IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014
Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite... more Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite the large amount of funds expended by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the construction and provision of relatively modern facilities, the Calabar Sea Port has remained grossly underutilized. The analyses were very revealing, For instance the calabar port is located along a river, and is in fact a River Port. Thus there is the dire need for frequent dredging of the channel, and the use of pilot boats. Calabar Sea Port utilization is influenced by multidimensional factors, which sometimes can't be adequately controlledby port management. The negative situations of the calabar seaport also include its non-linkage to North Eastern Nigeria, by railway, a benefit enjoyed by Portharcourt and Lagos Sea portsas regards their own hinterlands ;the poor connectivity of Calabar, to the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar road (linking Aba, Onitsha, Uyo , Asaba and Benin industrial areas) and the Ikom-Calabar road (linking the NorthEastern Nigeria area).Overhead metal barricades at the Ikom bridge hinders the movement of very high vehicles; the immediate hinterland of the port is also characterized by the lowest level of industrial activities, as well as some of the least paid civil servants in the country, resulting in low consumption levels ,in the distant hinterland area of North Eastern Nigeria , there are deep rooted religious and political imbroglios , the outcome of which are low productivity and large scale emigration; the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and Export Processing Zone (CEPZ)presently lack significant trickle-down effects for regional economic prosperity ; port piracy and encroachment by Portharcourt and surprisingly Lagos Sea Ports, have resulted in loss of patronage, even from Southeastern areas of Nigeria, and to an extent from Akwa Ibom state , invariably due to poor road connectivity and more rigorous scrutiny of imports. Along the Nigerian coastline, Calabar is not a thoroughfare to any English speaking country, or nation, with which Nigeria does much international trade. The suggested designation of Calabar sea port for large scale agricultural produce export, including, Cassava chips and pellets, will separate it from the neck-breaking competitions, with other Nigerian sea ports. It is expected to culminate, in the improvement of the level of sea port utilization and regional employment situations, while assisting in the diversification of national economy
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014
The distinctive species richness of the Tropical Rain Forest (TRFs) gives it a very high ecologic... more The distinctive species richness of the Tropical Rain Forest (TRFs) gives it a very high ecological importance. The TRFs also have economic and functional importance, which are of international and local dimensions. Cross River State (CRS) presently has about 40 percent of the remaining threatened TRFs of Nigeria. These forests harbor the largest remnant of comparably unlogged TRFs in the country. The areas covered by the forests are also homes to several rural and indigenous people. At least 75 percent of the total populations of the state live in rural areas. Cross River state is also renowned, worldwide for its ecotourism potentials. The ecotourism industry depends largely on the TRFs, in which species endemic to CRS can be found. Given the present threats posed by several old and emerging factors, this document is fashioned to present a description and compendium of the various forest resources of Cross River state of Nigeria. The major areas of focus include highlights of the forest types. Also considered were economic plants, including timber and nontimber forest products (NTFPs) as well as animal species found in the forests of Cross River state. The article also identifies the various threats to the Forests of Cross River State. In order to solve identified problems , recommendations proffered include need for provision of adequate funds by government, individuals and nongovernmental organizations aimed at better forest management ; employment of more and better trained forestry personnel ; and more efforts on planting of indigenous species to boost biodiversity was advocated.
Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences, 2015
As Nigeria experiences a major thrust in economic Development, there is the utmost need to ensure... more As Nigeria experiences a major thrust in economic Development, there is the utmost need to ensure that the necessary social and environmental safeguards are put in place to guarantee a development that is sustainable, especially in the long run. This paper emphasizes the urgent imperative for a proper integration of environmental management education into the national capacity building strategy for a sustainable development which strives to ensure the balancing of economic, social and environmental forces in Nigeria's development process. Environmental management education basically aims at improving Awareness, knowledge and skills, and actually changing the attitude of the people towards sustainable use of the environment. Serious efforts must be made to promote environmental studies if Nigeria intends to successfully combat her many environmental problems ranging from the threats of desertification and desert encroachment in the North to the menace of erosion, deforestation, o...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2018
A field study was conducted in the 2015-2016 cropping season to investigate the effect of soil am... more A field study was conducted in the 2015-2016 cropping season to investigate the effect of soil amendment on the growth, leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen index of cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivated in crude oil contaminated soil located at Ikot Ada Udo, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area LGA) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The soil samples were amended with organic supplement (palm bunch ash, PBA and dried poultry litter, DPL) singly and in combination using three different cassava cultivars (TMS 30572, NR 8082 and Local variety) where the growth parameters, chlorophyll content and nitrogen index were monitored at eight (8) weeks intervals for twenty-four (24) weeks. The mean results obtained showed that plant height, leaf area and stem girth increased with increase in the number of weeks with PBA+DPL and DPL amended soil showing significant increase in plants height as compared to the PBA amended soil and the control soil. The same trend was observed with other growth parameter...
