Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Coal-rich soil in Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North L.G.A, Delta State, Nigeria, poses a significant environmental challenge due to its high levels of toxic substances. Traditional methods of soil detoxification have shown limited effectiveness in addressing this issue. This study aims to investigate the impact of bamboo extraction as a potential solution for detoxifying coal-rich soil in the region. The research will involve collecting soil samples from various locations in Ukwu-Nzu and analyzing their chemical composition to determine the extent of contamination. Bamboo extraction will be conducted using different methods such as phytoremediation, biochar production, and composting. The effectiveness of each method in reducing the levels of toxic substances in the soil will be evaluated through laboratory tests and field trials. The study will also assess the impact of bamboo extraction on the overall soil quality, including its nutrient content, pH levels, and microbial activity. By comparing the results before and after the extraction process, the research aims to provide insights into the potential of bamboo extraction as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for soil detoxification in coal-rich areas. Furthermore, the project will evaluate the feasibility of implementing bamboo extraction on a larger scale in Ukwu-Nzu and other coal-rich regions. Factors such as the availability of bamboo resources, economic viability, and community acceptance will be taken into consideration to determine the practicality and sustainability of this approach. Overall, this research seeks to contribute to the development of innovative and environmentally friendly strategies for addressing soil contamination in coal-rich areas. By exploring the potential of bamboo extraction as a detoxification method, the study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, environmental agencies, and local communities on how to mitigate the impact of toxic substances on soil quality and ecosystem health. Keywords Bamboo extraction, Coal-rich soil, Soil detoxification, Phytoremediation, Biochar production, Composting, Soil contamination, Environmental sustainability, Ukwu-Nzu, Delta State.

Thesis Overview

1.0     INTRODUCTION


1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY


Bamboo,
the giant grass, is a vernacular term for members of subfamily Bambusoideae of
family Poaceae. Bamboo is a predominant species of the humid subtropics/
tropics forest ecosystem of the north-east hill region of the Indian
subcontinent In Asia, the history of bamboo is inextricably interwoven with
human history so much that parts of Asia could be described as a “bamboo
civilization.” Bamboo has unique rhizomal growth feature by which culms
(individual bamboo) in the clump (cluster of culms) are interconnected and
reproduce asexually to produce new culms every year. This characteristic
distinguishes bamboo from most other woody plants.

Bamboos
are cultivated and managed in traditional home gardening system (an age old
tropical agroforestry system) to fulfill diverse livelihood requirements and
provide numerous environmental services to rural community. Furthermore, bamboo
plantations protect traditional homesteads from winds, provide construction
materials and fuel wood. Bamboo plays an important role in maintaining and
improving the nutrient status of the soil (Kleinhenz et al. 2001). From a
comparative study, it was reported that the presence of bamboo in the forest
significantly affected the physical and chemical properties of soil (Christanty
and Kimmins, 1996). Nutrient content in soil was positively related to yield
and explained much of variation in yield across bamboo sites and regions in
China (Hong S S, 1994 and Shanmughavel et al. 2001).

Hence,
bamboo growth and biomass are positively related to soil organic matter, which
is the primary source of nutrients in bamboo cultivation sites in Korea (Jim
and Chong, 1982). Bamboo can grow in relatively poor soil and efficiently make
use of the available nutrients and build up relatively fertile soil around the
clumps (Singh and Singh, 1999). While studying the relationship between soil
conditions and fountain bamboo (Sinarundinaria fangiana), it was observed that
bamboo grew well on acid soil with low base saturation, deep, and low gravel
content of soils but died in the alkaline, shallow, calcareous soil with high gravel
content (Zhang, 1996). A canonical correlation analysis for bamboo growth
showed that surface soil depth, total nitrogen (N), and soil organic matter
content had high positive correlation, and clay content and cation exchange
capacity were negatively correlated with the bamboo growth (Chung and Ramma,
1990). Studies related to soil and bamboo revealed emphasis has been given to
forest bamboos, whereas bamboo plantations remain unexplored although it forms
an important component of the agroforestry systems of south Asia, especially in
India and Bangladesh.

