Bulletin of Environmental Science and Sustainable Management (e-ISSN 2716-5353)

Time-Series Assessment of Vegetation Structure and Compositional Changes of Wawa-Zange Forest, Gombe, Nigeria

2024-07-18T10:22:14+00:00

This study aimed to assess the vegetation changes and sustainability of the Wawa-Zange grazing reserve. The study reported the vegetation composition and changes through time (1975-2020) for the entire Wawa-Zange grazing reserve, one of the world's largest grazing reserves. Multi-temporal satellite imageries were acquired from the USGS Earth Explorer collection of Landsat data series and employed in this study. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) technique was used to delineate forest and non-forest areas. ArcMap was used to elucidate the transition of the reserve. The result obtained from the study showed that the reserve has changed, owing to the spread of agricultural boundaries, overgrazing, and deforestation. During the study period, the non-vegetation area expanded from 3.88 percent to 46.74 percent, while the agricultural area increased by 37 percent. This approximately 50 percent decline in vegetation cover indicates a significant decline in β-diversity at large spatial scales. It was observed that by 2030, the reserve could lose 67% of its vegetation cover. To stop land conversion and unsustainable agricultural practices, strict legislative frameworks and regulations should be implemented. Sustainable land management techniques like agroforestry and reforestation should also be encouraged.

Primary Modeling of Microbial Growth under Toxic Conditions with the Modified Schnute Model

2024-07-25T00:27:03+00:00

Primary modeling of microbial growth is essential for determining key parameters such as the maximum specific growth rate (μm), which are foundational for secondary modeling. These models, including those by Monod, Haldane, Aiba, and Teissier, elucidate the impact of substrates on bacterial growth and biotransformation processes, vital for biotechnological applications like wastewater treatment and bioremediation. Experimental data showed that acrylamide from 250 to 1250 mg/L as a sole nitrogen source is toxic, slowing bacterial growth at higher concentrations resulting in an increase in lag periods ranging from 3 to 9 hours. Various primary models were tested, with the modified Schnute model providing the best fit based on statistical analysis, normality tests, and key parameters such as adjusted coefficient of determination near to unity, lowest values for RMSE and AICc values and good values of accuracy (AF) and bias factors (BF). The modified Schnute model's reliability underscores its suitability for modeling bacterial growth under toxic conditions, offering valuable insights for optimizing biotechnological processes involving bacterial adaptation and growth under stress conditions.

Frame and Catch Assessment Surveys of the Fisheries of Egbe Reservoir, Ekiti State, Nigeria

2024-07-25T00:59:36+00:00

Frame and Catch Assessments of surveys of the fisheries of the Egbe reservoir were conducted to provide data needed for its management and development. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. A total of 2748 fish species were assessed. 57 fishermen were recorded. Sixty wooden canoes were counted and recorded. Fishing gears recorded included (380) gill nets, (19) cast nets, (77) long lines, (1008) Malian fish traps, (3879) wire fish traps, and (13) spares. About 7 fish species from 5 families were identified. Cichlidae was the most relatively abundant family, contributing 75.9% to the number and 71.7% to the weight of the total fish caught on the reservoir, while Mormyridae was the lowest abundant family, accounting for 0.58% and 0.15% in terms of number and weight respectively of the total fish caught. The current fish yield of the reservoir is 17.5 metric tonnes per annum. This corresponds to 64.2 kg/ha and is considered low. Recommendations were made for the management and development of the reservoir fisheries.

A Near-Real-Time Ficin-Based Enzyme Assay for Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals Pollution in Waters Near the Langkawi UNESCO Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

2024-07-25T01:07:53+00:00

Near-real-time biomonitoring, especially when utilizing enzyme assays, offers exceptional sensitivity to bioavailable pollutants, yielding swift results favorable to immediate action. This approach is particularly crucial in the context of mitigating pollution in drinking water systems, safeguarding both human and animal health. This study presents an application of a previously developed enzyme assay in biomonitoring to detect pollutants, specifically heavy metals, in environmental samples from the UNESCO’s Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Utilizing the ficin dye binding assay, developed for mercury (Hg2+), silver (Ag+), and copper (Cu2+) detection at the sub ppm level, we demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying low concentrations of these metals in marine and brackish waters. The assay provided a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective monitoring, showing negligible inhibition (<10%) over a 6-hour field trial, indicating low pollution levels and verified using instrumental analysis. This approach enables the early detection of environmental contaminants, facilitating timely interventions and contributing to the protection of ecotourism sites by providing evidence-based data for policymaking. The simplicity and visual appeal of the enzyme assays also make them excellent educational tools, promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts. Our findings underscore the potential of enzyme assays for widespread environmental assessment, aligning local monitoring practices with international standards and fostering global collaboration in environmental protection. This study not only contributes to our understanding of ecological health in marine and brackish waters but also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to preserve natural habitats.

