Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Geometric Integrity Assessment of Petroleum Storage Tank using Total Station Technology in Compliance with API 653 Standards
No full textThis study presents a comprehensive inspection report on a storage tank (B1) at the CNR base in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Utilizing Total Station surveying techniques with a Kolida reflectorless total station. The investigation focused on key parameters such as base settlement, roundness (ovality), verticality, and base level assessments in compliance with API 653 standards. This study focuses on the geometric integrity assessment of petroleum storage tanks using Kolida KTS 442 reflectorless total station technology, with the objectives of : Present a comprehensive measurement workflow aligned with API 653, demonstrate how total station–derived data supports detection of deformation parameters—such as settlement, out-of-roundness, and verticality deviations and evaluate compliance with API 653 tolerance limits . The inspection methodology involved the use of a total station instrument and its assessories. Temporary control points were established within the tank premises on which Total station was set up. The circumferential level of the tank base was determined for nine(9) points at a marked interval of 2.5meters from each point. Two different set of readings were determined for check purpose. The ovality inspection was carried out by coordinating the nine (9) points marked around the circumference with 2.5m intervals and also coordinating randomly smaller intervals between the 2.5m marks for better circumference. The instrument was used to generate the coordinates of at least one point each from the five couches of the tank vertically upwards. The base level of eight points was taken round the tank B1 circumference. The difference between the highest and lowest base level reading for tank B1 was 3cm. With the mean vertical angle of the four points taken in tank B1, only one point has a high value of 000 02’ 46.46” which is quite different from all other values and this made the mean deflection angle to get to 000 01’ 41.46”. The tank B1 was found to be within allowable deviation. The verticality for four point on the tank had an excess of 1st = 0° 0\u27 59.42", 2nd = 0° 0\u27 24.28", 3rd = 0° 1\u27 41.48", 4th = 0° 0\u27 43.14" which is within the allowable standard. Total station inspection of storage tank cannot be said to be complete when there is no available initial or subsequent data of the tank under inspection which will serve as basis of comparison for any deviation. Hence it was recommend that a search be made for previous records and all inspection reports be kept safe for ease of access in case of subsequent inspection
Impact of financial constraints on profitability of small-scale roadside fish processors in Lagos State, Nigeria: A multivariate regression approach
No full textSmall-scale roadside fish processors play a critical role in food security, employment creation, and economic resilience, particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria. This study examines the impact of financial and experiential constraints on the profitability and sustainability of small-scale roadside fish processors in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 150 fish processors were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations and analyzed using a multivariate regression approach. The findings highlight the significant negative influence of financial constraints—limited access to credit (p = 0.025), high operating costs (p = 0.097), and insufficient capital (p = 0.002)—on key profitability metrics, including net profit margin, gross profit margin, and break-even point. Experiential constraints also play a pivotal role, with processors having less than six years of experience exhibiting the strongest negative impact on sustainability (p < 0.001). Younger processors (below 36 years) showed a positive association with profitability (p = 0.048), while higher education levels reflected potential opportunity costs and skill mismatches (p = 0.013). The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance the sustainability of this sector. Recommendations include creating affordable credit schemes tailored to the needs of small-scale processors, promoting energy-efficient technologies to reduce operational costs, and implementing structured training programs and mentorship initiatives to bridge experiential gaps. Addressing these critical constraints will enable policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen the resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital sector, thereby enhancing food security and improving livelihoods in Lagos State and similar contexts
Phytochemical and sensory evaluation of functional tea produced from Lemongrass, Turmeric bud and Moringa leaf
No full textThe study was done to determine the phytochemical and sensory properties of functional tea produced from blends of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves (LTM). Lemongrass and moringa leaves were sorted, washed, and dried using a dehydrator at 60°C for 8 h, while the turmeric rhizome was oven-dried at 90°C for 8 h, ground, sieved, and packaged. The functional tea was divided into 5 samples containing different ratios of lemongrass, turmeric, and moringa: (LTM1) 70:20:10, (LTM2) 67:28:5, (LTM3) 63:30:7, (LTM4) 60:30:10, and (LTM5) 70:23:7. Tea from 100 % lemongrass served as the control. Phytochemical and sensory analysis were carried out on the functional tea samples. From the results obtained, sample LTM4 recorded the highest concentration of tannins (1.30%), saponins (1.40%), flavonoids (0.92%), and total phenols (0.43 mgGAE/g). The combination of the plants was shown to improve all the phytochemical parameters measured when compared to the control sample. The functional tea samples were also generally accepted by the panelists, as they all had a mean score above 5, with sample LTM1 (70:20:10) being the most preferred sample. This study has shown that functional tea can be produced from a combination of lemongrass, turmeric, and moringa
Deep frying impact on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, textural, thermal and nutritional properties of African Snail
