Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the physicochemical properties of hand-dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government...Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the physicochemical properties of hand-dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, using standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The mean range of pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and sulphate in the well water samples at the determined sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits were 5.9 - 7.24, 1.92 - 6.63 NTU, 122.03 - 303.91 μs/cm, 100.00 - 261.90 mg/L, 1.21 - 4.68 mg/L and 28.89 - 49/61 mg/L respectively. The investigated mean physicochemical parameters of the well water samples were generally observed to increase with decrease in the distance of the well water samples from the sanitary pits. The levels of the determined physicochemical parameter of the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant. The mean pH values of the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were below the WHO recommended threshold limits for safe drinking water. Additionally, the mean values of turbidity and total dissolved solids of the well water samples at a sampling distance of 3 m from the sanitary pits were above the WHO permissible limits. The pH, turbidity and total dissolved solids are some of the most important parameters used in assessing the quality of any water source, therefore, the poor physicochemical properties of well water samples at a sampling distance of 3 m from the sanitary pits could put at severe health risk consumption of this water over a prolonged time. Siting well water at a reasonable far distance (above 10 m) for sanitary pits especially in communities with severe water scarcity would definitely help guarantee access to safe drinking water by rural as well as urban dwellers in Nigeria.展开更多
<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the phytochemical and heavy metal levels in </span><i>&l...<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the phytochemical and heavy metal levels in </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Solanum aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria respectively using standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The fruit samples were assayed for selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cu) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after wet digestion of the samples. The five detected phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides) were present at varying amounts in the investigated fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria. The range of mean values of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the two studied regions were 0.50 - 0.57, 0.53 - 1.26, 0.44 - 0.78, 1.12 - 1.93 and 0.40 - 0.50 mg/g respectively. The range of mean values of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the two studied regions of Nigeria were 1.27 - 1.69, 0.53 - 0.55, 0.96 - 1.51, 0.41 - 0.83 and 0.90 - 1.74 mg/g respectively. The range of mean vales of Pb, Cd, and Cu in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the two studied regions were 0.15 - 0.24, 0 - 0.01, 0.78 - 1.12 μg/g respectively. 0.31 - 0.40, 0.02 - 0.05 and 0.62 -</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.96 μg/g were the range of mean values of Pb, Cd and Cu</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">respectively in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the two studied regions of Nigeria. Of the three investigated heavy metals, only Cd was at toxic levels in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria. This is therefore a health concern to the fruit consumers that includes these fruits in their habitual daily fruit diets. Although the therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits that </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">would</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> be derived from consuming</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the investigated fruit samples ha</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> been shown in this study, there is therefore a possible risk of undue exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metal, especially through growing these fruits in polluted soils resulting from unwholesome anthropogenic practices. For fruit consumers to derive maximum health benefits from consuming these fruits, pollutants like heavy metals must be at non-toxic levels and this can only be achieved by ensuring that these fruits samples are grown and harvested in environments with less anthropogenic activities.展开更多
<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the proximate and mineral composition of </span><i><s...<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the proximate and mineral composition of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Solanum aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sativus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria respectively, following standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The mineral elements (Na, K, Zn and Ca) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after wet digestion of the samples while the proximate parameters</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(ash content, moisture content, crude fibre content, crude protein content, crude fat content and carbohydrate content) were determined in accordance with standard analytical procedures. The mean range of the moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate contents in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples grown in the North Central and South Eastern regions of Nigeria were 72</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">49</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> -</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 88</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">23, 2.15</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">- 3.67, 1.31</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">- 1.85, 0.43 - 0.76, 0.51 - 0.84 and 3.18% - 5.72% respectively. Additionally, the moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate contents in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria, had mean range of values of 93.60 - 98.76, 0.53 - 0.77, 2.14 - 2.84, 0.29 </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 0.46, 0.90 </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.14 and 3.88% </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 4.66% respectively. The range of mean values of Na, K, Zn and Ca in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria were 0.36 - 0.57, 1.92 - 2.80, 0.84 - 1.01 and 0.43 - 0.61 μg/g respectively. Also, Na, K, Zn and Ca</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">had mean range of values of 1.36 </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 4.08, 10.16 - 13.09, 0.45 - 0.66 and 5.85 - 9.3</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">μg/g respectively in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions in Nigeria. The levels of the determined proximate of parameters</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and mineral elements in the studied fruit samples from the investigated regions of Nigeria were statistically significant. This therefore indicates that the geographical locations where these fruit samples grew could have significantly impacted on their nutrient content levels. The levels of the determined proximate</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">parameters from the selected regions of Nigeria show</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> that consumption of the fruit samples (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. and</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.)</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">especially regularly, would help supply the essential nutrients and minerals required for a healthy living.展开更多
Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area ...Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area of Enugu State, using standard biochemical and spectrophotometric analysis. The well water samples were digested with aqua-regia and four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) were assayed in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The range of mean bacterial counts (cfu/g) for the four detected pathogenic bacteria;<em> S. aureus</em>, <em>Klebsiella pnemeoniae</em>, <em>Echerichia coli</em> and <em>Salmonella enteritidis </em>were 83 - 3730, 510 - 870, 50 - 2535 and 240 - 3420 Cfu/g at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The mean bacteria counts of the four detected pathogenic organisms in the well water sample at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above the WHO recommended threshold limits for a safe drinking water. The mean bacterial counts of <em>Salmonella enteritidis</em> in the well water samples of sampling distance of 10 m from the sanitary pits was above the WHO recommended permissible limits. At sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits, the mean range of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in the well water samples were, 0.03 - 0.3, 0.02 - 0.05, 0.46 - 1.71 and 1.63 - 7.03 μg/g respectively. The mean levels of Pb and Cd in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above their respective WHO recommended threshold limits. The mean heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant at p < 0.05.展开更多
This study compared the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in soil samples from selected anthropogenic sites within Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analytical methods. Soil samples...This study compared the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in soil samples from selected anthropogenic sites within Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analytical methods. Soil samples at depths (0 - 20 cm) and (20 - 40 cm) were collected from waste dump sites, metal scrap dumps, fuel filling stations and auto-mechanic workshops and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for heavy metal determination while conventional analytical methods were employed for physicochemical parameters evaluation of the soil samples. At soil depths 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm the respective mean range of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter and organic carbon contents in the soil samples were, 6.33 - 6.74, 101.46 - 123.21 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 6.41% - 8.35% and 13.73% - 16.14% for auto-mechanic workshops;6.92 - 7.43, 56.46 - 60.02 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 1.53% - 2.20% and 11.93% - 12.60% for fuel filling stations;7.14 - 7.84, 70.81 - 77.71 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 3.81% - 4.12% and 8.57% - 9.24% for metal scrap dumps;6.54 - 6.81, 94.40 - 100.71 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 8.83% - 10.75% and 18.26% - 20.81% for waste dump sites. The pH of the top soil samples from auto-mechanical workshop was below the WHO recommended limits for agricultural purposes. The physic-chemical characteristics of the soil samples decreased with soil depths indicating therefore that anthropogenic activities greatly influence the soil characteristics at the top soils than the sub-soils. The electrical conductivity values of top and sub-soil samples from the studied auto-mechanical workshops were above the recommended limits. At soil depths 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm, the respective mean range of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soil samples were 17.29 - 19.16 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.704 - 0.96 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.26 - 0.33 <em>μ</em>g/g for auto-mechanic workshops;4.13 - 4.88 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.21 - 0.32 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.03 - 0.11 <em>μ</em>g/g for fuel filling stations;30.02 - 36.11 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.43 - 0.48 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.15 - 0.19 <em>μ</em>g/g for metal scrap dumps;9.30 - 10.84 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.53 - 0.60 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.38 - 0.45 <em>μ</em>g/g for waste dump sites. The mean levels of Pb in soil samples from mechanic workshops and waste dump sites were above the recommended permissible limits for agricultural purposes. The study therefore indicated that these sites (auto-mechanic workshops and waste dump sites) could be major sources of Pb pollution to nearby farmlands, streams and the general environment. Plants grown on or around these sites may not produce high yields and could be severely contaminated with heavy metals which portend health danger to food consumers within the environment.展开更多
Studies were carried out to determine asbestos fiber levels in cosmetic (talc powder) and non-cosmetic (gauze pad, plastic filler and ceiling tiles) products sold in market outlets within Enugu, metropolis, Enugu Stat...Studies were carried out to determine asbestos fiber levels in cosmetic (talc powder) and non-cosmetic (gauze pad, plastic filler and ceiling tiles) products sold in market outlets within Enugu, metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, using standard established procedures. The samples were pretreated based on its physical make-up and the asbestos fiber levels determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersing spectroscopy techniques. The mean range of asbestos fiber was, 0.02 - 0.06;0.01 - 0.05;0.01 - 0.04 and 0.03 - 0.06 f/cc for talc powder, gauze pads, plastic filler and ceiling tile samples respectively. The mean levels of asbestos fibers in the studied samples were within the recommended permissible limits. The samples contain asbestos fiber in the following decreasing order: ceiling tiles > talc powders > gauze pads > plastic fillers. Asbestos fiber was found present in the investigated local and foreign items sold in market outlets within the metropolis. This study shows that despite the ban on the use of asbestos in the industry in the manufacture of items meant for human use, its enforcement appears weak and lethargic and this could portend health danger especially in the use of produced items with high asbestos fiber friability such as talc powder.展开更多