The main purpose of this study was to identify the implication of poor drainage on socio-economic... more The main purpose of this study was to identify the implication of poor drainage on socio-economic activities in Aba North Local Government Area (L.G.A). The objectives of the study include the identification of the causes and types of flooding in the study area; assessment of the effect of flooding on duration of trips for occupational purposes; determination of the effect of flooding on residential household properties and structures; execution of a Geographical Information System (GIS) based flood risk analysis (FRA) of the study area; and provision of solutions to identified problem from the study. Relevant information was gathered from the literature review related to the study. The survey research method was also adopted. A total of 313 copies of the questionnaire were randomly distributed to respondents in 4 out of 9 communities for primary data collection. Also 41 willing to participate traders were monitored for trips duration to business premises from home on flood an...
This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, ... more This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, under forest cover in Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria. The annual and seasonal amount of precipitation upon a place, and the soils capacity to absorb same, affects the degree and extent of the occurrence of ecological events, such as overland flow, runoff, erosion, flooding and landslide, quite inimical to land productivity. Thus the study investigated the response of forest soils to precipitation intake at different seasons, which is pertinent to landuse planning in both construction and agricultural industries. Data from the study were generated through field measurements of the infiltration rates of soils using a cylinder (flooding) inflitrometer designed by Hills [1] in two seasons of rainy (September-October) and dry (December-January) respectively, in rural watershed. The result showed seasonal changes in the equilibrium rates of infiltration form 9.6cm/hrt (rainy season...
Environmental conservation involves the wise use of resources and their preservation from reckles... more Environmental conservation involves the wise use of resources and their preservation from reckless exploitation and wanton destruction. In contemporary Nigeria however, the ideals of conservation have failed to be properly integrated into the National development agenda. Widespread ignorance and low levels environmental awareness have been identified as prominent factors responsible for this despicable state of affairs. Since education remains the cure for ignorance, this paper therefore, aims at emphasizing the urgent imperative for the incorporation of environmental management education as a major component of an integrative framework for the conservation of Nigeria’s environment. The paper contends that effective environmental conservation may never be attained unless and until requisite skills are developed and sufficient awareness created nationally and locally through a robust programme of environmental management education. The paper recommends the adoption of environmental m...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Jul 13, 2018
Pot experiment was set up to assess the levels of heavy metals accumulation in leaves and tubers ... more Pot experiment was set up to assess the levels of heavy metals accumulation in leaves and tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown in crude oil contaminated soil in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Three cassava cultivars were used for the study viz: NR-8082, TMS-30572 and a Local variety (LV). The crops were planted in pots and nurtured to maturity. They were then assessed for the concentrations of the following heavy metals: Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Fe in both the leaves and tubers using standard laboratory procedures. Data analysis was carried out using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significantly different means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The analysis revealed that TMS accumulated the highest quantities of these metals, followed by NR and lastly, the local variety (V), this being a function of biomass production. Transfer Factors also proved the order of accumulation of this heavy metal as: TMS > NR > LV. Generally, the order of prevalence of heavy metal in both the leaves and the tubers was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cr. This study revealed that crude oil pollution is increasingly raising the levels of heavy metals in the soils of Niger Delta and these metals are being taken up by plants including cassava, which is the most important staple food crop of the area. Consequently, crops farmers are advised against cultivating at crude oil contaminated sites for the risk of accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues.
Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Aug 6, 2014
This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, ... more This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, under forest cover in Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria. The annual and seasonal amount of precipitation upon a place, and the soils capacity to absorb same, affects the degree and extent of the occurrence of ecological events, such as overland flow, runoff, erosion, flooding and landslide, quite inimical to land productivity. Thus the study investigated the response of forest soils to precipitation intake at different seasons, which is pertinent to landuse planning in both construction and agricultural industries. Data from the study were generated through field measurements of the infiltration rates of soils using a cylinder (flooding) inflitrometer designed by Hills [1] in two seasons of rainy (September-October) and dry (December-January) respectively, in rural watershed. The result showed seasonal changes in the equilibrium rates of infiltration form 9.6cm/hrt (rainy season) to 8.4 cm/hrt (dry season). This was indeed a hypothetical contrast from the expected ideal situation among infiltration experts, that infiltration values are supposed to soar in dry season than rainy season in the tropics. The factors of soil pore compaction and decline in the rates of biological activities accounted for this. Soil compaction reduces the rate of soil water loss through evaporation, enhances ground water conservation and stabilizes the soil structure for diverse benefits to man. Afforestation programme is hereby recommended to sustain the regional land ecosystem.
Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite... more Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite the large amount of funds expended by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the construction and provision of relatively modern facilities, the Calabar Sea Port has remained grossly underutilized. The analyses were very revealing, For instance the calabar port is located along a river, and is in fact a River Port. Thus there is the dire need for frequent dredging of the channel, and the use of pilot boats. Calabar Sea Port utilization is influenced by multidimensional factors, which sometimes can't be adequately controlledby port management. The negative situations of the calabar seaport also include its non-linkage to North Eastern Nigeria, by railway, a benefit enjoyed by Portharcourt and Lagos Sea portsas regards their own hinterlands ;the poor connectivity of Calabar, to the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar road (linking Aba, Onitsha, Uyo , Asaba and Benin industrial areas) and the Ikom-Calabar road (linking the NorthEastern Nigeria area).Overhead metal barricades at the Ikom bridge hinders the movement of very high vehicles; the immediate hinterland of the port is also characterized by the lowest level of industrial activities, as well as some of the least paid civil servants in the country, resulting in low consumption levels ,in the distant hinterland area of North Eastern Nigeria , there are deep rooted religious and political imbroglios , the outcome of which are low productivity and large scale emigration; the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and Export Processing Zone (CEPZ)presently lack significant trickle-down effects for regional economic prosperity ; port piracy and encroachment by Portharcourt and surprisingly Lagos Sea Ports, have resulted in loss of patronage, even from Southeastern areas of Nigeria, and to an extent from Akwa Ibom state , invariably due to poor road connectivity and more rigorous scrutiny of imports. Along the Nigerian coastline, Calabar is not a thoroughfare to any English speaking country, or nation, with which Nigeria does much international trade. The suggested designation of Calabar sea port for large scale agricultural produce export, including, Cassava chips and pellets, will separate it from the neck-breaking competitions, with other Nigerian sea ports. It is expected to culminate, in the improvement of the level of sea port utilization and regional employment situations, while assisting in the diversification of national economy
This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface wat... more This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface water in Etche River in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study area is a vast theatre for multiple petroleum development and cottage industries activity .Water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, from six sampling points, two samples along the river course. Grab (Catch) water sampling method was used in collection of water samples into PVC and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) bottles, during the two different seasons. The water samples were well labeled and stored at 4 O C. Water Temperature (T), pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were measured by mercury bulb thermometer, pH meter and Conductivity-total dissolved solids (TDS) Meter, respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Alkalinity (TA) and free Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) were analyzed by standard methods (Eaton and Franson, 2005). Differences exist in observed physico-chemical properties of water samples collected during the two seasons. For instance, during the wet season, the level of magnesium, Calcium, and pH were 72.22(mg/l), 297.3 (mg/l)and 5.07 respectively, while values for dry season were 63.19(mg/l),260.1 (mg/l) and 6.11 respectively. Value for TDS in both seasons samples were relatively higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) stipulated limits. Copper concentration was found to be between 0.09 and 0.06 mg/l. The study revealed the disposal of industrial, commercial and domestic waste into Etche River. Recommendations, preferred include, the need to control point source and non-point source contamination of the Etche River
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014
Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite... more Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite the large amount of funds expended by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the construction and provision of relatively modern facilities, the Calabar Sea Port has remained grossly underutilized. The analyses were very revealing, For instance the calabar port is located along a river, and is in fact a River Port. Thus there is the dire need for frequent dredging of the channel, and the use of pilot boats. Calabar Sea Port utilization is influenced by multidimensional factors, which sometimes can't be adequately controlledby port management. The negative situations of the calabar seaport also include its non-linkage to North Eastern Nigeria, by railway, a benefit enjoyed by Portharcourt and Lagos Sea portsas regards their own hinterlands ;the poor connectivity of Calabar, to the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar road (linking Aba, Onitsha, Uyo , Asaba and Benin industrial areas) and the Ikom-Calabar road (linking the NorthEastern Nigeria area).Overhead metal barricades at the Ikom bridge hinders the movement of very high vehicles; the immediate hinterland of the port is also characterized by the lowest level of industrial activities, as well as some of the least paid civil servants in the country, resulting in low consumption levels ,in the distant hinterland area of North Eastern Nigeria , there are deep rooted religious and political imbroglios , the outcome of which are low productivity and large scale emigration; the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and Export Processing Zone (CEPZ)presently lack significant trickle-down effects for regional economic prosperity ; port piracy and encroachment by Portharcourt and surprisingly Lagos Sea Ports, have resulted in loss of patronage, even from Southeastern areas of Nigeria, and to an extent from Akwa Ibom state , invariably due to poor road connectivity and more rigorous scrutiny of imports. Along the Nigerian coastline, Calabar is not a thoroughfare to any English speaking country, or nation, with which Nigeria does much international trade. The suggested designation of Calabar sea port for large scale agricultural produce export, including, Cassava chips and pellets, will separate it from the neck-breaking competitions, with other Nigerian sea ports. It is expected to culminate, in the improvement of the level of sea port utilization and regional employment situations, while assisting in the diversification of national economy
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014
The distinctive species richness of the Tropical Rain Forest (TRFs) gives it a very high ecologic... more The distinctive species richness of the Tropical Rain Forest (TRFs) gives it a very high ecological importance. The TRFs also have economic and functional importance, which are of international and local dimensions. Cross River State (CRS) presently has about 40 percent of the remaining threatened TRFs of Nigeria. These forests harbor the largest remnant of comparably unlogged TRFs in the country. The areas covered by the forests are also homes to several rural and indigenous people. At least 75 percent of the total populations of the state live in rural areas. Cross River state is also renowned, worldwide for its ecotourism potentials. The ecotourism industry depends largely on the TRFs, in which species endemic to CRS can be found. Given the present threats posed by several old and emerging factors, this document is fashioned to present a description and compendium of the various forest resources of Cross River state of Nigeria. The major areas of focus include highlights of the forest types. Also considered were economic plants, including timber and nontimber forest products (NTFPs) as well as animal species found in the forests of Cross River state. The article also identifies the various threats to the Forests of Cross River State. In order to solve identified problems , recommendations proffered include need for provision of adequate funds by government, individuals and nongovernmental organizations aimed at better forest management ; employment of more and better trained forestry personnel ; and more efforts on planting of indigenous species to boost biodiversity was advocated.
Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences, 2015
As Nigeria experiences a major thrust in economic Development, there is the utmost need to ensure... more As Nigeria experiences a major thrust in economic Development, there is the utmost need to ensure that the necessary social and environmental safeguards are put in place to guarantee a development that is sustainable, especially in the long run. This paper emphasizes the urgent imperative for a proper integration of environmental management education into the national capacity building strategy for a sustainable development which strives to ensure the balancing of economic, social and environmental forces in Nigeria's development process. Environmental management education basically aims at improving Awareness, knowledge and skills, and actually changing the attitude of the people towards sustainable use of the environment. Serious efforts must be made to promote environmental studies if Nigeria intends to successfully combat her many environmental problems ranging from the threats of desertification and desert encroachment in the North to the menace of erosion, deforestation, o...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2018
A field study was conducted in the 2015-2016 cropping season to investigate the effect of soil am... more A field study was conducted in the 2015-2016 cropping season to investigate the effect of soil amendment on the growth, leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen index of cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivated in crude oil contaminated soil located at Ikot Ada Udo, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area LGA) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The soil samples were amended with organic supplement (palm bunch ash, PBA and dried poultry litter, DPL) singly and in combination using three different cassava cultivars (TMS 30572, NR 8082 and Local variety) where the growth parameters, chlorophyll content and nitrogen index were monitored at eight (8) weeks intervals for twenty-four (24) weeks. The mean results obtained showed that plant height, leaf area and stem girth increased with increase in the number of weeks with PBA+DPL and DPL amended soil showing significant increase in plants height as compared to the PBA amended soil and the control soil. The same trend was observed with other growth parameter...
