A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 10, SAMNUT 11 and SAMNUT 22) and two spinach varieties (African Spinach and Feather Cockscomb) on the Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) on soil samples. Plastic buckets filled with 10 kg of topsoil were pounded daily with a mixture of 1 L of spent engine oil, 1 L of kerosene, 1 L of petrol and 1 L of diesel for ten days, before they were left to stabilize for a period of three weeks. Plant and soil THC analysis were done using standard methods approved by ASTM D 9071B. Test results showed that Arachis hypogaea and spinach plants had significant effect (p≤0.05) on the THC of the contaminated soil samples. From the results, Arachis hypogaea was able to degrade the THC from 1024 mg/kg to 133.31 mg/kg (about 86% reduction), while the spinach was able to degrade the THC from 1024 mg/kg to 192.98 mg/kg (about 80% reduction) within the experimental period of 14 weeks. In addition, the results showed presence of THC in the plant (root and leaf), with higher concentration (about 90 mg/kg for Arachis hypogaea and 72 mg/kg for spinach) in the roots than in the leaves (about 56 mg/kg for Arachis hypogaea and 38 mg/kg for spinach). The results obtained will help to evaluate the use of phytoremediation to clean up soils contaminated with petroleum products.
The remediation of cassava effluent contaminated soil, using organic soap solution was evaluated, in this research. Soil parameters and bean growth performance investigated were moisture content, pH, temperature, germination rate, leaf colour, number of leaves and seedling height. The research was carried out in natural environmental condition, with the research divided into two units, namely; Control Unit (CU) and Amendment Unit (AU). Under the AU, the cassava effluent contaminated soil was treated with organic soap solution; while under the CU, the contaminated soil was left untreated. From the results obtained, the organic soil solution was observed to improve the soil physical properties and bean growth performance. The results showed that there was appreciable level of degradation of the cassava effluent in the soil, arising from organic soap solution. The soil pH, temperature and moisture content in the CU were significantly better than in Original Research Article
Rubberwood, hitherto solely employed as fuel wood has found fairly suitable use in the Nigerian construction industry. This paper investigated the engineering properties of this low cost, alternative, timber material, produced from Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis); often employed within two weeks of felling, for the construction of formworks and related wood works. No real attempt has been made to formally grade or coordinate the properties of rubber wood as employed in the Nigerian construction industry. The research was aimed to achieve the determination of the physical and mechanical properties of naturally seasoned rubber wood obtained from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and assigned to it a strength/grade class. Specific properties required for grading were determined using suitable standard methods. The structural and mechanical properties of the timber wood were determined using the three point bending test in accordance with standards presented by BS EN 408 and ASTM D193, but with an aspect ratio of 12. Characteristic values for the wood properties (at the tested moisture content “MC”) were determined in accordance with BS EN 384. Adjustments were made to the characteristic values for the mechanical properties, and the density of the timber species at the test MC; to conform with the international reference MC condition of 12% (as specified by BS EN 338), and also 18% MC, to suit standards required for the Nigerian environmental condition (NCP 2). Grading was carried out in accordance with BS EN 338. The characteristic values for the mechanical properties (at 12% and 18% MC) evaluated from test results are as follows; characteristic values for MOR and MOE were 20.191 N/mm2 and 19.283 N/mm2, and 2285.784 N/mm2 and 2195.606 N/mm2 respectively. Mean values for densities (at 12% and 18% MC) were 406.169 Kg/m3 and 431.058 Kg/m3, while the characteristic values for the related densities were 338.474 Kg/m3 and 359.215 Kg/m3. Furthermore, the mean green density and characteristic green density for the rubberwood were 988.148 Kg/m3 and 900.352 Kg/m3 respectively. From the results obtained, rubberwood procured from the Niger Delta region was categorized as a grade D30 and D35 timber material at 18% MC and 12% MC respectively. Rubberwood from the Niger Delta can be conveniently employed as an alternative material to conventional timber, in both the furniture and the construction industry, but with special considerations.
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