School of Physical Sciences

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Open Access
Synthesis, characterization and complexation of Sc (III) Ion using chloroquine diphosphate drug
(U. P., 2019-01) Otuokere, I. E.; Okpara, L. O.; Amadi, K. C.; Ikpo, N.; Okafor, G. U.; Nwadire, F. C.; Olisa, C. O.
Chloroquine possess lone pairs of electrons that can be donated to central metal ion. Scandium (III) complex of chloroquine was synthesized by reaction of chloroquine diphosphate with scandium (III) oxide. The metal complex was characterized based on melting point, UV, IR, and 1H NMR Spectroscopy. 1H NMR Spectra of the complex further showed the involvement of the amine group in coordination to the metal complex. The IR spectra of the complex showed the involvement of amine and imine group in coordination to the metal. The electronic spectrum of the complex suggested intraligand charge transfer (ILCT), ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT), and d-d transition. The melting point of the complex was higher than the free ligand. Spectroscopic studies showed that chloroquine acted as a bidentate ligand. These results showed that chloroquine has the ability to sequestrate Sc (III) ion from solution. We recommend the use of chloroquine in scandium extraction and chelation therapy.
Open Access
Preliminary study of the potential industrial applications of micro algae (Oscillotoria sp.) oil
(U. P., 2017) Chinweuba, A. J.; Alisa, C. O.; Okoye, U. G.
Extraction and characterisation of micro algae (Oscillotoria sp) were done to assay the possible industrial applications of the oil. An open pond system was used to culture the microalgae prior to the oil extraction. Solvent extraction method using n-hexane was used to extract the oil from the algae biomass. The physical and chemical properties of the oil were determined and the results obtained showed that the percentage oil yield was 28. Saponification value of 123mgKOH, iodine value 95g/100g, free fatty acid value of 3.79mg/g and peroxide value of 3.20meq/kg were also obtained. These values showed that Oscillotoria sp oil could be used industrially for the production of alkyd resins, paint polish and body cream.
Open Access
Effect of seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum (A case study of Nche stream)
(Academic Research Publishing Group, 2017) Duru, M. K. C.; Akubugwo, E. I.; Chinyere, G. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nwaogwugwu, J. C.
Effect of seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum using Nche stream as a case study was investigated using standard methods. Three plants of lower phylum (watercress, moss plant, and spirogyra) were selected and studied for both enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Results obtained for levels of ascorbic acid (0.81-11.87 µmoles/g DW), glutathione (1.47-3.01µmoles/g DW) and proline (1.27-3.01 g/100g) non-enzymatic antioxidants and those of superoxide dismutase (289.19-615.85 µg/g protein), peroxidase (32.56-52.79 µg/g protein), and catalase (57.8073.20µmoles/g DW) of enzymatic antioxidants were higher in dry season against rainy season. It has been noted that a slit difference in these indicators could be as result of enormous stress. The reduction in volume of water of the host stream in dry season may have resulted in increased concentration of the pollutants in the water body hence, inducing the plants to absorb more of the pollutants. This may have triggered more stress on the plants, which reflected on the levels of the observed stress indicators when compared to the indicators as observed in rainy season. This study has shown the seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum.
Open Access
Seasonal water quality study of nche stream: A water body in Imo State, Nigeria
(Enviro Research Publishers, 2019) Duru, Majesty; Alisa, Christopher; Ike, Christian; Akubugwo, Emmanuel; Godwin, Chinyere; Onyeabo, Chimaraoke; Odika, Prince; Adindu, Eze; Edeh, Paul
Seasonal variations in water quality of Nche stream was carried out using standard methods. The study lasted between April, 2014-March, 2015. Results obtained revealed that pH of the Nche stream varied from 6.41-6.87 in rainy season to 5.50-6.10 in dry season. Mean values for total solid, total dissolved solid, and total suspended solid for rainy season were 208.32 mg/l, 91.81 mg/l, and 116.50 mg/l respectively, while 139.88 mg/l, 72.47 mg/l, and 67.40 mg/l were the respective mean values for total solid, total dissolved solid and total suspended solid in dry season. Bacterial isolates from the stream include Actinomyces sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp, Streptococcus sp., Achromobacter sp., Klebsilla sp., Salmonella sp., Escherichia sp., Acinetobactor sp., Serratia sp., Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., Vibrio sp., Shigellasp, Flavobacterium sp., Citrobacter sp., Micrococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., while saprophytic mould isolates were Penicilum sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Cladosporium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Geotricum sp. Levels of cadmium for Nche stream from August to the rest of dry season as observed did not fall within WHO limit. Mean values of THBC, THUB, TCC, SCC, TVB, and TFC observed in the studied stream water were higher in rainy seasons than dry season and higher than their respective WHO limits. The ability of cadmium heavy metal to accumulate in the body and the infective nature of the isolated organisms could pose a problem to the locals who consume water from this stream without further purification. There is need to inform the local population on the seasonal pollution status of Nche stream since they heavily depend on this stream as a source of domestic water. This study has evaluated the seasonal water quality of Nche stream, a water body in Imo State, Nigeria.
