Browsing by Author "Opaluwa, O.D."

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    Amino Acid Profile and Vitamin C Content of Selected Condiments Used as Thickeners in Soup Preparation
    (Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-07-30) Lawal, Halimatu Sadiya; Madu, Paschal Chima; Opaluwa, O.D.; Mohammed, Y.
    This study aimed to analyze the amino acid profile and determine the vitamin C content of the condiments named Detarium microcarpum (DM), Cissus populnea (CP), Grewia mollis (GW) and Parkia biglobosa (PB). Study Design: The condiments obtained from Gwagwa market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja were used for this study to analyze and determine the amino acid profile and vitamin C content. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Abuja, Nigeria at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development [NIPRD], from February 2020 to September 2020. Methodology: The amino acid profile of the condiments was analyzed using methods described by (Maria et al., 2004). The samples were dried to constant weight, defatted, hydrolyzed, evaporated in a rotary evaporator and loaded into the Applied Biosystems PTH Amino Acid Analyzer while the Ascorbic acid content of the condiments was determined by titration method. Result: The result indicated that non- essential amino acids are higher in concentration in all the samples (PB - 33.77, DM - 27.51, GM - 18.21 and CO - 25.86) compared to the essential amino acids (PB -27.16, DM - 19.46, GM - 1 6.47 and CO - 22.38) and semi-essential amino acid (PB - 22.22, DM - 16.59, GM - 9.64, CO - 14.01). Among the essential amino acids, leucine is the predominant acid, while glutamic, aspartic acids were found to be the major non-essential amino acids in the samples. High concentrations of aspartic acid, glutamic acid valine, alanine and leucine predominate in all the samples analyzed. The sample Parkia biglobosa has the highest concentration of vitamin C with 0.3 mg/L followed by Detarium Microcarpum 0.18 mg/L, Grewia Mollis 0.12 mg/L and Cissus populnea 0.11 mg/L. Conclusion: Results indicate that these condiments contained amino acids in appropriate quantities that can serve as supplementary potential sources of essential amino acids to man and appreciable amount of vitamin C
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    Assessment of air quality within Maiganga coal mining area in Akko Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria
    (Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-11-20) Ogah, Adamu Tanko; Opaluwa, O.D.; Alkali, Mohammed; Lass, Kumo
    Anthropogenic activity especially coal mining contributes immensely to environmental pollution within coalmine and the host community especially if not well managed. This study is on the assessment of air quality in and around Maiganga coalmine, with the objectives of finding out the ambient concentration levels of criteria air pollutants within the coalmine, the Maiganga community and the four control sites 2km north, south, east and west of the coalmine, as well as compare the findings with the concentration levels of pollutants recommended as acceptable safety limits set by Federal Ministry of Environment, FMEnv. Six sampling locations were selected for detail assessment, with one point in each of the sites mentioned. Measurement of concentrations of criteria air pollutants; sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), and ozone (O3) were taken in-situ using Personal Toxic Gas Monitor (Tango TX1 single gas monitor). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), were collected using a Portable Counter HT - 9601 (PM2.5 and PM10) personal dust meter high volume gravity sampler. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were also measured using a Portable Hand Held Gas Detector (Porcheck+). The study was done during the dry season and the results revealed that, coarse paticulate matter (PM10) was above the stipulated safety limit of 250pg/m3 set by the FMEnv for the coal mine area and Maiganga community but all other parameters were within the safety limits of the FMEnv. CO, NO2, SO2, and NH3 in coalmine area had concentrations lower than in that in control areas because of other anthropogenic activities like burning, heating, waste disposal, agricultural practices and a host of others taking place in the control area and which are not available in the coalmine area. However, the concentrations of the aforementioned parameters were higher in Maiganga community than in the control areas due to higher rate of anthropogenic activities in the community than in the control areas. The hypothesis were tested using student t - test, and the alternative hypothesis was accepted which showed there was no significant variations in the values of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PMio), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), and ozone (O3) obtain from the coalmine, Maiganga community and the Control (N.S.E.W) with safety limits set by FMEnv. It is however, recommended that the Federal Ministry of Environment and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) should ensure strict compliance with safety and environmental standards agreed upon during Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
