ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the influence of organic fertilizers produced from spent lubricating oil (SLO) spiked aerobic composting technique on hydrocarbon degradation rate in soils. The compost windrows (Ft2 and Ft4), consisting of kitchen and agricultural wastes, were spiked with varying concentrations (2% and 4%) of SLO. The resultant organic fertilizers were employed as amendment in pollution simulated potted soils laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replications for 90 days. Results revealed higher counts of hydrocarbon utilizing microbes (HUB: 4.2±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft2, 3.0±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft4; HUF: 3.9±0.2×104cfu/g in Ft2, 2.5±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft4) in spiked compost compared to the control, Ft0 (HUB: 7.9±0.02×103cfu/g; HUF: 6.0±0.2×103cfu/g). Mean count in amended soils reflected a dose-dependent increase which followed the trend: Ft2 ? Ft0 ? Ft4 for the 5% (3.7×108 cfu/g), 10% (9.2×107 cfu/g) and 15% (6.9×107 cfu/g) levels of fertilizer treatments respectively. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the TPH content of soils after 90days treatment with organic fertilizers. Generally, remediation efficiency followed the order: Ft2 ? Ft0 ? Ft4, with the highest (11.51%) achieved at 5% Ft2 application. Spiking technique was responsible for the higher counts of hydrocarbon utilizing microbes and enhanced bioremediation associated with the use of fertilizers Ft2.
ABSTRACT
Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the reproductive indices of male rats were investigated. A total of 104 adult rats were used for the experiment, and were divided into 4 groups (group A – D) and replicated in triplicate. Group A served as the normal control, while groups B, C and D received three graded doses (800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) of the extracts, respectively, by oral intubation. The gonad characteristics, sperm parameters and hormonal analyses of the male rats were determined using standard procedures. These were ascertained prior to the commencement of treatment, and on weekly basis. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS and R software at 95% confidence interval. An overall dose and time dependent showed significant differences in the mean weekly gonad characteristics of the male rats in the treatment groups when compared with the control. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weights of the male rats, but a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the testes weights, gonad somatic index, sperm count and sperm motility in the rats. The gonadal hormone testosterone, responded to the plant extracts, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were largely undetected. There were significant increases in the testosterone levels of all the treated rats. Conclusively, aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seems to possess ability to enhance reproductive health in male rats.