Environment and Forestry

In the present study, a simple and convenient synthesis of CaAl2O4 nanoparticle was reported. The static renewal bioassay was conducted to determine the lethal toxicity of CaAl2O4 nanoparticle and sublethal exposure reveals the effect of nanoparticle on the haematology and biochemical parameters of the test species Cyprinus carpio. The acute toxicity (96hrs LC50) of CaAl2O4 NPs was observed between 25- 225ppm. As a novel attempt, our study showed the impact of CaAl2O4 nanoparticles in acute toxicity and biochemical parameters of freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio.

P- and S-wave attenuations are studied using vertical and horizontal vibrator sources and zero offset VSP data from the Ross Lake heavy oilfield, Saskatchewan. We find that the S-wave shows a larger amplitude loss and phase change than the P-wave over the same depths. This suggests that we will need to pay attention to attenuation in matching the phase of PP and PS images. A new approach to spectral ratio method has been developed to calculate a robust continuous interval Q factor from zero-offset VSP data. We also establish an estimate quality indicator (QQI) curve to highlight where we can obtain a reasonable Q factor. Poor Q estimates may arise from casing-bond problems, multiple casing areas, or source inconsistencies. Our VSP-derived Qp curve shows an inverse linear relationship with the VSP-derived Vp/Vs curve. Finally, the bulk value of Qp, Vp/Vs and Vp are estimated for three main geological formations in this oilfield.

Present study was focused on intake of duckweed by chicks and to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of chicks. A total number of 106 chicks were allocated to 3 treatments with 3 replicates. The treatments were categorized into group A (25% duckweed and 75% commercial feed), group B (50% duckweed and 50% commercial feed) and group C (100% commercial feed). Results showed that crude protein was higher in group B followed by group A while in group C crude protein was lower but total feed intake, average weight, live weight, meat and bone weight, skin weight, head weight, liver weight, intestine weight and shank weight were higher as compared to group A and group B and this was due to the fluffy nature of duckweed and small size of crop. It was concluded that sewage grown duckweed can be successfully utilized as poultry feed. Chicks can survive on duckweed and farmer can save money. This is the first study in Pakistan.

Deforestation and forest degradation are still occurring at an alarming rate, and are contributing significantly to the current loss of biodiversity. Every year, about 13 million hectares of forest are converted to various uses. Many ecologists attest that sylviculture is one of the remedies to this problem. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of silvicultural techniques on the carbon sequestration potential of Millettia laurentii plantations. A carbon stock estimation study was conducted in 2016 in three silvicultural plots installed in 1940 following the Layon, Blanc etoc and Martineau techniques. Diameter at breast height of 359 M. laurentii individuals and wood density were used in an allometric equation to estimate biomass and sequestered carbon. In the Layonnage plot, biomass and carbon stored were 914.39 t/ha and 457.19 t/ha respectively; 695.47t/ha and 347.74t/ha in the Blanc Etoc plot; 767.67 t/ha and 383.8 t/ha in the Martineau plot. After 76 years in plantation, the Layon technique proved to be more favorable to biomass production and carbon stock by M. laurentii. 

Water is a very essential product in life and has always been the subject of special attention because of its capital importance in the life of man, in terms of its use or consumption. Hence the need for more studies and research in this vital area. Thus, in the context of this study, we also wanted to pay particular attention to the waters of undeveloped wells which proliferate everywhere in the city of Kisangani and which are often used by the population in case of need during rupture. of drinking water supply by Regideso and especially those who do not yet benefit from this water service in their communities.This study concerns the bacteriological and physico-chemical analysis of the water of the wells of the commune of Mangobo and aims to determine the quality of the waters of these wells. The waters from these two wells (1 and 2) were analyzed in the field and in the laboratory. After analysis and processing of the data, the results proved that, compared to the physico-chemical parameters, these waters were out of standard for temperature (?29.1°C), pH (?6.01) and did not contain chlorine (0). These waters therefore do not undergo any treatment and are true culture media in relation to their temperature. From a microbiological point of view, the water from well 1 is of suspect quality (contains an average of 30,000 total germs per 100 ml and 1,300 total coliforms per 100 ml) and is not given for human consumption, while that from well 2 is of fairly good quality. The contamination of these waters is of strictly human origin, therefore coming from its users.This study underlines the importance of carrying out physico-chemical and microbiological analyzes of well water before any consumption by the population of Mangobo because drinking water must not contain pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances.