Studies were carried out to investigate the outdoor air pollution levels in vehicular traffic junctions in the major cities of Nsukka, Enugu and semi-urban area of Awgu all in Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analy...Studies were carried out to investigate the outdoor air pollution levels in vehicular traffic junctions in the major cities of Nsukka, Enugu and semi-urban area of Awgu all in Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analytical procedures. PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> was collected using Envirotech air sampler, APM 550 and analyzed gravimetrically. Other determined air pollutant gases such as SO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, NO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and CO were analyzed using colorimetric techniques. The mean hourly traffic density in the vehicular traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu metropolis and Awgu w</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ere</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 2015, 2873 and 587 respectively. The mean range of values of PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, NO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, SO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and CO in vehicular traffic junctions within the investigated environments w</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ere</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.67 - 12.16 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 3.72 - 23.83 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 2.96 - 30.09 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 5.45 - 66.54 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and 1.18 - 15.17 ppm respectively. The mean levels of the determined air pollutants in the air around vehicular traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu metropolis and Awgu semi-urban area differed significantly. The mean levels of PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, and CO in the air around vehicular traffic junctions in Enugu metropolis and CO in the air around traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis were above the recommended permissible limits. Traffic density was therefore seen as the single most important factor contributing to the varying air pollution levels observed in the investigated environments.展开更多
文摘Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the physicochemical properties of hand-dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, using standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The mean range of pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and sulphate in the well water samples at the determined sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits were 5.9 - 7.24, 1.92 - 6.63 NTU, 122.03 - 303.91 μs/cm, 100.00 - 261.90 mg/L, 1.21 - 4.68 mg/L and 28.89 - 49/61 mg/L respectively. The investigated mean physicochemical parameters of the well water samples were generally observed to increase with decrease in the distance of the well water samples from the sanitary pits. The levels of the determined physicochemical parameter of the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant. The mean pH values of the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were below the WHO recommended threshold limits for safe drinking water. Additionally, the mean values of turbidity and total dissolved solids of the well water samples at a sampling distance of 3 m from the sanitary pits were above the WHO permissible limits. The pH, turbidity and total dissolved solids are some of the most important parameters used in assessing the quality of any water source, therefore, the poor physicochemical properties of well water samples at a sampling distance of 3 m from the sanitary pits could put at severe health risk consumption of this water over a prolonged time. Siting well water at a reasonable far distance (above 10 m) for sanitary pits especially in communities with severe water scarcity would definitely help guarantee access to safe drinking water by rural as well as urban dwellers in Nigeria.
文摘<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the phytochemical and heavy metal levels in </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Solanum aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria respectively using standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The fruit samples were assayed for selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cu) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after wet digestion of the samples. The five detected phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides) were present at varying amounts in the investigated fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria. The range of mean values of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the two studied regions were 0.50 - 0.57, 0.53 - 1.26, 0.44 - 0.78, 1.12 - 1.93 and 0.40 - 0.50 mg/g respectively. The range of mean values of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the two studied regions of Nigeria were 1.27 - 1.69, 0.53 - 0.55, 0.96 - 1.51, 0.41 - 0.83 and 0.90 - 1.74 mg/g respectively. The range of mean vales of Pb, Cd, and Cu in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the two studied regions were 0.15 - 0.24, 0 - 0.01, 0.78 - 1.12 μg/g respectively. 0.31 - 0.40, 0.02 - 0.05 and 0.62 -</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.96 μg/g were the range of mean values of Pb, Cd and Cu</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">respectively in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the two studied regions of Nigeria. Of the three investigated heavy metals, only Cd was at toxic levels in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria. This is therefore a health concern to the fruit consumers that includes these fruits in their habitual daily fruit diets. Although the therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits that </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">would</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> be derived from consuming</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the investigated fruit samples ha</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> been shown in this study, there is therefore a possible risk of undue exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metal, especially through growing these fruits in polluted soils resulting from unwholesome anthropogenic practices. For fruit consumers to derive maximum health benefits from consuming these fruits, pollutants like heavy metals must be at non-toxic levels and this can only be achieved by ensuring that these fruits samples are grown and harvested in environments with less anthropogenic activities.