Modeling the Degradation Rate of the Azo Dye Congo Red by Acinetobacter baumannii

2024-07-25T01:13:17+00:00

One of the challenges that face the textile industry is the release of effluents that are not wanted, most notably colors that do not degrade. This is one of the issues that plagues the industry. This is a concern since it affects the environment. Bioremediation using dye-degrading bacterium is appealing as bacterial metabolism converts hazardous dye to harmless carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. In this study, various secondary growth models such as Luong, Yano, Teissier-Edward, Aiba, Haldane, Monod, Han, and Levenspiel were employed. Following thorough statistical analyses such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), bias factor (BF), and accuracy factor (AF), the Luong model emerged as the most optimal choice. The half-saturation constant for maximal growth, maximal growth rate and maximal concentration of substrate tolerated and curve parameter that defines the steepness of the growth rate decline from the maximum rate symbolized by Ks, qmax and Sm, and n were 76.54 mg/L (95% C.I., 50.51 to 102.57), 0.240 per h (95% C.I., 0.219 to 0.270), 1135.37 mg/L (95% C.I., 1041.04 to 1229.72) and 5.34 (95% C.I., 2.36 to 8.32), respectively. These novel constants discovered during the modeling process could serve as valuable inputs for subsequent modeling pursuits.

Characterization of a Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Langkawi Capable of Degrading Glyphosate

2024-07-25T01:19:41+00:00

Bioremediation of soil contaminants, including glyphosate, is an economically viable and environmentally friendly technique. Glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides for weed management, poses significant risks to wildlife and their habitats when it contaminates the environment. This study focused on the bioremediation potential of soil Pseudomonas spp. isolated from a paddy field with a long history of glyphosate application. The most promising isolate was tentatively identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-2009 through partial identification methods. This bacterium showed significant potential for glyphosate degradation under optimal conditions. Experiments demonstrated that Pseudomonas sp. degrades glyphosate most effectively at pH 7.0, a glyphosate concentration of 0.5 g/L, temperatures between 30 and 35°C, and an inoculum size of 1% (v/v). Notably, the bacterium exhibited a two-day lag period at 0.5 g/L glyphosate, achieving nearly 90% degradation after six days of incubation. Heavy metals such as Hg(II), Ag(I), and Cd(II) significantly inhibited bacterial growth, with inhibition rates of 99%, 95%, and 66%, respectively. This study underscores the potential of Pseudomonas sp. for bioremediation of glyphosate-contaminated environments. It highlights the need for further research, particularly molecular identification techniques, to fully characterize and optimize this bioremediation strategy. This approach can significantly contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of glyphosate pollution, promoting healthier ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.

Isolation and Characterization of a Diesel-degrading Bacterium From Waters Near the Langkawi UNESCO Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

2024-07-25T01:50:02+00:00

This study explored the biodegradation potential of bacterial isolates from various locations in Malaysia, focusing on their ability to utilize diesel as a carbon source. Among the ten isolates tested, isolate 4, identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-Langkawi 3 based on morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties, exhibited significant growth on 2.5% diesel, indicating rapid activation of diesel assimilation mechanisms. Using the ABIS online software analysis, the strain was provisionally identified as Pseudomonas sp. UPM-Langkawi 3. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal conditions for the growth of strain UPM-Langkawi 3 were between 6 and 8 % (v/v) diesel concentration, a temperature of between 28 and 35 °C, and a pH range of between 7.5 to 8.5. The strain showed inhibited growth at higher diesel concentrations and temperatures above 40 °C, as well as at a lower pH of 5.7. Among several inorganic nitrogen sources tested, 0.9% w/v ammonium sulphate was found to be the most effective, corroborating previous research. The study underscores the efficacy of Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-Langkawi 3 in degrading diesel, suggesting its potential use in bioremediation of diesel-contaminated environments. Further research should employ molecular identification techniques, such as 16srRNA gene sequencing, to confirm the species identity and optimize biodegradation conditions. This work establishes a foundation for utilizing indigenous bacterial strains in environmental management strategies, particularly for areas impacted by hydrocarbon pollutants.

