TIMOTHY ADEKANYE | Landmark University (original) (raw)

Papers by TIMOTHY ADEKANYE

Research paper thumbnail of Energy and exergy analyses of okra drying process in a forced convection cabinet dryer

Research in Agricultural Engineering, 2021

A forced convection automatic cabinet dryer integrated with a data logger was designed and fabric... more A forced convection automatic cabinet dryer integrated with a data logger was designed and fabricated. The okra samples were dried in the dryer at drying temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C and at three different load densities of 200, 300, and 400 g at a continuous air velocity of 0.7 m·s–1. Energy and exergy analyses of the drying process were performed. The obtained results showed that the energy efficiency, energy utilisation, and utilisation ratio increased from 26.59 to 68.24%, 5.47 to 114.36 W, and 0.36 to 0.71 as the temperature increased to 70 °C, respectively. The inflow, outflow, and exergy losses were in the range of 7.02 to 26.14 W, 4.43 to 14.16 W, and 2.59 to 11.98 W, respectively, while exergy efficiency varied from 49.15 to 63.47%. The findings show that exergy efficiencies decrease with an increase in the drying temperature, but increase with a lower load rate. The index of sustainability varies from 2.14 to 2.77, the value increases as the load density decreases whi...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties, Soil Loss, and Cocoyam Yield on a Tropical Sandy Loam Alfisol

The Scientific World Journal

Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is b... more Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is biochar. Hence, two-year field experiments were conducted on a sandy loam Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from hardwood on soil physical and chemical characteristics, erosion potential, and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) yield. The study was a 2 × 4 factorial experiment with two years (2017 and 2018) and four biochar levels (0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that biochar application significantly in both years improved yield of cocoyam and soil physical (bulk density, porosity, moisture content, mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, dispersion ratio, and infiltration rate) and chemical (soil organic matter, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and CEC) properties and erosion resistance. Soil characteristics and cocoyam yie...

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Properties, Okra Performance and Nutrient Compositions as Affected by Tillage and Maize Cob Ash

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology

Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorab... more Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorable peculiarities such as low inherent fertility and acidity. These limitations can be ameliorated by tillage and organic manuring. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to assess the effects of tillage methods and maize cob ash (MCA) on soil properties, yield, growth, mineral, and vitamin C contents of okra fruit. The experiment consisted of 3 × 3 factorial combinations of three tillage methods {zero-tillage ZT, manual ridging MR, and plowing plus harrowing P+H} and three rates (0.0, 3.0, and 6.0 t ha-1) of application of MCA. Tillage methods and MCA influenced soil physical and chemical properties, performance, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruit significantly. MCA increased soil K, Ca, Mg, okra yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruits up to 3 t ha-1 level after which there was a decrease. The order of reducing bulk density and soil chemical properties, increasing porosity, yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra was: ZT > MR > P+H. Tillage appears to be indispensable for sustainable okra production on Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Growth and yield of okra in this study was dependent on soil physical properties and chemical properties such as pH, OM, N, and K. Combination of P+H and 3 t ha-1 MCA produced better yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra compared with other combinations of tillage with MCA. Addition of MCA to either P+H or MR is important to reduce the limitation of acidity associated with tropical Alfisol.

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Properties, Okra Performance and Nutrient Compositions as Affected by Tillage and Maize Cob Ash

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology

Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorab... more Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorable peculiarities such as low inherent fertility and acidity. These limitations can be ameliorated by tillage and organic manuring. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to assess the effects of tillage methods and maize cob ash (MCA) on soil properties, yield, growth, mineral, and vitamin C contents of okra fruit. The experiment consisted of 3 × 3 factorial combinations of three tillage methods {zero-tillage ZT, manual ridging MR, and plowing plus harrowing P+H} and three rates (0.0, 3.0, and 6.0 t ha-1) of application of MCA. Tillage methods and MCA influenced soil physical and chemical properties, performance, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruit significantly. MCA increased soil K, Ca, Mg, okra yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruits up to 3 t ha-1 level after which there was a decrease. The order of reducing bulk density and soil chemical properties, increasing porosity, yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra was: ZT > MR > P+H. Tillage appears to be indispensable for sustainable okra production on Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Growth and yield of okra in this study was dependent on soil physical properties and chemical properties such as pH, OM, N, and K. Combination of P+H and 3 t ha-1 MCA produced better yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra compared with other combinations of tillage with MCA. Addition of MCA to either P+H or MR is important to reduce the limitation of acidity associated with tropical Alfisol.