The nutritive and anti-oxidative properties of tea have made it the most widely consumed beverage in many parts of the world. Warm climatic conditions arising from high light intensity however, constitutes a major constraint to tea cultivation in South-Western Nigeria. Reduction in the Light Intensity (LI) is therefore, fundamental to the possible expansion of tea production in this zone. A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different light intensities on growth, leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids contents of two tea cultivars at two locations (Ibadan and Owena). The experiment was a factorial of eight treatments; Two tea cultivars (143 and 318), Four levels of light intensity-(25%=2.40x104lux, 45%=4.57x104lux, 65%=6.75x104lux and 100%=1.04x105lux: control). These were achieved by using sheds of 4, 2, 1 and 0 palm fronds layers, respectively. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with four replications. Data were collected on Number of Leaves (NL), Leaf Area (LA, cm2), Plant Height (PH, cm), leaf abscission as well as chlorophyll and carotenoids contents (mg/g). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at ?0.05. The result revealed that Cultivar 143 performed significantly better than 318 with 25.23±9.74NL, 665.93±297.54LA in Ibadan and 25.38±9.82NL, 898.23±670.34LA in Owena. Tea plants under 45 and 65% LI had higher NL, LA and PH compared to those grown under 25 and 100% LI in Ibadan and Owena. Highest leaf abscission (15.44±3.89 and 23.13±7.22 dropped leaves in Ibadan and Owena, respectively) was obtained in C143 under 100% LI; while the least (6.84±3.89 and 4.78±7.22 dropped leaves in Ibadan and Owena, respectively) was obtained in C318 under 45% LI. In Ibadan, chlorophyll and carotenoids increased from 1.11±0.83 and 0.30±0.15, respectively in C318 under 100% LI to 3.15±0.83 in C143 under 25% LI and 0.6±0.15 in C318 under 45% LI; while in Owena, chlorophyll and carotenoids increased from 1.05±0.87 and 0.29±0.30, respectively in C143 under 100% LI to 2.97±0.87 and 0.83±0.30 in C318 under 25% LI. Conclusively, light intensities of 45% (4.57x104lux ) - 65% (6.75x104lux) enhanced optimal vegetative growth, reduced leaf abscission, increased chlorophyll and carotenoids accumulation of tea cultivar 143 which was more adaptable to Ibadan and Owena, Southwest Nigeria.

The Nyando River Basin experiences floods nearly every year, which is a key factor contributing to high poverty levels in Nyando District. Prior to this study, none had ever assessed the effect of floods on community livelihood sustainability in the Basin. This study investigated the influence of Floods on Community Livelihood Sustainability and Development in Nyando River Basin, Nyando Sub-county, Kenya on: Household food security and shelter status. A cross-sectional design was applied to source data from 561 household heads and 22 officials of humanitarian agencies operating in the Nyando River Basin. Probability and non-probability sampling procedures were applied to select participants, while the analysis yielded descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation with Chi-square statistic and one-way analysis of variance. The study area was divided into two zones - high-risk (within 2 kilometres) and low-risk (more than 2 kilometres).The results show that the floods increased the fishing potential but reduced the potential of crop farming and livestock production. The damage was most severe for maize crop (63.2%), beans (61.9%), poultry (62.6%) and goats (36.5%). The two zones were significantly different in terms of access to food (?2 = 23.151, df = 3 and a p-value = 0.022); the duration for which pupils stayed out of school due to floods (?2 = 22.861; df = 3 and p-value = 0.000. However, there was no significant difference regarding shelter type. In this regard, the analysis obtained a computed ?2 value of 2.166, with 3 degrees of freedom and a p-value of 0.155, which was not significant. This suggests that the high-risk and low-risk zones were not significantly different in terms of the type of shelter prior to the floods. However, after the floods the proportion dwelling in temporary structures increased from 10.6% to 38.5% in the high-risk zone and from 3.0% to 11.6% in the low-risk zone. Besides, the proportion accessing drinking water from open sources increased significantly during the floods. The study concludes that: appropriate risk reduction interventions are likely to safeguard community livelihoods, while increased investments in education is likely to reduce community vulnerability to floods, in the long-term. The study recommends the need to: develop crop calendars to guide farming activities; construct food stores in higher grounds to support grain banking; establish a housing kitty for vulnerable groups. The study further recommends the need to strengthen the constituency bursary kitty for children affected by floods; sustain health education to improve knowledge about the safety of drinking water and the need to equip households with knowledge and skills of modern fishing technology for household food security.

