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Geotechnical investigations of subsoil were carried out in parts of Oleh community, Delta State, Southern Nigeria in order to delineate subsoil engineering properties, as well as evaluate the type of foundation that will be most suitable for the area. A total of ten (10) subsoil samples, obtained from two (2) depths (4 m and 8 m) were used to determine the specific gravity, Atterberg limits and particle size of the subsoil. The findings revealed that the specific gravity of the soil samples ranged between 2.52 and 2.85; and the specific gravity of the soil obtained at the 4 m depth was higher, when compared to the soil obtained at the 8 m depth. Additionally, the liquid limits of the soil samples ranged between 25% and 42%; the soils samples plastic limit varied between 13% and 25%; soils samples plastic index ranged from 5% to 17%; and the liquid limit, plastic limits and plastic index of the soil samples obtained at the depth of 4 m, were generally higher than the soil samples obtained at the depth of 8 m. The findings of the particle grain size grading revealed that the study area consists of silt loam, loamy sand and sandy and soils. Data obtained from this study will be useful for geotechnical purposes and these results will benefit to engineers or decision makers in designing building foundation within the study region

This study determined the level of women farmers’ knowledge and adoption of dryland farming techniques in north eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire was subjected to validity and reliability test. Multistage sampling procedure was used to sampled 378 women farmers out of the population of 6758 rural women in dryland areas of north eastern Nigeria. Data collected was analysed using mean and correlation. There is moderate level of knowledge ( 2.57, SD = 0.89) and low level of adoption (  1.78, SD = 0.63) of dryland farming techniques among women farmers in north eastern Nigeria. Also, from the perspectives of women farmers their level of knowledge on dryland farming practices significantly influence adoption of dryland farming techniques (r= 0.524, P = 0.000).

Background: This study evaluates water quality in Awule and Ala (FUTA) streams in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed a combined approach of insect biotic indices and physicochemical parameters in the assessment of the water quality. Aquatic insects and water were sampled for a period of six months. All insects collected were identified to family level. Physicochemical parameters of the waterbodies were measured across three sites in each stream. Various indices (BMWP, ASPT, FBI) were applied to assess water quality.

Results: The BMWP, ASPT, and FBI indices revealed differences between the streams, with Awule stream showing higher scores, indicating better water quality and lower pollution levels compared to Ala (FUTA) stream.This study indicates similarities in pH across sites, nearly neutral conditions conducive to aquatic life. Temperature, water depth, and flow rate exhibited slight variations, potentially influencing habitat diversity. Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen levels varied within acceptable ranges. Elevated nitrate and phosphate levels at specific sites suggested possible agricultural runoff impacts.

Conclusion: In conclusion, both streams generally meet recommended standards, but Awule stream exhibits slightly superior conditions based on the dominance of pollution-intolerant insect families and lower pollution index scores. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are vital for sustaining and enhancing the health of these aquatic ecosystems.

As a result of the dwindling petroleum resources, high cost of LPG and global warming resulting from fossil fuel, there is urgent need to explore the utilization of other potential alternative forms of ecofriendly fuels of which biogas is one. Biogas generated through anaerobic digestion showed potential to support access to renewable energy. However, variable biogas qualities present economic barriers and therefore require upgrading.  Biogas is a clean, valuable, renewable energy and also a secondary energy carrier produced from biodegradable organic materials (biomass) through anaerobic digestion. The main constituents of biogas are about 60% -70% methane (CH4) and 30% – 40% carbon dioxide (CO2) and traces of various quantities of contaminants, such as ammonia (NH3), water vapour (H2O), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), methyl siloxanes, nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons. The quantities of these contaminants depend largely on the biogas source and method of production. Methane is the only useful constituent, others, especially H2S, water vapour and CO2 are contaminants and have greatly reduced the thermal efficiency and density. Biogas generation at low pressures and the absence of means for storing and transporting it has further hindered its use and therefore was removed to significantly improve the quality of biogas for optimal utilization. Biogas upgrading market is facing challenges in term of operating costs and energy consumption. In this study, the biogas production was carried out by using cow dung and a semi-continuous stirring tank reactor (CSTR) and the biogas purified. Biogas was collected and stored as it was produced through the methanization process over typical hydraulic retention times of 30 days. Proper mixing and handling of the feedstock is important for maximizing stable biogas yields. Gas chromatography and calorimetry characterized raw/purified biogas quantities and qualities before/after upgrading. The purification was achieved by passing the gas through columns of steel wool, static water scrubber and silica gel. The steel wool removed up to 98% H2S, the static water column removed 96% carbon dioxide and the silica gel removed about 97% water vapour. Thus 95% methane refinement was achieved. Compressing, bottling and making the biogas transportable was

