. Satisfactory agreement between experimental and numerical results is then obtained. With an average initial moisture content ranging between 0.4 and 0.48 kg/kg, the average final water contents are ranged from 0.15 to 0.18 kg/kg after 21 days in Yaounde during the months of November and December 2004. Modeling was applied from November 1st to the November 30th, to Sapele wood with 50 mm thick and 0.4 kg/kg initial moisture content dried in Bangui, Brazzaville, Douala, Kinshasa, Libreville and Yaounde until the final moisture content, which can vary from 0.13 to 0.1 kg/kg. Solar energy per cubic meter of wood was ranging from 2 to 4.3 GJ/m3 with a maximal thermal efficiency between 12 and 47%. Ndjamena’s climate is not good to use solar drying because of its low air absolute humidity that gives a fast drop in the moisture content and consequently destroys the wood board quality. Bangui, Brazzaville, Douala, Kinshasa, Libreville and Yaounde give satisfactory alternative drying conditions using the studied solar dryer. However, it is important to use a solar collector in those six towns in order to reduce the effect of the air absolute humidity and improve the drying kinetic.

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.

The thirty six years (1979-2014) meteorological data needed to calculate refractivity gradient is obtained from Era interim build on IFS CY31r2 model. Diurnal cycle of ducting occurrence for four seasons in Nigeria were analysed from refractivity gradient. Percentage occurrence of anomalous propagation in thirty locations across Nigeria were estimated. It is discovered that ducting is more frequent at mid night and early morning which also vary seasonally and regionally across the country. Highest percentage of 94 % of ducting and zero occurrence of sub refractive is obtained in Lagos. Highest percentage of 34.24 % and 45.62 % of super refractive and sub refractive are obtained in Sapele and Oban hill, respectively. Minimum percentage of 21.9 % and 4.33 % of ducting and super refractive were obtained for Calabar and Gashua, respectively. The minimum frequency for a radio wave to be trapped within Nigeria troposphere varies between 0.045 GHz and 0.11 GHz. The occurrence of anomalous propagation condition, such as ducts, super refractive and sub refractive provide valuable information about the propagation of radio waves over Nigeria, which will assist the radio engineer in their planning and designing of radio circuitry.

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.

As wood resources deplete, branchwood is being promoted to supplement stemwood in Ghana, but its natural durability, which indicates its service life and can influence its acceptance and use is scarcely studied. This study compares the natural durability and some anatomical properties of branchwood and stemwood of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) and Khaya ivorensis (mahogany) using Ceiba pentandra stemwood as control. Natural durability test followed field test method according to European Standard EN 252 1989 in combination with percentage weight losses while the anatomical investigations followed IAWA Committee 1989 recommendations. For each species, two branch logs were cut from each of two sampled trees from two natural forests in Ghana. Stemwood was also obtained from the same forest reserves as the branches. All sample groups were tested at air-dried moisture content of 14 ± 2 % as specified in the standard. Branchwood of both species were denser than their stemwood, but in addition to mahogany stemwood they were rated “non-durable”, while sapele stemwood was rated moderately durable. Thus at 5 % significance level, natural durability of mahogany branchwood appeared comparable to that of its stemwood whereas sapele branchwood was significantly less durable than its stemwood but more durable than Ceiba stemwood. Branchwood and stemwood vessels diameter and proportion also were significantly different (p

Branch wood is being promoted as supplement to stem wood but its natural durability is scarcely studied. This study compared the biological durability of branch wood of Entrandophragma cylindricum (sapele) to its stem wood for ground or other outdoor applications like garden furniture at two moisture levels (i.e., 9 ± 3 and 14 ± 2 % using kiln-drying and air-drying methods, respectively). The study followed a field test method according to EN 252-1989 in combination with percentage weight loss. Branch and stem wood samples were extracted from two natural forests in Ghana. Results indicated that branch wood of sapele was marginally denser than its stem wood. Percentage weight loss of branch wood compared to its stem wood was significantly higher by approximately 108 % at 14 ± 2 % moisture content (MC) but significantly lower by 53 % at 9 ± 3 % MC. The stem and branch woods at 14 ± 2 % MC were classified respectively as moderately durable and non-durable, but at 9 ± 3 % MC both were classified as moderately durable. Visual rating indicated that at 9 ± 3 % MC branch wood could have a better service life than stem wood. Density and MC correlated positively and negatively respectively with weight loss but the association was marginally stronger for stem wood (R2 = 0.86 %) than branch wood (R2 = 0.82 %). In conclusion, sapele branch wood material dried to 9 ± 3 % MC appeared more durable than branch wood at 14 ± 2 % MC or stem wood at either 9 ± 3 or 14 ± 2 % MC. Wood products manufacturers and users should consider using well dried branch wood of sapele to supplement stem wood for ground applications. Further research is encouraged to assess other properties of the branch wood in comparison with its stem wood for a firmer conclusion to be drawn on their utilization.