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    Assessment of Some Physicochemical Parameters of Soil And Heavy Metals In Vegetables Cultivated On Irrigated SitesAlong The Bank of Mpape River In FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-05-01) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Eze, O.C.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    The purpose of the study was to assess some physicochemical parameters of soil and the heavy metal in soil and vegetables along the bank of Mpape River in FCT, Abuja. The study was carried out in dry season between 2016 and 2017. Soil and vegetables samples were collected simultaneously from three irrigated farm sites. Heavy metal levels were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Other parameters were determined using standard methods. The levels of physicochemical characteristics in soil and the heavy metals in soil and vegetables varied significantly according to sites without adhering to any significant trend. Soil pH (5.62±0.72) was slightly acidic, soil temperature (27.37±0.60 0C) and OM content (3.31±0.37 %)were significantly higher and within WHO/FAO1 permissible limits.Levels of Cr and Cd were below detectable limits while Mn (7.61±0.76) and Cu (0.65±0.016) in soil were below EU2 permissible limits. The levels of Cr (0.17±0.08),Mn (7.22±0.59), Cd (0.02±0.01) and Cu (0.80±0.26) in Lagos Spinach were significantly higher than the levels of Cr (0.29±0.16), Mn (3.92±0.53), Cd (0.01±0.03) and Cu (0.67±0.28) in African Egg-plant which were below FAO/WHO1 and EU2 permissible limits. Transfer factors (TF) values for Mn and Cu surpass 0.5 showing that the vegetables were largely contaminated by Mn and Cu while Cr and Cd were below 0.5 in the two vegetables. Daily intakes value (DIM) calculated for Cr, Cd and Cu in vegetables WHO/EU2, 3 and SEPA5 maximum limits except for Mn that was higher than the limits indicating that people who consumed these vegetables may accumulate more of the Mn. Health Risk Index in both vegetables from all the farms was less than 1, indicating that no significant potential health risk associated with the consumption of these vegetables. All the metals were significantly different (<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the metals in these farms have varying correlations. All the metals in all the farms were strong and positively correlated which is an indication that they have common source of pollution.
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    Baseline Concentration of Morbid Leachate In Well Water In Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria.
    (Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-11-01) Nasiru, Idris Medugu; Abiola, K.A.; Ekanada, O.; Opaluwa, O.D.; Omale, L.; Mohammed, A.B.
    Water is abundant natural resources which is critical for the sustenance of human life. It is a well-known fact that adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings on the earth. This research aimed to determine the trace of metals and other physico-chemical properties in water samples collected from eight selected location in the study area (Enjema-Ofugo) in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. The investigated metals (Na, K, Pb, Cd, Se, and Cr) were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method while Alkalinity, pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids, suspended solids and soluble anions (phosphate, chloride, nitrate, and bicarbonate) and other physico-chemical parameters were analysed using appropriate standard techniques. The results also showed that Cd, Se and Hg were not detected, while other physico-chemical parameters were within the permissible limits set by World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water except phosphate ion. However, source protection is recommended for the water bodies for the benefit of the community people in the study area.
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    Effect of Processing on Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Compositions of Harms (Brachystegia eurycoma) Seed Grown in Nigeria
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2014-03-03) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Aremo, M.O.; Mohammed, Y.; Madu, B.O.; Audu, S.S.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    A comprehensive study on the effect of processing on fatty acid and phospholipid compositions of Brachystegia eurycoma seed flour was conducted. Processing methods (boiling, fermentation and roasting) were adopted using standard analytical techniques. The most concentrated fatty acids (%) were linoleic acid (47.95 – 50.91) > oleic acid (26.51 – 30.91) > palmitic acid (11.51 – 14.16) > stearic acid (3.06 – 5.54). Lenoceric, erucic, and arachidic acids were present with none of them recording up to 1% while caprylic, capric and margaric acids were not at the detection limit of GC. All the processing methods increased the contents of palmitic, palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. The oleic acid content was reduced in boiled, fermented and roasted samples by 60.93, 59.97 and 63.77%, respectively. The phospholipid analysis gave result (%) of phosphatidic > phosphatidylinositol > phospatidyserine > phosphatidyethanolamine concentrations. Generally, the processing methods showed deviations in fatty acid and phospholipid components from the raw seeds. There was a clear indication that the raw and processed samples of B. eurycoma seed oils contained a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them a healthy low fat food
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    Efficiency of solid waste management methods in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, North Central, Nigeria
    (Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-01-06) Ogah, Adamu Tanko; Alkali, Mohammed; Opaluwa, O.D.
