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Toxicity of Graphene Based Nanomaterials Towards Different Bacterial Strains: A Comprehensive Review
Zorawar Singh,
Rumina Singh
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
1-9
Received:
5 August 2016
Accepted:
8 August 2016
Published:
22 November 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.11
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Abstract: Nanomaterials including graphene and its derivatives have attained immense popularity among scientific community due to their unique properties. Graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and their nano-composites have shown to possess enormous potential in the field of nanomedicines. Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) have extensively being used in different fields including antibacterial formulations. Mechanisms underlying the toxicity of GFNs involve the interaction of sharp edges of graphene derivatives with the bacterial cell wall, charge transfer and formation of huge number of reactive oxygen species. The use of graphene derivatives including GO-Ag nanocomposites, polydopamine-graphene nanosheets, rGO-Iron oxide NPs, Pluronic-GO, G-Carbon Nanotubes-iron oxides, Ag-rGO-Fe3O4-polyethylenimine composites, ZnO-GO and Cystamine-GO has revealed a strong antibacterial action against a variety of bacteria. In this paper, an attempt has been made to comprise the latest approaches being put forward in various researches based on the antibacterial action of graphene based nanomaterials and their composites
Abstract: Nanomaterials including graphene and its derivatives have attained immense popularity among scientific community due to their unique properties. Graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and their nano-composites have shown to possess enormous potential in the field of nanomedicines. Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) have e...
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Global Climate Change: The Present Scenario
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
10-14
Received:
16 December 2016
Accepted:
22 December 2016
Published:
20 January 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.12
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Abstract: The term climate change is growing in preferred use to ‘Global warming’ because it helps to convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperature. Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from: a) Natural factors, such as changes in the sun’s intensity or slow changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun. b) Natural process within the climate system (such as changes in ocean circulation) c) Human activities that change the atmosphere’s condition (such as burning fossil fuels) and deforestation, urbanization and industrialization. Climate change is primarily attributable to rise in the atmospheric temperature of the earth. Our atmosphere traps solar radiation and raises the temperature due to the major greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, nitrous oxide and methane. In some regions of Asia and Africa, the frequency and intensity of droughts have been observed to increase in recent decades. Episodes of EL Nino which creates great storms, have been more frequent persistent and intense since the mid-1970s compared with the previous 100 years. All these are signs that the Earth is ailing. Its climate is changing making it more difficult for mankind to survive. The Earth is losing its equilibrium due to the imbalances created by human activities. Climate change related impacts on human health could lead to displacement of a large number of people creating environment refugees and lead to further health issues. Climate change is an intricate problem which although environmental in nature has consequences for all spheres of existence on planet. It either impacts on or is impacted by global issues including poverty economic development population growth sustainable development and resource management.
Abstract: The term climate change is growing in preferred use to ‘Global warming’ because it helps to convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperature. Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may ...
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Effect of the Combination Between Bioagents and Benzothiadiazole (BTH) on Management of Uromyces Pisi the Causal of Pea Rust
Zyton Marwa A.,
Eman O. Hassan
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
15-23
Received:
29 October 2016
Accepted:
23 November 2016
Published:
14 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.13
