Victoria Ediene | University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. (original) (raw)

Papers by Victoria Ediene

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2006

Approaches to describe the exposure of non-target aquatic organisms to agricultural pesticides ca... more Approaches to describe the exposure of non-target aquatic organisms to agricultural pesticides can be limited by insufficient knowledge of the environmental conditions where the compounds are used. This study analysed information from national and regional datasets gathered in the UK describing the morphological and physico-chemical properties of rivers, streams, ponds and ditches. An aggregation approach was adopted whereby the landscape was divided into 12 hydrogeological classes for agricultural areas and a 13 th class that comprised non-agricultural land. The data describe major differences in the abundance, dimensions and chemistry of water bodies in the different landscapes. There is almost an order of magnitude difference in the total input of pesticide per unit area between the different landscapes. Ditches are shown to be most proximate to arable land, streams and rivers intermediate and ponds the least proximate. Results of the study have implications for the development of standard scenarios for use in protective screening steps within the risk assessment. Data can be used to produce more realistic estimates of the exposure to pesticides and to examine how that exposure varies across the landscape.

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2017

This research was carried out to investigate the levels of heavy metals in soils at the municipal... more This research was carried out to investigate the levels of heavy metals in soils at the municipal dumpsite in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Composite soil samples were collected from five different landscape positions along a toposequence (crest, upper slope, middle slope, lower slope and valley/swamp) at the dumpsite in Calabar. The control sample was taken from an adjacent plot. The control soil was slightly acidic (5.6) while soils from the dumpsite were slightly acidic (6.7-7.4) to slightly alkaline in reaction. In all the dumpsite locations the levels of Mercury (0.4-1.0 mg/kg), Chromium (0.66-200 mg/kg), Nickel (26-748.6 mg/kg), Lead (118-4548 mg/kg), and Zinc (1248-2864 mg/kg) were above the permissible limits in soil whereas iron and copper concentrations were within soil limits. Generally the values of Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) observed for the dumpsite were higher than the control soil. The metal contamination/pollution index assessment revealed that the soils in the dumpsite were excessively polluted with impending negative effect on plants animal, humans and the environment at large. It is expedient that necessary actions be put in place to sort at source, recycle and reuse wastes materials to minimize the quantity of these toxic metals in the environment.

Lithological characteristics interact with other factors of soil formation to define soil genesis... more Lithological characteristics interact with other factors of soil formation to define soil genesis. This becomes more interesting as data on the mineral and elemental oxide components of soils developed from limestone are rarely available in the humid tropical environment. The present study investigated the elemental oxide content, forms of sesquioxides, and clay mineral species in some limestone soils. Soil samples were obtained from three (3) crestal soil profile pits and analyzed for elemental content by the use of X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer, and sesquioxides forms by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Analyses were done in triplicates. The mineralogy of the clay fraction was determined on the A, B, C horizon samples using an X-ray diffraction Technique. The occurrence of SiO2 (203-277 g/kg), Al2O3 (65-105 g/kg), and Fe2O3 (14-95 g/kg) in substantial amounts over MnO2, ZrO2, and TiO2 with negligible quantities of CaO suggested comparatively more developed soils in ...

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2021

Organic matter exhibit strong variations in nitrogen retention and transformation cycle in soil. ... more Organic matter exhibit strong variations in nitrogen retention and transformation cycle in soil. However, nitrogen could be altered by seasonal variations, leading us to hypothesize that the open municipal waste dump site in Calabar exposed to dry and wet season could alter nitrogen dynamics in that soil. A total of sixty (60) composite soil samples were collected at different landscape positions (summit crest, shoulder slope, toe slope, interfluve slope, valley floor) of a municipal dump site and a control (no refuse area) during the dry and wet seasons in Calabar and analyzed to ascertain the effects on forms and status of soil nitrogen. The soils were loamy sand across the study location with pH values of 4.50, 7.00, 6.70, 7.30, 5.00, 7.30 (dry season) and 5.00. 7.30, 7.00, 7.40, 5.90, 7.40 (wet season) for the control, summit crest, shoulder slope, toe slope, interfluve slope and valley floor accordingly. Values obtained for total nitrogen (N) from the study site were generally...

