NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT

ASSESSMENT OF SUBSOIL CORROSIVITY USING GEOELECTRIC LAYER PARAMETERS AT ILERE COMMUNITY NEAR AKURE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Fifty-nine (59) vertical electrical sounding (VES) data were acquired within Ilere community, near Akure southwestern Nigeria to characterize the area into different corrosivity zones at different depth surfaces. The acquired field data were interpreted using manual curve matching technique and the initial layer parameters (resistivity and thickness) were iterated to produce the final geoelectric parameters (resistivity and thickness). Since metallic utilities are installed at different depths depending on their purpose, the VES results were presented as table, topsoil and iso-resistivity depths slice maps (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 3.0 m) in order to make the research work relevant for different uses. The 0.5 m depth slice isoresistivity map shows that about 75% of this depth surface are of higher resistivity (above 201 Ωm) suggesting negligible corrosivity. The 0.75 m depth slice isoresistivity map indicated that about 70% of this depth surface are of higher resistivity (above 201 Ωm) suggesting negligible corrosivity. Likewise, the 1.0 m depth slice isoresistivity map shows that about 60% of this depth surface are of higher resistivity (above 201Ωm) suggesting negligible corrosivity. Finally, the 3.0 m depth slice isoresistivity map shows that about 35% of this depth surface are of higher resistivity (above 201 Ωm) suggesting negligible corrosivity. There is a reduction in the percentage of the portion delineated to be of negligible corrosivity in each depth slices of the study area as we move deeper into the subsurface

APPLICATION OF RFM MODEL ON CUSTOMER SEGMENTATION IN DIGITAL MARKETING

M. Akazue, K. H. Esiri, A. Clive — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Customers play a pivotal role in the success of any business. The ability to attract and retain the right clientele, who consistently engage with a company's products and services, hinges on a thorough understanding of their purchasing behavior. Successful businesses tailor their offerings to meet the unique requirements and preferences of their customers. Utilizing marketing analysis tools, such as the RFM model, facilitates the segmentation of customers based on distinct parameters, enabling the identification of high-value customers through factors like purchase behavior. In addressing this critical aspect of customer-centric strategies,
our research introduces an innovative early purchase prediction framework. This framework aims to assess the likelihood of a potential customer purchasing soon. Leveraging a combination of a decision tree classifier and a gradient-enhancing classification approach, we tackled the classification challenge using a dataset obtained from statistadata.com, focusing on digital market dynamics. Our findings reveal that the gradient-enhancing classifier model outperformed others, demonstrating an impressive accuracy of 93% and an AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.98. This research not only contributes to the advancement of predictive
modeling in the realm of customer behavior but also underscores the practical application of such models in digital marketing strategies. As businesses navigate the intricacies of customer engagement, our proposed framework offers valuable insights to enhance decision-making processes and optimize marketing efforts.

ATTENDANCE SYSTEM USING IRIS RECOGNITION

Kenneth Obokparo Orugba, Anthony Imianvan — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Iris is one of the biometric systems of recognition. Its algorithms provides a high transparency in recognition of individuals. The Iris recognition takes class attendance and attendance of staffs in their working establishment by capturing the image using the iris sensitivity for a matching on the database. A model for attendance recording using Iris Recognition is presented in this paper. This is far better than the traditional/manual method of taking attendance in institutions which is full of mistakes and manipulations

PHOTOELECTRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL (DSSCS) BASED ON NITROGEN DOPED CARBON QUANTUM DOT (CQDT) AND NATURAL PIGMENT EXTRACTED FROM ROSELLE HYBISCUS SABDARIFA

B. O. Ogo, A Ekpekpo, O.M Osiele, O. O. Ernest — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Citric acid, Ammonia and distilled water were used to synthesized Nitrogen doped carbon quantum dot (CQDT) and natural pigment was extracted from Roselle Hybiscus Sabdarifa flower. These sensitizers were used to fabricate monolithic dye sensitized solar cells, using Doctor Blade technique. Three samples of DSSCs were fabricated with CQDT, Hybiscus Sabdarifa dye and Hybiscus Sabdarifa +CQDT. These fabricated cells were characterized and the optical properties of the cells fabricated shows that the maximum absorbance of CQDT, hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT was 1.75 %, 2.38 % and 2.17 % respectively. Moreso, the bandgap energy of the CQDT is 2.25 eV while hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT is 1.88 eV and 1.92 eV respectively. The X-ray diffraction spectrum results reveals that the synthesized cells were polycrystalline in nature. The SEM
images further exhibit a nanograins, that is spread throughout the substrate surface which show a stacked like agglomeration due to glass substrate used for the synthesis. The average crystallite size obtained was about 1 to 9 nm from the XRD data. The photoelectrical properties of the CQDT, hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT revealed that the conversion efficiency was 4.17 %, 2.63 % and 1.17% respectively. This shows that the dye adhere well with the CQDT material thereby creating space for photovoltaic activities.

COMPOSITION, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF NON-CICHLID FISH COMMUNITY IN OGBO STREAM AND ITS FLOODPLAIN, ENHWE, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

E. I. Innocent, B. Ikomi Robert — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A preliminary survey of the composition, abundance and distribution of non-cichlid fish community was carried out at Ogbo stream and its floodplain in Enhwe, Delta State Nigeria. Water samples and fishes were sampled and analyzed using APHA methods and standard fishing gear respectively. The physicochemical parameters revealed distinct values for station 1 (Temperature: 25.63°C, Transparency: 25.09 cm, Sulphate: 7.56 mg/L) and station 2 (Temperature: 23.60 °C, Transparency: 19.90 cm, Sulphate: 6.68 mg/L). Among the parameters, only Temperature, Transparency, and Sulphate exhibited a noteworthy difference (p<0.05) between the two stations. Transparency had a negative correlation with other parameters in Station 1. A total of 725 individual fish species belonging to eight families and genera were sampled. Among the notable findings, Clariidae emerged as the most abundant family, constituting 82.90% of the total relative abundance across both stations. Clarias
camerunensis exhibited the highest abundance, comprising 62.20% of the total individuals sampled. Parachanna africana and Clarias pachynema also demonstrated significant presence, contributing 15.00% and 13.20% to the total relative abundance, respectively. ANOVA indicates a significant difference in the composition and abundance of fish species between the stream and floodplain (p < 0.05), emphasizing the influence of habitat-specific factors. The Margalef’s richness (1.67), dominance (0.64), diversity (1.32) and evenness (0.34) index of fishes was higher in the stream than in the floodplains. Magnesium, sulphate, temperature, and transparency were positively correlated to the distribution patterns of Pantodon bucholzi, Clarias jaensis, Phractolaemus ansorgei, and Heterotis niloticus in station 1, with the exception of P. africana and Polypterus senegalus. There was a negative association between dissolved oxygen, nitrate, pH, and Iron, and the distribution of fishes in station 2. Ogbo stream
and its floodplain have low abundance and distribution of fish species. Therefore, it demands for sampling efforts and long-term studies to unravel the checklist of species

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME COMMONLY USED TOOTHPASTES AGAINST SOME PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

O. O. Whiliki , D. A. Ehwarieme, Ejiro Dowe — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The efficacy of any toothpaste lies in its ability to eliminate pathogenic oral microflora. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimicrobial activity of five commonly used toothpastes (Oral B, CloseUp, Macleans, Colgate and Dabur Herbal) against some selected clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans). The antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zones of inhibition by well diffusion method. Further laboratory experiment was carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the
toothpastes on the different organisms. The results suggested that all the toothpastes had antimicrobial activity against the selected organisms and the activity of the various toothpastes increased with increase in concentration. Oral B gave the highest zone of inhibition (25.0mm). The gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylooccusaureus)
were found to be more susceptible to the different concentrations of the different toothpaste than the gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). Bacillus subtilis was the most susceptible while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the least susceptible organism

