Enhancing potential fish catch in Nigeria's inland waters

The paper enumerated the following ways of improving fisheries:- Effective implementation of the inland fisheries Decree of 1992, stocking and introduction of new species in to small and medium size reservoirs, enhancement of fish catch through increased artisanal fisheries development, fish hatchery development in strategic zones for increased fingerling production to stock reservoirs and natural water bodies, extensive culture development in flood ponds, and encouragement of commercial aquaculture under private entrepreneurship. The paper further elaborate on the strategies for effective implementation of the above guidelines with the hope of offering solution to problems hindering production in Nigeria

Storage potential and utilization of tilapia mince

Production of mince from Tilapia using a combination of physical and chemical methods was found to improve the storage life of the mince in the deep freezer. Though the chemical composition of the mince was slightly affected, the mince was microbiologically stable throughout the five weeks frozen storage. Fish cakes prepared traditionally from tilapia minces were more acceptable than oven dried cakes. Production of fish cakes form tilapia will improve utilization of this species in areas where small size tilapia are regarded as fish of low economic value

An evaluation of the pelagic primary productivity and potential fish yield of Kainji Lake, Nigeria

The environmental conditions of Kainji Lake from 1971/72 to date appear to have stabilized to a large extent, judging from the similarity of physico-chemical parameters investigated in this study over the period. Solar radiation (as reflected in variation in temperature) and pH have remained largely constant over the years, while conductivity (index of nutrient enrichment), though significantly higher in 1995/96, could be described as sporadic and needs further monitoring to ascertain its trend in the lake. While water transparency and dissolved oxygen were higher in 1971/72 compared to the other years, these increases cannot be said to be overwhelming. The lower transparency in 1995/96 was due to the exceptional flood of that year and may have also accounted for the poorer dissolved oxygen concentration compared to the other years due to its impact on photosynthesis. There is no evidence from this study to indicate that primary productivity has increased over the years. Consequently, the observed increase in fish yield by the KLFPP from CAS, which is corroborated by estimates from the MEI, cannot be supported on the basis of improved photosynthetic production. The phenomenal high levels of conductivity recorded during certain periods in 1995 (600 mu mhos cm super(-1)) are hitherto unknown in the lake and may indicate a trend towards nutrient enrichment. However, it is premature at this stage to conclude on its long-term impact on primary production and consequently, on fish yield. Secondly, the notion of overfishing in the 80s (Ita, 1993), may need to be further examined as low or dwindling catches could be due to a number of factors among which are the level of fishing effort, the type and efficiency of gears and the intensity of sampling. It would appear that with the intervention of KLFPP, the better management of the lake's fisheries would increase the current level of catch. It also needs to be examined how much of the clupeid fisheries, which is now known to account for a substantial proportion of the total fish yield in Kainji Lake, was included in the sampling of the 80s. (PDF contains 43 pages)

Coastal brownfields and adaptation to climate change: Discussions on potential hazards from contaminated groundwater displacement due to saltwater incursion

Toxic-waste associated with coastal brownfield sites can pose serious risks to human and environmental health. In light of anticipated sea-level rise (SLR) due to global climate change, coastal brownfields require heightened attention. The primary intent of this study is to pose questions and encourage discussion of this problem among policy makers. Impacts from SLR on coastal zones are examined within a brownfield policy framework and, current coastal brownfield policy discussions with respect to SLR are also examined. (PDF contains 4 pages)

Studies of Organic Molecule Recognition by Synthetic Cyclophane Receptors in Aqueous Media

The behaviors of six new cyclophane receptors for organic guest molecules in aqueous media are reported. These new hosts are modifications of more basic parent structures, and the main goal of their examination has been to determine how the modifications affect host selectivity for cationic guests. In particular, we have been interested in determining how additional non-covalent binding interactions can complement the cation-π interactions active in the parent systems. Three types of modifications were made to these systems. Firstly, neutral methoxy and bromine substituents were added to produce four of the six new macrocycles. Secondly, two additional aromatic rings (relative to the parent host) capable of making cation-π interactions with charged guest species were appended. Thirdly, a negatively charged carboxyl group was attached to produce a cavity in which electrostatic interactions should enhance cationic guest binding. ^1H-NMR and circular dichroic techniques were employed to determine the binding affinities of a wide variety of organic guests for the parent and modified structures in aqueous media.