    The efficiency of solid waste management in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State was studied through the administration of questionnaires to heads of household using systematic sampling methods. The study covered a wide range of socio-economic and demographic variables from the households, such that income of household heads, household size, educational status of household heads, methods and frequency/efficiency of waste collection; waste bins by households and disposals facilities used as well as the role played by government in waste management in the study area were investigated. The study area was divided into Masaka, Karu and Mararaba communities. The results were largely based on the data generated through the administration of questionnaires. 300 copies of questionnaires were administered to household heads in the three areas selected, where Masaka area had 75; Karu area had 108 while Mararaba area had 117. It was deduced that solid waste generated in all the areas remained for days or weeks without been evacuated and containers used for waste collection are not adequate, majority of household heads in the three areas use either plastic or metal buckets to collect and disposed their waste at the locations designated containers for such are placed and also that the socio-economic characteristics varied in all the three areas. Furthermore, at 5% level of significance, H-calculated (as against Ho, efficient waste management) for the three communities were 0.178<5.99<9.21, and are all higher than 0.05 with the implication that solid waste management is not efficient in all the areas. It is therefore, recommended that Nasarawa State should as a matter of priority release more funds to the body that is responsible for management of wastes'through Nasarawa State Berau of waste management, a unit under Nasarawa Urban Development Board to cope with the increasing volumes of wastes in the study area. This will help to reduce the high rate of the likelihood of outbreak of epidemic.
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    Index Model Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soils Selected from Three Irrigated Farm Sites in Fct Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-06-01) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    The study was undertaken to examine the concentrations and health risk of heavy metals in soil from selected irrigated sites within Mpape River in FCT, Abuja. The study was carried out in dry seasons between 2015 and 2017 simultaneously from three irrigated farm sites. Heavy metal levels were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Other parameters were determined using standard methods. The levels of heavy metals in soils varied according to sites. The mean levels of Fe (24.82±0.89), Pb (3.34±0.65) and Zn (2.23±0.27) were significantly higher (P≤0.05) while Ni (0.39±0.19) was generally low. These values did not exceed the WHO/FAO, EU and USEPA permissible limits. However, soil bioavailable form recorded considerably higher concentrations in Fe (22.30±0.84), Zn (0.79±0.25) and Pb (0.79±0.28) while Ni (0.09±0.05) was lowest. Using contamination factor (CF) classifications; showed that soils from different irrigated farm sites along Mpape River were not contaminated by Fe, Zn, Ni and Pb. Pollution index was also (PLI = 0) indicating no pollution of the soil by heavy metals. Geo-accumulation index (igeo) values exhibited a zero category which shows that soils from various irrigated farm sites were unpolluted. Enrichment factor indicated extremely severe enrichment with respect to Pb (66-68.05), very severe enrichment was recorded for Zn (26.5) in farm B while Ni was found to be at very severe enrichment status in all the farms. The pollution index from all the farms were found to be in the low potential risk categories (<40) which suggested that the soils from all the farms do not pose any ecological health risk to the environment. The correlation results showed strong and positive relationship with Zn/Fe (0.959), Ni/Zn (0.978), Pb/Fe (0.970) and Pb/ Ni (0.990) and strong and negative relationship with Ni/ Fe (-0.988) and Pb/Zn (-0.976). The strong positive correlations in the soil samples is an indication that they have common source of pollution while the strong negative correlations observed is an attribute of different origin and sources of pollution load.
