Environmental Science Research Papers/Topics

Green Computing: Students, Campus Computing and The Environment: A Case For Botswana

Abstract: How has Information Technology (IT) impacted lives, especially of students studying in higher institutions of learning in Botswana? Are IT users aware of the concept and application of Green Computing? The aim of this paper is to answer the above important questions. In this paper we will critically look at IT penetration in Botswana and how it has impacted the lives of Batswana users, both positively and negatively. The paper also aims to assess awareness levels of IT users with r...

Data to understand the biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain in Africa

Abstract: Data on the biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain collected along a 60km pollution gradient is presented here. These datasets consists of concentrations of eight heavy metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Chromium, Iron, Nickel, Lead and Zinc) in the soils, in five host plants species, and in seven edible insect species determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Datasets for the daily intake of metals and target hazard quotien...

Grazing exclosures increase soil organic carbon stock at a rate greater than “4 per 1000” per year across agricultural landscapes in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract: The establishment of grazing exclosures is widely practiced to restore degraded agricultural lands and forests.Here, we evaluated the potential of grazing exclosures to contribute to the “4 per 1000” initiative by analyzing the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and sequestration (SCS) rates after their establishment on de graded communal grazing lands in Tigray region of Ethiopia. We selected grazing areas that were excluded from grazing for 5 to 24 years across the t...

Odor composition of field versus laboratory desert locust populations

Abstract: Olfaction plays an important role in the behavioural ecology of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera:Acrididae). Different locust life stages and sexes use olfactory cues for different behaviours such as grouping, mating, oviposition, feeding, maturation and gregarization, which can be exploited for management of the desert locust. However, the full spectrum of the chemistry of volatiles released by the desert locust remains unknown. Here, we compared the volatile em...

Predicting future distribution patterns of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. in South Africa in response to climate change

Abstract: Invasive alien species such as Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia L.) pose immense threats to global food security, biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and provision of ecosystem services. The Bellyache bush has generally been naturalised in Africa but poses vast management challenges in the African Savannah, yet there is little knowledge of its spatial distribution and future potential invasion risk.In this study, we modelled the spatial distribution of Bellyache bush in South A...

The use of multisource spatial data for determining the proliferation of stingless bees in Kenya

Abstract: Stingless/meliponine bees are eusocial insects whose polylactic nature enables interaction with a wide variety of wild plants and crops that enhance pollination and, hence, support ecosystem services. However, their true potential regarding pollination services and honey production is yet to be fully recognized. Worldwide, there are over 800 species of meliponine bees, with over 20 species documented on the African continent. Out of these, only 12 species have been well documented ...

Effect of Solar Radiation on Human Response during Block Laying in Ogun State, Nigeria

Considerable numbers of outdoor workers worldwide are exposed to solar radiation and this exposure induces various adverse health effects on the workers. This study was conducted to determine the effect of solar radiation on human response during block laying in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and four masons performing block laying in outdoor environment were investigated between January and December. The meteorological parameters were measured and recorded around the mason which in...

Influence of Building Envelope Design on Indoor Thermal Comfort of Office Workers in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract Climate Change and global warming are problems that result to an increase in indoor temperature especially in the tropical region. The adverse effect of rise in temperature has increased the need for indoor cooling in order to improve comfort for building occupants. Building envelope separates indoor spaces from outdoor spaces and is also capable of improving indoor comfort through appropriate balance of passive and active techniques. The contemporary concern is on how to improve the...

Waste Disposal Mechanism as Determinant of Health Status of Residents of Ijebu-Ode Metropolis

ABSTRACT Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty (n=120) participants were drawn using simple random sampling technique from ten streets of Ijebu Ode metropolis. Interview and personal observation were used to collect the data. These data collections were Residents’ Waste Management Methods, Solid Waste Management Attitude Scale, Key Informant Interview Schedule. A mean score of 2.0 and above indicates that the residents are of positive attitude towar...

Toxicological Evaluation of Biodiesel Emission Particles (BEP) Using Rat Models

Abstract The present study is an attempt to elucidate the effect of biodiesel emission particles (BEP) on some antioxidant  enzymes of selected tissues of rats. Rats were exposed to emission particles (EP) of biodiesel blended with fuel  diesel at 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD as well as fuel diesel (FD) over a period of ten days. Enzyme assays  were conducted for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced  glutathione (GSH) in the liver, lungs, ...