This study assessed the risk of heavy metal pollution in soils of oil extraction host communities by utilising indigenous earthworms as bioindicators. Soil and earthworm samples at a depth of 0-20 cm were obtained from the same quadrant across five coastal wetlands in Delta State. Fifty samples were gathered from the research region. Concentrations of specific heavy metals were assessed via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Solaar 969 Unicam Series Model). The average concentrations of heavy metals and total hydrocarbon content in soils were 217.741±130.42 (Fe), 5.997±6.33 (Cr), 0.275±0.13 (Cd), 4.732±3.00 (Cu), 34.729±33.37 (Zn), 23.298±19.19 (Mn), 10.856±2.90 (Pb), and 17694.98±47114.37 (THC). The enrichment factor (EF) indicates substantial enrichment of Fe, Cr, and Mn, considerable enrichment of Cd, Cu, and Zn, and exceedingly high enrichment of Pb. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) reveals that Fe is moderately contaminated, Cr is moderately to heavily polluted, Cd and Cu are heavily to extremely polluted, while Pb demonstrates extreme pollution. The contamination factor (CF) indicates a significantly elevated presence of Fe, Cr, Zn, and Mn, while Cd, Cu, and Pb also demonstrate substantial contamination. All sample locations exhibit a significantly elevated level of contamination (CD > 24 = very high degree of contamination). According to Tomlinson et al. (1980), the PLI value for the studied soils demonstrates PLI > 1. The indexes of potential ecological danger were arranged in the following order: EiRCd, EiRPb, EiRCu, EiRZn, EiRCr, EiRMn. Cadmium was the primary factor contributing to the potential ecological danger, as all sampling locations exhibit significant ecological risk to the environment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) indicated that the earthworm samples accumulated chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), as BAF values exceeding 1 signify metal bioaccumulation. It is necessary to evaluate the heavy metal concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb in the adjacent vegetation. It is essential to implement suitable engineering and ecological strategies to regulate soil heavy metal concentrations, alongside conducting ecological restoration in contaminated areas. This underscores the necessity of adhering to the recommendations outlined in the United Nations Environment Program’s 2011 environmental assessment report and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding the remediation of oil spills in Delta State, as the survival of human life and other biotic elements in this region is at risk.
Effect of water hyacinth leaf supplementation in the performance of caged common carp (cyprinus carpio) were evaluated. The different levels of water hyacinth leaf meal supplementation in the different experimental diets were 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% (with crude protein content of 30%). The performance were evaluated using 12 cages (1 m3) at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa campus, Bhairahawa for 90 days (26th August of 2023 to 19th November of 2023). Common carp fries were randomly distributed into cages at 10 fry/ cage. The experiment were conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were: T1: Control (Basal diet), T2: 10% replacement of Soybean Meal (SBM) with Water Hyacinth Leaf Meal (WHLM) in Basal diet, T3: 15 % replacement of SBM with WHLM in Basal diet, T4: 20 % replacement of SBM with WHLM in Basal diet. The pelleted feed containing 35% CP were maintained at the rate of 5% of body weight in initial month followed by 3% in the following months. Fish were fed once daily at morning between 8:00-9:00 a.m. Mean weight of fry during stocking period were 46.5±7.16g, 45.4±6.54 g, 45.3±4.46 g, 41.6±1.73g in treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Final mean weight of fish was highest in T3 (159.3±6.23g) at the 90 days after stocking which were significantly higher than T1 (123.6±8.12g), T2 (131.6±7.21g), T4 (108.4±1.74g) at (p<0.05). Similarly, the Specific Growth rate (SGR) value was highest (1.4±0.06g) in T3 while T4 (1.0±0.04g) was found to be the lowest. The survivability was recorded in a range of (76.6-90). Highest Benefit Cost ratio (BCR) was recorded in T3 (1.27±0.01) which were significantly different with T1(0.94±0.02), T2(1.04±0.02) and T4(0.97±0.008) (p<0.05). The gross return was found highest in T3 (58.95±2.30) and lowest T4(40.12±0.64) (p<0.05) while the net return was also highest in T3 (12.69±1.65) and lowest in T1 (2.43±1.34) (p< 0.05). So, we can suggest T3 (Replacement of 15% water hyacinth powder) as partial alternative of soya bean meal powder in fish feed.
