Environmental Assessment Of Potentially Oil Impacted Areas In Duburu, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General  Introduction

This report involves soil and surface water contamination appraisal of five potentially impacted areas located in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

The area form part of the sites covered by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2011 and includes Duburu. Detailed descriptions and locations of these sites are given in chapter 2.

1.2 Objective

The present assessment is required to achieve the following objectives;

                                                                                       

·        To delineate the lateral and vertical extent of oil spill on soil and surface water systems.

·        To confirm the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and volatile Compounds (BTEX)

·        Evaluate results obtained in line with DPR regulatory standards (target and intervention values) for contaminated surface water and soil.

·         Use data obtained to determine if remedial measures are required for any identified affected surface soil.

                            

1.3     Scope Of Work

The work scope for the study includes the following:

Ø Contamination appraisal which generally involves surface and near-surface assessment of soil.

Ø The soil survey involves an intrusive aspect using auger drilling in which subsurface soil materials were assessed.

Ø Laboratory testing and an appraisal of the results all in accordance with international Standards and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN).

1.4     Environmental Setting

Site Location, Description And Background Information

Detailed descriptions of each site together with the location, specific characteristics and main features are summarized in Table 1 below. A plan indicating the location of Khana L.G.A. the host local council of all the area is included as Figure 1. The oil spill in the objective areas occurred in January 1994 during which time the cause of the spill was unknown. As at the time of spill, environmental media affected by free phase oil were soils in farm lands and stagnant and running surface water. Visual observation indicated oil sheen and oil patches on surfaces of running and stagnant water pools and when bottom sediment is disturbed, stain on vegetation. Areal extent of the spill as at 1994, ranged from 2 – 5km long and 20 – 140m wide, and an area of between 50,000 – 140,000m².  Average depth of penetration of free phase oil was 0.03m, while the nearest habitation was <100m.

                         

 

 

Fig. 1: Location map of study areas. (Not to Scale).

 

 

 

 

 

                                   

1.5     Limitations and Constraints

Limitations encountered during the course of this work were associated with the fieldwork exercise. These include challenges associated with swampy and rugged terrains

1.6     Vegetation Type, Local Human Activities and Land Use.

The area is characterized mainly by secondary vegetation type characteristic of tropical equatorial climatic regions, made up of forested evergreen plant species composed of a mix of short shrubs medium to tall trees, short and tall grasses and ferns in open areas, while dense vegetation and thickets made up of tall evergreen tropical tree species and tall grasses occur around the swamp lands. Mangrove swamps exists around water courses in the Baen area. Species of the remnant natural vegetation include oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) and bamboo that are commonly seen in the area, although some of the oil palm trees were planted by the local. Subsistence agricultural activities form the main stay of the local economy of the rural population. Annual crops cultivated by the local population include plantain, pineapple, cassava, yam, sugarcane and maize e.t.c. Plate 1shows the vegetation type in the spill area. A summary of the general vegetation composition in the various sites are shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Site details

Site	General site information/observations
DUBURU	Low lying, arable farm lands, riverine, secondary vegetation

 

                                                    

1.7     REVIEW OF PREVIOUS WORKS

Companies such as shell have used a generic conceptual site model (CSM) to develop the assessment strategy used to identify their facilities that represent a risk to human health or the environment, and therefore require remediation. The key findings were:

·        The main contaminant of concern is crude oil.

·        The main primary sources of contamination at companies operations result in discharge of crude oil to the ground surface and where pipelines are buried to below ground.

·        There is generally a limited penetration of crude oils into the soils in the Niger Delta. However, specific pathways may exist that could results in deeper penetration of the contaminants.

·        Migration will predominantly be along the ground surface from high to low topography, or through slow soil infiltration into near surface groundwater table.

·        The main risk to human health is from direct contact and ingestion or indirect means through the intake of bio-accumulated forms in plant (food crops); however, there may be cases where either potable or domestic water is impacted.

