School of Physical Sciences

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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.
Open Access
Spatio-temporal study of criteria pollutants in Nigerian city
(U. P., 2020-06-29) Anyika, L. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Opara, A. I.; Ejike, E. N.
Aims: An investigation of characteristic long term air pollutants known for temporal and spatial behaviors was conducted due to increased pollution scenarios in Nigerian cities as a result of deprived environmental enforcement of statutory obligations. Study Design: One of the worlds’ most polluted cities (Onitsha lower basin) in Nigeria was selected for spatio-temporal study of three criteria pollutants combined with GIS and MATLAB alongside associated meteorological conditions during harmattan. Methodology: 72-hourly analyses of the nine different locations having 4 sampling sites and 500 meters apart were done from December to February which generated over 19, 440 experimental data per quarter of each annual study. Results: Upper Iweka/Nitel area recorded the highest concentration of SO2 pollutant at (94.2 µg/m3) due to longer residence times and low wind mixing height. Borromeo hospital showed the least active NO2 region but converges at points 1 due to North-east wind dissimilar to sampling points 1 having the lowest PM10 distribution. Measured temperature parameter correlates inversely with relative humidity and precipitation. The GIS spatial representation corresponded to temporal variability of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Conclusion: All sampled areas had AQI above 50; hence the study identified SO2, NO2, and PM10 as Primary pollutants of Onitsha lower basin.
Open Access
The role and economics of nano-graphene functionalization in oil industry improvement
(U. P., 2018-03-06) Nkwoada, Amarachi U.; Amakom, Chijioke M.; Oguzie, Emeka E.
The toxic pollutants released from oil and gas activities typically takes years of clean-up and reclamation. Hence, creating the need for new nano-materials that can function as adsorbents, filter membranes, and coating materials, which offer a molecular level of control in separating relevant pollutant mixtures. The advances in graphene-family and its derivatives has proven its effectiveness to gradually replace conventional filter membranes, coatings, adsorbents, sensors for nanomaterials applications in the oilfield. The functionalization of graphene and graphene oxide has enabled such nano-graphene-composite materials to be tailored to meet the new development of coatings, adsorbents, filter membranes and sensors for oil and gas applications with high scalability potentials
Open Access
Establishing risk assessment from reclaimed Nekede Mechanic Village Owerri, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018-09-14) Nkwoada, A. U.; Alisa, C. O.; Amakom, C. M.; Enenebeaku, C. K.
The current resettlement of Nekede Auto-Mechanic village by Imo State government of Nigeria created a sparse piece of land awaiting government utilization. Risk assessment was carried out on the land using existing boreholes and soil to determine land utilization potential. Analysis of the physicochemical water parameters showed that there was no contamination of boreholes. The high value of COD correlated with the high levels of Fe in soil and water samples. Heavy metals concentrations showed that Fe was very much present in the soil while Pb, Cd and Cu had reduced concentrations. Risk assessment for the soil samples showed that Fe had the highest mean and median value. The highest mean value for water was Cu metal. Highest variance value was Cu in soil while Pb had the lowest value in water. Hazard quotient of water samples showed that hazards existed for Cd, Cu and Pb but at a moderate level for Fe. Estimated daily/weekly water intake values were all below WHO/FAO standards. The soil enrichment factor showed no enrichment for Pb, minimal enrichment for Cd, moderate enrichment for Cu and significant contamination for Fe. Ecological risk assessments for the heavy metals were at low ecological risk. Potential ecological index depicts Fe and Cd at a considerable level of ecological risk. Likewise, contaminants existed at the nearby Otamiri river due to dredging and nearby waste dumps. The anthropogenic activity at the Otamiri river posed a serious environmental concern if not controlled and reclaimed. Hence, the reclamation of Nekede auto mechanic village will not be suitable for agricultural or recreational purposes.
Open Access
GIS and MATLAB modeling of criteria pollutants: A study of Lower Onitsha Basin during rains
(Journal BiNET Scientifc Publishing, 2018-10-14) Anyika, L. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Opara, A. I.; Ejike, E. N.; Onuoha, G. N.
