Patrick A ogwo | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria (original) (raw)

Papers by Patrick A ogwo

Sediment characteristics and macrobottom fauna of Osondu River in Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria were... more Sediment characteristics and macrobottom fauna of Osondu River in Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria were sampled and analyzed. The sampling was done in January and June 2012 as part of post impact study of a massive road construction and demolition activities that took place in Okigwe. The aim of the study was to survey the river in order to determine the grain size distribution of the sediments and the associated macro fauna. Benthic macrofauna was sampled using an improvised core of cylindrical stainless steel pipe and an open iron frame with an attached net bag. Results showed that sediments consisted of mud made up of silt and clay. The macrobenthic fauna consisted of annelids, molluscs and arthropods. The diversity indices signified low density. It is concluded that Osondu River is susceptible to pollution effects from construction and demolition runoffs. We therefore recommend that adequate measures be taken through legislation to regulate dumping of wastes in to the river.

IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014

Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members of Abia Sta... more Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members of Abia State University community. The Physicochemical and heavy metal content of Igwi-stream were studied on 2000ml of the water sample. The objective is to establish preliminary data on the stream with a view determine if the quality of the water meets standard for drinking and domestic uses. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that pH of the stream water sample was 5.0 which indicated some level of acidity in the stream which deviated slightly from the recommended standard of (6.5) WHO (2010).The pH of 5.8 was observed in the downstream which was very close to the recommended level of 6.5 by NAFDAC, USEPA and WHO. Total hardness (8mg/L), total alkalinity (0.4mg/L), sulphate (12.85mg/L), chloride (82mg/L), total solid (0.006mg/L) and total dissolved solids (0.003mg/L). The parameters obtained were below the recommended standard of World Health Organization (WHO). The results obtained from the sample show the heavy metal contents as follows; lead (0.002mg/L), zinc (0.011mg/L), copper (0.013mg/L), iron (0.011mg/L), cadmium (0.00mg/L), and chromium (0.011mg/L), these heavy metals content were found to be within the recommended level of acceptance for WHO (2004) except zinc. Cadmium was not found in the downstream and upstream samples.

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2014

In order to check the menace of soil erosion and save the campus environment, a number of measure... more In order to check the menace of soil erosion and save the campus environment, a number of measures were put in place by the Abia State University Administration including planting of lawn grasses, construction of walkways and erection of barricades. In spite of these measures, majority of our people still engage in environmentally irresponsible behaviour. The objective of this paper was to device a strategy in inculcating environmental responsible behaviour among the University Community through the use of community based social marketing. Community-Based Social Marketing is a non-coercive approach to change in behaviour and has been shown to have promise in facilitating community adoption of conservation practices than the conventional information and economic self interest approach. The study used self-administered questionnaires to examine respondents' awareness of and engagement in environment behaviour. The survey was conducted in Abia State University in the 2007/2008 academic year. Results showed that: 1. Respondents adopted the use of walkway in order to save the environment and the major barrier to the use of walk way was forgetting followed by apathy. 2. The major benefit of using source separation resource bins was to reduce wastes that were disposed and the major barrier to use of source separate bins was forgetting, followed by inconvenience. 3. Respondents appeared to respond to picking of litters on campus when the National Universities Commission Accreditation Teams visited the campus. NUC scores for environmental cleanliness and safety in evaluating courses/programmes for full accreditation. Further research is required to identify barriers and benefits associated with environmental responsible behaviours in other campuses of the Nigerian Universities in order to ascertain whether engagement in one practice prompts engagement in similar behaviours.

The impact of open defecation dunghill and storm water runoff on surface water streams in peri-ur... more The impact of open defecation dunghill and storm water runoff
on surface water streams in peri-urban areas of Enugu, Nigeria
was assessed. Water samples from five streams that supply water
to the areas (Ekulu, Asiata, Ava, Ariaku and Idaw) were
collected and analyzed for some physico-chemical and
bacteriological properties using standard methods. Results
obtained were compared with national and international
regulatory agencies (WHO and FEPA, Nigeria). Results showed
that the five streams were heavily contaminated with E coli, total
and fecal coliform bacteria resulting from open defecation and
storm water runoff. Results also show that pH, EC, turbidity,
TSS, TDS, BOD and COD were significantly higher than the
WHO and Nigeria Federal Ministry of Environment maximum
permissible limits, while nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, organic
carbon, total nitrogen, chloride were within the permissible
limits, but can exceed the limits if the trend continues without
checkmating. Increased concentration of coliform bacteria above

The Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at AMA Breweries is a State of the art outfit put in place... more The Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at AMA Breweries is
a State of the art outfit put in place to meet the regulatory
compliance for National Effluent Limitations in Nigeria for
Breweries. The objective of the study was to investigate the
quality of effluent discharge from AMA Brewery and establish
whether the operation of Waste water Treatment Plant is efficient
in removing the solid wastes and other potential pollutants
originating from the combined Brewery effluent. Wastes water
samples were collected at the inflow into the WWTP, outflow
from the WWTP, settling pond and discharge channel and
analyzed for pH, EC, TSS, TDS, hardness, alkalinity, acidity,
nitrate, chloride, phosphate, sulphate, As, Al, Cr, Cd, Mn, Zn, Ni,
Cu, Pb, Fe, Mg, Ca, BOD, COD, DO, total plate count and total
coliform using standard methods. Results obtained were
analyzed and compared with National Effluent Limitation
Guidelines for Breweries in Nigeria. Results showed that EC,
TSS, alkalinity, COD, total plate count and total coliform were
significantly above the permissible limits, while other parameters

Studies were conducted on the effects of biosolids application on three degraded soils of Amaiyi-... more Studies were conducted on the effects of biosolids application on
three degraded soils of Amaiyi-Obilaohia, Orurala and Ugwu
Rubber Erosion sites in Abia State, Nigeria. The objective was to
use processed biosolids as a cheap source of organic matter and
soil conditioner to improve some physical and chemical
properties and restore productivity of degraded soils. Sewage
sludge samples were collected from the Enugu State
Environmental Protection Agency Sewage Dumpsite at Ugwuayi
Nike, Enugu State, Nigeria and composted using an improved
aerated static pile system for 21 days before it was applied to the
degraded soils. The ameliorating effects of biosolids on the
degraded soils was carried out in a 4x3 factorial experiment laid
out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and
replicated three times. Soil samples were then taken from the
three sites (0-30cm) before and 157 days after the application of
biosolids. Treatment effects of biosolids on bulk density, total N,
total porosity, total organic matter, available phosphorus, and
organic carbon, Ca, Mg and K were analyzed using standard
methods. Results showed that composting effects of biosolids

The effect of biosolids application rates on bulk density and total porosity of degraded soils wa... more The effect of biosolids application rates on bulk density and total porosity of degraded
soils was investigated. The study was conducted on the degraded sites of Amaiyi,
Oruruala and Ugwu rubber all in Abia State, Nigeria. Sewage sludge samples were
collected from the Enugu State Environmental Protection Agency Sewage dumpsite at
Ugwaji Nike Enugu, Nigeria, and composted with wood chips in 60:40 ratios using
improvised aerated static piles systems for 21 days. The ameliorating effects of biosolids
on degraded soils were carried out in a 4X3 factorial experiment in a randomized
complete block design with three replicates. Processed biosolids were incorporated into
the degraded soils at the rate of 0t/ha (control), 10t/ha, 20t/ha and 30t/ha. Soil samples 0-
30cm were collected 157 days after incorporation, air dried, crushed and sieved. Bulk
density was determined by the method of Blake and Hartage (1986), and total porosity
was determined indirectly from the bulk density. Treatment effects of bulk density and
total porosity were analyzed using the student’s t- test. Results showed that the mean
values of treatment rates 10 t/ha, 20 t/ha and 30/t/ha on bulk density were 1.54gm/cm3,
1.43g/cm3 and 1.31g/cm3 respectively against 1.59g/cm3 recorded at the control, while the
mean values for total porosity were 41.9%, 46.1% and 50.6% for 10t/ha, 20t/ha and 30t/ha
respectively against 40% of the control. Though there were significant differences
between bulk density and total porosity in all the treatment rates, more significant
differences (P<0.05) were observed at rate 30 t/ha when compared with the control. As
treatment rates increased from 10t/ha to 30t/ha, results revealed an inverse relationship
between bulk density and total porosity, as bulk density decreased, total porosity
increased; and the higher the treatment rates, the higher the total porosity and the lower
the bulk density. Total porosity did not correlate significantly with bulk density for the
main effects of biosolids application rates (r= -0.56). Significant negative relationship
existed between total porosity and bulk density for the main effects of degraded soil
types (r= -0.88). The accelerated soil erosion in all the sites studied was due to decreases
in infiltration and total porosity brought about by high bulk density. The use of
processed biosolids at moderate rates to improve total porosity and reduce bulk density
as a measure to ameliorate degraded state of the study sites was recommended.
Keywords: Degraded Soils, Biosolids, Treatment Rates, Bulk Density, and Total Porosity