Research paper thumbnail of EVALUATION OF A LOCUST BEANS SEED DEHULLING MACHINE FOR SMALL SCALE FARMERS

IAEME, 2019

A locust bean dehulling machine was fabricated and evaluated using locally available materials. T... more A locust bean dehulling machine was fabricated and evaluated using locally available materials. The machine performs dual operations of removing the seed coats and cleaning. Components of the machine include the frame, hopper, dehulling chamber, water container, discharge outlets, set of gears and bearings in operation. In operation, locust beans seeds introduced via the hopper moved to the auger which separates the soft pulp and conveys the material into the dehulling chamber. The seeds were washed in the dehulling chamber while the coat (residual waste) passes through the sieve into the water trough where it was discharged through the waste outlet. Throughput capacity, output capacity, recovery percentage and cleaning efficiency were 264.0kg/hr, 98.48%, and 98.75%, respectively. This machine may find applications in the processing of locust beans.

Research paper thumbnail of Biochemical conversion of fruit rind of Telfairia occidentalis.pdf

ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, 2018

Environmental pollution by solid wastes and inadequate energy supply are some of the major challe... more Environmental pollution by solid wastes and inadequate energy supply are some of the major challenges facing the developing world. This study evaluated the potentials of Fluted pumpkin fruit rind and poultry manure for biogas generation. Mechanical and thermo-alkaline pre-treatments were applied to two samples labeled ‘O’ and ‘P’ while the third sample (Q) had no thermo-alkaline treatment. The physicochemical characteristics of the substrates revealed richness in nutrients and mineral elements. The results showed that use of a combination of pre-treatment methods enhanced the biogas yield in the pre-treated substrates. Analysis of the gas composition showed 66.5 ± 2.5% Methane, 25 ± 1% Carbon dioxide; 58.5 ± 2.5% Methane, 26 ± 1% Carbon dioxide; 54.5 ± 1.5% Methane, 28 ± 2% Carbon dioxide for the three experiments, respectively. All the obtained values show the models had a high predictive ability. The substrates should be further used for energy generation.

Research paper thumbnail of Properties influencing cracking and separation of palm nuts in a mechanical cracker.pdf

Croatian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2018

Experimental studies of some properties influencing cracking and separation of palm kernel from t... more Experimental studies of some properties influencing cracking and separation of palm kernel from the shell was conducted in a palm kernel dual processing machine. A mechanical cracking cum separating machine was developed for the study. The cracking unit consists of feed hopper, impeller shaft, cracking drum and impeller blade. The nut falls by gravity through the hopper channel into the cracking drum where the cracking process takes place through the help of impeller blades that flip the palm nut against the walls of cylindrical cracking drum. The mass of cracked nut flows through the separating unit that separates the kernel from the shell. The separation is induced by high current of air mass generated by an axial fan. A dura palm variety was selected and a
total sample of eighteen thousand (18000) palm nuts were obtained and divided into two groups (feed rates), A and B, of eight thousand and ten thousand palm nuts respectively. Sample groups A and B were further divided into five sub – groups of four hundred (400) and five hundred (500) palm kernel nuts. Each sub group (feed rate) was replicated four times at different shaft speeds (600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 rpm). Results showed that cracking efficiencies increased with respect to speed. Un-cracked nuts percentage ranged from 1.3 to 5.3% at 7.1% moisture content, and 1.6 to 4.5% for 400 and 500 feed rates, respectively. Cracking time for both feed rates
decreased with shaft speed. Throughput capacity of 11.49 kg/h was observed to be the lowest at 600 rpm and moisture content of 7.1% for both 400 feed rates and the highest throughput capacity of 37.16 kg/h was recorded at 1800 rpm at moisture contents of 9.3% and 16.1%. The results of this study shows that moisture content, engine speed and feed rate are significant parameters that influence cracking of nuts and separation of palm kernel from the shell.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of a soybean threshing machine for small scale farmers Evaluation of a soybean threshing machine for small scale farmers

A soybean threshing machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated at Landmark University, Omu-Ar... more A soybean threshing machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated at Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, to determine its performance and ease the drudgery problems associated with threshing of soybean by the small scale farmers. Evaluation was carried out with TGX 1448 soybean variety at different levels of moisture contents; 10%, 16% and 22% (wet basis) and at different drum speeds; 320 r/min, 385 r/min, 450 r/min, 515 r/min, with constant mass input of 600g and constant concave clearance of 23 mm. The overall mean results obtained for performance indicators in terms of threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, percentage of damage seed, percentage of blown seeds, percentage of seed loss and throughput capacity were 99.51%, 77.91%, 3.72%, 31.33%, 4.43%, and 35.44 kg/h, respectively. The evaluation results indicated threshing efficiencies of 98.96% to 99.88% for the range of the variable of drum speed between 320 r/min to 515 r/min and 99.73% to 99.29% for the range of the variable of moisture content of 10%-22% (wet basis). The cleaning efficiency decreases (90.81% to 64.25%) as the speed increases (320 r/m into 515 r/min), at moisture contents of 10% and 22% (wet basis). The soybean threshing machine is simple to operate and maintain without formal education and the machine was fabricated from locally sourced materials. The unit cost of this threshing machine was ₦69,040.00, which is by far cheaper than imported soybean threshing machines.

