Original Research Article
April 27, 2021
An Assessment of the Level of Compliance of GSM Mast Location to Environmental Standard Regulations
Oruonye ED, Felix Jutum, Ahmed YM
Sch Acad J Biosci | 103-110
DOI : 10.36347/sajb.2021.v09i04.001
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The increase proliferation of GSM masts across the country has generated a lot of concern among the publics and brought to the fore, the need for assessment of the level of compliance to environmental standard regulations. The study therefore examined the level of compliance of GSM mast location to environmental standard regulations in Jalingo town, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study include mapping out the location of GSM mast and assessing the level of compliance to environmental standard regulations in the study area. Geo-database was created using ArcGIS 10.1 software to show the spatial location and distribution of base stations on the map across the study area. The buffering of 5 and 10 meters was created around GSM Base Stations using buffer Tool of the Geo-processing Tool Box in ArcGIS. A total of 59 GSM masts were identified across the town. The result of the findings shows that 89.8% of the masts violated the regulatory setback and only 10.2% masts adhered to the regulatory standard. The environmental effects of GSM masts locations such as oil spillage into wells, mast falling, building cracks/collapse, were observed to be more severe in areas closer to the mast and decreases as the distance increases away from the masts, due to clustering of houses around the masts, which indicates a violation of the 5m and 10m NCC/ NESREA regulations. The study recommends that the minimum regulatory setback distance policy be harmonized by both the NCC and NESREA since noise hazards are still reported at some distance away. Also, the regulatory agencies should intensify strict enforcement of proscribed laws and regulations. The study further recommends that regulatory agencies (NCC/NESREA) should create public awareness and sensitization campaign on the risks involved with residing in close proximity to telecommunication masts.
Original Research Article
April 30, 2021
Macro- and Micro-Morphological Characteristics and Phytochemical Constituents of Ficus exasperata Vahl. of Moraceae
Wahua, C, Odogwu, B. A, Ukomadu J
Sch Acad J Biosci | 111-115
DOI : 10.36347/sajb.2021.v09i04.002
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The research was set to study the macro- and micro-morphological and phytochemical constituents of Ficus exasperata Vahl. of the family Moraceae, though it does not produce a milky sap like most members of the family, rather it produces a sticky viscid sap. It is a pan-tropical tree by habit and deciduous perennial dicot that grows up to 12 to 15m in height. It has simple petiolate leaves which are ovate to obovate elliptic with alternate phyllotaxy and cuneate to rounded at base. The margins of the leaves are slightly wavy with very rough lamina when rubbed, commonly called sand-paper plant. The leaves measure up to 27±5cm in length and 22±4cm in width. The flowers are borne in hollow receptacle and the fruits appeared when the tree is leafless, occurring singly or in pairs all along the younger branches. The foliar epidermal studies revealed paracytic stomata and multicellular uniseriate trichomes which are amphistomatic. It has a foliar adaxial index of 3.5% and 13.6% for the abaxial. The qualitative phytochemical investigations conducted showed presence of following metabolites: flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids while alkaloids, fixed oil components and anthraquinones were absent. The quantitative chemical estimation studied showcased 82.95mg/kg of Sodium (Na), 7816.25mg/kg of Potassium (K) and 391.75mg/kg of Iron (Fe).The investigations conducted here could be used for further delimitation of the species.
Original Research Article
May 8, 2021
Studies on the Morphological, Anatomical and Phytochemical Properties of Emilia sonchifolia (L) DC, of the Family Asteraceae
Wahua C, Ukomadu J
Sch Acad J Biosci | 116-119
DOI : 10.36347/sajb.2021.v09i04.003
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Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. is a regular occurring annual weed of the tropical and semi tropical zones. This research investigation geared towards the morpho-anatomical properties of the plant. The stem is erect to prostrate, branched and sparingly pubescent which can attain up to 30cm in height. The sessile leaves are simple lanceolate with opposite phyllotaxy having margins that are deeply lobed, measuring up to 6.4±1.0 cm long and 3.5±0.8 cm wide with an acute apex. The inflorescence is bell-shaped capitulum consisting of disc florets surrounded by involucre of bracts. Florets are pale purple rarely white in color. Epidermal study revealed anomocytic stomata and amphistomatic in nature. Anatomical study showed a layer of epidermal cells. The hypodermis is made of 2 to 3 rolls of collenchyma, general cortex and pith dominated by parenchyma in the same mode of occurrence in mid-ribs, petioles, stems, nodes and roots except that the number of rolls of cells varied slightly and vasculation is open type. There are presence of crystals and tanniferous cells. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phlobatannins, phenol, steroids. The information generated here would further assist in the delimitation of the species.