Waste Management is an important element of environmental protection. Proper characterization of ... more Waste Management is an important element of environmental protection. Proper
characterization of solid waste is fundamental for the planning of waste management
services. This study reports on the analysis of household solid waste generation and
composition in Orji Owerri, Nigeria. The study area was categorized into three distinct
areas; A, B, C representing the high income, middle income and low income residents
respectively. Two sets of primary data were collected for the study. The first was drawn
from questionnaire from each of the selected households. Buildings from each of the
categorized areas was selected through stratified systematic sampling; the first was
selected randomly and then every subsequent tenth building, all households in each of the
selected buildings were surveyed. A total of 120 buildings and 182 households were
surveyed and five residents’ attributes were considered. The second data was based on a
measurement of the solid waste generated in the households. Each of the households was
visited once a week for 12 months and their waste sorted and weighed at source. The
quantity of waste generated was highest in area C and least in area B; with a net weight of
5685.7Kg, 4758.1Kg and 5302.8Kg in areas C, B and A respectively. The daily average
waste generated per capita, per household and per building varies across each of the
areas. For the whole area, the average daily per capita waste generation was 0.31Kg.
Daily per capita waste generation decreased from area C (0.14Kg/capita) to B
(0.09Kg/capita) and to A (0.08Kg/capita) as residents’ income and education status
increased. Total daily waste generation per household was 2,35Kg/household. It also
decreased from area C (1.17Kg) to B (0.63Kg) and to A (0.55Kg)/household. Waste per
building was also higher in area C than in the other 2 areas. The study area generated
more of compostable, recyclable and reusable waste which varies across the three areas.
As education, income, social status, family size increase, per household waste generation
decrease with respect to waste from processed foods from area A to area C, and decreased
from area C to A with respect to heavier organic waste. The study recommended adoption
of an integrated solid waste management strategy (reduction, reuse, recycling and
composting) for sustainable management of solid waste in the area.

Abstract: In order to check the menace of soil erosion and save the campus environment, a number ... more Abstract: In order to check the menace of soil erosion and save the campus environment, a number of measures were put in place by the Abia State University Administration including planting of lawn grasses, construction of walkways and erection of barricades. In spite of these measures, majority of our people still engage in environmentally irresponsible behaviour. The objective of this paper was to device a strategy in inculcating environmental responsible behaviour among the University Community through the use of community based social marketing. Community – Based Social Marketing is a non-coercive approach to change in behaviour and has been shown to have promise in facilitating community adoption of conservation practices than the conventional information and economic self interest approach. The study used self-administered questionnaires to examine respondents’ awareness of and engagement in environment behaviour. The survey was conducted in Abia State University in the 2007/2008 academic year. Results showed that:
1. Respondents adopted the use of walkway in order to save the environment and the major barrier to the use of walk way was forgetting followed by apathy.
2. The major benefit of using source separation resource bins was to reduce wastes that were disposed and the major barrier to use of source separate bins was forgetting, followed by inconvenience.
3. Respondents appeared to respond to picking of litters on campus when the National Universities Commission Accreditation Teams visited the campus. NUC scores for environmental cleanliness and safety in evaluating courses/programmes for full accreditation. Further research is required to identify barriers and benefits associated with environmental responsible behaviours in other campuses of the Nigerian Universities in order to ascertain whether engagement in one practice prompts engagement in similar behaviours.
Keywords: Environmental behaviour, community based social marketing, source separation of campus waste.

