ANISOTROPIC, SORPTION AND FILTERING PROPERTIES OF THIN-LAYER POLYMER MATERIALS

The paper presents the results of studies on the production of thin-layer nanofiber non-woven materials based on silk fibroin and acrylonitrile copolymer by the electrospinning method. The dependence of anisotropy characterizing the structural states of the obtained thin-layer polymeric materials on deformation effects, their sorption and filtration properties has been studied. The broad possibility of using nanofiber nonwoven materials as nanofilters and the efficiency of the filtration process of nonwoven materials with an increase in the size of their nanopores are shown.Keywords: Polymer, Silk Fibroin, Acrylonitrile Copolymer, Electrospinning, Isotropic, Anisotropic, Orientation, Nanofiber, Nanomaterial, Formation, Structure, Deformation, Nanofilter.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ARTABOTRYS ODORATISSIMUS R.Br.

ABSTRACT Artabotrys odoratissimus R.Br. (Annonaceae) a medium sizes shrub with hooks, sweet smelling flowers and aggregate fruits, was tested for activity against gram negative bacteria. The fruit of the experimental plant was extracted with water, methanol and toluene: methanol (2:1 v/v). Artabotrys fruits showed good antibacterial activity and produced zone of inhibition of 32mm. The methanolic extract of the fruit showed maximum zone of inhibition at 300 ?g/ml against Pseudomonas fluorescens. The present study clearly indicates that A. odoratissimus had a profound antimicrobial activity and it may be useful in the treatment of various infectious caused by bacteria. Keywords: Artabotrys, Gram Negative Bacteria, Pseudomonas, Zone Of Inhibition

INDEX MODELS ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOIL SAMPLES OF SELECTED MOTOR PARKS WITHIN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Heavy metal pollution is a global issue of concern which results from both biogenic and anthropogenic activities. Hence, an investigation of soil pollution is pertinent because of its potential threat to human health. The present study examined the concentrations, contamination and pollution load index cum ecological risk factor for some heavy metals in soil samples collected from Borno Express (BOEXP), Tashan Kano (TASKP) and Tashan Bama (TASBP) motor parks within Maiduguri, Borno state of Nigeria. The data obtained showed mean concentration range of 0.34 - 1.18 mg/kg, 0.04 - 0.15 mg/kg, 0.07 - 0.41 and 0.18 - 0.29 mg/kg for Zn, Cr, Cd and Cu respectively. Nonetheless, lead was not detected in any and all samples analyzed. The increasing order of concentrations in the soils followed: Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd, Cu > Cd > Zn > Cr and Cd > Zn > Cu > Cr for BOEXP, TASKP and TASBP motor parks respectively. Notwithstanding, the results showed lower concentrations to the allowable limits of World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, the contamination factor of cadmium in the TASKP fell within the (0.10 – 0.25) category, indicative of slight contamination whereas in TASBP, the calculated value 0.5125 was within (0.51 -0.75) category implying severe contamination. The other heavy metals analyzed showed contamination factor as well as pollution index values < 0.1 indicative of very slight contamination.Keywords: Borno Express, Tashan Kano, Tashan Bama, Motor Parks, Contamination Index.

ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN SOME CHOCOLATE BRANDS AND BREAD SOLD IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Three brands of chocolate and five varieties of bread samples were collected and subjected to acid digestion for evaluation of some heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe, Cd and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals in the chocolate brands were in the range 0.02-0.20; 0.02-0.10 and 0.09-0.20 mg/kg for Cd, Zn and Cr respectively. whereas Pb was not detected in the study. As per the bread samples, the concentrations ranged 0.05-0.13; 0.60-2.24, 0.30-0.06 and 0.02-0.10 mg/kg for Cd, Zn, Cr and Pb respectively. This study indicates that the concentrations of the studied brands of chocolate and bread are within the allowable limits hence pose no potential health risk or hazard upon consumption. Keywords: Chocolate, Concentrations, Spectrometry, Acid digestion

ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF LAURENCIA OBTUSA (HUDSON) LAMOUROUX (CERAMIALES) OF RHODOPHYCEAE

Thallus of Laurencia obtusa of Rhodophyceae was studied and detailed micromorphological evaluation was done. Morphology of the thallus has been studied to aid pharmacognostic and phytochemical evidences to aid in taxonomic species identification. Parameters presented in this paper may be proposed to establish the authenticity of this red alga and can possibly help to differentiate this alga from its other species. Since the collections were made in the month of March, Laurencia was with few gametophytic thalli . The study revealed several interesting anatomical characters and its cellular details.