Research paper thumbnail of A survey of Reliability of Tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria

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Research paper thumbnail of 2015. Reliability.pdf

Reliability of tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria was investigated by using Weibull functio... more Reliability of tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria was investigated by using Weibull function. Frequencies of breakdown and time of failure of the implements were collected and analyzed using Weibull method. Results obtained showed that harrows were the most reliable followed by ridger and the plough respectively. Disc blade, disc gang and bearing failed in use while other components show no fault. The study showed that actual efficiency of operation was very low compared to the theoretical efficiency designed by the manufacturer. Theoretical efficiency of plough, harrow and ridger were 46%, 22% and 71% respectively. Overall Weibull parameters for plough were (α = 28.49 and β= 6.0 with t 50 = 26.85), for harrow, the disc blade had the highest parameters of α = 22.36 and β = 8.80 with t 50 = 21.45 but the bearing showed the least α = 11.47, β = 9.30 and t 50 = 11.03. Overall harrow parameters were (α = 22.42, β = 8.30 and t 50 = 21.45). Mast and spacer spool showed no faults at all. The top link hitch point had the highest parameters of α = 93.36, β = 5.35 and t 50 = 87.49. The least α parameter was 'bearing' with α = 14.54, β = 1.04 and t 50 = 10.22. Overall ridger parameters were (α = 24.29, β = 6.0 and t 50 = 22.81). Harrow showed low incidence of breakdown, hence, it was more reliable than ridger and plough. Variation in the theoretical and actual field efficiency and capacity were due to many factors such as travel time to the field, down time on the field and competence level of operator, terrain, soil conditions and vegetation as most of the implements were designed to suite working conditions of the temperate countries. Repair and maintenance of facilities affected the reliability of the implements. Lack of genuine spare parts, few or lack of special repair and maintenance tools and improper record keeping habits account for the observed reliability. Efficiencies of these implements were affected by the period of operation per day, speed of operation and effective width of implements.

Research paper thumbnail of EVALUATION OF SOME ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF WATERMELON SEED RELEVANT TO THE DESIGN OF PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

Some physical and mechanical properties of watermelon seeds were investigated in this study. Size... more Some physical and mechanical properties of watermelon seeds were investigated in this study. Size, surface area and seeds were characterized using established procedure. The volume, mass and density of the seeds were determined using water displacement method. The static coefficient of friction of water melon seeds were determined with reference to three different structural surfaces; plywood, glass and galvanized metal sheet. The compression test was carried out to determine the load, energy and deformation at peak and yield of major and intermediate axis of watermelon seed. The result of the experiment on size shows that watermelon seed has a wide range of size distribution. The surface area and the shape also depend on varieties. The angle of repose ranges from 18 0 to 26 0 at storage moisture content. The static coefficient of friction depends on the type of structural surface involved. The sphericity of the black, brown and white – black varieties was 0.483, 0.535 and 0.489 while the roundness of black, brown and white – black varieties was 0.776, 0.639 and 0.856. The density of watermelon seed was lower than the density of water. The densities of black, brown and white – black varieties were 0.932, 0.935 and 0.928 at storage moisture level. INTRODUCTION Watermelon is large (Cucumis melon), oval, round or oblong in shape. The skin is smooth, with dark green rind or sometimes pale green stripes that turn yellowish green when ripe. Watermelon is an aggressive annual crop that prefers environmental temperature greater than 21 O C. Watermelon is a drought tolerant crop which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of flowering plants. It is generally considered to be of the Citrullus species and has been referred to as Citrullus Vulgaris. It also serves as a good source of phytochemical and lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment which acts as antioxidant during normal metabolism and protects against cancer (Perkins and Collins, 2004). It is cultivated in a wide range of tropical, semi tropical and rigid regions of the world. It is originally found in Southern Africa, the indigenous people, in their search for water-containing foods, selected varieties with low glycoside content. In ancient times, the watermelon was cultivated in Egypt, from where followed the spread to the Mediterranean areas and in an eastern direction to India [27]. It is grown for its large fruit that weighs from five to forty pounds depending on the variety. Watermelon contains about 90% water, which serves as sources of water for some people in the desert. Other importance includes staple food, animal feed and fermentation for alcohol production [3].

