ISSN 2756-3251
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (8), pp. 001-011, August, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Fitness and its variation among populations of Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana in Southern Sinai, Egypt
M. S. Zaghloul
Botany Department, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected]: (002)012-4332155.
Accepted 13 April, 2011
Abstract
Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Fabaceae) plays an important role in the life of desert animals and is a major source of livestock feed and firewood for the native Bedouin people in Southern Sinai, Egypt. High mortality and low juvenile recruitment has been reported in recent years leading to decline in population size and number of this species. Small populations tend to be subject to an increased probability of stochastic extinction due to demographic, environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, this study aims to determine if A. tortilis subsp. raddiana populations suffer reduced fitness and its correlation or association with genetic diversity and mating parameters. Correlations and association between fitness, population size, genetic variation, and mating system parameters were tested using Spearman correlation and simple regression analyses. Stepwise regression analyses were used to identify useful predictors for fitness. The results revealed that A. tortilis subsp. raddiana populations’ fitness is generally low to very low (0.1 ± 0.11). There was no relationship detected between A. tortilis subsp. raddiana fitness or population size and observed or expected heterozygosity. While there was no evidence for reduced fitness in A. tortilis subsp. raddiana populations, the study indicated that fitness is negatively associated with population size. Population size was associated also with the number of alleles (A) and number of alleles per polymorphic locus ( AP). The study came to the conclusion that although the low to very low values, there is no evidence for reduced fitness in Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana small populations. Some of the studied populations (L6, L2, L3, and M4) are exceptionally fit which makes them the first candidates as seed source in restoration and both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts.
Key words: Acacia tortilis, Sinai, germination, establishment, fitness.
M. S. Zaghloul
Page: 1 - 11
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (8), pp. 001-012, August, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Water quality parameters in the major rivers of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Ajibade, W. A.1*, Ayodele, I. A.2 and Agbede, S. A.3
1,2Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
3Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 08 June, 2011
Abstract
This study examined the physical and chemical properties of waters of the major rivers in Kainji Lake National Park for a period of twenty four months. The implications on the public health and aquatic organisms were also determined. The major rivers include; Oli, Manyera, Nuwanzurugi, and Poto. River Oli was sampled at the hippo pools at Kilometers 8 and 12 and two animal drinking points. Other rivers were sampled at two animal drinking points. Standard methods were used to monitor the physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameters that were considered include; temperature, colour, total suspended solid and turbidity. The chemical parameters include hardness, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), iron, manganese, calcium, chloride, nitrate, pH, phosphate, ammonium and electrical conductivity. Seasonal variation appeared to have influence on the physical and chemical parameters. Statistical analysis shows that there were significant differences between sampling points and locations mean values for the different physical and chemical parameters examined. The presence of hippopotamus affected some parameters such as BOD, DO, COD, pH and turbidity significantly. The BOD and COD were strongly, significantly correlated and positively correlated (r = 0.757, P£0.05). The ammonium and nitrite contents are not significantly correlated but positively and weakly correlated (P<0.05, r = 0.141) between the dry seasons and wet seasons mean values.
Key words: Water quality, Oli River, River Nuwanzurugi, River Manyera, River Poto.
Ajibade , I. A and Agbede, Ayodele , S. A, W. A.*
Page: 1 - 12
Review
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (7), pp. 001-007, July, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Chemical carcinogenesis and chemoprevention: Scientific priority area in rapidly industrializing developing countries
Anetor J. I1*, Anetor G. O2, Udah D. C1 and Adeniyi F. A. A1
1Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 21 April, 2011
Abstract
Occupational cancers are now a serious concern in industrializing developing countries where exposure levels to hazardous chemicals considerably exceed regulatory limits established in industrialized countries. The association between increasing use of chemicals and associated disorders and chemoprevention or anticarcinogenesis is insufficiently recognized in these countries. The eradication of chemicals would assist in cancer prevention. This is however, not pragmatic, thus the need to seek alternative means of cancer prevention. Cancer chemoprevention or anticarcinogenesis is the process of exposure of an animal including humans to a substance that will reduce the incidence of cancer that would otherwise develop. Lack of knowledge of the multiple pathways by which chemically induced cancer may arise has led to the erroneous view for a long time that the study of chemoprevention was academic. While this field is gaining an increasing and sustained attention in the developed countries it has received little attention in the industrializing developing countries where the incidence of cancers appears to parallel the pace of industrialization. Sub-optimal intake of specific micronutrients so common in developing countries may contribute to greater susceptibility to cancer. Micronutrient deficiency disorders (MDDs) is considered orders of magnitude more important than radiation because of constancy of exposure to a milieu promoting DNA damage. Zinc (Zn) for instance is an antioxidant, a component of p53 and a critical factor in gene expression. Poor Zn nutrition may be an important risk factor in oxidant release and development of DNA damage and cancer. A deficiency of Zn ranks among the top ten leading causes of death in developing countries. As chemo preventive agents are present in natural human foods abundant in developing countries, this should be one of the highest research priorities of the rapidly industrializing developing countries.
