Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology

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An Assessment of the Contribution of Municipal Solid Waste Dump Sites Fire to Atmospheric Pollution
(Scientific Research Publishing(SCIRP), 2014) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
Municipal solid waste open dump site operation is an important element of waste management in Nigeria, both today and in the future. Dump site fires are common occurrences in the study area. The contribution of municipal solid waste dump site fires to atmospheric pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria has been assessed experimentally. Five (5) municipal solid waste dump sites where fire incidence is a frequent and regular occurrence were chosen for the study. At each of the identified municipal solid waste dump site, eight (8) air quality monitoring parameters, suspended particulate matter (SPM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3) and Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) were determined using a series of hand held air quality monitoring equipment. Results indicate the levels of SPM ranged between 773 and 801 µg/m3 and the levels of CO ranged between 133.7 and 141.6 ppm. The levels of CO2 ranged between 401 ppm and 404.5 ppm while that of NO2 ranged between 21.0 ppm and 27.3 ppm. The levels of SO2 ranged between 27.7 ppm and 37.1 ppm while that of NH3 ranged from 14.7 to 19.5 ppm. The levels of methane in the study area ranged between 2310 ppm and 2771 ppm and within the vicinity of dump site fires H2S concentration ranges from 3.4 to 7.7 ppm. Levels of SPM, CO, CO2, and CH4 within the vicinity of the dump site fires were above regulatory limits. Dump site fires in the study area could threaten the health of anyone especially the dump site workers that are regularly exposed to the thick smoke and can be implicated in climate change debate. There is a need to develop better practices with regard to municipal solid waste open dump site operation and emission control.
Biodegradation Potential of Oil-based Drill Cuttings Encapsulated with Cement in the Soil Environment
(Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management (JASEM), 2011-12) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
Biodegradation potential of slabs made from oil-based drill cuttings encapsulated with cement in a soil environment has been experimentally investigated. Results of soil analyses show that physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the soil environment as; pH (5.6 – 3.9), temperature (27.7 – 39.5 oC), redox potential (-114mV – (-80mV), total organic carbon (12.7% - 7.3%), sulphate (0.7 – 0.2mg/l), nitrate (6.7 – 2.2mg/l), moisture content (82-89%) and total microbial count (105 – 1013 cfu/g). Experimental results shows a mass loss of oil base drill cuttings encapsulated with cement slab during the period of the study, indicating approximate linear relationship between mass loss and time. When the log of mass-loss is plotted against time, an approximate linear relationship is obtained confirming a first-order chemical reaction for the biodegradation process. Results of the analyses of the soil sample indicate an environment that has the potential to degrade cement encapsulated oil based drill cuttings.
Consideration of phthalates distribution in underground water in some selected regions in Delta State, Southern Nigeria
(Sciendo, 2020) EDJERE, Oghenekohwiroro; OGWUCHE, Ene Christina; BASSEY, Uwem; RIM-RUKEH, Akpofure
The choice of phthalates as plasticizers have been on the increase especially in household products. They are ubiquitous environmental pollutants due to their physical attribute. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence and level of phthalates in the groundwater in some regions of Delta State. Groundwater samples were collected from fourteen sampling points and analyzed using standard procedures. The obtained results showed that the concentration(µg/l) of six phthalate ester compounds present in the water samples was of the order: < 0.05 - 0.05 BBP, < 0.05 - 3.71BEHP, < 0.05 - 0.54 DBP, < 0.05 - 0.55 DEP, < 0.05 - 0.13 DMP, and < 0.05 - 0.48 DnOP. BEHP was observed to be the major compound of the phthalate acid esters present in most sampling stations, whilst others, especially BBP, were found to be in low concentration and does not pose any immediate threat to human health. The presence of BEHP in most samples from different locations suggests an inflow of the phthalate to underground water, hence it becomes imperative for continuous monitoring and a call to various governments and environmental regulatory agencies to establish standards for phthalate esters in order to monitor its presence in the environment.