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    Oxidation Of N, N-Dimethylthiourea By Diaquotetrakis(2,2’- BIPYRIDINE) - µ - Oxodiruthenium (III) Ion In Aqueous Acid Medium: A Kinetic Approach To Mechanism Of Reaction
    (Department of Chemistry Education, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-07-29) Mohammed, Y.; Idris, S.O.; Onu, A.D.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    Background: Electron transfer (redox) reactions play very important roles in many biological processes including collagen synthesis, steroid metabolism, the immune response, drug activation, neurotransmitter metabolism, nitrogen fixation, respiration and photosynthesis. Ruthenium complexes with polypyridyl ligands have received much attention owing to their interesting spectroscopic, photophysical, photochemical and electrochemical properties, which are responsible for their potential uses in diverse areas such as photosensitizers for photochemical conversion of solar energy. Thiourea and its derivatives, of which DMTU is one, can be oxidised by a wide variety of oxidising agents and the reaction pathways and final products of the oxidation reaction depend on the reagents used and condition of the reaction mixtures. Materials and Methods: Kinetic and mechanistic studies of the oxidation of N,N-dimethyl thiourea (DMTU) by diaquotetrakis(2,2’-bipyridine) - μ - oxodiruthenium (III) ion, hitherto referred to as Ru2O4+, has been carried out in hydrogen ion concentration, [H+] = 5.0 x 10–2 mol dm-3 (HClO4), ionic strength, I = 0.5 mol dm-3 (NaClO4) and at a temperature, T = 30±1ºC. Results: The reaction revealed that a stoichiometry of 2:1 (DMTU/ Ru2O4+, first order dependence with respect to [DMTU], an acid – independent and inverse acid dependent pathways. The reaction rates were not affected by changes in ionic strength and dielectric constant of the reaction medium. Addition of ions to the reaction medium had little or no effect on the reaction rates. There was evidence of the participation of free radicals in the reaction. There was no shift in λmax of the reaction mixture 1 minute after start of reaction. Michaelis Menten plot revealed no appreciable intercept. Conclusion: Based on the findings, an outersphere mechanism is implicated to operate in the reaction and a plausible mechanism is proposed
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    PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC SCREENING OF THE LEAVES OF Calotropis procera EXTRACTS
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-05-12) Usman, A.; Onore, R.O.; Opaluwa, O.D.; Ibrahim, Abdullahi Jaji
    The bioactive components of the leaves of Calotropis procera was extracted using aqueous, methanol, and n- hexane and investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites. All the extracts revealed the presence of steroid and saponins while flavonoids are present in aqueous and methanol extracts. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against fungi, gram positive and gram negative bacteria’s such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonela typhi using the agar disk diffusion method. The n-hexane extract demonstrated a significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against S. typhi and S. aureus with the zone of inhibition of 7 and 11 mm. The methanol extract was only active against Gram negative P. aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition of 6, while the aqueous extract was inactive against all the organisms tested. The result of the antioxidant property showed that methanol extract has the highest activity of about 88% while aqueous extract is 37%. The flavonoid content of the extracts was also quantified to be 96.90 and 39.90 mg/g for methanol and aqueous extracts. The crude extracts were also subjected to brine shrimp lethality bioassay and hexane extract showed significant cytotoxicity having LC50 of 2.01 μg/ml.
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    Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water and Sediment from Mpape River in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-10-12) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    Levels of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb) in water and sediment from Mpape River in FCT, Abuja were assessed. The study was carried out between 2015 and 2017. Water and Sediment samples were collected from five sites during dry and rainy seasons. Metal levels were quantified using AAS. Metal levels in water were generally below detectable limits, except for concentrations of Fe (0.30±0.20 mg/L) and Pb(0.22±0.30 mg/L) that were higher in dry and rainy seasons respectively. Pb level was above while Fe level was within permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Concentrations of Mn (8.27±0.42 mg/Kg), Cu (0.57±0.09 mg/Kg), Zn (1.84±0.13 mg/Kg), Ni (0.16±0.06 mg/kg), Pb (2.63±0.19 mg/Kg) in sediment were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) during rainy season while Cr (1.77±0.22 mg/Kg), Cd (0.05±0.24 mg/Kg) and Fe (24.80±0.38 mg/Kg) were higher in dry season. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd were lower than the permissible limits set by WHO and USEPA except for Cr, Mn and Fe that were above the limits. Metal Pollution Index assessment of heavy metals in sediment samples showed that rainy season recorded the highest value at site S3 (50.24). Correlation analysis showed that the relationships for Zn/Mn (0.941), Fe/Cu (0.853) and Pb/Cr (0.803) were strong and positive while Pb/Cd (- 0.781) was negative in dry season. However, strong positive; Ni/Cu (0.884), Zn/Mn (0.938) and Fe/Mn (0.952) correlations were recorded in rainy season. The strong positive correlation indicates that they have commonsource of pollution.