Gighi et al(2012). Have worked onPost-impact soil assessments of crude oil spill site in kpean community in Khana LGA (Ogoni) of rivers state, Nigeria. J. Sci., 2: 109-120.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract

 

The environmental assessment of potentially oil impacted areas in duburu, khana local government area, rivers state is a research carried out on the five sites to show primary source of contamination is considered to be the crude oil which may have either been spilled through sabotage or leakage from the existing oil wells and pipelines resulting to the contamination of surface and subsurface soil and water.

The oil impacted areas or spilled areas has affected the habitant of duburu and the nearby communities;

Directly and indirectly either through consumption of harvested crops products from the impacted areas and domestic and non-domestic animals as food, and drinking of domestic or portable water which has been contaminated poses to be  hazardous and risky to the human health in general, and also commercially it has made the cost of living and standard of living high because instead of over 85% percent of foods are bought from other communities which are not affected.

Different researches has shown promising results and methods  with respect to remediation of oil impacted areas: s

 

Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQPA), Risk Assessment Matrix, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Ethyle-benzene and Xylene (BTEX), e.t.c. were used for the assessmentof the successful completion of this word.

 

 

EDITOR SOURCES:

1.       Environmental Assessment Of Potentially Oil Impacted Areas In Duburu, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State

2.       Environmental Assessment Of Potentially Oil Impacted Areas In Duburu, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State

3.        Environmental Assessment Of Potentially Oil Impacted Areas In Duburu, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State

 

Design And Production Of Ceiling Board Using Plaster Of Paris (Pop) Gypsum Material

Design And Production Of Ceiling Board Using Plaster Of Paris (Pop) Gypsum Material

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

1.0     Introduction

This project deals with the design and production of ceiling board using POP gypsum materials. Plaster of Paris (POP) which is calcium sulphate with half molecule of water of crystallization (CaSO₄.1/2H₂0)  and  hygroscopic characteristic obtained by duly  calcined the material that is Gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂0). It possess an outstanding property of setting and subsequent hardening when mixed with water (Smith, 1896).

Gypsum is basically the raw material require to manufacture Plaster of Paris. This is cleaned and washed for removal of impurities, dried in sunlight and then pulverized. Gypsum powder are calcined in a rotary drum calcinatory using light diesel oil/firewood/coal as fuel. The low pressure burner is sufficient to reach the calcinations temperature range from 160^oc to 180^oc.The process of calcinations is done over a period of about 2 hours so that one – halves molecule of water is removed to obtain the required properties after cooling, the calcined powder is passed through 150 mesh and packed in airtight polythene lined bags.

Modern Gypsum board has it predecessor a product called “sackett board”. A composite material that was made of layer of thin plaster placed between four piles of wool felt paper. Sackett board was  patented in 1894,  By  Augustine Sackett, The man generally considered to be the grandfather of gypsum board manufacturing industry.

Prior to 1894, Gypsum had been used for thousand of years as building material and as an architectural detailing element. The first use of gypsum in building construction appears to occurred in 3700BC, when an Egyptian used gypsum blocks and plaster applied over woven straw lath in the building of the pyramid of cheops.

A French chemist (Lavoiser, 1710), Analysed the chemical make up  of gypsum, his work and subsequent research by a group of his contemporary chemists coupled with the discovery and mining of huge reserve of gypsum near Paris leads to the wholesale use of plaster of Paris as a building material.

Plaster of Paris is extensively used in ceramics industry for preparation of models and moulds. It is also used as main raw material in the manufacture of toy and statues, chalk, crayon, gypsum plaster board and decorative picture frame besides wide range of application in interior decoration of building and other establishment (Alfred, 1896).

As there is growing building construction activities and advancement in technology, POP gypsum board are used in home and  offices  and  indeed  all  type of  building  where  people congregate such as schools, halls, churches, mosques, airports e.t.c.

POP gypsum ceiling board provides more aesthetic outlook, offer adequate resistance to heat and sufficient resistance to fire.

1.1            Statement Of Problem

Recent  studies indicate that asbestos ceiling contains hazardous material from the health point of view. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fiber can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis. Therefore it has been banned from use in many developed country due to the chrysotile content.