Response Surface Method for the Optimization of Glyphosate Degrada-tion by Bacillus sp. Isolated from Soils Near Lake Maninjau

2024-07-25T01:56:42+00:00

The study utilized a Box-Behnken experimental design to assess the impact of three parameters on the percentage of glyphosate biodegradation by a bacterium. The variables examined were incuba-tion period (measured in days), glyphosate concentration (measured in grams per liter), and pH, each assessed at three different levels. The quadratic model, which has squared terms, interaction products, linear terms, and an intercept, most accurately characterizes the connection between the variables and the response. The findings demonstrated that glyphosate concentration exerted the most pronounced impact on glyphosate degradation, with pH ranking second, as supported by substantial F-values and low p-values. The incubation period had no discernible effect. The ANOVA analysis validated the dependability of the model, as evidenced by an R² value of 0.9602 and an adjusted R² value of 0.9091. These values indicate that the model accounts for 90% of the variability observed in the response data. The contour and response surface plots demon-strated substantial interactions among the variables, specifically between pH and glyphosate con-centration and between the incubation period and glyphosate concentration. The model's anticipat-ed optimal conditions were experimentally tested, demonstrating no significant deviation from the projected values. The predicted maximum biodegradation of 90.097% closely matched the exper-imentally observed value of 92.505% (p>0.05). The predicted combination to give the desired maximum response was at pH 6.81, glyphosate concentration of 0.692 g/L and an incubation period of 3.092 days. On the other hand, the predicted combination to give the desired maximum response is based on the requirement for the conditions where biodegradation is at the highest possible glyphosate concentration of 0.844 g/L and an incubation period of 3.112 days. A higher response of about 5.779% degradation was achieved through RSM. This study showcases the efficacy of the Box-Behnken design in optimizing biodegradation processes, offering a solid sta-tistical basis for further investigations on glyphosate degradation.

Characterization of a Metanil Yellow-decolorizing Pseudomonas strain Isolated from the Juru Industrial Park

2024-07-25T02:04:11+00:00

This study examines how the initial concentration of dye, temperature, pH, and NaCl content affect the ability of a bacterial strain, specifically identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM291, to remove color from Metanil Yellow. The decolorization percentage exhibited a distinct trend throughout a range of dye concentrations (0-700 mg/L), with the greatest efficacy (90-100%) recorded at values below 200 mg/L. The efficiency declined at higher concentrations, reaching approximately 20% at a dosage of 700 mg/L. Temperature investigations unveiled a symmetrical curve resembling a bell shape, indicating a range of temperatures that is most favorable for the process of decolorization. The maximum efficiency, approaching 100%, was found at a temperature of 35°C. However, the efficiency decreased considerably as the temperature above 35°C, reaching approximately 20% at 50°C. The impact of pH on decolorization exhibited comparable patterns, with optimal efficacy observed at pH 6.5 and diminished efficacy at both more acidic and more alkaline settings. The decolorization efficiency reached its peak (90-100%) at a pH of 6.5 and decreased to approximately 60% at a pH of 8.0. The influence of the NaCl content on decolorization was shown to follow a certain pattern, with the most effective decolorization (90-100%) occurring at NaCl concentrations of up to 10 g/L. The efficiency declined as the NaCl concentrations increased, reaching around 20% at 30 g/L. The data indicate that the bacterial strain demonstrates the highest effectiveness in removing color within particular ranges of dye concentration, temperature, pH, and NaCl content. There is a noticeable decline in efficiency when the parameters go outside of these optimal ranges. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these characteristics can assist in optimizing the conditions necessary for the efficient bioremediation of Metanil Yellow utilizing specific bacterial strains.

Characterization of a Molybdenum-reducing Burkholderia sp. Dr.Y27 with Phenol and Acrylamide-degrading Capability

2024-07-25T02:15:29+00:00

Recent studies have shown that molybdenum is toxic to the process of spermatogenesis at concentrations of several parts per million, highlighting its significance as a toxic substance. We have previously identified a bacterium that has the ability to break down acrylamide in soils that have been contaminated. We found that this bacterium has the capability to convert the heavy metal molybdenum into molybdenum blue. The study examines the Mo-blue absorption spectra of Burkholderia sp. Dr. Y27, revealing a secondary peak at 700 nm and a primary peak ranging from 860 to 870 nm. It indicates that Mo-blue is probably a diminished heteropolymolybdate, aided by enzymatic reduction in media containing phosphate. The most favorable pH for molybdate reduction was determined to be approximately 6.0, while the optimal temperature range was found to be between 34 and 37°C. Multiple carbon sources were examined, and it was found that glucose, fructose, and 2-ketogluconate exhibited the greatest efficacy. The presence of heavy metals such as mercury and copper greatly suppressed the production of Mo-blue. This text discusses the potential of using bioremediation in tropical regions, specifically focusing on the ability of Burkholderia sp. Dr. Y27 to efficiently reduce molybdenum under optimal conditions. The results provide evidence for the capability of Burkholderia sp. Dr. Y27 to be a successful agent for molybdenum bioremediation, particularly in tropical settings, by optimizing factors such as pH, temperature, and carbon sources. Additional investigation is advised to examine its utilization in practical contexts.