The study of air pollutants SO2, NO2 and PM10 in lower Onitsha basin, a densely populated city was performed using GPS and Matlab modeling. The pollutants were studied in nine specific locations for 3 months of rains over 3 consecutive years with each georeferenced. The Matlab pollution model was generated by integrating the spatial database and measured pollution attributes database using a polynomial expression. SO2 highest concentration (141 µg/m3) peaked in Upper Iweka at sampling point 1 before dispersing to lower concentrated regions in Awada and Resthouse. NO2 peaked at 207 µg/m3 in Upper Iweka at sampling point 3 and driven by wind towards Borromeo area to very low concentration of 38 ug/m3. The PM10 peaked in Upper Iweka (180 µg/m3) and driven by rains towards Borromeo before increasing again in concentration levels at Awada. The AQI showed that SO2 pollutants had acceptable air quality at all sampling points while NO2 and PM10 air quality affected sensitive groups. SO2 concentration levels exceeded the National air quality standard in Nigeria (NAQS) while NO2 and PM10 were below the NAQS standard. The GIS plot showed that 3 metrological forces were driving pollutants from Upper Iweka and Awada to other sampling areas in the order of SO2> NO2> PM10. The Matlab wind speed plot showed that there was an upward wind in upper Iweka driving the pollutants towards dispersal at some other region. Thus, Upper Iweka is an active point source pollution area and dispersed to Borromeo and Awada by scavenging rains under prevailing wind speed, wind direction and humidity. Hence calls for improved monitoring and regulation to address poll.
Open Access
Radionuclide concentration: The coal ash effect
(Academic Journals, 2018) Amakom, M. Chijioke; Orji, E. Chikwendu; Iroegbu, Chinedu; Eke, C. Benedict; Nkwoada, U. Amarachi; Madu, D. Afam; Ugochuwu, G. Kosisochukwu; Oforma, J. Tochukwu
Radionuclide concentrations in coal ash, soil mixed with coal ash and soil were determined using the gamma spectroscopic method. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in coal ash samples were found as 35.0, 5.8, and 109.4 Bq/kg, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil mixed with coal ash samples varied from 21.2 to 30.8, 48.6 to 82.7, and 162.5 to 180.1 Bq/kg, respectively. The activity concentrations of radionuclides from the non-mixed soil area, which serves as a control to this study ranged from 123.95 to 128.82, 16.33 to 18.38, and 46.63 to 50.30 Bq/kg, respectively for radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. From the radiological calculations, it was found that the use of coal ash as a soil additive contributed slightly to the radionuclide concentrations of the area under study.
Open Access
Radionuclide depth profile baseline and radiation hazard indices of the reclaimed old Nekede Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2021-02-06) Amakom, Chijioke M.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Nwaogbo, Chidiebere I.; Iheonu, Nneka O.
Radionuclide concentration in soil samples collected at the old Nekede auto-mechanic village in Owerri were determined using gamma spectroscopy. A total of 15 soil samples were collected at depths of 10-cm, 20-cm and 30-cm at 5 different sites respectively. From the results, the mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were 132.66±5.61 Bq/Kg, 26.38±3.88 Bq/Kg, and 73.24±4.91 Bq/Kg respectively for samples collected at 10cm depth. At 20cm depth the mean values obtained were 111.95±6.51 Bq/Kg, 32.63±3.48 Bq/Kg, and 89.76±5.20 Bq/Kg for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th respectively, while 102.88±4.62 Bq/Kg, 30.03±2.77 Bq/Kg, and 76.08±6.65 Bq/Kg were obtained at the 30 cm depth for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th respectively. The calculated absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose have an average value of 66.6687 nGyh-1 and 0.0912 mSv.y-1 . The 10cm depth presented the lowest dose rate and annual effective dose rate with values of 61.9564 nGyh-1 and 0.0847 mSv.y-1 respectively. While the highest values were obtained at 30cm depth with values of 64.0913 nGyh-1 and 0.0876 mSv.y-1 respectively. The value of the annual effective dose lies within the world average value of 1.0 mSvy-1annual effective dose equivalent rate. The hazard indices corresponding to the collected samples was also estimated to have a mean value of 0.142, which is below the ecommended world average.
Open Access
Novel non-parametric assessment of heavy metals in coated card wastes
(U. P., 2017-11-09) Nwoko, C. I. A.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Njoku, P. C.; Obichini, A.
