Modified ion exchange jackfruit seeds resin for removal of selected trace heavy metal ions from aqueous solution

Water is essential for every life processes. However, its quality is deteriorating every day due to the recent industrial advancements. Anthropogenic processes such as industrialization, mining and agricultural activities have led to alarming discharge of heavy metal ions to the aquatic bodies. This possess a greater threat to human, animal and the entire ecosystem wellbeing. Accumulation of heavy metal ions in drinking water beyond permissible limits is detrimental to human health. Therefore, their removal is paramount. Conventional remediation techniques have been employed but have remained expensive and not universally appropriate. This has therefore spurred research interests in the use of adsorption techniques from locally available materials as an environmentally sustainable alternative. Jackfruit seeds are discarded as wastes of a Jackfruit and can be utilized as an ion exchange resin in heavy metal ions removal from wastewater. The present study involved application of previously prepared raw and modified Jackfruit seed resins to study thermodynamics of copper (II), lead (II) and cadmium (II) ions adsorption from synthetic water. FTIR results showed presence of functional groups in raw and modified resins as important sites for studying thermodynamics of adsorption of copper (II), lead (II) and cadmium (II) ions. Thermodynamic data showed that standard Gibb’s free energy () values for all metals were negative indicating that adsorption process was feasible and favourable. Standard enthalpy change (), standard entropy () and activation energy () were positive (> 40 kJ mol-1) and in the order lead (II) > copper (II) > cadmium (II). This confirmed adsorption of copper (II), lead (II) and cadmium (II) ions onto both raw and modified resins was predominated by chemical interactions between the metal ions and the resin active sites. This was confirmed by very low values of sticking probability (S*). The findings indicated that ion exchange Jackfruit seeds resin is promising for heavy metal ions removal from wastewater in an optimized temperature controlled system.

Phytotoxicity of essential oil from Piper nigrum L. on some selected food crops as a potential herbicide in Africa

Phytotoxicity of the essential oil (EO) of Piper nigrum L. against Solanum lycopersicum L., Zea mays L. and Vigna unguiculata L. was studied. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of P. nigrum shows that linalool (21.73 %) was the major component of the essential oil. The EO retarded the growth of the root and the shoot of S. lycopersicum, Z. mays and V. unguiculata. The inhibition of the root ranged from 64.8-82.8% after 120 hours with a concentration of 4 mL/L, while for the shoot, 100% inhibition was observed with 4 mL/L of the EO formulation after just 96 hours. The phytotoxic effect on the leaves was highest in V. unguiculata and least in S. lycopersicum. Phototoxicity was also observed when the EO formulations were applied to the root of the seedlings of Z. mays and V. unguiculata recorded 100% distress of the seedlings when 3 mL/L of the graded concentration was used after 24 hours. EO from P. nigrum is a potential bio-herbicide with a wide spectrum of use on plants.

A comparative study on the effects of various factors to the revalence of pelvic inflammatory disease in North central Nigeria

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a gynaecological disease that affects the upper genital organs of reproductive age females. It is a disease associated with clinical sequalae such as tubal blockage, oophoritis and cervicitis which are said to result to high rate of disease (such as female infertility) and deaths among the females. This study therefore attempts to evaluate the association of various factors to high prevalence of pelvic inflammatory disease among women residing in developing countries such as Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to all women enrolled for this study too obtain their data. Seven hundred and twenty (720) patients out of 1170 patients enrolled for this study were recorded to be pelvic inflammatory disease patients, of which 380(85%) were rural dwellers; 452(87.6%) were ignorant of pelvic inflammatory disease and were thus easily prone to the disease; 285(86.4%) were within the reproductive ages of 25-29 years; 350(85.2%) previously had urinary tract infection a year ago; 496(85.8%) and 343(83.5%) were both married and uneducated females. The high prevalence of pelvic inflammatory disease recorded in this study is due to certain predisposing factors practiced among females in their reproductive ages, hence it is necessary for government to enforce certain measures such as establishment of free education, continuous awareness of pelvic inflammatory disease and establishment of free medical check up to help prevent and control the spread of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Butterfly distribution and habitat conservation status at A Rocha Dakatcha Nature Reserve, Kilifi County, Kenya

