Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment (AZOJETE)
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Calibration and Validation of AquaCrop Model for Tomato Crop Under Full and Deficit Irrigation
Get PDFThis study reported herein was conducted at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) irrigation site, Kadawa, Kano State, Nigeria during the 2016/17 and 2018/19 irrigation seasons (The 2017/18 trial failed due to emergency repairs that led to shut-down of the main channel from Tiga dam for four weeks). The main aim of the research is to use field data to calibrate and validate AquaCrop model to simulate tomato yield and water responses in Northern Nigeria. AquaCrop model was calibrated and validated using the 2016/17 and 2018/19 season field trial data respectively. The evaluated results indicated that the model was able to simulate tomato fruit and biomass yield, seasonal crop water use and fruit water productivity at harvest satisfactorily in full ETc and water stress condition. Also, AquaCrop model was able to simulate fruit yield and biomass yield along the crop growth stages with sufficient accuracy but fails to simulate Canopy cover (CC) accurately during the initial stage as indicated by normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency (EF), Willmott’s index of agreement (d) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) values of 88%, 0.75, 0.89 and -0.88 respectively. However, the model was able to simulate CC relatively well during the development and middle stages with a tendency of over-predicting CC by about 2% in development stage and under-predicting CC by about 11% during the middle stage. Furthermore, the AquaCrop model was found to be simple, robust, require minimal input data and accurate in simulating soil water balance, fruit and biomass yield of tomato. Therefore, it is recommended for used in evaluation of irrigation scheduling and water management strategies that will improve crop water productivity of tomato crop in Northern Nigeria
Rheological Properties of Malted and/or Fermented Faro 44 Rice Plus Soybean-Based Complementary Foods
Get PDFHigh nutrient density foods are required by infants for optimal healthy growth. This can be achieved by an established food processing technology. So, the study investigated the rheological properties (concentrations, stress or shear rate, viscosities or consistency indices, activation energies, frequency factors) of rice-based formulated food products as affected by either malting and/or fermentation. FARO 44 rice cultivar was processed, and different flours obtained were further formulated with processed soybean (Glycine max) flour. In each of those mixing ratios, 16% protein (PAG’s recommendations) was obtained by a material balance equation. A digital viscometer was used to measure the viscosities of the gruels at levels of 4 concentrations, 4 shear rates and 6 temperatures. Subsequently, the Power law fluids model, Arrhenius kinetic type equation, and linear regression analysis (at levels of 4 concentrations, 4 shear rates and 6 temperatures) were employed to generate the rheological parameters of the gruels. Results showed that viscosity decreased with an increase in temperature within the 30 - 80 oC range studied and shear rate (6 - 60 rpm.) but increased with an increase in concentration (5 - 20%) of gruels. Regardless of temperature or concentration, the consistency indices (1.68 to 714.32 Nsnm-2) of gruels, and their respective flow behaviour indices (n) and activation energy ranged from 0.01 to 0.43 and 5.25 to 36.97 kJ/mol. All formulated products exhibited pseudoplasticity and sensitivity to temperature change. Malting and/or fermentation showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in viscosities and revealed that it can be used to increase the nutrient density required by infants
Effect of Binders on The Performance of Charcoal Briquettes Produced from Selected Biomass
