Audit of Neonatal Jaundice as Experienced at a Mission Hospital in Western Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a common disorder in neonates that can impact negatively on the brain and cause death. The peculiarities in aetiology and solutions for different settings are a knowledge gap. This informed the desire to determine local aetiology and solutions for neonatal jaundice in a missionary hospital in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Consecutive consenting babies diagnosed with significant neonatal jaundice were studied between July 2016 and June 2019. Institutional ethical consent was obtained. A proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic data and other relevant information such as age, sex, birthweight, gestational age and history regarding the jaundice. All the information obtained was inputted into a computer and analysed with SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 179 babies with neonatal jaundice comprising of 120 (67.0%) boys and 59 (33.0%) girls with ages ranging between 1 and 12 days (mean 2.7 ± 2.9) were studied. Prematurity, ABO incompatibility, neonatal sepsis and glucose-6-phosphate enzyme deficiency accounted for over 80% of the causes of significant NNJ. Sixty (33.5%) of the 179 babies studied developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy and 11 (6.1%) mortalities were recorded. Higher proportions of babies that were out-born with spontaneous vaginal delivery modes had acute bilirubin encephalopathy (p < 0.05). Mothers with formal education had better outcome compared to mothers without, in terms of mortalities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group. Maternal education is key to good outcome in neonatal jaundice.

The significance of metabolic fingerprinting in carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis describes the process through which normal cells transform into malignant cells(cancer).There were an estimated 18.1 million new cases of cancer(all cancers combined excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)worldwide in 2020:8.8 million(48%)in females and 9.3 million(52%)in males,giving a male:female ratio of 10:9.5.It may be initiated by the action of biological,physical,or chemical agents that cause a non-lethal,permanent,DNA error on the cell with a consequence of altered cell metabolism.This altered cell metabolism include the Warburg effect,altered lipid and amino acid metabolism and production of various metabolites.It also results in unique metabolic dependencies that,in some cases,can be targeted with precision medicine and nutrition,including drugs that selectively target metabolic enzymes.Metabolic fingerprinting has been applied to the study of carcinogenesis and is particularly helpful in early diagnosis,staging and choice of treatment,thus improving health outcomes.This technology could therefore be harnessed effectively while combining with other omics technologies.

Application of Green Technology Using Biological Means for the Adsorption of Micro-Pollutants in Water

It is true that the world we have today is not the world we use to know. The Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed all sector, hence the need for safety and enabling environment for mankind is of high importance. Adsorption technology is far the best and cheapest treatment technology for water and has extensively proven its worth for the uptake of micro-pollutant from surface, ground and water which are the major channels of home water. Over the years activated carbon is considered as the most common and universally used adsorbent for the eradication of different types of micro-pollutants from water. The contamination of surface water by micro-pollutant is a potential threat for the production of high quality and safe drinking water. Adsorption operation onto granulated activated carbon (GAC) in fixed-bed filters is often applied as a remedying step in the synthesis of safe and drinkable water. Activated carbon actively tends to act as a carrier material for a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (mostly bacteria) that forms on the coat of various surfaces (biofilm), hence biological simplification can be an alternative removal approach that can be adopted in granulated activated carbon filters. To evaluate the capacity of biofilm to biologically simplify micro-pollutants, it is very imperative to distinguish adsorption from biological simplification (biodegradation) as a removal mechanism. Experiment was carried out under the operating condition of a temperature range of 6?C to 20?C with biologically activated and autoclaved GAC to assess the biological simplification by the biofilm adsorbed on the GAC surface. Five micro-pollutants were selected as model compounds, of which some of them were biologically simplified by the GAC biofilm. Additionally, we observed that temperature can increase or decrease adsorption. Conclusively, comparison was made on the adsorption capacity of granulated activated carbon used for more than 50,000 beds.

