Environment and Forestry

Urban sprawl, the changed lifestyle and urbanization requires landscaping as an essential factor. Urban landscape is so important that it is currently considered as an indicator of development. Unresponsive urban parks to meet the needs of most citizens and lack of facilities and services leads to elimination of deficiencies in an urban park, often referred to as design improvement. Due to its significance as well as the lack of relevant studies, design development should be given more attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Shahrekord Mellat Park qualitatively and quantitatively by a documentary-analytic survey. Majority of data was collected by questionnaires distributed among users of the park. Finally, data was analysed. The findings suggest that factors such as lack of facilities and furniture, lack of vegetation, lack of social security and mismanagement of the park reduce the willingness of citizens to use these areas. Finally, suggestions were made for design improvement of Shahrekord Mellat Park.

In order to assess if there is a potential of solubilizing trace metals from minerals by saline intrusion in costal aquifers, a series of simulations were conducted. Numerical simulations were conducted for a series of saline intrusion scenarios and different aquifer geochemical conditions like; in presence of dolomite, qurtz and pyrites. The effect of saline intrusion induced trace metal solubilisation was assessed using a PHREQCI hydro geochemical model incorporated with minteq.v4 thermodynamic database. For simulation the physicochemical parameters of groundwater (which contains lead and copper in trace level) of the costal aquifer of Mumbai, India was taken in input file. Results show that Cerrusite and Cuprite are the predominant mineral phases in equilibrium with groundwater for Pb and Cu respectively. Further simulations at different rate of saline intrusion revealed that Pb and Cu mobilization increases with the increase in saline intrusion and exceeds their maximum contamination levels (MCL). The involved mechanism in mobilization of metal ion is nothing but the desorption of the metal ions from mineral surface by competitive positive ions Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and subsequent formation of soluble complexes by counter ions like Cl-, SO42- and CO32-.The study revealed that the presence of dolomite in the aquifer accelerate the desorption of the Pb and Cu from mineral.

Hydro-geophysical investigations were conducted on a 16-acre piece of land at Kaedabi-Ahwerease in the Akuapem-South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to determine the groundwater potential at the site and the possibility of drilling a borehole that could yield considerable quantity of groundwater for sustainable potable water for a proposed bottled and sachet water factory. The survey was carried out using the Geonics EM-34 conductivity meter and ABEM Terrameter (model SAS 1000 C) equipment. Electromagnetic (EM) profiling and Vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys were conducted to determine the vertical variation of the resistivity/conductivity of the sub-surface rock formation with depth with the view to detecting fractures, joints, shear zones and faults, which could serve as conduits for water traps within the underlying bedrock at the project site. The EM profiling data were obtained along three (3) evenly-spaced parallel traverses each of length 300 m with the 20 m inter-coil separation cable. Measurements were taken at 10 m station intervals in the northwest-southeast direction as a means of selecting suitable points for depth-probing (VES investigations). From the EM profiling results, 12 conductivity anomaly points were selected for further investigation using VES methodology. The Schlumberger array was used for the VES survey. The combined interpretation of the EM and VES results indicated the presence of possible aquifer units comprising the weathered, fractured and fresh bedrock within the subsurface of the study area. The results revealed the presence of three geo-electric layers. The resistivity of the top lateritic layer ranged from 78 to 1,895 ?m with thickness between 0.8 and 1.7 m. The resistivity of the regolith (second layer) ranged from 10 to 135 ?m with thickness of 2.1 to 6.4 m; while the bedrock had resistivity values between 303 and 1068 ?m. The combined output from topographic interpretation, paleo-river channel location and resistivity modelling results clearly zoned out areas of high and low groundwater potential in the study area. The estimated groundwater yield for the three test wells drilled within the detected high groundwater potential zone ranged between 50 and 160 lpm, indicating that, the study area has adequate groundwater for the proposed project.

