Veritas University
Pure and Applied Chemistry
The concentration of some heavy metals in chocolates consumed in Bwari Area Council Abuja F.C.T, Nigeria were determined and the metal concentrations were compared with regulatory standards. Two brands of chocolate were purchased from... more
The concentration of some heavy metals in chocolates consumed in Bwari Area Council Abuja F.C.T, Nigeria were determined and the metal concentrations were compared with regulatory standards. Two brands of chocolate were purchased from Bwari market. The concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The mean concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were found to be 0.98 + 0.05, 6.48 + 0.37, 5.01 + 0.03, 4.08+ 0.41, and 0.24 + 0.12 mg/kg respectively and were compared to world health organisation standard (WHO). Estimated daily intake for each metal in the respective samples were also determined, showing that the trends of daily intake of heavy metals in the samples were in the order: Fe>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb. The findings of the study indicates that the concentrations of the studied brands of chocolate from Bwari market are within the allowable limits hence pose no potential health risk or hazard upon consumption.
- by Daniel Agbaghare and +1
- •
Aim: Mixed ligand complexes play a major role in biological processes by binding with small molecules and activating the enzymes for nuclease activity. This study is aimed at synthesizing, characterizing, and the antibacterial studies of... more
Aim: Mixed ligand complexes play a major role in biological processes by binding with small molecules and activating the enzymes for nuclease activity. This study is aimed at synthesizing, characterizing, and the antibacterial studies of 9-Fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-Pyridol[1,2,3,-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6carboxylic acid (ofloxacin) and ascorbic acid metal complex. Methods: Iron(II) mixed ligand complex of ofloxacin and ascorbic acid was synthesized using the reflux method. The resulting complex, [Fe(Ofl)(Asc)] was characterized by its color, solubility, melting point, FTIR, electronic spectra, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Results: The dark gray color and the high melting point of the Fe(II) mixed ligand complex indicate that complexation occurred. From the electronic data, octahedral geometry was suggested for the complex. According to the FTIR data for both ofloxacin and ascorbic acid, the two ligands functioned as tridentate ligands, coordinating to the metal through the oxygen atoms of the two carbonyl groups, hydroxyl group in the case of ofloxacin, and carbonyl, and the enolic C-2 and C-3 hydroxyl groups in the case of ascorbic acid. The antibacterial activities of the prepared mixed ligand complex were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The result of the antibacterial activities of [Fe(Ofl)(Asc)] shows that the mixed ligand complex has higher antibacterial activities compared to the parent drug. In the mixed complex, the Fe(II) complex shows the highest inhibition against the four species. Conclusion: The complex exhibited more antimicrobial activity than the participating ligands. The results reported from this study will therefore aid in the development of more effective drugs that are effective against resistant microorganisms.
The concentration of some heavy metals in chocolates consumed in Bwari Area Council Abuja F.C.T, Nigeria were determined and the metal concentrations were compared with regulatory standards. Two brands of chocolate were purchased from... more
The concentration of some heavy metals in chocolates consumed in Bwari Area Council Abuja F.C.T, Nigeria were determined and the metal concentrations were compared with regulatory standards. Two brands of chocolate were purchased from Bwari market. The concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The mean concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were found to be 0.98 + 0.05, 6.48 + 0.37, 5.01 + 0.03, 4.08+ 0.41, and 0.24 + 0.12 mg/kg respectively and were compared to world health organisation standard (WHO). Estimated daily intake for each metal in the respective samples were also determined, showing that the trends of daily intake of heavy metals in the samples were in the order: Fe>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb. The findings of the study indicates that the concentrations of the studied brands of chocolate from Bwari market are within the allowable limits hence pose no potential health risk or hazard upon consumption.
