Abstract: The levels of 16 USEPA priority PAHs in surface sediments and four dated sediment cores from Toulon Bay were determined and characterized by strong implantation. The total PAH levels in the superficial sediments ranged from 0.30 to 34.11 mg.kg-1 dry weight in the 0-5 layer and from 0.34 to 54.68 mg.kg-1 dry weight in the 5-10 layer. The qualitative assessment of sediment samples revealed relatively high PAH levels compared with French reference values. The results indicated that the PAHs in Toulon Bay are of pyrolytic origin. Estimating the rate of sedimentation based on pronounced events, such as explosive growth in the use of petroleum products, major developments, and periods of conflict, can be used to follow the history of pollution based on its composition over a period of approximately 130 to 180 years, depending on the length of the cores.Abstract: The levels of 16 USEPA priority PAHs in surface sediments and four dated sediment cores from Toulon Bay were determined and characterized by strong implantation. The total PAH levels in the superficial sediments ranged from 0.30 to 34.11 mg.kg-1 dry weight in the 0-5 layer and from 0.34 to 54.68 mg.kg-1 dry weight in the 5-10 layer. The qualitative...Show More
Abstract: The pace at which cultivation is expanding in the pastoral livelihood zones accentuates the need to take a pro-active role in choosing land use practices that increase food production in areas such as Longido District where climate variability renders agricultural production uncertain, but pastoralism as the mainstay of the economy. This study used a structured questionnaire to randomly assess the perceived impact of expansion of cultivation on 165 respondents in three ecological zones, namely Lowlands, Hills, and Mountains of Longido District in Northern Tanzania. Results show that expansion of cultivation results into reduced herd-splitting, a practice that enhances niche specialization grazing land by browsers and grazers. It also leads to loss of grazing land, restricted livestock movement, and escalation of conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. Considering the role pastoralism in the district, these effects are a potential threat to pasture availability, livestock productivity, and food security. To minimize the threat, it would be appropriate for the Longido District authorities, in conjunction with the communities, to establish reserves of grazing lands based on ecological zones. Such areas would have to be protected by traditional rules, coupled with village by laws that shall be strictly enforced as part of a food-security policy.Abstract: The pace at which cultivation is expanding in the pastoral livelihood zones accentuates the need to take a pro-active role in choosing land use practices that increase food production in areas such as Longido District where climate variability renders agricultural production uncertain, but pastoralism as the mainstay of the economy. This study used...Show More