Open Access
Kinetic for the removal of malachite green (Dye) from aqueous solutions using palm kernel shell
(U. P., 2017) Asiagwu, A. K.; Okposo, M. A.; Alisa, C. O.
Malachite dye is among the millions of dyes used in every aspect of our daily life. The adsorption kinetic of the pollutant (dye) from adsobate using palm kernel shell (Elaeis Guineasis) as the biomass was studied. From the several experimental parameters measured, the optimum adsorption occurred at 20 minutes giving 92.3%. Adsorption also decreased from 92.49% to 87.9% with increase in absorbent dosage giving the optimum dosage of 2g. Also increase in temperature decreased the adsorption from 95.6% to 92.7% having it optimum temperature to be 30oC. Increase in dye ion concentration from 10-50mg/L also increased adsorption from 79.3% to 93.0%. There was a decrease in the percentage of dye removed for all the parameters investigated except for dye ion concentration. The value of SF for Langmuir model is 0.232 and R2 value is 0.6326 while for Freundlich model, the value of 1/n is 2.8092 and R2 value is 0.9135 which indicate that Langmuir and Freundlich model are both good isotherm models because they have a SF value of < 1 and 1/n value > 1. Pseudo second order model best fit the experimental data than pseudo first order having R2 values of 1 and 0.5613 respectively. This shows that palm kernel shell can be used as an effective biomass for removing waste water from dye
Open Access
Investigation of Aba river contamination using eichhornia crassipes as bio-indicator
(U. P., 2017-07-05) Akagha, C. I.; Ajiwe, V. I. E.; Okoye, P. A. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nkwoada, A. U.
The seasonal variation of heavy metal contamination levels in Aba River of Abia State in Nigeria was investigated using Eichhornia crassipies. Routine sampling was performed on bi-monthly bases to cover the Nigerian Rainy season and Harmattan season. Iron (Fe) showed more abundance with maximum concentration (69.5 mg/kg) mainly in Dec/Jan at UST, PZA, ABT and DST sampling points. The lowest concentration of iron was obtained in Apr/May for UST and DST and in Oct/Nov for PZA and ABT. Manganese showed maximum concentration (7 mg/kg) in the dry season at PZA and NBL during Oct/Nov months. The lowest concentration was in Dec/Jan at UST, PZA and ABT which were Harmattan seasons. The varied concentrations of zinc (Zn) demonstrated no pattern or trend except at Oct/Nov of ABT at value of 9.7 mg/kg, while lead (Pb) metal was significantly identified during the months of Feb/March (end of Harmattan) and April/May (beginning of Rains) during the seasonal study. Chromium metal (Cr) was uniformly distributed but significant at NBL during months of Jun/Jul. Nickel (Ni) metal was detected mainly at UST, PZA and NBL at trace levels. Copper was mainly detected during rainy seasons of Apr/May and Jun/July but remained at low concentrations when compared to other metals. Hence, UST and PZA sampling points contained the most active level of heavy metals, while Harmattan season showed the highest phytochemical activity of the heavy metals. Therefore Eichhornia crassipes showed metal removal in the following order Fe > Mn> Cr > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cd.
Open Access
Studies on adsorptive behavior of Cd2+ on graphene oxide: Alternative novel approach
(U. P., 2018-03-03) Nkwoada, A. U.; Alisa, C. O.; Enenebeaku, C. K.; Oguzie, E. E.