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2017

This study examined the impact of abattoir activities on the heavy metal levels and microbial com... more This study examined the impact of abattoir activities on the heavy metal levels and microbial composition in surrounding soils receiving abattoir effluents within Calabar Metropolis. A total of nine composite soil samples were gotten from three locations: Atimbo, Ikot Eneobong and Nasarawa abattoir and environs. The results obtained revealed that the uncontaminated sites (control) had a strongly acidic pH while the abattoir contaminated soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction. Soil organic carbon content was low (< 1.5%) at the control site while the abattoir contaminated sites were high (> 2.0%). The heavy metal levels were highest at the point of direct discharge of abattoir effluents (

International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016

International Journal of Life-Sciences Scientific Research, 2016

Composite soil samples were collected from the rhizospheres of Gmelina arborea, Elaeis guineensis... more Composite soil samples were collected from the rhizospheres of Gmelina arborea, Elaeis guineensis and Hevea brasiliensis plantations as well as the Rain Forest of over 20 years of age in Akampa L.G.A. at depths of 0-15 cm (surface soil) and 15-30 cm (sub surface soil), to examine the effects of land use and management practices on some physical, chemical and microbial properties of the soils. The soils were mainly sandy loam, strongly acid in reaction and generally low in available P, exchangeable Ca 2+ , K + and Na + , but moderate in Mg 2+ except for the surface soil in Elaeis guineensis plantation which was however, high in organic C (4.29 %), total N (0.37 %) and Mg (3.9 cmol kg-1). The soils regardless of the land use patterns were high in exchangeable acidity with Elaeis guineensis having the least values. Diverse species of microorganisms were isolated across the different plantations and rain forest, however, Elaeis guineensis recorded the highest microbial count. Land use altered the microbial population and also had an effect on the species composition of soil microbial communities. Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp., Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp as well as Aspergillus niger were however, common across the study sites while other organisms were location specific suggesting vegetation and land use meddling. The effects of land use pattern were noted in the chemical and microbial alteration observed mostly in the top of rhizosphere soils. It is pertinent that good management practices such as liming, mulching as well as cover cropping be carried out to increase and maintain the fertility of the soils.

Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Jul 1, 2015

Effects of cassava peels and poultry manure based compost and their sole applications on soil pro... more Effects of cassava peels and poultry manure based compost and their sole applications on soil properties, growth and yield of waterleaf were investigated at the University of Calabar Teaching and Research Farm during 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were seven treatments consisting of mixture of cassava peels and poultry manure (compost), sole application of composted cassava peels and poultry manure each applied at two rates (4 and 8 t/ha) and control (without amendment). The results obtained showed that soil pH, total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) were significantly increased with levels of application of treatments compared to control with plots fertilized with compost at 8 t/ha having a higher significant influence on most of the soil chemical properties. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments in plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth and fresh yield of waterleaf. Generally, application of compost irrespective of the rate of application, enhanced waterleaf growth and yield better compared to other treatments. Compost applied at 8 t/ha had the best mean fresh yield of 17.86, 22.92 and 22.34 t/ha at 4, 7 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP) which out yielded the control by 66.41, 77.53 and 77.44%, respectively. This study has demonstrated that the use of cassava peels in the preparation of compost for crop production would be more economical and will also be a useful development in sustainable food production as well as in promoting environmental safety.