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.

Heavy oil is in abundance in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria but few operators are developing it because the high cost of development. Most operators have also suspended drilling of new wells due to financial contraints and the high cost of drilling. Apart from the heavy crude oil (18 to 20 deg API) characteristic of the Sapele Shallow field and the current financial constraints induced by low oil prices, the Sapele Shallow field has other technical challenges such as loss circulation, reservoir structural uncertainties and artificial lift issues for heavy oil. Other challenges include vague contractual rates, improper well scope definition and application of new technology. Based on the reviews done, wells can still be drilled, even with shoe string budgets irrespective of the technical and financial challenges. A variety of technologies and concepts has been developed to mitigate the challenges and reduce the average Sapele Shallow field development budget, and they include; Re-negotiation and reduction of existing contractual rates.Improved well planning and landing strategies.Reduction in drain hole length.Batch drilling.Slim hole drilling.Proper well completion scope definition.

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 paper reports on measurement of the heat capacity at constant pressure C p of silicon bio-carbide prepared within the 5–300 K temperature interval from beech tree wood (bio-SiC(BE)), and within 80–300 K, from tree wood of sapele (bio-SiC(SA)), as well as SiC/Si ecoceramics of beech, sapele, and white eucalyptus wood. It has been shown that in bio-SiC(BE) the measured heat capacity contains a significant contribution of surface heat capacity, whose magnitude decreases with increasing temperature. Of the ecoceramics, only SiC/Si(SA) characterized by a high enough porosity has revealed a small contribution to the heat capacity coming from its surface component. The experimental results obtained are discussed.

The thermopower coefficients of bio-SiC and SiC/Si ecoceramics prepared from sapele tree wood have been measured in the temperature interval 5–300 K. The measurements have been performed both along and perpendicular to empty (bio-SiC), as well as empty and partially silicon-filled (SiC/Si) channels in the samples. In bio-SiC, a contribution to thermopower associated with electron drag by phonons has been shown to exist within the temperature interval 5–200 (250) K. No such effect is realized in SiC/Si. This is assumed to derive from the presence in this material of heavily doped silicon embedded in SiC channels and the dominant part it plays in the behavior of the thermopower of this ceramics. The results obtained for the thermopower are compared with the available data for bio-SiC prepared from white eucalyptus tree wood and heavily doped bismuth.

This study assessed the growth and haematology of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed aqueous extracts of Senegal Ash (Ekebergia senegalensis) and Sapele Tree (Entandrophragma utile) bark-based diets. Two hundred and twenty-five C. gariepinus fingerlings (1.5±0.2 g) were randomly fed for 28 days with diets containing 25 g/l and 50 g/l of aqueous extract of E. senegalensis and E. utile diets as Trt 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, 0 g/l of the test plants served as control (Trt 1). The survival (%) of experimental fish showed significant difference (p0.05. The bioactive constituents of test plants are flavonoid, saponin, anthraquinones and terpenoids and could have enhanced the survival of the fish. Conclusively, aqueous extract of E. utile bark can be included in the diet of C. gariepinus fingerlings at 25 g/l for good growth and 50 g/l for high survival.Keywords: Nutrition, blood parameters, Ekebergia senegalensis, Entandrophragma utile, Clarias gariepinus

Samples of β-SiC/Si ecoceramics with a silicon concentration of ∼21 vol % have been prepared using a series of consecutive procedures (carbonization of sapele wood biocarbon, synthesis of high-porosity biocarbon with channel-type pores, infiltration of molten silicon into empty channels of the biocarbon, formation of β-SiC, and retention of residual silicon in channels of β-SiC). The electrical resistivity ρ and thermal conductivity κ of the β-SiC/Si ecoceramic samples have been measured in the temperature range 5–300 K. The values of ρ Si chan (T) and κ Si chan (T) have been determined for silicon Sichan located in β-SiC channels of the synthesized β-SiC/Si ecoceramics. Based on the performed analysis of the obtained results, the concentration of charge carriers (holes) in Sichan has been estimated as p ∼ 1019 cm−3. The factors that can be responsible for such a high value of p have been discussed. The prospects for practical application of β-SiC/Si ecoceramics have been considered.