Abstract: Pollution is one of the major factors hindering the effective soil’s engineering applications. This research evaluated the possibility of remediating spent vehicle engine oil contaminated soil with rice husk ash (RHA) and groundnut shell ash (GSA). The soil samples geotechnical properties (California bearing ratio “CBR”, maximum dry density “MDD” and optimal moisture content “OMC”), and electrical properties (electrical conductivity “EC”, dielectric constant “ɛʹ” and dielectric loss factor “ɛʹʹ”), were determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approve guidelines. Results obtained from the laboratory tests depicted that both the contaminant and remediation materials have significant effect on all the investigated soil engineering properties. After the contamination, the geotechnical properties – MDD, OMC and CBR – decreased from 1.75 to 1.54 g/cm3, 16.55 to 14.76%, and 42% to 27%, respectively. Likewise, the electrical properties – EC decreased from 3.91 to 2.17 dS/m, while the ɛʹ and ɛʹʹ increased from 5.29 to 8.43, and 0.62 to 1.05, respectively. Then after the bioremediation program, the results revealed that the CBR and OMC values of the contaminated samples increased remarkably; while the MDD of the contaminated soil decreased considerably. It was noted that the ɛʹ values of the soil remediated with 1, 2, and 3% RHA were 3.23, 3.58 and 3.89, respectively; while samples amended with 1, 2 and 3% GSA recorded ɛʹ values of 3.05, 3.24 and 3.68 respectively. Furthermore, the samples treated with 1, 2 and 3% of RHA had ɛʹʹ values of 1.15, 1.23 and 1.34 respectively; and samples treated with 1, 2 and 3% of GSA developed ɛʹʹ values of 1.09, 1.18 and 1.29 respectively. These results are indications that GSA and RHA can be used to clean up polluted soils; hereby, restoring the contaminated soil’s electrical and geotechnical properties.

The inhibitive characteristics of Gmelina leaf extract on corrosion of mild steel in dilute 1 and 2 mol HNO3 solution was investigated using weight loss method and the electrochemical techniques. The SPECTRO analytical Instrument was used to determine the chemical compositions of the mild steel which gave the carbon content as 0.17% and other elemental compositions. The extract was subjected to some phytochemical analysis and some elements were determined as follows: alkaloid (0.08), Flavonoid (0.06) saponins (0.023), tannins (0.009) and phenol (0.023). A pH meter was also used to determine the pH level of all the chemical used. The concentrations of the leaf extract were varied from 10 to 60ml. The experimental duration for the weight measurement as observed from 168 hours to 1176 hours.  The values and data obtained were used to determine the corrosion rate (mm/yr) and the inhibition efficiency (%IE).  All the behaviour of the inhibitors gave the desired weight-loss time curves. It is evident that the weight loss of a mild steel electrode in the presence of inhibitors varies linearly over time, and the data shows that the corrosion rate was highest in 2mol HNO3, then 1 mol HNO3. A compact and coherent inhibition over film was formed on the mild steel, which lessens chemical attacks on the metal. Following the data generated, the corrosion rate decreased as the inhibition efficiency increases with respect to the addition of the leaf extract which was progressively from the control as follows: 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml, 50 ml, and 60 ml. The finding was also accomplished using Open Circuit Time Potential (OCPT), Tafel polarization; Inhibition was found to increase with increase in the inhibitor concentration.  The study revealed that the experimented extract serves as good inhibitors in preventing the materials from corroding. The leaf extracts is very much affordable especially in this part of the world.

The corrosion inhibition of mild steel with Avocado Leaf Extract has been investigated. Avocado (Persia Americana) Leaf Extract was used as corrosion inhibitor known as green inhibitor in this research to prevent the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in acidic media of 0.5 M and 1.0 M of Hydrochloric (HCl). In this work, concentrate of the Avocado leaf extract was added HCl solutions at concentrations of 10ml, 20ml, 30ml, 40ml, 50ml and 60ml. The Avocado leaves were extracted using the soxhlet extractor. Mild steel coupons were prepared, weighed and placed in each environment of 0.5 M and 1 M HCl in numbers of 4 coupons per media. The weight loss measurement was performed by removing one coupon per media at interval of 168 hours and taking the new weight measurements. The experiment was   carried out for a period of 672 Hours with readings taken at intervals of 168, 336, 504 and 672 Hours. The corrosion rate and the inhibition efficiency (%IE) were determined. The weight loss of the corrosion rate in 0.5M HCl and 1MHCl has the highest reduction at 60ml (0.0009mm/yr to 0.0004mm/yr) and (0.0035mm/yr to 0.0008mm/yr) with inhibition efficiency of up to 80% and 70% respectively.  The corrosion rate (C.R) and the inhibition efficiency (I.E %) represent the weight of the metal surface covered by inhibitor molecules and the values obtained were used to plot all the graphs. An Electrochemical Analyzer equipment was used to carry out the potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel plots) and the Open Circuit Potential and time (OCPT) experiment.  The mild steel electrode decreased with increasing concentrations of Avocado Leaf Extract. The reduction obtained indicated the absence of insoluble surface film during the corrosion process and that the inhibitor was first adsorbed on the metal surface and therefore impeded the corrosion process. The results revealed that the extract from avocado leaves (Persia Americana) performed well as a corrosion inhibitor in all the environments used.