Dams significantly alter the hydrological and sedimentary dynamics of surrounding landscapes, influencing soil formation, nutrient distribution, and agricultural potential. Understanding the spatial variation in soil properties relative to dam proximity is essential for sustainable land management. This study investigates the impact of proximity to a dam on various soil physicochemical properties. Notably Soil organic matter and CEC.Soil samples were collected from three distinct zones—onshore, midshore, and offshore—and analyzed for texture, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, nutrient content, pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable acidity. The findings reveal spatial variations in soil composition and fertility, with midshore zones exhibiting optimal conditions for agricultural productivity. The results showed that the soils were slightly acidic, with a mean pH of 5.947, and had low electrical conductivity, indicating low soil salinity. The soil texture was predominantly sandy, with high sand content (82%) and low clay content (7.53%). The mean organic carbon and organic matter contents were moderate, ranging from 1.549% to 2.671%. The effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was moderate, with a mean value of 11.560 cmol/kg. The study also found that distance from the dam influenced soil properties, particularly soil texture, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity.
Background: Cement production is a major industrial activity associated with environmental and occupational pollution, particularly through particulate matter and heavy metal emissions. Prolonged exposure to cement dust may result in systemic toxicity, including renal dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of cement factory exposure on renal biochemical parameters among factory workers and residents in Okpella, Edo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed. One hundred participants were recruited: 25 factory workers, 25 residents within 5 km of the factory, and 50 controls with no known exposure. Serum creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium levels were measured. Data were analyzed using t-tests with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Cement workers exhibited significantly higher serum creatinine (1.3 ± 0.2 mg/dL) compared to controls (0.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL; p=0.01). Urea levels were elevated in workers (58.2 ± 5.6 mg/dL) relative to controls (46.2 ± 13.4 mg/dL; p=0.001). Serum sodium was significantly higher in workers (150.4 ± 10.6 mmol/L) than in controls (146.0 ± 4.7 mmol/L; p=0.001). Potassium levels were also increased in workers (4.5 ± 1.0 mmol/L) compared to controls (3.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p=0.004). Similar trends were observed among residents, though with less magnitude. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to cement factory emissions is associated with altered renal biochemical parameters, suggesting potential early renal impairment among workers and residents. Periodic medical screening, dust exposure reduction strategies, and environmental monitoring are recommended to mitigate renal health risks in industrial communities
Air pollution, particularly from aerosol particles, is a major issue in developing countries like India. Correlating seasonal variations between AOD, LST, NDVI, and rainfall are closely linked to regional air quality changes. This study aims to assess long-term changes in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), vegetation index, and land surface temperature in Singrauli, India, and investigate their interactions using remote sensing and GIS methods. This study used Google Earth Engine (GEE) to obtain Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC), a combined Aqua and Terra MODIS product for the year 2024 every month for AOD, NDVI, and LST for Singrauli district. The study found that AOD was lowest during the monsoon season and highest throughout the winter and some months of summer whereas the highest NDVI was obtained in the month after monsoon and some months of winter the lowest NDVI was recorded in the month of summer and LST shows the opposite trend of NDVI means that high LST was recorded in the month of the summer and lowest LST in the month of post-monsoon and winter season. The correlation analysis was performed from the ambient air pollutant data from 4 monitoring sites, NDVI, and LST with AOD. The Particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 show a positive correlation with AOD with average R2 values of 0.4984 and 0.5459 respectively at all 4 locations because particulate matter directly contributes to the concentration of AOD but gaseous pollutants like NO2 and SO2 shows the very weak correlation with AOD with R2 value of 0.1393 and 0.0862 respectively as AOD only consist of particulate matters so these gaseous pollutants didn’t contribute much in AOD. Many other factors also influence the AOD and LST in the study area like wind direction, wind speed, relative humidity, and many more. The dominant wind direction in Singrauli throughout the year 2024 is North-West with an average speed of 2-3 m/s.