A comparative study of the phytoplankton and epiphyton biomass in relation to environmental characteristics at the Iragbo part of Yewa Lagoon were undertaken for six months (December, 2012- May, 2013). Water temperature (?32.20C), air temperature (? 48.50C), transparency (? 48.5cm), pH (? 8.16), were higher in dry months while in the wet months total suspended solids (? 1.3mg/L) and total dissolved solids (? 49.0mg/L) values were higher. Dissolved oxygen values (? 2.8mg/L ? 7.6mg/L) were moderate in the Lagoon while biochemical oxygen demand varied between 7.0mg/L and 16.0mg/L, chemical oxygen demand also varied between 21.0mg/L and 40.0mg/L. Reactive silicates ranged between 0.002mg/L and 0.004mg/L throughout the sampling months. The heavy metal values; Copper (?0.03mg/L), Lead (? 0.017mg/L), Zinc (? 0.62mg/L) and Iron (? 0.34mg/L) remained low throughout the sampling period.. Both the phytoplankton and epiphyton biomass were higher in the dry months. Phytoplankton chlorophyll-a values were highest in January while epiphyton chlorophyll-a value was highest in February. The pinnate diatoms dominated the epiphyton community while the centrales diatoms dominated the phytpplankton community. A total of 4885 individuals of 76 phytoplankton species belonging to 6 divisions were identified while a total of 2505 individuals of 39 epiphyton species belonging to 4 divisions were identified. For the phytoplankton community, a total of 1565 individuals (31.80%) represent bacillariophyta division while 635 (12.90%), 2535 (51.52%), 115 (2.33%), 15 (0.5%), and 20 (0.85%) represent chlorophyta, euglenophyta, chrysophyta and pyrophyta respectively. For the epiphyton community, a total of 2525 individuals (87.37%) represents bacillariophyta division while 105 (3.69%), 195(6.74%), and 65(2.24%) individuals represent chlorophyta, cyanophyta and euglenophyta respectively. Species used elsewhere for biomonitoring were observed in the lagoon, they include (Euglenoid) Euglena and Phacus species, Trachelomonas hispida, (Diatoms) Gomphonema parvulum, Synedra ovate, Pinnularia major and (Green algae) Chlorella sp.

Fifty-two ditch cutting samples between 6138m and 7717m in Kuri-1 Well, western Niger Delta were collected and processed for sedimentological and palynological analyses. Basically two lithologic units were identified which are sandstones and shaly sandstone. A total of Twenty seven species of palynomorphs were recovered, photographed and identified. The diagnostic palynomorphs recovered were used in the zonation and dating of the analyzed section. Two major palynological zones were established: P700 and P800 zones. The P700 zone contains only P780 subzone with the top placed at 6806m and its base at 7717m; this is marked by the top regular occurrence of Racemonocolpites hians. The P800 zone contains two subzones of P820 and P830, the top of P820 is placed at 6400m defined by the quantitative base occurrence of Stereiosporites spp. and its base is placed at 6806m marked by the top regular occurrence of Racemonocolpites hians. The top of P830 is placed at 6138m and its base at 6400m defined by the quantitative base occurrence of Stereiosporites spp. Based on the index taxa recorded, these zones correlate with the broad Pan-tropical zone of Echitricolporites spinosus. The flora recovered suggests Middle to Late Miocene age and a littoral to inner neritic environment of deposition.

This paper was motivated by the need to locate and discuss the role and place of electronic skills to strengthening and expanding the development footprint of women in rural development. The study analyzed the levels of electronic literacy among rural women who attended adult literacy classes in deep remote areas of Zimbabwe. The study revealed that most women lack e-skills. A few were learning basic electronic skills through their electronically literate family networks. Consequently, the study concluded that it is important to empower rural women with electronic skills for community development.