Mixed ligand complexes play a major role in biological processes by binding with diminutive molecules and activating the enzymes for nuclease activity. Iron(II) mixed ligand complex of... more
Mixed ligand complexes play a major role in biological processes by binding with diminutive molecules and activating the enzymes for nuclease activity. Iron(II) mixed ligand complex of 9-Fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-Pyridol[1,2,3,-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6 acid (ofloxacin) and ascorbic acid was successfully synthesized using reflux method. The resulting complex, [Fe(Ofl)(Asc)] was characterized by its colour, solubility, melting point, FTIR, electronic spectra, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The dark gray color and the high melting point of the Fe (II) mixed ligand complex indicate that complexation occurred. From the electronic data, octahedral geometry was suggested for the complex. According to the FTIR data for both ofloxacin and ascorbic acid, the two ligands functioned as tridentate ligands, coordinating to the metal through the oxygen atoms of the two carbonyl groups and the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group in the case of ofloxacin, and through the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl and the enolic C-2 and C-3 hydroxyl groups in the case of ascorbic acid. The antibacterial activities of the prepared mixed ligand complex was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli, , and Candida albicans. The complex exhibited more antimicrobial activity as compared to the participating ligands. The results reported from this study will therefore aid in the development of more effective drugs that are resistant to microorganisms.
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in... more
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in Nigeria especially in the tropical and semi tropical region and humid climate. The proximate, mineral, and phytochemical components of Dacryodes Edulis was examined in this study. Methods: The proximate constituent analysis was carried out using the Association of Official Analytical Chemist method. The mineral and phytochemical analyses were carried out using Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy and standard procedures respectively. Results: The result of proximate analysis showed that Dacryodes Edulis consists of 1.96±0.01% moisture, 4.22±0.27% crude protein, 33.74±0.66% for crude fat, 9.67±0.29% ash and 50.41±0.61% carbohydrate. The mineral constituents showed that Dacryodes Edulis contains 272.0+3.00mg/g Iron, 10072.45+1.00mg/g Potassium, 8.40+0.20mg/g Copper, 4461.95+1.01mg/g Calcium and 756.67+0.90mg/g Magnesium. Conclusion: The results of African pear pericarp showed favorable comparisons in terms of moisture content, crude fat, crude protein, ash content, and carbohydrate content with the African pear seed. The findings indicated that eating enough African pear fruit pericarp could significantly help meet human nutritional needs for healthy growth and sufficient defense against diseases brought on by malnutrition.
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in... more
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in Nigeria especially in the tropical and semi tropical region and humid climate. The proximate, mineral, and phytochemical components of Dacryodes Edulis was examined in this study. Methods: The proximate constituent analysis was carried out using the Association of Official Analytical Chemist method. The mineral and phytochemical analyses were carried out using Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy and standard procedures respectively. Results: The result of proximate analysis showed that Dacryodes Edulis consists of 1.96±0.01% moisture, 4.22±0.27% crude protein, 33.74±0.66% for crude fat, 9.67±0.29% ash and 50.41±0.61% carbohydrate. The mineral constituents showed that Dacryodes Edulis contains 272.0+3.00mg/g Iron, 10072.45+1.00mg/g Potassium, 8.40+0.20mg/g Copper, 4461.95+1.01mg/g Calcium and 756.67+0.90mg/g Magnesium. Conclusion: The results of African pear pericarp showed favorable comparisons in terms of moisture content, crude fat, crude protein, ash content, and carbohydrate content with the African pear seed. The findings indicated that eating enough African pear fruit pericarp could significantly help meet human nutritional needs for healthy growth and sufficient defense against diseases brought on by malnutrition.