The study was carried out to evaluate the environmental impact of waste dumpsite to the quality of ground water as a major component of the environment using Idunmwowina Community as a case study. A total of fifteen (15) samples of borehole water were collected or sampled at 15 different locations. All samples were subjected to heavy metal determination, physiochemical parameters and bacteriological analysis. The water samples were analyzed to determine its portability and also compared with WHO and NAFDAC standard. The diluent was analyzed using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). The physiochemical analysis indicated minimum and maximum value range pH (5.1 to 6.8, EC (19.0μs/cm to 167.2μs/cm) Clear Turbidity, Salinity (0.019mg/l to 1.00mg/l), TDS (10.45mg/l to 91.6mg/l) Nitrate (0.730mg/l to 2.408mg/l) Bicarbonate (0.41mg/l to 0.49mg/l) Alkalinity (41.00mg/l to 50.00 mg/l) Sulphate (3.102mg/l to 3.471mg/l) DO (2.11 to 2.46) BOD (2.44mg/l to 3.00mg/l) COD (5.31 to 6.48) and Ammonium Nitrogen (0.13mg/l to 2.11mg/l). The analysis for heavy metal shows Lb (0.01-0.03mg/l), Cd (0.01 mg/l), Ni (Not Detected), Cr (0.06-0.28 mg/l), Fe (0.1 mg/l), Zn (0.01-9.17 mg/l) These values obtained all fall below WHO standard. The quality of samples obtained were seriously compromised as a result of feacal bacteria growth and elevated values of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in soil and groundwater.
This research is aimed at assessing the quality of groundwater for safe drinking in karshi and its environs, kano state. In achieving this aim, ten (10) samples were taken from both hand pump Boreholes and open wells that were selected at different settlements, taken into consideration the fact that the dwellers depend on this water for consumption and other commercial uses and that, understanding the water quality is of importance. Water from each of the selected hand pump boreholes and open wells were sampled in a sterilized 500ml plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for chemical analysis. Fifteen (15) relevant parameters on the test for water quality were taken into consideration. Analysis of physical parameters reveals that electrical conductivity is the only physical parameter with mean value of 1016.5 Mg/l that is neither within or below the permissible range of 300 – 400mg/l but rather it is higher. The mean value of chemical analysis reveals that Electrical Conductivity (Ec) and Iron (Fe) does not fall within or below the permissible ranges stipulated but rather are found to be higher, the mean concentration of Sulphate (SO4), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na) are below the permissible ranges, but concentration of Magnesium (Mg) in location (RT5) is within the permissible range stipulated by (WHO, 2022), while Sodium (Na) in (RT5) is higher than the permissible range stipulated. All other physicochemical parameters such as; pH, Temp., Hardness, Nitrate (NO3-) are within the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) as stipulated in the WHO Standards for drinking water. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that the water are moderately suitable for drinking and no contamination. The quality of the water was understood through geological, hydrogeological and Hydrogeochemical investigations. Geological investigations reveals that the targeted area is underlained majorly by both quartzites covering about approximately 60% of the area, medium-coarse grained granite and porphyritic granites covering the remaining 40% of this study area. Hydrogeological investigation reveals that aquifer type in the area is fractured basement with water flowing perpendicular to the water level contours and from areas of high to low topography. Hydrogeochemical investigations identified NaCl and CaCl water types as the two water types in the study area and that the chemistry of water is controlled by ion exchange and simple dissolution or mixing. Durov diagram provide information on the hydrochemical facies so as to identify the water types and display some possible geochemical processes that could help in understanding the quality of groundwater and its evaluation.
In many developing countries, soil moisture data is often limited or unavailable. Stakeholders may use soil moisture data to monitor, detect and sometimes forecast agricultural droughts. Therefore, modelling soil moisture to identify and monitor droughts can benefit many countries, especially those whose economies depend heavily on agriculture. This study aimed to investigate historical soil moisture in Guyana from 1962 to 2016 using the JULES Model. The model utilized in-situ precipitation data from Georgetown, along with data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) for the study period. The results from the analysis of the historical soil moisture found that the soil moisture in the total column and at the various layers of soil was quite variable. Further, a clear relationship emerged between interannual climate variability and soil moisture trends. El Niño years were usually related with reduced soil moisture, indicating drier than average conditions, while the La Niña years displayed higher soil moisture content, reflecting wetter conditions. Based on the results obtained the model showed some skill in capturing soil moisture at different depths in the area of study. Hence, further studies using different soil types, vegetation structures, and land use practices should be considered to support Guyana’s agricultural sector.