Key words: Chemical carcinogenesis, chemoprevention, DNA damage, oxidative stress, Industrialization, p53 protein, mutation.
Udah D. C and Adeniyi F. A. A, Anetor J. I*, Anetor G. O
Page: 1 - 7
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (7), pp. 001-008, July, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Soil carbon and nutrient accumulation under forest plantations in southern Rwanda
D. Nsabimana1,2 , L. Klemedtson1, B.A. Kaplin3, G. Wallin1
1Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Göteborg University, P. O. Box 461, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
2Department of Biology, National University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
3Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University, New England, Keene, New Hampshire, USA.
Accepted 12 March, 2011
Abstract
Tree and soil interactions may result in changes in soil carbon and nutrient contents. Forest plantations made up of monodominant stands of 17 different species, some native and some exotic to Rwanda, as well as a stand with mixed native tree species were investigated. Biosequential sampling was used followed by basic soil chemical analyses. Results revealed that the plantation species composition influenced the soil chemical properties. Total soil C and N, C: N ratio, available P, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) differed significantly between plantation stands of different species (P < 0.001, N = 54). Increases in the levels of soil C, total N, CEC and base saturation (BS) were observed mainly in mixed native species (MNS), Polyscia fulva, Casuarina equisetifolia and Eucalyptus saligna. The pH declined slightly in soil beneath some Eucalyptus species treatments and increased in others. The high nutrient uptake by fast-growing trees and the acidic parent material were involved in the acidification process. The findings suggest that the species used in afforestation maintain soil fertility and protect the environment. It is recommended that afforestation of abandoned and less productive lands in Rwanda should utilize fast growing Eucalyptus species in combination with agroforestry and native species in order to maintain or improve soil chemical properties.
Key words: Afforestation, base saturation (BS), cation exchange capacity (CEC), forest plantation, soil carbon, total N, Rwanda.
D. Nsabimana, L. Klemedtson, B.A. Kaplin and G. Wallin
Page: 1 - 8
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (6), pp. 001-008, June, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The current pollution status of the new Calabar river in the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria: A survey of antibiogram profiles of its bacterial isolates
Gideon O. Abu* and Chidiebere Egenonu.
Microbiology Department, University of Port Harcourt, P. M. B 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Accepted 12 April, 2011
Abstract
The incidence of environmental pollutants on bacterial strains isolated from the New Calabar River in the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria were investigated in order to ascertain the possible effects on antibiotic resistance and patterns. The physico-chemical parameters of the water samples assayed included temperature, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, salinity, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, total dissolved solids, sulphate, oil and grease, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, mercury and iron. Antibiogram of bacterial isolates from the water samples were sought using the disk diffusion method. Results showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns among the bacterial isolates. The levels of resistance exhibited by the isolates to specific antibiotics were: Ampicillin 66.7%, Rifampicin 66.7%, Tetracycline 53.3%, Cephalothin 46.7%, Erythromycin 46.7%, Novobiocin 40%, Chloramphenicol 33.3%, Nalidixic acid 33.3%, Streptomycin 33.3%, Cotrimoxazole 26.7%, Norfloxacin 13.3%, Ciprofloxacin 6.7%, Ofloxacin 6.7%, Amikacin 0%, Gentamycin 0% and Pefloxacin 0%. Higher incidence of antibiotic resistance was observed at sites with pronounced industrial and human activities, suggesting possible effect of pollutants on the ecosystem. There was weak correlation (r = 0.28) between incidence of antibiotic resistance and faecal coliforms. This suggests that the antibiotic resistance patterns of these bacterial isolates may be due to factors that are not linked to faecal pollution. The presence of chemical pollutants may have contributed to the increased antibiotic resistance observed at sites with pronounced industrial and human activities.
Key words: Antibiogram, New Calabar river, pollution, coliforms, physico-chemical.
Gideon O. Abu*, Chidiebere Egenonu.
Page: 1 - 8
Short Communication
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (6), pp. 001-003, June, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Pathogenic diversity of Sclerotium rolfsii isolates, a potential biocontrol agent against Parthenium hysterophorus L.
Rekha Shukla and A. K. Pandey*
Mycological Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, R. D University, Jabalpur-482001, (M.P), India.
Accepted 16 March, 2011
Abstract
Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a wide-spread weed creating problems for agriculture and public health. Microbes and their by products is now proved to be a worthy alternative to toxic chemicals used for weed management. We determined the relative pathogenicity of ten Sclerotium rolfsii isolates recovered from diseased parts of Parthenium collected during a survey of various habitats in Central India. There was a considerable diversity amongst various isolates. The isolate designated Par # 02 from Jabalpur showed the maximum disease incidence (80%) whereas isolate Par#10 also from Jabalpur showed the lowest infection rate against targeted hosts (30%). The wide range of pathogenicity among S. rolfsii support the view that strain breeding for biological control of P. hysterophorus L. is warranted.
Key words: Parthenium hysterophorus, variability, pathogenicity, Sclerotium rolfsii.
Rekha Shukla, A. K. P, ey*
Page: 1 - 3