Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | ISSN – L 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379 ISSN-L 2784 – 0360

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2023

Cover story

Sep 12, 2024 |

Cut flowers are living organs with tremendous metabolic activity that age far faster than undetached blossoms from the mother plant. Improving the longevity of cut flowers is one of the most important components in ensuring customer happiness.

In a study, four holding solutions very often used by florists and the final consumer were tested to analyse their impact on the development of the inflorescence, as well as the elongation, weight and degree of bending of the hyacinth flowers.

The use of these solutions has a general character, and the flower species react differently due to both their genetics and the conditions in which they were cultivated, handled and stored. (see page 211)

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Cover story

Feb 9, 2024 |

Watermelon production is affected by root-knot nematode (RKN), as all varieties of the crop are susceptible. Studies have been conducted to identify readily available and environmentally safe nematicides for the management of RKN. Aqueous and powdered extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho were applied alone and in combination. All data collected on growth, yield and nematode populations were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. Among the treatments, the combination of C. odorata and F. mucuso powders was the most effective, with higher growth and yield performance. The experiment showed that aqueous and powdered extracts of C. odorata and F. mucuso were effective in managing RKN in the field (see page 527)

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Unveiling the Nature of Carbon Decomposition on Different Organic Manure Sources: The Impact of Temperature Regimes in A Subtropical Climate

Feb 9, 2024 |

Abu Taher, Anwarul Islam Mondol, Harun Or Rashid, Muhammad Khairul Alam, Akhter Hossain Chowdhury, Sharif Ahmed

ABSTRACT. Organic sources are vital for crop nutrient management, but nutrient release from organic manure depends on temperature and other factors. We conducted a laboratory incubation study to investigate how temperature (15, 25, 35°C) affects the decomposition of common organic manure, which has not yet been explored in Bangladesh. The organic manures used in this study are poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), bio-slurry (BS), cow dung (CD), water hyacinth compost (WHC) and rice straw compost (RSC), which were compared with a control treatment (only soil). Carbon mineralisation and CO2 emission from microbial respiration varied among organic manures and temperature regimes. The RSC- and WHC-treated soils had a higher C mineralisation than the other manures at 35°C. The mineralisation of C among the organic manures followed the order: RSC > WHC > CD > VC > BS > PM > control. Among the temperature regimes, C mineralisation followed the order 35°C > 25°C > 15°C. Manure mineralisation was associated with mineralisable C pools (carbon availability factor, Caf), and 16.4–36.5% organic C was released. Irrespective of temperature regimes, the highest easily mineralisable Caf was recorded in PM-amended soil, followed by VC-amended soil. RSC had the lowest Caf under all temperature regimes. The Caf values of all incubated manures were higher under a 35°C temperature regime. Compost preparation from organic manure and its utilisation as an integrated nutrient management component can play essential roles in mitigating climate change, reducing environmental degradation, and building more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Keywords: carbon cycling; climate research; eco-friendly farming; nutrient reactivity; organic carbon shifts.

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Utilisation and Contribution of Forest Resources to Improve Food Security in Dry Regions of Africa

Feb 2, 2024 |

Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera, Letticia Kudzai Kokerai, Nyasha Sakadzo, Emmerson Chivhenge, Taona Museva

ABSTRACT. The unsustainable harvest of forest resources in dry regions of Africa has contributed to forest degradation and increased the prices of forest resources in local markets. Many people in dry regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have been harvesting forest resources to supplement food sources due to poor crop production as a result of erratic rainfall. This review seeks to explore the utilisation and contribution of forest resources to improving food security in the dry regions of Africa. Forest resources are highly utilised by poor resource farmers in rural areas as a means of poverty alleviation, income generation and to improve human livelihoods. Resources such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to human nutrition, income generation, food sources and to improve living standards. NTFPs, such as honey, waxes and medicines, have been reported to contribute income in countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, creating more opportunities for rural people to improve their living standards and reduce food insecurity. These resources contribute to hidden hunger though the utilisation of fruit, vegetables, honey, wild meat and edible worms, especially to the children under five years of age. Climate change has also created variability in the availability of forest resources in dry regions, and this has altered their contribution to human livelihoods and food security.

Keywords: edible worms; human nutrition; indigenous fruits; medicine; non-timber forest products.