Background: Darjeeling Municipality, located in the Easter Himalayas is facing a growing water crisis despite receiving and annual rainfall of 2812 mm. The steep terrain, ageing water infrastructure, growing population and seasonal variation in water availability have intensified the challenges of securing sufficient water supplies mainly during the lean season. The qualitative methodological study explores the present status of water resources and examines backup initiatives implemented to address seasonal water scarcity. Through the field survey, interviews and municipal data, the research highlights critical limitation in the system, such as inadequate storage, leakage and dependency on ecologically sensitive zones. The study also evaluates alternative water sources and infrastructure initiatives including the Sindhap Lake, Rambi Catchment, Balasun River Project and the AMRUT scheme. These project provide crucial support, they often face operational, structural and administrative challenges that limit their full potential. The findings underline the urgent need for integrated water resource management, improved governance and adaptive infrastructure to ensure long term water security in Darjeeling Municipality
The present study investigates groundwater quality of Akasar village of Bikaner (Rajasthan), India to check its drinking and agricultural irrigation aptness. Total 30 sampling sites of Akasar village were selected to collect groundwater samples in the period of July to August 2024. The physical and chemical parameters of groundwaters were analysed like pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sodium absorption ratio and residual sodium carbonate. Parameters such as pH, Ca+Mg, and carbonate were within the standard permissible limits of BIS. 37% groundwater samples displayed drinking unsuitability because of high contents of EC, Na, Cl and HCO3. The groundwater of Akasar village for irrigation purpose had slightly saline features. Saline groundwater was observed in 5 sampling sites. 17% groundwater samples were found unsuitable for irrigation purpose. Hence, groundwater quality of Akasar village is comprehensively suitable for drinking and irrigation uses. Examination of groundwater with wide hydro-chemical metrices would deliver the precise representation of Akasar village’s groundwater quality.
Soil quality plays a critical role in agricultural productivity, environmental resilience, and sustainable land use, particularly in the dryland regions of northern Nigeria where soil degradation, low rainfall, and nutrient depletion threaten food security. This study employed a modified fuzzy logic model to assess and map soil quality across selected dryland areas using geospatial techniques. Ten key soil parameters were considered: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (OC), bulk density (BD), pH, soil depth, texture, drainage, and slope. These variables were standardized into fuzzy membership classes (low = 0, medium = 0.5, high = 1) based on agronomic thresholds and expert knowledge, and each was assigned a weight reflecting its importance in dryland soil productivity. The integration of these factors was conducted using overlay analysis within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, producing a composite soil quality index map. The results showed significant spatial variability in soil quality, with approximately 30.3% of the area classified as very high, 37.9% as medium, and 30.5% as low quality. High-quality soils were largely located in areas of dense vegetation such as parts of Kaduna, Niger, and northeastern Katsina, while low quality were found in regions experiencing leaching, shallow depths, and prolonged cultivation without adequate management. It provides a decision-support tool for sustainable land use planning, soil management, and policy interventions in dryland environments.
This study assessed the impact of various organic amendments on soil fertility and cabbage yield in Bheriganga Municipality, Surkhet, Karnali Province, Nepal. Despite being declared an organic province, Karnali still lacks adequate adoption of organic farming due to infrastructural and technological limitations. A field experiment was conducted in winter 2024 using a randomized complete block design with five treatments: farmyard manure, Vermicompost, poultry manure, goat manure, and a control (no amendment). The soil at the experimental site was initially low in fertility, characterized by poor organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrient levels. Results indicated that organic amendments significantly enhanced soil nutrient status and improved cabbage growth and yield. Poultry manure produced the tallest plants (29.93 cm), the highest number of leaves per head (18.83), and the heaviest heads (1.32 kg), followed by Vermicompost. All organic treatments performed better than the control, but poultry manure and Vermicompost showed the most promising outcomes. These findings demonstrate that organic inputs, particularly poultry manure, and Vermicompost, can be effective alternatives to synthetic fertilizers in improving soil health and crop productivity. The study supports the potential for sustainable vegetable production and the promotion of organic agriculture in Karnali Province.
