Water samples from nine sample stations in Asata River Enugu, were analysed to determine the effects of urban wastes on the quality of the river water. Stations A-F were located in more urbanized areas of the city, while G-I were in less urbanized areas. Results of laboratory analysis show higher values of parameters( pH, turbidity, colour, conductivity, suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand and faecal coliform) at stations A-F than at G-I. Results of physico-chemical parameters showed values within safe limits. However, all samples failed to meet bacteriological standards. A strong degree of association was found to exist between sampling station distance from waste dump and dissolved oxygen (r = 0.88) and with total suspended solids (r= -0.73). The study indicates that the river water quality was much lower in higher density, more urbanized areas of Enugu urban where waste generation and management is a growing problem. The study identifies the need for the development of a sustainable municipal waste management strategy that will encourage source reduction, reuse and recycling of solid wastes. The strategy will lead to the enhancement of the ecological integrity of Asata River and its tributaries.

The Study examined the air pollution tolerance indices (APTI) of five plant species around Enugu urban area. Four physiological and biological parameters including leaf relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid (AA) content, total leaf chlorophyll (TCh), and leaf extract pH were used to develop an APTI. The vegetation monitoring in terms of its APTI acts as a 'Bioindicator' of air pollution and can be incorporated into assessment studies for selecting trees for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation strategy. The result of the APTI showed order of tolerance as Anacarduim occidentale (22.20), Pinus spp (22.35), Catalpa burgei (22.57), Mangifera indica (23.37), and Psiduim guajava (24.15). A comparative analysis was also done between the shedding ability of these trees and their APTI. The result showed that the best tree that provides both shed and high air pollution tolerance appeared in that order: Psiduim guajava, Magifera indica, Catalpa burgei, Pinus spp and Anacarduim occidentale. The results of such studies are therefore handy for future planning, and as well provide tolerant species for landscape and urban heat island mitigation.

The study assessed the effects of quarry mining wastes on the nutritional composition of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Cucumis sativus (cucumber) and Taliferia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) using standard analytical methods. Nearby farmland soil receiving effluents from quarry operators were used for the study. The study covered wet and dry seasons. Water from hand dug wells in the mining area was used to irrigate farmland during the dry season. Results of study revealed a significant reduction in protein, lipid and carbohydrate content of vegetables grown in the area compared to the control (P<0.05). Further, vitamin composition of the selected vegetables significantly increased (P<0.05) in response to environmental stress compare to control. These results suggest contamination of farmlands in the study area by mine waste water and subsequent contaminant was also uptake by vegetables grown in such farmlands. Findings from this study imply that crop farming in the quarry environment and irrigation of farmlands with water from hand dug wells in the mining area should be discouraged. There is also a possibility of human ingestion of accumulated toxic contaminants such as heavy metals in vegetables if consumed.

This study evaluated air pollution tolerance plants as well as anticipated performance indices of some medicinal plants growing in the Lokpaukwu rock quarrying area in order ascertain their suitability for green belt development. Two quarry locations A which is older and has a higher level of activity, and B were used for the study with a control location at Abia State University, Uturu. Out of the sixteen dominant plant species identified, five species; Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia pubescens, Napoleona imperialis, Nauclea latifolia and Vitex doniana. were randomly selected for the study. Leaf samples were randomly collected in triplicate from the lowest branch of each selected plants with similar characteristics. Relative water content of plants was significantly higher (p<0.05) at the study area suggesting stomatal occlusion by dust while chlorophyll content was significantly lower at the quarry sites, a clear indication of pollution stress. Chlorophyll content was also lower in all plants at site B, being significant in N. imperialis and V. doniana. N. imperialis had the highest APTI of 19.15 at the quarry site suggesting suitability for green belt development at the quarry site. Based on API, V. doniana is the most suitable for green belt development among the five plant species.