The main purpose of this study was to identify the implication of poor drainage on socio-economic... more The main purpose of this study was to identify the implication of poor drainage on socio-economic activities in Aba North Local Government Area (L.G.A). The objectives of the study include the identification of the causes and types of flooding in the study area; assessment of the effect of flooding on duration of trips for occupational purposes; determination of the effect of flooding on residential household properties and structures; execution of a Geographical Information System (GIS) based flood risk analysis (FRA) of the study area; and provision of solutions to identified problem from the study. Relevant information was gathered from the literature review related to the study. The survey research method was also adopted. A total of 313 copies of the questionnaire were randomly distributed to respondents in 4 out of 9 communities for primary data collection. Also 41 willing to participate traders were monitored for trips duration to business premises from home on flood an...
This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, ... more This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, under forest cover in Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria. The annual and seasonal amount of precipitation upon a place, and the soils capacity to absorb same, affects the degree and extent of the occurrence of ecological events, such as overland flow, runoff, erosion, flooding and landslide, quite inimical to land productivity. Thus the study investigated the response of forest soils to precipitation intake at different seasons, which is pertinent to landuse planning in both construction and agricultural industries. Data from the study were generated through field measurements of the infiltration rates of soils using a cylinder (flooding) inflitrometer designed by Hills [1] in two seasons of rainy (September-October) and dry (December-January) respectively, in rural watershed. The result showed seasonal changes in the equilibrium rates of infiltration form 9.6cm/hrt (rainy season...
Environmental conservation involves the wise use of resources and their preservation from reckles... more Environmental conservation involves the wise use of resources and their preservation from reckless exploitation and wanton destruction. In contemporary Nigeria however, the ideals of conservation have failed to be properly integrated into the National development agenda. Widespread ignorance and low levels environmental awareness have been identified as prominent factors responsible for this despicable state of affairs. Since education remains the cure for ignorance, this paper therefore, aims at emphasizing the urgent imperative for the incorporation of environmental management education as a major component of an integrative framework for the conservation of Nigeria’s environment. The paper contends that effective environmental conservation may never be attained unless and until requisite skills are developed and sufficient awareness created nationally and locally through a robust programme of environmental management education. The paper recommends the adoption of environmental m...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Jul 13, 2018
Pot experiment was set up to assess the levels of heavy metals accumulation in leaves and tubers ... more Pot experiment was set up to assess the levels of heavy metals accumulation in leaves and tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown in crude oil contaminated soil in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Three cassava cultivars were used for the study viz: NR-8082, TMS-30572 and a Local variety (LV). The crops were planted in pots and nurtured to maturity. They were then assessed for the concentrations of the following heavy metals: Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Fe in both the leaves and tubers using standard laboratory procedures. Data analysis was carried out using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significantly different means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The analysis revealed that TMS accumulated the highest quantities of these metals, followed by NR and lastly, the local variety (V), this being a function of biomass production. Transfer Factors also proved the order of accumulation of this heavy metal as: TMS > NR > LV. Generally, the order of prevalence of heavy metal in both the leaves and the tubers was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cr. This study revealed that crude oil pollution is increasingly raising the levels of heavy metals in the soils of Niger Delta and these metals are being taken up by plants including cassava, which is the most important staple food crop of the area. Consequently, crops farmers are advised against cultivating at crude oil contaminated sites for the risk of accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues.
Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Aug 6, 2014
This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, ... more This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, under forest cover in Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria. The annual and seasonal amount of precipitation upon a place, and the soils capacity to absorb same, affects the degree and extent of the occurrence of ecological events, such as overland flow, runoff, erosion, flooding and landslide, quite inimical to land productivity. Thus the study investigated the response of forest soils to precipitation intake at different seasons, which is pertinent to landuse planning in both construction and agricultural industries. Data from the study were generated through field measurements of the infiltration rates of soils using a cylinder (flooding) inflitrometer designed by Hills [1] in two seasons of rainy (September-October) and dry (December-January) respectively, in rural watershed. The result showed seasonal changes in the equilibrium rates of infiltration form 9.6cm/hrt (rainy season) to 8.4 cm/hrt (dry season). This was indeed a hypothetical contrast from the expected ideal situation among infiltration experts, that infiltration values are supposed to soar in dry season than rainy season in the tropics. The factors of soil pore compaction and decline in the rates of biological activities accounted for this. Soil compaction reduces the rate of soil water loss through evaporation, enhances ground water conservation and stabilizes the soil structure for diverse benefits to man. Afforestation programme is hereby recommended to sustain the regional land ecosystem.
Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite... more Adopting the influence of situation approach, this study aims to unravel the reasons, why despite the large amount of funds expended by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the construction and provision of relatively modern facilities, the Calabar Sea Port has remained grossly underutilized. The analyses were very revealing, For instance the calabar port is located along a river, and is in fact a River Port. Thus there is the dire need for frequent dredging of the channel, and the use of pilot boats. Calabar Sea Port utilization is influenced by multidimensional factors, which sometimes can't be adequately controlledby port management. The negative situations of the calabar seaport also include its non-linkage to North Eastern Nigeria, by railway, a benefit enjoyed by Portharcourt and Lagos Sea portsas regards their own hinterlands ;the poor connectivity of Calabar, to the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar road (linking Aba, Onitsha, Uyo , Asaba and Benin industrial areas) and the Ikom-Calabar road (linking the NorthEastern Nigeria area).Overhead metal barricades at the Ikom bridge hinders the movement of very high vehicles; the immediate hinterland of the port is also characterized by the lowest level of industrial activities, as well as some of the least paid civil servants in the country, resulting in low consumption levels ,in the distant hinterland area of North Eastern Nigeria , there are deep rooted religious and political imbroglios , the outcome of which are low productivity and large scale emigration; the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and Export Processing Zone (CEPZ)presently lack significant trickle-down effects for regional economic prosperity ; port piracy and encroachment by Portharcourt and surprisingly Lagos Sea Ports, have resulted in loss of patronage, even from Southeastern areas of Nigeria, and to an extent from Akwa Ibom state , invariably due to poor road connectivity and more rigorous scrutiny of imports. Along the Nigerian coastline, Calabar is not a thoroughfare to any English speaking country, or nation, with which Nigeria does much international trade. The suggested designation of Calabar sea port for large scale agricultural produce export, including, Cassava chips and pellets, will separate it from the neck-breaking competitions, with other Nigerian sea ports. It is expected to culminate, in the improvement of the level of sea port utilization and regional employment situations, while assisting in the diversification of national economy
This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface wat... more This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface water in Etche River in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study area is a vast theatre for multiple petroleum development and cottage industries activity .Water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, from six sampling points, two samples along the river course. Grab (Catch) water sampling method was used in collection of water samples into PVC and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) bottles, during the two different seasons. The water samples were well labeled and stored at 4 O C. Water Temperature (T), pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were measured by mercury bulb thermometer, pH meter and Conductivity-total dissolved solids (TDS) Meter, respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Alkalinity (TA) and free Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) were analyzed by standard methods (Eaton and Franson, 2005). Differences exist in observed physico-chemical properties of water samples collected during the two seasons. For instance, during the wet season, the level of magnesium, Calcium, and pH were 72.22(mg/l), 297.3 (mg/l)and 5.07 respectively, while values for dry season were 63.19(mg/l),260.1 (mg/l) and 6.11 respectively. Value for TDS in both seasons samples were relatively higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) stipulated limits. Copper concentration was found to be between 0.09 and 0.06 mg/l. The study revealed the disposal of industrial, commercial and domestic waste into Etche River. Recommendations, preferred include, the need to control point source and non-point source contamination of the Etche River
Uploads
Papers by Ubong Harrison