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Recent Submissions
Effect of processing and storage on the retention of flavour compounds in Piper nigrum L. and Aframomum danielli spice sample
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-07) Adedokun, Isiaka Ishola
Effects of processing and storage on the retention of flavour compounds in Piper nigrum L(‘black pepper’) and Aframomum danielli seeds spice samples was studied. Mature berries of Piper nigrum L. and pods of Aframomum danielli were procured from point of harvest and subjected to post-harvest treatment and dried respectively. Dried spice seeds were pulverize into powder prior to extraction of flavour compounds with six different solvents. The solvent extraction process was at 1:5w/v ratio of spice powder to solvent and the extract was vaporized to obtain 1:1w/v flavour extract from each solvent for preliminary investigation of flavour constituents. Three processing methods were applied for each spice: (i) pulverized sample, (ii)extract with aqueous 40% ethanol sample and (iii) ethanol extract-coated on suitable carriers(potato grits and rice grits). The pulverized and 40% ethanol extract were stored in amber coloured glass bottles while extract on suitable carriers were packaged in high density polyethylene bags. Each sample was stored at ambient temperature (30+ 3o C) for six months and analyzed at intervals. GC-MS was used to determine the chemical constituents and to monitor the flavour profile during storage. The results of moisture content, specific gravity, phytochemicals and flavour compounds in solvent extract samples were significantly (p<0.05) varied. Specific gravity of absolute ethanol flavour extract was 0.784 in Piper nigrum L. and 0.612 in Aframomum danielli and were significantly higher (p<0.05) than other solvent samples. In Piper nigrum L. n-hexane flavour extract showed 86 GC-MS peaks and 30 Major Flavour Principles (MFPs). This was followed by acetone extract with 78 GC-MS peaks and 26 MFPs. GC-MS peaks of 56 with 18 MFPs in absolute ethanol, 59 GC-MS peaks with 25MFPs in 40% ethanol extract, 42 GC-MS peaks with 20 MFPs in methanol and water extract had the least 5 peaks and 3MFPs. Piperine was the high major flavour principles (MFPs) in Piper nigrum L. flavour and the values ranged from 2.43% in hexane extract to 17.50% in ethanol extract. However 10 GCMS peaks and 8 MFPs were found in absolute ethanol extract of Aframomum danielli, 9 GC-MS peaks and 7 MFPs in 40% ethanol extract sample, 22 GC-MS peaks and 6 MFPs in methanol sample, 28 GC-MS peaks and 7 MFPs in acetone flavour extract, 84 GC-MS peaks and 12 MFPs in hexane flavour extract and none in water extract of Aframomum danielli. The highest major flavour principle ‘MFPs’ of Aframomum danielli solvent extracts was eucalyptol with values ranging from 20.53% to 62.05%. Percentage retention (PR) of core volatile flavour principles in extract coated in suitable carriers in both spices reduced when the ratios of coating materials (rice grits and potato flour) increased in the encapsulated samples. Furthermore, the percentage retention of core volatile flavour principles in spice products samples studied varied at 6months storage. However 40% ethanol extract of Piper nigrum product sample (PP-EB) had the 91.31%
piperine retention higher than other spice products samples in Piper nigrum while pulverized of Aframomum danielli product sample (AFD-PB) showed 83.46% highest eucalyptol retention among Aframomum danielli spice products. Sensory evaluation identified 5 and 8 sensory attributes of Piper nigrum and Aframomum danielli spice flavour product samples respectively. Pearson correlation value of 0.927 in Piper nigrum and 0.671 in Aframomum danielli for flavour pungency was the highest among other sensory attributes to overall acceptability. The total viable counts of fungi and bacteria were higher in raw spices than processed powder. Initial bacterial load was 1.21 x 109 cfu/g in black pepper berries and 7.8 x 108 cfu/g in Aframomum danielli raw seeds. These reduced to 0.9 x 103 cfu/g and 1.21 x 103 cfu/g pulverized spice powder.