In
traditional agro-forestry systems, bamboos are grown on soils of poor quality
or degraded site of the holdings. Therefore, bamboo has been traditionally used
to reclaim degraded lands. Despite the significant impact of bamboos to the
livelihood and wellbeing of farmers, there exists the need of scientific
understandings of the role of pure plantations of bamboo management on
sustaining soil nutrient status.


1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM


Bamboo
is a versatile crop with many uses. It has important direct and indirect
economic and ecological benefits such as providing housing, furniture, artisan
products and soil and water conservation.The ignorant of the various uses of bamboo might be a problem the people of
Delta is encountering. Another problem could be that the governments do not put
more resources in the plantation and the extraction of bamboo. There might not
also be technical hands or an experienced hand in the cultivation and
extraction processes. Bamboo still has the stigma of being a poor man’s timber and so
people tend to neglect its usefulness or purpose. Finally, many researches has
been carried out on bamboo extraction but not even a single research has been
carried out on the impact of bamboo extraction in the detoxification of coal
rich soul in Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North L.G.A of Delta state.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY


The
main aim of the study is to examine the impact of bamboo extraction in the
detoxification of coal rich soil. Other specific objectives of the study
include:

1.      
to determine the effect of bamboo
extraction on coal rich soil.

2.      
to determine the factors affecting
bamboo extraction on the detoxification of coal rich soil.

3.      
to determine the extent to which
bamboo extraction detoxifies coal rich soil.

4.      
to determine the relationship between
bamboo extraction and detoxification of coal rich soil.

5.      
to proffer possible solutions to the
problems.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS            


1.      
What is the effect of bamboo
extraction on coal rich soil?

2.      
What are the factors affecting bamboo
extraction on the detoxification of coal rich soil?

3.      
What is the extent to which bamboo
extraction detoxifies coal rich soil?

4.      
What is the relationship between bamboo
extraction and detoxification of coal rich soil?

5.      
What are the possible solutions to the
problems?

1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS


H0:
Bamboo extraction has no impact on the detoxification of coal rich soil

H1:
Bamboo
extraction has impact on the detoxification of coal rich soil


1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY


The
study on the impact of bamboo extraction in the detoxification of coal rich
soil will be of immense benefit to the entire Aniocha North L.G.A in the sense
that it will enable the government to put resources in the cultivation and
extraction processes of bamboo for the benefit of the citizens therein. The study
will also enable the government to be proactive in tapping opportunities in the
bamboo sector; it is a new addition to the small medium enterprises (SME)
sector in the country. It is unique in that it is a very eco-friendly SME. This
can be done by partnering with the private financial institutions to evolve
special packages for development assistance especially in areas of machine
procurement. The study will also educate the citizens of the
various uses of bamboo. The study will contribute to the body of existing
literature and knowledge in this field of study and provide basis for further
research.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

The
study on the impact of bamboo extraction in the detoxification of coal rich
soil is limited to Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North L.G.A. of Delta state.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY


Financial constraint–
Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing
for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of
data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).


Time constraint–
The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic
work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.


1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS


ImpactA marked effect or
influence.


BambooThe bamboos are
evergreen perennial flowering plants in the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass
family Poaceae.


ExtractionThe process of removing something


DetoxificationIs the physiological
or medicinal removal of toxic substances.


CoalA hard, black substance that is dug from
the earth in
pieces, and
can be burned to
produce heat or power.

SoilThe upper layer of
earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting
of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.


Get Complete Project Now »
Talk to us right now: (+234)906-451-7926 (Call/WhatsApp)

Share a Comment
Purchase Detail
Hello, we’re glad you stopped by, you can download the complete project materials to this project with Abstract, Chapters 1 – 5, References and Appendix (Questionaire, Charts, etc) for N5000 ($15) only,
Please call 08111770269 or +2348059541956 to place an order or use the whatsapp button below to chat us up.
Bank details are stated below.
Bank: UBA
Account No: 1021412898
Account Name: Starnet Innovations Limited