Determination and Risk Associated with Phthalic Esters Distribution from the Ekpan River, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
(European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences (EJ-GEO), 2022-07-28) Oghenekohwiroro Edjere; Daniel Igiegie; Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
Phthalates are additives or plasticizers added to make plastics soft. However, they could leach into the environment and cause harm to human health when contacted. Sites along the Ekpan river have been used for open dumping of refuse. The river also serves as a point source for the disposal of effluents from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC). Hence, the need for a preliminary study of phthalates across the river system. Surface water samples were collected from six points along the Ekpan river. Phthalates were extracted using USEPA standard method 3535 and EPA method 8061. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for the analysis of six PAEs including di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP or DPX), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (D-n-OP)), Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and Diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the river system. Analysis of phthalates in the Ekpan river system showed that DEP across the Effurun river system ranged from 4.22 – 13.81 μg/L, DPX; 3.03 – 11.5 μg/L, BBP; 0.11–1.39 μg/L, DEHP; 0.12 – 3.33 μg/L. D-n-OP and DMP were below the limit of detection of the analytical instrument used (0.1 μg/L). The distribution of PAEs along the network of the river revealed that the sampling sites in the urban region were more contaminated with PAEs due to urbanization and an increase in population across the river network. Human health risk assessment revealed that the hazard quotient (HQ) for DEP, DPX, DEHP, and D-i-NP were below 1, indicating an acceptable risk of PAEs via ingestion or bathing of the river water. In addition, the Hazard Index (HI) via ingestion and bathing of the river water was less than 1 indicating acceptable risks. According to this study, these PAEs congeners are safe for toddlers, adolescents, and adults to eat and bathe in tap water. Even DEHP, the only PAEs congener designated as a carcinogenic agent by WHO, was shown to have a tolerable cancer risk. These findings indicate that there is no harm to children, adolescents, and adults from DEHP in the river water studied.
Effects of New Year Eve’s Fireworks on the Ambient Air Quality inWoji Community, Port Harcourt,Nigeria
(FUPRE Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (FJSIR), 2019-06-27) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
Globally, celebrations of public holidays, religious and traditional festivals, sporting events, political and military victories, and other occasions often include pyrotechnic displays, or fireworks. The effects of fireworks display on the air quality of Woji community, Port Harcourt metropolis during the 2016 New Year Eve celebration has been determined experimentally. Four (4) monitoring sites where firework display is a yearly occurrence were chosen for the study. At each of the identified monitoring site, five (5) air quality monitoring parameters, particulate matter (PM10and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO)and sulphur dioxide (SO2)were determined using a series of hand held air quality monitoring equipment. Average value of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO and SO2was395.98(μg/m3), 311.38(μg/m3), 22.64ppm, 20.23ppm, and 7.32ppm respectively. Levels of measured parameters across all monitoring sites were above regulatory limits. Hourly measured levels of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO and SO2across all monitoring stations are higher than on four previous air quality studies. Air quality index (AQI) indicates that the air quality in the study area within the study period can be described as unhealthy for active children, women and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma. The federal, state, and local governments must make use of the findings of this study to protect the Nigeria environment.
Impact Of Cassava Processing On The Water Quality Of Selected Tropical Streams In Delta State Southern Nigeria
(Journal Of Chemical Society Of Nigeria, 2016) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure; Irerhievwie, G
Effects of cassava processing on the water quality of selected tropical streams (Atochi, Inyite and Iyida) in Southern Nigeria have been experimentally studied. The study was carried out on a weekly basis for a period of four months within the rainy season (June-September) in the year 2013. Three sampling stations were established along the river courses (upstream, midstream and downstream of the cassava processing site). Results of physico-chemical analysis of the water samples showed that cassava processing caused a decrease in dissolved oxygen and pH and an increase in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total microbial count (TMC), temperature, phosphates, sulphates and nitrates. Using a water quality index (WQI) in classifying water quality of the streams show that the values of the index are generally greater than 2 at sampling points A (downstream) and C (upstream) across the three streams indicating that the water quality at sampling points A and C in the three water bodies is acceptable. However, at sampling point B (mid stream) across the three water bodies the water quality index ranges between 0.6 and 1.06 indicating that the water quality at sampling point B across the water bodies is poor.