No full textProcessing conditions are important in the quality and preservation of meat of various kinds and sources. Frying is one of the processing techniques often employed in meat products, snail meat inclusive. This study evaluated the effect of deep frying on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, textural, thermal, and nutritional properties of African snail meat. Fasted snails were processed and deep-fried at varying time intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 minutes) before retrieval for analysis. The polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) of deep fried African snails at varying times revealed that Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Indeno(1,2,3–cd}, phyrene, Dibenzo(a,h), Anthracene, Benzo(g,h,i), perylene were detected in all the snails irrespective of the frying time. The thermal properties of the fried snail samples for different time intervals revealed that thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity ranged from 901.62 - 4,849.13 w/m2k, 485.68 - 2169.19 Jkg-1oC-1 and 0.1932 – 0.2375 m2/s, respectively. The proximate composition showed the impact of frying condition. The mineral composition showed that the calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, zinc, and magnesium elemental content of the fried snail meat ranged from 195.50 - 277.50 mg/100g, 8.10 - 9.85 mg/100g, 22.50 - 37.50 mg/100g, 212.50 - 297.50 mg/100g, 0.18 - 0.35 mg/100g, and 67.50 - 92.50 mg/100g, respectively. The deep frying caused a significant reduction in the moisture content of the snail meat and influenced the textural properties of the snails significantly. The values obtained for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compared with the recommended limit determined do not pose any danger to consumers
Impact of integrated soil nutrient sources on the growth and yield of sorghum raised in Rigachikun, Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of different soil nutrient sources on the growth and yield of sorghum under rain-fed conditions during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons. Research was conducted at the National Open University of Nigeria Research Farm, Rigachikun, Kaduna. The experiment comprised fourteen treatments: (I) Control, (II) Soybean intercrop, (III) 2.0 t/ha of poultry manure (PM), (IV) 2.0 t/ha of PM + Soybean, (V) 3.5 t/ha of PM, (VI) 3.5 t/ha of PM + Soybean, (VII) 0.2 t/ha of compost manure (CP), (VIII) 0.2 t/ha of CP + Soybean, (IX) 0.4 t/ha of CP, (X) 0.4 t/ha of CP + Soybean, (XI) 30 kg N/ha of NPK fertilizer, (XII) 30 kg N/ha + Soybean, (XIII) 60 kg N/ha, and (XIV) 60 kg N/ha + Soybean. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was employed. The study demonstrated that integrated soil nutrient management significantly influences the growth and yield of sorghum. Sole applications of compost manure at 0.4 t/ha (IX) improved leaf area. However, soybean intercropping (II, IV, VI, VIII, X, XII, and XIV) did not have a significant effect on sorghum growth variables. The highest grain yield was recorded in plots treated with 60 kg N/ha of NPK fertilizer intercropped with soybean (XIV), though this was not significantly different from plots treated with 60 kg N/ha of NPK fertilizer without soybean (XIII). Given its positive impact on growth and yield, the application of poultry manure should be promoted, especially among smallholder farmers looking for sustainable nutrient sources
Species composition and diversity of some mammals in forest fragments of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the species composition and diversity of some mammalian species using camera traps in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria. Camera trapping was conducted both in wet and dry seasons in lowland rainforest, forest-savanna mosaic, montane, and gallery forests. Camera density (one per 2km2) and traps were used to take photos of moving objects without delay between triggers. They were set to snap 3 photos per burst at an interval of 30 seconds. Data were collected from the forest sites for ninety (90) days each in the wet season and dry season, respectively. Images were identified from memory cards using Kingdon’s field guide to African mammals. The following parameters were recorded: species name, number and group size, sex structure (male and female), age structure (juvenile and adult), activity at time of snapshot, activity time (day or night), activity area, and weather condition. Results obtained indicated that a total of 31 mammalian species were captured in the four (4) forest sites, belonging to five (5) orders (Ungulata, Carnivora, Primate, Pholidota, and Rodentia). Shannon Weiner Diversity Index analysis indicated a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between dry and wet seasons mammalian species diversity in forest-savanna mosaic. Mammalian species diversity in dry and wet seasons did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in lowland rainforest, montane forest, and gallery forest. The existence of endangered species captured through camera trapping is an indicator of the ecological significance of the sites, which has helped to earn the park international recognition
Genetic improvement of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using Nile perch (Lates niloticus) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
No full textThis study investigates the potential of genetic improvement in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) through direct intramuscular injection of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). A total of 225 African catfish fingerlings were divided into five DNA concentrations of 0 μg (T1), 1 μg (T2), 2 μg (T3), 3 μg (T4), and 4 μg (T5) per fish, with each group replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The experiment was conducted in 15 plastic tanks, each holding 15 fish, and the fish were fed a commercial diet for 20 weeks. Data on growth performance were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. The length-weight relationship was analyzed using regression and correlation analysis. Results on growth performance indicated that fish injected with 4 μg of Nile perch DNA showed significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) growth performance, including final body weight (114.59 g), mean weight gain (108.55g), percent weight gain (1802.84%), average daily weight gain (0.78 g/day), and survival rate (84.45%), compared to other groups. The indices of the length-weight relationship "b" values were 0.3564 for T1 (control), 1.2776 for T2 (1 µg), 0.2170 for T3 (2 µg), 0.3686 for T4 (3 µg), and 0.0434 for T5 (4 µg), exhibiting a negative allometric growth pattern (b < 3) across all treatment groups. The correlation coefficients (r) for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were 0.630, 0.597, 0.818, 0.669 and 0.839, respectively. The findings suggest that Nile perch DNA injection can enhance growth parameters in African catfish. The study advocates for further research on optimal DNA dosing and long-term effects in aquaculture