Get PDFGlobally, renewable resources are widespread which has comparatively little pollution emission effect on the environment. This study was conducted to assess the potential impact of different binders in the production of charcoal briquette using mango leaves, black plum leaves and rice husk as biomass. The organic binder materials used are cow dung, ficus citrofolia (durumi) and okra (butt) while the inorganic binder used was clay. Thus, the mix ratio adopted in the study are 1:1 and 1:2 (biomass:binder). In addition, some of the parameters such as bulk density, moisture content in dry basis, compressive strength, ash content, volatile matter and calorific value were determined to identify the briquettes with highest integrity. The results show that briquettes produced from black plum leaves with clay as binder had the highest density of (1.587g lcm3 and 1.574glcm3) and lowest moisture content of (0.56% and 0.57%) and highest compressive strength of (4.45N/mm2 and 3.90N/mm2) from both mix ratios. Similarly, briquette produced from black plum leaves with okra as binder had the lowest ash content of 2.1% for both mix ratios. However, briquettes produced from black plump leaves with durumi and that of rice husk with durumi as binders yielded highest volatile matter of 36.5% and 37.2% respectively. It is noteworthy that the highest heating values of 33.81mj/kg and 28.43mj/kg was observed in briquettes produced using mango leaves with clay as binder from a mix ratio of 1:1 and 1:2. Furthermore, the lowest heating values of 15.94mj/kg and 16.27mj/kg were observed from briquettes obtain from rice husk with cow dung as binder from both mix ratios. Therefore, it is evident that clay is a better binder for briquette production with significant combustion property, which is cost effective and readily available for both domestic and small-scale commercial purposes
Compressive Strength Assessment of Metakaolin Hollow Sandcrete Blocks
Get PDFThis study examines the effect of partially substituting metakaolin (MK) for cement on the hollow sandcrete block’s compressive strength. Sandcrete hollow blocks measuring 225 x 225 x 450 mm were made using a 1:6 mix ratio, which is one part cement to six parts fine aggregate (sand). The study was carried out by partially replacing metakaolin with cement at 0% to 35% at 5% intervals to assess the impact on the hollow sandcrete block’s strength. The blocks were cured using the sprinkling method, and compressive strength tests were conducted on the hollow sandcrete block samples at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The compressive strength of hollow sandcrete blocks samples ranges from 3.65 N/mm2 to 0.86 N/mm2. The compressive strength results showed that the optimum percentage of metakaolin (MK) replacement by weight of cement was 10% having a strength of 3.65 N/mm2 after 28 days of curing. These value meets the stipulated requirement specified by Nigeria Industrial Standard NIS 87 (2000), BS 6073, and National Building Code (2006) and are adequate for usage as non-bearing and load-bearing structures in areas where moisture infiltration may occur. The research was aimed at using metakaolin (MK) as a partial replacement of cement in the production hollow sandcrete blocks to curtail the reduction of cement components by block producers to produce low-quality sandcrete block for structural purposes and improve the strength properties of blocks in terms of its production
Analytical Study of Single- And Double-Layer Coating System for Controlled Drug-Releasing Orthopedic Implants Using Differential Transform Method
Get PDFThe analytical study of single- and double-layer coating system for controlled drug releasing orthopedic implants using differential transform method has been presented. Drug release when transported across single- or double-layer boundaries have the potentials of smart fluid properties which can be controlled by various parameters. In the present study, the developed governing model for single- or double-layer coating system for controlled drug-releasing orthopedic implants is a set of coupled partial differential equations for the unsteady diffusion processes with intractable solution. Hence, the solution was obtained with Differential Transform Method and was validated with both Runge-Kutta Order four numerical scheme and experimental results. Good agreement was established among them. The effects of thickness ratio, diffusion period, porosity term, and effective diffusion coefficient on concentration profile are investigated. From the obtained results, it was observed that increase in the interface layer thickness ratio d of 0.2 to 0.8 resulted in decrease from 1 to 0 (zero) in the concentration profiles for all the different dimensionless durations considered. In addition, augmentation of two (2) layers of varying thickness ratio from d = 0.2 to 0.8 in the release parameter resulted in a decrease in the concentration profile to 0 (zero) for the three cases of thickness ratios. The studies show that effective diffusion coefficients for a period of five (5) seconds increases from 0 to 100% is the dominant parameter in the model and so provides considerable flexibility for design process. Hence, the developed model and the obtained solutions provide the benchmark for the optimized and enhanced control of drug-releasing orthopedic implants