Assessment of water quality of the Ogu Creek impacted by seaport activities in Onne, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-12) Agbonikhena, Asuenime Nasiru
The physicochemical parameters of the Ogu Creek serving the Onne Port of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Port Harcourt, which is impacted by Port transport activities were investigated in September 2011 at 6 sampling points. In situ measurements were made for water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and conductivity using HORIBA U-10 Water Quality Checker and for total dissolved solids (TDS) with HACH conductivity/TDS meter. Other parameters were determined using standard methods of APHA. Water samples were collected in replicates with 2 litres plastic containers and transferred to the laboratory in iced-coolers for analysis. The test of homogeneity in mean variance was used to determine spatial variation in the physicochemical variables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) used to explore the interrelationship existing between the parameters. Mean parameters were observed as follows: temperature 28.25 ± 0.12 °C, pH 6.02 ± 0.20, salinity 36.32 ± 0.12 ‰, DO 3.38 ± 0.14 mg/L, BOD 1.74 ± 0.21 mg/L, TSS 25.05 ± 2.45 mg/L, TDS 53.60 ± 5.75 mg/L, turbidity 81.23 ± 5.22 NTU, alkalinity 17.92 ± 1.61 mg/L, conductivity 1815.00 ± 238.24 µS/cm, total petroleum hydrocarbons 2.10 ± 0.15 mg/L, NO3-3.62 ± 0.36 mg/L, PO42-2.59 ± 0.38 mg/L, SO4 2-78.07 ±8.70 mg/L, Cl95.55 ± 16.66 mg/L, Al 0.95 ± 0.08 mg/L, Cd 0.022 ± 0.011 mg/L, Cr 0.05 ± 0.01mg/L, Cu 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/L, Fe 2.67 ± 0.38 mg/L and Pb 0.030 ± 0.009 mg/L. The lower ranges of pH, the upper ranges of Al and Fe, and Cd and Cu levels were outside permissible limits of the Federal Ministry of Environment for aquatic life. The control sampling location recorded highest concentrations in several of the variables, even as there was marked spatial heterogeneity [F(8.41)
Heavy metal concentration in fluted pumpkin (Telfaira occidentals) and health risk assessment in Obio/Okpor, Rivers State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-06) Udofia, Helen Sunday
Heavy metals are non biodegradables and are inimical to human health. This research work was therefore carried out to establish heavy metal concentration in fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) in Obio/Akpor, Rivers state Southern Nigeria. Vegetable and soil samples were collected from ten different locations, taken to the laboratory and analyzed using standard methods. Six heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu and Fe) discovered in the vegetables were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Consequently, human health risk levels associated with the consumption of these metals were also determined. The mean heavy metals concentration in the vegetable ranged as follows: Zn(7.56-36.77mg/kg), Fe(261.42-416.06mg/kg), Pb(1.00-2.01mg/kg), Cd(0.35- 0.55mg/kg), Cu(4.62mg/kg) and Cr(1.49mg/kg), The concentrations of all metals were generally below the permissible limits of WHO/FAO in vegetables except for Pb, Cd and Cr in some locations. However, statistical analysis of levels of the studied metals in T. occidentalis showed significant differences (p>0.05). The heavy metal concentration was in the order: Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd. In terms of location, Iriebe showed the highest heavy metal concentration; followed by Oginigba and Rumuodara, which was the control showed the least. To assess the health risk of the inhabitants of Obio/Akpor due to heavy metal intake from T. occidentalis consumption, the target hazard quotient (THQ), daily intake of metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI) and hazard index (HI) were calculated. The daily intake of Cu (0.393) and Zn (1.978) were lower than the recommended daily intake level of metals and the tolerable upper intake level (UL). But the DIM of Pb (0.128), Cd (0.038) and Fe (27.488) exceeded the recommended daily intake level however, fall within the tolerable upper intake level. Cr (0.127) was lower than the recommended oral reference dose (RfD) of 1.5mg/kg. The THQ of all heavy metals in this study was less than 1; therefore, it does not pose health risk concern. However, The HRI and HI values show that the population may be at risk of heavy metal contamination.
Since T. occidentalis consumption is only one out of the many popular vegetables planted in this area, if other vegetable consumption as well as other routes of heavy metals exposure is considered, the potential health risks for the inhabitants might be higher than in this study. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metals contamination because of its toxicity effect.