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Abstract: Antagonistic bioagents naturally occurring on pea leaves free from rust infection were isolated and evaluated for their antagonism against Uromyces pisi, the causal of rust. Isolates of both Bacillus spp., i.e. Bacillus chitinosporus, B. megaterium, B. thuringiensis and B. subtilis and Trichoderma spp., i.e. Trichoderma album, T. hamatum, T. harzianum and T. viride were selected, purified and identified The inhibitory effect of these isolates was assessed in vitro on the germination of the urediospores of the causal fungus. The inhibitory effect of Bacillus spp. ranged between 31.9-42.4% and Trichoderma spp. between 34.9-53.5%. In addition, B. thuringiensis recorded the highest inhibition to the urediospores of the causal fungus followed by B. megaterium then B. subtilis and B. chitinosporus. Meanwhile, T. viride gave the highest inhibition followed by T. harzianum then T. hamatum and T. album. The tested antioxidant, i.e. bion (BTH), chitosan and salicylic acid caused significant reduction to the germinated urediospores of U. pisi compared with the control. This reduction was gradually increased by increasing the concentration. In addition, BTH was the most efficient one in this regard. Under greenhouse conditions spraying of pea plants with any of Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma spp., 48 h. before inoculation with U. pisi on the grown plants from seeds soaked or not in 20 mM of BTH significantly reduced the severity of the disease in the range of 4.0 – 5.4, 12.0-15.8%, respectively compared with the control (48.7%). Soaking pea seeds in BTH before sowing was best method than un-soaked seeds in BTH for managing the disease. The fungicide Topas was the superior treatment followed by B. thuringiensis then T. viride in reducing rust severity and increasing the number of the produced green pods and their weight / plant compared with control. All the tested bioagents, BTH and the fungicide Topas resulted in considerable increase to sugars and phenol contents of pea leaves compared with the control., BTH was always more effective more than the tested bioagents and the fungicide Topas in this regard. Total nitrogen, the concentration of the total free amino acids and the percentages of crude protein in the seeds of Master B pea cv. were greatly increased due to spraying the tested bioagents, BTH and the fungicide Topas compared with the control. BTH was the superior treatment in increasing these components followed by the tested bioagents then the fungicide Topas. In addition, B. thuringiensis and T. viride were the best bioagents in increasing of these components.
Abstract: Antagonistic bioagents naturally occurring on pea leaves free from rust infection were isolated and evaluated for their antagonism against Uromyces pisi, the causal of rust. Isolates of both Bacillus spp., i.e. Bacillus chitinosporus, B. megaterium, B. thuringiensis and B. subtilis and Trichoderma spp., i.e. Trichoderma album, T. hamatum, T. harzia...
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Isolation of Coprophilous Mycoflora from Different Dung Types in Some Local Government Areas of Niger State, Nigeria
Mohammed N.,
Shinkafi S. A.,
Enagi M. Y.
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
24-29
Received:
19 January 2017
Accepted:
9 February 2017
Published:
28 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.14
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Abstract: This study investigated coprophilous mycoflora on different dung types in some Area of Niger State. Dung samples of four herbivorous animals (Camel, Cow, Donkey and Horse) were collected from three areas (Enagi, Lapai and New Bussa) in Niger State, Nigeria. The dungs were dried in the Department of Biological Sciences Laboratory, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai. A total of six (6) species of macro fungi (Agaricus campestris, Panaeolus papilionaceus, Agaricus bisphorus, Protostropharia semiglobata, Deconica coprophila, Copelandia cyanescens) and six (6) species of micro fungi (Aspergilous. niger, A flavus, A. fumigates, Alternaria sp, Pencillium sp, and Rhizopus stolonifer) were isolated. A. campestris has the highest percentage (40%) of macro fungi (from cow dung), while the least was A. bisphorus with (0.02%). Alternaria sp has the highest (33.26%) among the micro fungi isolated. From horse dung, A. fumigates was isolated with the least percentage of occurrence of 0.10% among the micro fungi. On this note, the animal dung investigated consists of both edible and poisonous fungi. Public enlightenment is therefore recommended on the good and bad effects these fungi. They may also be harnessed for industrial use.
Abstract: This study investigated coprophilous mycoflora on different dung types in some Area of Niger State. Dung samples of four herbivorous animals (Camel, Cow, Donkey and Horse) were collected from three areas (Enagi, Lapai and New Bussa) in Niger State, Nigeria. The dungs were dried in the Department of Biological Sciences Laboratory, Ibrahim Badamasi B...