The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of high-porosity (∼52 vol %, channel-type pores) bio-SiC samples prepared from sapele wood biocarbon templates have been measured in the temperature range 5–300 K. An analysis has been made of the obtained results in comparison with the data for bio-SiC samples based on beech and eucalyptus, as well as for polycrystalline β-SiC. The conclusion has been drawn that the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of bio-SiC samples based on natural wood are typical of heavily doped polycrystalline β-SiC.

Pelusios spp. procured from four locations in southern Nigeria were investigated for polystomatid infection. None of the P. niger examined haboured monogeneans. Pelusios castaneus from Sapele, Ossisa and Abeokuta were infected with P. bourgati in the urinary bladder. The morphometrics of the parasites from the infected Nigerian terrapins were in the same range as those previously described from Togo and Senegal, except that the Senegalese specimens were slightly smaller with respect to the body size. While the testes of the specimens recovered from Ossisa and Abeokuta were ovoid to round in shape, those in parasites recovered from turtles purchased from Sapele were lobed and laterally elongated. Two of the parasite specimens recovered from turtles purchased in Ossisa had seven haptoral suckers. This is the first report of such an occurrence among polystomes.

Korkut, Suleyman/0000-0002-4871-354X WOS: 000300921100052 Thermally modified wood is being increasingly offered in Europe as an alternative to preservative-treated timber. The aim of this study is to determine the change of various physical properties (oven-dry density, air-dry density, weight loss, swelling and anti-swelling efficiency (ASE)), compression strength parallel to grain, colour difference (Delta E), glossiness and surface roughness of sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), limba (Terminalia superba) and iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) woods after heat treatment under different temperatures and durations. For this study wood specimens were subjected to heat treatment under atmospheric pressure and air at two different temperatures (160 degrees C and 180 degrees C) and two different times (2 h and 4 h). Multiple physical properties (oven-dry density, air-dry density, and swelling), compression strength parallel to the grain and surface roughness of the heat-treated wood and control samples were tested. A stylus method was employed to evaluate the surface characteristics of the samples. Roughness measurements using the stylus method were made in the direction perpendicular to the fiber. Four main roughness parameters which are mean arithmetic deviation of profile (Ra), mean peak-tovalley height (Rz), root mean square roughness (Rq), and maximum roughness (Ry) obtained from the surface of wood were used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the surface characteristics of the specimens. Significant difference was found (P=0.05) between physical and technological properties, and surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Ry, Rq) at two temperatures and two durations of heat treatment. Based on the findings of this study, the results showed that oven-dry density, air-dry density, swelling, compression strength parallel to grain and surface roughness values decreased with increasing treatment temperature and treatment time. Thus, sapele, iroko, and limba wood can be utilized with proper heat treatment techniques for outdoor and indoor applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance indices as measured by percentage of shortfall of energy generated, load factor, utilization factor and capacity factor of Sapele thermal power station, Nigeria in the period 1997 to 2006 is presented. The thermal station uses both steam and gas turbines. The station consists of six units of steam turbine and four units of gas turbine with total installed capacity of 1020 MW. But it was established that less than 17 % of the installed capacity was available. The percentage shortfall of energy generated for the period under review ranged from 27.4 to 49.1 %. This was due to aging of the plant, improper operation and maintenance. The load factor was between 39.9 and 64 % as against international best practice of 80 %. The inability of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to do turn-around maintenance on the plant was advanced for the dismal value. Average plant availability of the plant for the studied period was less than 21% as against Industry best practice of over 95 %. The capacity factor was even more dismal. For the period under review, it ranged from as low as 5.49 % in 2006 to the highest value of 17.19 % in 1997. Low capacity factor indicates excessive plant failure. Measures to improve the performance indices of the plant have been suggested such as training of operation and maintenance (O & M) personnel regularly, improvement in O & M practices, proper spare parts inventory, organizing regular management meetings and improving general housekeeping of the plant.

