Environmental Science Research Papers/Topics

The effects of long-term burning regimes on savanna spider assemblages

Abstract: Fire is an important disturbance in many biomes throughout the world and plays a major role in savannas, where it affects the composition and structure of vegetation, which in turn structures faunal assemblages. Higher intensity and more frequent fires tend to simplify habitat structure, leading to a decrease in faunal abundance and diversity. Fire is often used as a tool in conservation areas, but the effects of fire, in particular long-term burning regimes, on fauna is largely un...

Environmental effects on the circadian systems of a diurnal ( rhabdomys dilectus) and noctural (micaelamys namaquensis) rodent species with specific reference to light pollution

Abstract: The presence of artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of many contributing factors to global change today. The spectral range of ALAN can also alter the potential effects of light pollution in certain contexts which creates an exceptionally complex cascade of impacts. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the interactions of various environmental factors including ALAN on biological variables, locomotor activity and corticosterone concentration, of two species of rodent. This...

Licuati forest reserve, Mozambique : flora, utilization and conservation

Abstract: A floristic study of the Thicket vegetation in the Licmiti Forest Reserve, southern Mozambique, was undertaken. Observations on the structure and range of this unique vegetation type, its species composition, level of endemism and utilisation are provided. A literature review of the physical environment, soils, climate, vegetation and flora, as well as historical background, is presented. The Licuati Thicket covers an area of about 14 000 ha, which is about 35% of the 40 000 ha cov...

The relative importance of natural and human-induced environmental conditions for species richness distribution patterns in South Africa

Abstract: I studied the spatial distribution of South African avian species richness from the viewpoint that humans are a substantial modifying force on earth, and have also modified the historical spatial distribution of species richness. The main aim of the thesis is to investigate the way in which humans have modified avian species richness patterns in South Africa at the quarter-degree square (QDS) resolution, which is a phenomenon that has been either overlooked, or not completely clari...

Organic matter contribution of ameliorants to reclaimed surface-mined soil and carbon storage

Abstract: Coal mining in South Africa is renowned for large scale removal of topsoil and subsoil through opencast mining. Such processes lead to an enormous amount of land degradation and thus, limit the land capability after mine closure. The removal and stockpiling of topsoil leads to adverse effects not only on the fertility of the soil but also the physical properties of the soil which greatly limit the ability of the soil to sustain plant development. Resultant mined soils have a varied...

The Potential Of Field Margin Pesticidal Plants On Bean Production And Ecosystem Services In Arusha, Tanzania

An experiment was undertaken in NM-AIST farms in Arusha Tanzania from January to July 2017 to assess the potential of pesticidal plants on supporting the beneficial insects, controlling pests’ and influencing bean growth and yield. Six treatments were evaluated. This included: bean plots imposed close to the following field margin pesticidal plants: 1) Tephrosia vogelii, 2) Lantana camara, 3) Tithonia diversifolia and 4) Lantana trifolia 5) positive control treatments sprayed with synt...

The Impact Of Mpape Dumpsite Solid Waste Leachate On Soil Quality, Abuja Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of dumpsite on soil and plant quality in Mpape, Abuja FCT. The study employed both transect and quadrant techniques in collecting soil and plant samples. The soil samples were taken in both rainy and dry season for three months each at the depth of 0-30cm using soil auger. A total of forty-eight soil sample and thirty-two plant samples were collected, totalling eighty samples in and around Mpape Dumpsite and taken to Abuja Environmental Protection Board...

PIIION OF CLIMATE CHANGE Among SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL OF The FCT

ABSTRACT The p·u.rpose dy was to examine the perception of climate change among senior secondary scJltS in Abuja municipal area council of the FCT Abuja. The study has an:-J.ongst its < to determine the level of awareness of the students on the issues of clirnate cb.anlfi their sources of information and the location of their schools. Ttie study e~sed primary source of data that reflected a cross-age design involving the collecticative and quantitative data from eight senior secondary school...

Environmental Education And Students Participation Towards Sustainable Environment Development in Abuja Municipal Area Council

ABSTRACT  This study "environmental education and students part1_·i, 17ation towards sustainable environmental development in AMAC ", ,/ras aimc. i at determining the level of Environmental Education and Participation amongst students of secondary schools and their contribution toward sustainable environmental development. The specific objectives were to identify students · awareness and sensitivity on environmental issues; identify the subjects r hat incorporate environmental education in...