To this end, there is need for alternative ceiling material which is durable, reliable and affordable.

1.2            Aim And Objectives Of The Study   

          The aim of this project is to design and produce  ceiling board using POP gypsum materials

The objectives of the study is highlighted below :-

·        To produce durable lightweight building material for ceiling

·        To determine the strength of the ceiling board.

·        To determine it durability.

·        To determine the water absorption capacity.

1.3            Justification Of The Study

The use of gypsum ceiling board for ceiling finishing should be adopted and improved because the problems associated with asbestos, which have been used as ceiling finishes for years but with the use of POP gypsum material as ceiling finishes which offers sufficient sound insulation and considerable absorption of heat from the roof and hence provide employment opportunity to the producer.

1.4            Scope Of The Study

The scope and limitation of this project is basically the design and production of ceiling board using  POP  gypsum material. In this project, water absorption test and flexural strength test was carried out to determine the water capacity, strength and durability of the sample made up of composite quantity of POP plaster, water and fibre (villas) when subjected to loading.

 

 

Abstract

This project, Design and production of ceiling board using Plaster of Paris (POP) Gypsum materials. Gypsum is basically the raw material required in the manufacturing Plaster of Paris (POP) which posses an outstanding property  and a good material for producing ceiling board.

The materials procured for the project are plaster of Paris, fiber, water and mould. The equipment used for the project are scrapper, measuring tape, mixing bowl, bucket. Firstly, water was poured into the container (mixing bowl) and plaster of Paris sprinkled, two minutes was waited for absorption and then the mortar was mixed with hand and shaked vigorously to obtain a fully homogeneous mixture and thereafter the mortar was sprayed on the mould and fiber was added which serves as reinforcement.

Water absorption test was carried out on the sample and the result indicated that plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling board has an average 8.4 percent water absorptivity compare to Asbestos with 0.5 percent. Therefore plaster of paris (POP) ceiling board absorb water readily in case there is water leakage of the roof. Flexural strength test was carried out and the result obtained showed that plaster of paris (POP) ceiling board has a mean flexural strength of 11.4 N/mm² and Asbestos has an average flexural strength of about 1.00 N /mm².

 To this end, it is proved that plaster of paris (POP) ceiling board posses sufficient strength and it is durable for Civil Engineering works.

 

EDITOR SOURCES

1.       Design And Production Of Ceiling Board Using Plaster Of Paris (Pop) Gypsum Material

2.       Design And Production Of Ceiling Board Using Plaster Of Paris (Pop) Gypsum Material

3.       Design And Production Of Ceiling Board Using Plaster Of Paris (Pop) Gypsum Material

 

Assessment Of Heavy Metal In Sediment Of Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta State

 

 

 

 

Background Of The Study

Orogodo River is one of the numerous freshwater bodies that abound in the Niger Delta area of southern Nigeria. It is a typical municipal stream flowing through Agbor town with a pollution of over 100,000 people (Arimoroet al., 2008). The river is subjected to organic pollution load arising from the effluent discharge from the abattoirs stations along the river bank, which comprises of stomach and intestinal contents of slaughtered animals, ashes of burnt animals’ materials that are slaughtered daily that makes up an enormous volume of waste discharge regularly into the stream without treatment. Furthermore, the river is influenced by frequent disturbance from human and animal activities which if not properly managed can pose severe health risk to the populace. There is need to assess the level of heavy metal contamination in Nigeria water sediments and also see the effect of these contamination to the aquatic life and ecosystem in general. It is widely recognized that marine ecosystems can become contaminated by trace of metals from numerous and diverse sources. However, anthropogenic activities, such as mining and industrial processing of ores and metals, still remain the principal cause of the increase amount of heavy metals which have been dumped in to the oceans (DeGregori et al., 1996). Heavy metals belong to the group of elements whose hydro-geochemistry cycles have been greatly accelerated by man. Anthropogenic metals emission into the atmosphere such as Pb, Hg, Zn, Cd and Cu are 1:3 orders of magnitude higher than natural fluxes. As a consequence, these elements are expected to become increasingly accumulated in natural reservoirs.