EFFECT OF ALMOND SHELL PARTICLES ON TENSILE PROPERTY OF PARTICLEBOARD

The objective of the study was to fabricate particleboard using almond shell. The significance of the study is that it can result in creating raw material for panel industry which is in shortage these days. Different particleboards were made based on almond shell particles ratios mixed with epoxy resin. In this study, we investigated the resulting shell particleboard tensile properties. Results shows that when added with almond shell, the tensile properties of the resulting panel showed greater performance. For example, it showed better hardness which is a desirable quality.

A REPORT ABOUT BENZOXAZINONE MATERIAL

In this study, the objective was to investigate the Benzoxazinone material using the uncorrected and open capillary method for conducting and reporting the melting points. Laboratory grade and analytical grade reagents were used for conducting the synthesis and analytical studies based on with or without modification appropriately as and were required. Results showed that First of all the Synthesis of 2H-1, 4- benzoxazin-3(4H)-one was carried out by reacting 2- amino phenol with chloro acetyl chloride in dichloromethane in presence of triethylamine and then the bromo substitution was done by reacting with dibromoethane. Piperazine substituents were prepared in laboratory and then the title compounds were synthesized. One additional benzoyl substitution was also done. The entire synthesized compounds were primarily characterized by running T.L.C. and melting point analysis.

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF PASSIFLORA INCARNATA LINN LEAF

Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as passionflower, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems. It has large, intricate flowers with prominent styles and stamens. Extrafloral glands in Passifloraceae species have aroused the interest of many researchers because of their wide morphological diversity. Hence this present work analysed the foliar trichomes on Passiflora incarnata. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was carried out. Phytochemical screening was also studied which are of taxonomic significance. Rich source of saponins, glycosides and proteins. The major phytoconstituents of this plant is Passicol, a polyacetylenic compound.

EXTRACTION AND STRUCTURE ELUCIDATION OF FUCOIDAN FROM MARINE SEAWEED PADINA TETRASTROMATICA HAUCK (PHAEOPHYCEAE)

Seaweeds or the marine macroalgae are one of God’s greatest gift to us through Mother Ocean. The members of Phaeophyceae are exclusively marine and are known for their wide range of diversity and they are rich in cell wall polysaccharide fucoidan and alginate. Fucoidan is a general term for all the fucose-containing polysaccharides from brown seaweeds, while ‘fucan’ will be reserved for the polysaccharide built up with 95% fucose it’s a sulphated polysaccharide. Its highly economical and has abundance applications in the field of pharmaceuticals. Padina tetrastromatica a seaweed abundant in Indian shores was used for the extraction of Fucoidan. Later the structure was elucidated and compared with that of dextran sulphate. This was compared to that of dextran sulphate a standard chemical sulphated polysaccharide while this sulphated polysaccharide is from a natural source.

INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANCES IN RIVER WATER IN INDIA

Pollution is increasing in all forms including the water pollution causing damage to the vulnerable aquatic life. In this study, sampling stations were set up to monitor the level of hydrocarbon pollution in the river systems in two selected rivers in India. We used the Dichloromethane for extraction of the sample and analysis were made using the gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The average value of total petroleum hydrocarbon in the surface water samples is less than or equal to the standard value by DPR of 10 ml/L. The pollution though moderate and low, still pose threat to humans and aquatic organisms and therefore effort should be made by relevant authorities to entails this menace.