Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment (AZOJETE)
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Interpretation of Airborne Radiometric Data of a Typical Basement Complex, Northwest Nigeria
Get PDFInterpretation of High resolution airborne radiometric data over Funtua-Tsafe Northwest Nigeria was carried out with the aim of delineating geological structures and mineral potential of the basement terrain. The data were interpreted quantitatively using the radiometric ratio and ternary radioelement signatures. Analysis of the radiometric data enabled the estimation of relative abundances of natural radioactive elements (Uranium, Thorium and Potassium) concentrations revealing distinct anomalies indicative of hydrothermal alteration and the structural styles (shear zones and fault systems) of the area. The count rate range of Uranium (2.0 to 7.6ppm), Thorium (10.6 to 40.0 ppm) and Potassium (0.5 to 3.1 %) were estimated within the area. High concentrations of the two radioelements (U,Th) are predominant in the western part of the area and are possible site for radiogenic heat exploration and geothermal alteration. From the qualitative analysis of the relative abundance of the radioactive elements and the ratio map analysis, rock bearing minerals such as pegmatite, schists were suggested to be present, which could serve as raw materials for many industries in Nigeria
Effects of Fibre Length and Fibre Loading on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Luffa Cylindrica Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composite
Get PDFThis study examines the effects of fibre length and fibre loading on the tensile and flexural properties of Luffa cylindrica reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Luffa cylindrica fibres, a natural and biodegradable reinforcement material, were incorporated into PLA at varying fibre lengths (1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm) and fibre loadings (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) to assess their impact on mechanical performance. The results revealed that both tensile and flexural properties were significantly affected by fibre length and loading. Optimal mechanical properties were observed at 30% fibre loading with a 3 mm fibre length, where tensile strength reached 28.52 MPa and flexural strength peaked at 77.81 MPa. However, higher fibre loadings (40% and 50%) led to a reduction in strength due to poor interfacial adhesion and fibre wetting. Shorter fibre lengths (1 mm) contributed to a higher tensile modulus, suggesting that compact fibre arrangements resist deformation more effectively. This study highlights the potential of Luffa cylindrica fibres as effective reinforcements in PLA composites, offering valuable insights for sustainable material development
Effects of Drying Temperatures on Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Gongronema Latifolium Leaves
No full textThis study investigated the effects of drying temperature on the nutritional and phytochemical components of Gongronema latifolium (Bush Buck) leaves; a widely spread edible indigenous leafy vegetable of West Africa. The leaves were dried at room temperature (RTD), in the open sun (OSD) and at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C in a convective oven (OD). Proximate and phytochemical analyses were done on the products of each OD temperatures, while for RTD and OS drying, the tests were done at their equilibrium moisture content (????????) of the ambient. Statistical analysis was done using MATLAB. The parameters of the fresh leaves with 82.95% moisture content served as the control. Drying decreased the product ???????? to 12.95%, 7.65%, 6.95%, 5.79% and 5.03% in the listed order of the drying temperatures. The proximate and phytochemical contents increased with drying temperature. 70 °C drying temperature gave the highest contents of ash (16.35%), fibre (27.85%), protein (22.70%), carbohydrate (32.84%) and fat (2.42%) in the dried leaves. Same went for the phytochemicals: alkaloid (4.50%), flavonoid (3.92%), saponin (1.46%), tannin (1.39%) and terpenoids (2.72%). Second order polynomial models fitted the data well and gave coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.789 for fibre, 0.869 for fat, 0.895 for protein, 0.921 for ash, 0.923 for terpenoids, 0.941 for moisture, 0.943 for flavonoids, 0.982 for saponnins, 0.987 for alkaloids and 0.992 for tannins content. These results show that there are strong relationships between the proximate and phytochemical composition and the drying temperatures. At their corresponding temperatures, OSD yielded the highest value of saponins (1.45%), tannins (0.64%) and terpenoids (2.45%), RTD gave highest value of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrate (58.38%), protein (17.07%) and fat (1.10%), while OD yielded the highest fibre content (28.32%). The results show that drying methods and conditions should be chosen based on the intended use of the products
A Review of Blended Non-Edible Green Oil-Based Lubricants for Enhanced Performance in Two-stroke Engines