Protecting sediment quality is an important part of restoring and monitoring the biological integrity of our Nation’s water as well as protecting aquatic life, wild life and human health. Sediment is an integral component of aquatic ecosystem providing habitat, feeding, spawning and rearing areas for many aquatic organisms. Sediment also serves as reservoir for pollutants and therefore a potential source of pollutantsto the water column, organisms, and ultimately human consumers of those organisms. Contaminated sediment can cause lethal and sub-lethal effect in benthic and other sediment associated organisms (US EPA 2001). Also natural and human disturbances can release pollutants to the overlying water, where pelagic (water column) organisms can be exposed. Sediment pollutants can reduce or eliminate species of recreational, commercial or ecological importance, either through direct effects or by affecting the food supply which the sustainable population requires. The extent and severity of sediment contamination in U.S has been documented in the National Sediment Inventory (NSI). The evaluation of sediment contamination data indicates that thousands of locations have been affected throughout the country (US EPA2001).This work covers sampling of whole sediment and analysis to ascertain the level of contamination of heavy metals in River Orogodo.

1.2:Statement Of Problem

Orogodo River has potential for pollution arising from anthropogenic activities like all major rivers passing through densely populated and built environments. The river is subjected to organic pollution load arising from the effluent discharge from the abattoirs stations along the river bank, which comprises of stomach and intestinal contents of slaughtered animals, ashes of burnt animals’ materials that are slaughtered daily that makes up an enormous volume of waste discharge regularly into the stream without treatment. Furthermore, the river is influenced by frequent disturbance from human and animal activities which if not properly managed can pose severe health risk to the populace. There is need to assess the level of heavy metal contamination in Nigeria water sediments and also see the effect of these contamination to the aquatic life and ecosystem in general.

1.3: Aim And Objectives                         

The aim of this project work is to determine heavy metals in some selected location in Orogodo River, Delta state, Nigeria.

Objectives:

·         The objective of this work is to ascertain the level of heavy metals in analyzed samples.

·         To determine the concentration of heavy metals in the selected locations of the Orogodo river.

·         To evaluate the impact of the abattoir effluent discharge on the river and consequently, the risk posed to public health as a result of the identified pollution.

·         Compare the concentrations to known standards

1.4: Scope Of The Study

The scope of this study covers the sampling exercise, field study, a laboratory analysis of samples obtained and interpretation of laboratory data using statistical, graphical illustration. The field study was carried out along the course of the Orogodo River, taking the abattoir discharges point as the source. Sediment was collected using the grab sampler from some specific point of the river both upstream and downstream discharges from the abattoir.

1.5: Significance Of The Study

In small quantities, certain heavy metals are nutritionally essential for a healthy life. Diagnostic medical application includes direct injection of gallium during radio logical procedures dosing with chromium in parent nutrition mixtures, and the use of lead as x-ray shield (Jassir, M.S., et al, 2005).  Heavy metals are also common in industrial applications such as the manufacture of pesticides, batteries, alloys, electroplated metal parts, textile dyes, steel, and so forth (WHO, 2006). Many of these products are in our homes and add to the quality of life when properly used. In biological systems, heavy metals have been reported to affect cellular organelles and components such as cell membrane, mitochondrial, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclei, and some enzymes involved in metabolism, detoxification, and damage repair. Metal ions have been found to interact with cell components such as DNA and nuclear proteins, causing DNA damage and conformational changes that may lead to cell cycle modulation, carcinogenesis or apoptosis. Several studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress play a key role in the toxicity and carcinogenicity of metals such as arsenic,cadmium,chromium, lead, and mercury. Because of their high degree of toxicity, these five elements rank among the priority metals that are of great public health significance. They are all systemic toxicants that are known to induce multiple organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), these metals are also classified as either “known” or “probable” human carcinogens based on epidemiological and experimental studies showing an association between exposure and cancer incidence in humans and animals. Heavy metal-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity involves many mechanistic aspects, some of which are not clearly elucidated or understood. However, each metal is known to have unique features and physic-chemical properties that confer to its specific toxicological mechanisms of action.