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Evaluation of a Manual Multi - crop Planter for Peasant Farmers

Farming today has gone beyond subsistence farming that produces for the farmer and his household.... more Farming today has gone beyond subsistence farming that produces for the farmer and his household. Research shows that the consumption of grains or cereal crops is at an alarming
rate in the world, so to encourage small farm holders a manually operated multi-crop hand push planter with changeable metering devices for cowpea, maize and soybean was designed, fabricated and evaluated to improve planting efficiency and reduce drudgery involved in manual planting method. The laboratory and field tests were conducted to
determine weight of seeds discharged from the planter, seed percentage damage, field capacity, average depth of placement of seeds in furrow, average inter-row spacing of seeds
and the emergence of the seedlings. Results revealed that the planter had field efficiency and field capacity of 76.3% and 0.39 ha/hr with seed rate of 0.25 kg/ha, 0.18 kg/ha and 0.21kg/ha respectively for cowpea, maize and soybean. Percentage difference between the seed damage of 3.54%, 2.32% and 1.32% of cowpea, maize and soybean respectively obtained was from an average spacing of 40.8cm and depth of 3.98cm. The single-row multi-crop planter is very simple to use and it is maintenance free, except for the bearings which needs to be lubricated from time to time to allow the planter's ground wheel to move freely. For this design, the drive shaft directly controls the seed metering mechanism which eliminates completely attachments such as pulleys, belt systems, and gears thereby eliminating complexities which increase cost, and increasing efficiency at a highly reduced cost which is the focus of this project work. The planter can be easily maintained without any technicality and all materials used for the fabrication are locally available in the case of worn - out parts.

Research paper thumbnail of ASSESSMENT OF MECHANIZATION PROBLEMS OF PEASANT FARMERS IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE OF NIGERIA

More than 70% of the working adult population of Nigeria is employed in the agricultural sector d... more More than 70% of the working adult population of Nigeria is employed in the agricultural
sector directly and indirectly. Over 90% of Nigeria's agricultural output comes from peasant
farmers who dwell in the rural areas where 60% of the population live. The vast majority of
these farmers has limited access to modern inputs and other productive resources and is
unlikely to have access to pesticides, fertilizers, hybrid seeds and irrigation. The successful
development of farm mechanization is determined primarily by the transition process from
manual tools through animal-drawn implements and finally to the application of mechanical
power technologies, which will improve efficiency time, labour and productivity of peasant
farmers and thereby enhance food security of a Nigeria. This study investigates constraints to
agricultural mechanization in Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, Nigeria.
This study employed a multi stage sampling techniques to collect information on the socioeconomic
characteristics, agricultural machines available and equipment used for specific farm
operations. Analysis revealed that farmers in the study area are middle-aged and are relatively
uneducated. Most of the farm sizes in the study area range from 1-5 ha and many of the farm
operations were carried out manually; land clearing (93%), tillage (83%), planting (88.54%),
fertilizer application (97.5%), weeding (98.7%) and harvesting (97.5%). This study also shows
that majority of respondents were smallholder farmers who are often too poor to employ
modern tools, such as tractors and plows even though over 80% of the foods consumed in this
country come from these peasant farmers in rural areas. This confirms that agricultural
mechanization is still beyond the reach of the peasant farmers in rural areas

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Cassava Processing Plants in Irepodun Local Government Areas, Kwara State, Nigeria

An assessment of cassava processing plant was conducted in Irepodun local Government Area of Kwar... more An assessment of cassava processing plant was conducted in Irepodun local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria to evaluate different cassava processing machinery being used by the processors, the common machines, and costs of machines, type of prime movers and sex of machine operators. The study was carried out in five communities and five cassava processing centres were selected from each of the community to give a total of twenty-five processing centres. Many of the processing centres were owned by private individuals. 292 cassava processing machines were observed altogether during the study and most of these were obsolete equipment. Grating machine, dewatering machine and milling machines were more prominent in the Local Government. The diesel engine was the only prime mover in all visited centres. Cassava processors preferred diesel despite its high cost, this may be as a result of incessant petrol scarcity and constant absence of electricity supply from Power Holding Company of Nigeria. This assessment showed that inappropriate and unaffordable cassava processing machinery is responsible for low level of cassava processing and utilization in Nigeria which is the largest cassava producer.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites for Engineering Applications

Mechanical properties of ukam, banana, sisal, coconut, hemp and E-glass fibre reinforced laminate... more Mechanical properties of ukam, banana, sisal, coconut, hemp and E-glass fibre reinforced laminates were evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as new material in engineering applications. Samples were fabricated by the hand lay-up process (30:70 fibre and matrix ratio by weight) and the properties evaluated using the INSTRON material testing system. The mechanical properties were tested and showed that glass laminate has the maximum tensile strength of 63 MPa, bending strength of 0.5 MPa, compressive strength of 37.75 MPa and the impact strength of 17.82 J/m 2 . The ukam plant fibre laminate has the maximum tensile strength of 16.25 MPa and the impact strength of 9.8J/m among the natural fibres; the sisal laminate has the maximum compressive strength of 42 MPa and maximum bending strength of 0.0036 MPa among the natural fibres. Results indicated that natural fibres are of interest for low-cost engineering applications and can compete with artificial glass fibres (E-glass fibre) when a high stiffness per unit weight is desirable. Results also indicated that future research towards significant improvements in tensile and impact strength of these types of composites should focus on the optimisation of fibre strength rather than interfacial bond strength.

