Diversity, Interspecific Interaction and Abundance of Undergrowth in Monocultures and Integrated Systems of Natural Rubber Plantation in Danzhou, Southern China

Chima, Uzoma Darlington,Qi, Dongling,Wu, Zhixiang,Lan, Guoyu,Chen, Li Institute of Forest Science 2022 Journal of Forest Science Vol.38 No.2

The negative impact of monoculture rubber plantations on biodiversity and associated ecological processes/ecosystem services has led to suggestions on the use of integrated land use systems for rubber cultivation and production in order to ensure environmental sustainability. However, there is paucity of information on the effect of such integrated land use systems on the diversity and abundance of the rubber plantation undergrowth. We evaluated and compared undergrowth plant species composition, richness, abundance, diversity and interaction, in three integrated systems (Rubber-Strelitzia reginae Integrated System - RSrIS, Rubber-Podocarpus nagi Integrated System - RPnIS & Naturally Managed Rubber Plantation - NMRP) with three Rubber Monoculture Plantations (RMP₁, RMP₂ & RMP₃) adjacent to the integrated systems, respectively, at the Investigation and Experiment Station of Tropical Crops, Danzhou, Hainan, China. Undergrowth species density was higher in the rubber monocultures than in the integrated systems except in RSrIS. Species richness and diversity were also higher in the monocultures except in NMRP. Species similarity/interaction between the monocultures and the integrated systems was highest between RMP₃ and NMRP. The NRMP proved to be the best model of natural rubber integrated system for the conservation of undergrowth species richness, diversity and interspecific interaction. However, the conservation of undergrowth species in other forms of integrated natural systems can be enhanced by considering the ecology of species to be integrated in terms of their growth characteristics, competitive nature, and ability to grow in association with other species.

Ecological and Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants within Homesteads in Abia State, Nigeria

Chima, Uzoma Darlington,Adekunle, Adekunle Tajudeen,Okorie, Maureen Chiamaka Funmilayo Institute of Forest Science 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.4

Ecological and ethnomedicinal survey of plants was conducted in one hundred and twenty homesteads in Mbala, Amuda, Umuaku, and Nneato communities of Nneochi Local Governement Area, Abia State-Nigeria. A total of ninety-one medicinal plant species belonging to seventy-eight genera and forty-eight families, used in the treatment of malaria, yellow fever, fibroid, hepatitis, convulsion, hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, ulcer, rashes, low sperm count, snake bite, among others, were documented. Plant remedies were prepared mostly as infusions or decoctions from different plant parts with mainly water, and palm wine/gin sometimes. The highest number of medicinal plant species (73) was recorded in Mbala, followed by Amuda (71), Umuaku (68) and Nneato (61). Medicinal plant species diversity was highest in Amuda (Simpson 1-D=0.9621;H=3.663), followed by Umuaku (Simpson 1-D=0.9481; H=3.471), Mbala (Simpson 1-D=0.9345; H=3.341), and Nneato (Simpson 1-D=0.9307; H=3.277), respectively. Similarity in medicinal plant species was highest between Umuaku and Nneato (76.71%), followed by Amuda and Umuaku (75.95%), Mbala and Amuda (71.43%), while Mbala and Nneato had the lowest similarity (59.52%). The results of the study showed that traditional medicine is pivotal in the treatment of ailments in the study area, and that the indigenous people of Nneochi have recognized the need to conserve medicinal plants of importance ex situ within homesteads due to threats from unsustainable exploitation and deforestation.

Ecological and Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants within Homesteads in Abia State, Nigeria

Uzoma Darlington Chima,Adekunle Tajudeen Adekunle,Maureen Chiamaka Funmilayo Okorie 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.4

