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Recent Submissions
Health effects of ionizing radiation on diagnostic professional radiation workers in some selected health institutions in Southern, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Omita, Efe
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of regular low-level ionizing radiation on the hematological parameter of occupational radiation workers. This experimental study was carried out in southern Nigeria among 202 samples, which include 101 occupationally exposed workers and 101 non-occupational exposed workers (control).The exposed subjects were selected from Radiology Departments and Radio diagnostic centers with large number of referral cases who were chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. Selected controls workers in the same hospitals and center without being exposed to any kind of radiation doses. All exposed and control subjects match gender, age and occupational records (±3 years). They were categorized based on the duration of exposure as group 1 (<10 years) and group 2 (≥10 years). A Physical Dosimetry was carried out by measuring their occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is routinely monitored by personal exposure measurement devices (Thermoluminiscent dosimeter).This monitoring was carried out for at least two years and a Biological Dosimetry was also carried out using Full Blood Count to ascertain the biological effect of low ionizing radiation. Data such as gender, age, full blood count parameters as well as the radiation doses received by the radiation workers were collected using data capture sheet. All results were compared to the standard values. Out of 101 radiation workers, the majority 70.3% (n=71) were medical radiographers and the least 1.98% (n=2) were medical physicists. There is a statistically significant mean difference between the standard dose and radiation doses received by radiation workers with the mean cumulative dose of 1.67mSv which is below the recommended dose of 20mSv by the ICRP (t= -234.6, p= 0.00). There were statistically significant mean difference between blood parameters of radiation workers (BPRW) and standard full blood count limits(SFBCL) are WBC (BPRW = 5.19 and SFBCL mid-point = 7.00- 10 x 109), RBC (BPRW = 4.08 and SFBCL = 4.50-5.50 x 1012), Platelets (BPRW = 228.22 and SFBCL = 200 x 109) and MCV (BPRW = 80.51 and 80-100), with values of WBC ( t= 12.16, p = 0.00), RBC ( t= 4.09, p =0.00), Platelets ( t= 3.57, p = 0.001) and MCV (t= -8.76, p = 0.00). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results revealed that there were statistically significant different in the radiation effects on the blood parameters such as WBC (F= 2.326, p = 0.025), RBC (F = 3.969, p= 0.000), Platelets (F=6.060, p = 0.000), MCH (F=4.898, p = 0.000), HCT (F=4.060, p = 0.000) and MCHC (F=5.377, p =0.000). There were no statistically significant different in the effect of radiations on Hb (F=1.690, p=0.111) and MCV (F=1.502, p = 0.167). The average annual effective radiation dose was below the limits advised by the International Commission on Padiological Protection, there was also some evidence that low ionizing radiation exposures affect some hematological parameters of radiation workers. Despite this, there is no established threshold for initiation of biologic alterations brought on by exposure to low doses of radiation.
Analysis of the effects of maritime clusters on hindtherland operations in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-03) Nwosu, Emmanuel Nnadozie
The study was carried out to analyze the effects of the performance of selected port-based maritime clusters business components on hinterland operations in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were among other things, to determine the determinant maritime cluster business component that contributes significantly to maritime sector Development in Nigeria; to model the effects of maritime cluster development on the shipping export and import capacities in hinterland locations in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the federal Capital Territory, Abuja; and the determine the significant factors influencing the decision of maritime and allied firms, to locate operational basis in port-based maritime clusters in Nigeria. The study used a mixed research design method in which both survey methods involving the use of primary data sourced through the use of questionnaire as survey instrument, and quantitative research methods which involved the use of time series quantitative data on the shipping export and import capacities of each of the hinterland zones in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were sourced from the Nigeria ports Authority Statistical reports, covering a time period of 19 years, were used. The statistical methods of principal component factor analysis (PCFA) and the log-linear multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data obtained. The findings of the study indicate that the offshore oil and gas maritime-cluster business component has Eigen values greater than 1 (5.904>1) and constitute the determinant maritime-cluster business component that significantly contribute to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria over the years. The findings of the study also indicate that there is significant relationship between maritime-cluster development and the shipping export and import capacities of hinterland regions in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The result however indicate that, the North-East and Federal Capital territory hinterland regions each recorded zero shipping export operations over the period covered in the study. The findings of the study further reveal that the significant factors that contributes to the decision of firms to locate investments in maritime clusters in Nigeria include: Guaranteed security of investment, Favourable Government policy, The ease of administration and coordination of the business divisions of a firm from the cluster location, Reduced labour cost and access to professionals and Access to transport cum optimization of logistics and production cost, with each having Eigen values of 2.992, 2.244, 1p.241, 1.145, and 1.039. the policy implications of the findings were also discussed. It was recommended that, Government policies such as policies creating free trade zones in maritime regions and tax exemptions for new firms should be used to attract more maritime firms to locate in port-based maritime clusters in Nigeria. The significant relationship between maritime sector development, export and import capabilities of hinterlands in Nigeria,
suggest that the hinterlands can guarantee the achievement of higher output in the maritime sector if necessary investment is made by Government to improve the shipping export and import trade potentials of the hinterlands.