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Effect of Salinity on Feed Conversion Rate, Feed Conversion Efficiency, Protein Intake and Efficiency of Protein Utilization Ratio in Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio
Mohammed Shaker Al_Khshali
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
30-35
Received:
15 October 2016
Accepted:
1 December 2016
Published:
6 March 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.15
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Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of increased salinity on some growth parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish, gradually have been exposed to the salt concentrations of 5, 10 and 15g/L, as well as tap water (control treatment of 0.1 g/L) for 84 days divided on 12 weeks, and each of salt concentration represented independent treatment with two replications. 80 fish at average weight of 15 ± 3 g were randomly distributed on 8 glass tanks at 10 fish / tank to study the effect of salinity on feed conversion rate, feed conversion efficiency, protein intake and efficiency of protein utilization ratio in common carp. Results showed a decrease in feed conversion rate to16.59, 24.49 and -20.11, when the salinity increased to 5, 10 and 15 g/L respectively, compared to the control treatment (13.32). This is reflected on feed conversion efficiency, which slump to 6.02, 4.08 and - 4.97% in the salt concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 g/L respectively, compared to the control treatment (7.50%). Protein intake, also decreased to 25.23, 24.07 and 21.37% with the increasing of salinity to 5, 10 and 15 g/L respectively, compared to the control treatment (25.67%), while the efficiency of protein utilization slump to 21.32, 10.94 and -10.07% in the salt concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 g/L, respectively while it was 29.16% in the control treatment. Fish were fed on a commercial diet with a protein content of 31% during the experiment.
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of increased salinity on some growth parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish, gradually have been exposed to the salt concentrations of 5, 10 and 15g/L, as well as tap water (control treatment of 0.1 g/L) for 84 days divided on 12 weeks, and each of salt concentration represented independ...
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Feasibility Studies of Soil Remediation for Kenya
Sammy Koskei,
Yuanyuan Cheng,
Wei-lin Shi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
36-42
Received:
15 February 2017
Accepted:
21 February 2017
Published:
6 March 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.16
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Abstract: Soil remediation technologies have been developed to remediate the contaminated soil. There are several types which categorized into physical/chemical, biological and thermal methods. Physical/chemical method involves physical removal and uses of chemical to destroy, separate, or contain the contaminations, biological method uses plants and some microorganisms to degrade pollutants accumulated in the soil, while thermal uses heat energy to treat contaminated land. The main objective of this report is to analyze the remediation technologies that are feasible to be implemented in Kenya by the use of summarized studies done by environmental expertise in UK. By comparing cost and time used to implement each of the technologies, the study found out that eight technologies are most feasible technologies identified after analysis. These technologies are soil washing & separation, soil flushing (In situ), Vitrification (In situ), chemical oxidation and reduction (Ex situ), vitrification (Ex situ), phytoremediation (In situ), permeable reactive barrier (In situ) and thermal treatment (Ex situ) that likely to work well for the remediation of contaminated soil in Kenya.
Abstract: Soil remediation technologies have been developed to remediate the contaminated soil. There are several types which categorized into physical/chemical, biological and thermal methods. Physical/chemical method involves physical removal and uses of chemical to destroy, separate, or contain the contaminations, biological method uses plants and some mi...
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Health Hazards, Safety Risks and Security Threats Posed by Olusosun Dumpsite on Olusosun Community at Ojota, Lagos, Nigeria
Alani Rose,
Abdulfatai Mustapha,
Ogbe Rachael,
Akinade Bayo
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
43-51
Received:
6 January 2017
Accepted:
10 February 2017
Published:
11 April 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.17
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Abstract: The intensity of man’s activities through rapid urbanization and industrialization contributes largely to increasing discharge of wastes into the environment. Such is the case with the 42 hectare dumpsite situated at Ojota in the heart of Lagos. Olusosun dumpsite is the biggest repository of waste in the most populous city in sub-Saharan Africa, receiving more than 50% of the 9,000 metric tones of solid waste generated daily in the state. The activities at Olusosun dumpsite raise a lot of questions concerning the security and the safety of that community. The spot has attracted criminal activities which security personnel need to look into. On the other hand, there is a high tendency of safety and health impacts on Olusosun community as a result of contamination and environmental pollution at Olusosun dumpsite. With the use of Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), leachate and underground water samples around the dumpsite were analysed for heavy metals such as manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and iron (Fe). Heavy metal concentrations in all the leachate samples were much higher than what was obtained in the underground water samples. In the underground water, the concentrations ranged from 0.050 to 0.485mg/L for Fe, 0.057 to 0.126mg/L for Pb, 0.009 to 0.024 mg/L for Cu, 0.004 to 0.010mg/L for Cr, 0.009 to 0.016mg/L for Ni, 0.074 to 0.128mg/L for Mn, and 0.996 to 2.493mg/L for Zn. Pb and Fe were found to exceed the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality, approved by the standard organization of Nigeria (SON). The state of security and safety of Olusosun community is hereby presented.