Diverse human pressures are degrading coastal forests with profound implications on invertebrate biodiversity. Butterfly species are key ecosystem indicators and their distribution may become a campaign tool towards conservation of specific habitats. However, a baseline survey of Dakatcha butterflies is long overdue, necessitating this study at A Rocha Dakatcha Nature Reserve (ARDNR) in Kilifi County. The objective was to identify Dakatcha butterfly species, their distribution, threats to the forest and conservation measures by the community in 2019. The modified pollard walk method was used to collect butterfly species from 21 transects from which the Shannon index of diversity, Margalef’s species richness index and evenness index were calculated. A total of 125 butterflies from five distinct vegetation types were captured and identified to represent 42 species and 25 genera from the documented 5 butterfly families in Kenya. Questionnaires were administered to twenty-nine community members on threats and conservation activities in ARDNR. The exercise confirmed that main threats to ARDNR butterfly habitat are agriculture, charcoal production from Diospyros corni and Dobera glabra and timber extraction from Manilkara mochisia, Brachystegia spiciformis, Thespesia danis and Brachylaena huillensis trees. The targeted deforestation of key tree species providing a suitable microclimate and an array of nectar sources to all threaten butterfly existence in the forest. Fortunately, there are five main stakeholders implementing diverse conservation projects including promotion of energy-saving jikos and beekeeping. In conclusion this study confirms existence of all five families of Kenyan butterflies in ARDNR. The presence of 13 butterfly species in the regenerating forest patch further affirming the importance of practical all-inclusive forest management and that community awareness enhances diversification of livelihood activities alongside sustainable forest utilization.

Bioaccumulation of zinc, lead, cadmium in water hyacinth, hippo grass and papyrus reed as water quality indicator in River Kisat in Kisumu County, Kenya

River Kisat in Kenya is increasingly being polluted serving as a sink for waste receiving effluent from sewerage, industrial waste and agricultural pesticide residues leading to heavy metal contamination. This has led to the contamination of the aquatic ecosystem and water used by communities for consumption and farming. Little information is available on the bio-indicative aspects of water quality using bioaccumulation factor by macrophytes. This study aimed at determining concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in water, (Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Vossia cuspidata (hippo grass), Cyperus papyrus (papyrus reed) and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in River Kisat, Kisumu County. This was determined following laboratory standard procedures using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results showed mean concentrations (mg/L) of Cd (Below detectable limit), Zn (0.2 -0.15) and Pb (0.03-0.03) in water. Mean values were within allowable WHO drinking water limits except for Pb which was above acceptable limits. Zn recorded highest accumulated levels in E. crassipes (72.43mg/L), C. papyrus (70.13mg/L) and V. cuspidate (71.03mg/L). E. crassipes was observed to bioaccumulate the highest concentration of the heavy metals with C. papyrus bioaccumulating the lowest (E. crassipes > V. cuspidata> C. papyrus). Pearson matrix correlation analysis showed positive significant correlations (r = 0.621; p = 0.027) between Zn and Pb in water and the macrophytes which reflected a common source of pollution and indication of accumulation. BAF recorded for all macrophytes ranged from 2.45 to 6.85, above value of 1, indicating significant bioaccumulation for Zn and Pb. The findings from this study showed higher concentrations of Zn and Pb in the macrophytes in comparison to the water in River Kisat with BAF values >1 indicating bioaccumulation which represented poor water quality. The study recommends local authorities employ monitoring processes with incorporation of BAF as a water quality indicator where low metal concentrations in water are recorded, introduce penalties for polluters and sensitize local inhabitants on detrimental health effects of heavy metal and avoid use of River Kisat water for agricultural activities.

Mathematical description of a bounded oil reservoir with a horizontal well

Horizontal wells are more productive compared to vertical wells if their performance is optimized. For a completely bounded oil reservoir, immediately the well is put into production, the boundaries of the oil reservoir have no effect on the flow. The pressure distribution thus can be approximated with this into consideration. When the flow reaches either the vertical or the horizontal boundaries of the reservoir, the effect of the boundaries can be factored into the pressure distribution approximation. In this paper we consider the above cases and present a detailed mathematical model that can be used for short time approximation of the pressure distribution for a horizontal well with sealed boundaries. The models are developed using appropriate Green’s and source functions. In all the models developed the effect of the oil reservoir boundaries as well as the oil reservoir parameters determine the flow period experienced. In particular, the effective permeability relative to horizontal anisotropic permeability, the width and length of the reservoir influence the pressure response. The models developed can be used to approximate and analyze the pressure distribution for horizontal wells during a short time of production. The models presented show that the dimensionless pressure distribution is affected by the oil reservoir geometry and the respective directional permeabilities.

Excitation of the lowest autoionizing level of caesium atoms by positron impact

We have obtained differential and integral cross sections for the excitation of caesium atom to the lowest autoionizing level by positron impact using the distorted wave approximation. We have also done calculations for electron impact excitation of the same level using the same method and compared our present positron/electron impact results with the available theoretical positron/ electron impact results and experimental electron impact results. It is found that the present positron impact integral cross sections are higher than the cross sections of Pangantiwar and Srivastava at low and intermediate energies, but the results converge as the energy increases in the high energy range. The disagreement at near threshold energies is due to the different distortion potentials used in the two calculations. The charge on the projectile is also a determining factor in the shape of the scattering cross section curves.