Design of an Automated Poultry Scalding and De-Feathering Machine
No full textThe automated poultry bird de-feathering machine is a machine which aids feather removal from birds, it helps to reduce manual labour and time spent in de-feathering process. To ensure good functionality, the boiler, scalding as well as the de-feathering compartments, were fabricated using stainless steel materials. The machine has a reservoir capacity to accommodate about 210 liters of water, a boiler compartment with 85-liter capacity. The machine uses a belt and pulley mechanism on the de-feathering compartment and a chain and sprocket mechanism on the scalding compartment. An electric motor with 3.0hp rating with 500mm and 80mm pulley on driver and driven pulley respectively were used on the de-feathering compartment, on the scalding compartment, a motor of 0.5hp with 102 teeth and 17 teeth on driver and driven sprocket were used respectively. The machine has a water pump of 1 hp which helps circulate water to the boiler, reservoir and de-feathering sprinkler hose with the help of pipes. Poultry chickens (old layer – Isa brown specie) were used to test the performance of the machine. The automated de-feathering machine has a maximum throughput capacity of 37g/s, an efficiency of 95.30%, and a de-feathering time of 32 seconds per cycle for a 10 birds capacity drum, and the processing of approximately 110 birds per hour can be achieved
Thin Layer Drying Kinetics and Influence of Drying Temperature on the Proximate Composition of Tiger-Nut Milk Powder
No full textMilk derived from animal sources often contains anti-nutrient elements such as α-lactoglobulin, β-lactoglobulin, lactose and cholesterol, which can contribute to various health challenges. Plant-based milk alternatives, such as tiger-nut milk, offer a healthier option but often face limitations like short shelf life and high storage costs. This study aimed to investigate the drying kinetics and proximate composition of tiger-nut milk powder. Tiger-nut tubers were processed into milk from brown varieties and subsequently dried at 50, 60, and 70°C. Data obtained were fitted to five commonly applied drying mathematical models (Newton, Logarithmic, Page, Henderson and Pabis) to determine the one which predicted the drying kinetics of the milk more accurately. The dried powder was then analyzed for its proximate composition, including moisture content, crude fiber, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, ash, and pH using standardized procedures developed by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The best fit model for the drying kinetics analysis was determined using the coefficient of determination (R²), with the Page model having the highest R² values of 0.998-0.999. This analysis revealed that the Page model accurately describes the drying behavior, with both drying time and equilibrium moisture content decrease as the drying temperature increases. The results also indicated that tiger-nut milk powder contains a moderate protein content (7.12-7.26%), a high carbohydrate content (63.68-64.17%), and relatively low levels of lipids (6.12-6.24%) and ash (1.42%). These findings suggest that tiger-nut milk powder has the potential to be a valuable plant-based food alternative. Future research should focus on determining its specific mineral composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits
Effect of Rainfall and Fertilizer Application Timing on Nutrient Exports from a Maize Field
No full textNutrient losses from agricultural fields are significantly influenced by fertilizer management practices and rainfall patterns. Gaining insight into these effects supports the development of effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the effect of rainfall and fertilizer application timing on nutrient export from a maize field. Daily rainfall data were obtained from Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) meteorological station at Igboora. The field experiment included early, split, and late single fertilizer application treatments, specifically assessing their impact on nitrate loss. Runoff from each treatment plot was collected using plastic gutters leading to wooden tanks. Samples were manually drawn at the onset, midpoint, and conclusion of each runoff event, provided rainfall exceeded 10 mm. Runoff samples were analyzed for sediment concentration using gravimetric techniques, while nitrate, ammonium, total dissolved nitrogen, and total dissolved phosphorus were measured using standard colorimetric methods. Rainfall events ranged from 29.7 mm