The research was conducted to assess the level of heavy metals contamination using single and integrated pollution indices in soils around municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Forty two soil samples were collected from seven municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano metropolis using circular plot method. A stainless hand auger at a depth of (0 to 15) top soils and sub-surface soils (15-30cm) depth were collected and analyzed with Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the heavy metal concentration. The mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals from the depth of (15-30 cm) were observed to follow a decreasing order Pb (7.71)>Zn (0.50) > Ni (0.45) > Cr (0.31) > Cd (0.025) while for surface soils (0- 15cm) the mean concentration were in the following order: Pb (1.77) > Ni (0.49) > Zn (0.30) > Cr (0.27) > Cd (0.012).The results showed that calculated CF and Er recorded that investigated soil samples are uncontaminated with Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Pb and Ni. The pollution load index (PLI) was less than unity showing that there was minimum pollution in the studied dumpsite. The potential ecological risk showed that soil samples were in the class of low contaminated with the studied heavy metals. The results showed that concentrations of heavy metals of soil samples from dumpsites location at waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis were within limits of European Union (2002) standards. Keywords: Heavy metals, single and integrated pollution indices Kano, Municipal dumpsites

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Ceiba pentandra (Silk cotton) is a multipurpose tree in the province of Zaria city, Kaduna State, Nigeria, which is being exposed to uncontrolled exploitation by the natives. Samples of the plant were collected from standing trees located at Zaria city: Kofar Gayan, Rimin Doko, Kwarbai, Kofar Doka and Kofar Kibo. The study was aimed at assessing the secondary metabolites in C. pentandra plant extracts of leaves, stem barks and roots This was achieved through subjecting the extracts to phytochemical screening and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry fingerprinting (metabolic profiling) of phytochemical markers. The results of the screening revealed flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, triterpenoids and reducing sugars to be present in moderate variation, across the extracts. The metabolic fingerprinting indicated high variation among the phytochemicals obtained from the plant extracts. Where, twenty-seven (27) secondary metabolites were predicted from the methanol leaf extracts, twenty-five (25) from the methanol stem bark extracts and twenty-seven (27) from the methanol root extracts, out of which only one of the metabolites (2-hydroxypropyl ether) was predicted in all the extracts. Therefore, for a clearer and broader identification of these phytochemical markers, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry (NMR) should be employed to determine the detailed chemical structures of the identified metabolites, which will help in determining their functions and how they can be used to improve the biodiversity of these tree species.

A new re-dyeing practice has emerged and is fast spreading in urban Kano causing damage to the environment. This survey was carried out to assess selected fabric re-dyeing activity sites and their environmental impacts. This was achieved with the aid of designed questionnaire. Nine major dyeing sites in urban Kano: Kofar Mata, Chiranci, Karshen Waya, Rijiyar Zaki, Jan Bulo, Zawaciki, Kofar Na’isa, Karofin Zage and Goron Dutse dyeing pits were surveyed. The result revealed that individuals involved are males within the age range of 14 – 35years. The major sources of water are; pipe borne water, earthen dug wells and motorized borehole pumps. The dye wastewater is usually discharged untreated into street drains, ground surface and constructed pits. Individuals involved use protective measures such as face masks, hand gloves and traditional leather jackets. The dye powders, solutions and other constituents, when in contact with the skin cause serious burns, skin hardening and irritations. Inhalation of the gas emitted by the dye solution causes stomach upset and swelling of the body, which may sometimes be treated traditionally. The dye wastewater also destructs plantations/vegetation and inhibits survival of soil invertebrates such as earthworms. This calls for a general enlightenment to the users and general public on both the environmental and health risks of these substances

The scarcity and high price associated with fossil fuel has urged countries to research resources for alternative energy sources. Biofuels like bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass (corn cob) were considered potential alternative. Cellulose composition from isolated cell wall material of corn cobs was investigated under two different pre-treatments using H2SO4 and NH4OH at varying concentrations of 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Cell wall not treated acted as control. Colorimetric anthrone-assay followed by absorbance reading at 625nm revealed that glucose is present in reasonable amount in corn cob. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences among pre-treated compared to untreated (Control) corn cob samples at p≤0.05. Acid pre-treatment showed better glucose yield compared to alkali pre-treatment with results revealing 20% (19.37µg/ml) H2SO4 to be the optimal concentration producing highest glucose yield. The study reveals the potential of corn cob as a lignocellulosic feed stock for biofuel production.