Investigation Of The Microbial-Induced Corrosion Potential Of Soils In Southern Ijaw LGA In Niger Delta, Nigeria
(Bachudo Sciences Co. Ltd., 2008) PUYATE, Y. T.; RIM-RUKEH, Akpofure
Investigation of sulphate-reducing bacteria induced corrosion potential of soils along 18-inch 45km Tebidaba/Brass underground oil pipeline in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, is carried out experimentally. The analysis involves determination of some physico-chemical parameters of soils in the pipeline route, and testing corrosion products formed on the surfaces of X60 steel coupon buried in the soils for one year. It is shown that the soils are clayey in nature and highly corrosive with high population of sulphate-reducing bacteria (104 – 106 cfu/g). The ranges of other measured properties of the soils (pH (4.8 – 5.2), temperature (17– 21oC), water content (79 – 89 %), organic matter (10.7 – 15.6 % dry wt), redox potential (–79 to –95mV), sulphate (0.8 –13.6mg/l)) favour growth of sulphate-reducing bacteria. Black deposits on the surfaces of the buried coupons are iron sulphide resulting from attack on the metal by sulphate-reducing bacteria in the soils.
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Of S45c Mild Steel In Cassava Mill Effluent
(Research Journal in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2012) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
In the cassava processing mill S45C mild steel is used as the construction material for the grating. The S45C mild steel exposed to the cassava mill effluent faces possible corrosion action due to the microorganisms. In the present study the role of microorganisms in cassava mill effluent on the corrosion of S45C mild steel has been experimentally investigated. Outcome of this investigation provides opportunities for material selection in the construction of cassava mill. Chemical and biological characterises of cassava mill effluent was also experimentally determined. Corrosion rate has been estimated by weight loss measurements. Results indicate the cassava mill effluent exhibits the necessary qualities of an environment suitable for the promotion and sustenance of microbiologically influenced corrosion. The corrosion rates of S45C mild steel in the cassava mill effluent were 1.37, 1.41, 1.60, 1.85, 1.88 mpy at 10, 20, 30 40 and 50 days respectively. Pseudomonas sp., Streptococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Neisseria sp. and Lactobacillus sp. were identified in cassava mill effluent.
Oil Spill Management in Nigeria: SWOT Analysis of the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) Process
(Scientific Research Publishing(SCIRP), 2015-03-27) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure
The Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) process of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been analysed using the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) methodology. The oil spill Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) is empowered by the Oil Spill Recovery, Clean-up, Remediation and Damage Assessment Regulations, 2011 Section 5. The strength of the JIV process lies within its participatory nature and the well defined legal structure of the process. The oil spill Joint Investigation Visit process in Nigeria has several weaknesses—lack of independence and oversight, lack of technical competence on the part of regulatory bodies, lack of technical competence on the part of community representative, lack of transparency on the part of oil companies, lack of general procedure for determining the actual cause of spill, lack of general procedure for determining the actual volume of oil spilled, determination on the size of the impacted area and exclusion of women from the JIV Process. The JIV process for oil spill presents a number of opportunities such as; increasing community awareness, growing consciousness through Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and capacity building of stakeholders. Possible threats to the JIV process include; poor governance and corruption, manipulation of the Process by the spiller through the start date of an oil spill and obvious lack of transparency. Improved effectiveness of the JIV process will depend on strengthening of government agency coordination, integrated decision-making adequate training to various stakeholders and supporting infrastructure for purposeful monitoring and enforcement.
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION Open Access Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Acalypha ciliata plant
(Springer Open, 2016-06) ODEJA,Oluwakayode; OGWUCHE, Christiana Ene,; ELEMIKE, Elias Emeka; OBI, Grace
Background: Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol crude extracts of Acalypha ciliata plant was studied in this work. This plant according to folk medicine has been reported to be used for treatment of female sterility, dressing of sores and schistosomiasis. Methods: The preliminary screening of the various extracts was carried out using standard methods and the results revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, reducing sugar, anthraquinones, resins and glycosides. The antimicrobial screening was carried out using the following organisms; Staphylococcus aureus, Eshericha coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruguinosa, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiellae pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum and Rhizopus stolonifer. The free radical scavenging capacity using hydrogen peroxide was equally determined to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the extracts. Results: The result obtained showed that Acalypha ciliata extracts have interesting pharmacological active compounds and antimicrobial effects, and as such could be used in ethno medicine for treatment of bacterial infections and ailments. Conclusion: The extracts of Acalypha ciliata plant contains notable chemical compounds that are responsible for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Further investigations on the chemical compositions and possible isolation of active ingredients would be carried out