Non-parametric tests were applied for the first time to coated mobile card waste in order to determine the correlation within risk assessment and instrumentation. The AAS concentrations of all the metals were higher than their XRF concentrations except in Al and Ag metals. Cr had the highest distribution pattern while Ag metal had the lowest respectively. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for all metals were below minor hazard level. On the contrary, only Fe and Zn were below the Oral reference dose (RfD) value and the daily metal intake (DMI) respectively. The WilcoxonMann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the concentration of the metals in XRF and AAS analysis results but identified the unusual behavior of Ag and Al metals; hence it depicted that both AAS and XRF analysis results were not sensitive to detect the different metal concentrations in the cards. Hence, similar coating specifications are utilized. The Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient showed that the results from AAS and XRF were significantly different. Hence it showed that instrumentation showed sensitivity of metal concentrations from the recharge cards. This correlated with THQ, DMI, health risk index (HRI) risk assessment parameters that different coating specifications were used causing different values at same sampling points. Therefore, the results established that non-parametric tests are good analytical tools.
Open Access
An experimental investigation of pristine barite adsorption on sodium oleate and sodium palmitate
(Science Publishing Group, 2018) Nwoko, Christopher Ikpe Amadi; Nkwoada, Amarachi Udoka; Okoji, Josephine,; Opah, Solomon
Characterization of the pristine barite mineral was established using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). Barite was applied for sodium oleate and sodium palmitate adsorption in aqueous solutions. Equilibrium adsorption data were fitted into two adsorption isotherms, three kinetic models and thermodynamic study. The concentration of the ion and pH in the solution proved to be a controlling factor in the adsorption process. Sodium oleate and sodium palmitate soaps adsorbed strongly onto the barite mineral at pH 9 and a temperature of 293k. They result was affected by the high bulk density and chemical resistance nature of barite indicated by successive increase in dosage amount. The effect of concentration and time typically gave a C-type adsorption isotherm. Adsorptive isotherm showed that sodium palmitate adsorption over natural barite was better described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm while oleate desorption gave a good fitting with Freundlich isotherm. The adsorptive kinetics of sodium palmitate fitted well into pseudo 1st order and 2nd order kinetics. Intra particle diffusion was not the rate-determining step. Thermodynamic study showed a physiosorption that was exothermic. Hence the findings showed that pristine barite absorbs at optimum pH and temperature of 9 and 293k.
Open Access
Characterization of selected honey in SouthEast Nigeria: Theoretical translation
(U. P., 2017) Nwoko, C. I. A.; Nkwoada, A. U.; Ubeh, E. O.; Njoku, A.
With the vast honey bee species producing honey for international export and consumption in Nigeria, there is need for theoretical translation of quality assessment and characterization of honey for human consumption. The physicochemical and mineral contents of some selected honey in the five South east geopolitical states of Nigeria was performed for above mentioned application. The results were evaluated with 3D plot to identify the statistical significance of the parameters analyzed. The levels of glucose and fructose were accepted by codex alimentation standard and rejected samples B, C, and G. A correlation of similar botanical origin was demonstrated in sample B, C and G and similarly observed in their moisture content been > 21%. The pH and electrical conductivity showed no significant variation. The codex hydroxyl methyl furfural standard identified samples B, E and L to be “aged honey” or falsified honey in circulation. The 3D plot showed the significant variation of hydroxyl methyl furfural content of samples. A hypothesis was observed when the samples and previously analyzed Nigerian samples were compared; metal concentration levels of Group 1 elements > Group 2 > transition metals in Nigerian honey and formed an identification trend.
Open Access
Radiation levels around some X-ray diagnostic centres in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018-07) Amakom, M. Chijioke; Orji, E. Chikwendu; Nkwoada, U. Amarachi; Nnonah, C. Daniel; Umunnakwe, C. Miriam
Radiation levels were measured around eight diagnostic centres in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria using a portable Geiger Muller counter model GCA-04. The measurements were taken when the radiation sources (x-ray machines) were operational and non-operational. When the machines were non-operational, the background radiation ranged from 0.63 to 1.48 mSv/yr. When the machines were operational, the radiation levels ranged from 0.82 to 24.28 mSv/yr; this adds between 0.19 to 23.14 mSv/yr to the existing background radiation. The diagnostic centres used in this work have background radiation level below the world average dose limit of 2.16 mSv/yr for natural background radiation. Seven centres had annual dose rates that were below the 1.25mSv/yr dose limit for the public when the radiation source is not on and only one centre had a value still below the dose limit for the public when the radiation source was on. The other centres had higher values of annual dose rate when the safety of the general public is considered both for the cases when the radiation source was operational and non-operational.