The rate of environmental degradation is an increasing trend globally and most especially in many developing nations where it has food production implications. This deterioration in environmental quality is mostly attributed to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is the oil and gas province of Nigeria. The activities of illegal crude oil refiners, theft, vandalism, etc. are common within the region, thereby leading to the degradation of major biophysical environmental matrices and conditions. Plant and fish-based diets are the major food sources for humans within the Niger Delta region. This review focuses on the implications of artisanal crude oil refining (ACOR) on sustainable food production in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The review found that the activities of artisanal crude oil refiners are harming the vegetation cover, altering the physicochemical and microbial composition of the soil, and releasing hydrocarbons into the environment, which are absorbed by vegetation leading to an increase in human and biodiversity contamination from ACOR as well as loss of arable farmlands, uncontrolled bush burning, and increased cases of soil erosion. Therefore, ACOR activities are having negative effects on food security, which is characterized by food availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization. Hence, there is a need to curtail the activities of ACOR through the issuance of operational liens followed by stricter regulations and monitoring of harmful emissions released during the processes.

2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate is an organophosphate insecticide used in the control of insects in both agricultural and household. This study investigated the mortality rate of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings exposed to 2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate. Samples Clarias gariepinus were bought from a private fish farm in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The fishes were acclimatized in the laboratory for 3 days. A static renewal bioassay methodology was adopted. Results showed mortality rate of 32.85, 57.14 and 72.86% at 0.20, 0.60 and 1.00 ppm respectively (based on different concentration) and 32.67, 43.33, 56.67 and 73.33% respectively at intervals of 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours (based on time). There was significance difference (P<0.05) with respect to concentration, time and interaction of time/concentration. Results also showed increased mortality with increased concentration and exposure duration. The results showed that even at low concentration, 2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate could still induce mortality in fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus. As such caution should be exercised in the use and disposal of empty cans of 2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate close to aquatic-systems.

No abstract

No abstract

This study evaluated the heavy metals hazard of palm wine from Raphia species sold in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State Nigeria. Triplicate samples were obtained from six locations in Wilberforce Island and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk associated with heavy metal contaminants was calculated following standard protocol. Results of heavy metals in palm wine were in the range of 0.157–0.319mg/L, 0.554–0.983mg/L, 0.000– 0.2289mg/L, and 0.123–0.5299mg/L for zinc, iron, cobalt, and copper respectively. There were significant discrepancies (p < 0.05) in the palm wine samples across various locations for the different parameters. Metals such as cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead were not detected in palm wine, indicating that toxicity related to them is non-existent. However, zinc, cobalt, and copper were observed at low concentrations, while iron levels exceeded regulatory comparison. This is possibly an indication of iron-rich soils which are prevalent in the area. It may also have resulted from activities releasing this metal within the study area. Average daily intake and hazard quotient and health index (< 1) indicate no adverse acute health effect. To forestall potential health risks associated with heavy metals in palm wine, there is a need to regularly evaluate heavy metal concentrations.