PREVALENCE OF HEAMOLYSIN-BL AND CYTOTOXIN K TOXINIGENIC BACILLUS CEREUS IN MILK/MILK PRODUCTS IN OGHARA AND ENVIRONS

B. E IGERE, F. O. ONORIASAKPOBARE , M.V ADEOLA — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bacillus cereus; a ubiquitous Gram-positive strain, has been implicated in foodborne diseases and contamination of milk/products as its toxins produce emetic disease and gastroenteritis/diarrheal especially when appropriate hygienic conditions are defiled. In
recent times, there is a high interest in the consumption of raw Milk/product in such besmirched state which necessitates study. Current study investigates prevalence of B. cereus and detects heat stable (ST) enterotoxin in raw milk/products to ascertain
microbiological safety and related health concerns amongst such dairy products. Commercially available raw milk/products were obtained {(with quantity as follows: 5-powdered cowbell milk, 5-Nutri milk, 5-Viju milk, 5-La cream yogurt and 5-fresh Cow/raw milk (Fura da-nunu)} from our local market and public vendors within the Western-Delta-region of Delta State. Samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures and isolates were characterized by morphological, cultural and biochemical tests attributable to B. cereus while the detection of virulence dynamics employed both blood agar and 1-3 days old suckling mice. Amongst the 20 (80%) isolates observed, 14 (70%) isolates were presumptively identified as B. cereus with each of them expressing onto the blood agar medium observable β-haemolysis. The ST enterotoxin test shows that among the 14 recovered isolates of B. cereus, 50% (7) were positive to heat stable enterotoxin test (ST). Such observation suggests contamination and unhealthy state of such milk/milk products and its consumption poses a potential outbreak hub. There is routine and urgent need for surveillance/reevaluation as well as microbiological safety of such milk/products within the study environment

CONCENTRATIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK OF SELECTED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SEDIMENTS FROM RIVER ETHIOPE, SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Lucky Ohwovorione, O. Emoyan Onoriode — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by hydrocarbon compounds poses severe environmental and human health concerns. Hence this study aimed to investigate the concentrations and associated risk of selected aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the River Ethiope, an important water resource in Nigeria. A comprehensive sampling was conducted, collecting sediment samples at various locations (Umuaja, Obinoba, Abraka, Eku, Okpara, Aghalokpe, and Sapele) along the river. The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) to quantify the concentrations of hydrocarbons, with a specific focus on aliphatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are known for their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. From the results obtained in this study, the total concentrations of Aliphatic compounds at various site from sites ranged from 10897 - 316783 µg/kg in (C8-C39), with Okpara containing the highest concentration and Eku with the lowest concentration. Hydrocarbon C36 was not detected in Umuaja while hydrocarbon C37 was not discovered in Aghalokpe, Okpara-Waterside and Sapele. Also, hydrocarbon C10, C11 and C12 was not detected in Okpara-Waterside and Sapele. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in all hydrocarbons detected among the different sampling locations except in hydrocarbon C34 which showed no significant different (p>0.05). The outcome of this study from carbon preference index (CPI) reveals that the major source of hydrocarbon contamination is associated with petroleum activities and have contributed valuable information for environmental monitoring programs, policymaking, and decision-making processes aimed at safeguarding water quality and mitigating the potential detrimental effects of hydrocarbon contamination in similar aquatic environments.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENHANCED AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

M. Akazue, L. O. Pirah, C. Ogeh, S. A Otegbalor — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Greenhouse system provides a controlled environment for breeding highvalue crops, medical plants, and flowers. Literature review shows that crops grown inside the Greenhouse are healthier with better results. The automation of greenhouses is necessary to solve the problem of over-irrigation of crops due to human error, which results in low crop yield and death of crops. This work examines and investigates farming techniques and proposes how the automation of the greenhouse technology using the Android phone for its operations will be of benefit. This research further developed an IoT agricultural Greenhouse System that will enable farmers to carry out automated irrigation and to remotely view the activities in the greenhouse. This advanced irrigation method uses an IoT technological approach to monitor the temperature of the farm to determine when to turn on the irrigation system, light, and fan for crop growth using the Android system. A user interface, to monitor the temperature and soil
humidity, and display the activities in the agricultural Greenhouse System, was also developed. The system evaluation showed higher efficiency in performance using temperature and humidity parameters measurement

COMPARATIVE Pb(II) ADSORPTION BY ACTIVATED CARBON FROM AFRICAN STAR APPLE (Chrysophylumalbidum) AND PAWPAW (Carica papaya) SEEDS

