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Performance Evaluation of Anaerobic Co- Digestion of Cow Dung and Bagasse for Biogas Production
Get PDFEnergy plays very important roles on the national security of any country; it has become a basic need for modern society to strive. In recent times, the cost of energy has increased significantly, due to a growing global demand for energy and the decreasing availability of fossil fuel sources. Many countries are adopting environmental policies promoting the production and consumption of alternative, sustainable and renewable energy sources. This thesis analyzed the biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion of Cow Dung and Sugarcane Bagasse; the experiment was conducted under a batch process at thirty (30) days retention time. Eight (8) number of 10 litres digesters are fed with Cow dung, Bagasse and inoculum of Rumen fluid at various mixtures for Digester 1: 0%SG:100% CD+ Inoculum. For Digester 2: 30%SG: 70%CD +Inoculum. For Digester 3: 70%SG:30%CD + Inoculum and Digester 4 100%SG:0% CD. Digester 5:0%CD:100% SG, Digester 6: 30%CD: 70%SG, Digester 7:70%CD:30%SG and Digester 8:0%SG:100% CD. The digestion process took place at room temperature for thirty (30) days under mesophilic (28 and 45oC) conditions. The proximate composition of the substrates before anaerobic digestion revealed D 1 had the highest Moisture content and Ash content (83.83), (12.83), D4 had highest Total Solid (51.22), D5 had highest Volatile Solid, Carbon content, and BOD of (10.83), (4.32), (2.40) respectively, D7 had the highest Nitrogen (2.93). After the anaerobic digestion D7 had the highest moisture content (89.42), D4 had the highest Total solid (31.8), D2 had the highest Volatile solid and Ash content of (9.63), (11.63) respectively. D5 had the highest Carbon content, Nitrogen, and BOD of (4.21), (3.11) and (200). From the analysis of the result after fermentation, anaerobic co- digestion of the Reactor 2 or Digester with the combination of 30%SG: 70%CD +Inoculum produces more volume of biogas. These values were either reduced or increased as a result of the breakdown of molecules during fermentation the substrate where subjected to ignition and where volatilized as when compared to before the broken down by microorganisms because the digestion is a microbial enhanced process
Fabrication and Characterization of Baobab Pod (Adansoniadigitata) FiberReinforced Polyester Resin Composite
Get PDFBaobab pod fibres were obtained from Sabo market in Zaria and sliced longitudinally, screened out from the baobab fruit, washed with water, dried under sun for fabrication and characterization. The fiber was extracted and treated with 5% NaOH solution. Important samples were fabricated with different fiber loading of 10wt%-30wt%. The samples were moulded using Hand Lay-up method followed by pressing and post cured at 60oC for 3 hours. The result showed tensile strength decreases as the loading of fiber increased from 20 wt% to 30 wt%. It was also observed that baobab composite has the highest tensile strength of 18.85 MPa at 20 wt% and least (16.45 MPa) at 15 wt%. The result also revealed the elongation at break increased from 20 wt% to 25 wt%. At 25wt% it has a maximum value (18.4%) elongation at break; at 30wt%. It was also observed that the density increased with increase in the fiber loading from 15wt% to 30wt% (1.23g/cm3 - 2g/cm3) respectively. At 15wt% shows a maximum water take-up of 6.53% while from 20 wt% to 30 wt%, Flexural strength increased from 10 wt% to 15 wt% (23.98MPa - 46.3Mpa). However, the bending stress decreases on increasing the fiber loading from 20-30 wt% (30.2 Mpa – 25.2 Mpa). The elastic nature of the composite generally increases with increased in fiber loading. This study, however recommend hybridization of baobab pod fiber with other natural fiber to investigate the mechanical and physical property of the hybrid composite for better result.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Virtual Temperature in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the diurnal and vertical variations of virtual temperature (Tv) and ambient temperature (T) from 2013 to 2023 in Ilorin. Data analysis reveals that Tv peaks between 1200 and 1400 hours daily, influenced mainly by relative humidity and inversely by temperature changes, with no significant pressure impact. At the planetary boundary layer, Tv and T exhibit marginal differences, converging higher in the troposphere due to diminishing specific humidity. Temporal trends indicate a surface temperature increase of 0.065 degrees and a Tv increase of 0.016 degrees over the past decade. While no simple linear correlation between Tv and relative humidity was found, seasonal patterns suggest potential underlying correlations. This highlights the complex interplay of atmospheric variables in influencing virtual temperature and underscores the need for further investigation into seasonal effects
