Bacterial degradation of fossil fuel waste in aqueous and solid media
- Authors: Edeki, Oghenekume Gerald
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54565 , vital:26588
- Description: The generation of environmental pollutants worldwide is mainly due to over reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. As a result of the negative impacts of these pollutants on the health of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, global attention has been directed towards ways of containing this problem. Biodegradation of fossil fuel is one of the most effective methods used to remediate contaminated systems. However with regard to coal waste, much of what is known is based on the ability of fungal species to biosolubilize this material under enrichment conditions in a laboratory setting. For effective biodegradation as a remediation technique, there is an immediate need to source, isolate, enrich and incorporate other microorganisms such as bacteria into bioremediation technologies. The goal of this dissertation was to isolate bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated environments and to demonstrate competence for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation which was achieved using a combination of analytical methods such as spectrophotometry, FT-IR, SEM and GC-MS. Screening for biodegradation of coal and petroleum hydrocarbon waste resulted in the isolation of 75 bacterial strains of which 15 showed good potential for use in developing remedial biotechnologies. Spectrophotometric analysis of bacteria both in coal and petroleum hydrocarbons (all in aqueous media) revealed a high proliferation of bacteria in these media suggesting that these microbes can effectively utilize the various substrates as a source of carbon. The isolated bacteria effectively degraded and converted waste coal to humic and fulvic acids; products required to enrich coal mine dumps to support re-vegetation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the attachment of bacteria to waste coal surfaces and the disintegration of coal structures while FT-IR analysis of extracted humic-like substances from biodegraded waste coal revealed these to have the same functional groups as commercial humic acid. Specific consortia which were established using the isolated bacterial strains, showed greater potential to biodegrade coal than did individual isolates. This was evident in experiments carried out on coal and hydrocarbons where the efficient colonization and utilization of these substrates by each bacterial consortium was observed due to the effect of added nutrients such as algae. The biodegradation of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons (diesel and BTEX) was also achieved using the 15 bacterial isolates. GC-MS analysis of extracted residual PHC from aqueous and solid media revealed rapid breakdown of these contaminants by bacteria. Different bacterial consortia established from the individual isolates were shown to be more efficient than single isolates indicating that formulated consortia are the biocatalysts of choice for fossil fuel biodegradation. This study represents one of the most detailed screenings for bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated sites and the isolation of strains with potential to biodegrade coal and petroleum hydrocarbon wastes. Several consortia have been developed and these show potential for further development as biocatalysts for use in bioremediation technology development. An evaluation of efficiency of each established bacterial consortium for biodegradation in a commercial and/or industrial setting at pilot scale is now needed.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape province; South Africa
- Authors: Mqaba, Mzuyanda Victor
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1612 , vital:27488
- Description: This study investigated the impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of agricultural cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this empirical study were to examine (1) the impact of government support on growth of cooperatives, (2) assess the impact of government support on the performance of cooperatives, (3) reviewing the impact of government support on survival of cooperatives. A total sample of 157 agricultural cooperatives which consisted of poultry, maize, goat, nursery, sheep and vegetable coops was used. Stratified random sampling technique was used and a self-administered questionnaire used to gather primary data. The primary data of the study was gathered from the cooperatives managers only as they were the targeted respondents. Gathered data went through factor analysis, anova test and correlation analysis for the statistical analysis purposefully to arrive in study findings and conclusion. The findings of the study drawn from the 66% response rate concluded that government support has a statistical significant impact on growth of cooperatives. The study also indicated that government support has a significant impact on the survival of cooperatives. It is also reported that the performance of cooperatives is significantly impacted positively by government support. The findings of the study also indicated that agricultural cooperatives are not satisfied with the present government support.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The role of agricultural co-operatives in food security in the Eastern Cape, Province of South Africa: the case of the Nkonkobe Local Municipality
- Authors: Dyalvane, Ncumisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2867 , vital:28110
- Description: This study highlights the contribution of agricultural co-operatives in promoting food security in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Although the dawn of democracy saw the government making efforts to address food insecurity and provide solutions to the challenges related to it a lot remains to be done. As a result, food insecurity remains a fundamental concern in South Africa in particular among villagers in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. Consequently, the study focuses on the state of Agricultural Co-operatives in the Nkonkobe Municipality and their role in food security. Therefore, this dissertation therefore discusses problems plaguing Agricultural Co-operatives in Nkonkobe. This study highlights the contribution of agricultural co-operatives in promoting food security in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Although the dawn of democracy saw the government making efforts to address food insecurity and provide solutions to the challenges related to it a lot remains to be done. As a result, food insecurity remains a fundamental concern in South Africa in particular among villagers in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. Consequently, the study focuses on the state of Agricultural Co-operatives in the Nkonkobe Municipality and their role in food security. Therefore, this dissertation therefore discusses problems plaguing Agricultural Co-operatives in Nkonkobe. The qualitative methodology was used because it seeks to dig out in-depth information so as to understand the causes of food insecurity despite agricultural co-operatives and government assistance being in place. The food security situation was analysed using the sustainable livelihoods and basic needs approaches. The findings of the study reveal that agricultural co-operatives face a number of challenges. These include inadequate funds, poor market places, transport problems, shortage of farming equipment and insufficient water supply. In addition, the ability of agricultural co-operatives to make a worthy contribution to food security is being adversely hindered by poor implementation capacity and financial management. This in turn makes them unable to strengthen and expand their business operations. The study suggests that the government or the municipality should build sustainable water sources like dams as well as provide taps in the community to boost productivity all year round in the agricultural cooperatives hence guaranteeing food security in Nkonkobe Local Municipality,the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large.
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- Date Issued: 2015