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Effect of Salicylic Acid Application on Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Yield and Fibre Quality

Jan 31, 2024 |

Rukiye Kiliç, Çetin Karademir

ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to determine the effect of SA (salicylic acid) application on the yield, yield components, and fibre quality characteristics of cotton at different growth stages (squaring, flowering and squaring + flowering). The experiment was carried out at Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crop’s experimental area during the 2022 cotton growing season. The experimental design was a split-plot design with four replications. The main plot and sub-plots consisted of SA applications [Control (0.0 mM), squaring (1.0 mM), flowering (1.0 mM), squaring (0.5 mM) + flowering (0.5 mM)] and varieties (MAY 455, Stoneville 468, Fiona), respectively. SA application and variety interactions were significant in terms of the first boll opening days and the number of nodes. There were significant differences between varieties, except for the number of monopodial branches, number of bolls, chlorophyll content value, normalised difference vegetation index value, and micronaire and fibre strength. The MAY 455 cotton variety had the highest values in terms of seed cotton yield (2993.1 kg ha-1) plant height (62.14 cm), boll weight (6.51 g), seed cotton weight per boll (4.90 g), number of seeds per boll (29.46), number of nodes to first fruiting branch (8.65), fibre yield (1361.0 kg ha−1) and 100-seed weight (8.82 g), while the Fiona variety came to the fore in terms of number of days to first boll opening (118.0 d), number of sympodial branches (7.56), number of nodes per plant (17.79), ginning percentage (46.45%), fibre length (828.52 mm) and fibre reflectance (82.18 Rd). There was a slight increase in yield (223.8 kg ha−1) compared to the control. SA application may show different effects on each cotton variety, and the positive effect may increase by applying SA at different intervals.

Keywords: cotton; fibre quality; growth; physiology; salicylic acid; yield.

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The Realization of Systematic Cadastre Works in the Perspective of the Sustainable Development of the Vineyard and Fruit-Growing Sector in Romania

Jan 22, 2024 |

Cristian Huțanu, Oprea Radu

ABSTRACT. In order to develop the vineyard and orchard sector in Romania from a sustainable point of view, the European Union primarily finances plantations with native varieties. To be able to talk about sustainable development and environmental protection, GIS systems should be structured by fields of activity and become an interface between man and nature. The integration of these projects within the systematic cadastre work would have the effect of obtaining a better reassessment of the agricultural potential of the area. Thus, the “Vasile Adamachi” didactic farm of the Iasi University of Life Sciences has reconfigured the cadastral plots, currently occupying a total area of 16.1 ha with vines and 12.2 ha with fruit trees. This project to modernise the vineyard/fruit-growing plantations was realised from the rehabilitation funds of the European Union, through the Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture. The creation by the Cadastre and Real Estate Publicity Agency of an integrated cadastre and land book system, as a “multipurpose” type system within the National Cadastre and Land Book Program, would help the Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture to identify agricultural real estate, which includes vineyards/fruit trees, and would encourage the owners of such plantations to access projects from the European Union funds for the modernisation, maintenance in good condition or expansion of vineyard and fruit-growing. Also, the technical-legal situation of the existing real estate at the administrative-territorial unit level could be obtained in real time.

Keywords: systematic cadastre works; tabulated agricultural real estate; vineyard and fruit- growing cadastral plots.

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Prevalence and Characterisation of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolones Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Companion Animals

Jan 15, 2024 |

Andreea Paula Cozma, Iulia Elena Măciucă, Cristina Mihaela Rîmbu, Ioana Crivei, Șerban Moroșan, Lucia Carmen Trincă, Dorina Timofte

ABSTRACT. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Enterobacterales producing beta-lactamase (TEM, SHV, OXA) or extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), as well as plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones (PMQR) (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS) in companion animals from the northeast region of Romania. A total of 124 faecal samples were collected aseptically from healthy dogs attending the veterinary practice for vaccination and cultivated on Brilliance ESBL medium (Oxoid, UK). The ESBL production testing was performed using the combination disc test. The identification of Enterobacterales strains was achieved using molecular identification and based on biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Identification of genes encoding for beta-lactamase enzymes and genes encoding plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones was performed by PCR according to the protocols previously described. After ESBL screening, 31 (31/124; 25%) extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Enterobacterales were obtained, and 67.74% (21/31) of them were confirmed as ESBL-producers. Regarding the Enterobacterales species, 27 (27/31; 87.1%) were Escherichia coli and 4 (4/31; 12.9%) strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the ESBL-producing isolates, the blaCTX-M-1 gene group was predominant (58.82%), followed by the blaCTX-M-9 group (41.18%). The blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA gene groups were identified in 54.83%, 29.03% and 3.22% of the analysed strains, respectively. The prevalence of PMQR genes was 22.58% and consisted only of qnrS (19.35%) and qnrA (3.22%) genes. The prevalence of ESBL strains related to the total number of analysed samples was 16.93% (21/124). The findings show a significant prevalence of ESBLs and PMQR genes in Enterobacterales strains isolated from the faeces of healthy dogs, implying that pets may pose a risk of transmitting ESBL strains to other animals or owners.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; companion animals; ESBL genes.

Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Comparing Fodder Production of Maize Varieties under Varied Nitrogen Levels

Jan 15, 2024 |

Haseeb Ahmad, Uzair Ahmed, Ikram Ullah, Hamza Masud

ABSTRACT. Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a significant role as a fodder crop, supporting rural populations and livestock. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a shortage of green fodder due to the unbalanced use of fertiliser and improper selection of maize varieties for fodder production. This research aimed to address the need for quality fodder by studying the effects of nitrogen (N) on new maize varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock production and agricultural sustainability. The experiment took place in the summer of 2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in Pakistan. Adopting an RCB design with three replications, fodder maize varieties (Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with four N levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg N ha−1) applied during sowing, knee (V4), and silking stages. The data upon analysis revealed that different maize varieties had a significant impact on the studied parameters. Maize varieties affected days to tasselling and silking, with the Jumbo variety recording the longest duration (59 and 62, respectively). Similar results were observed for days to milking, with the Jumbo variety taking the longest time (80 days). It also recorded a higher leaf number (11.5), leaf area (478 cm−2) and leaf area index (3.4). Fresh fodder (67,777 kg ha−1) and dry fodder yield (23,424 kg ha−1) were higher for the Jumbo variety. In terms of N application, tasselling (59) and silking (62) took more days when 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 was applied compared to the control. Compared to the control plots (83 days), 200 kg N delayed the milking stage by 10 days. A higher but statistically similar leaf count, leaf area and leaf area index were recorded with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. The plant height of maize was also higher, with 150 (196 cm) and 200 kg N ha−1 (202 cm). Lastly, a higher fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was associated with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. Based on these results, the Jumbo variety, with the application of 150 kg N ha−1, is recommended for cultivation for economic feasibility and to obtain a higher fodder yield of maize.

Keywords: dry fodder yield; fodder maize; fresh fodder yield.

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Horizontal Flow Pilot Constructed Wetland for Dairy Wastewater Purification

Jan 10, 2024 |

Merima Toromanović, Jasmina Ibrahimpašić, Tibela Landeka Dragičević

ABSTRACT. Due to the natural energy sources used in constructed wetlands, minimal energy and chemicals are required for wastewater treatment. For the successful wastewater treatment via constructed wetlands, adequate pretreatment and a sufficient amount of oxygen are crucial. Constructed wetlands can be used to treat industrial wastewater, such as wastewater from the dairy industry, with prior degreasing. This study was conducted on a horizontal flow pilot constructed wetland located on a plot of land used by the Biotechnical Faculty in Bihać. The constructed wetland consisted of two fields planted with rushes (Typha latifolia) and reeds (Phragmites australis). The substrate and plants were not changed during the experimental period. We monitored the efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment (wastewater from the dairy industry) by season, varying the flow rate as well as the hydraulic retention time of the water in the device. The quality of the influent and effluent was monitored by determining analytical parameters. The constructed wetland showed the highest efficiency in the summer period, with a hydraulic retention time of 6 days, with removal efficiencies of 98.03% for ammonia, 98.19% for total nitrogen, 95.27% for total phosphorous, 94.50% for COD and 97.73% for BOD5. The organic substance removal efficiency across all four seasons was 94.68%.

Keywords: constructed wetland; dairy wastewater; hydraulic retention time; organic matter.

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Efficacy of Aqueous and Powdered Leaf Extracts Of Chromolaena odorata (Asterales: Asteraceae) and Ficus mucuso (Rosales: Moraceae) Botanicals on Root-Knot Nematode Infecting Watermelon in Kwara State, Nigeria

Jan 10, 2024 |

Oluropo Ayotunde Apalowo, Nkechi Betsy Izuogu, Halimat Shola Baba, Isaiah Olusesan Adepoju, C.M. Olajide, Muhammed Adewole Adeyemi, Olusegun Samuel Balogun