文摘<span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Studies were carried out to comparatively assess the proximate and mineral composition of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Solanum aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sativus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria respectively, following standard analytical procedures and instrumentation. The mineral elements (Na, K, Zn and Ca) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after wet digestion of the samples while the proximate parameters</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(ash content, moisture content, crude fibre content, crude protein content, crude fat content and carbohydrate content) were determined in accordance with standard analytical procedures. The mean range of the moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate contents in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples grown in the North Central and South Eastern regions of Nigeria were 72</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">49</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> -</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 88</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">23, 2.15</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">- 3.67, 1.31</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">- 1.85, 0.43 - 0.76, 0.51 - 0.84 and 3.18% - 5.72% respectively. Additionally, the moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate contents in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cucumis sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria, had mean range of values of 93.60 - 98.76, 0.53 - 0.77, 2.14 - 2.84, 0.29 </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 0.46, 0.90 </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.14 and 3.88% </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 4.66% respectively. The range of mean values of Na, K, Zn and Ca in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S. aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">fruit samples from the South Eastern and North Central regions of Nigeria were 0.36 - 0.57, 1.92 - 2.80, 0.84 - 1.01 and 0.43 - 0.61 μg/g respectively. Also, Na, K, Zn and Ca</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">had mean range of values of 1.36 </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 4.08, 10.16 - 13.09, 0.45 - 0.66 and 5.85 - 9.3</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">μg/g respectively in the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. fruit samples grown in the South Eastern and North Central regions in Nigeria. The levels of the determined proximate of parameters</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and mineral elements in the studied fruit samples from the investigated regions of Nigeria were statistically significant. This therefore indicates that the geographical locations where these fruit samples grew could have significantly impacted on their nutrient content levels. The levels of the determined proximate</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">parameters from the selected regions of Nigeria show</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> that consumption of the fruit samples (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S aethiopicum </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L. and</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> C. sativus </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L.)</span><i> </i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">especially regularly, would help supply the essential nutrients and minerals required for a healthy living.
文摘Studies were carried out to assess the effect of distance of sanitary pits on the microbial and heavy metal levels in hand dug well water samples consumed by people living in Akwuke, Enugu South Local government area of Enugu State, using standard biochemical and spectrophotometric analysis. The well water samples were digested with aqua-regia and four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) were assayed in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The range of mean bacterial counts (cfu/g) for the four detected pathogenic bacteria;<em> S. aureus</em>, <em>Klebsiella pnemeoniae</em>, <em>Echerichia coli</em> and <em>Salmonella enteritidis </em>were 83 - 3730, 510 - 870, 50 - 2535 and 240 - 3420 Cfu/g at sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits. The mean bacteria counts of the four detected pathogenic organisms in the well water sample at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above the WHO recommended threshold limits for a safe drinking water. The mean bacterial counts of <em>Salmonella enteritidis</em> in the well water samples of sampling distance of 10 m from the sanitary pits was above the WHO recommended permissible limits. At sampling distances of 3, 6 and 10 m from the sanitary pits, the mean range of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in the well water samples were, 0.03 - 0.3, 0.02 - 0.05, 0.46 - 1.71 and 1.63 - 7.03 μg/g respectively. The mean levels of Pb and Cd in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3 and 6 m respectively from the sanitary pits were above their respective WHO recommended threshold limits. The mean heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the well water samples at sampling distances of 3, 6, and 10 m respectively from the sanitary pits were statistically significant at p < 0.05.