Certain adsorptive mechanisms and interactions often exist within linearized kinetic functions which are largely unreported. A novel inverse saturation modeling was applied to evaluate the adsorptive behavior of supersaturation,saturation, and desorptive processes on linear kinetic function plots using pseudo 1st order, pseudo 2nd order, Elovich and Intra-particle diffusion. Graphene oxide was prepared by room temperature synthesis and used as adsorbent over Cd2+ adsorbate. Batch adsorption process was conducted and four error functions were utilized. The sum of squares of the errors and Sum of absolute errors identified pseudo 2nd order as having the least deviation at 0.113 and 0.337 respectively. The modelled pseudo 1st order reaction had R2 = 0.985 while the inverse saturation model had R2 value of 0.998, both been a better data fit than non-modelled pseudo 1st order R2 at 0.917. The slower reaction kinetics in pseudo 1st order was due to supersaturation during adsorption as shown by inverse saturation point. The correlation coefficient of modeled kinetic plot of pseudo 2nd order, Intra particle diffusion and Elovich had R2 = 1. The Nkwoada et al.; ACRI, 12(4): 1-11, 2018; Article no.ACRI.39700 Elovich inverse saturation plot showed that the graph was an L-isotherm type indicating progressive saturation. The rate determining step experienced by Intra-particle diffusion was accommodated by wide range of inverse saturation plots showing adsorption, supersaturation and desorption as points of greatest influence. The inverse saturation plot of pseudo 2nd order plot had absolute slope of 2.656 and large intercept of 24.815 driving it's faster reaction kinetics. Hence, the inverse saturation point modelling provided a much better interpretation of adsorptive behavior of graphene oxide adsorbent over Cd2+ adsorbate.
Open Access
Public participation in solid waste management practices within Owerri urban of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016-03) Nkwoada, Amarachi; Alisa, Christopher; Duru, Ijeoma
Municipal waste disposal have reached a crucial point in major urban areas in Nigeria especially Owerri urban and householder’s readiness to participate in waste management are still declining moreover the problems of indiscriminate dumping of refuse at central places and open dumping and burning at private residents continue to persist. A structured questionnaire was provided to residents of Owerri urban areas addressing lack of knowledge and attitude as a factor in waste recycling, methods of waste disposal, participation and practice using SCHOM analysis that identified 24 active waste dump/disposal sites. ANOVA at 0.95% value of F calculated was 0.25 and less than the value of F critical at value of 4.25 which shows that the burning and burying of waste was unaffected by usage of bins within any location but rather a habit acquired over the years. Also F calculated in column of ANOVA was less than F critical and showed that different zones exhibit different disposal habits and their levels of participation are affected by levels of quality of surrounding environment, popular trend, sex, age and income. SCHOM participants revealed a trend in volume of waste generated among householders to be Metals
Open Access
Attenuation kinetics and desorption performance of artocarpus altilis seed husk for Co (II), Pb (II) and Zn (II) Ions
(U. P., 2018) Akpomie, Kovo Godfrey; Eluke, Linda Obiageli; Ajiwe, Vincent Ishmael Egbulefu; Alisa, Christopher Onyemeziri
The potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis) Seed Husk (BFSH) as low cost biosorbent for the removal of Pb (II), Zn (II) and Co (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Batch methodology was utilized to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature on biosorption. Data generated were fitted into appropriate isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models. The effect of pH showed an increase in adsorption of metals with increase in pH and an optimum pH of 5.0 was obtained for Pb (II), while 6.0 were obtained for Co (II) and Zn (II) ions biosorption. An equilibrium sorption contact time of 30, 40 and 60 min was obtained for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions respectively. The biosorption of metal ions was in the order Co (II) > Pb (II) > Zn (II). In general the Freundlich model provided a better fit than the Langmuir, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models with R2 values greater than 0.9. The pseudo first order kinetic model was applicable in the adsorption of Pb (II) and Zn (II) ions while the pseudo-second-order model provided the best fit for Co (II) ion adsorption. The adsorption mechanism was found to be controlled by the liquid film diffusion model (R2>0.9) rather than the intraparticle diffusion model (R2<0.9). Thermodynamics revealed a spontaneous, feasible, exothermic physisorption process and over 60% of the metal ions were desorbed using 0.1M HCl and 0.1M NaOH as eluent. The results showed that BFSH could be utilized as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals from solution.
Open Access
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobiological activity studies of cobalt (Ii) and nickel (Ii) complexes derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde using 2-thiosylaniline and 2-aminoaniline as co-schiff bases
(U. P., 2021) Ezenweke, Linus Obi; Ojiako, Eugene Nonye; Esonwune, Anacletus Anayochukwu; Alisa, Christopher O.