No full textThe increasing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based lubricants and growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions have spurred research into non-edible green oil-based lubricants, particularly for their application in two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines, while offering advantages in power-to-weight ratio, pose environmental challenges due to their inherent design of the oil-fuel mixture. By utilizing non-edible sources, these lubricants help avoid competition with food crops, ensuring that edible oils remain available for human consumption, while non-edible oils present a promising solution. Study have shown green oil enhances mechanical and thermal braking efficiency by 13% and 27%, while it reduces emission of CO, CO2 and HC approximately by 62%, 54% and 44% respectively compared to conventional lubricants. This review explores the properties of various non-edible green oils, including their physicochemical characteristics and potential as base stocks for lubricants production. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and opportunities associated with these non-edible green oil-based lubricants. Furthermore, it analyses previous research on the application of green oil-based lubricants in two-stroke engines, focusing on their impact on engine performance, emissions, and wear. The review also discusses the role of additives and blending in improving the overall performance of these lubricants and highlights the need for further research to optimise their application in two-stroke engines. Finally, the review identifies key research gaps and future directions, emphasizing the need for systematic investigation of blend ratios, exploration of environmentally friendly nano-additives, and rigorous engine testing to unlock the full potential of blended non-edible green oil-based lubricants for sustainable two-stroke engine applications. This review underscores the potential of blended non-edible green oil-based lubricants as viable solutions for enhancing performance in two-stroke engines and encourages further research into their long-term effects and commercial viability
Development of Smart Energy-Efficient Lighting System Using AC-Tied Solar PV with Light Sensitivity Control
Get PDFUnreliable power supply from utility companies in Nigeria undermines the ability of universities to provide quality services, particularly disrupting critical night-time security operations. A persistent issue at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu Lagos State is the pervasive darkness during utility load shedding, which directly hinders security personnel. Current solutions like using diesel generators (DGs), hybrid renewable energy supply systems (HRESS), and standalone renewable energy supply systems (SRESS) present significant drawbacks: in addition, DGs are expensive to run while HRESS require substantial upfront investment. Similarly, SRESS used for street lighting, leave many campus areas such as the walkways, offices, and classrooms in darkness at night. To address these shortcomings and enhance night-time security, this research proposes an improved alternating circuit (AC)-tied Solar-photovoltaic (PV)-based lighting system (IACSLS). This research involved systematic modeling, design, simulation, construction, and implementation of the proposed IACSLS at LASUSTECH. The IACSLS successfully generated an average of 580 Wh in four hours of peak sunlight per day from a 145 W solar-PV panel, which is enough to power a 30 W LED bulb throughout the night. The system is 100% renewable and shows a surplus of 6.71 kWh per year, indicating it produces more energy than it needs. The total initial capital cost is estimated to be $65.54, with a projected life span of 10 to 25 years. The deployed system consistently delivered over eight hours of lighting at night during load shedding offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution for improving night-time security activities on university campus
Development and Characterization of Groundnut Shell Powder-Filled Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites for Sustainable Engineering Applications
Get PDFThis paper explores the economic potential of using groundnut shell powder as a filler in biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Groundnut shells, an abundant agricultural waste, are proposed as a low-cost reinforcement material to develop sustainable bioplastics. The investigation characterized and determined the mechanical properties of groundnut shell powder (GSP) filled PLA thermoplastic composites. Two different fiber sizes; 150 μm and 212μm were pulverized. The fiber loadings were 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % by weight. The GSP-PLA composites were prepared by use of internal mixer, followed by compression molding process. Tensile and Flexural properties were tested using universal testing machine (UTM). The tensile strength decreased from control sample (0 %) to 10 % by weight fiber loadings for all mesh sizes. In addition, the strength increased from 14.2 MPa and 15 MPa for 150 μm and 212 μm respectively, at a loading of 20%. The modulus increased from 712.9GPa for a control sample (0%) loading to 2344.9GPa at 30% loading for 150 μm. Furthermore, it increased to 1576 GPa for 212 μm. The tensile percentage elongation reduced at 10% loading compared to 0% control sample. Flexural strength and modulus increased for both mesh sizes at all the fiber loadings. However, at 30% fiber loadings, the flexural strength and modulus decreased slightly for 212μm size composites. The hardness of the composites increased for both mesh sizes at all the fiber loadings. It is presumed that the tensile properties performed good at 20% loading as deduced from the findings. while flexural properties increased for all loadings. The study identifies key application areas including packaging, construction, agriculture, and consumer products, highlighting their relevance in supporting eco-friendly startups and rural industries. The innovation aligns with global sustainable development goals (SDGs) number 7 and 8 and offers promising opportunities for green entrepreneurship, especially in agrarian economies
Influence of Bamboo Fibre on Engineering Properties of Lateritic Soils as Highway Pavement Materials
