Distribution of Atmospheric Pollution in Southern Benin

This study focuses on air quality in southern Benin in order to show public authorities what the Beninese populations are exposed to for efficient decision-making. Two sampling campaigns were carried out, one in the wet period and the other in the dry season. The measurements were taken using a monitor called an “Air Quality Monitor”. For data processing, the multiple comparison methods of Dun (1961) and the Wilcoxon test were used. To maintain legitimacy, all spatial data were included in the official cartographic repository of Benin: WGS 1984, Transverse Mercator Universe Projection (UTM), Zone 31 North. The Moran statistic was used to measure the levels of spatial autocorrelation of the variables studied and to test the significance. In order to locate the spatial subsets, the local spatial association indices of Anselin Local Moran and Getis-Ord, Gi* were used. In terms of results, on the 13 monitoring sites and the 8 parameters chosen to determine air quality, we do not note any significant inter-seasonal difference. Of the eight parameters, only three parameters present spatial autocorrelation leading to predictions of ambient air quality over the entire study area based on the distance separating the points, namely, PM2.5, PM10 and ambient air quality index (AQI). The localities affected by atmospheric pollution in South Benin are located in the south-western part of Benin, headed by Cotonou, which is heavily polluted by CO2, TCOV, PM10 and PM2.5.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Distribution of 26 Metals in the Waters of the Aquatic Ecosystems of the Cotonou Channel and Lake Nokoué, Benin

Metallic elements have various origins: natural and anthropogenic sources as geochemical, marine and atmospheric sources resulting from the fallout of pollutants emitted or dust raised and which are transported by water and air currents. Thus marine, brackish and fresh continental waters may have high metal concentrations. In addition, some essential metals can become toxic above certain concentration values in aquatic environments. The aquatic ecosystems of Cotonou channel and lake Nokoué receive the pollutants charges from the town cities of Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and town hall of So Ava. The aim of this study is to analyze waters from Eighteen (18) stations identified in the two ecosystems (nine by ecosystem). The concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), beryllium (Be), aluminum (Al), strontium (Sr), molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), barium (Ba), platinum (Pt), mercury (Hg), thallium (Tl), lead (Pb), thorium (Th) and uranium (U) were measured after acid digestion of the water samples using the inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results of the analyses indicate an unequal distribution of metals in the different ecosystems. However, atypical concentrations were observed at some stations of the lake and the channel. Magnesium, calcium and manganese have very high values in Lake Nokoué respectively at Ganvié market station GAN_M (2990 ± 105 mg/L), Ganvié center, station GAN_C (4991 ± 177 mg/L) and Lake middle station MLak4 (10662 ± 17.03 μg/L). On the other hand, iron, aluminum and strontium have very high concentrations in the Cotonou Channel respectively at Agbato station AGB (5236 ± 103 and 8289 ± 519 μg/L) and at the estuary station EST (6118 ± 68 μg/L). The concentrations were compared to wells and cborehole waters in sixth neighborhood of Cotonou. We have used statistical analyzers such as MANOVA which have made it possible to classify the waters and metals in the ecosystems studied compared to groundwater and Well water waters. We use hierarchical clustering on principal components to identify similarities between stations based on metal concentration with R software packages “FactoMineR” and “factoextra”. In general, we can conclude that most of the metals have an anthropogenic source except strontium and major elements (Ca and Mg) which could respectively provide from marine waters and geochemical sources.

Chemical Characterization of Lake Togbadji

The present study focused on the chemical characterization of the watercourse of the Togbadji Lake wildlife ranch. The methodological approach followed is as follows: Bibliography review, Sampling campaign. The results obtained were the subject of descriptive statistics, the two-sample Wilcoxon test to determine the impact of different localities on the abundance of microbiological contaminants, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with the software R version 3.5.0, in order to group the pollution parameters according to the different levels and sources of contamination. From our results, it is found that the respective average values in dry and rainy seasons for ammonium ions are 0.38 ± 0.16 mg/L and 0.22 ± 0.03 mg/L;for nitrite ions 0.20 ± 0.25 mg/L and 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/L;for nitrate ions 3.72 ± 2.52 mg/L and 7.84 ± 4.91 mg/L;for total Kjeldahl nitrogen 1.27 ± 1.44 mg/L and 1.19 ± 1.49 mg/L;for orthophosphate ions 0.20 ± 0.25 mg/L and 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/L;for total phosphorus 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/L and 0.11 ± 0.23 mg/L;the chemical oxygen demand 93.36 ± 61.73 mg/L of O2 and 89.93 ± 66.11 mg/L of O2 and the biochemical oxygen demand over 5 days 25.50 ± 18.22 mg/L of O2 and 37 ± 33.15 of O2. It emerged that the main sources of pollution in Lake Togbadji are runoff water, discharges of various wastewater from artisanal activities, livestock farming and open defecation.