GUDUMMAW AR HAUSAWA GA CIGABAN GARIN GOMBI A JIHAR ADAMAWA
Get PDFWannantakardar mai taken Gudummawar Hausawa ga Cigaban Garin Gombi a Jihar Adamawa, ta yi tsokaci ne kan irin gudummawar da Hausawa suke bayarwa ga garin domin bunƙasarta. Takardar ta yi waiwayen taƙaitaccen tarihin Hausawa da zuwansu garin tare da ɗan abin da ba a rasa ba na daga tarihin garin Gombi. Sannan manufar wannan bincike ita ce bayyanar da wanzuwar Hausawa a garin, da irin gudummawar da suke bayarwa ga ci gabansa tare da cike giɓin da aka bari a fannin ilmi. Sannan an ɗora wannan aiki ne kan ra’in sauyesauyen al’adu (al’umma) wanda Charlse Darwin ya ƙirƙira a shekarar 1958. Wannan ra’i yana bayani ne game da sauyesauye da yake faruwa ga al’umma ko al’adunsu daga wani matsayi zuwa wani, kamar yadda zuwan Hausawa garin Gombi ya taimaka wa ci gaban garin daga matsayinsa na da ya zuwa matsayin da yake a yanzu. Hanyar tattara bayanai kuwa, sun haɗa da yin tambayoyin hira da masana tare da sanya idanu game da rayuwar al\u27ummomin garin. Daga ƙarshe binciken ya gano irin gudummawar da al\u27ummar Hausawa suke bayarwa ga ci gaban garin a ɓangarori kamar: yawan jama\u27a da harshe da tattalin arziƙi da tufafi (sutura) da ilmi da sarauta da siyasa da bukukuwa da abinci da zamantakewa da makamantansu
Prevalence Of Malaria Parasites Among Patients Attending General Hospital Wuse, Abuja
Get PDFMalaria still remains a health challenge in Nigeria and even though a lot of efforts have been made in controlling the rate of infection, several people are still at risk of the parasitic infection. This study determined the prevalence of malaria parasites among patients attending General Hospital Wuse, Abuja. The sample population included 232 out-patients who presented with symptoms of malaria infections at the hospital. Five milliliters (5mls) of blood was collected from the patient into well labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes and malaria parasite was examined using a microscopy. Chi square (χ2) test was used for data analysis at 0.05 probability level. The overall prevalence of malaria was 45.7%. There was significant difference in the prevalence of malaria between microscopy and RDTs (p<0.005). Age groups 21 – 30 had the highest prevalence of 29.2%, followed by 17.9% in 41 – 50 age groups. The least prevalence of 4.7% was seen in age groups 51 and above. Patients who sleep under mosquito net (22.6%) had less prevalence compared to 77.3% recorded among patients that did not sleep under mosquito treated net. Prevalence of malaria parasites based on gender recorded in this study is higher in females 71 (66.9%) than males 35 (33.0%). A malaria prevalence rate of 45.7% is considered high and should be a cause for significant concern and urgent efforts of control strategies in the affected Area. 
The Effect of Post-treatment with Yellow Bitter Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) on the Antioxidant Status of Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Get PDFThis study assesses the effects of supplemented diet of Discorea dumenturom on antioxidant status of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-five adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups each containing five rats, group two to five were subjected to high fat diet for four weeks and was thereafter induced with STZ intraperitoneally (45mg/kg body weight) resulting to type 2 diabetes. The body weight, glucose concentration and the activities the antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione S-transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione concentration in the kidney, heart and liver were assessed. The Post-treatment with 10% and 20% Yellow Bitter Yam significantly reduced glucose and an healthy reduction in weight in treated groups compared to diabetic controls. In diabetic kidneys, GSH and GST were similar to controls, while GPX, CAT, and MDA decreased. Diabetic hearts showed increased CAT, GSH, and MDA, regulated in the treated group. In diabetic livers, GPx, GST, and MDA were consistent across groups, but GSH and CAT significantly (p>0.05) decreased in post-treated groups. The study suggests Dioscorea dumetorum supplementation regulates antioxidant enzymes, indicating potential hypoglycemic and antioxidative effects, particularly in kidney, heart, and liver enzyme activities associated with Type 2 diabetes.