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

The study investigated the concentration of heavy metal in soil around Nekede automobile mechanic... more The study investigated the concentration of heavy metal in soil around Nekede automobile mechanic village in Southeastern Nigeria. Sample plots were established in a randomized method along a transect at 100m interval for five (5) different locations within the study area, these sample point were constantly receiving spent engine oil (SEO) and were labeled treatment SA, SB, SC, SD, SE. A composite soil sample was drawn from depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm for each of the five treatments. These were air dried, passed through a 2mm sieve and properly labeled for laboratory analysis. Soil samples were then analysed for heavy metal (Pb) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Two (2) soil samples were collected at each sample point and two (2) soil samples CF and CG were also collected 2 km away from the study area in an undisturbed forest as control. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and particle size distribution were also determined. Results showed that the concentrations of Pb from soil samples were random across sample point. The concentration of Pb in the contaminated soil at a depth of 0-15cm (topsoil) varies, the highest value was observed at SD (482.2mg/kg) and the lowest value at SE (146.8mg/kg). At the depth of 15-30cm (subsoil) concentration of Pb is highest at SB (397.6mg/kg) and lowest at SC (140.1mg/kg). The mean concentration of Pb in the contaminated soil sample has its highest concentration at SB (382.9mg/kg) and lowest at SC (157.8mg/kg). The level of Pb in the control site was lower (CF, 46.5mg/kg and CG, 11.8mg/kg) when compared to the various concentrations of the contaminated soil. pH range was between 5.43 and 6.79. CEC varied across the sample area and showed no variation within the control site. The highest value was observed at CF and CG (3.65cmol/kg) respectively while the lowest value was observed at SA (2.15cmol/kg). The % sand distribution varied across the sample point and showed a higher distribution in the study area than % clay and % silt, the soil texture (sandy loam) was not significantly affected by the SEO. The study concluded that improper disposal of SEO in the study area elevated the soil Pb content thereby causing Lead pollution.

Journal of Advances in Microbiology, 2017

Artemisia annua (L) is known to inhibit the growth of seedlings leading us to hypothesize that it... more Artemisia annua (L) is known to inhibit the growth of seedlings leading us to hypothesize that it may also adversely affect soil microbial community. The effect of crude, aqueous leaf extracts of A. annua on soil microorganisms was therefore studied at (w/v) 0 (control), 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 percent (%) concentrations. The frequency of occurrence of bacterial isolates across treatments varied in the order Agromyces spp < Klebsiella spp < Micrococcus spp < Bacillus spp < Athrobacter spp < Pseudomonas spp. After 12 weeks of treatment application, the bacterial mean counts (cfu/g) were 173 x 10 5 for the control, 57.5 x 10 5 for the 1.0 %, 52.16 x 10 5 for the 2.5 %, 47.8 x 10 5 for the 5 %, and 44.3 x 10 5 for the 7.50 % crude extract concentrations; the fungal mean counts were 6.78 x 10 4 , 30.5 x 10 4 , 34.3 x 10 4 , 35 x 10 4 and 39.5 x 10 4 cfu/g respectively. The fungal population varied in the order Aspergillus spp > Penicillium spp > Rhizopus spp > Corynespora Spp > Mucor spp > Microsporum spp > Fusarium spp. Thus, the extracts of Artemisia annua significantly reduced the bacterial population but increased the fungal population.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

ABSTRACT:- Dried leave tissues from Artemisia annua were applied at different levels: 1.0g/m2, 2.... more ABSTRACT:- Dried leave tissues from Artemisia annua were applied at different levels: 1.0g/m2, 2.5g/m2, 5.0g/m2, and 7.5g/m2 in triplicates to field experimental plots, to evaluate their effects on soil microbial population. The experiments lasted for twelve weeks. Results of findings revealed that Artemisia annua dried leaves depressed the bacterial population giving a trend: Agromyces spp < Klebsiella spp < Micrococcus spp < Artobacter spp < Bacillus Spp < Pseudomonas spp across the various treatments. The depression was however temporal. The various treatment levels of Artemisia annua: 1.00g/m2, 2.50g/m2, 5.00g/m2 and 7.50g/m2 however, had a stimulatory effect on the fungal population, giving a trend: Aspergillus spp > Penicillium Spp > Microsporum Spp> Corynespora Spp> Exserohilium Spp >Mucor Spp > Nocardia Spp > Neostuding Spp >Fusarium spp.
Keywords: Artemisia annua, dried leaves, soil microbial population.