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Self Breast Examination (BSE) amongst University Students

Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) amongst students in the Department of Nursing Science of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State towards self breast examination (SBE). Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted in the nursing department of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo state. The age range of the study population was between 17-31 years. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 200 female students. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections: i) Bio-data;ii) knowledge of self breast examination;iii) practice self breast examination;iv) factors affecting SBE. Results: The results of this study indicated that majority of the students were knowledgeable about self breast examination and majority of them practiced self breast examination. The alternate hypothesis which stated that there was a significant difference between factors affecting SBE was retained and the mean values revealed that “forgetfulness” as a factor had the highest mean value. This meant that “forgetfulness” was a potent factor to SBE among the respondents studied. Conclusion: The students in this tertiary institution were aware of self breast examination and they did practice it. Studies like these could enhance the knowledge regarding BSE among nurses and other health professionals.

Insights into remediation technology for malachite green wastewater treatment

Malachite green (MG) dye is a common industrial dye and organic contaminant that can be found in (waste)water. Textile and food industries make use of MG as dyeing and food coloring agents, respectively. However, MG is both genotoxic and mutagenic. Hence, the elimination of MG from MG-laden-wastewater is germane. This review summarizes up-to-date researches that have been reported in literature as regards the decontamination of toxic MG wastewater. Various removal methods (adsorption, membrane, Fenton system, and heterogenous and homogeneous photodegradation) were discussed. Of the two basic technologies that are comprehensively explored and reviewed, chemical treatment methods are not as viable as physical removal methods, such as the adsorption technology, due to the lack of secondary pollutant production, simple design, low operation costs, and resource availability. This review also presents various practical knowledge gaps needed for large-scale applications of adsorptive removal methods for MG. It concludes by recommending further research on the techniques of cheap and simple decontamination of MG to get clean water.

The Advent of Wide Bandgap Green-Synthesized Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Nanoparticles for Applications in Optical and Electronic Devices

Power-electronic devices are widely used in various applications, such as voltage and frequency control for transmitting and converting electric power. As these devices are becoming increasingly important, there is a need to reduce their losses and improve their performance to reduce electric power consumption. Current power semiconductor devices, such as inverters, are made of silicon (Si), but the performance of these Si power devices is reaching its limit due to physical properties and energy bandgap. To address this issue, recent developments in wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), offer the potential for a new generation of power semiconductor devices that can perform significantly better than silicon-based devices. In this research, a green synthesized copper-zinc-tin-sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticle is proposed as a new WBG semiconductor material that could be used for optical and electronic devices. Its synthesis, consisting of the production methods and materials used, is discussed. The characterization is also discussed, and further research is recommended in the later sections to enable the continual advancement of this technology.

Safety evaluation of an anti-haemorrhoid(pile)herbal recipe(locally called‘Agbo jedi-jedi’)of Southwestern Nigeria using animal genetic assays

Objective:In this study,an anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe containing bark of Alstonia boonei and dried cloves–Syzygium aromaticum was investigated for cytogenotoxicity,mutagenicity and histopathological effects following the micronucleus and sperm morphology assays using Wistar albino rats.Methods:The rats were administered anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe at 25.0%,50.0%and 100.0%,while distilled water and 0.05%sodium azide were the negative and positive controls,respectively.Phytochemicals in the herbal recipe were elucidated using the Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection(GC-FID)techniques.Results:In the treated rats,there was increase in body weight,cells division inhibition,micronucleated polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes(MNPCEs&MNNCEs)and abnormal sperm cells were significantly induced at 100.0%(P<0.05),whereas 25.0%herbal recipe promoted cell division.The herbal recipe at 50.0%and 100.0%did not cause any histopathological damages on the liver,kidney and testis except at 25.0%.Polyphenolics,terpenoids and alkaloids were detected in this anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe which could be cytotoxic,clastogenic and spermatotoxic at a high concentration(100.0%).Conclusion:These results necessitate regulation and control of consumption of the anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe by people through the authorized government agencies in Nigeria.

Congenital Bilateral Proximal Radio-Ulnar Synostosis in a Nigerian Child

Congenital radio-ulnar synostosis (CRUS) is a rare skeletal malformation of the upper limb and the most common congenital functional disorder of the elbow joint, causing limitation in forearm rotational movements, which may lead to difficulties with some activities of daily living. We reported a 4-year-old girl with congenital bilateral proximal radio-ulnar synostosis who presented with functional discomfort due to limitation of the prono-supination movements of the forearms and abnormal gestures when handling objects. She has clinical and radiological features of congenital radio-ulnar synostosis (CRUS). However, the parents declined corrective surgery because of wrong perception of the condition to be normal. This case highlighted the poor health seeking behavior and wrong illness perception prevalent in the developing countries.