ABSTRACT. Watermelon production in Kwara State, Nigeria, is affected by root-knot nematode (RKN), as all varieties of the crop are susceptible. The aim of this study was to identify readily available and environmentally safe nematicides for the management of RKN. The field was located at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin and set out in a randomised complete block design, with four replications. Aqueous and powdered extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho were applied alone and in combination. There were seven total treatments: C. odorata aqueous, F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata powder, F. mucuso powder, C. odorata and F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata and F. mucuso powder, and the control. Data were collected on growth, yield and nematode populations. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. The essential oil of each botanical was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The vine length (185.61) and yield (2401.05) of plants treated with botanicals were significantly higher than those of the control at P<0.005. The nematode population was also significantly lower in plants treated with botanicals than in the control (318.30 and 230.00, first and second year, respectively) at P<0.005. Among the treatments, the combination of C. odorata and F. mucuso powders was the most effective, with higher growth and yield performance. The experiment showed that aqueous and powdered extracts of C. odorata and F. mucuso were effective in managing RKN in the field. Keywords: Botanicals; C. odorata; extracts; F. mucuso; watermelon.

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Effect of Different Leonardite Doses and Cross-Sowing Methods on the Growth and Yield of Red Lentil

Dec 20, 2023 |

Betül Kolay, Ali Rıza Öztürkmen

ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different cross-sowing methods and different doses of leonardite on the growth of red lentils under rain-fed conditions. Treatments consisted of different cross-sowing methods (control, 45° cross-sowing and 90° cross-sowing) and different leonardite doses (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 kg ha−1). The trial was carried out in Diyarbakır province in Türkiye. The same rate of leonardite was applied to the same plots for two consecutive years to observe the two-year effect of leonardite in the experiment, which was established with four replications according to the factorial experimental design in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 production seasons. A positive effect of leonardite application was observed on the number of nodules and fresh root weight in the first production season. The highest nodule number (11.84) was obtained with 2500 kg ha−1 and the highest fresh root weight (0.24, 0.25 and 0.24 g) was obtained at 500, 1000 and 1500 kg ha−1 doses, respectively. The highest plant height, number of main branches, and number of pod parameters were obtained at a dose of 1500 kg ha−1 in the second production season (36.63 cm, 3.95 and 17.43, respectively). The highest grain yield (889.5 kg ha−1), dry root weight (0.125 g) and number of nodules (50.01) were obtained at a dose of 1000 kg ha−1 in the second production season. It was determined that different sowing methods did not affect grain yield in either production season.

Keywords: cross-sowing; leonardite; red lentils.

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The Contributions of Wildlife to People’s Livelihoods and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Dec 20, 2023 |

Jesse Zvikonyaukwa, Kudakwashe Musengi, Clarice P. Mudzengi, Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera

ABSTRACT. Wildlife has the potential to support people’s livelihoods and economic development in many African countries. The objective of the review was to evaluate the potential contribution of wildlife to people’s livelihoods and economic development in Africa. Several databases were searched to identify articles that have explored the contributions of wildlife to people’s livelihoods and economic development. The results indicate that wildlife contributes both consumptive and non-consumptive resources towards people’s livelihoods, with bush meat being the greatest consumptive contribution and employment the greatest non-consumptive contribution. Revenue collected from tourists, trophy hunting, and game viewing have been used for infrastructure and rural development. However, wildlife has declined in many African countries due to land redistribution, drought, habitat fragmentation, human population growth, and illegal hunting. Setting up law enforcement agents and creating community-based wildlife management could restore the benefits of wildlife.

Keywords: bush meat; edible fruits; game viewing; trophy hunting; wildlife resources.

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Cover story

Dec 11, 2023 |

The intensity of selection, inadvertent pathways of domestication, and the influence of climate change collectively amplify the frequency of detrimental alleles. This phenomenon, in turn, triggers genetic drift, leading to an inadvertent decline in the diversity of plant genetic resources. Genetic variability is of utmost importance for a species’ adaptability and overall fitness. Our investigation centres on Triticum germplasm within the agroclimatic conditions of the Suceava Gene Bank and the Ezareni farm of Iasi University of Life Sciences, Romania, encompassing 2021 – 2022 trials. Comprehensive morphophysiological characterisation was conducted across 200 cultivated varieties, spanning three Triticum species (T. aestivum, T. turgidum and T. monococcum) (see page 289).