No full textLateritic soils commonly used in road pavement construction often exhibit inadequate strength and excessive plasticity, leading to poor performance under traffic and environmental loads. The study investigated bamboo fibre's (BF) ability to stabilize lateritic soils. The natural lateritic soils used were classified as clayey gravel and A-2-6(0) according to Unified Soil Classification System and AASHTO respectively. They were treated with 0 – 1.0 % (at 0.25% increment) of BF by dry weight of the soil. Liquid limit decreases with increase in fibre up to 0.5%, plastic limits decreased with increase in BF content but rises at 1%, while the plasticity index (PI) decreased with increased BF content up to 0.5% and increases at higher BF content. Maximum dry density increases with increased fibre contents to maximum of 2.207 g/cm3 and 2.092 g/cm3 at 0.75% for heavy and light compaction respectively and decreases with further fibre increment. Optimum moisture content decreased continually for all compaction efforts with higher fibre contents. Generally, soaked and unsoaked CBR increases from 15-25% and 20 - 29% (from 0-0.75% fibre) and slightly decrease at 1.0%, while UCS of the treated soil increased from 1130 to 2000 KN/m2 at (0-0.50% fibre contents). The UCS CBR developed relationships were of the second order polynomial form with R² values of 0.89 and 0.97 for soaked and unsoaked conditions respectively. The statistical analysis (Fcal > Fcrit) confirmed significant effects of BF on soil properties. Overall, 0.75% BF provided optimal improvement and is recommended for use in sub-base layers of road pavements. Long-term durability and field performance were not evaluated; therefore, further in-situ validation is required
Characterisation of Rice Husk and Wood Ash as Constituents for Production of Phosphorus and Potassium
Get PDFThis study investigated the potentials of rice husk and wood ashes from various species (Mahogany, Iroko and Mghelina) as sustainable sources of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The raw rice husk sample was obtained from Dala rice mill while different wood species such as Mahogany, Iroko and Mghelina, were obtained from Baga road timber shade both in Maiduguri, Borno State. Both raw materials were carbonized at different temperatures ranging between 350-750°C respectively. The laboratory analysis of the ash samples was conducted using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) to determine the presences of K, and P. The result shows that rice husk ash contains a mean value in terms of mg/100g of K2O (3.593) and P2O5(1.382). Also, Mahogany wood ash contains 4.48mg of K and 0.55 mg of P. Similarly, Iroko wood ash was found to consist of 5.14g of K and 0.56g of P. In addition to Mghelina wood ash(Beech wood), it was found that compounds present has a mean values in terms of g/100g of K (10.4) and P (0.96). It is noteworthy that P was highest in wood ash (mghelina) amongst the materials tested. Therefore, the presence of these compounds in wood and rice husk ashes could be a potential low-cost resource for the production of inorganic fertilizer
Design and Analysis of Flight Performance of a Hybrid Energy Source for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Get PDFThis study presents a hybrid energy harvesting system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), that integrates solar power and hydrogen fuel cells to enhance flight performance. The study commenced with the analysis of the case study UAV flight power design specifications using analytical methods. the estimation of number of solar cells and the hybridization of the solar and hydrogen fuel cells. A Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the solar cell arrangement is created using industrial software which enables the visualization of the arrangement on the wing in a virtual environment. The mission performance analysis was carried out using Excel tool and Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). The redesigned system increased available power to 580 Watts with a weight penalty of 1.5 Kg thereby reducing the payload mass from 4.627 kg to 3.085 kg. To assess the structural implications of this result, a stress analysis was performed using Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) and Abaqus software which revealed a negligible failure index of 0.000757. The hybrid system achieved a 120% increase in power that extended the endurance from 4.2 hours to 16.3 hours and the range from 6 km to 230 km. The design offers a promising solution for enhanced UAV performance
Evaluation of Noise Levels in an Urban Market, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed noise pollution levels in and around Gwagwalada urban market and the likely effects on human health. Measurements of noise level were done using sound level meter (Smart Sensor Model AR854), at ten (10) selected points, whose coordinates were predetermined. The measurements were carried out at different times of the day (6-8am, 1-3pm and 5-7pm) for five (5) days, i.e. two traditional and three non-traditional market days. The data obtained were used to assess the variation in temporal and spatial noise level in and around the market, as well as the difference in noise level between the traditional and non-traditional market days, using ANOVA and t-test statistical tools. Results showed that highest noise level were generated in the evening hours (5-7pm) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in noise level at the different times showed significant variation at F(2) = 13.982, P≤0.05. Spatially, points PCC and AIS had the highest mean noise level of 84.64dB and 81.38dB, respectively and were higher than NESREA and WHO permissible limits. The ANOVA test for spatial noise level in the selected locations showed significant spatial variation with F(9) = 6.029, P≤0.05. Furthermore, paired t-test in the analysis of noise level between traditional (70.28 ± 10.15dB) and non-traditional (66.16 ± 8.28dB) market days, showed statistically significant difference at t(9)=2.766, P≤0.05. The high noise levels were due to sounds from power generators, use of sound amplifiers for product marketing among others. Noise pollution poses significant health risk and there is need to monitor and control noise level in and around the market, through the combined efforts of government, professionals and citizens. Additionally, there should be periodic assessment of the health status of traders in Gwagwalada market