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine heavy metals concentration in sediment of upstream and downstream of the entry of the sewage to the Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta state Nigeria . Samples were collected from upstream and downstream and were analyzed for Heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Ca, Mg, Co, Mn and Zn) by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It shows the concentration of iron, cadmium, manganese, cobalt, chromium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, nickel, lead and copper in mg/kg in sediments sampled.Some specific physico-chemical characteristics, such as TDS, pH, Temperature and conductivity which are known to influence the interactions and dynamics of metals within the sediment. The mean value of the metals listed above in all the six locations gave 126.09mg/kg, 0.000mg/kg, 0.538mg/kg, 0.000mg/kg, 0.141mg/kg, 1.789mg/kg, 1.258mg/kg, 9.49mg/kg, 0.000mg/kg, 0.112mg/kg and 0.0827mg/kg respectively.. The result of the analysis It shown that the concentrations of heavy metal like Zn, Pb, Cr, Ca, Cu, Co, Mg, Mn, Cd and Ni in the sediment are low, but require monitoring to prevent an increase. Hence the concentration of Fe is higher when compared with the WHO and FEPA standard for sediment which may constitute risk to the environment. The concentration of heavy metal varies for the different locations. Based on the result of analysis, recommendation were offered to reduce the concentration of heavy metal of the river.

EDITOR SOURCES:

1.       Assessment Of Heavy Metal In Sediment Of Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta State

2.       Assessment Of Heavy Metal In Sediment Of Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta State

3.       Assessment Of Heavy Metal In Sediment Of Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta State

 

The Element Of Para Gothicism Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre And Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

Introduction

Background to the Study

This research study will be dealing with the subject matter of the para-gothicism in the novels of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. It will be very necessary to give the basics of the subject matter before a broader look will be given the subject matter in the review of the literature.

It will be very necessary to first of all make an absolute definition of what a gothic novel is. Gothic fiction, sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, is a genre or mode of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance. Gothicism's origin is attributed to English author Horace Walpole, with his 1764 novel The Castle of Otranto, subtitled "A Gothic Story". The effect of Gothic fiction feeds on a pleasing sort of terror, an extension of Romantic literary pleasures that were relatively new at the time of Walpole's novel. Melodrama and parody (including self-parody) were other long-standing features of the Gothic initiated by Walpole.

Generally, the tone and mood of gothic novels are brooding and sombre. Often, female protagonists find themselves in the midst of conspiracies, in the clutches of mysterious or sinister people (usually men), and people tend to harbour (dark!) secrets. The male protagonist, who may be the romantic interest, is often brooding and charismatic. The landscape and/or climate are often inhospitable, and the author may use pathetic fallacy to good effect. Buildings, dwellings, and architecture are often scary or mysterious--there may be secret rooms or rooms with special significance.

 Narratives revolve around the macabre, the supernatural, and death quite a bit. People are sometimes 'haunted' by memories of dead loved ones. Other times, the supernatural element is explained away, though. i.e., the main characters think there's a ghost, but a rational explanation for seemingly supernatural events is revealed. Protagonists' psychology is important too: a lot of the time, these stories are rooted in some deep fears of death, sex, etc., and so a lot of the terror may be in their imagination--which does not necessarily make it less terrifying.

Para-Gothicism is not a rediscovery of the gothic, but rather a rebirth of that style; it is also a modern name for Gothicism. According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is defined as relating and constituting the revival or adaptation of the Gothic, especially in literature or architecture.

The Gothic motifs and forms are imitated. This genre could be said to be broad and hybrid in nature. It covers three genres:

1.        The Gothic novels – This utilizes the mysterious, the supernatural, the horrific, and the romantic.

2.        The romance novel – This lays emphasis on love and passion and represents the notion of two lovers destined for each other.

3.        The Bildungsroman – It is a narration of a character’s internal development as he/she undergoes a succession of encounters with the external world

In architectural terms parallel to the ascendancy of the neo-Gothic styles in the 19th century in England, interest spread rapidly to the continent of Europe, Australia, South Africa, and America. The number of Gothic revival structures built in the 19th and 20th centuries has exceeded the number of authentic Gothic structures that had been built previously. Today, for instance, the Gothic style of architecture has been imitated in churches, military academies and university buildings.