The Environmental Impact of Thermal Desorption Unit on the Physicochemical Composition of Leachate: A Case Study of Beneku, Ndokwa East, Delta State, Nigeria
(World Journal of Innovative Research (WJIR), 2022-07) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure; Omokwe Ugochukwu Nwokoma
The study is on the environmental impact of thermal desorption unit on the physicochemical composition of leachate in Beneku in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta state. Leachates samples were collected from 6 trenches dug into the dumpsites at 1.5m depth. 2-liter plastic containers were used to collect the leachates. Prior to collection, the containers were rinsed with the samples in order to acclimatize to the sample environment. In order to avoid chemical and biological changes that have the potential to change the natural homogeneity of the samples, the sample for heavy metals analysis were preserved by adding 1ml of conc. HNO3 while 2ml Concentrated H2SO4 was added to samples for COD analysis. The average pH values of the leachate for the wet season was 7.4, while in the dry season it was 6.0. With the pH values varying from 6 to 7.4,which is within the limit of the FMEnv of 6.0 – 9.0, it is a representative of a growing pH from young to old leachate. The electrical conductivity for both the wet and dry seasons are 6119.14 μs/cm and 6206.49 μs/cm respectively, which far exceeded the FMENV standard of 125.00 μs/cm. The BOD average values for the wet and dry seasons are 7.30 mg/l and 7.50 mg/l respectively while the average values of COD were 13.78 mg/l and 14.22 mg/l respectively for the wet and dry seasons. The mean ratio 7.30/13.78 is 0.53 for the wet season and that for the dry season which is 7.50/14.22 is also 0.53. This figure (0.53) shows that the organic matter in the leachates is readily biodegradable, and has a high organic strength which can be attributed to fact that the study site is active or open, being fed with waste on a continuous basis, which possibly contains organic matter that undergoes biodegradation continually. From the results of the study, the average values of Iron are 249.54 mg/l and 258.88 for the wet and dry seasons respectively and are over the FMEnv limit of 0.05 mg/l, Manganese had 2.89 mg/l and 2.66 mg/l for the wet and dry seasons respectively are were also above the FMEnv limit of 0.05 mg/l, Cadmium concentrations in the leachate were 0.57 mg/l and 0.69 mg/l for the wet and dry seasons respectively and they were above the FMEnv limit of 0.01 mg/l, Chromium recorded an average of 4.36 mg/l and 6.95 mg/l for the wet and dry seasons respectively and were above the FMEnv limit of 0.20 mg/l. Nickel had an average values of 0008 mg/l and 0.006 mg/l and are below the FMEnv limit of 0.01 mg/l, Lead recorded an average of 0.33 mg/l and 0.48 mg/l for the wet and dry seasons respectively and are above the FMEnv limit of 0.05 mg/l. The use of thermal desorption unit as treatment method for contaminated solids has proved to be effective as shown in this study as most of the parameters tested in the leachate were well below the Federal Ministry of Environment set limits.
Traditional beliefs and conservation of natural resources
(Academic Journals, 2013-07) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure; G. Irerhievwie,G.; Agbozu, I.E
The role of traditional beliefs systems in the conservation of natural resources in some selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria, have been studied. Methodology of study involves the use of personal interview, literature review, group discussion, and site visitation carried out by the authors between April 2011 and March 2012. Findings show that traditional natural resources management in the selected communities are classified into the following categories: protection of particular ecosystems or habitats (such as sacred groves and sacred rivers/pond); and protection of particular animals or plant species (such as totem and tabooed species). The practices concerned relate to trees, forests, wildlife and marine organisms. The environmental wisdom and ethics expressed through these religious beliefs are very useful tools in natural resource management. Using the classification of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the plants and animals species in the study scared groves and forest can be described as an environment with widespread and abundant taxonomy and are not at risk or endangered.
Traditional beliefs and conservation of natural resources: Evidences from selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2013-07) AGBOZU, I.E; RIM-RUKEH, A; IRERHIEVWIE, G
The role of traditional beliefs systems in the conservation of natural resources in some selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria, have been studied. Methodology of study involves the use of personal interview, literature review, group discussion, and site visitation carried out by the authors between April 2011 and March 2012. Findings show that traditional natural resources management in the selected communities are classified into the following categories: protection of particular ecosystems or habitats (such as sacred groves and sacred rivers/pond); and protection of particular animals or plant species (such as totem and tabooed species). The practices concerned relate to trees, forests, wildlife and marine organisms. The environmental wisdom and ethics expressed through these religious beliefs are very useful tools in natural resource management. Using the classification of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the plants and animals species in the study scared groves and forest can be described as an environment with widespread and abundant taxonomy and are not at risk or endangered.

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