This study comparatively investigated the sorption of sodium laureate, sodium palmitate and sodium oleate on barite in aqueous solution taking into consideration the effect of molecular architecture (hydrocarbon chain length and degree of... more
This study comparatively investigated the sorption of sodium laureate, sodium palmitate and sodium oleate on barite in aqueous solution taking into consideration the effect of molecular architecture (hydrocarbon chain length and degree of unsaturation) on the sorption mechanism. The effects of initial concentration, pH, adsorbent dosages, temperature and contact time for each of the adsorbates were investigated and the results obtained were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and Pseudo first and Second orders. Adsorption of sodium laureate, sodium palmitate and sodium oleate on barite increases with increase in contact time, pH, temperature and initial concentration while increase in adsorbent dosage decreases spontaneously in all cases. Values of the correlation coefficients, shows that Langmuir isotherm is best for describing the adsorption of sodium laureate and sodium oleate onto barite in aqueous solution as compared to the Freundlich isotherm. For sodium palmitate, the Freundlich isotherm is best for describing the adsorption. From the R 2 values of pseudo-first and pseudo-second orders, it can be observed that pseudo-second order is the best fit kinetic model for describing the adsorption of all three soap molecules on barite. Specifically, in terms of correlation, Napalmitate>Naoleate>Nalaureate. The adsorption capacity qe values for the pseudo-second order are 1.02, 2.05 and 1.13 for each of the soap similar to the K2 respectively. It has been confirmed in this study that molecular architecture of fatty acids (specifically sodium laureate, palmitate and oleate) significantly influences their adsorption behavior on barite surfaces in aqueous solutions. Chain length promotes stronger hydrophobic interaction, while unsaturation introduces (cisdouble bonds) structural kinks that reduce packing density. Palmitic acid, due to its long, saturated chain, exhibits the highest adsorption affinity and stability, while oleic acid offers a balance of surface activity and molecular flexibility. Lauric acid, though more soluble, demonstrates lower adsorption potential due to its short chain and weaker interactions. The positive change in ∆H o showed that the reactions were endothermic and the increasing randomness of soap molecules is driven by the positive values of ∆S o with the highest form of randomness in pamitate>oleate>laureate. The values of the standard free energy are beyond 0 and-20 kJ/mol, asserting that the adsorption is physico-chemical sorption mechanism, reflecting the influence of physico-chemical interactions between the soap molecules and barite. This can also be asserted to the molecular architecture which favours the adsorption of the three acids in order of palmitate>oleate>laureate due to the influence of chain length and degree of saturation. The finding of this study underlines the importance of understanding the interaction between different surfactants and barite surfaces, which can have implication in mineral.
- by AGBAGHARE D A N I E L Enajeme and +1
- •
Adsorbates adsorption on adsorbent is a complex process and this study analyzed critically adsorption mechanisms using theoretical perspectives. Although considerable advances have been made in understanding the isolated role played by... more
Adsorbates adsorption on adsorbent is a complex process and this study analyzed critically adsorption mechanisms using theoretical perspectives. Although considerable advances have been made in understanding the isolated role played by various system properties, theoretical developments have not been rigorous and they lag behind experimental and conceptual developments. Some of the experimental difficulties and theoretical complexities that are responsible for the slow development of a unifying adsorption model covering a range of adsorbates-adsorbent combinations have been analyzed critically from adsorption principle, experimental algorithms for obtaining adsorption and adsorption kinetics parameters as well as the adsorption parameters analysis using different adsorption, kinetic and thermodynamic models. the sudden decrease of adsorption densities of pH, temperature and adsorbent dosage after successive increase as been explained to be as a result of the effect of H + and/or OH-ions, intermolecular forces and/or weakening of the attractive forces due to excessive heat energy at higher temperature. The nexus between existing adsorption models such as Stern-Grahame and Equilibrium Constant (𝐾 𝑐), Henry and Arrhenius laws, Langmuir isotherm and thermodynamic variables (𝑙𝑛𝐾 𝑒𝑞 , ∆𝐺 𝑜 , ∆𝐻 𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝑆 𝑜), Langmuir and Stern-Grahame's isotherm equations and pseudo first and second kinetic models were analyzed. The major individual contributions to the overall energy of adsorption have been identified and discussed for effective analysis of adsorption mechanisms and systems.
Background: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a nutrient-rich fruit with a high moisture content (~92%), making it highly perishable and prone to post-harvest losses. Preservation through drying can reduce spoilage; however, the choice of... more
Background: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a nutrient-rich fruit with a high moisture content (~92%), making it highly perishable and prone to post-harvest losses. Preservation through drying can reduce spoilage; however, the choice of drying method and pre-treatment may impact nutrient retention and sensory quality. Methods: This study assessed the effects of oven drying at 54°C and microwave drying at 60°C on the proximate composition, mineral content (iron, calcium), vitamin retention (vitamin C, β-carotene), total soluble solids (TSS), and sensory attributes of watermelon slices, both untreated and pre-treated with ascorbic acid solution (3 g/250 ml). Analyses followed AOAC-standardized methods, while sensory evaluation was conducted by a 15-member trained panel using a 9-point hedonic scale. Results: Oven drying retained higher vitamin C (24.53 mg/g) and β-carotene (14.56 mg/g) compared to microwave drying (16.78 mg/g and 8.56 mg/g, respectively) (p < 0.05). Ascorbic acid pre-treatment improved iron retention (1.62 mg/g in oven-dried slices) but reduced vitamin stability. Sensory scores were highest for untreated oven-dried samples, with appearance (8.33), taste (7.87), and overall acceptability (8.00) outperforming other treatments. Microwave drying reduced processing time but increased TSS (88.47°Brix) and negatively affected sensory attributes. Conclusion: Oven drying without chemical pre-treatment is recommended for optimal nutrient preservation and consumer acceptability in dehydrated watermelon products.
Ofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. It is considered an efficient antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of activity against anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Moreover, it /shows strong antibacterial activity in vitro against many... more
Ofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. It is considered an efficient
antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of activity against
anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Moreover, it /shows strong
antibacterial activity in vitro against many bacteria species by
inhibiting their DNA-gyrase. In this study, the synthesis,
physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization of Cobalt
(II) metal complex, with ofloxacin as the primary ligand and
ascorbic acid as the secondary ligand were achieved. The
complex was prepared by using the reflux method for four
hours in methanol. The complex, with the molecular formula
[Co(Ofl)(Asc)], was characterized by its color, solubility,
melting point, FTIR, UV/Visible,
1
H NMR, and
13
C NMR
spectroscopy. The color and the melting point suggested that
complexation occurred. The Fourier Transform Infrared data
for both the primary ligand (Ofl) and the secondary ligand
(Asc) acted as tridentate ligands. Ofl coordinated with the
Co(II) metal ion via the two carbonyl oxygen atoms and the
oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group, whereas Asc coordinated
with the metal through the carbonyl and enolic C-2 and C-3
hydroxyl groups. Electronic data suggested octahedral
geometry for the complex. The ligands and the novel Co (II)
complex were tested for in vitro antibacterial activity against
gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species using the
filter paper disc agar diffusion method. Significant
antibacterial activities were observed against Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus
subtilis, and Candida albicans for the complex as compared to
the ligands. This research will aid in the development of more
potent drugs that are resistant to organisms.
antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of activity against
anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Moreover, it /shows strong
antibacterial activity in vitro against many bacteria species by
inhibiting their DNA-gyrase. In this study, the synthesis,
physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization of Cobalt
(II) metal complex, with ofloxacin as the primary ligand and
ascorbic acid as the secondary ligand were achieved. The
complex was prepared by using the reflux method for four
hours in methanol. The complex, with the molecular formula
[Co(Ofl)(Asc)], was characterized by its color, solubility,
melting point, FTIR, UV/Visible,
1
H NMR, and
13
C NMR
spectroscopy. The color and the melting point suggested that
complexation occurred. The Fourier Transform Infrared data
for both the primary ligand (Ofl) and the secondary ligand
(Asc) acted as tridentate ligands. Ofl coordinated with the
Co(II) metal ion via the two carbonyl oxygen atoms and the
oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group, whereas Asc coordinated
with the metal through the carbonyl and enolic C-2 and C-3
hydroxyl groups. Electronic data suggested octahedral
geometry for the complex. The ligands and the novel Co (II)
complex were tested for in vitro antibacterial activity against
gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species using the
filter paper disc agar diffusion method. Significant
antibacterial activities were observed against Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus
subtilis, and Candida albicans for the complex as compared to
the ligands. This research will aid in the development of more
potent drugs that are resistant to organisms.
Mixed ligand metal complexes of 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-4-oxo-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (pefloxacin) and ascorbic acid were synthesized using Fe(II) and Co(II). The mixed ligand complexes were characterized by IR,... more
Mixed ligand metal complexes of 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-4-oxo-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (pefloxacin) and ascorbic acid were synthesized using Fe(II) and Co(II). The mixed ligand complexes were characterized by IR, UV-Vis., 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy to determine the complexation behaviour of the metal ions towards the mixed ligand. The yield, melting point, colour and solubility were determined. Electronic spectra of the mixed ligand complexes show intra ligand charge transfer, ligand to metal charge transfer and d-d transition. Based on the spectroscopic data obtained, the mixed complexes were proposed to have the formulae: [Fe(PfAs)] x and [Co(PfAs)]; Pf = pefloxacin and As = Ascorbic acid. The spectral studies of the mixed ligand complexes suggest that in the complexes, pefloxacin and ascorbic acid behaved as tridentate ligands coordinating through the two carbonyl oxygen atom and oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group in pefloxacin, while ascorbic acid coordinated through the oxygen of the carbonyl and enolic C-2 and C-3 hydroxyl groups. Octahedral structure was proposed for [Fe(PfAs)] x and [Co(PfAs)] x. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and the mixed ligand complexes was carried out against both gram positive and gram negative bacterial species which include; Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli., Bacillus subtilis, Pseudominas Spp. and Candida Spp. at 0.1g. The zone of inhibition of the pefloxacin-ascorbic acid mixed ligand complexes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the free ligands.