Ecological and ethnomedicinal survey of plants was conducted in one hundred and twenty homesteads in Mbala, Amuda, Umuaku, and Nneato communities of Nneochi Local Governement Area, Abia State-Nigeria. A total of ninety-one medicinal plant species belonging to seventy-eight genera and forty-eight families, used in the treatment of malaria, yellow fever, fibroid, hepatitis, convulsion, hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, ulcer, rashes, low sperm count, snake bite, among others, were documented. Plant remedies were prepared mostly as infusions or decoctions from different plant parts with mainly water, and palm wine/gin sometimes. The highest number of medicinal plant species (73) was recorded in Mbala, followed by Amuda (71), Umuaku (68) and Nneato (61). Medicinal plant species diversity was highest in Amuda (Simpson 1-D=0.9621; H=3.663), followed by Umuaku (Simpson 1-D=0.9481; H=3.471), Mbala (Simpson 1-D=0.9345; H=3.341), and Nneato (Simpson 1-D=0.9307; H=3.277), respectively. Similarity in medicinal plant species was highest between Umuaku and Nneato (76.71%), followed by Amuda and Umuaku (75.95%), Mbala and Amuda (71.43%), while Mbala and Nneato had the lowest similarity (59.52%). The results of the study showed that traditional medicine is pivotal in the treatment of ailments in the study area, and that the indigenous people of Nneochi have recognized the need to conserve medicinal plants of importance ex situ within homesteads due to threats from unsustainable exploitation and deforestation.

Diversity and Phorophyte Preference of Vascular Epiphytic Flora on Avenues within the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Alex, Amininim,Chima, Uzoma Darlington,Ugbaja, Uzoamaka Deborah Institute of Forest Science 2021 Journal of Forest Science Vol.37 No.3

This study evaluated the species composition, diversity and phorophyte preference of epiphytes at the University of Port Harcourt located in southern part of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sites representing major avenues in the three campuses (Abuja, Choba and Delta) of the University. Data were collected on species name of phorophytes, number of individuals, diameter at breast height (dbh) and height, and species/number of epiphytes present on them. The points/sections of attachment of epiphytes on phorophytes were also recorded. A total of eight species of epiphyte belonging to six families were recorded in the study. Species diversity was higher in Abuja campus (Simpson 1-D=0.81; Shannon H=1.79), followed by Choba campus (Simpson 1-D=0.73; Shannon H=1.09) and Delta campus (Simpson 1-D=0.56; Shannon H=0.93). Species richness was highest in Abuja campus (n=8) followed by Delta campus (n=4) and Choba campus (n=3). Similarity in epiphyte species composition was highest between Choba and Delta campuses (85.71%), followed by Delta and Abuja campuses (66.67%) and lowest between Choba and Abuja campuses (54.55%). The family-Polypodiaceae, had the highest number of species (n=3). Microgramma owariensis had the highest relative abundance (27%) followed by Platycerium bifurcatum (26%) while Tillandsia utriculata and Peperomia pellucida had the least relative abundance (3%). Epiphyte abundance was weakly correlated with both the dbh and height of phorophytes. However, epiphytes were more abundant on phorophytes with rough/scaly/corky/flaky barks than on those with smooth barks. The planting of avenue tree species with rough barks is recommended to enhance the diversity of epiphytes in the study area.

Assessment of The Above-Ground Carbon Stock and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of an Arboretum within The University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Akhabue, Enimhien Faith,Chima, Uzoma Darlington,Eguakun, Funmilayo Sarah Institute of Forest Science 2021 Journal of Forest Science Vol.37 No.3

The importance of forests and trees in climate change mitigation and soil nutrient cycling cannot be overemphasized. This study assessed the above-ground carbon stock of two exotic and two indigenous tree species - Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Khaya grandifoliola and Nauclea diderrichii and their litter impact on soil nutrient content of an arboretum within the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data were collected from equal sample plots from the four species' compartments. Tree growth variables including total height, diameter at breast height, crown height, crown diameter and merchantable height were measured for the estimation of above-ground carbon stock. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm from each compartment and analyzed for particle size distribution, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, exchangeable acidity, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, pH, Manganese, Iron, Copper and Zinc. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant difference (p<0.05) in the carbon contents of the four species and the soil nutrient contents of the different species' compartments. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships between the carbon contents, growth parameters and soil parameters. The highest and lowest carbon stock per hectare was observed for G. arborea (151.52 t.ha^-1) and K. grandifoliola (45.45 t.ha^-1) respectively. Cation exchange capacity and base saturation were highest and lowest for soil under G. arborea and K. grandifoliola respectively. The pH was highest and lowest for soil under G. arborea and T. grandis respectively. Carbon stock correlated positively with dbh, crown diameter, merchantable height and Zn and negatively with base saturation. The study revealed that G. arborea and N. diderrichii can effectively be used for reforestation and afforestation programmes aimed at climate change mitigation across Nigeria. Therefore, policies to encourage and enhance their planting should be encouraged.