Occurrence and distribution of metals and porphyrins in Nigerian coal minerals

The metal contents of Nigerian coal minerals were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Calcium, Na, and Fe occurred as the major elements with concentrations ranging from 9 782 μg/g for Ca to 432 μg/g for Na whereas K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cu, which occurred at trace levels ranged from 673.73 μg/g for Mg to 2.97 μg/g for Mn. The results of the quantitative analysis of porphyrins extracted from the coal minerals showed that Onyeama coal has the highest amount of porphyrins (ca～0.96 μg/g) while Okpara has the lowest (ca～0.30 μg/g). The porphyrins were qualitatively characterized by a combination of thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers. The results of the mid infrared analysis (MIR) showed the presence of absorption bands at 3 440 cm～1～3 450 cm-1 and 1 640 cm-1～1 680 cm-1 , which are owing to the stretching vibrations of N ─ H and C─ C of aromatics, with C─ H out of plane (oop) bending vibrations at wavenumbers less than 900 cm-1, all of which are characteristic absorptions of porphyrin free base. The ultraviolet-visible data showed prominent peaks at ～400 nm(Soret band) and at wavelength ranges of 535 nm～550 nm(β-band) and 565 nm～ 600 nm (α-band) for the coal porphyrins analyzed. The geochemical significance of the metals and porphyrins in coal minerals are discussed.

Soil Development and Fertility Characteristics of Inland Valleys in the Rain Forest Zone of Nigeria: Mineralogical Composition and Particle-Size Distribution

The particle-size distribution and mineralogical composition of the clay (< 2 μm) and fine-sand (0.25-0.10 mm) fractions in soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, were investigated to provide basic information on soil-forming processes and agricultural potentials. These soils were silty or clayey, deriving from Cretaceous or Tertiary shale materials. The particle-size distribution and its computation on a clay-free basis revealed relatively remarkable lithologic breaks in a couple of pedons. The effect of lithologic discontinuities on soil mineralogical composition was not, however, conspicuous. Petrographic investigation revealed that quartz predominantly comprised the fine-sand fraction in the soils at both study sites. Nevertheless, the clay mineralogical composition of the soils was a mixture of kaolinite, irregularly interstratified smectite-illite intergrades (S/I), hydroxyl-Al interlayered 2:1 type clays (HICs), vermiculite, smectite, halloysite and illite along with fine-sized quartz in Abakaliki. The soils of Bende predominantly contained smectite, which was partially interlayered with hydroxyl-Al and kaolinite. It is suggested that seasonal floodwater has slowed the disintegration of weatherable clay minerals inherited from the shale, while quartz originating from the sandstone is predominant in the fine-sand fraction. Additionally, a possible soil-forming process observed at the both study sites was ferrolysis, which was indicated by a clear decreasing pattern of HICs downward in the soil profiles. The entry of S/I and vertical distribution patterns for a couple of clay minerals in the pedon suggested that the soils in Abakaliki have developed under the significant influence of aeolian dust delivered by the Harmattan. The findings might describe a site-specific deposition pattern of Harmattan dusts as well as hydromorphic soil-forming processes in the wetlands of the inland valleys.

Glutamate and depression: Reflecting a deepening knowledge of the gut and brain effects of a ubiquitous molecule

The versatility of glutamate as the brain’s foremost excitatory neurotransmitter and modulator of neurotransmission and function is considered common knowledge.Years of research have continued to uncover glutamate’s effects and roles in several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders,including depression.It had been considered that a deeper understanding of the roles of glutamate in depression might open a new door to understanding the pathological basis of the disorder,improve the approach to patient management,and lead to the development of newer drugs that may benefit more patients.This review examines our current understanding of the roles of endogenous and exogenous sources of glutamate and the glutamatergic system in the aetiology,progression and management of depression.It also examines the relationships that link the gut-brain axis,glutamate and depression;as it emphasizes how the gut-brain axis could impact depression pathogenesis and management via changes in glutamate homeostasis.Finally,we consider what the likely future of glutamate-based therapies and glutamate-based therapeutic manipulations in depression are,and if with them,we are now on the final chapter of understanding the neurochemical milieu of depressive disorders.

