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Determination of the Level of Mercury Toxicity of Fish in Rivers Draining Gold Panning Sites in the Territory of Fizi, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Nsambu Mukondwa Pascal,
Musibono Eyul’Anki Dieudonné,
Mputu Kanyinda Jean-Noël
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2020
Pages:
1-10
Received:
21 December 2019
Accepted:
30 December 2019
Published:
9 January 2020
Abstract: The specimens of the studied fish were taken from the same sites along the rivers during 4 Campaigns (August 2016, December 2016, August 2017 and December 2017). This study specifically aims to evaluate the level of mercury toxicity in fish from these rivers based on their total mercury content and the ratio between the molar concentrations of total selenium and total mercury (TSe: THg). Total selenium and total mercury were measured in fish by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The molar concentrations of total mercury were determined by dividing the total mercury concentrations obtained for each fish by its molar mass of about 200.59 g.mol-1. Also, the total selenium molar concentrations were determined by dividing the total selenium contents obtained for each fish by its molar mass of order of 78.9 g.mol-1. In addition, the ratios between the molar concentrations of total selenium and total mercury (TSe: THg) were calculated from the quotient between the molar concentrations of total selenium and total mercury. The results found that all fish from the rivers of the Fizi gold panning sites studied had total mercury concentrations well above the fish quality standards (0.5 mg.Kg-1). Silurus sp fish had the highest total mercury levels compared to other fish, followed respectively by Haplochromis sp and Oreochromis sp. However, it was found that all these species of fish studied do not pose a threat to human health because their molar concentrations of total selenium and total mercury (TSe: THg) are at least greater than 1. Oreochromis sp had the highest ratios of TSe: THg molar concentrations to other fish successively followed by fish Haplochromis sp and Silurus sp. It would be necessary to train gold miners in the territory of Fizi about the proper management of gold washing effluents.
Abstract: The specimens of the studied fish were taken from the same sites along the rivers during 4 Campaigns (August 2016, December 2016, August 2017 and December 2017). This study specifically aims to evaluate the level of mercury toxicity in fish from these rivers based on their total mercury content and the ratio between the molar concentrations of tota...
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Filling Stations and Their Effects on Groundwater Quality in Ilorin Metropolis
Oluwaseun Emmanuel Odipe,
Henry Olawale Sawyerr,
Solomon Olayinka Adewoye
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2020
Pages:
11-21
Received:
29 January 2020
Accepted:
11 February 2020
Published:
19 February 2020
Abstract: The study aimed to assess groundwater quality of hand-dug wells at close proximities to filling stations in Ilorin metropolis. The study involved analyses for physicochemical and heavy metal constituents of the water samples. The sample size was purposively selected across the three (3) local government areas of Ilorin, twenty-six (26) accessible functioning stations above 15 years of establishment in the metropolis with hand-dug wells within or around its premises were chosen. Samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as Temperature, Turbidity, Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid, Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Fluoride, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Heavy metals like Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Nickel using standard methods. Results were compared with the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality which revealed anomaly in concentration of some parameters such as Turbidity, Conductivity, Total Dissolved solids, Total Hardness, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Nickel at some stations. The results from the combined physicochemical and heavy metal analyses of the water samples indicated activities of the filling stations within the area may have polluted groundwater in the environment posing an aesthetically unappealing situation and great health risk to consumers of the water resources.
Abstract: The study aimed to assess groundwater quality of hand-dug wells at close proximities to filling stations in Ilorin metropolis. The study involved analyses for physicochemical and heavy metal constituents of the water samples. The sample size was purposively selected across the three (3) local government areas of Ilorin, twenty-six (26) accessible f...
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Seasonal Variation of Electrical Conductivity of Groundwater and Its Implication on the Residents of Lafia Municipal Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Samuel Terungwa Temaugee,
Alvan Wariebi,
Michael Iordye Saakorun
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2020
Pages:
22-30
Received:
25 January 2020
Accepted:
17 February 2020
Published:
28 February 2020
Abstract: This study investigated Seasonal Variation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Groundwater (Boreholes and Hand-dug Wells) in Lafia Municipal Area, Nasarawa State. A total of seventy (70) samples, consisting of forty (40) and thirty (30) samples were collected from Boreholes and Hand-dug Wells respectively during wet and dry seasons in some major locations, in Lafia Municipal Area. Samples collected were sealed airtight in plastic bottles. The samples were analyzed using the Jenway DDS-307, a standard digital conductivity meter adaptable to temperature variation using a probe. The result analyzed shows that the mean EC value for Hand-dug well water samples ranged from 256.00µS/cm to 1488.00µS/cm during the wet season and 126.00µS/cm to 1416.00µS/cm during the dry season. Similarly, the mean EC for Borehole water samples ranged from 26.70µS/cm to 551.33µS/cm during the wet season and ranges from 28.70µS/cm to 588.00µS/cm during the dry season respectively. Out of thirty (30) Hand-dug wells sampled during the wet and dry seasons, eight (8) had EC values above and approximately to the benchmark value of 1000µS/cm. The results obtained showed that seasonal variation has much effect on the electrical conductivity of Hand-dug wells than Boreholes. The seasonal variation trend revealed that there was increase in the EC of Hand-dug wells during the wet season. However, there was no significant change in EC values of Boreholes. It was therefore recommended that, Hand-dug wells with elavated levels of EC compared with the benchmark should not be used for drinking and cooking.
Abstract: This study investigated Seasonal Variation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Groundwater (Boreholes and Hand-dug Wells) in Lafia Municipal Area, Nasarawa State. A total of seventy (70) samples, consisting of forty (40) and thirty (30) samples were collected from Boreholes and Hand-dug Wells respectively during wet and dry seasons in some major loc...
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The Role of Government and Private Partnership in Eradicating Street Waste Dumps in Port Harcourt
Ozabor Famous,
Obisesan Adekunle
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2020
Pages:
31-35
Received:
6 November 2019
Accepted:
10 February 2020
Published:
17 March 2020
Abstract: This study is concerned with unraveling the role of government and private individuals in eradicating street refuse dumps in Port Harcourt city. The study adopted the survey research design and 400 copies of questionnaire were administered in the city. To ensure effective distribution the area was first stratified using the existing land uses. The analysis was done using means and percentages. However, findings include 70% of respondents highlighted that government waste management agency is not efficient in the area, and that this has forced most residents to dump waste indiscriminately along streets in the area. 73% of respondents also suggested that private waste managers charge too high for waste collection. Problems associated with indiscriminate waste disposal in the area includes, untidy streets (90%); Air pollution (73%); Road traffic obstruction (23%); spread of rodents (53%); spread of diseases (82%) etc. The study however concluded that, government and private agencies must partner to combat waste generation problem, the people of Port Harcourt city should be advised on proper waste management techniques such as sorting, burying organic waste etc; there is an urgent need for waste treatment plants at strategic points in the city; stiff fines should be placed on violators in the area.
Abstract: This study is concerned with unraveling the role of government and private individuals in eradicating street refuse dumps in Port Harcourt city. The study adopted the survey research design and 400 copies of questionnaire were administered in the city. To ensure effective distribution the area was first stratified using the existing land uses. The ...
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