African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Biomarkers of Clarias gariepinus Subjected to Chemical Additive Contaminated Effluent

¹Dahunsi SO*, ¹Oranusi SU and ¹Ishola RO

¹Biological Sciences Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Accepted 02 March, 2024

Abstract

The toxicity of Sublethal concentrations of chemical additives effluents were investigated on African catfish Clarias gariepinus using a renewable static bioassay. The trend of bioconcentration of metals in the gut, liver, gills and kidney of the test organisms differs significantly (p < 0.05) and it followed the order, liver> gill >gut > muscle. The result revealed that the liver had Ni concentration of 0.0046 mg/L and 16.1208 mg/L of magnesium as the highest. In the muscle, Ni was not bioaccumulated (0.0000 mg/L) while the highest magnesium concentration of 10.7345 mg/L was recorded. The gill had the least concentration of 0.0010 mg/L for Cu while the highest concentration recorded for Mg was 12.6797 mg/L. The gut had Mn concentration of 0.0401 mg/L and Mg concentration of 14.5001mg/L. It was revealed that fish can bioaccumulate heavy metals from a polluted environment, which may result in reduction or impairment of natural population size and could be a risk to consumers. Consumption of fish from polluted environment should be discouraged.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Chemical additive, Concentration, Environment, Heavy metals.
 

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (5), pp. 001-008, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The Impact of Consistent Exercise and Diferuloyl Methane Supplementation on Reducing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Cardiac Tissue

Atena Yazdanshenas¹, Valiollah Dabidi Roshan², Javad Ashrafi²

¹Exercise Physiology, Azad University of Sari, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.

²College of Physical Education and Sport Science, Department of Sport Physiology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Accepted 08 June, 2024

Abstract

We have investigated the cardioprotective effects of regular physical activity and/or diferuloyl methane supplement (DMS) on cytokines such as; apelin, high sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), tumor necrosis factor TNF-α and E-selectin, and oxidative stress-related biomarkers such as; total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), in male rats exposed to lead acetate (Pb). Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) pb (2) diferuloyl methane supplement (DMS), (3) regular physical activity (RPA), (4)physical activity +DMS (5) sham (saline) groups. The rats in the 1 to 4 groups received pb (20 mg/kg, 3 times a week for 8 weeks). Also, the 3 and 4 groups experienced the training of 15 to 22 m/min for 25 to 64 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks, whereas, the 2 and 4 groups received DMS solution (30 mg/kg, 3 times a week for 8 weeks). However, rats in 5 group received ethyl oleat solvent. pb administration resulted in significant decrease in apelin and TAC levels, and significantly increased MDA, HS-CRP, TNF-α and E-selectin in heart homogenized tissue. In contrast, DMS, regular physical activity, and both interventions significantly reversed apelin, HS-CRP, TNF-α and E-selectin cytokines levels, and oxidative stress-related biomarkers (TAC and MDA) concentrations. These results suggest that the healthy lifestyle including regular physical activityand antioxidants caused reversing lead-induced cardiotoxicity.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease, Cytokines, Regular physical activity, Pb, Antioxidant.
 

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of Microcystin Presence in Freshwater Ecosystems of Southern Mozambique

Olivia Pedro^1,2,4*, Thomas Rundberget^3, Elisabeth Lie^1, Dacia Correia^2,4, Janneche U. Skaare^1,3, Knut G. Berdal^3, Luis Neves^2,4, Morten Sandvik³

¹Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.B. 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway. ²Veterinary Faculty of the Eduardo Mondlane University, Av. De Mozambique km 1.5, P.B. 257 Maputo, Mozambique. ³Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.B. 750 Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway. ⁴Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Av. De Mozambique km 1.5, P.B. 257 Maputo, Mozambique.

Accepted 02 February, 2024

Abstract

Many countries have started to monitor cyanobacterial cell densities and microcystin concentrations in raw water sources and recreational water due to human and animal poisonings and the results of toxicological studies, which have shown the adverse effects of microcystins to some mammals. Mozambique has no reports of intoxications or deaths of animals or human by cyanobacterial toxins. However, blooms of cyanobacteria have been reported in some aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify the microcystins extracted in water samples from Pequenos Libombos Dam, Nhambavale Lake and Chòkwé Irrigation Channel, all located in southern Mozambique using LC-MS. The Microcystins MC-LR, -YR and –RR were detected in the three sampling areas. MC-LR was found in higher concentrations than the other two variants. The highest total concentration of microcystins detected was 7.89 µg/L in water samples from Nhambavale Lake. Pequenos Libombos Dam revealed concentrations of MC-LR at below quantifiable levels. Based on these results, it is recommended that drinking water supplies in Mozambique are monitored and that the risks of human and animal intoxication by cyanotoxins are assessed and managed.

Keywords: Mozambique, LC-MS, MC-LR, Microcystins.
 

