International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 1

Abstract: The effect of municipal solid waste on bacteria (Heterotrophic bacteria & Nitrobacteria) population was determine by collecting 50g sample’s of various dumpsites, put in 2 kg buckets soil and kept in the green house to mimic the natural environment for six (6) weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (L.S.D) were effected on the data at 5 % probability level. The analysis shows significant effect, this seem to suggest that municipal solid waste influences Heterotrophic bacteria and Nitrobacter population in soils.

Abstract: Drought poses one of the most important environmental constraints to plant survival and productivity and by implication-food insecurity in the tropics. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) has the potential of fertilizing the soil thereby improving agricultural production and ensure green environmental and ecosystem stability. Despite the ability of the plant to improve soil fertility and promote greening environment, it has not attracted adequate awareness as a soil improvement plant. This paper highlights the information on the plant in order to intensify awareness for its widespread adoption to achieve the much desired sustainable resource use for greening our economy and environmental management. The successful widespread adoption of the plant will translate to effective drought, desertification and sustainable climate change mitigation approach in Nigeria.

Abstract: Gari fortified with Bambara Groundnut Flour (BGF) was assessed for its proximate composition, functional properties, sensory evaluation and Rheological properties. Four samples: 100% gari (coded SLY), 90% gari with 10% BGF (coded ATS), 85% gari with 15% BGF (coded FEA), and 80% gari with 20% BGF (coded ROT) were examined for the parameters listed above. The proximate analysis showed that the protein content ranges between 0.98-4.68%, fat content 1.10-2.60%, ash content 1.82-2.90%, crude fibre 2.30-2.42%. This showed an increase on addition of BGF while the carbohydrate content ranges between 78.20-83.5 %, moisture 11.60-12.6% and acidity 0.40-0.60, all showed a decrease in value on adding BGF. Rheological value showed that the peak viscosity ranges between 106.17-177.17, trough viscosity 98.33-161.00, breakdown 7.83-16.71, final viscosity 150.50-251.67, set back 52.17-90.67 and pasting time between 6.87-6.93. All these varied inversely with the quantity of BGF added. Pasting temperature showed slight variation which was not dependent on the amount of BGF added. It ranges from 79.2-80.02 °C. Sensory evaluation showed that there were significant differences in the samples examined.