Objective: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial studies of Co (II) and Fe (II) mixed ligand complexes of Ciprofloxacin and Ascorbic acid. Methods: Mixed ligand Co (II) and Fe (II) complexes of... more
Objective: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial studies of Co (II) and Fe (II) mixed ligand complexes of Ciprofloxacin and Ascorbic acid. Methods: Mixed ligand Co (II) and Fe (II) complexes of 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-(piperazin-1-yl)-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (ciprofloxacin) and ascorbic acid were synthesized and characterized based on vibrational, electronic, proton NMR and C-13 NMR spectra. Their solubility test and melting points were also determined. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and the mixed ligand were carried out against five bacterial species which includes; Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudominas Spp. and Candida Spp. at 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 μg/ml. Results: The IR spectra indicated that both ciprofloxacin and ascorbic acid coordinates to the metal ion through C=O and O-H. The electronic spectra of the mixed ligand complexes showed intra ligand charge transfer, ligand to metal charge transfer and d-d transition. Conclusions: Octahedral structure were proposed for [Co (CpAs)]x while trigonal pyramidal structure was proposed for [Fe (CpAs)]x because ascorbic acid coordinated through two hydroxyl of the enolic group. The zone of inhibition of ciprofloxacin-ascorbic acid mixed ligand complexes were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the free ligand.
Concern has been raised about the necessity of separating barite from other minerals. When barite needs to be separated from other minerals, sodiumoleate, also known as napoleate, works well as an adsorbate. The purpose of this work is to... more
Concern has been raised about the necessity of separating barite from other minerals. When barite needs to be separated from other minerals, sodiumoleate, also known as napoleate, works well as an adsorbate. The purpose of this work is to examine the impact of temperature, pH, and contact duration on different Na-oleate adsorption methods onto barite. The change in the oleate concentration was used to determine the adsorption of sodium oleate on barite. In a batch adsorption experiment, sodium hydroxide and NaOH solution were combined with oleic acid in different flasks to create sodium oleate. To flasks containing Na-oleate, 1g of purified barite was added. A mechanical shaker was used to shake the specimen flasks and their contents for one hour. After stirring, the contents of each flask were given another 30 minutes to settle. Filter paper was used to filter the contents of the flask. Following filtering, the concentration of each filtrate was red-marked from the calibration graph by measuring the surface tension of each filtrate using a traveling microscope. The investigation's findings demonstrate that the first-order reaction kinetics are followed by the initial rate of Na-oleate adsorption onto barite. This study indicates that adsorption of Naoleate onto calcite increases at low pH values than higher pH. The amount of Na-oleate adsorbed onto calcite increases gradually as temperature increases from 303K to 313K. Beyond optimum temperature 322K, adsorption of Na-oleate on barite decreases rapidly. This study indicates optimum contact time of 80 min on adsorption process of Na-oleate onto calcite. Also this study indicates that adsorption of Na-oleate onto barite is pH dependent. Barite-oleate formation first increases with increasing Na-oleate concentration. At low pH 4, adsorption of Na-oleate onto barite increases, whereas adsorption decreases at high pH 9. Result also demonstrates that pseudo 2nd order offered an excellent fitting in the adsorption of oleate on barite, furthermore, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm favors the interaction between oleate ions and barite more than the Freundlich's isotherm, with the Langmiur isotherm's correlation coefficient (0.9728) being greater than the Freundlich's isotherm (0.9626). The trend of decreasing ∆G O negative values as temperature rises suggests that a higher temperature will more effectively promote oleate adsorption on barite.
