Methylene Blue and Iron (II) Adsorption onto Raphia Hookeri Seed: A Comparative Equilibrium Isotherm Study

In this study, activated carbon prepared from Raphia hookeri seed was employed as an adsorbent to take up methylene blue (an organic ion-in-solution) and iron (II), a metal ion-in-solution. The biosorbent was prepared using chemical activation using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as an impregnating agent. Calibration was performed with a focus on the change in the adsorbate concentration. The equilibrium isotherms study was conducted by considering a range of sorbate concentrations, to determine the optimal conditions for the adsorption systems. The same sorbate volume (10 ml), and the same dosage (0.3g) of biosorbent were used for both adsorption processes. Linear analysis was used to compare the best-fitting isotherms. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models were tested. The highest coefficient of determination values (R2) for both iron (II) and Methylene blue was obtained from the Langmuir isotherm as 0.9266 and 0.9572, respectively, compared to values from the other isotherms tested – indicative of Langmuir isotherm’s superior fit. Estimated values of ‘separation factor’, KR, for Methylene blue (0.29457), however, was lower than that of iron (II) (0.42141) - an indication that the sorbent treats methylene blue better than iron (II), though both processes are feasible.

THE EFFECT OF FREQUENCY VARIATION ON DIELECTRIC CONSTANT OF RAPHIA HOOKERI

This work sought to investigate the effect of varying the frequency of an applied electric field on the dielectric constant of raphia hookeri. The aim of the work was to ascertain the suitability of using the sample for engineering applications. It was revealed, from the recorded results, that the dielectric constant of the sample decays exponentially with frequency. Also, greater degree of polarisation was observed with decrease in frequency. Again, as a good thermal insulator, it was revealed that the values of the sample’s dielectric constant compared favourably with those of commonly used conventional dielectric materials. Thus, it is obvious that if put into production cycle, the sample can serve as a low-cost and environmentally friendly material suitable for engineering applications within audio frequency range. This will, in turn, help to provide raw material for electronic industry and also improve the economy.

Nutritional Value of Raphia hookeri Fruit, Hematological Properties of Its Powder and Aqueous Extract in A Model of Aluminum Chloride Inducing Neurotoxicity by Using Rats

This study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional value of the mesocarp of Raphia hookeri (Rh) fruit and the effect of powder and aqueous extract of the fruit on hematological parameters in rats which have undergone neurotoxicity by aluminum chloride. The nutritional content was evaluated with the standard method. Seven groups of six Wistar rats were used, neurotoxicity was induced by 4.2 mg/kg of body weight of aluminum chloride 3 times a week intraperitonealy with treatment. Rat treatment was as follow: aqueous extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, 5 and 10% of formulation, negative, positive and normal groups. The experiment lasted 28 days. The data obtained from the nutritive value showed that Rh mesocarp is a good source of lipids (48.97%), fibers (25.82%), calcium (3183.3mg/100g of dry matter), potassium (1218.3 mg/100g of DM), zinc (0.88 mg/100g of DM) and selenium (8.6 mg/100g of DM). Nevertheless, it contains a little amount of phytic acid and hydrocyanic acid which is acceptable for human consumption. It can then be used in many formulations as a source of these nutrients. Aluminum administration indicates the reduction in food intake, a low weight gain and Hematological alteration in the Positive control group. However, consumption of Rh mesocarp indicated an increase in food intake, weight gain and a restoration of hematological parameters to the normal level with the best values in groups that were administered Rh powders (Rh5% and Rh10%). Raphia hookeri mesocarp is a rich source of nutrients involved in the prevention of hematological disorder.