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 (

This paper reports on measurements of the heat capacity at constant pressure Cp in the 80–300-K temperature interval and the thermopower coefficient S at 5–300 K of the carbon preform of sapele wood, which was prepared at the carbonization temperature of 1000°C. Measurements of Cp(T), our previous data on the phonon thermal conductivity, and literature information on the sound velocity have been used to calculate the phonon mean free path l(T) for this material. It has been shown that within the temperature interval 200–300 K, l is constant and equal to 11 A, a figure matching the size of the nanocrystallites (“graphite fragments”) making up the carbon framework of the sapele carbon preform. The high-temperature parts of S(T) have been found to follow a linear course characteristic of diffusive thermopower for the degenerate state of charge carriers, with only one type of charge carriers present. The anisotropy of the thermopower coefficient has been estimated.

This paper reports on measurements (in the temperature range T = 5–300 K) of the thermal conductivity κ(T) and electrical conductivity σ(T) of the high-porosity (∼63 vol %) amorphous biocarbon preform with cellular pores, prepared by pyrolysis of sapele wood at the carbonization temperature 1000°C. The preform at 300 K was characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis. Nanocrystallites 11–30 A in ize were shown to participate in the formation of the carbon network of sapele wood preforms. The dependences κ(T) and σ(T) were measured for the samples cut across and along empty cellular pore channels, which are aligned with the tree growth direction. Thermal conductivity measurements performed on the biocarbon sapele wood preform revealed a temperature dependence of the phonon thermal conductivity that is not typical of amorphous (and X-ray amorphous) materials. The electrical conductivity σ was found to increase with the temperature increasing from 5 to 300 K. The results obtained were analyzed.

In this study, it was investigated how steaming of beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and sapele (Entan- drophragma cylindricum) woods effect the adhesion strength of some varnish types. With this objective, first of all, the surface roughnesses of the steamed and unsteamed speci- mens having tangential and radial surfaces and prepared from beech and sapele were measured (Kilicet al., J Mat Proc Tech 2008, 199, 448). Subsequently, cellulosic, polyur- ethane and water-based bright varnishes were applied on these surfaces according to the principles stated in ASTM D 4541 and TS EN 24624 and the adhesion strength of the varnished layers were determined. According to the results of the study, the effects of the type of wood, steam- ing, surface and varnish types were found to be significant in the adhesion strength to the surfaces of the different varnish layers applied to the surfaces of different wooden materials. It was found that beech wood had a higher ad- hesion strength than sapele wood. The adhesion strength of steamed wooden materials had a lower strength com- pared with those that were unsteamed. The adhesion strength of specimens with a radial surface were found to be higher than the specimens with tangential surfaces. Whereas, in the varnish types, the highest adhesion strength was obtained with the polyurethane varnish, which completed the chemical reaction on the surfaces of the wooden material. In conclusion, it could be proposed to use beech wood materials having a radial surface in the jobs requiring a high adhesion strength, to sand once again the material due to the increase in roughness of steaming and to use polyurethane varnish. V C 2009 Wiley

The effect of the vibrational strain amplitude on the Young’s modulus and ultrasound absorption (internal friction) of a SiC/Si biomorphic composite prepared by pyrolysis of sapele wood followed by infiltration of silicon were investigated. The studies were conducted in air and in vacuum by the acoustic resonance method with the use of a composite vibrator in longitudinal vibrations at frequencies of about 100 kHz. Measurements performed on sapele wood-based bio-SiC/Si samples revealed a substantial effect of adsorption-desorption of molecules contained in air on the effective elasticity modulus and elastic vibration decrement. Microplastic characteristics of the SiC/Si composites prepared from wood of different tree species were compared.

The acoustic investigations of the elastic (Young’s modulus) and microplastic properties of a composite material, the SiC/Al-13Si-9Mg biomorphic metal ceramic, were performed. The ceramic was prepared by infiltration of the Al-13Si-9Mg melt into porous silicon carbide derived from wood of two species of trees, beech and sapele. The measurements were performed with a composite piezoelectric vibrator under resonance conditions, with rod-shaped samples vibrated longitudinally at about 100 kHz over a wide range of vibrational strain amplitudes, which included both the linear (amplitude-independent) and nonlinear (microplastic) regions. It was shown that the Young’s modulus and the microplastic properties of the composite are anisotropic and depend substantially on the tree species, particularly when longitudinal vibrations are excited in samples cut along the tree fibers.

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.