This study looked at potential hypothetical mathematical correlations between the activation energy in Arrhenius' concept of how temperature affects equilibrium constant and the standard electrode potential of a redox reaction in an... more
This study looked at potential hypothetical mathematical correlations between the activation energy in Arrhenius' concept of how temperature affects equilibrium constant and the standard electrode potential of a redox reaction in an electrochemical cell. The investigation also revealed further connections between a cell's standard electrode potential and the activation energy, rate constant, enthalpy change, and Gibbs free energy. Therefore, in order to improve the analysis of scientific data, particularly in the fields of bioelectrochemical, electrophoretic, and photoelectric research, this study suggests expanding on electrochemical equations.
Introduction: In this study, the removal of toxic metals Cu (II) from aqueous solution has been investigated with the aim of detoxifying industrial effluents before their safe disposal onto land or into the river. Method: A low-cost... more
Introduction: In this study, the removal of toxic metals Cu (II) from aqueous solution has been investigated with the aim of detoxifying industrial effluents before their safe disposal onto land or into the river. Method: A low-cost natural adsorbent, plantain peel was used to remove Cu (II) ions from the aqueous solution. The effects of initial concentration, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage rate of adsorption on adsorption efficiency were investigated. Results: Generally, the result showed an increase in removal efficiency with an increase in contact time and a decrease in initial concentration. The kinetic study revealed that the pseudo-second-order model is suitable to explain all our experimental data. The adsorption equilibrium data correlate well with the Langmuir adsorption model, having a higher regression coefficient (R 2) value than the Freundlich model. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of plantain peel powder for Cu (II) ion removal is 217 mg/g. Conclusion: The high adsorption capacity of the tested adsorbents makes it a preferable, very cheap, and environment-friendly alternative adsorption material.
Nigeria is a Federation of 36 states, 774 local governments, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The country is divided into 8 hydrological areas drained mainly by the Rivers Niger and Benue and their numerous minor tributaries as... more
Nigeria is a Federation of 36 states, 774 local governments, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The country is divided into 8 hydrological areas drained mainly by the Rivers Niger and Benue and their numerous minor tributaries as well as inland lakes. In addition, the country has an annual rainfall of about 4000mm in the southeast and 300mm in the extreme northeast as well as surface and groundwater resources of about 267.3 billion cubic metres and 51.9 billion cubic metres respectively. However, Nigeria's abundance water potential has remained largely untapped, leading to underutilization of the resources and unmet water and sanitation needs, with only about half of Nigerians having access to safe drinking water and about 32% having access to sanitation. Water resource management in Nigeria faces enormous challenges including weak institutional framework, weak data, increasing population growth, and climate change. These problems are further complicated by the Federal structure of the country which vests the three levels of government (Federal, State and Local Governments) with overlapping responsibility for water resource management, thus leading to fragmentation, duplication and lack of inter-sectoral coordination. This paper examines these issues, focusing on water policies, laws and reforms; institutional and regulatory frameworks; and the intergovernmental ramifications of these interactions, including Federal interventions, and politics of water related to states' and groups' rights.
Ten cement samples (labeled A-J) commonly used for construction works in Nigeria were taken from different parts of the country. Their physicochemical parameters were tested in accordance with the Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS... more
Ten cement samples (labeled A-J) commonly used for construction works in Nigeria were taken from different parts of the country. Their physicochemical parameters were tested in accordance with the Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 445-2003, and other associated standards. From the results obtained, all the samples, except B, indicated presence of various levels of additives. Samples (C, I, H, G, A, J, and F) with additive levels manifesting in the form of loss on ignition (LOI) between 5% and 11.2% were still able to satisfy the standard requirements for strength classes of 32.5N/32.5R and 42.5N/42.5R. None of the 10 samples tested met the standard requirements for strength class of 52.5N/52.5R. However, the study revealed that as from LOI above 9.2%, the LOI increases with decreasing compressive strength. In line with this trend, Sample D with LOI = 14.56% came up with a 28 days compressive strength of 25.9 N/mm 2 which is clearly below the minimum standard requirement of 32.5 N/mm 2. D is, therefore, a substandard sample. Application of substandard cement in building construction can lead to structural failure.
