| 1 |
Author(s):
Okwunodulu Felicia Uchechukwu, Odoemelam Stevens Azubuike, Eddy Nnabuk Okon.
Page No : 1-9
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Kolanut Pod Husk: A Potential Biosorbent for Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+
Abstract
Wastewaters from industries should be treated before discharge. The pollution problems posed by toxic heavy metals to the environment have been a concern. The use of unmodified and mercaptoacetic acid modified kolanut pod husk as biosorbents in detoxifing Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions were investigated using a batch sorption process. Biosorption was carried out in a batch process at various contact time and dose with initial metal ions concentration of 100 mg/l using 250 µm size of the of the unmodified and modified kolanut pod husks respectively at a temperature of 25 0C and pH of 7.5. Maximum biosorption capacities of unmodified kolanut pod husk were observed at 3g, values given as 98.999 mg/g, 89.870 mg/g for Cd2+, Ni2+ and 89.890 mg/g for Pb2+ at 2g while that of modified kolanut pod husk indicated 99.952 mg/g at 2g for Cd2+ and 99.776 mg/g, 99.021 mg/g for Ni2+ and Pb2+ ions at 3g. More so at 60 minutes for Cd2+, 90 minutes for Ni2+ and 10 minutes for Pb2+, values given as 99.986 mg/g, 99.999 mg/g and 99.999 mg/g by the unmodified kola nut pod husk while modified kolanut pod husk gave 99.666 mg/g at 30 minutes for Cd2+, 99.664 mg/g at 30 minutes for Ni2+ and 96.164 mg/g at 90 minutes for Pb2+. Generally maximum biosorption were all favoured at low doses and at low contact time. The kinetic of metal ions biosorption on unmodified and modified kola nut pod husks have also been studied by fitting the data in Lagergren’s first-order, Ho-Mckay’s pseudo-second-order kinetics hypothesis and Elovich adsorption model. It was observed that the removal of metal ions over the biosorbent showed a better fit with the pseudo-second-order process and Elovich adsorption model than the pseudo -first-order. From this work kolanut pod husk had proven to be a good biosorbent for Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ifediora Nonyelum Helena, Okwunodolu Felicia Uchechukwu.
Page No : 10-19
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Potentials of Some Grass Species in the Phytoremediation of Waste Engine Oil Contaminated Soils
Abstract
This study investigated the potentials of Digitaria horizontalis, Eleucine indica and Sataria barbata grass species in the phytoremediation of waste engine oil contaminated soils. Waste engine oil was added to 4kg different soil samples to obtain different concentrations on weight basis: 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 7% and 10% v/w oil-in-soil and allowed to stand for seven days before transplanting. The plants were harvested after 8 weeks of transplanting. Dried plants parts and the soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni). The results obtained showed that there was increased percentage reduction of heavy metals in the soils. D. horizontalis recorded the maximum reduction for Pb and Ni to 99.79% level, E. indica recorded maximum reduction of 99.98% for Ni while S. barbata recorded 99.9% reduction for Ni. Percentage reduction increased as the concentrations of the waste engine oil increased. In conclusion, the three-grass species studied possessed phytoextraction potentials for phytoremediation of waste engine oil contaminated soil.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Osesua Benjamin Anthony, Umar Abubakar, Aliyu Adamu Kalgo, Tsafe A.I..
Page No : 20-30
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Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Blood Samples of Farmers and Non-Farmers in Selected Agricultural Communities in Suru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Abstract
samples of 56 volunteers comprising of 35 farmers and 21 non-farmers were collected from seven major agricultural communities and evaluated for different pesticide residues level. Samples were extracted using n-hexane/diethyl ether (1:1) and clean-up following the standard procedure method specified by USEPA and the residues concentrations were determined using GC coupled with 63Ni Selective Electron Capture Detector. The results obtained revealed that among the organochlorine residues detected in the farmers blood samples, DDE one of the metabolites of DDT is the most frequently detected with a mean concentration of 0.0338ng/g and a percentage distribution of 15.41% of the detectable residues. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest mean concentration of 0.0355ng/g among the organophosphorus residues detected. The results also revealed various residues contaminations in the blood samples of non-farmers indicating possible environmental contaminations resulting from indiscriminate use of agrochemicals in the catchment areas.
| 4 |
Author(s):
G.O. Adunoye, S.A. Kolapo, T.O. Olamoju, O.T. Akanbi.
Page No : 31-41
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Investigation of Geotechnical Properties of Lateritic Soils in Parts of Ife Central Local Government Area, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
This study undertook geotechnical evaluation of selected lateritic soils in Ife Central Local Government Area. Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Lateritic soil samples were collected from active borrow pits within the study area. Laboratory tests such as natural moisture content determination, particle size analysis, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test and unconfined compression test were conducted on the soil samples using standard procedures. Results obtained were compared with the literature and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) requirements. Using American Association of State Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO) classification system, the soils fall within A-5, A-7-5 and A-7-6. Also, using Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), the soils fall within ML, MH, CL and CH. It was concluded that the soils are good for fill and subgrade in road construction. Relationships also exist between the engineering properties and Atterberg limits of the soils. It was recommended that other borrow pits within Ife Central Local Government Area should be investigated to determine their suitability for engineering applications.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Aminu Muhammad, Adamu Shahidah A, Sambo S, Salau I.A.
Page No : 42-51
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Effect of Starter Culture on Volatile Organic Compounds of Bambara Groundnut Condiment
Abstract
Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea) is one of the underutilized legumes in Africa that can be used to replace animal protein thereby combating malnutrition and shortage of food in Africa. In this study, Bambara nut condiments were produced by spontaneous and laboratory fermentation using starter cultures of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus llicheniformis in combination. The bacteria associated with both fermentations were Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts were 3.1x106 cfug-1 and 3.8x106 cfug-1 for spontaneously and laboratory fermented condiments. Aroma and flavour volatile organic compounds were also determined using GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed 25 compounds that included 6 acids, 1 alcohol, 1 aldehyde, 6 aliphatics/ aromatics, 1 alkyl halide, 2 amines, 3 hydrocarbons, 2 ketones and 2 nitriles. These compounds play role in the flavour and aroma of Bambara nut condiment (daddawa). This study suggests that this condiment (daddawa) could be a good and cheap source of protein and a substitute to monosodium glutamate-based salts and can have health benefits due to the presence of probiotic bacteria.
