Browsing by Author "Nnoli, M. C."

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    Concentrations of heavy metals in some important rivers of Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria
    (Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and Development, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.
    Analyses of heavy metals in water samples from different rivers of the Owerri zone in Imo State, Nigeria were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Water samples from Rivers Azaraegbelu, Ogochie, Okatankwu and Otamiri were analyzed for lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The concentration of lead was highest in water samples from Azaraegbelu River (0.054 ppm). Arsenic was present in lower concentration in Azaraegbelu, Ogochie and Okatankwu Rivers. Cadmium concentration was 0.511 ppm in Azaraegbelu River, 0.034 ppm in Ogochie River, 0.091 ppm in Okatankwu River and 0.166 ppm in Otamiri River. Concentration of Zinc was higher in Azaraegbelu River (0.288 ppm), while Ogochie River recorded the lowest concentration of 0.098 ppm. Comparatively, Azaraegbelu River recorded the highest concentration values of the heavy metals analyzed.
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    Effect of different concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose on microtuberization of sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas)
    (U. P, 2012-06) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.; Okechukwu, R. I.
    The effect of different concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose on in vitro microtuberization of sweet potato (Iponwea Nitwits) was studied. Plantlets were obtained from explants excised from mother tubers of sweet potato and cultured on Murashige and Stoog (MS) media without growth regulators. Growth characteristics after three weeks revealed that plantlets developed roots within 12 hours with lengths of 20-38cm; and developed shoots within 3-5 days with plantlet heights of 12-16. 5cm. Also, the number of leaves per plantlet was 5-20 and the nodal number was 12-1.4 per plantlet. Microtubers were formed from plantlets cultured on 3%, 5% and 8% concentrations of the three sugars as basic. carbon sources; with 5% and 8% concentrations yielding the biggest sizes of microtubers. This implies that concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose ranging between 3% and 8% are capable of forming sweet potato microtubers in vitro, hence facilitating mass production of microtubers which can be supplied to farmers at subsidized rate
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    Efficiency of water-purifying devices used in homes and industries
    (U. P., 2013-12-28) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.; Okereke, C. B. N.; Ahumibe, N. C.
    The use of water-purifying devices are gaining popularity, as many homes and industries are using them to treat water for dinking. However, most of the users do not know much about the performance/efficiency of these devices, hence this investigation. Efficiency of water-purifying devices were evaluated to determine their efficiencies in treating water consumed by people. Raw water samples from groundwater source, borehole (a major source of drinking water) in Owerri, Nigeria were treated using commonly used water treatment devices: resin ion-exchanger, sand-bed filter, activated carbon filter, micron filter, reverse osmosis membrane filter, ozonator, and UV-sterilizer. The resulting purified water samples were labeled, and each were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses using APHA (2006) water analysis method. Raw water (control) sample had pH value of 6.7 while the pH values of treated water samples fell within 6.9 – 7.1. Turbidity value of control sample was 6.0 NTU with other samples recording 4.0 NTU and below. Total heterotophic bacteria count and total coliforms counts of the raw water sample were 4.0 x 102 CFU/ml and 2.2 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively, but were below 2.5 x 102 CFU/ml and 1.9 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively in some of the treated samples, and nil in others. The overall efficiency of the treatment devices were of the order: Reverse osmosis membrane filter (76.25%) > UV-sterilizer (72.24%) > micron filter (65.85%) > Ozonator (62.97%) > Activated carbon filter (51.86%) > Resin ion-exchanger (46.67%) > Sand-bed filter (43.55%). This implies that not all water treatment devices used in homes and indutries are efficient enough to yield qualitative drinking water for unsuspecting users.
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    Possible health implications associated with cosmetics: A review
    (Science Publishing Group, 2015) Okereke, J. N.; Udebuani, A. C.; Ezeji, E. U.; Obasi, K. O.; Nnoli, M. C.
    Cosmetics are products applied to the body or face to improve appearance. They cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness and alter the appearance of the body. The concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. Assorted beauty products such as skincare products, hair products, fragrances, oral hygiene, and nail products, which may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to health are used especially by women. Most cosmetic products contain hazardous chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Talcum, Parabens, Coal tar dye, Phthalates, Fragrance, Mineral oil, Triethanolamine and some heavy metals eg, Lead, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium, and Mercury. The bioaccumulation of these harmful chemicals and metals in the body over time has been associated with cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, ageing, skin disease and reaction, allergies, and damage of nails. The deleterious chemicals and metals can enter into the body by inhalation of perfumes, deodorant, nail polish, scented powder, etc; by absorption through penetration of harmful chemicals from body creams, moisturizers, cleanser, eye shadow, etc. It can also be by ingestion of chemicals and metals in lip sticks, lip balm, lip gloss, etc. through the mouth.