This study was undertaken to assess the characteristics of solid waste generated in the three campuses of the university viz Abuja, Delta and Choba campus. Open dumpsites were identified in each campus and a representative sample of solid waste (5kg) was obtained. The results showed that food waste contributed the highest percentage composition of 35.9% in Choba followed by Abuja (25.49%) and Delta Park (17.39%). Paper had the highest percentage composition of 26.45% in Delta Park, followed by Abuja Park (23.14%) and Choba (10.71%). Wood had the least composition of 1.96% in Abuja Park but absent in Delta and Choba Park. The results further showed that food waste had the highest composition of M.S.W generated in Choba (Weight kg) 3.55, followed by Abuja Park (2.6) and Delta Park (2.1) while wood had the least weight generated of 0.20 in Abuja Park and absent in Delta and Choba Park. The data analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the composition of waste in the different campuses at p<0.05. It is believed that given the characteristics of these waste streams, an integrated solid waste management system in the University will enhance the adequate utilization of the various categories of solid waste in the areas of resources, recovery and waste-to-energy.

Physico-chemical parameters of brackish and freshwater of the New Calabar River were studied between October to December, 2016, using standard methods. The comparative results showed the mean temperature (27.77±0.170 and 28.00±0.180C), pH (7.12±0.01 and 6.23±0.03), total dissolved solids (2657.00±24.0mg/L and 9.90±0.14mg/L), salinity (6269.95±67.25mg/L and 7.19±0.04mg/L), dissolved oxygen (6.34±0.06mg/L and 6.09±0.01mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (17.53±0.11mg/L and 51.06±0.20mg/L) for brackish and freshwater respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in pH, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD and COD whereas temperature showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) when both water bodies are compared. The physico-chemical parameters from both water bodies were favourable for fish production although some were to a large extent above the WHO limits. The study revealed the need for continuous pollution monitoring and management programme of surface water in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

The current and future states of Agriculture are challenged with limited water resource vis-à-vis global changing climate; erratic rainfall and drought potential, as well as rising temperatures causing evaporation of freshwater resources. There are equally many similar primary causes in addition to the threats outlined as they are directly linked with declining agricultural growth. Farmlands adjoined to freshwater sources (flowing stream), or constructed small-scale reservoirs are used for the purpose of irrigation on an agricultural landscape. Sedimentation, inorganic chemicals and nutrient loading from crop/livestock fields enter run-off into these water sources posing impairment challenges to the water body and thus, water quality and reservoir capture/holding capacity reduces. Hence, the urgent need for a sustainable approach to manage water resource especially on Agricultural landscapes characterized by this subject matter. The establishment of Riparian buffer system proves to manage these exacerbated effects adequately. Riparian is significant in environmental and natural resource management as they enhance water quality and biodiversity through its vegetative products and services in land-use systems. In a perspective, riparian buffer can be said to have a dual purpose by contributing to carbon sequestration as well as an adaptive measure in water management; to reduce rate of freshwater evaporation on Agricultural landscapes. Additional products such as food and medicinal benefits could be generated. This paper presents an archetypal Riparian buffer design suitable for replication in Ghana and other countries with emphasis on Agro-ecological gains, climate change resilience and natural resource management and conservation.

There is a growing concern that the global climate is warming to dangerous levels with serious implications on biodiversity components and development. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment identified climate change as a major driver of biodiversity loss and indicated that it will adversely affect key development sectors; including the provision of clean water, energy services and food. An analysis of the relationship between climate change and biodiversity conservation suggest that the causes and impacts of biodiversity loss are gender-based. Consequently, the international community is paying more attention to women and their role in managing and preserving biodiversity. Understanding the gender relations in biodiversity practices forms part of the solution to climate change. This article reviews some of the links between women and the environment, with an explicit focus on the gender dimensions of biodiversity conservation and climate management. The paper looks at the link between women and the environment and aims to develop gender sensitive strategies with regard to climate change adaptation interventions in developing countries. It will inspire the environmental community to better understand the importance of gender and the decisive roles women play in managing and preserving biodiversity. This will inculcate the need to integrate a gender perspective in climate change management in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, Goals 5, 10 and 13, which call for promotion of gender equality, reduced inequalities and climate action, respectively.