5 research outputs found
Crescentia cujete fruit shell as green and efficient coagulant for water purification
No full textConventional drinking water treatment facilities employ coagulants, typically alum and ferric sulfate to remove turbidity and improve the clarity of the water. While alum for example, is naturally occurring and has no known health hazards when used in the right amount for water treatment, there is growing concern about the sustainability and environmental impacts of these inorganic coagulants. To explore a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative, we investigated the shell of calabash fruit (Crescentia cujete) as a plant-based natural and eco-friendly coagulant. Although the plant has been extensively studied for its medicinal purposes this is the first report of its potential use as a coagulant in water treatment. Using Jar Test experiments and statistical analysis, we found that the coagulant obtained from Crescentia cujete was able to reduce the turbidity of the water by 84.3% at an optimal dosage of only 1.0 g/L. Zeta potential and particle size diameter were determined using Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Ltd., UK) and found to be −3.42 mV and 2.55 × 104 d.nm respectively. The plant sample was further characterized via FT-IR analyses and was found to be largely composed of hemicellulosic materials, which likely contributed to the effectiveness of the coagulant
A review of the sources, distribution sequences, and health risks associated with exposure to atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
No full textAbstractAtmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are associated with adverse health effects in exposed populations. Understanding PAH pollution in ambient air and its adverse impacts is essential for developing effective actions for combating air pollution. This review paper summarised and discussed the findings of research work that determined the concentrations, distribution sequence, and health risk exposure levels of atmospheric PAHs in cities worldwide. It also gave an overview of the sources and the methodology for appraising the health risk of exposure to atmospheric PAHs. Eighty-five articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2010 to 2023 were identified in academic research databases, with 55 reporting on sources and distribution of atmospheric PAHs, while 30 evaluated the health risk of exposure to PAHs in ambient air. The narrative review approach was employed to critically analyse and produce descriptive summaries of distribution patterns and health risk exposure levels of atmospheric PAHs in a tabular form. The review showed that the total PAH concentration in urban areas was about eight times greater than in rural environments and emanated from diverse sources. However, vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions were the primary sources of atmospheric PAHs. The distribution sequence of PAHs in particulate and gas phases was HMW>MMW>LMW PAHs and LMW>MMW>HMW PAHs, respectively. Chronic exposure to PAHs in the environment increased the risk of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. Adoption of stricter emission standards, cleaner energy sources, and more efficient industrial technology will aid in the reduction of particulate PAH pollution and its negative health consequences in urban areas
The Photolytic Cleavage of Methylpyridinecobaloxime [Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py)] as a Mimetic of Vitamin B12
No full textThe photolytic reactions of the methylpyridinecobaloxime, Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py) were examined first in benzene and then in a mixture of acetonitrile, hydrogen peroxide and toluene using sunlight and 450 Watts Hanovia UV lamp. While in the first, toluene was produced, the later produced a mixture of products that is o, p, m cresol and benzaldehyde. The photolytic reaction of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) was also examined in benzene and hydrogen peroxide using sunlight. Phenol was produced. All the products formed were separated and characterized by IR and GC–MS. The formation of these products indicates that hydroxyl radicals were generated analogous to Fenton reaction and that both vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and methylpyridinecobaloxime, Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py) undergoesthe same photolytic cleavage of the Co-C bond
Application of Electromagnetic and Electrical Resistivity Methods for Borehole Siting in Low-Grade Metavolcanic and Metasedimentary Rocks, Sunyani West, Ghana
No full textThis paper employs the electromagnetic (EM) and the electrical resistivity methods for siting boreholes for communities in the Sunyani-West district of Ghana, a terrane comprising a mixture of granites and low-grade metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. These communities which depend on groundwater for livelihood have over the past few decades been hit by drastic seasonal irregularities in rainfall, making it imperative to seek an alternative source of potable water (preferably groundwater). Measurements to locate sites for boreholes were made by employing the Geonics EM-34 conductivity meter. In addition, co-located measurements were made with the ABEM SAS 1000C Terrameter in the Schlumberger electrode array configuration. Results of the measurements showed that each community could have at least two borehole sites with a high potential for groundwater extraction. The overburden of selected sites varied for the communities and ranged from 40 to 67 m. However, recommended drilling depths at these sites were 60 m for Adwinsa community, 70 m for Akurakan community and 60 m for Nana Ameyaw community. Test boreholes sunk at respective depths of 45 m, 55 m and 68 m in Adwinsa, Nana Ameyaw and Akurakan had yields of 12 m3/h (200 l/min), 24 m3/h (400 l/min) and 1.14 m3/h (19 l/min) respectively. In all three communities the aquifer was intercepted in phyllite bedrocks. Keywords: aquifer, groundwater potential, borehole, electrical resistivity, vertical electrical sounding, conductivity DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-10-05 Publication date:October 31st 202
COVID-19 in Africa: rethinking the tools to manage future pandemics
No full textCorona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an incurable, progressive pneumonia-like illness characterized by fever, dry cough, fatigue, and headache during its early stages. COVID-19 has ultimately resulted in mortality in at least 2 million people worldwide. Millions of people globally have already been affected by this disease, and the numbers are expected to increase, perhaps until an effective cure or vaccine is identified.Although Africa was initially purported by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be severely hit by the pandemic, Africa recorded the least number of cases during the first wave, with lowest rates of infections, compared to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This statistic might be attributed to the low testing capacity, existing public health awareness and lessons learnt during Ebola epidemic. Nonetheless, the relatively low rate of infection should be an opportunity for Africa to be better prepared to overcome this and future epidemics.In this paper, the authors provide insights into the dynamics and transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) during the first wave of the pandemic; possible explanations into the relatively low rates of infection recorded in Africa; with recommendations for Africa to continue to fight Covid-19; and position itself to effectively manage future pandemics.
Keywords: Covid-19; Ebola; Science Leadership in Africa; Vaccine; SARS-COV-2; Preventative Health; Future Pandemics