文摘This study compared the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in soil samples from selected anthropogenic sites within Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analytical methods. Soil samples at depths (0 - 20 cm) and (20 - 40 cm) were collected from waste dump sites, metal scrap dumps, fuel filling stations and auto-mechanic workshops and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for heavy metal determination while conventional analytical methods were employed for physicochemical parameters evaluation of the soil samples. At soil depths 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm the respective mean range of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter and organic carbon contents in the soil samples were, 6.33 - 6.74, 101.46 - 123.21 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 6.41% - 8.35% and 13.73% - 16.14% for auto-mechanic workshops;6.92 - 7.43, 56.46 - 60.02 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 1.53% - 2.20% and 11.93% - 12.60% for fuel filling stations;7.14 - 7.84, 70.81 - 77.71 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 3.81% - 4.12% and 8.57% - 9.24% for metal scrap dumps;6.54 - 6.81, 94.40 - 100.71 <em>μ</em>S/cm, 8.83% - 10.75% and 18.26% - 20.81% for waste dump sites. The pH of the top soil samples from auto-mechanical workshop was below the WHO recommended limits for agricultural purposes. The physic-chemical characteristics of the soil samples decreased with soil depths indicating therefore that anthropogenic activities greatly influence the soil characteristics at the top soils than the sub-soils. The electrical conductivity values of top and sub-soil samples from the studied auto-mechanical workshops were above the recommended limits. At soil depths 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm, the respective mean range of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soil samples were 17.29 - 19.16 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.704 - 0.96 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.26 - 0.33 <em>μ</em>g/g for auto-mechanic workshops;4.13 - 4.88 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.21 - 0.32 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.03 - 0.11 <em>μ</em>g/g for fuel filling stations;30.02 - 36.11 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.43 - 0.48 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.15 - 0.19 <em>μ</em>g/g for metal scrap dumps;9.30 - 10.84 <em>μ</em>g/g, 0.53 - 0.60 <em>μ</em>g/g and 0.38 - 0.45 <em>μ</em>g/g for waste dump sites. The mean levels of Pb in soil samples from mechanic workshops and waste dump sites were above the recommended permissible limits for agricultural purposes. The study therefore indicated that these sites (auto-mechanic workshops and waste dump sites) could be major sources of Pb pollution to nearby farmlands, streams and the general environment. Plants grown on or around these sites may not produce high yields and could be severely contaminated with heavy metals which portend health danger to food consumers within the environment.
文摘Studies were carried out to determine asbestos fiber levels in cosmetic (talc powder) and non-cosmetic (gauze pad, plastic filler and ceiling tiles) products sold in market outlets within Enugu, metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, using standard established procedures. The samples were pretreated based on its physical make-up and the asbestos fiber levels determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersing spectroscopy techniques. The mean range of asbestos fiber was, 0.02 - 0.06;0.01 - 0.05;0.01 - 0.04 and 0.03 - 0.06 f/cc for talc powder, gauze pads, plastic filler and ceiling tile samples respectively. The mean levels of asbestos fibers in the studied samples were within the recommended permissible limits. The samples contain asbestos fiber in the following decreasing order: ceiling tiles > talc powders > gauze pads > plastic fillers. Asbestos fiber was found present in the investigated local and foreign items sold in market outlets within the metropolis. This study shows that despite the ban on the use of asbestos in the industry in the manufacture of items meant for human use, its enforcement appears weak and lethargic and this could portend health danger especially in the use of produced items with high asbestos fiber friability such as talc powder.
文摘Studies were carried out to investigate the outdoor air pollution levels in vehicular traffic junctions in the major cities of Nsukka, Enugu and semi-urban area of Awgu all in Enugu State, Nigeria using standard analytical procedures. PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> was collected using Envirotech air sampler, APM 550 and analyzed gravimetrically. Other determined air pollutant gases such as SO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, NO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and CO were analyzed using colorimetric techniques. The mean hourly traffic density in the vehicular traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu metropolis and Awgu w</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ere</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 2015, 2873 and 587 respectively. The mean range of values of PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, NO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, SO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and CO in vehicular traffic junctions within the investigated environments w</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ere</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.67 - 12.16 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 3.72 - 23.83 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 2.96 - 30.09 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 5.45 - 66.54 μg/m</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and 1.18 - 15.17 ppm respectively. The mean levels of the determined air pollutants in the air around vehicular traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu metropolis and Awgu semi-urban area differed significantly. The mean levels of PM</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, and CO in the air around vehicular traffic junctions in Enugu metropolis and CO in the air around traffic junctions in Nsukka metropolis were above the recommended permissible limits. Traffic density was therefore seen as the single most important factor contributing to the varying air pollution levels observed in the investigated environments.