Research paper thumbnail of This work by Wilolud Journals is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Food security is currently a fundamental issue in Nigeria as the country faces serious challenge ... more Food security is currently a fundamental issue in Nigeria as the country faces serious challenge in meeting food needs of its growing population. Though large expanse of arable land, favorable climatic conditions the nation has not been able to translate these to increased food production. Over 90% of agricultural production in Nigeria is rain-fed. Smallholders, mostly subsistence producers account for 80% of all farm holdings such that crop and livestock productions remain below potentials. Majority of Nigeria's agriculture is still at subsistence level; this is grossly inadequate in food production. This paper highlights the relevance of appropriate technology to production, processing and preservation of food, advances in biotechnology, renewable energy and waste management for environmental sustainability. Neglect or low level of appreciation for agricultural engineering is partly responsible for food insecurity in Nigeria. The role of agricultural engineers in the development and application of relevant agricultural implements to boost food production and the need for government at all levels to recognize and encourage the profession is emphasized. This will ultimately lead to greater productivity and guarantee food security for the nation.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of motorized and treadle cowpea threshers

A motorized thresher and a treadle cowpea thresher were evaluated in terms of threshing efficienc... more A motorized thresher and a treadle cowpea thresher were evaluated in terms of threshing efficiency (%), throughput capacity (kg h -1 ), cleaning efficiency (%), mechanical damage (%) and percentage loss (%) for three commonly grown cowpea varieties in Nigeria. The three varieties were 994, IAR48 and TVX. The cylinder concave clearances were fixed at 13, 12 and 11 mm based on the major diameter of each cowpea variety. The investigation was conducted at three levels of moisture contents (12.5%, 15% and 17% wet basis). Evaluation results indicated that for motorized thresher threshing efficiency varied from 71.4 to 82.86%, 73.56 to 87.14% and 77. 63 to 88.57% while for treadle thresher threshing efficiency varied from 20.50 to 24.29%, 21.50 to 25.71% and 25.05 to 28.57 for 994, IAR48 and TVX varieties respectively. The highest cleaning efficiency of 80.77% was obtained at 610 r min -1 for 994 cowpea variety for motorized thresher. Least damage of 6.00% and 7.5% were observed at 405 and 406 r min -1 for IAR48 and 994 varieties for motorized and treadle threshers respectively. A throughput capacity of 66.06 kg h -1 was obtained at moisture content of 12.5% wet basis and 405 r min -1 while throughput capacity of treadle thresher was 55.51 kg h -1 at moisture content of 17% wet basis and 610 r min -1 .

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on castor seed shell as a sorbent in basic dye contaminated wastewater remediation

Desalination, Jan 1, 2008

The potentialities of castor seed shell (CSS), a waste agricultural by-product, in the remediatio... more The potentialities of castor seed shell (CSS), a waste agricultural by-product, in the remediation of water, contaminated with Methylene Blue (MB), a basic dye, were investigated in the present study. The CSS was ground and washed, thoroughly, to remove any water extractable constituents. The dried CSS was reground, sieved and used in series of agitated batch adsorption experiments. The experiments were conducted to assess the effect of two process variables i.e. initial MB concentration and CSS dosage on the sorption process. The equilibrium sorption isotherm was studied using the two widely used isotherm models (i.e. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models). The results from the isotherm studies showed that the process of sorption of MB occurred on a heterogeneous surface of the CSS. The sorption capacity of the CSS, as obtained from the Langmuir plot was 158 mg/g. The mass transfer property of the sorption process was studied using Lagergren pseudo-first-order and chemisorptions pseudo-secondorder kinetic models. The sorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model more than the pseudo-first order; hence the mechanism of the sorption process was analysed further using this kinetic model. The application of the intraparticle diffusion model to determine the rate limiting step showed that intraparticle diffusion is not the singular rate limiting step in the sorption of MB onto CSS. The role of chemisorptions in the mechanism of sorption was established by an empirical relationship between the pseudo-second-order rate constant, K, and the initial MB concentration. The results of this relationship showed that pseudo-second-order chemisorptions are important in the sorption process.