Stabilization of Clay Soil for the Durability of Structures: Case Study of the Soils of the Locality of Zalimé, Commune of Zogbodomey in the Republic of Benin

Structures erected on swelling clay soils are subjected to several stresses which are at the origin of the premature deterioration of the infrastructures. The soils being supports for the works, the improvement of their weak characteristics with cotton fibers will not only increase the bearing capacities of these soils and the resolution of the environmental problem, by eliminating the CO2 produced by the burning of the stems after harvest. The objective of this study is to contribute to the improvement of the characteristics by cotton stalk powder of the swelling clay soils used as the foundation of the infrastructures in order to guarantee their durability. Identification and mechanical parameterization tests were carried out on raw soil samples taken at 1.5 meters deep and on samples improved with cotton stalk powder at different levels (3%, 6% and 10%). The results from the physical tests reveal that the soil studied is very plastic silt. As for the mechanical tests, it appears that by adding 3% cotton stalk powder to dry density which goes from 1.435 t/m3 compared to the control sample with a dry density of 1.50 t/m3;which reflects an improvement in the compaction characteristics of the soil studied. The dry densities are 1.445 t/m3 and 1.29 t/m3 for the samples improved with 6% and 10% cotton stalk powder.

Impact of Four Fiber Sources and the Strategy of Feeding on the Nutritional Quality of Rabbit Meat (Oryctogalagus cuniculis)

This study was conducted to valorize four sources of fiber (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera and palm nut fibers) in animal production. The experiments were carried out on 128 rabbits divided into 4 batches of 32 animals, reared for 8 weeks under the same conditions. Each batch was subdivided into two subgroups, one fed with a complete diet (a diet containing one of the fiber sources and served all day) and the other with the same diet separated from the fiber source (served at 9 a.m. and supplemented with the fiber source at 4 p.m.). Eight (8) experimental rations were, respectively, tested on the subgroups: complete feed Gliricidia sepium (CFG);supplemented feed Gliricidia sepium (SFG);complete feed Leucaena leucocephala (CFL);supplemented feed Leucaena leucocephala (SFL);complete feed Moringa oleifera (CFM);supplemented feed Moringa oleifera (SFM);complete feed palm nut fiber (CFF);supplemented feed palm nut fiber (SFF). In each subgroup, 4 rabbits were slaughtered at 15 weeks of age for a total of 32 rabbits. Physico-chemical parameters were evaluated on the feed and the meat. Data were analyzed using SAS 2013 software. Fiber content was similar (p > 0.05) for complete feeds. Fat content was high (p < 0.001) for the palm nuts fiber (27.34%) and the CFF feed (11.36%). Feeding rabbits with G. sepium leaves or palm nut fiber continuously increased the fat content of the meat in contrast to sequential feeding. Meat quality was also better when the fiber source was used in the feed of the rabbits in the evening.

