Analytical study was carried in order to compare the accuracy of three (3) frequently used digestion methods, in the determination of metals in soil and sediments. Samples of soil and sediments were taken from three different locations namely; Bakalchi, Batare, and Anguwan Honna in Girei Local Government Area in Adamawa State Nigeria. Sample matrix was formed from the three samples and the three digestion methods was carried out on each of the sample matrix formed, the methods are, Method I: Roast before digestion using aqua regia as used by Ehi-Eromosele and coworkers [1], Method II: Air dried and digest using Aqua-regia similar to the work of Saxena [2], and Method III; Roast using ammonium chloride before digestion with aqua regia similar to the work of Voica et al [3]. The metal elements Calcium and Iron were chosen because of their relative abundance in natural soil and sediments. Results obtained shows that the soil and sediment samples contain the metal element calcium and Iron which were used to examine the frequently used digestion methods. Based on the result obtained from the analysis, method III (Roast with NH 4 Cl and digest with aqua regia) appears to be the most promising, given the higher concentration of the elements in all the matrix samples examined.

Indoor air quality refers to the air quality in and around laboratory buildings and facilities, which directly affects the health and comfort of workers. Poor air quality poses numerous health challenges to the laboratory workers and environment, and causes sick building syndrome (SBS) among workers. The objective of this study is to determine associations of SBS related to indoor air concentration in a dose-dependent manner among Nigerian laboratory university workers. This was a cross-sectional study on a population-based sample of Nigerian university laboratories and the workers. Data were collected using an indoor air quality control meter, dosimeter tubes gases of interest, and a set of questionnaires . The results showed that the mean indoor air concentrations in a dose-dependent manner for chemical parameters range from 473.0 ppm to753.0 ppm, 17.9 ppm to 27.3 ppm, 5.7 ppm to 8.5 ppm, and 6.3 ppm to 9.1 ppm for CO 2 , CO, NO 2 , H 2 S and SO 2 , respectively. The prevalence of SBS, i.e., skin-related syndrome (SRS) is 38.5%, general-related symptom (GRS) is 28.3%, mucosal-related symptom (MRS) is 19.2% and at least one score was a respiratory-related symptom (RRS), which is 13.9%.

The proximate and mineral compositions of Prosopis africana seeds used in the preparation of a local condiment in Nigeria and as animal feed were investigated. The proximate analysis showed that protein, ash and fiber values were comparable to Parkia africana seeds. However, the crude lipid content was lower than Parkia filicoidea seeds and decorticated groundnut. Phosphorus, potassium and calcium were the major mineral elements of the seeds, thereby suggesting that they could contribute partially to the overall daily intake of these elements.

: The chemicals from laboratories pose a significant risk forinducing erythema, an abnormal redness of the skin, as a result of poor occupational and environmental factors that promote hypersensitivity to a chemical agent. The aim of this present study was to determine the occupational and environmental risk factors influencing the inducement of erythema in laboratory workers due to exposure to chemicals. This was a cross-sectional study on a population-based sample of Nigerian university laboratory workers. Data were collected using the erythema index meter and an indoor air control meter. The study included 287 laboratory workers. The laboratory workers who properly used personal protective equipment (PPE) were 60% less likely to have induced erythema (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.40; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.22–0.77; probability value p = 0.011). The chemical mixture exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL) was found to have a small effect in inducing the erythema (AOR = 4.22; 95%CI: 2.88–12.11; p = 0.004). Most of the sampled laboratories where the respondents worked had unsuitable temperatures (AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 4.03–15.01; p = 0.001). Erythema was more frequently found in the respondents who spent 4–5h in the laboratory (AOR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.77–9.23; p = 0.001). However, high levels of ventilation reduce the likelihood of erythema in a laboratory by 82% (0.18). Multiple logistic regressions revealed that PPE, PEL, exposure time, temperature, and ventilation were the probable predictive factors associated with the inducement of erythema. Providing better educational knowledge and improving the attitude towards hazards and safety in a laboratory would lead to reduced rates of new cases.

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