Municipal solid waste management in Aba, Nigeria

Ezerie Henry Ezechi,Chima George Nwabuko,Ogbonna Chidi Enyinnaya,Chibunna John Babington 대한환경공학회 2017 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.22 No.3

Solid waste disposal and management is a critical problem in Nigeria. Annually, a huge quantity of municipal solid waste is generated in Aba. Municipal solid waste disposal in Aba poses severe challenge to environmental safety, public health and welfare of citizens. The situation is made worse by the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at roadsides, streets, waterways and empty lands. The impact of this waste management practice in Aba is environmental deterioration. Efforts to improve waste management in Aba have not recorded significant success. This paper therefore aims to highlight the challenges facing the waste management sector in Aba and proffer solutions on how to improve the sector.

Availability of Information Resources for Visually Impaired Students in University Libraries in Nigeria: A Tool for Inclusive University Education

Millie Nne Horsfall,Vincent Chima Opara 건국대학교 지식콘텐츠연구소 2023 International Journal of Knowledge Content Develop Vol.13 No.4

Sol-gel synthesis, computational chemistry, and applications of Cao nanoparticles for the remediation of methyl orange contaminated water

Nnabuk Okon Eddy,Rajni Garg,Rishav Garg,Samson I. Eze,Emeka Chima Ogoko,Henrietta Ijeoma Kelle,Richard Alexis Ukpe,Raphael Ogbodo,Favour Chijoke Techno-Press 2023 Advances in nano research Vol.15 No.1

Nanoparticles are known for their outstanding properties such as particle size, surface area, optical and electrical properties. These properties have significantly boasted their applications in various surface phenomena. In this work, calcium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from periwinkle shells as an approach towards waste management through resource recovery. The sol gel method was used for the synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultra violet visible spectrophotometer (UV-visible). While DLS and SEM underestimate the particle diameter, the BET analysis reveals surface area of 138.998 m²/g, pore volume = 0.167 m³/g and pore diameter of 2.47 nm. The nanoparticles were also employed as an adsorbent for the purification of dye (methyl orange) contaminated water. The adsorbent showed excellent removal efficiency (up to 97 %) for the dye through the mechanism of physical adsorption. The adsorption of the dye fitted the Langmuir and Temkin models. Analysis of FTIR spectrum after adsorption complemented with computational chemistry modelling to reveal the imine nitrogen group as the site for the adsorption of the dye unto the nanomaterials. The synthesized nanomaterials have an average particle size of 24 nm, showed a unique XRD peak and is thermally and mechanically stable within the investigated temperature range (30 to 70 ℃).

Pattern of Sexual Dimorphism in Garcinia kola (Heckel) Plantation

Henry Onyebuchi Okonkwo,Godwin Ejakhe Omokhua,Uzoma Darlington Chima 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2022 Journal of Forest Science Vol.38 No.4

A study was designed to investigate the pattern of sexual dimorphism in a plantation of Garcinia kola. Twenty trees were randomly selected for the study and have been observed to flower regularly. A total of 100 inflorescence were randomly collected from the crown of each tree and 500 flowers randomly assessed within the period of four (4) flowering seasons. Floral sex assessment was done visually and with a hand magnifying lens; floral morphometric measurements (i.e. pedicel and perianth length and breadth), inflorescence length, and breadth) was taken using a veneer caliper; number of flowers per inflorescence and inflorescence per twig was counted; while, data analysis was conducted on excel using analysis of variance and pairwise t-test comparison. Four floral sexes were identified in the G. kola plantation studied which were unisexual male flowers, unisexual female flowers, cosexual unisexual male flowers, and cosexual hermaphrodite flowers. Three tree sexes were identified viz: inconstant male, invariant female, and cosexual trees. The plantation was significantly sexually dimorphic in floral sex and phenotypic traits (i.e. pedicel and perianth size), and as well as sexually dimorphic in tree sex and reproductive phenotypic traits (i.e. inflorescence size, number of inflorescences per twig, and number of flower bud per inflorescence). The sexual system of the plantation was therefore trioecious with features suggestive of evolving dioecy through the gynodioecious pathway.