Abstract: The intensity of man’s activities through rapid urbanization and industrialization contributes largely to increasing discharge of wastes into the environment. Such is the case with the 42 hectare dumpsite situated at Ojota in the heart of Lagos. Olusosun dumpsite is the biggest repository of waste in the most populous city in sub-Saharan Africa, re...
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Earthworm Biomass as Additional Information for Risk Assessment of PCBs: A Case Study of Olusosun Dumpsite, Ojota, Lagos, Nigeria
Alani Rose,
Akinsanya B.,
Erhabor-Chimezie M.,
Nwude D.
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
52-59
Received:
6 January 2017
Accepted:
10 February 2017
Published:
11 April 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.18
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Abstract: This study assessed the level of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations and the biochemical parameters in earthworms (E. eugeniae) as well as histopathological effects in the clitellium of earthworms (E. eugeniae) present in Olusosun dumpsite which is the largest dumpsite in Lagos and University of Lagos, a major higher institution located in Lagos, Nigeria. The earthworms were sampled from two different sites in each location and taken to the laboratory for PCBs, biochemical and histopathological analyses. The level of concentration of PCBs in earthworms found in Unilag was significantly higher than the level observed in Olusosun dumpsite. With respect to the biochemical analysis carried out on the clitellum of the earthworm samples collected from Olusosun dumpsite, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and GST had higher levels when compared with the sample collected from the University of Lagos study site (non-dump site). High levels of Glutathione content (GSH) and Catalase activities (CAT) were only recorded in earthworms from the Unilag sample when also compared with the sample from Olusosun study site. The activities of the enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were inhibited in Unilag sample. Histopathological assessments of the clitellium indicated that the major effect observed were increased secretory activity, reduced body mass and disorganized internal organ in the earthworms from Unilag. The implication of the findings in the earthworms from Olusosun dumpsite and University of Lagos are hereby discussed.
Abstract: This study assessed the level of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations and the biochemical parameters in earthworms (E. eugeniae) as well as histopathological effects in the clitellium of earthworms (E. eugeniae) present in Olusosun dumpsite which is the largest dumpsite in Lagos and University of Lagos, a major higher institution located...
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Sensitivity Factors and Human Pathology Related to Infections of Producing Escherichia Coli of Shiga-Toxin
Saїd Oulkheir,
Khadija Ounine,
Mohamed Aghrouch,
Smail Chadli
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
60-66
Received:
28 November 2016
Accepted:
11 January 2017
Published:
15 April 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.19
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Abstract: Escherichia coli O157: H7 is the main serotype E. coli responsible for disease in humans. STEC strains (Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli) are all strains with genes encoding Stx toxin cytotoxic for Vero cell cultures (kidney cell of African green monkey), hence the name "verotoxin"also called"Shiga toxin"because of its great similarity to a toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae. Infections caused by EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) are a major problem due to the extreme severity of the clinical manifestations they can generate. These translate into a banal or bloody diarrhea may develop in 5-8% of cases, mainly in young children, to a serious complication hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in adults. The identification of susceptibility factors of clinical interest because it may allow early specific treatment of patients at risk of complications.
Abstract: Escherichia coli O157: H7 is the main serotype E. coli responsible for disease in humans. STEC strains (Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli) are all strains with genes encoding Stx toxin cytotoxic for Vero cell cultures (kidney cell of African green monkey), hence the name "verotoxin"also called"Shiga toxin"because of its great similarity to a toxin prod...