Abstract: Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members o... more Abstract: Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members of Abia State University community. The Physicochemical and heavy metal content of Igwi-stream were studied on 2000ml of the water sample. The objective is to establish preliminary data on the stream with a view determine if the quality of the water meets standard for drinking and domestic uses. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that pH of the stream water sample was 5.0 which indicated some level of acidity in the stream which deviated slightly from the recommended standard of (6.5) WHO (2010).The pH of 5.8 was observed in the downstream which was very close to the recommended level of 6.5 by NAFDAC, USEPA and WHO. Total hardness (8mg/L), total alkalinity (0.4mg/L), sulphate (12.85mg/L), chloride (82mg/L), total solid (0.006mg/L) and total dissolved solids (0.003mg/L). The parameters obtained were below the recommended standard of World Health Organization (WHO). The results obtained from the sample show the heavy metal contents as follows; lead (0.002mg/L), zinc (0.011mg/L), copper (0.013mg/L), iron (0.011mg/L), cadmium (0.00mg/L), and chromium (0.011mg/L), these heavy metals content were found to be within the recommended level of acceptance for WHO (2004) except zinc. Cadmium was not found in the downstream and upstream samples. Keywords: Abia State University, surface water, Igwi-Stream, Nigeria

The broad objective of this study is the evaluation of agricultural extension agents' level of pe... more The broad objective of this study is the evaluation of agricultural extension agents' level of perception of climate change and sea level rise as environmental problems in Abia State. The research was guided by the following specific objectives: to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the extension agents, determine level of understanding of extension agents on climate change and sea level rise as environmental problems, determine effects of variability of climate change and sea level rise in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used to elicit information on 96 extension agents. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. Result showed that males (60.42%) predominated extension work. Very high (96.87%) were in their prime age of 20 -50 years, while majority (83.34%) had work experience between 6 and 20 years. Result indicated that there was high understanding on climate change and sea level rise problems with both having pooled mean (M = 3.39). Their understanding of climate change problems also shows higher cluster (uniformity) than that on sea level rise. This is portrayed by the lower standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Result showed a positive moderate correlation of 0.60 using Pearson's tools on the understanding of the three zones (Aba, Ohafia and Umuahia) on climate change and sea level rise problems. There is therefore the need for proactive action through workshops and seminars to improve the awareness and readiness of these agents to tackle current and future environment problems that may negate their efforts.

The use of our urine and manure to fertilize our lands in a way that is simple and efficient is t... more The use of our urine and manure to fertilize our lands in a way that is simple and efficient is the challenge we must meet if our soils are to continue to provide us with environmental services for food security. The objectives are to utilize large stockpile of human feacal material and urine that are presently flushed into septic tanks or sucked and disposed in unsafe dumpsites to provide organic matter for restoration of productivity to degraded soils. A 4 x 3 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used to determine the ameliorative effect of four levels of composted human faeces on the bulk density, total porosity, total N, total organic matter, and biomass production of degraded soils of three locations in Abia State, Nigeria. The raw feaces cake was collected and composted with wood chips, which served as bulking agents and carbon source Result shows that composted human feaces (CHF) application significantly reduced bulk densities in all the three sites. Bulk density in the plots treated with 30 t ha -1 CHF was 28% lower than the control. . Results show that CHF application significantly increased total porosity in all the three sites. CHF application significantly increased total nitrogen (%) in all the three sites. Total nitrogen in the plots treated with 30 Kgha -1 more than double those obtained from the control plots. There were no significant differences (P< 0.05) in total nitrogen between 10t ha -1 and the control. This study also indicate that with good management, soakapit wastes, which hitherto are abandoned in cesspits due to stigmatization, could be processed to remove the detrimental characteristics namely odours, putrescence and the presence of pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminthes. Good management practices could also conserve the essential characteristics of soakapit waste (e. g. high nutrient values, high organic matter and the non -competitiveness with other sources.

IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2014

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2014

On Sunday 26 th of March, 2017 the Church celebrates our Mothers. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis a... more On Sunday 26 th of March, 2017 the Church celebrates our Mothers. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis appeals that we use every occasion to start a dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our common home and that the conversation should include everyone. This write up is my humble contribution to the call for awareness and solidarity. Everyone's talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God's creation.