Also, Jane Eyre is a novel by English writer Charlotte Brontë. It was published in London, England, in 1847 by Smith, Elder & Co. with the title Jane Eyre. An Autobiography under the pen name "Currer Bell." The first American edition was released the following year by Harper & Brothers of New York. The Penguin edition describes it as an "influential feminist text" because of its in-depth exploration of a strong female character's feelings.

The novel merges elements of three distinct genres. It has the form of a Bildungsroman, a story about a child's maturation, focusing on the emotions and experiences that accompany growth to adulthood. The novel also contains much social criticism, with a strong sense of morality at its core, and finally has the brooding and moody quality and Byronic character typical of Gothic fiction.

It is a novel often considered ahead of its time due to its portrayal of the development of a thinking and passionate young woman who is both individualistic, desiring for a full life, and also highly moral. Jane evolves from her beginnings as a poor and plain woman without captivating charm to her mature stage as a compassionate and confident whole woman. As she matures, she comments much on the complexities of the human condition. Jane also has a deeply pious personal trust in God but is also highly self-reliant. Although Jane suffers much, she is never portrayed as a damsel in distress who needs rescuing. For this reason, it is sometimes considered an important early feminist (or proto-feminist) novel.

Also taking a look at Wuthering Heights is a novel by Emily Brontë published in 1847. It was her only novel and was written between December 1845 and July 1846. It remained unpublished until July 1847 and was not printed until December after the success of her sister Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre. It was finally printed under the pseudonym Ellis Bell; a posthumous second edition was edited by Charlotte.

The title of the novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors of the story. The narrative centres on the all-encompassing, passionate but doomed love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, and how this unresolved passion eventually destroys them and many around them.

Today considered a classic of English literature, Wuthering Heights was met with mixed reviews when it first appeared, mainly because of the narrative's stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty. Although Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre was generally considered the best of the Brontë sisters' works during most of the nineteenth century, many subsequent critics of Wuthering Heights argued that it was a superior achievement. Wuthering Heights has also given rise to many adaptations and inspired works, including films, radio, television dramatisations, a musical by Bernard J. Taylor, a ballet, three operas (respectively by Bernard Herrmann, Carlisle Floyd, and Frédéric Chaslin), a role-playing game, and a song by Kate Bush.

However, in the proceeding chapter, a broader look will be given to the subject matter and also we will be looking at what other writers have got to evaluate Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

Statement of the Problem

There was a time in the last decades of the eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century, reflected dimly in the prints, paintings and surviving relics of that era, which effectively symbolises our deep-rooted yearning to escape from the mindlessness of modern existence through its portal where glimpses of a  beautiful, unpolluted world with clean, graceful architecture starkly contrasts with the smoke-discoloured edifices of concrete in today’s wilderness of ugly buildings set in a wasteland of dying forests. Such vistas, such colour and the pleasure they produce are of different orders from anything we now experience. So much so, that were we to glimpse, feel, smell and taste how life once was (against the natural background sound of birds, brooks and horses’ hooves instead of the cacophony of aeroplanes, industry and motor vehicles) we would probably think and indeed dream differently.

However, the problem of this research study is to unfold the Gothic genre and the romanticism, the demonstration of the finite and tragically self-consuming nature of passion in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

Research Question

The following questions will help guide the research study to achieve its objectives.

1.        What is Gothicism?

2.        What is para-Gothicism?

3.        What are the para-Gothic element in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre?

4.        What are the interrelationships between Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre?

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the following:

1.        To understand the nature of Gothicism in its various context.

2.        The Gothic element in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

3.        And to also explore the interrelationship between Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

Significance of the Study

The importance of this research study cannot be overemphasised, by virtue of the fact that it is going to elucidate an area that has long existed and has remained in a diversified sense.

This study is highly significant in the sense that it will help the readers of this work especially students in the field of languages to further understand the diversifying nature of Gothicism.