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Electronic Waste Management: Toxicity and Emerging Challenges in Indian Context
Deepak Devgan,
Candy Rampal
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
67-70
Received:
10 April 2017
Accepted:
11 April 2017
Published:
27 April 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.20
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Abstract: E-waste is posing a serious threat to the life of human being. The rate of emission of toxic pollutants from e-wastes is increasing at alarming rate. Despite the danger signals raised by various research bodies throughout the world, the governments across the globe have failed to handle this emerging issue efficiently. Where, import of used electronic products from developed nations can be cited as one of the major reasons for e-waste generation in India, handling and recycling of e-waste by unorganized recyclers in another issue. This paper attempts to throws a light on the data depicting the increase in rate of e-waste generation; it also discusses various reasons for this increase. At the end, some suggestions to overcome this issue have been given.
Abstract: E-waste is posing a serious threat to the life of human being. The rate of emission of toxic pollutants from e-wastes is increasing at alarming rate. Despite the danger signals raised by various research bodies throughout the world, the governments across the globe have failed to handle this emerging issue efficiently. Where, import of used electro...
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Biochemical and Histological Effects of Glyphosate on the Liver of Cyprinus carpio (Linn.)
V. Bawa,
J. K. Kondal,
S. S. Hundal,
Harpinder Kaur
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
71-80
Received:
10 April 2017
Accepted:
11 April 2017
Published:
27 April 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.21
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Abstract: Glyphosate is an active ingredient of Roundup®, a herbicide which is extensively used for agricultural applications and control of vegetation in non-crop areas often leading to its runoff from sites of application into water bodies posing serious threat to non-target species including fish. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological effects of glyphosate on the liver of freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio (Linn.) after calculating the 96 h LC50 of glyphosate (Roundup®41% SL) which was 3.260 ppm. The fish fingerlings having mean wt. 3g ±0.5 and mean length 5.5cm ±0.35 were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of glyphosate i.e. 25% of LC50 (T1) and 50% of LC50 (T2) for a period of 28 days. Total soluble proteins, lipids and enzymatic activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were recorded at weekly intervals and significant (p>0.05) decrease in protein and lipid content of the liver was continually observed till the termination of the experiment. However, the enzymatic activities of AST and ALT in liver showed a significant (p<0.05) increase with increasing concentrations of glyphosate and duration of exposure. The histo-morphology of liver in fish exposed to glyphosate exhibited vacuolation of hepatocytes, pyknotic nuclei, degeneration of cytoplasm, and infiltration of leukocytes, necrosis and severe vasodilation in the treatments. The severity of biochemical and histological alterations was more pronounced in T2 after 28 days of exposure. The increase in activities of AST and ALT and the decrease in protein and lipid content of the liver following exposure of fish to the herbicide suggest enhanced protein catabolism, hepatocellular damage and increased utilization of energy stores to compensate for higher energy demands during stress. This indicates that the above said herbicide causes potential harm to the aquatic life.
Abstract: Glyphosate is an active ingredient of Roundup®, a herbicide which is extensively used for agricultural applications and control of vegetation in non-crop areas often leading to its runoff from sites of application into water bodies posing serious threat to non-target species including fish. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the b...
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Influence of Land-Use Pattern on Ureje Reservoir, Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria
Edward Josephine Bolaji,
Agunbiade R. O.,
Falade J.
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3-1, May 2017
Pages:
81-89
Received:
24 March 2017
Accepted:
6 April 2017
Published:
9 June 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.s.2017050301.22
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Abstract: An investigation was conducted between November 2012 to May 2013 to assess the impact of land use patterns around Ureje Reservoir, located in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti State, Southwestern part of Nigeria, on the water quality of the reservoir. Standard methods of APHA (1998) was used to determine the physicochemical parameters of water samples collected from the reservoir during dry and raining seasons. Results of the analyses showed that during both seasons, pH, total hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron had mean values that were above WHO recommended limits for drinking water. It is therefore imperative to impose strict legislative measures and monitoring programmes to prevent further deterioration of the reservoir.
Abstract: An investigation was conducted between November 2012 to May 2013 to assess the impact of land use patterns around Ureje Reservoir, located in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti State, Southwestern part of Nigeria, on the water quality of the reservoir. Standard methods of APHA (1998) was used to determine the physicochemical parameters of water samples co...
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