Bromination of the parent host greatly enhances its binding in a general fashion, primarily as the result of hydrophobic interactions. The addition of methoxy groups does not enhance binding, apparently as a result of a collapse of the hosts into a conformation that is not suitable for binding. The appendage of extra aromatic rings enhances the binding of positively charged guests, most likely in response to more complete encapsulation of guest species. The addition of a negatively charged carboxylate enhances the binding to only selective groups of cationic guests. AM1 calculations of the electrostatic potentials of several guests molecules suggests that the enhancements seen with the modified receptor compared to the parent are most likely the result of close contact between regions of highest potential on the guest and the appended carboxylate.

Proton transfers at the air-water interface

Proton transfer reactions at the interface of water with hydrophobic media, such as air or lipids, are ubiquitous on our planet. These reactions orchestrate a host of vital phenomena in the environment including, for example, acidification of clouds, enzymatic catalysis, chemistries of aerosol and atmospheric gases, and bioenergetic transduction. Despite their importance, however, quantitative details underlying these interactions have remained unclear. Deeper insight into these interfacial reactions is also required in addressing challenges in green chemistry, improved water quality, self-assembly of materials, the next generation of micro-nanofluidics, adhesives, coatings, catalysts, and electrodes. This thesis describes experimental and theoretical investigation of proton transfer reactions at the air-water interface as a function of hydration gradients, electrochemical potential, and electrostatics. Since emerging insights hold at the lipid-water interface as well, this work is also expected to aid understanding of complex biological phenomena associated with proton migration across membranes.

Based on our current understanding, it is known that the physicochemical properties of the gas-phase water are drastically different from those of bulk water. For example, the gas-phase hydronium ion, H₃O⁺(g), can protonate most (non-alkane) organic species, whereas H₃O⁺(aq) can neutralize only relatively strong bases. Thus, to be able to understand and engineer water-hydrophobe interfaces, it is imperative to investigate this fluctuating region of molecular thickness wherein the ‘function’ of chemical species transitions from one phase to another via steep gradients in hydration, dielectric constant, and density. Aqueous interfaces are difficult to approach by current experimental techniques because designing experiments to specifically sample interfacial layers (< 1 nm thick) is an arduous task. While recent advances in surface-specific spectroscopies have provided valuable information regarding the structure of aqueous interfaces, but structure alone is inadequate to decipher the function. By similar analogy, theoretical predictions based on classical molecular dynamics have remained limited in their scope.

Recently, we have adapted an analytical electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (ESIMS) for probing reactions at the gas-liquid interface in real time. This technique is direct, surface-specific,and provides unambiguous mass-to-charge ratios of interfacial species. With this innovation, we have been able to investigate the following:

1. How do anions mediate proton transfers at the air-water interface?

2. What is the basis for the negative surface potential at the air-water interface?

3. What is the mechanism for catalysis ‘on-water’?

In addition to our experiments with the ESIMS, we applied quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics to simulate our experiments toward gaining insight at the molecular scale. Our results unambiguously demonstrated the role of electrostatic-reorganization of interfacial water during proton transfer events. With our experimental and theoretical results on the ‘superacidity’ of the surface of mildly acidic water, we also explored implications on atmospheric chemistry and green chemistry. Our most recent results explained the basis for the negative charge of the air-water interface and showed that the water-hydrophobe interface could serve as a site for enhanced autodissociation of water compared to the condensed phase.