Four complexes CoScplx, CoNcplx, NiScplx and NiNcplx were synthesized from 2-hydroxynaphthalene -1carbaldehyde using 2-thiosylaniline and 2-aminoaniline as Co-Schiff bases. The physical and analytical data of the ligands and complexes such as Molecular weight, colour, melting point and percentage yield as well as molar conductivity and elemental composition were determined. The compounds were characterized using FTIR, UV-VIS and MS Analyzers. FT-IR results revealed loss of –OH bond noticed in the ligands at complexation due to deprotonation and utilization of phenolic OH in bond formation. The UV-VIS spectral data recorded more peaks with Schiff bases and complexes with 2-aminoaniline as a result of more chromophoric groups. The MS result determined m/z of the molecular ions and their fragments confirming the structure of synthesized compounds. The complexes demonstrated more antifungal and antibacterial activities more than the ligands hence can be incorporated into antibiotics drugs in future.
Open Access
Examining adsorbent charge effect on metal removal from contaminated water
(David Publishing, 2022) Agwaramgbo, Lovell; Alisa, Christopher O.; Doyle, Jailen
Heavy metal contaminated water sources can cause serious health problems for humans, animals, and plants. Heavy metals can lead to the decrease or loss of liver, kidney, and brain function. Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of charge on adsorbents in the removal of metal cations. Study Design & Methods: Standard solutions of Ca, Cu, Pb, and Zn with concentrations of 1,000 ppm were treated with sodium carbonate and sodium phosphate with various charges. Then, the solutions were placed on a shaker for 24 h, centrifuged, and the supernatant was analyzed using ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry). Results: The order of average metal removal by sodium phosphates is: dibasic (99.3%) > monobasic (96.5%) > tribasic (95.4%). The average metal removal by sodium carbonate and bicarbonate is 98.5% and 96.4% respectively. Conclusion: The adsorbent removability depends on the relationship between the charge present on the metal and the charge on the adsorbent. Thus, metal cations in this study with a +2 charge had a greater affinity for the adsorbent with -2 charged ligands, dibasic sodium phosphate and sodium carbonate.
Open Access
Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Okoubaka aubrevillei (Anunuebe) fruit pychnobotrya nitida (Osu) leaf extracts
(David Publishing, 2022) Alisa, Christopher O.; Okoye, Edith N.; Okeke, Peter C.; Anyadogh-Nwadike, Sylvia O.; Agwaramgbo, Lovell; Doyle, Jailen
The antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of Okoubaka aubrevillei (Anunuebe) and Pychnobotrya nitida (Osu) plant extracts were investigated in this study to justify their ethno medicinal importance. The antioxidant activity of crude extracts of both plants was investigated using the scavenging effect on DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl Radical) assay, while the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method. When compared to standard drug vitamin C at various concentrations, both extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity that increased with increasing concentration of extracts. The high positive linear correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content suggests that the antioxidant capacity of both plants can be largely attributed to their phenolic compounds. Based on these findings, O. aubrevillei fruit and P. nitida leaf could be potential natural antioxidant sources for preventing free radical-induced diseases.
Open Access
Antimicrobial analysis and structural elucidation of active compounds of nauclea latifolia stem extract (Pin Cushion Tree)
(Open Science, 2012-06-12) Ijoma, K. I.; Ajiwe, V. I. E.; Alisa, C. O.