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    Proximate Compositions and Health Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metal Uptake by Vegetables Grown at a Waste –Water Irrigated Site in Fct, Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-05-12) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Opaluwa, O.D.; Ubani, K.I.
    The purpose of the study was to evaluate some proximate compositions and health risk of heavy metal uptake by vegetables grown at a waste-water irrigated sites in FCT, Abuja. The study was carried in dry seasons between 2015 and 2017. Two different types of vegetable samples (Lagos Spinach- Celosia argentea and African Egg-plant-Solanum macrocarpon) were collected simultaneously from three irrigated farm sites. Heavy metal levels were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Other parameters were determined using standard methods. The levels of heavy metals in vegetables varied according to sites. Proximate composition in both vegetable leaves recorded higher mean values for total ash (8.65-8.97), crude fibre (10.83-11.25), protein (4.96-5.08), Fat (3.05-3.29) and dry matter (65.58-68.85) indicating that they were rich in nutrients that promote healthy living. The mean levels of Zn (3.36±0.50) and Ni (0.03±0.01) in Lagos Spinach ; and Zn (2.80±0.36) and Ni (0.04±0.02) in African Egg-plant were generally lower than the FAO/WHO permissible limits except for Fe (14.96±0.86), (15.81±0.89) and Pb (1.12±0.11), (1.31±0.11) in both vegetables that were significantly higher (P<0.05) . Lagos Spinach recorded lower Metal Pollution Index (10.35) while African Egg-plant had the highest value (12.18) suggesting that these vegetables may present more health risk to the consumers of these vegetable. Daily Intake values of Fe (0.089), Zn (0.020), Ni (0.001) and Pb (0.006) in Lagos Spinach and Fe (0.094), Zn (0.017), Ni (0.001) and Pb (0.008) in African Egg-plant were below the WHO/FAO and USEPA permissible limits. However, Health risk index of heavy metals in vegetable samples were less than 1 indicating no significant health risk associated with the consumption of vegetables by the consumers.
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    QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER SOURCES IN KEFFI AND KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, NIGERIA
    (Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-01-05) Opaluwa, O.D.; Mohammed, Y.; Shammah, Emmanuel Chaku
    The quality of water from boreholes and hand dug wells in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas, Nasarawa State, Nigeria were studied to ascertain the suitability of water from these sources for domestic purpose. The study was done by analysing for some physicochemical parameters using standard methods. The parameters determined were temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, chloride, phosphate and sulphate. Water Quality Index for the different samples each was calculated to ascertain suitability of the water for usage. Results obtained for physicochemical parameters showed that COD had values higher than the recommended tolerable limit prescribed by Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) while all the other parameters determined had values lower or within the recommended limits. WQI calculated showed that water from boreholes in Keffi was good for usage but water from hand dug wells in Keffi and boreholes and hand dug wells in Karu was not suitable for usage as potable water. Statistical analyses done at 95% confidence limit (p<0.05) showed there was no significant differences between physicochemical parameters of water samples from boreholes and wells from Keffi and Karu except for turbidity. However, the water from the study areas have very poor water quality, and it is better for water from these sources to be treated before being used for human consumption.
