Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

A limnological study of phytoplankton composition of Aiakhuakhuari river in Oredo local government area was carried out for six months to assess the water quality using phytoplankton composition of the river. Three sampling stations were chosen and phytoplankton samples were collected (using 55 μm plankton net) and values for air temperature, water temperature, pH and total dissolved solids were estimated in situ. A total of 135 phytoplankton species were identified comprising 4 divisions namely; bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, euglenophyta and cyanophyta. Bacillariophyta, which was represented by two orders (centrales and pennales), dominated the phytoplankton taxa, of which they accounted for 45.92% of the total phytoplankton composition. The division Chlorophyta made the second highest contribution (38.52%), with bulk belonging to the order Zygnematales. The euglenophyta was represented by one order (Euglenales) and three genera (Euglena, Trachelomonas and Strombomonas) contributed 8.89%, while cyanophyta made the least contribution (6.67%) and had 4 genera (Dactylococcus, Oscillatoria, Phormidium and Anabaena). The high and low relative abundance of bacillariophyta and cyanophyta respectively, indicate that Aiakhuakhuari river is not polluted, oligotrophic and low in productivity. The physic chemical parameters also showed that the river was not polluted when compared with WGO and SON standard for portable water. It recommended that there should be routine check on the portability of all sources of portable water for safety and health sustainability.

Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide, with severe implications for public health and the environment. One of the significant contributors to air pollution is carbonaceous aerosols, which include both Black Carbon (BC) and Organic Carbon (OC) particles. These particles are produced through various anthropogenic activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and industrial processes. Carbonaceous aerosols have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as increased mortality rates. This article delves into the sources, composition, dispersion, and the health impacts of carbonaceous aerosols, focusing on their involvement in air pollution and elevated mortality rates throughout Europe.

The proliferation of plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, with micro plastics becoming a significant component of this crisis. Micro plastics defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size are pervasive in aquatic environments posing risks to marine life, ecosystems and potentially human health. One critical aspect of addressing micro plastic pollution understands their dispersion and transport patterns which are influenced by near-surface currents. This article delves into the phenomenon of micro plastic diffusion focusing on the evaluation of nearsurface current strain using dynamic platforms and highlights the importance of advanced technological solutions in comprehending and mitigating micro plastic pollution.

The world of plastics has evolved significantly over the years, offering a multitude of materials designed to meet various industrial and consumer needs. Plastic additives play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of these materials, and one such additive is 1-Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone (1-HCHPK). This compound often used as a photo initiator in UV-curable coatings and inks has gained attention due to its potential environmental impact. In particular, the interaction between 1-HCHPK and freshwater micro crustaceans in natural water ecosystems has become a topic of concern. This article delves into the properties of 1-HCHPK, its applications and its effects on freshwater micro crustaceans, shedding light on the implications for aquatic ecosystems.

The increasing utilization of nanomaterials in various industries has raised concerns about their potential environmental impacts. Among these nanomaterials, Silver Nanoclusters (AgNCs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and wide applications. This article explores the genotoxic impacts of AgNCs on Daphnia magna, a crucial organism in aquatic ecosystems, especially when exposed to AgNCs through their diet of green algae. Through an extensive review of existing literature and research findings, we delve into the mechanisms underlying genotoxicity in Daphnia magna the implications for aquatic ecosystems and potential mitigation strategies to address these concerns.