Level of Exposure of Populations to Atmospheric Pollution in Southern Benin

This study focuses on monitoring the exposure of populations in South Benin to atmospheric pollution. Thirteen (13) monitoring points were identified where the Air quality measurements were taken using autonomous electronic devices called “Air Quality Monitor”. Calibrated and turned on, the measuring device automatically determines the concentrations of carbon dioxide CO2, Total Organic Compounds, methanal (HCHO), particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity (RH). Per site, air pollution levels are recorded for 5 minutes every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. After the analyses, it appears that the carbon dioxide CO2 contents vary from 400 to 1444 ppm with an average of 486.80 ± 184.3 ppm, the daily contents of Total Volatile Organic Compounds from 0.01 to 6 .91 mg/m3 with a daily average of 0.36 ± 0.65 mg/m3, aldehydes from 0.005 to 3 mg/m3 with an average of 0.05 ± 0.17 mg/m3, for particulate matter of diameters less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) pollution levels vary between 5 and 173.8 μg/m3 with an average of 21.5 ± 17.62 μg/m3. On the other hand, for PM10, the contents vary from 5 to 449.6 μg/m3 with an average of 28.17 ± 31.74 μg/m3, the Air Quality Index (AQI) varies from 0, 3 to 243 with an average of 39 ± 33.16. From the results observed, it appears that the south-western part of South Benin is heavily polluted by CO2, Total Volatile Organic Compounds, PM10 and especially PM2.5 with the city of Cotonou at its head, in particular the Red Star crossroads, the Toyota crossroads and the crossroads after the friendship stadium. The impacts of this pollution could be significant on sensitive people such as the elderly, newborns and patients with acute and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Uncovering the Challenges of Faecal Sludge Management in Benin’s Urban Hubs: The Cases of Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou

The issue of faecal sludge management in developing countries remains a significant challenge due to the indiscriminate discharge of sludge into the environment. This practice generates more environmental problems than it solves. This study aims to assess the management of household faecal sludge in the communes of Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou, Benin, in order to optimise the best storage conditions for subsequent more effective treatment. To this end, a sociological survey was conducted among households in Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou, as well as among manual emptiers. The results of our studies revealed that two types of latrines are used in households. 20.55% of households use traditional latrines, while 59.83% use ordinary latrines. 7.97% of households use both types of latrine. Moreover, the depth of the latrines varies from 2.5 m to 7 m in Abomey-Calavi and from 2.5 m to 8 m in Natitingou. Among households with a latrine, 28.26% empty their pit at least once, while 71.74% have never emptied it. The emptying cost varies between 35,000 FCFA and 90,000 FCFA. The mixing of faecal sludge with solid waste, including plastic materials, makes emptying difficult due to the obstruction of the vacuum pump. The results obtained will serve as a reliable database to facilitate decision-making in the context of faecal sludge management.

Evaluation of Toxicological Risk Related to Presence of Lead and Cadmium in <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Lam. Leaves Powders Marketed in Cotonou (Benin)

To evaluate lead and cadmium contamination in Moringa oleifera leaves powders marketed in Cotonou and health risks associated with its consumption, cross-sectional and analytical study were done from October 23th, 2012 to June 20th, 2013. Samples of Moringa powders were purchased at different outlets (health centers, supermarkets, pharmacy, etc.). Assays were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion according calcination method. Pb and Cd levels were compared with Codex Alimentarius standards, using the Student t test. Daily Exposure Doses (DDE) and Hazard Quotients (HQ) specific to each contaminant were calculated using a conventional method. Results revealed that the mean concentration of lead for all samples (1.526 mg/kg) exceeded of about 5.08 times the maximum allowable limit whereas cadmium levels (0.246 mg/kg) was not statistically higher than the standard. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd are respectively 4.263 mg/kg and 0.354 mg/kg. Children are 2.3 to 3.8 times in greater danger than adults although all QD calculated are less than 1, reflecting that there is a low risk to consumers in general. For both metals, DJE specifically linked to the consumption of Moringa was less than 2% compared to other kinds of food intake. In conclusion, the current level of contamination (with lead and cadmium) of Moringa leaves powders marketed in Cotonou is not yet an alarming threat to consumers’ health. However, care must be taken to reduce chemical pollution especially soils where these plants grow.

Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional and Toxicological Analyses of Leaves and Fruits of <i>Solanum macrocarpon</i>Linn (Solanaceae) in Cotonou (Benin)

Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.

Improvement of Fermented Fish Flour Quality Using Essential Oil Extracted From Fresh Leaves of Pimenta racemosa(Mill.)J.W.Moore

