ATBU Journal of Environmental Technology

Assessing level of application of biodiversity principles in Pediatrics Centre of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Mudashir Gafar Olaiya, Fahel Paul, Sale-Bala Meimuna — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, there has been growing interest and evidence of the built environment's influence on patient recovery, particularly within the biodiversity framework and with more emphasis on paediatric healthcare facilities. Despite the considerable benefits of biodiversity principles in designing paediatric hospital environments, they remain largely unexplored in Nigeria. Therefore, this article aimed to evaluate how healthcare professionals and caregivers perceive the level of application of biodiversity principles to promote patients' well-being and recovery in the paediatrics department at ABUTH, Zaria. The research employed a case study methodological approach and a closed-end structured questionnaire to validate the data collected through the purposive sample technique. A visual survey was conducted at the paediatric centre of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital to evaluate the presence of four biodiversity principles: healing gardens (HGA), interior landscapes (ILA), natural lighting (NLI), and colour (COL). Patient well-being (PWEL) was assessed as the outcome measure. Eighty-nine healthcare professionals and caregivers contributed data for this study. The majority of respondents believed that ILA (M = 3.84), NLI (M = 3.21), and COL (M = 3.91) have a strong, significant positive influence on patients' well-being and recovery rates in environments close to nature. Conversely, respondents perceived HGA (M = 1.93) as less significant. The case study's findings revealed that the Paediatric Centre has efficient lighting (70%) and good use of colour (60%). The design gave less consideration to the healing garden (10%) and the indoor landscape in the wards (10%), despite their vital role in a paediatric patient's recovery. The study highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity design principles into therapeutic settings. By doing so, we can create environments that support patients' emotional healing and nurture meaningful connections between patients, their families, and the natural world. The study's findings demonstrated nature's essential role in patients' well-being and fostered a rich, healing atmosphere that benefitted everyone involved in the hospital environment.

Assessment of adequacy of compensation procedures and payments for mineral land in Bin Yauri and Gari Awwal, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abdulazeez Hakeem Omilola — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study assessed the adequacy of the procedures and payment for mineral land compensation in Bin-Yauri and Gari-Awwal communities in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Questionnaire was purposively administered to obtain information from a total sample size of 138. However, insecurity in the area resulted in the retrieval of only 72 (52%) questionnaires for analysis. Weighted mean, grand mean and Mann-Whitney U test were employed for the analysis. Results showed that four (4) different compensation procedures and payment were adequate to the claimants in Bin-Yauri and Garin-Awwal respectively, while the remaining eleven (11) were not. The asymptotic (2 tailed) p-values showed that ten (10) variables had p-values less than 0.05 (p-values < 0.05), suggesting significant difference between the two communities, whereas the remaining five (5) variables suggest no significant differences (p-values> 0.05). The study concludes that variables germane to the rights and quantum of the compensation for the claimants were inadequate in both communities. Additionally, a significant difference exists in the adequacy of compensation procedures and payment between the two communities. The study recommends the involvement of mining communities and landholders in the assessment and payment processes of compensation to promote transparency, eradicate suspicion of inadequacy and ensure fairness.

Aquifer prospecting and groundwater vulnerability assessment using geophysical and geochemical techniques in Odeda, South-West Nigeria

Ishola Sakirudeen Akinola — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aquifer characterization and the relevance of the subsurface hydrogeological structures on the overall protection studies of groundwater using electrical resistivity method was assessed at Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State South-West Nigeria with the objective of scaling aquifer protective capacity. Vertical electrical soundings (VES) and groundwater analyses were carried out at twenty-six (26) locations using Schlumberger Electrode Configuration for determining the aquifer hydraulic properties and protective capacity of the overburden rock materials with calculated Da-Zarouk parameters. Outputs of the interpreted geoelectric model revealed that the subsurface units are dominated by clayey sands of various grades, sandy clay, weathered basement and fresh bedrock. These have resistivity values of 17.6 Ωm to 2787.2Ωm at the top soil of the unsaturated layer between 16.6 Ωm and 388.9 Ωm in the intermediate sandy clay/shale clay layer and 49.5 Ωm to 487.6 Ωm Ωm in the aquiferous zones. Dar-Zarrouk parameters revealed that the aquifers are characterized by high transverse unit resistance with Transmissivity ranging from 0.05×10⁴ Ωm² to 0.75×10⁴ Ωm² and low longitudinal conductance ranging from 0.0011 to 0.071 Siemens. Values of S >1.0 Siemens indicate zones in which the confined aquifer would be protected while S < 1.0 Siemens indicate zones of probable risks of contamination.

The role of effective corporate asset management in improving organisational resilience: A case study of Bauchi fertilizer company

Laraba Yakubu Babas, Abdullahi Ibrahim Sabo, Terzungwe Timothy Dugeri — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, organizations have encountered many challenges and disruptions that have tested their ability to withstand a bounce back and adapt to adverse events. In this context, organizational resilience has gained significant attention as a critical factor for survival and long-term success. The Bauchi fertilizer company faces challenges in effectively managing its corporate assets. The study explores the role of corporate asset management in improving organizational resilience within the Bauchi fertilizer company. Using a census approach, data was sourced from the management staff of the Bauchi Fertilizer Company through a questionnaire survey. Given the population size (20), questionnaires were distributed to all to ensure comprehensive coverage and representation. The data collected from the questionnaire survey was analyzed using a mean score. Inadequate asset tracking and documentation are the most significant challenges, followed by limited resources. Strengthening asset documentation, implementing advanced asset management software, and creating a Cross-Functional Asset Management Team were recommended strategies for improving organizational resilience.