Comparative analysis of the phytochemical and physicochemical properties of herbal-infused oils
No full textInfused oils with plant extracts are well-known for diverse applications, particularly for their therapeutic and cosmetic purposes; herbal oil infusion enhances the bioactive and physicochemical properties of oils, influencing their suitability for cosmetic and dietary applications. This study evaluates the phytochemical and physicochemical properties of herbal infused oils to determine their stability and potential uses. The infused oils were prepared using selected medicinal plants: turmeric, lemon, neem, carrot, and acalypha, with olive oil as the carrier. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive compounds, while physicochemical parameters such as acid value (AV), saponification value (SV), iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), and ester value (EV) were assessed following standard analytical procedures. Phytochemical screening revealed terpenoids in all infused oils, while alkaloids, anthraquinones, and steroids were present in specific samples. Tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenols were not detected. Physicochemical analysis showed significant (p<0.05) alterations in oil properties after herbal infusion. AV ranged from 0.14–11.56 mg KOH/g; SV: 3.99–234.05 mg KOH/g, IV: 5.50–57.77 g/100g, PV: 0.68–2.15 mEq O₂/Kg, and EV: 3.85–222.49 mg KOH/g. Lemon-infused oil exhibited the highest acid, saponification, iodine, and ester values, suggesting increased hydrolysis and ester formation, while peroxide values remained low across all samples, indicating good oxidative stability. These findings suggest that infused herbal oils exhibit enhanced bioactive properties with varying stability profiles. While some, like lemon-infused oil, may require refinement before ingestion, others closely resemble the carrier oil, making them suitable for both cosmetic and dietary applications
Physico-chemical properties of pond water as influenced by different inclusion levels of cultured Chlorella vulgaris in Clarias gariepinus feed
No full textThis study investigated the culture and inclusion rate of Chlorella vulgaris in the diet of Clarias gariepinus. Pure sample of C. vulgaris isolate liquid of 50mls were each dissolved in 30% of pure poultry manure, which was later filtered and each poured into 70 liters fish tanks that contained 50 liters of water each and allowed to be illuminated by sunlight for 16 days to enhance C. vulgaris multiplication. The C. vulgaris matrix was harvested, filtered and incorporated in fish feed at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% inclusion rates as feed supplement. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design and treatments were replicated 3 times in 15 fish tanks. Ten juveniles of Clarias gariepinus were stocked per tank and fed for 16 weeks at 5% body weight per day. Proximate analysis of C. vulgaris matrix showed, Ash(30%), Fibre (10.48%), Protein(32.41%) and metabolizable energy(262kcal/g).The water samples analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters like temperature (26.79 ± 27.130 C), pH (5.92 ± 6.34), dissolved oxygen (5.82 ± 6.05mg/l), transparency (15.84 ± 16.70cm) and ammonia (0.13 ± 0.24mg/l) were within the recommended range for Clarias gariepinus culture. Lower values of dissolved oxygen (5.80 ± 0.20 mg/l) and turbidity (5.57 ± 0.45cm) were observed in the control tanks. These optimal physico-chemical parameters showed that the diet did not significantly deteriorate the water quality, as it contained no potential pollutants and was consumed optimally by the fish. This study recommends the use of C. vulgaris matrix supplement at 20-30% in the diet to improve the growth of C. gariepinus owing to their higher nutritional content
Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant properties of African locust bean marketed in Ibadan, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluated the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of African locust beans marketed in the Ibadan metropolis. The nutritional qualities of food consumed should be of great importance to consumers and the populace at large. Hence, there is a need for investigation into African locust beans sold in the Ibadan metropolis. Three markets each were investigated within the three local governments, and they are Muslim, Olomi, and Orita Challenge in Ibadan South East local government; Agbon, Academy, and Monatan in Lagelu local government;
and Eleyele, Dugbe, and Oje in Ibadan North West local government. Fresh locust bean samples were obtained from these markets, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Standard procedures were carried out to determine the antioxidant potentials and phytochemical screening of processed Parkia biglobosa sourced from the various markets. The result of the qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some bioactive compounds, which are saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones, while tannins, steroids, and phenols are generally absent in the three local governments under investigation. The percentage scavenging of locust bean samples from Lagelu was the highest, ranging from 52.68 to 63.77%, followed by samples from Ibadan South East, with values ranging from 29.92 to 58.57%. The least scavenging percentage was observed in Ibadan North West, ranging from 30.50 to 37.48. The presence of these bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites suggests the potential ability of African locust beans to improve human health if included in diets