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the essential oil extracted from fresh leaves of Pimenta racemosa in the improvement of fermented fish flour producing technology.Essential oil of Pimenta racemosa was extracted by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was determined by GC and GC/MS.Different types of fermented fish flours from Lesser African Threadfin(Galeoides decadactylus)were produced by the modification of the traditional processing technology and the introduction of a step of essential oil adjunction during the process.Three different essential oil concentrations(0.5,1.0 and 2.0 lL g^(-1))were investigated.Physicochemical,microbiological and nutritional analyzes were performed in order to evaluate the quality of the fermented fish flour produced.Results obtained revealed that the essential oil of Pimenta racemosa investigated has a chemical composition characterized by the presence of myrcene(25.1%),chavicol(7.5%)and eugenol(51.1%).Fermented fish flour produced have a good nutritional potential.However,on the microbiological level,only samples produced by adjunction of essential oil have a low level of microbial contamination,with an absence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Evaluation of the Microbiological and Nutritional Quality of Fermented-Dried Lesser African Threadfin (<i>Galeoides decadactylus</i>) Used as Food Supplement in Southern Benin

Lesser African threadfin (Galeoides decadactylus) is a nutritious marine fish, popular and widely used for drying-fermentation. The present work aims to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological quality of dried-fermented Lesser African Threadfin, currently used in food preparing in southern Benin. Four major sites of drying-fermentation fishes in southern Benin were investigated and dried-fermented Lesser African Threadfin was collected for quality control. Results indicated that the dried-fermented fishes were good sources of nutriments with a moisture content ranging from 44.62% ± 0.68% to 55.33% ± 0.23%. Proteins contents are ranged from 15.26% ± 0.32% to 22.95% ± 0.71%. All samples analyzed were rich in minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, with a higher content of calcium (1.23% ± 0.52% - 1.69% ± 0.38%). Statistical analyses showed significant difference (p 0.05) between samples analyzed. Microbiological analyses revealed that the total flora count of samples ranged from 1.4 × 102 to 8.0 × 104 ufc/g. The enumeration of total coliforms and fecal coliforms indicated that samples were contaminated with enteric bacteria. The spores of anaerobic sulfite reducer’s and Staphylococcus aureus counts were less than 10 cfu/g with an absence of Salmonella spp. Based on results from the present study, microbiological standards must be put in place during the process of dried-fermented fishes. Then, it’s advisable that relevant quality control unit should be reactivated to assess the quality of ready-to-eat food, and particularly the fermented fishes in other to protect consumer’s health.

Influence of Agro Ecology on Rice Varietal Resistance to <i>Sitophilus oryzae</i>(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and <i>Sitotroga cerealella</i>(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Benin

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.), are serious pests of stored rice in Africa. This study aims to evaluate the influence of growing environments to rice resistance to these pests. Thus, eleven rice varieties including 6 upland NERICA, 2 Oryza glaberrima and 3 O. sativa were grown at four agro ecological zones of Benin. After harvest, samples of 1500 grains of each genotype were infested with 20 adults of S. oryzae (10 males and 10 females) and 1500 additional ones were infested with 50 eggs of S. cerealella. Results showed significant effect of agro ecological zones on pest incidence and on varietal resistance as well. O. glaberrima varieties (TOG 5681 and CG 14) were the most resistant in each location whereas the resistance of NERICA and Sativa varieties varied from tolerant to susceptible according to the growing ecology. This result highlights the impact of growing environment on rice resistance status and will provide the best advice to farmers on how to choose best genetic material according to cropping ecology.

Contribution of poses screen preimpregnated(PSP) installed at openings and eaves of dwellings in the reduction of malaria transmission in the commune of agugus in bnin

Objective:To evaluate the contribution of poses screen pre-impregnated(PSP) installed at openings and eaves of dwellings in the reduction of malaria transmission in the commune of Aguegues in Benin.Methods:The PSP were manufactured from preimpregnated Olyset Net.They were installed at windows,eaves and doors of 70 dwellings.320 children aged 6-59 months were treated and 311 children were recruited in the control zone.Variables measured are:plasmodic index(IP),gametoeyte index,parasite density(PD),fever,hemoglobin,anemia. Results:The global IP was 16.62%with PSP and 72.20%without PSP.Gametoeyte index did not differ significantly between the treated zone(27.8) and the control zone(29.1).The total geometric mean of DP was 309 in the treated zone and 600 in the control zone.Hemoglobin level is 8.7 in the control zone and 9.5 in the treated zone.We noted a predominance of anemia in the control zone compared to the treated zone.Conclusions:The PSP have contributed to a significant reduction in morbidity in the commune of Aguegues.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and HPLC Analysis of <i>Annona muricata</i>Leaves Extracts from Republic of Benin