Dried leave tissues from Artemisia annua were applied at different levels: 1.0g/m2, 2.5g/m2, 5.0g... more Dried leave tissues from Artemisia annua were applied at different levels: 1.0g/m2, 2.5g/m2, 5.0g/m2, and 7.5g/m2 in triplicates to field experimental plots, to evaluate their effects on soil microbial population. The experiments

The status and spatial variability of soil properties across agrarian communities in Yakurr Local... more The status and spatial variability of soil properties across agrarian communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, Southeast Nigeria were assessed and soil management strategies suggested for limiting soil properties. Nine communities were identified within the study area and soil samples collected from young fallow lands measuring 40 m by 40 m at depths of 0 – 20 cm and 20 – 40 cm to represent surface and subsurface soils respectively. The interpolation of the area was done using the deterministic methods of inverse distance weighting (IDW) in ArcGIS 10.2.2 software. The soils were sandy loam to loamy sand with the coefficients of variation (CV) of particle sizes ranked as clay> silt> sand while soil pH ranged between 5.2 and 5.75, and organic matter ranged from 7.4 in Ntamkpo to 20.3 gkg-1 in Idomi with CV of 27.54%. Total N was generally low in the soils with CV of 31.25% in the surface soils and 58.36% in the subsurface soils. Available P and exchangeable basic cations were rated low but with high CVs except for exchangeable K + and Na + and ranked as P> Mg> Ca> Na> K. The ECEC was however rated medium with CV of 23.8% in the surface soils. It was however observed, that ECEC and organic matter were among the most spatially variable properties in the area. Intensified soil tests and farmer education were suggested to control the use of agrochemicals while unhealthy practices such as bush burning and unplanned continuous cropping should be checked. The integrated use of calcitic and dolomitic limes with organic inputs, crop rotation and bush fallow systems were also advocated.

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of spent engine oil (SEO) discharge on so... more This research was carried out to investigate the effect of spent engine oil (SEO) discharge on soil properties and heavy metal concentrations in selected automobile workshops in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from four different automobile workshops (Atimbo, Etta-Agbor, Elijah Henshaw and Satellite town) in Calabar. Three sampling points were mapped out around each mechanic workshop. The soils were loamy sand and strongly acid. In all the locations, the highest pH values, organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were at the point of discharge of the SEO while the exchangeable bases varied across all the locations. Lead, copper and cadmium were higher than the permissible limits whereas iron, manganese and zinc concentrations were below the permissible limits in the studied sites. Spent engine oil should be properly disposed of to avoid heavy metals toxicity in the soil as most of these metals are leached down the profile thereby polluting underground waters which in turn is dangerous to human health.

This study was conducted to assess the levels of pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), availabl... more This study was conducted to assess the levels of pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus, and exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na in soils surrounding Atimbo, IkotEneobong and Nasarawa abattoirs. Results of the physicochemical analyses showed that the soils were loamy sand in texture, with pH range of 4.9-5.2 and 6.1-7.2 for the control and abattoir effluent contaminated soils, respectively. Abattoir effluent contaminated soils had higher values for organic carbon (6.1–7.6 %), total nitrogen (0.18-0.65 %) and available phosphorus (12.25-37.75 mgkg-1) than the control site. The results also indicate increased levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in the abattoir effluent contaminated soils across the three locations. Indiscriminate discharge of abattoir effluent into surrounding soils should therefore be checked to avoid a buildup of nutrients which may encourage luxury consumption in crops grown within the vicinity.

Recently, the use of plants to cleanup of crude oil contaminated soils has been a subject of incr... more Recently, the use of plants to cleanup of crude oil contaminated soils has been a subject of increasing investigation. To identify native plants for the remediation of oil contaminated soil, the growth of Cyperus rotundus L. was observed under different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg) of the spent engine oil in pot experiment. Soil analysis showed that the oil had little effects on pH, exchangeable Na and K as well as texture but the organic C, N and total hydrocarbon (THC) increased relative to the control while concentrations of P, Ca and Mg decreased. The microbial population decreased with increasing concentration of the spent engine oil. Survival rates and dry matter yield of C. rotundus were considerably (P<0.05) reduced by soil pollution. Overall, C. rotundus had satisfactory potential for growth if soil contamination does not exceed 10%. Further research should screen more native plants with remediating ability.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 2006

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2017

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2021

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2017

International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016

International Journal of Life-Sciences Scientific Research, 2016

Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Jul 1, 2015

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

Journal of Advances in Microbiology, 2017

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences