13 research outputs found
Proximate, Minerals and Functional Properties of Bombax buonopozense Cclyx
No full textMonday Musah, H. I. Muhammad, J. T. Mathew, Y. Azeh, M. T. Umar, S. N. Goshie
The nutritional constituents of Bombax buonopozense calyx were determined using standard methods. Results obtained from the proximate analysis indicated the presence of moisture (4.70±0.51 %), ash (5.50±0.47 %), crude protein (7.20±0.29 %), crude lipid (3.10±0.14 %), crude fibre (18.00±0.18 %), carbohydrate (66.20±0.27 %), and caloric value (279.85±0.31 kcal/100g). Mean concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus were 25.00±0.09, 160.00±0.13, 48.10±0.47, 28.13±0.33 and 163.00±0.21 mg/100g respectively while measured values for functional properties were bulk density (0.52±0.01 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (2.35±0.35 %), oil absorption capacity (2.20±0.19 %), foaming capacity (13.72±0.27 %) and foaming stability (5.88±0.41 %). The results obtained compared favourably with most food materials and indicated that Bombax buonopozense calyx may be a good source of nutrients
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Various Species of Onion Bulbs in (Allium Spp.) Lapai Market, Niger State, Nigeria
No full textHauwa, I. Muhammad, M. Musah, and S. Abdulfatai
In order to evaluate the levels of heavy metal concentration in various species of onions, this study was implemented using three varieties of onion bulbs (Bermuda onion, Spring onion, Vidalia onion), gotten from some local markets within Niger State, They were analysed for their content of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe using dry ashing and wet digestion methods. Variation in trend of mean concentrations of heavy metals obtained in the order: Fe (312.57ppm) > Zn (18.50 mg/kg) > Cu (13.50 mg/kg) > Cr (12.88 mg/kg) > Cd (4.85 mg/kg) and Fe (312.12 mg/kg) > Zn (17.98 mg/kg) > Cu (13.10 mg/kg)> Cr (12.15 mg/k ) > Cd (4.71 mg/kg) for results obtained after dry and wet ashing digestion methods respectively. There was no significant difference between the concentrations of heavy metals obtained both digestions method and between the concentrations of metals among the three species of onions. However, concentrations of Cd and Cr were above the FAO/WHO recommended limits for metals concentrations in vegetables
Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized in Biopolymer Matrix and Their Application in Antibacterial Activity
No full textالنحاس هو بديل أرخص من العديد من المعادن النبيلة مع مجموعة من التطبيقات المحتملة في مجال علم النانو وتكنولوجيا النانو. ومع ذلك ، فإن جسيمات النحاس النانوية لها قيود كبيرة ، والتي تشمل الأكسدة السريعة عند التعرض للهواء. لذلك ، تم تطوير مسارات بديلة لتجميع الجسيمات النانوية المعدنية في وجود البوليمرات والمواد الخافضة للتوتر السطحي كمثبتات ، ولتشكيل الطلاءات على سطح الجسيمات النانوية. هذه المواد الخافضة للتوتر السطحي والروابط البوليمرية مصنوعة من بتروكيماويات غير متجددة. نظرًا لمحدودية الموارد الأحفورية ، فإن إيجاد بديل متجدد وقابل للتحلل البيولوجي يعد أمرًا واعدًا ، حيث هدفت الدراسة إلى إعداد وتوصيف وتقييم الخصائص المضادة للبكتيريا لجسيمات النحاس النانوية. تم تحضير جسيمات النحاس النانوية باستخدام البوليمر الحيوي الجيلاتيني ، أيونات CuSO4.5H2O والهيدرازين كمثبت ، ملح سلائف وعامل اختزال على التوالي. ومع ذلك ، تم استخدام محلول فيتامين C و NaOH أيضًا كمضاد للأكسدة وضبط درجة الحموضة. تم تمييز جسيمات النحاس النانوية المركبة باستخدام التحليل الطيفي المرئي للأشعة فوق البنفسجية (UV-vis) ، التحليل الحراري الوزني (TGA) ، مسحوق قياسات زيتا المحتملة ، حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD) ، المجهر الإلكتروني لمسح الانبعاث الميداني والمجهر الإلكتروني النافذ (TEM). يؤكد طيف الامتصاص المرئي للأشعة فوق البنفسجية تكوين CuNPs ، والتي أظهرت أقصى امتصاص عند 583 نانومتر. أشارت النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها من TEM إلى انخفاض في حجم الجسيمات من التركيز المنخفض إلى التركيز العالي للمواد الداعمة. وجد أن التركيز الأمثل للجيلاتين هو 0.75٪ بالوزن. المواد الداعمة المستخدمة في هذا التركيب متوافقة حيوياً والمنتجات التي تم الحصول عليها مستقرة في الهواء. تُظهر CuNPs المُصنَّعة أنشطة واعدة مضادة للجراثيم ضد B. subtilis (B29) و S. aureus (S276) و S. choleraesuis (ATCC 10708) و E. coli (E266) كبكتيريا موجبة وسالبة الجرام على التوالي.Copper is a cheaper alternative to various noble metals with a range of potential applications in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. However, copper nanoparticles have major limitations, which include rapid oxidation on exposure to air. Therefore, alternative pathways have been developed to synthesize metal nanoparticles in the presence of polymers and surfactants as stabilizers, and to form coatings on the surface of nanoparticles. These surfactants and polymeric ligands are made from petrochemicals which are non- renewable. As fossil resources are limited, finding renewable and biodegradable alternative is promising.The study aimed at preparing, characterizing and evaluating the antibacterial properties of copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were prepared using gelatin biopolymer, CuSO4.5H2O ions and hydrazine as stabilizer, precursor salt and reducing agent respectively. However, vitamin C and NaOH solution were also employed as an antioxidant and pH adjuster. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential measurements powder, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The UV-visible absorption spectrum confirms the formation of the CuNPs, which showed maximum absorbance at 583 nm. Results obtained from TEM indicated a decrease in size of particle from a low concentration to high concentration of the supporting materials. The optimum concentration of gelatin was found to be 0.75 wt%. The supporting materials used for this synthesis are biocompatible and the obtained products are stable in air. The synthesized CuNPs display promising antibacterial activities against B. subtilis (B29), S. aureus (S276), S. choleraesuis (ATCC 10708) and E. coli (E266) as gram positive and negative bacteria respectively
Author Correction: “Carboranyl-cysteine”—Synthesis, Structure and Self-Assembly Behavior of a Novel α-Amino Acid
No full textA correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.</jats:p
Adsorption Kinetics and Isotherm Models: A Review
No full textAdsorption Kinetics describes the rate at which solute is adsorbed and the resident time of the adsorbates on the solid-liquid interface. Adsorption isotherms play important role in determining the interaction between adsorbate and adsorbent and the optimum adsorption capacity of adsorbent. This article considered selected adsorption kinetics and isotherms models. Pseudo first order, Pseudo second order, Elovich, Bhattacharya and Venkobachar, and Natarajan and Khalaf were adsorption kinetics reviewed on the assumption that the process behaves as heterogeneous reaction at solid-liquid interface. Adsorption kinetics equation presented takes the form of straight line, the slopes and intercepts of the plots are used to determine adsorption capacity of adsorbent, rate constant, rate of adsorption and intraparticle diffusion. Value of correlation coefficient obtained is used in determining the adsorption kinetics model that best describe the adsorption process. Langmuir, Freundlich, Radlich-Peterson, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevic adsorption isotherms were presented. Their slopes and intercepts provide insight on adsorption affinity, mean free energy, whether the adsorption is physisorption or chemisorptions, single or multilayer. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms reviewed provide essential information required for understanding adsorption process.
Keywords: Adsorption; kinetics; isotherms; pseudo first order; Langmui
Dinasti Fatimiyah Di Mesir (909-1172): Kajian Pembentukan dan Perkembangannya
No full textThe discussion of the Fatimid Dynasty was an interesting discussion, because the controversy caused by the dynasty was enough to stir the Islamic world. Some author said this kingdom has a great contribution to introduce Muslims to science, because they build the University of al-Azhar. On the other hand, this kingdom is said to be an intolerant extremist kingdom, suppressing Sunni Muslims or Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah. The history of the kingdom filled with oppression, deceit, and deviation from the teachings of Islam is also another side that needs to be raised and discussed. Before discussing the political power of the Fatimid dynasty, we first discuss the ideology of this kingdom, because this is the underlying political movement. Fatimid dynasty was a Shiite-ideological kingdom, more precisely the Ismailis. Isma’ili Shi’ah is a Shi’ite sect who believes that Ismail bin Ja’far is the seventh priest, as for the majority of Shia (Shi’a Itsna Asyriyah) believes that Musah bin Ja’fa was the seventh imam after Ja’far ash-Sadiq. The differences in this subject matter then evolved into other doctrinal principles that increasingly distinguished Ismaili Shiite teachings from mainstream Shiite, Shiite Asna Asyriyah, so this teaching became a separate sect. Ismailis have beliefs that deviate far from the teachings and creeds of Islam. Like other Shiite sects, Isma’ilis Shiites also believe that priests are awake from sinful deeds, they are perfect figures, and there is no gap at al
Spectroscopic Characterization of Acetylated Wood Flakes and Its High-Density Polyethylene Blends
No full textYakubu Azeh*, Fatima Abubakar, Monday Musah, John Tsado Mathew, Musa Tanko Umar, Yahaya Sayyadi Mohammad, Aliyu Turaki Ibrahim, Abdulkarim Mohammed Awwal, Hauwa Larai Muhammad Idris, and Aishetu Ibrahim Muhammad
Acetylation is a useful reaction for the improvement of the surface properties of natural fibers in bend/composites fabrications, which are essential in the determination of their usefulness. In this study, the effects of acetylation on wood flakes/fibers of Gmelina Arborea was investigated. Acetylation was carried out in batches using acetic anhydride as an acetylating agent and acetic acid as a catalyst at 120˚C for 1, 2, and 3 h under reflux. The efficiency of acetylation was evaluated in terms of weight percent gains (WPGs) due to acetylation. Polyethylene blends were prepared by the solution blending of acetylated/unacetylated wood flakes using casting-evaporation method in toluene. The effects of acetylated/unacetylated wood flakes on the biodegradability of blends were investigated. Acetylated wood and blends were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA/DTGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results obtained from the study revealed that modification was indicative based on the observation of C=O absorption peak at 1722 and 1640 cm-1 respectively. TGA results revealed blend composition of 0.5/0.5 g gave the best material’s stability. We also observed that the properties of the modified wood flakes/blends were enhanced by the lower equilibrium moisture content caused by acetyl groups. The modified wood flakes could find industrial applications in fiber and particles/plywood board products for various construction purposes while unmodified blends can be used in the production of polymer-based biodegradable products. Biodegradation results indicate that blending of acetylated wood flakes with polyethylene matrix enhanced its biodegradation. Thus, adding acetylated wood flakes into polyethylene could reduce the lifespan of PE in the environment
Hydrogeochemical controls and human health risk assessment of groundwater fluoride and boron in the semi-arid North East region of Ghana
No full textIn this study, eighty-eight (88) samples were collected from active boreholes in the North East region of Ghana and analyzed for concentrations of the hydrogeochemical parameters. This helped in understanding the hydrogeochemistry, spatial distribution, origin of groundwater F- and B and the level to which the underlying geology influences the F- and B. Human health risks of F- and B were also assessed based on the model of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Groundwater is alkaline in this area and the dominant hydrochemical facies is Na-HCO3 facies, which is a reflection of the predominant carbonate lithology of the Oti/Pendjari Group in the region. The study reveals that the F- concentrations range from 0.05 to 13.29 mg/L with an average value of 3.26 mg/L, suggesting that majority of the boreholes have F- concentrations higher than the acceptable limit (1.5 mg/L) of WHO. The B concentrations also vary from 0.03 to 5.13 mg/L with an average of 1.52 mg/L in excess of the guideline value of 0.5 mg/L. The groundwater F- and B threats, respectively affect about 70% and 82% of boreholes in the region particularly around the northeastern, southeastern, central, and western parts. F- and B are mainly coming from geogenic sources and are controlled by hydrogeochemical factors such as semi-arid climatic conditions of the region, alkaline nature of the water, water-rock interaction, intense weathering, ion exchange, mineral dissolution and precipitation. The human health risk assessment reveals that non-carcinogenic risk for F- and B is higher in children than the adult population. About 89% of children in the study area are exposed to initial symptoms of dental and skeletal fluorosis and have higher chances of cardio-protection since no health threat is currently reported for high B in drinking water. We recommend immediate action towards mitigating the high groundwater F- to safeguard the health and livelihood of the people.Earth Science department of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University for Development Studies; Government of Ghana; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)The first and third authors acknowledge the support of Earth Science department of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University for Development Studies and the Government of Ghana during this work. The second author acknowledges the continuous support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) as a PhD research fellow of BIDEB 2215 Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students during the time of this research. The Editors especially, Prof. Stefano ALBANESE and other anonymous reviewers are greatly acknowledged for providing helpful suggestions to improve the quality of the paper
Geochemical evolution and tracing of groundwater salinization using different ionic ratios, multivariate statistical and geochemical modeling approaches in a typical semi-arid basin
No full textThe vulnerability of semi-arid basin aquifers to long-term salinization due to the dissolution of groundwater chemical constituents is a major global problem. Despite this, resilient techniques of tracing the sources of groundwater salinization in semi-arid basin aquifers are still evolving due to the aquifer complexities. This study proves the effectiveness of the use of different ionic ratios, multivariate statistical, and geochemical modeling approaches to understand groundwater evolution and trace salinization in the semi-arid Pru Basin of Ghana. The basin is homogeneously composed of argillaceous sediments of the Oti/Pendjari Group of the Voltaian Supergroup. A total of 81 samples from hand-dug wells and boreholes within the Pru Formation of the Oti/Pendjari Group in the basin were collected for this study. Quantitative analysis of the data shows that the abundance of major ions follows the order: Na+ -> Ca2+ -> Mg2+ -> K+ and Cl- -> HCO3 -> SO42-. The groundwater evolved from Na-HCO3, Na-HCO3-Cl, Na-Ca-HCO3 