Resistance to Azole Drugs by Fungal Species Isolated from Date Palm Samples within Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFFungal species infecting fruits are developing resistance to some antifungals. The study determined prevalent fungi in date palm fruits and their resistance to azole antifungals. Dried date palm fruit samples were collected from Modern Market, Old Market, Alhamis Market, Koro Market and Tomato Market in Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria and fungi isolated from them. Antifungal susceptibility test as a zone of inhibition of fungal mycelial growth were recorded for terbinafine, clotrimazole, nystatin, metronidazole and fluconazole. Dates from the old market had the highest contamination with 6.0×103 ± 4.2 cfu/g, while samples from Koro market with 2.5×103 ± 1.7 cfu/g were the least contaminated. A total of 84 fungi were isolated, Aspergillus niger was the most predominant species while Aspergillus versicolor was the least predominant. Terbinafine was the most effective azole against the fungal species isolated with a zone of inhibition of 43 mm in diameter, while fluconazole was the least effective with the zone of inhibition of 0 mm. The organism most susceptible to the antifungal drugs was Aspergillus niger, while Penicillium chrysogenum was the most resistant. Results of this study indicated that, date palm fruits around the Lafia markets were more susceptible to Aspergillus niger contamination than other fungal species, and Terbinafine was the best azole antifungal drug. The study recommends that further research should be carried out with respect to the resistance developed against azoles by the fungal species
Determination and modeling of heavy metal concentrations in river Rutu and Doma dam in Doma LGA, Nasarawa state
Get PDFRiver Rutu and Doma dam in Doma LGA of Nasarawa state were analyzed for their physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. This was to ascertain the level of contamination and develop models for predictive purposes. Water samples were collected from each river in dry season twice (January & March) and same in the wet season (July & August). Physicochemical analyses were obtained using standard procedures while heavy metal concentrations were obtained using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results showed that all physicochemical parameters analyzed were below the maximum tolerable limit by Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality and the World Health Organization. Heavy metals analysed showed a general increase in concentration in the dry season with the exception of copper which showed a high concentration in the wet season in both study areas. Ni concentration in river Rutu was low and was not detected in Doma dam in the dry season. Data from physicochemical parameters and concentrations of respective heavy metals were inputted into the Minitab 18 statistical computer software for model development. The models developed for each heavy metal, Pb, Zn; Fe; Cu; Co; Cr and Mn were all multivariate in nature and noted to be statistically reliable at 95 % confidence limit. R2 values for all the models ranged from 65 to 98 %, implying that the developed models can be relied on in predicting the concentration of the respective heavy metals by measuring the physicochemical parameters and evaluating using each model
Thermal and Structural Analysis of Airborne Magnetic Data of part of Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Implication for Geothermal Energy Exploration
Get PDFThis study presents the results of thermal and structural analysis of airborne magnetic data of part of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study area is characterised by a complex geological setting, with numerous faults and fractures that may control geothermal activity. The Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) of the study area was analysed using various techniques, including spectral analysis, Analytic signal (AS), Center for Exploration Targeting (CET), First vertical derivative (FVD), and second vertical derivative (SVD). The results of the CET, FVD, and SVD reveal a complex geological structural pattern, with numerous faults and fractures that may be related geothermal activity, trending majorly NE-SW direction. The AS map distinguished regions of high, intermediate, and low amplitude anomalies within the study area. The thermal analysis evaluated Curie point depth (CPD), geothermal gradient (GG), and heat flow (HF). Estimated values of CPD, GG, and HF range from 10 to 22.65 km, 25 to 55 °C/km, and 60 to 140 mW/m2, respectively. Feasible HF for geothermal resources were observed at the mid-portion of the northern region, corresponding to Mada, Nasarawa Egon, Akwanga, and at the western and south-eastern edges, covering Udeni and Keana. The delineated major structures in NE-SW direction might serve as migration conduits and channels for crustal HF within the study area. The results of this study have significant implications for geothermal exploration in the study area, and suggest that further investigation is warranted to determine the feasibility of geothermal energy production
Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Primary School Pupils in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
Get PDFSchistosomiasis, also known as bilharziasis or snail fever is primarily a tropical parasitic disease caused by eggs of adult stages of Schistosoma haematobium. Schistosomiasis has significant economic and public health consequences in many tropical and subtropical countries. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among pupils of primary schools in Keffi LGA. A survey of S. haematobium was carried out among primary school pupils between the ages of 4 - 12 years in three primary schools that were selected randomly. A Questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic data. A total of 250 urine samples were examined, comprising 152 from males and 98 from females. The sedimentation technique was used, and urine deposits were examined microscopically. The overall prevalence of infection with Schistosoma haematobium in this study was 31.6%. Prevalence of disease varied among different schools, with the highest prevalence recorded at NSUK Demonstration School (20.8%) followed by LEA Primary School GRA (7.2%) while ECWA Primary School had the least prevalence of 3.6%. Males had 20.8% while females had 10.8% prevalence about Gender. Infection prevalence based on age was recorded as highest among the 10 – 12 age group with a prevalence of 20.4%. For prevalence based on source of water, those who used well water had a prevalence of 23.2%; while for prevalence based on parent’s occupation, Farmers had the highest with 22.4%. The study confirmed the prevalence of S. haematobium in the study area.