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Comparative Analysis of Ecosystem Service Delivery Between Two Coastal Lagoons in Ghana

Dec 11, 2023 |

Kofi Adu-Boahen

ABSTRACT. The integration of ES into global policies represents a significant step towards harmonising sustainability and growth and unifying dialogues on biodiversity and sustainable development to benefit humanity. Consistent assessment of the availability of ES is vital to enable ongoing monitoring and support sustainable natural resource management and decision-making. This study was conducted to comparatively analyse the ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) and Marine Ecosystem Services Assessment Tool (MESAT) scales were used in the study. The paper was based on the positivist paradigm and employed inferential statistics with SPSS v23 for data analysis. The results indicate no statistical differences between the Fosu and Muni lagoons in terms of their ecosystem service delivery; the null hypothesis is accepted for the two ecosystem service scales used and confirms that Fosu and the Muni Lagoons are similar in their deliveries of ecosystem services. The relationship between ES and human well-being is complex due to the interplay between social and ecological systems. To address coastal issues and develop management plans, the study proposes using MESAT and MEA for evaluation and solution provisioning. It further recommends expanding stakeholder and decision-maker involvement in lagoon management to promote sustainability and enhance stakeholder participation in decision-making.

Keywords: cultural services; Muni and Fosu Lagoons; provisioning services; regulatory services; social-ecological system; supporting services.

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Seroprevalence of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection in a Goat Flock in Eastern Romania

Dec 11, 2023 |

Adriana Elena Aniță, Gheorghe Savuța, Dragoș Constantin Aniță

ABSTRACT. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) pose significant economic challenges to goat farming and have a detrimental impact on animal welfare. The objectives of this study were to deepen our comprehension of SRLV infections and their implications for small ruminant farming. Within the studied herd, the detected seroprevalence of SRLV was notably high at 91.92% (95.0% CI: 86.5%–97.3%). This finding strongly suggests the enduring presence of SRLV infection within the goat farm, spanning multiple years. Antibodies against SRLVs were detected across all selected age categories and breeds, irrespective of the presence or absence of clinical signs. The data gleaned from this study allow significant implications, raising concerns about the potential for future clinical outbreaks resulting from SRLV infections in eastern Romanian goat herds. Given these findings, the imperative for the continuous surveillance of SRLV infections becomes evident. Ongoing vigilance and monitoring are essential to mitigate the risk of disease transmission, minimise economic losses and safeguard the welfare of goats within the region.

Keywords: caprine arthritis encephalitis; goat; lentivirus; Maëdi-Visna.

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Establishing the Distribution of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in Romania by Using Climatic Scenarios

Dec 8, 2023 |

Liviu Dan Miron, Larisa Maria Ivănescu, Raluca Mîndru, Simona Mătiuț, Gabriela-Victoria Martinescu, Ilie Bodale

ABSTRACT. West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen that represents a threat to both human and animal health. It is difficult to estimate the impact of WNV in the future, although many of the climatic factors influencing its spread have been identified. In this study, we used bioclimatic indices to estimate those periods that favour the growth of vector mosquito populations and the incubation periods for the virus. To this end, we studied the climatic changes in the Romanian regions where cases of WN infection have been reported. Simulations were carried out for 2100 based on long-term scenarios. Identifying the bioclimatic conditions which can cause WNV outbreaks in Romania is necessary to anticipate and thereby prevent future epidemics. However, no extraordinary weather events were registered in the years with WNV outbreaks which could explain such a high number of cases. Thus, in the High Scenario (which will occur if actions to control (GHG) gas emissions are not taken or implemented effectively), the hatching period is extended until November, with the risk that adult mosquitoes are active throughout the year, ensuring a high survival rate of the virus within mosquitoes. In addition, in the High Scenario, the transmission period of the virus is extended from April to October, which underlines the need to establish monitoring and control programmes for both mosquito populations and the spread of the virus among the animal and human populations.

Keywords: climatic change effects; mosquitoes; temperature long-term projection; West Nile outbreak predictions.

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Experimental Cultivation of Seaweed on the Coast of Cox s Bazar, Bangladesh: Identifying the Effects of Environmental Parameters on Seaweed Growth

Dec 8, 2023 |

Simul Bhuyan, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Mrityunjoy Kunda, Abid Husain, Enam Chowdhury, Venkatramanan Senapathi, K. Sivakumar, Manickam Elangovan