Efficacy of Plant Based Insecticides in Control of Leaf Defoliators(Podagrica uniformis Jacoby and Nisotra sjostedti Jacoby(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. and Z. officinales L. was tested in a field study for the control of two important leaf defoliators （Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra）. The extracts were applied at 10% （w/v） and sprayed every week for five consecutive weeks. R. communis significantly reduced （P〈0.05） abundance of the pests on the 2nd day after spraying and increased the yield of okra. Numbers of fruits and weight yields were significantly higher in plots treated with R. communis compared to plots treated with Z. officinales and the untreated control. R. communis had the same weight yield with Karate （synthetic insecticides）. The results indicated that R. communis could be used to control Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra.

Factorial Designs Application to Study Enhanced Bioremediation of Soil Artificially Contaminated with Weathered Bonny Light Crude Oil through Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation Strategy

The objective of this study was designed to evaluate the effects of biostimulation and bioaugmentation amendment agents (NPK fertilizer, Tween 80 and mixed culture) on the bioremediation of tropical soil samples artificially contaminated with Weathered Bonny Light Crude Oil (WBLCO). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Box Behnken Design (BBD) was used with three levels and three factors of NPK fertilizer (2 - 6 g), Tween 80 (5 - 15 mg/l) and mixed culture (0.5 - 1.5 g/l) as independent variables and WBLCO removal as dependent variable (response) in a six weeks remediation period. The results showed that the rate of WBLCO removal generally increased with increase in the amount of NPK fertilizer, Tween 80 and mixed culture (biomass), respectively. A statistically significant (P < 0.0001) second-order quadratic regression model for WBLCO removal (using design-expert statistical program (v. 6.0.8)) with a coefficient of determination, R (=0.9996) was obtained. Numerical optimization technique based on desirability function was carried out to optimize the bioremediation process. The optimum values for biostimulation and bioaugmentation amendment agents to achieve a predicted maximum WBLCO removal of 84.88 percent were found to be: NPK fertilizer, 4.25 g;Tween 80, 10.22 mg/l and mixed culture, 0.46 g/l. At this optimum point, the observed WBLCO removal was found to be 83.79 percent. The statistical analyses and the closeness of the experimental results and model predictions show the reliability of the regression model and thus, biostimulation and bioaugmentation of indigenous microbial density and activity can reduce remediation period of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated environment and subsequently the cost of remediation.

Nutrition,nutritional deficiencies,and schizophrenia:An association worthy of constant reassessment

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that occurs worldwide,cutting across cultures,socioeconomic groups,and geographical barriers.Understanding the details of the neurochemical basis of schizophrenia,factors that contribute to it and possible measures for intervention are areas of ongoing research.However,what has become more evident is the fact that in targeting the neurochemical imbalances that may underlie schizophrenia,the type of response seen with currently available phamacotherapeutic agents does not provide all the answers that are needed.Therefore,the possible contribution of non-pharmacological approaches to schizophrenia management is worthy of consideration.In recent times,research is beginning to show nutrition may play a possibly significant role in schizophrenia,affecting its development,progression and management;however,while attempts had been made to examine this possible relationship from different angles,articles addressing it from a holistic point of view are not common.In this review,we examine existing scientific literature dealing with the possible relationship between nutrition and schizophrenia,with a view to elucidating the impact of diet,nutritional deficiencies and excesses on the aetiology,progression,management and outcome of schizophrenia.Secondly,the effect of nutritional supplements in prevention,as sole therapy,or adjuncts in schizophrenia management are examined.