Research paper thumbnail of Energy and exergy analyses of okra drying process in a forced convection cabinet dryer

Research in Agricultural Engineering, 2021

A forced convection automatic cabinet dryer integrated with a data logger was designed and fabric... more A forced convection automatic cabinet dryer integrated with a data logger was designed and fabricated. The okra samples were dried in the dryer at drying temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C and at three different load densities of 200, 300, and 400 g at a continuous air velocity of 0.7 m·s–1. Energy and exergy analyses of the drying process were performed. The obtained results showed that the energy efficiency, energy utilisation, and utilisation ratio increased from 26.59 to 68.24%, 5.47 to 114.36 W, and 0.36 to 0.71 as the temperature increased to 70 °C, respectively. The inflow, outflow, and exergy losses were in the range of 7.02 to 26.14 W, 4.43 to 14.16 W, and 2.59 to 11.98 W, respectively, while exergy efficiency varied from 49.15 to 63.47%. The findings show that exergy efficiencies decrease with an increase in the drying temperature, but increase with a lower load rate. The index of sustainability varies from 2.14 to 2.77, the value increases as the load density decreases whi...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties, Soil Loss, and Cocoyam Yield on a Tropical Sandy Loam Alfisol

The Scientific World Journal

Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is b... more Among agricultural soil amendment that can enhance crop productivity and soil sustainability is biochar. Hence, two-year field experiments were conducted on a sandy loam Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from hardwood on soil physical and chemical characteristics, erosion potential, and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) yield. The study was a 2 × 4 factorial experiment with two years (2017 and 2018) and four biochar levels (0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that biochar application significantly in both years improved yield of cocoyam and soil physical (bulk density, porosity, moisture content, mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, dispersion ratio, and infiltration rate) and chemical (soil organic matter, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and CEC) properties and erosion resistance. Soil characteristics and cocoyam yie...

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Properties, Okra Performance and Nutrient Compositions as Affected by Tillage and Maize Cob Ash

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology

Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorab... more Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorable peculiarities such as low inherent fertility and acidity. These limitations can be ameliorated by tillage and organic manuring. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to assess the effects of tillage methods and maize cob ash (MCA) on soil properties, yield, growth, mineral, and vitamin C contents of okra fruit. The experiment consisted of 3 × 3 factorial combinations of three tillage methods {zero-tillage ZT, manual ridging MR, and plowing plus harrowing P+H} and three rates (0.0, 3.0, and 6.0 t ha-1) of application of MCA. Tillage methods and MCA influenced soil physical and chemical properties, performance, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruit significantly. MCA increased soil K, Ca, Mg, okra yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruits up to 3 t ha-1 level after which there was a decrease. The order of reducing bulk density and soil chemical properties, increasing porosity, yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra was: ZT > MR > P+H. Tillage appears to be indispensable for sustainable okra production on Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Growth and yield of okra in this study was dependent on soil physical properties and chemical properties such as pH, OM, N, and K. Combination of P+H and 3 t ha-1 MCA produced better yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra compared with other combinations of tillage with MCA. Addition of MCA to either P+H or MR is important to reduce the limitation of acidity associated with tropical Alfisol.

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Properties, Okra Performance and Nutrient Compositions as Affected by Tillage and Maize Cob Ash

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology

Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorab... more Alfisols, the dominant soil order in southwest Nigeria in which crops are grown possess unfavorable peculiarities such as low inherent fertility and acidity. These limitations can be ameliorated by tillage and organic manuring. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to assess the effects of tillage methods and maize cob ash (MCA) on soil properties, yield, growth, mineral, and vitamin C contents of okra fruit. The experiment consisted of 3 × 3 factorial combinations of three tillage methods {zero-tillage ZT, manual ridging MR, and plowing plus harrowing P+H} and three rates (0.0, 3.0, and 6.0 t ha-1) of application of MCA. Tillage methods and MCA influenced soil physical and chemical properties, performance, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruit significantly. MCA increased soil K, Ca, Mg, okra yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra fruits up to 3 t ha-1 level after which there was a decrease. The order of reducing bulk density and soil chemical properties, increasing porosity, yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra was: ZT > MR > P+H. Tillage appears to be indispensable for sustainable okra production on Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Growth and yield of okra in this study was dependent on soil physical properties and chemical properties such as pH, OM, N, and K. Combination of P+H and 3 t ha-1 MCA produced better yield, growth, mineral and vitamin C contents of okra compared with other combinations of tillage with MCA. Addition of MCA to either P+H or MR is important to reduce the limitation of acidity associated with tropical Alfisol.