Annona muricata L. (Soursop or Graviola) is a naturally occurring plant seen in Southern part of Africa, traditionally used in Benin to treat various diseases. The present study aimed to investigate phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities of A. muricata leaves extracts. The secondary metabolites of ethanolic and hemi-ethanolic extracts were analysed by HPLC method. The DPPH and FRAP methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Inhibition of albumin denaturation method was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of the tested extracts of which larval cytotoxicity was studied. The major identified compounds were gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, cafeic acid, tannic acid, ferrulic acid, Rutin. Ascorbic acid exhibited the highest inhibition percentage (83.33% ± 0.50%) of DPPH radical with the lowest IC50 (45.1 ± 0.28 μg/ml). The inhibition of the ferric ion Fe3+ varied (p = 0.0013) according to the extracts type. IC50 values of ferric ion inhibition range from 119.5 ± 3.10 to 250.8 ± 2.13 μg/ml respectively for A. muricata leaves ethanol and hemi-ethanolic extracts. The hemi-ethanolic extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity (96.66% ± 1.17%). The presence of phenolic compound confers to A. muricata leaves, through the ethanolic and the hemi-ethanolic extracts, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Semen characteristics of the three genetic types of boars reared in Benin

Objective:To characterize the semen of three genetic types of boars(local,improved and Large White)reared in Benin.Methods:Semen of local,improved and Large White boars reared in Benin were collected using the gloved hand method and analyzed to determine volume,pH,concentration,mobility,motility,and morphology.The effect of the genetic type of boar on semen characteristics was aslo studied.Results:Duration of ejaculation and semen volume of Large White boar were significantly higher than those of local and improved boars(P<0.05).The semen of improved boars had a higher motility score than that of Large White and local boars(P<0.001).The semen of local boars was more concentrated in the spermatozoa than that of improved and Large White boars(P<0.05).The proportion of spermatozoa of improved boars with normal morphology(93.6%)was significantly higher than that of local(82.2%)and Large White boars(81.6%)(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with folded tails in the semen of Large White boars(9.2%)was significantly higher than that observed in improved(1.8%)and local(5.0%)boars(P<0.001).The proportion of spermatozoa with proximal cytoplasmic droplets in semen of improved boars(2.7%)was significantly lower than that in Large White(6.8%)and local(9.7%)boars(P<0.001).The local(1.5%)and Large White boars(1.1%)showed more spermatozoa with distal cytoplasmic droplets in their semen compared to the improved boars(0.4%).Conclusions:The semen characteristics of pigs reared in Benin vary from one genetic type to another.Each genetic type has a strong point.The Large White boar produces larger semen,the local boar produces more concentrated semen and the improved boar produces spermatozoa that are morphologically better.The semen of these three genetic types can be used in artificial insemination but the improved boar's semen is more recommended.

Piezometry of the Aquifer of the Continental Terminal in the Borehole Fields of Godomey and Ouedo for the Delimitation of the Protection Areas around Boreholes of Ouedo

Groundwater is naturally protected against pollution through its filter layer which is the soil. However, the development of human activities, including the use of chemicals, gradually reduces the purifying action of this layer. It is therefore essential to develop strategies for a better management of this precious resource. The general objective of this work is to establish the piezometry of the aquifer of the Continental Terminal in the borehole fields of Godomey and Ouedo to improve the delineation of protection perimeters around the boreholes of Ouedo. The study was conducted using three methods that were the FCR method, the infiltration method and the method of Krijgsman and Lobo-Ferreira. The exploitation of the piezometric map enabled to obtain the hydraulic gradient of 0.165%. The radii of immediate protection’s perimeters (PPI) range from 55.653 m to 99.755 m. The retained close protection’ perimeters (PPR) and remote protection’s perimeters (PPE) have an ellipsoidal shape. Their upstream radii range from 220.72 m to 390 m for PPR and from 356.52 m to 659.52 m for PPE;the downstream radii range from 213.06 m to 387.25 m for PPR, and from 321.28 m to 603.97 m for PPE;the radii perpendicular to the flow direction to the right of each borehole vary from 212.58 m to 381.16 m for PPR, and from 336.11 m to 602.67 m for PPE. Probable risks identified for groundwater contamination in these protection areas are the discharge of domestic waste water, solid wastes and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming practices.