Osabohien Emmanuel , C. Overah Loretta, U. Anikwushe Yvonne, M. Eguvbe Peter — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Two types of phosphate-activated carbon were prepared from African star apple (Chrysophylumalbidum) (CAAC) seed shell and pawpaw (Carica papaya) (CPAC) seeds, characterized, and employed for Pb(II) ion sorption from simulated contaminated water by studying the sorption rates and effects of pH, dosage and temperature. Experimental data were assessed using kinetic models, and thermodynamic properties were investigated. Characterizations suggested hydroxyl, carboxyl, amides, and phosphate functional groups were active in Pb(II) ion adsorption. The Pb(II) ion uptake was swift, as equilibrium was attained within 60 minutes for both adsorbents. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) and fractal pseudosecond-order (FPSO) kinetics models fitted the rate data. The effective adsorbent dose for 50 mL of contaminant solution was 1.0 g for both CAAC and CPAC adsorbents, and the pH of optimum sorption was 5. The Pb(II) ion sorption process was exothermic for both adsorbents. The process was increasingly spontaneous with higher temperatures and reduced entropy as the process transitioned towards equilibrium. BothCAAC and CPAC adsorbents may be employed in water treatment over a wide temperature range. Comparatively, both adsorbents exhibited
similar sorption strength

PROTECTIVE CAPACITY ASSESSMENT OF A SHALLOW AQUIFER AT THE EASTERN PART OF ADO-EKITI, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

O.G. Olaseeni, M.T. Aroyehun, O.D. Odeleye, J. Tsado, E. Lawan, A.A. Ajayi — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) survey has been undertaken at the eastern part of Ado-Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria to assess the aquifer protective capacity of the overburden units of the area. The Schlumberger electrode array was adopted with a maximum current electrode spread (AB) of 300 m. Thirty-six (36) VES points was occupied and processed through a partial curve matching
technique and 1-D forward modeling computer-assisted software. The interpretation revealed H, A, KH and HA-type curves and three major geoelectric layers overlying the resistive basement. The groundwater potential and overburden protective capacity maps were prepared. The groundwater in the area was categorized into high, medium and low groundwater potential zones.
About 80% of the study area falls within the moderate/low groundwater potential zone while the remaining 20% constituted the high groundwater potential zone (Agric Olope area). Hence, the groundwater potential rating of other areas is considered to be low. The values of longitudinal conductance (ranging from 0.01 to 2.01 mhos) of the area enabled the overburden units to be rated into good, moderate and weak protective capacity. About 75% of the area falls within the good/moderate rating while 25% constitutes the weak/poor protective capacity rating (Agric Olope area), suggesting that the groundwater around Agric Olope is vulnerable to contamination

CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF NORMAL AND JAUNDICE-RELATED BIRTHS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN GENERAL HOSPITAL AGBOR (SEMI-URBAN) AND FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ASABA (URBAN), 2013-2022

Chinonso Ogbein Marvellous, Zinzendoff Okwonu Friday , Aishah Ahad Nor — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates the correlation between normal births and jaundice-related births at General Hospital Agbor and Federal Medical Center Asaba for the years 2013-2022. Utilizing Pearson correlation analysis, the research aimed to assess the relationship between these variables in semi-urban and urban healthcare settings. Results indicate a moderate to weak positive correlation, with numerical values revealing a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.5234 for General Hospital Agbor and 0.3086 for Federal Medical Center Asaba. Beyond establishing the strength of this correlation, the paper unveils practical implications. A moderate positive relationship is observed in the semi-urban location, suggesting that as the number of normal births increases, jaundice-related births may also rise moderately. Conversely, the urban location displays a weak positive relationship, implying a milder
association between normal and jaundice-related births. These findings highlight the nuanced nature of the correlation in different healthcare contexts. Practically, this research contributes valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Understanding the varying degrees of correlation informs targeted interventions and resource allocation. For
instance, in semi-urban areas, emphasis on early detection and management of jaundicerelated cases may be crucial. Meanwhile, in urban settings, the weaker correlation signals the need for a comprehensive approach, possibly focusing on factors beyond birthing patterns. In conclusion, this paper not only quantifies the correlation between normal and jaundicerelated births but also underscores its practical significance in diverse healthcare landscapes. The numerical values substantiate the identified relationships, offering a quantitative basis for decision-making and intervention strategies.