Integrating sustainability in property valuation: A Nigerian perspective

Laraba Yakubu Babas, Umar Auwal, Yusuf Luka Gambo — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainability in building valuation is a comprehensive way to evaluate the economic, social, and environmental performance of buildings. The review investigates the extent to which sustainability is incorporated in property valuation. A comprehensive literature review focused on the evolution of sustainable development in the built environment, incorporating sustainability features into property valuation. The review approach was adopted by exploring related works and gaps. It covers studies addressing sustainability's impact on the built environment and advancements in green features. The review identifies the growing recognition of sustainability within the built environment and the ongoing shift towards incorporating sustainability principles into regulatory frameworks and valuation practices. However, challenges such as the lack of standardized methodologies, insufficient guidance for valuers, and difficulties translating sustainability metrics into property values persist. The paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration, research, and innovation in overcoming these challenges. The review recommends enhancing stakeholder education to develop a standard valuation framework and incorporate sustainability into educational curricula. The findings underscore continued investment in research, knowledge sharing, and policy reforms to support the integration of sustainable features into property valuation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

An evaluation of the adoption of Information and Communication Technology in Corporate Real Estate Management by manufacturing organisations in Jos

Lura Yohanna Nuhu, Terzungwe Timothy Dugeri — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Increasing operational efficiency and optimising resource utilisation pose significant challenges in organisations within the manufacturing sector. The problem revolves around the limited adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM). This study evaluates the adoption of information and communication technology in CREM by manufacturing organisations in Jos. The study was conducted in three manufacturing organisations as case studies. Information was obtained through interviews and analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed that organisations in the manufacturing sector have not fully adopted ICT innovations in CREM, though they are aware. Adopting ICT will improve efficiency, enhance collaboration and communication, improve risk management, and enhance asset visibility and strategic planning within the organisation. The study recommends creating awareness of the importance of CREM in organisations which should be handled by professionals. To ensure operational efficiency and growth, organisations within the manufacturing sector need to adopt ICTinnovations into CREM in Jos and Nigeria at large.

Retrogressive challenges of geodetic studies in Nigeria

Abubakar. Fusami. Ayuba, J. D. Edan, T. Abubakar — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the past, a geodesist was seen to be a semi-mathematician or engineer rather than a surveyor. Numerous technological advances today use geodetic tools for most of the scientific breakthroughs on both real-time and otherwise. The prospect of it is now declining day by day, what are the challenges and possible ways of change? What is the prospect of ultramodern geodesist in the real world? What is the net-driving factor for students' enrolment in the field of geodesy? This prompted the primary concern of this study to have an elaborated and dedicated concern over the decline. Views of respondents via questionnaire were obtained from various Surveying and Geoinformatics platforms to assess the factors responsible for the decline in geodetic area of specialization. The actual factors were objectively verified and tested statistically, putting much of the result on a need for a transformative tool in improving the patronage of this noble profession. To that effect, stakeholders should put more research and proposals to encourage talent pursuing the field. The practice should be made more realistic, fascinating, and smart to attract students to specialize in the utmost of its advanced areas by emphasizing more on its applications and exposing learners to real practical along with its theory.

Comparison of physicochemical characteristics of corn stover adsorbents synthesized via chemical, thermal and natural routes

A.A Rasheed, S.A. Aliyu, A.B. Ibrahim, N. Salahudeen, Y. Jakada — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Corn stover was converted into adsorbents from its cob, husk, and stalk through natural, chemical, thermal, and combined chemical-thermal modifications. The structural and functional transformations were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and BET analyses to assess their adsorption potential. SEM imaging revealed significant morphological changes, with husk exhibiting the highest micropore development, followed by cob, while stalk showed minimal enhancement due to its dense structure. FTIR analysis confirmed the progressive introduction of functional groups, with chemical modification enhancing polar functionalities, thermal modification increasing aromaticity, and combined chemical-thermal treatment amplifying both effects. BET analysis showed that chemically-thermally modified husk (CT-CHP) achieved the highest surface area (346.381 m²/g), pore volume (0.171 cm³/g), and diameter (2.008 nm), followed by chemically-thermally modified stalk (320.063 m²/g) and cob (299.505 m²/g). In contrast, untreated samples exhibited significantly lower surface areas (85.230–133.097 m²/g) and smaller pore volumes. These high values recorded for modified adsorbents demonstrate their strong potential for effective adsorption applications. The significantly lower values observed in untreated samples indicate limited adsorption efficiency. Overall, this study successfully established that chemical-thermal treatment is the most effective approach for enhancing the adsorption performance of corn stover, making it a viable and sustainable option for environmental remediation applications.