Soil contamination by industrial pollutants poses a significant threat to soil health by altering its physical, chemical, and biological properties. While much attention has been, given to chemical and biological aspects, physical degradation remains less explored. This study assesses the impact of chemical pollution on the physical properties of irrigated meadow and meadow-alluvial soils in the industrial zones of the Navoi region, Uzbekistan. Soil samples were, systematically collected at distances ranging from 500 to 20,000 meters from major industrial sources, including the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC) and the Navoi Gas and Heat Power Plant Station (HS), and at three depth intervals: 0–5 cm, 5–30 cm, and 30–50 cm. Key physical parameters—bulk density, total porosity, particle size distribution, and micro-aggregate stability—were, measured following standardized procedures based on GOST 26213-91, ISO 11272:2017, and the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF). The findings revealed a consistent degradation trend in areas close to pollution sources. Bulk density increased to as high as 1.48 g/cm³, while total porosity declined to 41.91%, compared to values of less than 1.20 g/cm³ and over 50% porosity at control sites. Furthermore, a shift in mechanical composition was, observed with higher silt and clay fractions and reduced sand content, indicating enhanced compaction and reduced aeration. Micro-aggregate stability also decreased, reflecting structural breakdown at the surface layers. Spatial analysis showed that pollution effects were most pronounced topsoil and, diminished with greater depth and, distance from the source. These results demonstrate the critical role of physical indicators in the early detection of chemically induced soil degradation. The study emphasizes the urgent need for integrated soil monitoring and targeted remediation strategies to preserve soil health and ensure sustainable land use in industrially affected regions.
Particulate Matter (PM) remain poorly characterized in FCT Abuja and this has led to the examination of the temporal variations and distribution of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ in FCT Abuja from January 2024 to January 2025, alongside the influence of meteorological parameters as the aim of the research. Observation Instrument, installed at a height of 1.85m at Centre for Atmospheric Research-National Space Research and Development Agency (CAR NASRDA) Observation Centre (8°59’N, 7°23’E; elevation: 427m) was used to gather hourly PM concentrations and meteorological data for January 2024–January 2025 were acquired from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) (9°4’N, 7°29’E; elevation: 345m). The study shows an annual mean concentrations of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ in 2024 to be 65.21μg/m³ and 61. 23μg/m respectively. Monthly averages for PM₂.₅ ranged from 40.13μg/m³ to 126.02μg/m³, and PM₁₀ ranged from 38.71μg/m³ to 114.16μg/m³Respectively. For PM₂.₅, the highest and lowest levels of PM were 126.1±67.4μg/m³ in February and 64.7±25.3μg/m³ in December; respectively, in January (114.2±38.5μg/m³) and May (38.7±6.8μg/m³). In February and November, the highest and lowest values of PM₂.₅/PM₁₀ were 1.48 and 0.84, respectively. For the month-to-month fluctuation, the highest and lowest PM2.5 were in January (harmattan/dry season) and September (rain season) 2024 at 174.6μg/m³ and 26.3μg/m³ respectively. For PM₁₀, the highest fluctuation 182.33μg/m³ was in January while 170.23μg/m³ was in October respectively. The mean daily air temperature varied from 17.2°C during March to a high of 45.8°C in May 2024, relative humidity was between 12.6% and 92.8%, and atmospheric pressure varied from 84.6hPa to 967.4hPa respectively.
One of the key concerns addressed in the last 20 years was climate change, of which temperature is one of the indicating variables. According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), hydrocarbon resources have been found at the Kolmani River II in the Northeast. The relative permeability of gas increases while the relative permeability of oil barely changes as temperature rises. Foamy oil responds well to thermal recovery at an intermediate temperature, but foamy behavior can be inhibited at much higher temperatures, which seems to offset the benefits of viscosity reduction. The goal of the current study was to examine the temporal variations in temperature during 41 years in North-eastern Nigeria (i.e 1981 to 2022). A non-parametric statistical technique called the Mann-Kendall test was used to examine trends in the yearly and seasonal temperature series. This test is useful for identifying patterns in data over time. In conclusion, the yearly mean temperature series appears to have a significant trend, as indicated by the statistically significant Mann-Kendall test statistics of 4.9864 and the associated 2-sided p-value of 0.0000006152. The dataset exhibits a positive trend, as indicated by the Sen’s slope of 0.05625. This suggests that surface air temperature is rising in Nigeria. Majority of Nigerians depend on temperature-sensitive economic activities; hence the country is likely among those most vulnerable to the negative effects of global warming. As a result, the models created for this study may help to forecast temperatures over the areas it examined.
