Physicochemical Characterization of Settling Particulate Matter and Sediments

The thrust of this research study was to ascertain the physicochemical characteristic in settling particulate matter and sediments of samples collected from the wellington industrial estate flood plains;the main of objectives are as follows: to determine the hydrogen ion index (pH) of the samples collected in the study area, to determine the electrical conductivity (EC) of the samples collected from the same location. Samples were collected from six locations (at varying depths of 0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm) sample area 1 (Wellington Industrial Estate Area 1) WIEA1 WIEA 2, WIEA 3, WIEA 4, WIEA 5 and WIEA 6 and were given laboratory treatment. A laboratory thermometer was used to determine temperature of the samples when collected;(Dakton model) pH meter equipment and a Toledo electrical conductivity meter were used to determine the pH and EC respectively. The results indicated that the samples were acidic (low pH) and the conductivity of the samples was of medium and low range. This therefore expressed low levels of soluble metal ions in the environment that have effect on plants, animals and other organisms, agricultural and domestic activities in the environment under investigation. Hence bioconcentration and biomagnification are highly likely in these locations.

Seasonal Effect on Weather Elements on Water Table Fluctuation in Potable Wells in Kono District, Eastern Sierra Leone

The study investigated the seasonal effects of weather elements on water table fluctuations in drinking wells in Nimikoro and Tankoro Chiefdoms in Kono District, Eastern Sierra Leone. The study specifically determined the trends in precipitation, air temperature and relative humidity relative to water table depth and water volume in both manually dug and mechanically drilled water wells in the chiefdoms. The key objective was to provide a clear guide on sustainable well development and operation in the study area and beyond. To do so, the depth of each well was taken and the water table measured. Also, data on key weather elements such as precipitation, air temperature and relative humidity were collected on the 15th of every month for a period of one year. The data were analyzed on Excel, SPSS and ArcGIS platforms for monthly and seasonal trends in the time-space fabric. The results showed that the depth to water table was high in the dries (small well water volume) and low in the rains (large well water volume) for both manually dug and mechanically drilled wells. Well water temperature increased as temperature increased during the dry season but decreased as temperature decreased during the rainy season. The study showed that weather elements such as precipitation and temperature had direct impact on groundwater availability. This is critical for groundwater development and management in the study area and in Sierra Leone at large.

Iodine Concentration of Iodized Salts Consumed in Harper

This study determined concentrations of iodine, consistent with WHO iodine fortification standards, in commercial edible salts mostly consumed in Harper. The following hypothesis was put forward in the research study;H1: the iodine content of the two brands of iodized salts is different from the WHO iodine fortification levels;H0: the iodine content of the two brands of iodized salts is not different from the WHO iodine fortification levels. The hypothesis was tested in MS Excel 2010 and 2016 via the T-Test function giving p-value = 0.1476 and p-value = 0.0395 indicative of no significant difference in the iodine concentration of the salts compared with the lower limit of WHO standard 20 mg·Kg-1 and huge contrast in the iodine concentration of the salts compared with the upper limit of WHO standard 40 mg·Kg-1 respectively. The UV spectrophotometric method was used to analyze and measure the iodine concentration in the twelve (12) samples of two different brands bought from grocery stores in Harper city. Results indicated that all samples of the two (2) brands of iodized salts contained iodine of no significant difference relative to the lower limit of WHO standard but far below the upper limit of the WHO standard. The study therefore recommends monitoring of commercial iodized salts by appropriate authorities in Harper to ascertain the WHO iodization fortification standards before reaching consumers.

Organic Carbon Speciation in Settling Particulate Matter and Sediments

This research study investigated the levels of organic matter content in settling particulate matter and sediments in the Wellington Industrial Estate flood plains;the main objectives are: to determine the moisture content, moisture correction factor of the samples at varying depths, to determine the organic matter content of the soil samples at varying depths. Six locations, which are Wellington Industrial Estate Area 1 (WIEA 1), (WIEA 2), (WIEA 3), (WIEA 4), (WIEA 5), (WIEA 6), were used to collect samples with the aid of scoop and gravel free auger (at varying depths of 0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm);the samples were given laboratory treatment. The Hesse model and Walkley Black technique were used in the determination of moisture content and organic carbon content respectively in samples collected. The results indicated that organic matter content in most of the soil samples collected are high which implies samples have high levels of metal deposition (heavy metals) and can be hazardous to the environment because of their toxic effect;it is also indicative of high level of microbial activities, these activities can also release nutrients to the environment.

Chemical Determination of Base Status Metals in Soil Sediments and Particulate Matter in Wellington Industrial Estate Location

This research study explored the levels of base status metals in soil sediments and particulate matter in the wellington industrial estate location;the main objectives were to: 1) determine sodium and potassium, 2) determine calcium and magnesium, 3) determine available iron. The following hypotheses were put forward;H0a: there is no significant difference in the concentration levels between Ca and Mg in the study area, H1a: there is significant difference in the concentration levels between Ca and Mg in the study area, H0b: there is no significant difference in the concentration levels between Na and K in the study area, H1b: there is significant difference in the concentration levels between Na and K in the study area. Six locations were used to collect samples with the aid of scoop and gravel free auger (at varying depths of 0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm) which are Wellington Industrial Estate Area 1 (WIEL 1), (WIEL 2), (WIEL 3), (WIEL 4), (WIEL 5), (WIEL 6);the samples were given laboratory treatment. Flame photometer, EDTA, and Spectrophotometer were used in the determinations of sodium and potassium, calcium and magnesium, and available iron respectively. The results indicated that levels of potassium were in medium range (moderately high);sodium levels were generally low when compared to Brook’s classification table. Levels of calcium were generally low and those of magnesium were moderate based on Brook’s table of classification. Levels of available iron which fall within the range of Quijano-Guerta (2003) were high;this implies such levels can lead to toxicity. In all locations, there was decrease in the levels of each metal in the samples with (5 - 10 cm) depth.