to 393.8 mm. The analysis revealed that nitrate concentrations in runoff averaged 35.3±20.55 mg/L, ranging from 5.67 to 78.41 mg/L. Early fertilizer application resulted in an increased average nitrate concentration of 41.4 mg/L. In terms of sediment-bound nutrients, particulate phosphorus concentrations averaged 10.09±7.17 μg/g, with values between 0.37 and 24.09 μg/g. Particulate nitrogen concentrations averaged 13.15 ± 7.87 μg/g, ranging from 3.07 to 31.04 μg/g. Also, it was observed that fertilizer treatments led to an increase in particulate phosphorus concentrations, averaging 10.83 μg/g after the initial application. The observed influence of rainfall and fertilizer timing on multiple nutrient pathways highlights the need for integrated nutrient management strategies, especially in tropical agro-ecosystems
Response Surface Modeling of Soursop Rich Seed Pyrolysis for Optimum Bio-oil Production
No full textThis research investigates bio-oil production from soursop seed through pyrolysis, with process modelling and optimization conducted using RSM via Box-Benkhen design. Soursop seeds were oven-dried, ground, and sieved into various particle sizes within 1.0 to 6 mm range before undergoing pyrolysis at temperatures between 400 to 600 °C under inert nitrogen gas flow rates between 1.0 to 1.5 L/min. A Box-Behnken design under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to model and optimize the effects of temperature, particle size, and inert gas flow on bio-oil yield. Proximate and ultimate analyses characterized the feedstock, while SEM revealed a porous structure favorable for pyrolysis. Bio-oil was characterized using FTIR and GC-MS to identify key functional groups and fatty acid composition. Proximate analysis showed the seeds had high volatile matter and fixed carbon, indicating good potential for pyrolysis. Ultimate analysis revealed carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur contents of 51.29%, 5.90%, 0.50%, 42.30%, and 0.01%, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a rough, porous structure with oil-like droplets on the surface, which enhanced pyrolysis efficiency by providing a larger reactive surface area and improving devolatilization rates. The experimental design considered temperature, particle size, and gas flow rate combinations, with the bio-oil yield as the response. Results showed that increases in these parameters significantly affected bio-oil production. The maximum observed yield of 33.1% was achieved at 500°C, 6 mm particle size, and 1.0 L/min gas flow. The RSM model showed a high degree of fit with an R² value of 0.9875, adjusted R² of 0.9715, and predicted R² of 0.8007. Optimization predicted a maximum yield of 31.43% under conditions of 461.84°C, 3.84 mm particle size, and 1.02 L/min flow rate, with a desirability of 1.0. Experimental results closely matched these predictions, validating the model. Similarly, FTIR analysis indicates that the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid made up 45.55% of the total fatty acid content, which depicts that the oil belongs to the linoleic acid group. Furthermore, the FTIR analysis reveals that the alkene group contributes to increased reactivity and combustion efficiency, boosts the octane number of the bio-oil, and decreases the boiling point of the oil. Therefore, the FTIR and GC-MS analysis findings confirm that the bio-oil was within ASTM specifications
Synchronized Analysis of Biodiesel from Khaya Senegalensis Oils Using FTIR, GC-MS and NMR at Top Parametric Conditions
No full textAlternatives to costly fossil fuel have witnessed rekindled interest because of the depletion of fossil reserves and environmental concerns. In this study, non-edible vegetable oil from Khaya Senegalensis (KS), which grows well in semi-arid zones was converted to biodiesel via transesterification under the reaction condition of 1.25 % catalyst and 1:6 Oil-methanol molar ratio. FTIR, GC-MS and NMR techniques were concurrently used to monitor common or similar peaks in the conversion process in an extensive cross comparison to validate other techniques' results. Furthermore, the composition of conventional diesel with the vegetable biodiesel produced were simultaneously analyzed. The results showed that conversion peaks were aligned, and successful delivered 82.02 % yield. The results from FTIR, GC-MS and NMR investigations all agreed, on the conversion of triglyceride molecules in the crude KS oil to fatty methyl esters in the biodiesel. Both produced biodiesel and conventional diesel were observed to contain alkanes and alkenes functional groups, that impart good fuel properties