Research
Cropland Bioaccumulation Risks of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil of some Designated Foodstuffs Cultivated in Odu’a Farm Establishment, Aawe, Oyo State, Nigeria
The purpose of this work was to estimate heavy element bioaccumulation in four staple food crops species, specifically sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta), maize (Zea mays L.), plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.), and white yam (Dioscorea rotundata L.), and to assess the human health risks of food crops intake. The analyzed heavy elements included arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, lead, and zinc for their bioaccumulation factors to provide benchmark point information regarding ecological health and the suitableness of a farm established in the time ahead. The bioaccumulation factor, heavy elementpollution load index, acceptable daily intake of elements, human health risk index, target hazard quotient toxicology, total diet target hazard quotient, and total target hazard quotienttechniques were employed to estimate the human health risks analysis caused by heavy elements via staple food crops consumption. Quality control techniques comprised blank analysis, spike recovery analysis, and calibration of concentrations. We adopted descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data. Overall mean HEPLI values for both seasons were 0.54 and 0.88, 0.28 and 0.92, 0.31 and 0.37, 0.52 and 0.55, 0.28 and 0.55 and 0.24 and 0.31, for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Elements in staple food crops were lower than in soils, with ranges of 1.83- 3.91, 0.02-0.06, 0.06-0.43, 10.30-26.14, 0.04-0.23 and 2.73- 12.04 mg/kg, for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The levels of heavy elements in consumable parts of the diverse staple food crops diminished in this order as plantain > maize > yam > cassava. Arsenic in the study staple food crops exceeded Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization guideline values. Analysis of DAEs, HHRI, THQ, TDTHQ and TTHQ for the four staple food crops indicated that local populations were unsafe and were at threat of potentially prolonged health effects from nutritional As.
Tree Species Diversity Status and Contributors to Forest Degradation in Shasha Forest Reserve, Nigeria
Deforestation and forest degradation are related to human-induced activities practiced in comparison to the conservation of forest and its management in Nigeria. This work evaluated the diversity status of tree species in Shasha Forest Reserve utilizing a simple random sampling method for plot demarcation, with a transect established in the assessment area. Sixteen sample plots of 25 m x 25 m were established within the minimally protected and unprotected plots of the reserve. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data generated. The results of the tree appraisal showed that 644 individual trees and 60 different tree species (23 families) were identified.
Assessment of Levels of Immunization and Factors Associated with the Non-completion Routine Immunization within (9-12 Months) Attending Primary Healthcare Centres in Ibadan North and South East, Nigeria
Immunization is designed to prevent transmittable diseases and it is an integral public medical intervention and an economical method to decline mortality and morbidity associated with transmittable diseases. This work attempts to determine the vaccine coverage and factors related to the non-completion routine immunization within babies (9-12 months) attending Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ibadan North and South East Local Government Areas, Oyo State. The descriptive cross-sectional study research design was employed for this work. Health belief model theory and multistage sampling procedures were applied to choose 422 participants from all the chosen PHCs in the study location. The results indicated that complete immunization coverage for all five childhood vaccines in both sites were low (69.5%) relative to the WHO stipulated guideline of 80%. Overall results revealed that the complete immunization coverage from the sampling site for children 12 months of age was 69.7% and 69.5% for children among 9–11 months. The findings of survey indicated that percentage of vaccine coverage reduces as child age increases. Mothers/caregivers’ knowledge of vaccination, perception concerning vaccination and socio-demographic factors like educational status, occupation, and monthly earnings were all statistically significantly correlated with complete immunization in children. This study concluded that knowledge and perception control behavior and disposition of mothers/caregivers towards vaccination. Thus, health personnel and health educators need to underscore the significance of vaccination and likewise seek to decry all the wrong believes and negative attitudes on vaccination.
Ecological Impacts of Untreated Chicken Manure on Soil Health of a Few Poultry Farms in Osun State, Nigeria
The present work attempts to determine soil sustainability by recognizing the impact of untreated chicken manure on soil health status by applying the fertility content method in various site usages in a few poultry farms in the Osun State, Nigeria. Nearly all of the chicken manure generated in advanced countries is treated before application, while in growing countries chicken manure treatment is insignificant. Untreated chicken manure soil samples were collected from poultry, arable land, and bush fallow, while forestland sites were served as control. The chemical, primary, and secondary variables were determined utilizing standard procedures, while minor nutrients contents were performed with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after wet acid digestion. Quality monitoring measures included blank analysis, spike recovery tests, and standard calibrations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis. The fertility content ranges were: 1.30–2.38, 1.22–2.36, 1.30-2.39, and 1.32–2.38 for poultry, arable land, bush fallow, and forestland, respectively. Minor spatial variations in contents were found for all the chemical, primary, secondary, and minor nutrient variables in all parts of the study sites. Apart from organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), and Zn, the degree of fertility content for all the rest variables was found to be far below the recommended ranges set by Food and Agriculture Organisation for cropland soils. The condition subsequently demands suitable agricultural practices to sustain the fertility content in the sampling. These methods might comprise such measures as spraying untreated liquid manure before spreading and applying onto arable land, forestland, pastures or food crops, devising and adhering to a site-directed integrated nutrient management strategy, intensive land management and cropping techniques, and suitable farming methods.