Research paper thumbnail of EVALUATION OF A LOCUST BEANS SEED DEHULLING MACHINE FOR SMALL SCALE FARMERS

IAEME, 2019

A locust bean dehulling machine was fabricated and evaluated using locally available materials. T... more A locust bean dehulling machine was fabricated and evaluated using locally available materials. The machine performs dual operations of removing the seed coats and cleaning. Components of the machine include the frame, hopper, dehulling chamber, water container, discharge outlets, set of gears and bearings in operation. In operation, locust beans seeds introduced via the hopper moved to the auger which separates the soft pulp and conveys the material into the dehulling chamber. The seeds were washed in the dehulling chamber while the coat (residual waste) passes through the sieve into the water trough where it was discharged through the waste outlet. Throughput capacity, output capacity, recovery percentage and cleaning efficiency were 264.0kg/hr, 98.48%, and 98.75%, respectively. This machine may find applications in the processing of locust beans.

Research paper thumbnail of Biochemical conversion of fruit rind of Telfairia occidentalis.pdf

ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, 2018

Environmental pollution by solid wastes and inadequate energy supply are some of the major challe... more Environmental pollution by solid wastes and inadequate energy supply are some of the major challenges facing the developing world. This study evaluated the potentials of Fluted pumpkin fruit rind and poultry manure for biogas generation. Mechanical and thermo-alkaline pre-treatments were applied to two samples labeled ‘O’ and ‘P’ while the third sample (Q) had no thermo-alkaline treatment. The physicochemical characteristics of the substrates revealed richness in nutrients and mineral elements. The results showed that use of a combination of pre-treatment methods enhanced the biogas yield in the pre-treated substrates. Analysis of the gas composition showed 66.5 ± 2.5% Methane, 25 ± 1% Carbon dioxide; 58.5 ± 2.5% Methane, 26 ± 1% Carbon dioxide; 54.5 ± 1.5% Methane, 28 ± 2% Carbon dioxide for the three experiments, respectively. All the obtained values show the models had a high predictive ability. The substrates should be further used for energy generation.

Research paper thumbnail of Properties influencing cracking and separation of palm nuts in a mechanical cracker.pdf

Croatian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2018

Experimental studies of some properties influencing cracking and separation of palm kernel from t... more Experimental studies of some properties influencing cracking and separation of palm kernel from the shell was conducted in a palm kernel dual processing machine. A mechanical cracking cum separating machine was developed for the study. The cracking unit consists of feed hopper, impeller shaft, cracking drum and impeller blade. The nut falls by gravity through the hopper channel into the cracking drum where the cracking process takes place through the help of impeller blades that flip the palm nut against the walls of cylindrical cracking drum. The mass of cracked nut flows through the separating unit that separates the kernel from the shell. The separation is induced by high current of air mass generated by an axial fan. A dura palm variety was selected and a
total sample of eighteen thousand (18000) palm nuts were obtained and divided into two groups (feed rates), A and B, of eight thousand and ten thousand palm nuts respectively. Sample groups A and B were further divided into five sub – groups of four hundred (400) and five hundred (500) palm kernel nuts. Each sub group (feed rate) was replicated four times at different shaft speeds (600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 rpm). Results showed that cracking efficiencies increased with respect to speed. Un-cracked nuts percentage ranged from 1.3 to 5.3% at 7.1% moisture content, and 1.6 to 4.5% for 400 and 500 feed rates, respectively. Cracking time for both feed rates
decreased with shaft speed. Throughput capacity of 11.49 kg/h was observed to be the lowest at 600 rpm and moisture content of 7.1% for both 400 feed rates and the highest throughput capacity of 37.16 kg/h was recorded at 1800 rpm at moisture contents of 9.3% and 16.1%. The results of this study shows that moisture content, engine speed and feed rate are significant parameters that influence cracking of nuts and separation of palm kernel from the shell.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of a soybean threshing machine for small scale farmers Evaluation of a soybean threshing machine for small scale farmers

A soybean threshing machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated at Landmark University, Omu-Ar... more A soybean threshing machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated at Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, to determine its performance and ease the drudgery problems associated with threshing of soybean by the small scale farmers. Evaluation was carried out with TGX 1448 soybean variety at different levels of moisture contents; 10%, 16% and 22% (wet basis) and at different drum speeds; 320 r/min, 385 r/min, 450 r/min, 515 r/min, with constant mass input of 600g and constant concave clearance of 23 mm. The overall mean results obtained for performance indicators in terms of threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, percentage of damage seed, percentage of blown seeds, percentage of seed loss and throughput capacity were 99.51%, 77.91%, 3.72%, 31.33%, 4.43%, and 35.44 kg/h, respectively. The evaluation results indicated threshing efficiencies of 98.96% to 99.88% for the range of the variable of drum speed between 320 r/min to 515 r/min and 99.73% to 99.29% for the range of the variable of moisture content of 10%-22% (wet basis). The cleaning efficiency decreases (90.81% to 64.25%) as the speed increases (320 r/m into 515 r/min), at moisture contents of 10% and 22% (wet basis). The soybean threshing machine is simple to operate and maintain without formal education and the machine was fabricated from locally sourced materials. The unit cost of this threshing machine was ₦69,040.00, which is by far cheaper than imported soybean threshing machines.