On-farm feed: the potential for improving profitability in aquaculture

The urge to develop a standard practical diet for farmed fish in Nigeria has been on the increase since the last decade. Since ages diets has ever represent the largest single cost item of most fish farm operations. This is the reason why careful selection of feed ingredients for use in aqafeed plays a vital role in the resultant nutritional and economic success of farmed fish. In an attempt to meet the objectives of culturing fish two main sources of fish feed have been identified for meeting the nutritional requirements of fish. These include 'on-farm feeds' and 'commercial feeds'. However, 'on-farm feed' takes the lion share out of the total annual national aquafeed product which amounts to about 70% of the estimated total of 3,570 tones of fish feed produced in year 2000. This paper takes a look at the important of non-conventional feed resource in 'on-farm feed', the place of vitamins in 'on-farm feed', the need to develop and encourage on-farm feed production and feeding strategies if aquaculture will grow further to meet the projected million metric tones production within this decade

Some potential occupational and environmental hazards associated with fish pond production in Nigeria

The paper highlights the concept of information and the significance of environmental and occupational hazards associated with pond fish production in Nigeria and discuss the possible options for the ways forward. The major raw material used in fish production system is the organic manure (cow dung, poultry droppings, porcine manure etc) that serves as substrate for heterotrophic production of bacteria and protozoa, which act as food for zooplankton and the fish. The pathogenic organisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa's, and parasites), are noted for the potential hazard to the fish handlers and consumers. Nine species from seven genera of bacteria associated with fish diseases are found to have association with diseases of human such as typhoid fever, bacillary dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract related problems. Also the environmental contaminants in pond fish production become important because of its significance to consumers' acceptance of the fish products

Tympanotonus fuscatus - its potential and abundance in the mangrove swamps of the upper Bonny River, River State

The Shellfish Tympanotonus fuscatus fisheries was studied in the upper Bonny River of River State. Abundance and size distribution were evaluated through collection of the Shellfish from 4 sampling stations along the River System. Shell size differences were observed between the sampling stations. The periwinkles, which were harvested heavily by local women, were smaller. The results do suggest that the population of Tympanotonus fuscatus in the Mangrove swamps of the upper Bonny River Creeks are strongly influenced by the harvesting

Export potential of ornamental live fishes in Nigeria

Nigeria is blessed with an abundant variety of fish species, some of which have been exported over the years. These fish species are taken either from the wild or cultured. Large quantities of fishes and fishery products are exported from Nigeria in different forms and which have been sources of foreign exchange earnings for the Country. An estimate value of exports in the fishery sub-sector stood at approximately U.S. $48.212,070 for shrimps/sole fish/cuttlefish/crabs and over U.S.$500,000 for ornamental live fishes

Potential for sustainable floodplain fisheries development: a case study of Tatabu floodplain

This study presents evidence from a case study of an ecological appraisal of Tatabu flood plain aimed at formulation management approaches for the enhancement of the fishing communities social economic and cultural realities. Tabtabu flood plain is located north of Jebba and at high water the ecosystems cover about 700 hectares. Fishing constitutes the principal economic activity of natural fish food and flora (especially phytoplankton and zooplankton) which support and favour the growth of over 26 fish species that belong to 15 families. Among the commercially important species in terms of dominance on percentage weight basis are Mochokidae, Cichlidae, Claridae and Characidae with an overall average standing crop of 88.24kg/ha based on gill net experiment. The study based on the intrinsic ecological attributes and local people willingness for sustained contribution of fisheries to food supply indicates that with adequate management Tatabu flood plain ecosystems have tremendous fishery potentials that would enhance the economic well being of the communities. Several management options that are applicable to similar plain are discussed

Generating monoenergetic heavy-ion bunches with laser-induced electrostatic shocks

A method for efficient laser acceleration of heavy ions by electrostatic shock is investigated using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation and analytical modeling. When a small number of heavy ions are mixed with light ions, the heavy ions can be accelerated to the same velocity as the light ions so that they gain much higher energy because of their large mass. Accordingly, a sandwich target design with a thin compound ion layer between two light-ion layers and a micro-structured target design are proposed for obtaining monoenergetic heavy-ion beams.