Chemical and toxicological evaluations of boiled Hemidactylus frenatus and Scolopendridae cataracta solutions in albino rats
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-07) Esseh, Jane Nnenna
This study evaluated the chemical profile and toxicological potential of Hemidacylus frenatus (wall gecko) and Scolopendridae cataracta (centipede) boiled solution in albino rats. Thirty-five (35) male albino rats that weighed 96.00 ± 0.06 g and aged 9 to 10 weeks were divided into seven groups: group 1 received feed and water only and served as the control group, group 2 received 10 ml/kg body weight (b.w) of boiled degutted wall gecko solution (BDWGS), group 3 received 20 ml/kg b.w of BDWGS, group 4 received 10 ml/kg b.w of boiled whole wall gecko solution (BWWGS), group 5 received 20 ml/kg b.w BWWGS, group 6 received 10 ml/kg b.w of boiled centipede solution (BCS) and group 7 received 20 ml/kg b.w BCS; for 28 days through oral route. The GC-MS analyses of the boiled solutions revealed the presence of benzenamine, methenamine, 1H-imidazole, halcinonide, acetamide, cyclohexane, colchiceine, ethyl oxamate and N-(4-Aminobutyl) aziridine in them. The results of the acute toxicity (LD50) of the boiled centipede and wall gecko solutions showed no mortality at the study level. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in blood urea, creatinine, sodium ion, chloride ion concentrations and ALP, ALT and AST activities and a decrease in bicarbonate ion concentration following administration of BWWGS and BCS. Total and direct bilirubin concentrations increased in all treatment groups while total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations reduced in BWWGS and BCS groups when compared to control group. Alterations in renal and hepatic functional indices were confirmed in histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues; ostensibly caused by the toxic chemical compositions of the treatment solutions. In conclusion, the boiled wall gecko and centipede solutions were toxic to the liver and kidneys of the rats.
Electrochemical degradation of methly orange dye contaminated water
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-05) Enyia, Onyinyechi Deborah
In this study, the electrochemical degradation of Methyl orange, a representative of azo dye, wasinvestigated in contaminated water using a graphite anode and copper cathode. Several key parameters were systematically explored, including time, pH, temperature, current density, and electrolyte concentration, to optimize the degradation process. An observable trend emerged, revealing intriguing insights. Increasing current density and reaction time consistently enhanced degradation efficiency. Specifically, current densities of 0.27mA/mm² and 0.53 mA/mm² exhibited rapid degradation, reaching a plateau at approximately 87%. At higher current densities of 0.8mA/mm² and 1.33mA/mm², degradation efficiency followed a more intricate pattern, culminating in remarkable removal rates of 97.88% and 97.34%, respectively. Electrolyte selection also played a pivotal role, with 1M KCl displaying the swiftest degradation efficiency of 98% within a mere 30 minutes. Conversely, 0.05 M KCl recorded the lowest degradation efficiency. Similar trends were observed with NaCl, where 1M NaCl achieved an impressive 97.2% degradation efficiency, while 0.05 M NaCl lagged significantly at 22.8%. Moreover, degradation efficiency decreased with increasing pH, with the pH 3 conditions yielding the highest efficiency at 98%. Temperature variations mirrored this trend, as a temperature of 30 ºC attained the pinnacle degradation efficiency of 99%. UV-VIS analysis further substantiated the findings, revealing a substantial reduction in absorbance peaks for Methyl orange dye, from 2.0 to 0.2 at a wavelength of 470 nm in the visible region. This signified the elimination of the azo chromophore group, an initial constituent of the dye, during electrochemical degradation. Additionally, the appearance of intermediates underscored the complexity of the degradation process. This study has significant implications for wastewater treatment plants, offering valuable insights into the optimization of cost-effective electrochemical treatment methods. The findings unraveled the intricate interplay of key parameters, paving the way for enhanced efficiency in the removal of toxic synthetic dyes and advancing the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment strategies.
Remediation of crude oil polluted soil with cow dung and Pennisetum purpureum zinc oxide nanoparticles
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-02) Enemugwem, Rachel Itongnte
This study investigated the remediation of crude oil polluted soil with cow dung and Pennisetum purpureum zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of Pennisetum purpureum and cow dung. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phytochemical properties of Pennisetum purpureum, cow dung and ZnO nanoparticles were assessed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). One kilogram soil was polluted invitro with 100 mL Bonny light crude oil. This study was carried out for 42 days. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX), total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), nitrogen, phosphorous, pH, total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (THUB) count were determined in unpolluted, polluted and remediated soil using standard analytical methods. The major bioactive compounds in Pennisetum purpureum were linoleic acid (18.89%), cis-13-octadecenoic acid (15.74%), 1,2-benzisothiazole (6.69%), 11-octadecenoic acid (5.53%), oleic acid (5.01%), the major bioactive compounds in cow dung were trans-13-octadecenoic acid (12.03%), 8, 11 – octadecadienoic acid (8.29%), 9octadecanoic acid (8.11%), cycloeisane (7.43%). UV–vis spectra showed absorption peaks at 367nm (3.38 eV) for cow dung ZnO nanoparticles and 370nm (3.35 eV) for Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles. FTIR analyses identified functional groups (C-O, O-H, CH, C≡C, C=C, N-O) and chemical bond formations in Pennisetum purpureum and cow dung ZnO nanoparticles. XRD results revealed ZnO nanoparticle’s crystalline structure, phase composition and average particle size of 23.37nm (Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles) and 18.17nm (cow dung ZnO nanoparticles). The TEM images showed that the biosynthesised ZnO nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average mean particle size of 3.47nm for cow dung ZnO and 15.21nm for Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles at 100nm magnification. The remediation of crude oil polluted soil with cow dung and Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles was dose dependent (20g and 40g). The pH of the polluted soil was acidic and alkaline in treated soil. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the concentrations of heavy metal (As, Cr, Hg, Zn, Ni), nitrogen, zinc, phosphorous, PAH, BTEX, TOC, TPH on the crude oil polluted soil treated with cow dung and Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles because of the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanoparticles on the pollutants. Total heterotrophic bacterial and total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria count increased progressively during the 42 days study period. The higher concentrations (40g) of the nanoparticles were more efficient for soil remediation than lower concentrations (20g). The results from this study showed that cow dung and Pennisetum purpureum ZnO nanoparticles are photocatalysts and has the potential to degrade pollutants and reduce the clean - up time.