Assessment of Noise Exposure of Sawmill Workers in Southwest,Nigeria

Economic wood processing employs the use of industrial machines for cutting,shaping,milling,and sawing timber,thereby leading to the generation of high levels of noise.Published data from empirical studies have categorized noise as an environmental hazard of global significance.Furthermore,noise exposure limits for different industries and all the industrial machines available has not been formally established as it presently exists in developed nations around the world.Therefore,this study assessed the daily exposure of sawmills workers to noise in Southwestern Nigeria.Reconnaissance surveys were first carried out in Osun,Oyo,Ondo,Ekiti,Lagos,and Ogun States to select sawmills that were fully operational and fit for the study.Two fully functional sawmills in two cities of each State were eventually selected for data collection,making a total of 24 sawmills,while the Circular Machines(CM),Planer Machines(PM),and Band-saw Machines(BM)were the machines in each sawmill considered.Two machines each of CM,PM,and BM were considered in each sawmill,making a total of forty-eight(48)machines each of CM,PM,and BM.Sound data were collected between 7 am and 7 pm each day for six days(between Monday and Saturday)using Extech 407732 sound level meter and all stabilized measurements were taken three times at different intervals.The data collected were in three different periods:Machine No-work Period(NPm),Machine Idle Period(IPm),and Machine Working Period(WPm).A two–way Analysis of Variance(ANOVA)was carried out at P<0.05 to determine whether there is a significant difference in the sound level average before and after the break,for both the idle and working periods of the three machines considered.This was also done to determine whether there is a signifi-cant difference between the sound level average of the results collected during idle and working periods of the three machines.Noise Pollution Levels(Lnp)ranged from 83.20 dB(PM)to 107.65(BM)and 93.42(CM and PM)–116.00(BM)respectively,while IPm also gave the least noise pollution level of 95.79 dB and WPm gave the highest level of 102.88 dB.The results revealed that all the machines’Lnp values in the working period are more than the 90 dB acceptable limit the recommendation value of 90 dB while 89.6%of CMs,75%of PMs,and 89.6%of BM had their Lnp above 90 dB in the idle period respectively.The minimum and the maximum noise dose levels for IPm,WPm and overall are 0.09(BM)and 2.37(CM),0.50(CM),and 4.77(PM)and 0.69(BM)and 6.64(PM)respectively.The study found out that the fundamental contributing factors to the high noise levels in sawmills are poor machine maintenance,use of old and obsolete machines,poor housekeeping strategy,limited space,workers’negligence,lack of PPE,and lack of occupational safety training.The study recommends that proper workplace practices such as use of personal protective equipment,new and modern machines,training,and occupational safety programmes be implemented in the considered sawmills.

A Laboratory Study of the Effect of Temperature on Densities and Viscosities of Binary and Ternary Blends of Soybean Oil, Soy Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel Oil

The depletion of world petroleum reserves and the increased environmental concerns have stimulated the search for alternative sources for petroleum based fuel. The possibility of using vegetable oils as fuel has been recognized, however, due to its high viscosities and low volatilities makes it inefficient for most combustion engines and thus the need to get them chemically altered or transesterified to obtain fatty alkyl esters of the oil (biodiesel). In this study, binary and ternary blends of biodiesel were produced and the effect of temperature on their viscosity and density was investigated. Biodiesel was produced from soybean oil by transesterification of the oil with methanol using potassium hydroxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 60℃ in a batch reactor. Binary and ternary blends of the soy-biodiesel were prepared with soy bean oil and petroleum diesel fuel, respectively. Viscosities and densities of the binary and ternary blends were measured at different temperatures of 20℃ to 90℃ as to determine the effect of temperature on viscosities and densities of the blends. The properties of the soy-biodiesel produced were compared with ASTM standard and found to be within the limits. The results show that the viscosities and densities of both the binary and ternary blends are temperature dependent. The viscosities of binary and ternary blends decreased nonlinearly with temperature, while their densities decreased linearly with temperature. The variation of temperature with viscosity and density of the blends was correlated and the polynomial equation offered the best correlation between temperature and viscosity, while linear equation gave the best correlation between temperature and density. In conclusion, the efficiency of binary and ternary blends of biodiesel in combustion engines is dependent on the viscosity and density of the blends which are invariably temperature dependent.

