Preliminary Investigation of Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Periwinkle (Tympanotonus Fuscatus, Linnaeus 1758) From Okrika Estuary, Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria (Published)
Assessment of length-weight relationship and condition factor of a commercially important mollusc species, Periwinkle, Tympanotonus fuscatus, from Okrika estuary was conducted from October, 2015 to February, 2016. A total of 120 samples of the species were hand-picked from the mangrove ecosystem of Okrika. The results obtained showed that the gastropod species had negative allometric growth patterns with a growth exponent, b value of 2.18. This value was confirmed as negative allometric, because it was significantly different (p<0.05) from 3 when a t-test was carried out. The mean condition factor, K of the species was 18.9, which indicated that they were in good condition during the sampling period. This study recommends that further research needs to be conducted because the sampling duration was one-third of a year (4 months). Also efforts should be taken to reduce the pollution load in order to safe-guard this valuable resource for the local population.
Keywords: Condition Factor, Length-Weight Relationship, Nigeria, Periwinkle, Tympanotonus Fuscatus
Improving Durability of Rural Buildings in Riverine Niger Delta Region: A Case Study on Need to Utilize Appropriate Technology (Published)
Most rural communities in riverine Niger Delta do not have buildings that are conducive for habitation because the materials used for their construction are of organic origin such as thatch, mud, timber etc. This made them biodegradable and decay quickly. More frequent replacement of such materials is required because of their low durability. Further, factors such as non-availability of conventional building materials, cost of transportation, incomes levels of the people, absence of available skilled labour and lack of appropriate technology in the manufacture of building materials affect the provision of durable and affordable buildings in the riverine rural Niger delta communities. Therefore, there is need to device other means of providing durable rural buildings in terms of materials for roofing, walls, foundation as well as construction methods. The utilization of appropriate technology for building materials and construction methods is recommended as remedy.
Keywords: Appropriate Technology, Building, Construction, Palm Kernel Shells, Periwinkle, Thatch