Antimicrobial analysis and structural elucidation were carried out on the purified stem extract of Nauclea latifolia. The Harbone method was used for the extraction. The extracts were separated using a combination of column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, which gave rise to the isolation of two fractions; these fractions were further purified using recrystallization. The melting point of each pure fraction was determined. The purified extracts were subjected to structural elucidation using various spectroscopic techniques which include; FTIR, UV, H1 NMR, C13 NMR, DEPT1350, COSY, TOCSY, HMBC and HSQC. The spectral analysis suggested the presence of Myristic acid and Palmitoleic acid. The antimicrobial analysis (anti fungal and anti bacterial analysis) using the punched agar diffusion method was carried out on the isolated fractions comparatively with a standard drug Funbact-A cream (a broad spectrum antibiotic). A total of thirteen test organisms were used for this analysis amongst which were ten bacteria test organism and three fungi test organisms. The results from the average diameter zones of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) showed that all the fractions were all active on the entire test organism with zones of inhibition ranging from 10mm-26mm comparatively. None of these fractions showed similar anti microbial effect as the standard drug Funbact-A cream but individually could serve as antimicrobial to diseases caused by these test organisms from their MIC, MBC and MFC
Open Access
Chemical and medicinal properties of xylopia aethiopica harvested from the South Eastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2022-01-30) Iwu, Irenus Chinonye; Ukaoma, Adanna A.; Alisa, Christopher; Ali, Bilah; Obiagwu, Ifeoma; Onu, Lynda Uchenna; Anozie, Remigius Chukwudi
The characterization of chemical and medicinal properties of the leaf of Xylopia aethiopica was carried out with the aid of Shimazu Japan Gas Chromatography 5890-11 and GC-MS QP 2010 Plus Shimazu Japan. The chromatogram revealed 34 peaks which yielded 34 compounds with their molecular weights, structures and formulars elucidated. Initial phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloid 4.3%, flavonoids 5.1%, properties. saponins 4.89%, tannin 2.2%s, cardiac glycosides and steriods. Antimicrobial determination revealed activity against selected human pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10mm, Staphylococcus aureus 20mm, Streptococcus specie 22mm ,Aspergillus niger 16mm, Mucor specie 18mm and but was resistant to Klebsiella pneumonia. Most of the compounds identified in the leaf extract such as phytol.Vitamin E, Squalene, Caryophyllene oxide ans Isoaromadendrene epoxide has proven anti-cancer, anti-tumors, anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anti-arthritic properties
Open Access
Corrosion inhibition and adsorption of Anthocleista djalonesis leaf extract on the acid corrosion of mild steel
(U. P., 2012) Ogukwe, C. E.; Akalezi, C. O.; Chidiebere, M. A.; Oguzie, K. L.; Iheabunike, Z. O.; Oguzie, E. E.
Aqueous extracts of the leaves of Anthocleista djalonesis (AD) have been investigated as non toxic corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic environments (1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4, respectively). Corrosion rates were evaluated at 30 oC using the weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. AD extract was found to inhibit mild steel corrosion in both acidic media via adsorption of the extract organic matter on the metal/solution interface. Polarization data indicate that the extract functioned via a mixed inhibition mechanism, affecting both the cathodic and anodic partial reactions of the corrosion process. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to illustrate the adsorption process of some specific components of the extract.
Open Access
Potentials of hyppocratea pallens planch leave extract as inhibition towards the corrosion of mild steel in acidic media
(Der Pharma Chemica, 2012) Akalezi, C.; Enenebaku, C.; Okolue, B.; Oguzie, E.
The inhibiting effect of leaf extracts of Hyppocratea pallens planhc.ex oliv on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions has been investigated by weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques. The effect of temperature on the corrosion and inhibition processes was studied in the temperature range 303-333K. The presence of this plant extract reduced considerably the corrosion rate of mild steel in acidic media and the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with extract concentration up to 1000 mgL-1. The results suggest that the extract inhibited the corrosion reaction via adsorption of the organic matter on the metal surface, following the Langmuir isotherm and inhibited both the anodic and cathodic partial reactions.
Open Access
Phytochemistry and antimicrobial properties of gmelina arborea (Verberaceae) ethanolic leaf extract and its secondary metabolites
(MEDWIN Publisher, 2020-12-04) Ijezie, M. K. L.; Ezirim, S.; Azih, I.; Ogukwe, C. E.; Akalezi, C. O.
The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial potential of Gmelina arborea ethanolic leaf extract which is used in traditional medicine for treating different ailments such as hallucinations, piles, abdominal pains, burning sensation, diabetes and fever. It is also intended to study its acidic, basic and neutral metabolites with a view to identify the phytochemical compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial properties. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the airdried ethanolic leaf extract and its secondary metabolites in the Research Laboratory of Phytochemistry/ Chromatography, N4 Alaenyi Street, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The antimicrobial study was carried out using the Agar disc diffusion method and determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in the department of Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The ethanol leaf extract and its secondary metabolites (acidic, basic and neutral) were prepared and assayed for antimicrobial activities. The test microorganisms used were Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli and Coliform bacilli. Inhibition zone diameter was used as a measure of the antimicrobial activity. The results of the antimicrobial screening of the crude extract and metabolites showed that the crude extract, acidic and neutral metabolites possessed antimicrobial activity to various extents against the microorganisms tested whereas the basic metabolite showed no activity at all. The results showed that the crude extract exhibited its greatest activity against Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with inhibition diameter of 20 mm at 1.0 mg/ml and MIC of 0.5 mg/ml. The least activity was against Salmonella spp with inhibition zone diameter of 15 mm and MIC of 0.5 mg/ml. The acidic metabolite exhibited its greatest activity against Escherichia coli with inhibition zone diameter of 35 mm at 1.0 mg/ ml and MIC of 0.25 mg/ml. The least activity was against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp with inhibition zone diameter of 25 mm at 1.0 mg/ml and MIC of 0.5 mg/ml respectively. The neutral metabolite exhibited its greatest activity against Salmonella spp and Coliform bacilli with inhibition zone diameter of 30 mm at 1.0 mg/ml and MIC of 0.5 mg/ml. The least activity was against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone diameter of 22 mm at 1.0 mg/ml and MIC of 0.5 mg/ml. The phytochemical screening results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, steroids, carbonyl compounds and carbohydrates. Saponins, carbonyl compounds and carbohydrates were shown to be much higher in concentration than other phytochemicals. The results obtained in this study confirm the antimicrobial properties of Gmelina arborea leaf extract and suggest that this property resides in the acidic and neutral metabolites since the basic metabolite showed no activity at all. The study supports the use of this plant in folk medicine for treatment of ailments such as stomach disorders, healing of wounds, burning sensation and fever.