Effect of crude oil pollution on heavy metal contents, microbial population in soil, and maize and cowpea growth

The effect of crude oil pollution on heavy metal content in the soil, microbial population, and growth performance of maize and cowpea was investigated. The heavy metals determined were lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, zinc and copper. Microbial population and growth performance of maize and cowpea in both polluted and unpolluted soils samples were evaluated. Results showed that higher concentration of heavy metals was observed in all crops planted in polluted soil, polluted site vegetation and soils. The total heterotrophic bacteria was 89% lower in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil while fungi was 78% lower in the polluted soil when compared to the unpolluted soil. However, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi was 22% and 24% higher in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil respectively. Maize and Cowpea performed poorly in polluted soil when compared with unpolluted soil as evidenced in the growth parameters measured for both crops.

Geochemical record for the depositional condition and petroleum potential of the Late Cretaceous Mamu Formation in the western flank of Anambra Basin, Nigeria

Carbonaceous shale exposures of the Late Cretaceous Mamu Formation along Ifon-Uzebba road in western arm(Benin Flank) of Anambra Basin, southwestern Nigeria, were analyzed for bulk organic geochemical, molecular biological and poly-aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH) compositions to investigate the organic matter source, paleo-depositional condition, thermal maturity and petroleum potential of the unit. The bulk organic geochemistry was determined using Leco and Rock-Eval pyrolysis analyses while the biomarkers and PAH compositions were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer(GC-MS).The bulk organic geochemical parameters of the shale samples showed total organic carbon(TOC)(1.11-6.03 wt%), S2(0.49-11.73 mg HC/g Rock), HI(38-242 mg HC/g TOC) and Tmax(425-435 C) indicating good to excellent hydrocarbon source-rock. Typical HI-Tmax diagram revealed the shale samples mostly in the gas-prone Type Ⅲ kerogen region with few gas and oil-prone Type Ⅱ-Ⅲ kerogen. The investigated biomarkers(n-alkane, isoprenoid, terpane, hopane, sterane) and PAH(alkylnaphthalene, methylphenanthrene and dibenzothiophene) indicated that the carbonaceous shales contain mix contributions of terrestrial and marine organic matter inputs that were deposited in a deltaic to shallow marine settings and preserved under relatively anoxic to suboxic conditions.Thermal maturity parameters computed from Rock-Eval pyrolysis, biomarkers(hopane, sterane) and PAH(alkylnaphthalene, alkylphenanthrene, alkyldibenzothiophene) suggested that these carbonaceous shales in Anambra Basin have entered an early-mature stage for hydrocarbon generation. This is also supported by fluoranthene/pyrene(0.27-1.12), fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene)(0.21-0.53) ratios and calculated vitrinite reflectance values(0.49-0.63% Ro) indicative that these shales have mostly reached early oil window maturity, thereby having low hydrocarbon source potential.

Natural Radionuclide Concentrations and Radiological Impact Assessment of River Sediments of the Coastal Areas of Nigeria

This work was carried out to measure the radioactivity level in the coastal areas of Nigeria by gamma counting of river sediment samples and assess the radiological impact associated with the use of the river sediments as building material. The method of gamma spectrometry with a 7.6 cm by 7.6 cm NaI(Tl) detector was employed in determining 40K, 238U and 232Th levels in 95 and 38 sediment samples respectively collected from representative sites in the oil producing and non oil producing coastal areas of Nigeria. Results of the samples assayed showed that the radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra in the sediment samples of oil producing areas range from 95.4 to 160.0;7.6 to 31.0 and 9.5 to 41.6 Bq kg–1, respectively. The respective means were calculated as 122.39 ± 47.49;18.93 ± 12.53 and 29.31 ± 18.67 Bq kg–1. In the sediment samples from the non oil producing areas, the respective mean values are 88.48 ± 8.22, 14.87 ± 3.51 and 16.37 ± 3.87 Bq kg–1. Statistical analysis of the results showed that there is no significant difference between the radionuclide concentration of the sediment samples from different rivers in the oil producing and non oil producing coastal areas, except for 40K. The values of the natural radionuclide concentrations however translate to the determina-tion of the radiological impact assessment values. The values of the radiological assessment indices obtained were ob-served to be lower than limits internationally reported and recommended for building materials. It could therefore be reported that the operations of the oil companies in the coastline, involving use of radioactive materials have not contributed adversely to the radioactivity level of the river sediments and that the use of river sediments as building mate-rial in the coastal areas of Nigeria poses no radiological risk.