Abstract: The present paper describes a prime and easy-to-use protocol for large scale production of plantlets through shoot tip culture of Datura innoxia, the plant having phytoremediation potential and the method is useful for the ex-situ conservation of other phytoremediational important species. A simple micro-propagation method from nodal and shoot tip explants were reported here for Datura innoxia, at contaminated site nearby Bhopal. This plant is having considerable high phytoremediation potential. There are only few research papers about the plant regeneration from nodal segments of Datura innoxia. Therefore, by considering the pharmaceutical and phytoremediation importance of this plant, it is necessary to provide efficient tissue culture protocols for it. The plant regeneration from nodal segments is considered to be one of the most promising ways for multiplying a selected variety true to its type showing the same agronomic characteristics. Here multiple shoots were induced in vitro from the stem nodal and shot tip segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone or in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin (KIN). High frequency of micro shoots were obtained from the explants on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP (0.1 to 1.0mg/l) along with NAA. The nodal explants produced the highest number (3 per shoot) of shoots per culture with a mean length of approximate 4.5cm. The shoot tip explants produced maximum number of (6 to 7) shoots per culture on the same medium, average length of the in vitro shoots being approximate 4 cm. Moreover, the nodal segment, which had a pre-existing meristem, is suitable for clonal propagation because it is easily manipulated, has a high proliferation rate and maintains clonal fidelity. This tissue culture protocol helps to regenerate large number of Datura innoxia plantlets having hyper accumulator properties for heavy metals.

Abstract: In contrast to many other environmental problems, noise pollution continues to grow and is accompanied by an increasing number of complaints from people exposed to the noise. The growth in noise pollution is unsustainable because it involves direct, as well as cumulative, adverse health effects. Due to the ignorance of Nigerians on the fact that there exist a close nexus between noise pollution and sustainable city, little or no attention is paid to the control of noise pollution in Nigeria. This study examines the environmental noise levels of Ilorin metropolis, one of the capital cities in Nigeria. Forty- two (42) different locations throughout Ilorin were selected to establish background noise level, peak noise level and dominant noise sources at these locations. The result of this study shows that the major source of noise in Ilorin metropolis can be attributed to traffic noise. Based on the recommendations of Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOH), World Health Organization (WHO) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), only 6 locations out of 42 are under normally acceptable situation while the noise levels of other areas are not acceptable. Hence, the present status of noise pollution in Ilorin metropolis poses a severe health risk to the residents. This paper addresses the problems of environmental noise pollution in Ilorin metropolis in particular and Nigerian urban areas in general with the implications of implementing its control measures on the sustainability of the urban areas. Among the effective noise control measures discussed in this paper include: noise mapping, technical, planning, behavioural, and educational solutions. The result of this study is useful as reference and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented for urban areas in Nigeria.

Abstract: The present work deals with the removal of lignin (expressed as COD removal) from synthetic wastewater through electro coagulation in a batch reactor using Aluminum as a sacrificial electrode. Effect of various parameters such as current density, pH, NaCl concentration and treatment time on the removal of COD from synthetic wastewater has been investigated to determine the most suitable process conditions for maximum removal of COD (lignin). A central composite design (CCD) has been used to design the experimental conditions for developing mathematical models to correlate the removal efficiency with the process variables. The most suitable conditions for the removal of lignin from synthetic solution were found to be as current density: 100A/m², pH: 7.6, NaCl concentration: 0.75mg/l and treatment time: 75min. The proposed model gives prediction on COD (lignin) removal with the error limit of around + 9 to - 7%.

Abstract: Extensive applications of synthetic pyrethroids not only result in pest resistance to these insecticides, but also may lead to environmental issues and human exposure. The pyrethroid fenvalerate pesticide residues on foods and environmental contamination are a public safety concern. Therefore, the present study investigated the potential of the chosen bacterium, Bacillus cereus MTCC 1305 in the degradation of various concentrations of fenvalerate (250, 500, 750 and 1000ppm). The degradation efficiency of the bacterium was tested by the assessment of pH, free carbon dioxide, turbidity and esterase activity. HPLC analysis for 500ppm of fenvalerate degradation by the bacterium at the end of long term and short term treatments showed peaks with different retention times. The degradation was found to be maximum for 500ppm of fenvalerate. These findings suggest that the utilization of fenvalerate by P .viridiflava may be a feasible treatment option for the removal of pesticides from soil environment.

Abstract: A novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly technologies are needed to remove Zinc from the contaminated soil environment. The present research study was designed to assess the naturally enhanced phyto extraction and phyto stabilization potential of different plant species from the Zinc (II) contaminated soil. Uptake of Zinc by plant species in a metal contaminated soil was studied in pot culture experiment. The pots were filed with 5 kg of garden soil. Weed plants were grown in pots and were irrigated with known heavy metal solutions in the concentration of 5ppm heavy metal Zinc solution was added to the pots alternate days up to 60 days. In controls normal water was used. The plants were grown for a period of 60 days. The initial soil heavy metal concentration was analyzed. After 20, 40 and 60 days soil heavy metal concentrations were also analyzed. Analysis of heavy metal was done in HNO3/HClO4 digested samples by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. The plant species had accumulated quantities of heavy metals per Kg of biomass. The plant species showed relatively good response to the higher level of heavy metal concentration in the roots, stem and leafs suggested that these plant species were good metal excluder with the possibility of extracting (Zn) from artificially contaminated soils.

Abstract: It has been estimated that about 80 percent of all the diseases in the developing countries are related to unsafe water supply and inadequate sanitation. Lack of access to improved sanitation and safe water [1] supply is a global crisis. The effects of inadequate water supply are more visible and prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents an assessment of the existing water supply system at Wannune-Nigeria based on an onsite-physical inspection and discussion with some stakeholders. The assessment revealed that the existing water supply systems broke down due to poor and/or lack of proper operation and maintenance practice. This led to the dependence by residents on water from unprotected wells, rivers and streams. This is capable of causing some sanitation and water related diseases like cholera, diarrhea, among others. To improve the situation, a provisional design of a water supply system for Wannune was done. The system comprises a water treatment plant of 5,000 m³/d capacity, transmission mains of 41,000 metres length and three elevated reservoirs of 200, 500 and 1000 m³ capacities for storage and transmission of the treated water.