to Na-Mg-HCO3 water types in a decreasing order of abundance. Calculated meteoric genesis index (r2) indicates the dominance of deep meteoric water percolation effects on groundwater chemistry. Groundwater chemistry is principally controlled by water-rock interaction, ion exchange reactions, weathering (carbonate and silicate), salinization, and anthropogenic activities. Different ionic ratio plots and spatial distribution maps reveal the prevalence of salinization in the aquifer system, especially around the southwestern part of the basin. Revelle index assessment of the groundwater salinization level indicates that about 19.8% of the groundwater samples with RI values >0.5 is influenced by salinization. The groundwater salinization results from saline water intrusion from adjacent aquifers, mixing effects, ion exchange reactions, water-rock interaction, and anthropogenic activities. The geochemical modeling involving thermodynamic calculation of mineral saturation indices in PHREEQC indicates that groundwater is largely saturated with respect to majority of the carbonate and silicate mineral phases.BIDES 2215 Graduate Scholarship Program of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK); Government of GhanaThe first author thanks BIDES 2215 Graduate Scholarship Program of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for the continuous support as a doctoral research fellow. The second and third authors acknowledge Earth Science department of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ghana for logistic support during the field studies and water sample collection. The Government of Ghana's annual research fund support to faculty members is also acknowledged. The Editor and Reviewers are thanked for the valuable comments that improved the quality of this paper
Hydrogeochemical characterization and assessment of groundwater quality in the Kwahu-Bombouaka Group of the Voltaian Supergroup, Ghana
No full textThe Kwahu-Bombouaka Group of the Voltaian Basin, which defines the northern fringe of the basin, constitutes a significant part of the North East Region of Ghana. Most of the inhabitants in the region depend on groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes. Therefore, a geochemical characterization and assessment of groundwater quality in the area was carried out using hydrochemical, GIS-based ordinary kriging interpolation and multivariate statistical methods on fifty-five (55) borehole water samples. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and spatial distribution of various ions, groundwater quality issues and the geochemical processes contributing to groundwater chemistry. The area is largely underlain by sandy shales and mudstones of the Poubogou Formation and feldspathic, quartzitic sandstones with conglomeratic lenses of the Panabako Formation. The abundance of major cations in the groundwater is in the order: Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ whereas that of the major anions vary in the order: HCO3- > SO42- > Cl-. Na-HCO3 water type is common in the area, which may be due to dissolution from silicate minerals (albite and microcline) in the basement rocks. The results indicate that fluoride (0.01-8.40 mg/L, mean of 0.58 mg/L) and boron (0.01-4.81 mg/L, mean of 0.28 mg/L) contamination is a threat to groundwater quality with respect to their guideline values provided by the World Health Organization. The groundwater chemistry is primarily controlled by ion exchange reactions, weathering of silicate minerals residing in the Panabako Formation and anthropogenic activities from agriculture. Groundwater in the area is largely suitable for drinking purposes although some few boreholes in the northwestern and southeastern parts have high fluoride and boron concentrations. The sodium percentage (11-99%, mean of 70%), magnesium ratios (2.05-57, mean of 29) and sodium adsorption ratio (0.15-38, mean of 4.72) are quite high in some of the communities in the southeastern part of the area. This suggests that water in this part of the area is not entirely suitable for irrigationScientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK); Earth Science Department of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University for Development Studies; Government of Ghana; European Association of Geochemistry; GeoHost Support ProgramThe first author acknowledges the continuous support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) as a PhD research fellow of BIDEB 2215 Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students during the time of this research. The second and third authors acknowledge the support of Earth Science Department of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University for Development Studies and the Government of Ghana during this work. This study was also financially supported by the European Association of Geochemistry and the GeoHost Support Program for oral presentation by the first author at the 36th International Geological Congress in New Delhi, India. The Editor Prof. Mohamed G. Abdelsalam, anonymous reviewers, and Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana are greatly acknowledged for the useful reviews