Open Access
Inhibition of acid corrosion of mild steel by biomass extract from the petersianthus macrocarpus plant
(U. P., 2013) Akalezi, Chris O.; Enenebaku, Conrad K.; Oguzie, Emeka E.
Inhibitive action of petersianthus macrocarpus leave extract on corrosion of mild steel in 1M HCl and 0.5M H2SO4 solutions was studied using gravimetric, electrochemical impedance and potentiodynamic methods. The results indicated that the extracts functioned as a good inhibitor in both environments and inhibition efficiency increased with extract concentration. Temperature studies in the range 313-333K reveal increase in inhibition efficiency of the extract with rise in temperature. A mechanism of chemical adsorption on the extract components on the surface of the metal is proposed for the inhibition behavior. The adsorption characteristics of the inhibitor were found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Open Access
Public participation in solid waste management practices within Owerri Urban of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Nkwoada, Amarachi; Alisa, Christopher; Duru, Ijeoma
Municipal waste disposal have reached a crucial point in major urban areas in Nigeria especially Owerri urban and householder’s readiness to participate in waste management are still declining moreover the problems of indiscriminate dumping of refuse at central places and open dumping and burning at private residents continue to persist. A structured questionnaire was provided to residents of Owerri urban areas addressing lack of knowledge and attitude as a factor in waste recycling, methods of waste disposal, participation and practice using SCHOM analysis that identified 24 active waste dump/disposal sites. ANOVA at 0.95% value of F calculated was 0.25 and less than the value of F critical at value of 4.25 which shows that the burning and burying of waste was unaffected by usage of bins within any location but rather a habit acquired over the years. Also F calculated in column of ANOVA was less than F critical and showed that different zones exhibit different disposal habits and their levels of participation are affected by levels of quality of surrounding environment, popular trend, sex, age and income. SCHOM participants revealed a trend in volume of waste generated among householders to be Metals
Open Access
Evaluation of organic and inorganic pollution indicators in a homeland river
(International Science Community Association, 2020) Akagha, C. I.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Nnadozie, C. F.
The objective of this study was to develop a biannual database for selected organic and inorganic river pollution indicators. The DO, BOD and COD levels alongside TSS and TDS concentrations were determined using standard protocols. The compiled database consisted of 5 aforementionedduring the biannual study generating over 60 data per specific parameter with 60 data per variable, per season per annum. April/May recorded highest values of TSS at "UT" sampling pointvalues of TSS at 60.38 mg/L exceeding the APHA, EU, EPA and FME discharge limits, except WHO standards. Highest TDS (68.20 mg/L) was in 2014 (Oct/NOV) at "DS" sampling point which exceeded FME and EPA pebelow WHO, EU and APHA standards. Observation shows that 2015 was an active DO year much more than 2014 and DO decreased significantly as water flows downstream. Moreover, the highest COD concentration was 290 mg/L at "NB" sampling point during Oct/Nov that was high but below APHA standard. However, the BOD levels between the seasons showed no seasonal variation within each year, which might be due to active and regular discharge of organic pollutants from abattoir source throughout the biannual study. ANOVA analyses showed that BOD and TSS data were statistically more accurate than other parameters. In conclusion, the river is unsafe, unclean and unacceptable for public consumption, recreation, sensitive fish habitation, requires pollution and preventive measures.