Achieving net-zero emissions at the Nigeria's subnational levels begins with the adoption of Nigeria's commitment at the UNFCCC COP 21 and COP 26 which translate into the Nationally Determined Contributions towards a global temperature... more
Achieving net-zero emissions at the Nigeria's subnational levels begins with the adoption of Nigeria's commitment at the UNFCCC COP 21 and COP 26 which translate into the Nationally Determined Contributions towards a global temperature increase below 20C, and Carbon Neutrality by 2060. Given that the Climate Change Act (2021) and Energy Transition Plan are in place, the gap is clearly viewed in terms of implementation strategies. The sub-national regions require an intricate balance of innovative management strategies tailored to their individually unique local contexts. This paper explores the multifaceted improvement in energy efficiency, reforestation initiatives, and the promotion of smart, sustainable mining activities, regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices. Integrating these strategies involves enhancing policy frameworks, leveraging technology, and promoting inclusivity through community enlightenment, education, awareness creation and engagement. In addition, the study emphasises multi-stakeholder collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society as an essential pathway to ensuring effective and measurable implementation and scalability. By adopting and revising the comprehensive management strategies proposed by this study, Nigeria's sub-national entities approach necessary to address the diverse economic, environmental, and social landscapes that must be considered as key strategies for nationwide net-zero attainment. These include the adoption of renewable energy sources, can significantly contribute to the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions, while also fostering economic development (through innovation and adaptation) and building resilience to the impacts driven by climate change.
The composition of Portland cement largely depends on the raw mix design consisting majorly of lime (CaO), silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3) and ferrite (Fe2O3) which configurations largely defines the quality of the final product. In this... more
The composition of Portland cement largely depends on the raw mix design consisting majorly of lime (CaO), silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3) and ferrite (Fe2O3) which configurations largely defines the quality of the final product. In this study, ten different brands of cement (labelled A-J) randomly obtained from different Nigerian markets were assessed for their physicochemical properties in accordance with the Nigerian Industrial Standard. The results obtained were compared to the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS), British Standard (BS) and others. Most of the samples met required specifications with the exception of few. Sample D with 2-and 7-days compressive strengths of 1.5N/mm2 and 9.8N/mm2 respectively is below standard specifications of NIS. In similar vein, the 28 days compressive strengths for samples D (25.9N/mm2), E (42.0N/mm2) and F (40.7N/mm2) are similarly below the BS and NIS. This can be attributed to the low amounts of CaO in the respective samples. The high levels of additives (above NIN specification) as indicated in the Loss on Ignition (LOI) of samples A (8.09%), C (7.43), D (14.56%), E (10.99%), F (11.22%), G (7.83%), H (7.74%), I (7.70%) and J (9.16%) could be responsible for the relatively low values of SiO2 in the samples. The variation of aluminum oxide in the different brands are within advisable range. It is imperative therefore to recommend that use of additives in cement production be applied with moderation and compliance to standards by cement manufacturers should be a paramount objective with optimal consistency.
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in... more
Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in Nigeria especially in the tropical and semi tropical region and humid climate. The proximate, mineral, and phytochemical components of Dacryodes Edulis was examined in this study. Methods: The proximate constituent analysis was carried out using the Association of Official Analytical Chemist method. The mineral and phytochemical analyses were carried out using Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy and standard procedures respectively. Results: The result of proximate analysis showed that Dacryodes Edulis consists of 1.96±0.01% moisture, 4.22±0.27% crude protein, 33.74±0.66% for crude fat, 9.67±0.29% ash and 50.41±0.61% carbohydrate. The mineral constituents showed that Dacryodes Edulis contains 272.0+3.00mg/g Iron, 10072.45+1.00mg/g Potassium, 8.40+0.20mg/g Copper, 4461.95+1.01mg/g Calcium and 756.67+0.90mg/g Magnesium. Conclusion: The results of African pear pericarp showed favorable comparisons in terms of moisture content, crude fat, crude protein, ash content, and carbohydrate content with the African pear seed. The findings indicated that eating enough African pear fruit pericarp could significantly help meet human nutritional needs for healthy growth and sufficient defense against diseases brought on by malnutrition.