Corrosion inhibition of mild steel using extracts of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and kava leaves (Piper methysticum)
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-10) Ufondu, Pearl Chienye
This work investigated two plant leaves extract Velvet Bean and Kava, for inhibition properties and measured their efficiencies with change in time, extract concentration, and media. The metal used was mild steel, and the media HCl and NaCl. It also determined their optimum extract concentration among the tested range. Statistical analysis were also carried out on experimental results. Velvet bean leaf extract was obtained using ethanol in a hot extraction process through reflux. Kava leaf was juiced fresh because of its high moisture content. Extract concentrations - 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000mg/L were prepared for both leaves. The different concentrations for both leaves were tested in 1M HCl medium first, for five days respectively. The different concentrations for Velvet bean leaf were also used in NaCl medium for twenty-five days. In both HCl and NaCl media, the optimum concentration for Velvet bean leaf extract was 4000mg/L, after five days (91.77% efficiency) and twenty-five days (65.44% efficiency) respectively. For Kava leaf, the optimum extract concentration in 1M HCl media was 5000mg/L also after five days (94.16% efficiency). The efficiencies of both inhibitors were seen to increase as their concentrations were increased, and reduce as time increased. Velvet bean leaf extract was also seen to be fairly stable in both acid and base media over time. In NaCl solution, its efficiency was 65.44% after twenty-five days immersion, and 93.14%, after a delayed immersion of two weeks in 1M HCl solution. Statistical analysis showed VBL extract obeyed a quadratic model in both media, and KVL a pure quadratic model. Their high R2 values close to unity showed the adequacy of the models respectively and validated the experimental data. Extract concentration and time had a high effect on inhibition efficiency and were statistically significant. It would be of an advantage to quickly apply the use of these two plant leaves extracts in inhibiting corrosion on mild steel in 1M HCl and NaCl media, in actual industrial environments. Research should be done to check the extracts behaviour and corrosion inhibition efficiency at elevated temperatures, and other media. Even though these two plants could grow all year round, and are not yet popular as food in Nigeria, it would be beneficial for more research to be done on synthesising inhibitor components of the plants in the laboratory so as not shorten food supply by other plant use.
Comparative analysis of corrosion inhibition effects of esters of castor seed and rubber seed oils in flow pipes
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-02) Offurum, Julius Chigozie
Research work on “Comparative analysis of corrosion inhibition effects of ester of castor seed oil (ECSO) and Ester of Rubber Seed Oil (ERSO) in mild steel flow pipes” was carried out. The oil samples were extracted using solvent extraction techniques (n-hexane for castor seed oil and petroleum ether for rubber seed oil). The castor and rubber seeds were ground, and respectively soaked in the n-hexane and petroleum ether before subsequent subjection to soxhlet extraction, to obtain purer oils. The oils were esterified to obtain ECSO and ERSO. Phytochemical analysis of the esterified oils was conducted to reveal the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannins, cardiac glycocide, phenol, phytate, saponin and oxalate that are responsible for protection of the mild steel specimen. The mild steel samples were immersed in a flowing sulphuric acid solution held at various temperatures and pressures. Potentiodynamic polarization was used to determine the influence of the inhibitors on corrosion potential. Scanning electron microscopy provided surface-distorted information about the interaction between the acid medium/inhibitors and the mild steel, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the functional groups present in the inhibitors. The phytochemical evaluation results obtained showed that ECSO has alkaloid value of 2.2%, flavonoid (1.2%), tannic acid (8.6%), cardiac glycocide (7.0%), phenol (0.912mg/100g), Phytate (11.3%), Saponin (1.4%) and Oxalate (12937.5mg/100g), while those of ERSO have values of 2.1%, 43.5%, 12.0%, 28.0%, 1.605mg/100g, 10.8%, 11%, 59062.5mg/100g respectively. Inhibition efficiencies of ERSOtreated dynamic runs at 10g/l, 15g/l, 20g/l concentrations and at all treatment temperatures were higher than those of ECSO; maximum inhibition efficiencies for ERSO and ECSO applications were respectively 64.4% and 34.4% at 50% stroke, 20g/l dosage and 40oC. Furthermore, increase in treatment temperatures and pressures drastically lowered the 22 inhibition efficiency; the results obtained fit the Langmuir model for both inhibitors, with R2 values tending towards unity. Inhibition efficiencies of ERSO-reacted static runs, obtained from potentiodynamic polarization measurements were also higher than those of ECSO, peaking at 81.70% whereas that of ECSO peaked at 75.40%, both for 20g/l treatments at ambient temperature. Scanning electron microscope, SEM pictures of the mildsteel immersed in ECSO and ERSO showed the existence of absorbate species, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR spectra revealed that there were shifts due to O-H/N-H and C=O stretching frequencies from 3386cm-1 to 3209cm-1 and from 1743cm-1 to 1203cm-1 respectively. The inhibitor samples were able to inhibit mildsteel corrosion substantively, but ERSO gave better corrosion inhibition effects than ECSO.