A country cannot be sustainable if it generates more waste than it can assimilate.  Before sustainable development can be achieved in any country, a clear understanding of its political economy will be necessary. But in Nigeria, it has been found that there are no clearly formulated policies aimed at coordinating and monitoring the relationship between the environment and Economic development. The problem of waste management has become a debilitating factor towards the socio-economic development in Nigeria. This study therefore was carried out to review series of challenges militating against sustainable waste management in Nigeria; Disposal behavior of the people, government participations and prospects in sustainable waste management. The research work made use of basically primary data for the sake of collecting data. Precisely 105 samples were obtained from an undefined population of all state of the Environmental and Sanitation agencies in the five South Eastern States of Nigeria. Data obtained from the Questionnaire were analyzed with simple percentages. The study revealed that waste management has a significant close association with its numerous challenges in Nigeria. The study shows that majority of the people believe that waste management is the sole responsibility of the government hence, the negative attitude towards waste management in the country. The research also submits that government agencies are either not doing their work or they are understaffed with just 13.2% effectiveness. The study further posits that improper waste disposal habits of the people; corruption and inconsistencies in policies still remain the major challenges. The research concluded that if waste management is seen as an opportunity, government and individuals can earn good revenue from waste management business apart from creating positive impact in the society.

The hazardous nature of cement due to CO2 emissions and depletion of natural raw material resources causes a lot of challenges to the construction industry. The cost of cement production increases due to increased green tax and scarcity of raw materials. Owing to these challenges, this research aimed at replacing cement with waste plastic and laterite soil for the production of paving interlock blocks. Specific objectives included the determination of the compressive strength of the laterite/polyethylene composites; the melting point and subsequent effects of temperature on polyethylene; assessing the performance of paving interlock blocks made of laterite/polyethylene composite in terms of physicochemical properties such as flexural strength; and the mix ratio of the material components that gives the highest compressive strength. Thus, waste plastics and laterite soil which are relatively abundant were identified for this project. An invented auto-mechanical densifier machine is used in melting plastic and mixing with laterite for efficient mass production of interlocking bricks. Different proportions of plastic wastes and laterite soil were mixed and processed into composite bricks, it was observed that the maximum compressive and flexural strengths sustained by the composite bricks are 10.06 N/mm2 and 7.14 N/mm2 respectively. The paving interlock blocks made from polyethylene/laterite composite registered high relative performance. If made and put into use, these blocks will reduce construction costs, assist in environmental conservation, and improve economic growth. Utilization of these waste plastics as alternatives for cement in road pavement interlock production will lead to a paradigm shift in the sector since it is both an environmentally and economically friendly choice, considering the waste management challenge and the road infrastructure gaps existing in our municipalities.

This study is an assessment of the impacts of the Matrix Project Management style in Host community-based projects by Oil and Gas industries in the Kokori community of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria. The study sought to find out the following: whether the matrix management style reduces delay in project delivery, improves the quality of projects, and reduces the number of failed projects as it concerns community development-based projects in the Kokori community in Ethiope East L.G.A of Delta State. A descriptive research design was chosen as the framework for the execution of this research. Thus, the study sourced data from three selected Oil and Gas companies carrying out community development-based projects in the Kokori community in Ethiopoe L.G.A of Delta State. Results and analysis of the survey conducted showed that supervisors and ordinary workers of the three companies under study believe that the Matrix Project management style to a great extent minimizes delay of the delivery of projects, improves the quality of projects delivered, and reduces the number of failed projects as it concerns community development based projects in Kokori Community of Ethiope L.G.A of Delta State. Test on null hypotheses formulated showed that there is no significant difference in the mean response of ordinary workers and supervisors on the extent Matrix Project management style will minimize the delay of the delivery of projects and the extent to which Matrix Project management style improves the quality of projects delivered as it concerns community development based projects in Kokori Community of Ethiope East L.G.A of Delta State. It is recommended that companies carrying out community development-based projects in Oil and Gas industries’ host communities should adopt the Matrix Project management structure for faster project delivery, high quality of projects delivered, and minimization of a number of failed projects.