Also, the novels whose Gothic nature is been poised will be better understood and easily comprehended by the readers of this research study.

And to crown it all, this research study is also significant taking cognisance of the fact that it will also explore the themes of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, and will elucidate the relationships that do exist between these two Gothic novels.

 

Scope of the Study

This research study will be limited in scope only to the works of Charlotte Bronte and Emily Bronte novels, that is, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights respectively and to the review of related literature.

Operational Definition of Terms

Gothicism: is a genre or mode of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance.

Para-Gothicism: The combination of three genres (that is, Gothic, Romance, and Bildungsroman).

Supernatural is that which is not subject to the laws of nature, or more figuratively, that which is said to exist above and beyond nature.

Protagonist: The protagonist means the main character of a story.

Proto-feminist: Proto-feminist is a term used to define women in a philosophical tradition that anticipated modern feminist concepts.

Romance: Romance is a style of heroic prose and verse narrative that was popular in the aristocratic circles of High Medieval and Early Modern Europe.

 

ABSTRACT

Para-Gothicism is not a rediscovery of the gothic, but rather a rebirth of that style; it is also a modern name for Gothicism, a genre or mode of literature combining elements of both horror and romance. This research study is centred on the novels of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Love and struggle is the central Para-Gothic theme in both Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Love is presented as a powerful force in both novels. Love is used by both authors to develop the character's personalities, and produces two different outcomes. Both novels are stories of love and how this powerful emotion was able to overcome countless obstacles. Characters within Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre overcame the constraints society had upon them, what appeared to be their destinies and characters were able to overcome themselves. These obstacles were lengthy struggles that characters within each novel were faced with and went through immense pain all for love. The research study is designed in a five-chapter format, with chapter one as an introductory aspect, which leads to the review of related literature and also followed by the Para-Gothic elements/themes of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and finally, chapter four is a concluding part of the research study.

 

EDITOR SOURCE:

1.       The Element Of Para Gothicism Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre And Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

2.       The Element Of Para Gothicism Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre And Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

3.       The Element Of Para Gothicism Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre And Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights

4.        

 

The Effects Of Qualification Of English Teachers On The Performance Of Secondary School Students In External Examinations

Introduction

1.1         Background To The Study

The quality of education is directly related to the quality of instruction in the classrooms. It is a fact that the academic qualifications, knowledge of the subject matter, competence, and skills of teaching and the commitment of the teacher have an effective impact on the teaching-learning process (National Education Policy 1998-2010). Quality improvement in education depends upon the proper training of teachers. The teachers cannot play any of the roles unless properly trained (Yadved and Singh, 1988). The performance of students especially in external examinations goes a long way to show the level of preparedness of the student definitely by qualified teachers.

Teaching is an art. It can be refined by training and practice. The availability of competent teachers is central to the reconstruction of the educational system. English has acquired the status of a global language (Crystal, 1997). Keeping in view the growing need and importance of the English language in every walk of life, English is made a compulsory subject in Nigeria from the very beginning of the academic career. This increasingly necessitates good quality initial preparation for non-native speaker teachers in the school system (Cullen, 1994).

English is taught as a compulsory subject and also the whole teaching-learning process is carried out in the English language. In other words, English is also the medium of instruction in Nigerian schools. This enables the students of these schools to learn English in an environment where most of the interaction between the teacher and the students is in English (Fuller & Clark, 1994). As a result, the students of these schools are more proficient in English and perform well in external examinations.

In some schools, however, the teaching of English is done somewhat differently and the proficiency in the language is somewhat inadequate. The traditional grammar-translation method is a favourite with the teachers and there is hardly any exposure to the English language inside or outside the class. Most of the activities in the class are done in the vernacular or the mother tongue. Even the English language is explained through Urdu or the vernaculars (Al-mutawa&Kailani, 1989). The students resort to memorization and cramming.