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    Quality Studies for Some Physicochemical Parameters and Textural Properties of Soil On Irrigated Farm Sites in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-10-12) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Eze, O.C.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    The study was carried out to evaluate the quality of some physicochemical parameters and textural properties of soil on irrigated farm sites in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The Soil samples were collected along the river bank in dry seasons from three (3) irrigated farm sites and were analysed using standard methods. Soil pH generally acidic in all the farm sites. Levels of pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrate, phosphate, chloride and sulphate did not vary significantly according to sites (P≤0.05) except for phosphate in farm B. Levels of pH (5.94±0.78) and Cl- (0.32±0.01) were higher in farm A, PO43- (15.05±0.94) and NO3- (0.28±0.03) in farm B and CEC (0.37±0.04) and (0.48±0.36) SO4 2- in farm C. Levels of physicochemical parameters of soil were within the WHO/FAO permissible limits for irrigation. The acidic nature of soil may lead to re-mobilization of heavy metals adsorbed onto the sediment surfaces into the water column, which may result to pollution. Textural properties of soil recorded higher sandy fractions (75±0.63) in all the farm sites; however, Silt (5±0.03) and Clay (20±0.18) were lower. The nature of the soils from these farms may be suitable for sanitary landfills. Since high sand content of any soil implies high leaching potentials with high permeability of water, the underground water beneath these farm areas could be threatened by pollutants from the farm sites. The implication is that the vegetables grown in these farm lands may be deficient in some of the nutrients to grow.
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    SALINE WATER VARIABILITY IN AZARA DEVLOPMENT AREA OF NASARWA STATE
    (Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-10-02) Nasiru, Idris Medugu; Abiola, K.A.; Ogah, T.A.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    This study examines the variability of saline water properties under salt mining activities in Ribi, Azara and Akiri areas of Azara Development Area. A total number of Forty (40) water samples were collected and analysed for the physical, chemical and environmental impact of saline water in the three areas. The results of the chemical analysis revealed that the cation concentration are in order of Na, >Ca2+>Mg2+ while that of anions are in the order Cl->HCO3->SO22+>SO42-. In percentage, the degree of metal concentration is comparable in the two study areas, except for some non-metals. Significant positive correlations were observed between and among the variables in the three areas. The geo-accumulation index order for brine are in these order Na >Ca> Mg>Mn> Al > Cr > Li. The major salts identified were Cl-, HCO32-, SO42-, and NO32-. The high electrical conductivity value recorded is as a result of high concentration of brine water in the study areas.
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    Spatial and Temporal Variations in Physicochemical Properties of an Aquatic Environment
    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-06-01) Tukura, Bitrus Wokhe; Atolaiye, B.O.; Eze, O.C.; Opaluwa, O.D.
    The study was carried out to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in the levels of some physicochemical parameters in water and sediments from Mpape River, Abuja, Nigeria. The samples were collected along the river bank in dry and rainy seasons from five (5) locations and were analysed using standard methods. Levels of pH, nitrate, phosphate, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in water did not vary according to sites. However, the highest levels of electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded at site 4 for both seasons. During the dry season, levels of pH (7.36±0.16), EC (300.73±0.05 μs/cm), TDS (185.11±0.10 mg/L), BOD (0.98±0.30 mg/L), SO42- (9.8±0.14 mg/L) and Cl- (38.00±0.15 mg/L) in water were higher. Concentrations (3.42±0.10 mg/L) of dissolved oxygen (DO), PO43- (5.66±0.11 mg/L) and NO3(0.21±0.06 mg/L) increased in rainy season. In sediments, levels of physicochemical parameters did not vary according to sites, except for PO43- and organic matter (OM). pH of sediments was more acidic (6.23±0.05) and higher in the dry season. Levels of OM (2.66±0.11 %), PO43- (5.06 mg/Kg), NO3- (0.21±0.09 mg/Kg), CEC (0.29±0.05 Cmol/Kg) and Cl- (0.17±0.02 mg/Kg) in sediments were higher in rainy season. Levels of physicochemical parameters in water and sediments for the two seasons were not significantly different (P ≤ .05), except for BOD, SO42- and Cl- in water. Levels of physicochemical parameters of water were within the WHO/FAO permissible limits for irrigation. The acidic nature of sediments may lead to remobilization of heavy metals adsorbed onto the sediment surfaces into the water column, which may result to pollution.