GREEN ADSORBENT SYNTHESIS FROM ORANGE MESOCARP CELLULOSE USING GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION

M. O Onigbinde , M.O Osuide — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The potential of agricultural waste like orange (Citrus sinensis) mesocarp is yet to be explored. Thus, in this study the extraction of green adsorbent that will be renewable, low cost and environmentally friendly from orange mesocarp was examined. The extraction was done using alkali pretreatment method followed by bleaching process to obtain cellulose and dissolve the hemicellulose, lignin and other extractives. Then, graft copolymerisation of acrylamide onto the cellulose obtained was done using free radical initiation system. Grafting parameters were studied by varying the effects of initiator concentrations, monomer to cellulose ratio, temperature and time. Distilled water was used to extract the formed polyacrylamide (PAam) for 48 hours. And the
characterization of the extracted and grafted cellulose samples was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Orange mesocarp gave a cellulose average yield of 29.1%. The optimum grafting conditions were found to be 30OC at a time interval of 2 hours, ratio of monomer to cellulose being 3:1 and initiator concentration of 0.020M. The percentages of polymerization, graft and graft efficiency were 113.40, 86.83 and 45.90 respectively. Also, the absorbance peaks of the samples confirmed that grafting was effectively carried out on the cellulose backbone

A LOCALIZED BASED APPLICATION FOR AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS LOCATION-AWARE SYSTEM

C. Maduabuchukwu, E. A. Edje — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The mobile application for car mechanics detecting system is a mobile application that automates the different vehicle services required by a vehicle user. Car maintenance and mechanic detector system is a method taken to reduce stress in the society. It is a
continuous process and activity in our communities, national and other countries, and this application will be of immense benefit to all vehicle/car owners or users in our communities and Delta States large. The proposed system consists of wireless sensor
networks, GPS tracking devices, and cloud computing. In the course of this research work, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) software development methodology is applied. RAD is an approach for building computer systems that combines Computer
Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tools and with prototyping techniques to accelerate software system development providing it with reliable formula for top-notch quality and productivity. The proposed system is built on the operations of tracking or
locating automobile mechanics electronically, there is central database system where automobile mechanics data can be properly recorded/registered, there is interactive application where automobile mechanics details can be uploaded because of the
effective centralized database, very easy in searching for automobile mechanics information and location because of centralized database system and automobile mechanics can be contacted easily when needed because of the interactive mobile application for car mechanics detecting system. Based on the research nature, it was recommended amongst others that, a centralized database system for storing details of automobile mechanics were developed and functional

HEAVY METALS ASSESSMENT AND ASSOCIATED POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK OF BUILDING SEDIMENT DEPOSITION IN OKPARE CREEK, NIGERIA

E. O. Esi , O. Ikegu, E. E. Amiegbereta , E. C. Oduah — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metals concentrations in sediments may pose significant threats to human health and well-being of the general ecosystem. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct a thoughtful assessment of sediment characteristics with regards to heavy metal concentration as a raw material for building in the studied area. Twenty sediment samples were collected (five each from localities) and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, V, Fe and Ni were 6.33, 2.65, 0.45, 1,201, 0.38, 0.00, 1026.39 and 0.65 mg/kg respectively in each of the four localities. The results exceeded both recommended limit and other scientist report of similar environment. Also, the health risk impacts computed were all higher than limits. These high values may be attributed to the nature of the area geological formation, application of fertilizer to the farmlands and petroleum exploration and production activities. Cd stood out as the main culprit for potential ecological risks. The average contamination level, as indicated by Igeo values ranging from 0.28 to 0.79 mg/kg, raised concerns, especially at locality 1. Across the board, I-geo values remained generally low (< 2). Cd and Pb, with an I-geo value of about 1, significantly impacted sediment pollution. Average EF values were from 0.02 to 5.76 which revealed that human activities heavily influenced the sediment, marking them as significantly enriched with observed heavy metals. In particular, Cd played a major role in the sediment's enrichment, indicating a high level of environmental impact.