Migration of fishermen is common in the Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria. It affects the way people use and manage this natural resource. But little attempt has been made to relate migratory behavior of fishermen and the impacts of migration on fisheries conservation and management. This paper observes that fisheries related migration has some triggers. The paper therefore analyses the causes as well as demographic characteristics of fishermen using neoclassical economic theory and Logit model. Results show that fishermen have fishing as a primary source of income and are likely to be less literate. It is also shown that migration among fishermen is male dominated and has a clear gender-labour division. Further investigation revealed that migration reduces the positive attitude towards management of the common property. It is always assumed that population is the main driving force behind migration. But this paper further reveals that age, income and educational level, experience and family size are the main determining factors towards long/ permanent fisheries related migration. In relation to educational level, it is noted that those who have been for long and still in fishing is because they are illiterate and have been involved in fishing from their childhood and therefore lack other skills. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between migration variables of fishermen and the reduced efforts towards conservation in Lake Victoria fishery. It is thus recommended that, since there is no clear sign to halt fishermen’s migration in Lake Victoria, there is therefore a need to create public awareness to improve knowledge of the dangers of migration to fisheries conservation and management.

Education is basic and a basic requirement for every child, as it empowers the society to be self-sustaining and innovative. Water and sanitation determines the health potential of a given community. Environmental safety consciousness is paramount for any healthy community. This study investigated the influence of Floods on the Community Educational attainment and water, sanitation and health services. A cross-sectional design was applied to source data from 561 household heads and 22 officials of humanitarian agencies operating in the Basin. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation with Chi-square statistic and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyse data collected. The study area was divided into two zones - high-risk (within 2 kilometres) and low-risk (more than 2 kilometres).The results show that the floods on educational attainment (?2 = 46.458; df = 6 and p-value = 0.000). Besides, the proportion accessing drinking water from open sources increased significantly during the floods. The study concludes that: appropriate risk reduction interventions are likely to safeguard community livelihoods, while increased investments in education is likely to reduce community vulnerability to floods, in the long-term, the study recommends the need to: establish schools in higher grounds safe from floods, strengthen the constituency bursary kitty for children affected by floods; sustain health education to improve knowledge about the safety of drinking water and the need to equip households with the knowledge and skills of modern fishing technology for household food security.

This paper examines the traceability of irrigation water sources and its distribution in a spatial context for some selected vegetable production hotspots at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Ghana. The need for such a study had been a global call by food safety organizations, local consumers, commercial buyers, and suppliers of vegetable crops. The objectives were, therefore, to conduct preliminary spatial traceability on sources and distribution of water for Irrigation. GPS receiver and complimentary Satellite imagery (orthophotos) served as primary data to delineate spatial attributes. The study revealed that human-generated wastewater from homes/settlements was identified as the major source of water used for irrigation to augment rain-fed Agriculture for the all the three (3) study areas. The proximity of other landuse such as industries; whose effluents were discharged from their premises joined the same receiving open drain as that of the human generated wastewater. Thus, the study identified interconnectedness to the main drainage systems from which vegetable crops were irrigated with in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana. The study concludes that adopting GIS techniques in irrigation scoping studies of major or minor scales could enhance and inform decision making for improving Agriculture infrastructure access in Ghana