This study used 28 meteorological stations’ monthly precipitation data for 42 years (1977 – 2018) as input to generate a standardized precipitation index (SPI) for winter and monsoon. SPI3 and SPI4 are used in winter and monsoon droughts to investigate frequency, duration, and severity. This study identified monsoon droughts in 1977, 1979, 1987, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2015. The 1979 was an extreme monsoon drought event. It has been revealed that extreme and severe droughts dominated western Nepal in 1979. Similarly, winter droughts were identified in 1999, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The winter drought event of 1999 is an extreme drought. This episode is dominated by extreme and severe drought in western Nepal. Eight (winter and monsoon) major droughts have diverse natures in different areas. The drought dynamics in each episode are different at various altitudes. Winter and monsoon droughts have been observed frequently since 2000. SPI and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) correlation patterns indicate that extreme drought and SOI are comparatively stronger than general events. Furthermore, the relationship between seasonal rainfall and SOI is strong in monsoon and weak in winter.
This study presents an integrated geophysical, hydrogeological, and hydrochemical assessment of groundwater potentials in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of northern Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. An electrical resistivity survey was conducted at 39 locations to evaluate aquifer potentials using geoelectrical data. Hydrogeological assessments were carried out to determine aquifer parameters, while hydrogeochemical analyses used Piper trilinear diagrams, Gibbs cross plots and multivariate statistical techniques to assess groundwater quality and facies classification. The 3-layer model is characterized with top layer resistivity from 85.6 Ωm (VES 28) to 1104.9 Ωm (VES 27), layer thickness varied between 0.4 m (VES 1) and 14.3 m (VES 36). Underlying this is a layer of with resistivity values from 812.3 Ωm (VES 34) to 2910.7 Ωm (VES 18) with layer thickness from 9.7 m (VES 1) to 83.2 m (VES 28). Underlying this is a layer with resistivity in the range 102.5 Ωm (VES 18) to 2893 Ωm (VES 34) with unresolved layer thickness. Lithologically, the top layer does not constitute any water bearing medium with underlying layer of unresolved thickness having some conductive zones. The 4-layer geoelectric model has the first layer with thickness and resistivity from 0.8m (VES 10) to 7.3m (VES 26) and 9.2 Ωm (VES 3) to 2312.9 Ωm (VES 17). It is underlain by a layer with resistivity and thickness from 24.8 Ωm (VES 12) to 2943.1 Ωm (VES 32) and thickness 1.4m (VES 11) to 37.4 m (VES 25). The next layer with resistivity and thickness of 23.6 Ωm (VES 9) –4183.2 Ωm (VES 15) and 8.9m (VES 11) – 136.7.4m (VES 26). The fourth layer with unresolved thickness had resistivity values in the range 4.3 Ωm (VES 10) – 2218.0 Ωm (VES 37). Second, third and fourth layer constitutes the aquifers. The 5- layer geoelectric model has top layer with resistivity and thicknesses from 504.3 Ωm (VES 2) – 2315.2 Ωm (VES 21) and 0.6m (VES 6) – 1.7 m (VES 2). It is underlain by a resistive layer with resistivity and thickness from 64.4 Ωm (VES 2) – 412.6Ωm (VES 6) and 5.3m (VES 21) – 12.4 m (VES 2). Next is a conductive layer with resistivity and thickness of 281.7 Ωm (VES 2) – 1417 Ωm (VES 21) and 8.4m (VES 21) – 17.8 m (VES 2). This is underlain by a highly conductive layer having thickness from 48.6 m (VES 21) – 57.6 m (VES 6) and resistivity from 57.2 Ωm (VES 6) – 117.6 Ωm (VES 2). The fifth geoelectric layer with unresolved thickness had resistivity in the range 11.1 Ωm (VES 2) – 1205.5 Ωm (VES 21). The fourth and fifth layers constitute the aquifers. Thirty three (33) locations (VES 1,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,24,25,26,27,28,31,34,35,36,37 and 38 were identified as promising for groundwater development. Elevation and static water level mean values are 140.13±77.37m and 32.46±17.95m, respectively. The hydraulic conductivity K, averaged 13.28 m/day and the transmissivity T, range from 252.32-1932.24 m2/day (average 413.78 m2/day) for the study area. Groundwater reserves varied between 928.00 x 106 and 64178 x 106 m3 and regional groundwater flow direction is from North to South. Average Fe concentration of 1.67±0.10 mg/L exceeded MAL of 0.37 mg/L. Water is safe for irrigation uses. The hydrochemical facies is classified into 3 groups; the Ca-Mg-HCO3-Cl, Mg2++Ca2+-Cl-+HCO3- and Ca2+-Mg2+-SO42–HCO3-water types attributed to carbonate and magnesium weathering. Gibb`s diagram showed TDS as a function of Na+/(Na++Ca2+) and Cl-/(Cl-+HCO3-). Gibbs Cross plots based on chloroalkaline indices CA I and CAII showed forward ion exchange. Factor analysis and multivariate statistical analysis showed loadings suggestive of silicate and carbonate weathering. This study provides critical insights into groundwater suitability for domestic and agricultural uses to support sustainable water resource development given the complex geology of the study area. Preliminary geophysical investigations are recommended before borehole drilling to minimize failure risks.
