African Journal of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Energy

Pathogenic Analysis of the Effects of Solid Waste Dumpsites on Community Health in Gombe Metropolis

2024-01-01T14:27:38+00:00

Improper disposal of solid waste left unattended to create dumpsites which serve as breeding grounds for pathogenic microorganisms. That becomes pathways for diseases such as malaria, Lassa fever, typhoid etc. Against this background, this study conducted a pathogenic analysis of the effects of solid waste dumpsites on community health within Gombe metropolis. This is to identify pathogenic microorganisms that pose health risks to communities in Gombe Metropolis. Data on pathogens were collected using laboratory techniques using experimental research design. Samples from each of the three (3) selected locations of solid waste dumpsites were withdrawn to determine the total heterotrophic bacteria count. Microorganisms were isolated using the spread plate technique using nutrient agar (Oxoid). Incubation of the plate was done at 35°C for 18–24 hours, and bacteria identification was done by using the key provided in Difco manual (differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae by Biochemical test). Health risks were collected from secondary sources in primary healthcare facilities in the study area. The findings revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. in the waste samples from the dumpsites, which were associated with diseases such as malaria, typhoid, urinary tract infections (UTI), and diarrhoea. The priority diseases in the local health facilities, such as typhoid, bacteria, diarrhoea, malaria and UTRI, were found to be those that can be resulted from the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. Based on the preceding, the study recommends that health aspects be factored into and considered critical in solid waste management plans, with causative bacterial agents of highlighted health risk factors such as malaria, typhoid, UTRI, and diarrhoea prioritized. Local authorities should strengthen the regulation of solid waste dumpsites to reduce the occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms and the associated health risks. Public education on the importance of practising safe hygiene at solid waste dumpsites is needed to reduce health risks. By implementing these recommendations, the community in Gombe Metropolis can effectively manage the health risks associated with solid waste dumpsites and improve the well-being of its residents.

Assessment of Project Performance Variables on Timely Delivery of Tetfund Projects in Bauchi State.

2024-01-01T12:39:38+00:00

This research examines the impact of consultant project performance variables on timely delivery of TETFund projects, with specific application to public Tertiary institution in Bauchi State. The paper adopted a questionnaire survey. Structured questionnaire was administered to 144 construction professionals to elicits information’s on consultant’s project performance factors that impact timely delivery of projects, out of which 125 representing 86.8% properly filled questionnaires were analysed. The study deployed descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics such as the multiple regression analysis for data analysis. The result shows that cost, quality and time were agreed as main elements that are mostly considered in the measurement of project success, also the project performance indicators with significant influence on timely project success are delegation of decision-making authority, interaction skills, proper planning for project execution, competence and experience. The study concluded that cost, quality and time were agreed as the main elements that are mostly considered in the measurement of project success. Therefore, the research recommended that timely project success can be improved by improving on the project performance indicators, and also competent and experience professionals should be entertained in awarding projects so as to achieve cost effectiveness, quality work and timely delivery of projects. This research has practical implication to policy makers and stakeholders in the construction on the benefit of timely project implementation.

Experimental Investigation of the Strength Properties of Corn Cob Ash Blended with Metakaolin Geopolymer Concrete.

2024-01-01T12:53:39+00:00

The concrete industry has a considerable impact on the environment especially in cement production. The negative environmental impact and high cost of cement are reasons for research efforts into discovering alternatives to concrete that are environmentally friendly such as geo-polymer concrete. Also, in an attempt to reduce the accumulation of waste in the environment corn cob ash was introduced in the metakaolin-based geopolymer. This research investigates the strength properties of corn cob ash blended metakaolin geopolymer concrete. Cube mold of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm and cylinder mold of size 200mm x 100mm were used to cast concrete samples containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 % CCA. GPC was produced and cured at a temperature of 60^oC in the oven for 24 hours, after which they were cooled at room temperature in the laboratory and their properties were evaluated after 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of curing periods. The average compressive strength obtained at 28 days with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 % CCA is 28.4N/mm², 28.6N/mm², 28.4N/mm², 27.9/mm², 27.40N/mm² respectively. Concrete produced with 10%CCA has high compressive strength as compared to the control concrete. Concrete produced with 20%CCA has high splitting strength as compared to the control concrete. This study concluded that hardened GPC specimens with various replacements of CCA show comparable strength to that of the control specimens. This research recommends that metakaolin-based geo-polymer concrete containing CCA of 40 % CCA will lead to strong and durable concrete and could be used for structural concrete.