Research
Fuel Wood Systems: Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Fuel wood systems offer significant possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions when bio-energy replaces fossil fuel in energy production. This research paper provide analysis of calorific value, wood density, moisture content and ash content of commonly used fuel woods in Girei local government area of Adamawa state-Nigeria to determine the fuel-woods which are suitable as energy source. Nine (9) commonly used wood species of interest were selected for test evaluation. Test result show that Tamarindus Indica, Dalbergia Melanoxylon and Prosopis African have relatively high wood density, high calorific value and low percentage ash content when combusted. Their low ash content is also desirable as fuel since only non-significant part of the volume cannot be converted into useful energy. These wood species should be planted as a source of fuel-wood while efficient wood burning stoves should be develop and adopted in local communities. It is recommended that thermal test performance and emission characteristics of these wood species should be conducted.
Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the Federal Capital, Abuja, Nigeria
Municipal solid waste management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing environmental protection agencies in developing countries. This paper presents a characterization study of the municipal solid waste generated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The characteristics of the municipal solid waste were determined in terms of the components, average mass (kg) and percentage generated per district. It was found that 56.20%/52.0% of the solid waste generated in the area is made up of food/ petrucsible; rubber 10.20%/3.56%; paper 10.00%/ 12.46%; glass/ceramics 7.60%/1.42%; plastics 7.4%/2.85%; metals 2.60%/0.71% and other forms of waste 5.60%/25.62% (dust particle, Ash, stones) for wet and dry seasons respectively and the waste generation rates ranged from 0.59 to 0.79 kg/capita/day. The AEPB is faced with constraints like lack of institutional framework, inadequate budgetary provision, lack of institutional framework, inadequate bylaws and regulations and insufficient information on the quantity and composition of the solid waste. It is suggested that adequate financial provision, proper waste legislation, training and re-training of staffs and community full participation in waste management be encourage while formal composting and recycling facilities should be setup.