Cotton is a cash crop and enhances farmer livelihoods in northern Ghana. However, cotton yields are diminished because of drought and poor agronomic practices that result in lower lint quality. This study investigates the interaction effects between tillage methods and fertilizer strategies on root zone soil moisture retention, cotton growth traits, and seed cotton yield. The experimental design used was a split-plot with four replications. The main plot factor consisted of tillage methods at three levels: tied ridges, ridges, and flat (control). The subplot factor was fertilizer at four levels: organic fertilizer (6 t ha⁻¹), inorganic fertilizer (NPK 90-60-60), a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer (half rates), and no fertilizer (control). The results showed a non-significant interaction effect of treatments on the measured traits. Tied ridges exhibited greater soil water retention and significantly recorded the highest mean boll count (14), open bolls (12), plant height (104.7 cm) and seed cotton yield of 1.7 t/ha across the two years. Also, the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers gave significantly higher mean boll count, plant height (107.1 cm) and seed cotton yield (2 t/ha) across the years. The adoption of these sustainable agricultural technologies would improve the soil quality and cotton yield, consequently increasing the income of smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana.
A study to ascertain the water quality and species composition of the aquatic insect of Eruvbi River flowing through Ekosodin Village, Nigeria was conducted between June and August 2009. Four locations were selected with physical and chemical parameters determined along with the insect fauna collected using general purpose net and sweep net; captured insects were identified and classified into taxonomic groups. The result obtained for the condition of the water revealed dissimilarities in all except pH and Total Dissolved Solids which were similar in all stations. A total of 311 individuals from 7 orders across 20 families and 27 taxa were encountered. The highest abundance in species and family was found in station 4 (110 and 18) while the least was found in station 1 (61 individuals) and station 3 (13 families). The dominant orders were Odonata, Diptera and Ephemeroptera in all stations. Trichoptera, Coleoptera. Hemiptera were subdominant while Plecoptera was scarcely found in stations 2 and 4. The diversity and biotic indices showed that the water had good quality, which was the inference from the abundance of indicator species denoting the water was free from pollution with the nature of the substratum and presence of aquatic macrophytes influencing the insect composition and diversity.
This research aimed to determine the geotechnical properties of soils along the British American area, Jos, Northcentral Nigeria. A total of five (5) soil samples were collected at a depth of 1.5 m and subjected to geotechnical tests: moisture content, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, linear shrinkage, and plasticity index. The moisture content of the soil ranges from 10.7 to 21.2%, while the specific gravity of soil ranges from 2.65 to 3.10. The liquid limit ranges from 35.24 to 38.5%, plastic limit value varies from 15.76 to 24.07%, plasticity index value ranges from 11.17 to 20.24%, and linear shrinkage value from 6.69 to 7.54%. Cassagrande plasticity chart indicates that all the soil samples plot within the CL-Group. The value of specific gravity (2.65 to 3.10) shows that the soil samples in the area can be categorized into sand, silty sand, and soil with mica or iron. Based on the value of the liquid limit, the degree of expansion was categorized into a medium degree of expansion (35-50%), while the danger of severity zone was identified as marginal (35 to 50%). Based on the plasticity index value, two (2) danger of severity zones were identified as non-critical with a plasticity index value of <12% and marginal with a plasticity index of 12 to 23%. The degree of expansion was classified as low with a plasticity index value of <12% and medium with a plasticity index value of 12 to 23%. The value of linear shrinkage indicates a non-critical danger of severity zone with a value of <15%, and the degree of expansion is low. Two (2) plasticity index zones of medium plastic and highly plastic were identified, while two (2) swelling potential zones were classified as low with a plasticity index value of 0 to 15% and medium with a plasticity index value of 15 to 25%. The soil type in the study area can be classified into two: silt clay with a plasticity index of 7-17% and clay with a plasticity index of >17%.