ABSTRACT. The current study was carried out at Rezu Khal to determine the ideal area for seaweed farming. Additionally, this investigation uncovered species of commercially productive and lucrative seaweed. Temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, and Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU) of surface water ranged from 20.9 to 26.2°C, 24 to 26.2‰, 6.45 to 8.5, 92 to 105%, 33,256 to 64,267 µS/cm, and 11.1 to 42.8, respectively. Phosphate-phosphorus concentrations in surface water were 2.6–7.6 mg/L, 0.04–0.12 mg/L for nitrate-nitrogen, 0.002–0.04 mg/L for nitrite-nitrogen, 0.15–0.83 mg/L for silica, and 0.13–0.28 mg/L for ammonia. Three seaweed species (Gracilaria lemaneiformis, Hypnea musciformes, and Sargassum oligocystum) were cultivated in the selected areas. Two methods (net and long-line) were used for the culture. In this study, 15–20 kg of G. lemaneiformis were harvested every 15 days using the net method. H. musciformes gained 4 to 12 kg every 15 days. Although S. oligocystum thrived nicely, it was challenging to maintain its viability. The findings of this study indicate that seaweed farming is feasible and coastal residents may participate in seasonal income-generating endeavours in coastal waters.

Keywords: culture; effects; physicochemical parameters; seaweed; Rezu Khal.

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Use of Coconut Husks to Facilitate the Removal of H2S From Biogas

Nov 28, 2023 |

Minza I. Selele, Shaaban M. Mgana

ABSTRACT. The study investigates the potential of coconut husks in purifying biogas, a common issue in the use of biogas due to the high costs and environmental impact of expensive purification technologies. The study used an experimental setup generating biogas from kitchen waste and analysed its composition using an industry-standard biogas analyser. Coconut husks could remove hydrogen sulphide (H2S), with a high percentage removal efficiency of 54% at a column length of 0.5 m from the inlet. Based on the results, 2 kg of coconut husk could purify 837 L of biogas, with a removal efficiency of approximately 62%, before exhaustion. This suggests that coconut husks can be used in biogas purification to remove H2S, which is the most challenging component as it can corrode metal parts when used at high concentrations above 750 ppm. Further research is needed on large-scale purification using coconut husks at high pressure to allow more gas adsorption by the purification media.

Keywords: adsorption capacity; biogas composition; biogas purification; coir pith; coir fibre.

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Accelerated Ageing Assessment of Bitumen as a Preservative for the Treatment of Gmelina arborea Wood

Nov 20, 2023 |

Jacob Mayowa Owoyemi, Olasunkanmi Joshua Ogunniyi

ABSTRACT. Concerns about the health and environmental risks linked with the use of preservatives, such as chromate copper arsenate (CCA), zinc chloride, mercuric chloride, and the oil-born preservative creosote, prompted the quest for the use of readily available bitumen as a wood preservative. Using samples that had been processed into dimensions of 20 × 20 × 60 mm, the durability and physical characteristics of Gmelina arborea wood treated with bitumen were evaluated. The samples were dried for 24 hours in an oven set to 103°C and treated with hot bitumen at a melting point of 270°C to ensure the flow and maximum penetration of the bitumen. The density showed mean values of 504.93 and 498.71 kg/m3 for the untreated and treated samples, respectively, with the treated samples recording lower values due to the thermal difference in the density distribution between the untreated and treated wood samples. The average weight loss due to leaching of the untreated and treated wood samples after soaking in cold water and hot water was 3.07% and 0.07%, 1.49% and 1.38% respectively for the treatment. The study confirmed the suitability of using bitumen as a preservative for treating G. arborea wood in an environment with extreme weather conditions without causing serious leaching, thereby exposing the wood to degrading agents.

Keywords: accelerated ageing; bitumen; Gmelina arborea; treated wood; wood preservative.

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Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Support Land Use Decision-Making in Ankasa Conservation Area, Ghana

Oct 19, 2023 |

Lawrence Damnyag, Francis Tease, Alex Aboagye Bampoh, Jewel Andoh

ABSTRACT. Deforestation in Ghana is primarily caused by agriculture, and as such, there is a need to explore agricultural systems that promote forest and environmental conservation. Studies on decision support frameworks that can help farmers and landowners make informed optimal land use choices are limited in the country. This study attempts to fill the gap. We used survey questionnaire and focus group discussion to gather data from farmers and other stakeholders. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) technique was employed to analyse the data. The results showed that agroforestry, with the highest ranking (probability of 0.98), is the optimal land use option. Coconut and oil palm land use options were perceived to be contributing to the degradation of the periphery of the Ankasa Conservation Area (ACA). Intensifying education and training will increase the uptake of agroforestry as an integrated multifunctional land use strategy in the ACA.

Keywords: agriculture; agroforestry; decision support system; Ghana; protected area.

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© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)