Scholarly works
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Item Ecological utilization of the weed - tithonia diversifolia and sustainability of the paper industry in Nigeria(Science Association of Nigeria, 2000) Chukwuka, K. S.Tithonia diversifolia is found growing abundantly within the forest zone of Nigeria. The evaluation of the pulp and paper making properties of T. diverisifolia showed average fibre length, width, wall thickness and lumen of 827.66 ± 186.40αµm, 20.29 ± 3.92 αµm, 3.96 ± 0.28 αµm and 12.16 ± 3.96 µm respectively. This short fibre length and small wall thickness of T. diversifolia made it unsuitable for making strong papers. However, it is good material for making newsprints, toilet tissues, serviette papers, packing cartons and egg crates. This will go a long way towards improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian given that paper is a civilised material.Item Environmental audit of the tunu/kanbo forests of the Niger Delta, Nigeria(1997-11) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.Item Environmental impact assessment of the rainforest vegetation in Agbara industrial estate, Southwestern Nigeria(1996) Chukwuka, K. S.; Ayodele, A. E.; Osonubi, O.The vegetation of Agbara industrial estate, South-western Nigerian was studied with a view to determining the floristic and structural composition before the full take off of the various industries. The area is a lowland rain forest, drier - type with the major growth forms including trees, shrubs, palms and climbers. A total of 897 plants were enumerated in five transect of 2 km. Species diversity index for the area is in the range of 0.01 - 0.24 while dominance values range from 0.00 - 0.01. Tree density was estimated to be 56.1 stems per km sq. The study shows evidences of regrowth vegetation, subsistence farming activities involving arable crops of previous land use. The area is also shown to have suffered previous encroachment or early succession. No particular species is dominant. It is suggested that adequate pollution control measures need to be put in place if the biotic communities of the estate are not to be endangered. Resettlement of the inhabitants away from the vicinity of the operating industries is also proposed.Item The morphology and ecology of the genus synsepalum (A.Dc) Daniell (sapotaceae) in Nigeria(Ecological Society of Nigeria, 1999) Ayodele, A. E.; Chukwuka, K. S.The genus Synsepalum is represented by three species in Nigeria. It is confined to the lowland rainforest region of the country. Synsepalum dulcificum is called the ‘miraculous’ berry or the 'magic plant' on account of the protein based sweetening agent miraculin found in the pulp of the fruit. The plant also produces a fairly hardwood which is particularly used as firewood by the indigenous people while the twigs are used as chewsticks. S. stipulatum popularly called the "Blacksmiths' charcoal wood" is known to supply the best charcoal to the Benin blacksmiths. S. glycydorum is not of much economic importance to the people but it is restricted in its distribution to the Southeastern part of Nigeria. From the standpoint of uses and restricted distribution, there is need for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these species for sustainable utilization. The largest leaves with-the longest petioles are found in S. stipulatum, while the smallest leaves with the shortest petioles are in S. dulcifcum. The leaves and petioles of S. glycydorum are intermediate of the other two species. The leaves generally are elliptic to oblong to oblanceolate in shape with acuminate apices. However, the apex in S. dulcificum may be acute, rounded or rarely refuse. The leaf bases in the genus are usually cuneate. The leaves are glabrous except in S. dulcificum which may be hairy on the abaxial surface.