Mathematical description of a bounded oil reservoir with a horizontal well

When horizontal wells are compared with verticals wells, their production is always higher. If their performance can be improved, they can even be more productive. Considering a horizontal well in a completely bounded oil reservoir, when the well has been producing for some time and the effect of the boundaries is evident on the flow, the pressure distribution can be approximated by considering the effects of the boundaries on the flow. Considering when a pseudosteady state flow is attained this study presents a mathematical model for approximating pressure distribution for late time for a horizontal well in an oil reservoir with sealed boundaries. We use appropriate Source and Green’s functions to develop the model. The model developed show that when the flow reaches all the boundaries a pseudosteady state flow is attained and thus pressure distribution is influenced by the oil reservoir geometry especially its width and length. Considering that the thickness of the oil reservoir will be small compared to the length of the well, the oil reservoir width and length will determine the pressure response. This will influence the flow period occurring. By considering all aspects of the flow, the model can be applied to approximate the pressure distribution for as long as the well can continue producing.

Nutritive composition and essential elements evaluation of some leafy vegetables grown in Gubi Fadama Land, Bauchi, Nigeria

Proximate analysis and some essential elements content of four leafy vegetable species namely: Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves were determined using standard analytical methods. These vegetables were widely consumed as food across Northeastern Nigeria. It is imperative to ascertain their nutritive values as they now form part of human diet for people in the area. Some of the results of the mean values ranged such as ash (2.33±0.75–6.03±1.23%), moisture (23.60±0.76–30.90±0.34%), lipid (0.45±0.00– 4.73±0.21%) and protein (2.62±0.10–3.38±0.013%). The mineral elements values ranged like potassium (145.47±4.50– 35.60±2.45mg/100g), sodium (74.97± 0.20– 389.85 ±0.02 mg/100g), calcium (9.87±0.13 –14.55 ±0.94mg/100g) iron (1.30±0.05–2.17±0.15 mg/100g), magnesium (0.030±0.00–0.047± 0.01mg/100g and manganese (0.004±0.00–0.015±0.00 mg/100g). The work suggested that the leaves investigated contained appreciable amounts of nutrients. Their consumption could augment the unavailable or rarely available nutrients in human body. Comparatively, they are good sources of K, Na, Ca and Fe, as well as fiber, moisture, and carbohydrates on the dietary menu recommendation. All the studied leaves have low lipid and protein content as well as copper, magnesium, and manganese.

Effect of cooking methods on levels of folates and ascorbic acid in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) from Nairobi, Kenya

Folate (vitamin B9,5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and ascorbic acid (AA) (vitamin C) play a key role in human health and wellbeing. It is greatly established that AA is beneficial in preventing scurvy while folate helps in prevention of neural tube defects and congenital malformations. The main sources of these vitamins are fruits and vegetables especially green leafy vegetables including the African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs). However, these vegetables are consumed after cooking which leads to loss of the vitamins through oxidation, thermal degradation, and leaching. The study aimed at determining the effect of different cooking methods on the retention of AA and folate in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) as affected by different cooking methods. Folate and AA were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography with ultra UV-visible detection, HPLC-UV after extraction of the vitamins from raw and cooked samples. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine difference in nutrients retention by various cooking methods. Significance was imputed at p<0.05. Raw V. unguiculata ontained 45.516±0.649 mg/100g AA and 91.736±0.586 μg/100g folate. The cooked samples of the vegetable contained folate ranging from 40.713±0.081 to 65.128±0.007 μg/100g and AA ranging from 0.719±0.063 to 24.181±0.051 mg/100g of the edible portion of the vegetable. Cooking the vegetable significantly reduced both folate and AA concentration compared to the raw vegetable samples, p<0.05. Frying raw vegetables with onions and tomatoes was found to retain significant folate and AA than boiling the vegetables, p<0.05. Addition of milk resulted in significant retention of folate and significant loss of AA than boiling, p<0.05. Both lye and sodium bicarbonate significantly reduced folate and AA concentration than boiling, with lye causing significant reduction of both vitamins than sodium bicarbonate p<0.05. It is concluded that cooking reduces folate and AA concentration in cowpea (V. unguiculata L. Walp). Additive such as lye and bicarbonate also reduce the concentration of the vitamins. Cooking cowpea leaves with addition of milk and frying with onion and tomatoes retains more folate than boiling. However, AA is significantly lost in the process than when the vegetable is just boiled.