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-009, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Utilizing Geographic Information Systems to Analyze Mountain Resource Degradation and Its Impact on Rural Livelihoods in the GUGE Mountain Range

Teshome Yirgu Bayu

Arba Minch University, P.O. Box, 20, Arba Minch, Ethiopia E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 02 May, 2024

Abstract

The Guge mountain range of Gamo highland, which is the home of nearly three quarter of a million people, likely constitute one of the most affected part of the Ethiopian mountain system in terms of soil nutrient depletion, grassland and forest degradation and associated disruption in rural livelihood. Land-cover and use change detection analysis using GIS technique depicts that there is substantial alteration of cover dynamics in the area since 1976. In Guge area, agricultural activities is constrained by factors like frost/fog, low level of fertilizer application due to high cost, soil acidity, soil erosion and expansion of imported weed variety locally named as “Wosana”. In response to the constraints, currently some crop varieties were phasing-out of production (wheat and barley) and replaced by high yielding and crop varieties which are resistant to harsh climatic condition (Bashkala, Dana marke and potatoes). During surveyed period, in response to varying environmental and economic constraints household average food production was lower than annual food requirement, implying that food shortage is severe in the area

Keywords: Mountain system, Degradation, GIS, Environmental Management, Cropping Pattern.
 

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Analysis of Elemental Content in Solanum macrocarpum (L.) and Associated Soil from Alau, Borno State, Nigeria

O.A Sodipo*¹, F.I Abdulrahman² and J.C Akan²

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medical Sciences.
²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Accepted 26 January, 2024

Abstract

The fresh fruit of Solanum macrocarpum (Solanaceae) and the soil in which the plant was grown were obtained from Alau in Konduga Local Government, Borno state. The concentration of elements which included Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, As, Cr, Cd, Se and Pb were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Flame Emission Spectrophotometer (FS), Gallenkamp (FGA 330), was used to determine Na, K and Ca while S and P was determined using UV/V spectrophotometer. The results obtained from this analysis revealed that S, Na and K were in high concentrations; Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu and P in moderate concentrations while Pb, Cd and Se were not detected in the fruit. In the soil sample however, Fe, Na and K were in high concentrations, S, Zn, Mg, Ca and P in moderate concentrations, while Pb, Cd and Se were not detected. The fruit contained much higher elemental concentrations than the soil generally except in the soil where the concentrations of Fe, P, Cr and As were higher, but the concentration of Mn was the same in both the soil and the fruit. Generally, the concentration of trace elements, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr and heavy metals like in fruit are within safety limits as reported by WHO. However, the concentration of some essential elements (K, Na and S) is much higher than reported levels. Thus, the values of these elements in the fruit could probably be due to the topography, soil-water-plant exchange complex and evapo-transpiration of the environment. Also, the values of the elements show that the use of this fruit would not pose a health risk.

Keywords: Elemental Content, Solanum macrocarpum Linn; soil, fruit, Borno State.
 

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-011, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Variability of Ciguatoxicity in Cephalopholis Argus Across Spatial and Temporal Scales in the Hawaiian Islands

Bienfang P¹*, DeFelice S¹, Laws E², Wallsgrove N³ and Caldwell PS⁴

¹Center for Oceans and Human Health, Pacific Research Center for Marine Biomedicine, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, MSB#205, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

²School of the Coast and Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences, 3141 Energy, Coast and Environment Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4110, USA

3Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; 4National Coastal Data Development Center, NOAA/NESDIS/NODC, MSB#316, Dept. Oceanography, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

Accepted 02 January, 2024

Abstract

Decades following its introduction, the peacock grouper (Cephalopholis argus) developed a reputation for causing ciguatera fish poisonings in Hawaii. This study examined the frequency of ciguatoxicity in this carnivorous reef species, and the nature of variability in ciguatoxicity associated with season, location (i.e., island : island, leeward : windward), temperature, and specimen size. Overall, 36.4% of the 1,447 specimens were positively ciguatoxic. The frequency of ciguatoxic fish showed only modest seasonal differences. No sampled portion of any coastline was free of ciguatoxic fish. The frequency of ciguatoxic specimens from leeward areas (38%) was roughly twice that for windward areas (18%). Roughly 50% more samples were collected from leeward areas; such disproportional fishing effort in leeward areas contributes to an exaggerated public perception of ciguatera differences between leeward and windward areas. Though there was a higher frequency of ciguatoxic fish in larger specimens, there was no correlation between the calculated ciguatoxin concentrations and fish body weight. These ciguatoxicity-size data refute the popular expectation that the smaller specimens should be safe to eat. The average thermal regime showed negligible (<0.2°C) differences between windward and leeward areas, and only modest (~2.1°C) seasonal variation. We conclude that seasonal and/or spatial differences in temperature are of insufficient magnitude to elicit a perceptible change in the propensity for ciguatoxic fish in the Main Hawaiian Islands such as has been observed in Caribbean and South Pacific localities.

Keywords: Ciguatera, Marine toxin, Cephalopholis argus, Fish, Hawaii.