The teacher is the facilitator of examinations rather than of learning. The students memorize, translate and retranslate and, finally reproduce the crammed information or knowledge in the external examinations. No creativity is witnessed on the part of the students from this kind of teaching experience (Baumgardner, 1993). The reason is that the teachers themselves are not qualified or competent enough to teach English efficiently. This causes poor results in English eventually leading to the highest failure percentage in English at external examinations. Thus English becomes the biggest hurdle (particularly for the students from rural areas) on the way to getting a higher education and key administrative posts. In its annual report, Federal Public Service Commission (1998) reported that the English language as the medium of expression in the external examination is depriving the students of some poor institutions to compete with their counterparts from highly placed institutions.

English as a language plays a number of roles in the socio-economic, political and cultural development of Nigerian society. The continued slide in the performance of students in the English language in external examinations is a course of great concern not only for the teachers but also for all stakeholders in the business of education. This is more worrisome when one considers the fact that English doubles as a medium of instruction in Nigerian schools as well as our linquafranca. The central role of English cannot, therefore, be wished away. The pattern of failure has, however, shown that the incidence appears to be higher in some schools than it is in other schools. A number of factors have been linked to the courses but more relevant is the issue of qualification of the teachers. This is more important because, in the business of teaching and learning, teachers offer only what they have; you cannot offer what you don’t have. The qualification of teachers involved in teaching and learning has a great role in the performance of students and it is to find out these effects that this study set out to accomplish. Chomsky (1972) “states that one can not really teach a language but can only present the conditions in which it will develop spontaneously in the mind in its own ways”

1.2         Statement Of The Problem

Language teaching has been the primary focus of applied linguistics. Formal instruction does not work in a vacuum. The school environment, teacher qualifications, curriculum and instructional approaches, and many other factors interact to produce growth in student academic skills and knowledge. There is sufficient empirical evidence that suggests that the academic performance of students relies substantially on the teachers they are assigned. Classroom-based research is valid enough to determine whether the learners are receiving appropriate content instruction or not. Pennington (1989) says that the quality of teaching must be considered in determining what results can be expected. He further states that teachers make decisions about classroom management based on achievement gains. Thus we can say that findings about the relationship between teacher characteristics and student academic performance scores are important in determining the policy regarding teachers. It is assumed that only those who have professional training in English teaching should teach the English language. The English teacher should be the one whose competence and proficiency in all the language skills are good measures. But especially in written and conversational English, is not deficient. The English teacher should have a good knowledge of current usage and the theoretical aspects of English. In Nigeria today, most students in secondary schools and in fact even in universities lack the ability to communicate efficiently in English, both oral and written. This is still the major problem faced by English students today. It is therefore important to find out if the qualification of the English teachers has any effect on the performance of the students in written and spoken English in external examinations.

1.3         Objectives Of The Study

The following are the objectives of this study:

1.           To examine the effects of qualification of English teachers on the performance of secondary school students in external examinations.

2.           To examine the criteria for producing a qualified English teacher.

3.           To determine the factors that can improve the academic performance of secondary school students in external examinations.

1.4         Research Questions

1.           What are the effects of qualification of English teachers on the performance of secondary school students in the external examinations?

2.           What are the criteria for producing a qualified English teacher?

3.           What are the factors that can improve the academic performance of secondary school students in external examinations?

1.5         Hypothesis

HO: There is no significant relationship between the qualification of English teachers and secondary school student performance in external examinations.

HA: There is a significant relationship between the qualification of English teachers and secondary school student performance in external examinations.

1.6         Significance Of The Study

The following are the significance of this study:

1.           This study will serve as a painter to the ministry of education to verify whether the qualification of teachers has any effect on the student performance in the senior secondary school certificate examination (SSCE). The finding will also help people who want to conduct such research to serve as a reference.

2.           This research will also serve as a resource base for other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanations for the topic

1.7         Limitation Of Study

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing 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 to the research work.

 

EDITOR SOURCE:

1.       The Effects Of Qualification Of English Teachers On The Performance Of Secondary School Students In External Examinations

2.       The Effects Of Qualification Of English Teachers On The Performance Of Secondary School Students In External Examinations

3.       The Effects Of Qualification Of English Teachers On The Performance Of Secondary School Students In External Examinations