Influence of Coulomb potential for photoionization of H atoms in an elliptically polarized laser field: Velocity gauge versus length gauge

We theoretically study the influence of Coulomb potential for photoionization of hydrogen atoms in an intense laser field with elliptical polarization. The total ionization rates, photoelectron energy spectra, and photoelectron angular distributions are calculated with the Coulomb-Volkov wave functions in the velocity gauge and compared with those calculated in the length gauge as well as those calculated with the Volkov wave functions. By comparing the results obtained by the Coulomb-Volkov and Volkov wave functions, we find that for linear polarization the influence of Coulomb potential is obvious for low-energy photoelectrons, and as the photoelectron energy and/or the laser intensity increase, its influence becomes smaller. This trend, however, is not so clear for the case of elliptical polarization. We also find that the twofold symmetry in the photoelectron angular distributions for elliptical polarization is caused by the cooperation of Coulomb potential and interference of multiple transition channels. About the gauge issue, we show that the difference in the photoelectron angular distributions obtained by the velocity and length gauges becomes rather obvious for elliptical polarization, while the difference is generally smaller for linear polarization.

Pure Coulomb explosions of highly charged methane clusters investigated by a simple electrostatic model

The pure Coulomb explosions of the methane clusters (CA(4))(n), (light atom A = H or D) have been investigated by a simplified electrostatic model for both a single cluster and an ensemble of clusters with a given cluster size distribution. The dependence of the energy of ions produced from the explosions on cluster size and the charge state of the carbon ions has been analysed. It is found that, unlike the average proton energy which increases with the charge q of the carbon ions, the average deuteron energy tends to saturate as q becomes larger than 4. This implies that when the laser intensity is sufficiently high for the (CD4)(n) to be ionized to a charge state of (C4+D4+)(n), the neutron yield from a table-top laser-driven Coulomb explosion of deuterated methane clusters (CD4)(n) could be increased significantly by increasing the interaction volume rather than by increasing the laser intensity to produce the higher charge state (C6+D4+)(n). The flight-time spectra of the carbon ions and the light ions have also been studied.

Electrochemical and electron transfer investigations of copper proteins

A study of the pH and temperature dependence of the redox potentials of azurins from five species of bacteria has been performed. The variations in the potentials with pH have been interpreted in terms of electrostatic interactions between the copper site and titrating histidine residues, including the effects of substitutions in the amino acid sequences of the proteins on the electrostatic interactions. A comparison of the observed pH dependences with predictions based on histidine pK_a values known for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae), Alcaligenes denitrificans (Ade), and Alcaligenes faecalis (Afa) azurins indicates that the Pae and Ade redox potentials exhibit pH dependences in line with electrostatic arguments, while Afa azurin exhibits more complex behavior. Redox enthalpies and entropies for four of the azurins at low and high pH values have also been obtained. Based on these results in conjuction with the variable pH experiments, it appears that Bordetella bronchiseptica azurin may undergo a more substantial conformational change with pH than has been observed for other species of azurin.

The temperature dependence of the redox potential of bovine erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been determined at pH 7.0, with potassium ferricyanide as the mediator. The following thermodynamic parameters have been obtained (T = 25°C): E°' = 403±5 mV vs. NHE, ΔG°' = -9.31 kcal/mol, ΔH°' = -21.4 kcal/mol, ΔS°' = -40.7 eu, ΔS°'_(rc) = -25.1 eu. It is apparent from these results that ΔH°', rather than ΔS°', is the dominant factor in establishing the high redox potential of SOD. The large negative enthalpy of reduction may also reflect the factors which give SOD its high specificity toward reduction and oxidation by superoxide.