Research paper thumbnail of A survey of Reliability of Tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria

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Research paper thumbnail of 2015. Reliability.pdf

Reliability of tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria was investigated by using Weibull functio... more Reliability of tillage equipment in Osun State, Nigeria was investigated by using Weibull function. Frequencies of breakdown and time of failure of the implements were collected and analyzed using Weibull method. Results obtained showed that harrows were the most reliable followed by ridger and the plough respectively. Disc blade, disc gang and bearing failed in use while other components show no fault. The study showed that actual efficiency of operation was very low compared to the theoretical efficiency designed by the manufacturer. Theoretical efficiency of plough, harrow and ridger were 46%, 22% and 71% respectively. Overall Weibull parameters for plough were (α = 28.49 and β= 6.0 with t 50 = 26.85), for harrow, the disc blade had the highest parameters of α = 22.36 and β = 8.80 with t 50 = 21.45 but the bearing showed the least α = 11.47, β = 9.30 and t 50 = 11.03. Overall harrow parameters were (α = 22.42, β = 8.30 and t 50 = 21.45). Mast and spacer spool showed no faults at all. The top link hitch point had the highest parameters of α = 93.36, β = 5.35 and t 50 = 87.49. The least α parameter was 'bearing' with α = 14.54, β = 1.04 and t 50 = 10.22. Overall ridger parameters were (α = 24.29, β = 6.0 and t 50 = 22.81). Harrow showed low incidence of breakdown, hence, it was more reliable than ridger and plough. Variation in the theoretical and actual field efficiency and capacity were due to many factors such as travel time to the field, down time on the field and competence level of operator, terrain, soil conditions and vegetation as most of the implements were designed to suite working conditions of the temperate countries. Repair and maintenance of facilities affected the reliability of the implements. Lack of genuine spare parts, few or lack of special repair and maintenance tools and improper record keeping habits account for the observed reliability. Efficiencies of these implements were affected by the period of operation per day, speed of operation and effective width of implements.

Research paper thumbnail of EVALUATION OF SOME ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF WATERMELON SEED RELEVANT TO THE DESIGN OF PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

Some physical and mechanical properties of watermelon seeds were investigated in this study. Size... more Some physical and mechanical properties of watermelon seeds were investigated in this study. Size, surface area and seeds were characterized using established procedure. The volume, mass and density of the seeds were determined using water displacement method. The static coefficient of friction of water melon seeds were determined with reference to three different structural surfaces; plywood, glass and galvanized metal sheet. The compression test was carried out to determine the load, energy and deformation at peak and yield of major and intermediate axis of watermelon seed. The result of the experiment on size shows that watermelon seed has a wide range of size distribution. The surface area and the shape also depend on varieties. The angle of repose ranges from 18 0 to 26 0 at storage moisture content. The static coefficient of friction depends on the type of structural surface involved. The sphericity of the black, brown and white – black varieties was 0.483, 0.535 and 0.489 while the roundness of black, brown and white – black varieties was 0.776, 0.639 and 0.856. The density of watermelon seed was lower than the density of water. The densities of black, brown and white – black varieties were 0.932, 0.935 and 0.928 at storage moisture level. INTRODUCTION Watermelon is large (Cucumis melon), oval, round or oblong in shape. The skin is smooth, with dark green rind or sometimes pale green stripes that turn yellowish green when ripe. Watermelon is an aggressive annual crop that prefers environmental temperature greater than 21 O C. Watermelon is a drought tolerant crop which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of flowering plants. It is generally considered to be of the Citrullus species and has been referred to as Citrullus Vulgaris. It also serves as a good source of phytochemical and lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment which acts as antioxidant during normal metabolism and protects against cancer (Perkins and Collins, 2004). It is cultivated in a wide range of tropical, semi tropical and rigid regions of the world. It is originally found in Southern Africa, the indigenous people, in their search for water-containing foods, selected varieties with low glycoside content. In ancient times, the watermelon was cultivated in Egypt, from where followed the spread to the Mediterranean areas and in an eastern direction to India [27]. It is grown for its large fruit that weighs from five to forty pounds depending on the variety. Watermelon contains about 90% water, which serves as sources of water for some people in the desert. Other importance includes staple food, animal feed and fermentation for alcohol production [3].

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Evaluation of a Manual Multi - crop Planter for Peasant Farmers

Farming today has gone beyond subsistence farming that produces for the farmer and his household.... more Farming today has gone beyond subsistence farming that produces for the farmer and his household. Research shows that the consumption of grains or cereal crops is at an alarming
rate in the world, so to encourage small farm holders a manually operated multi-crop hand push planter with changeable metering devices for cowpea, maize and soybean was designed, fabricated and evaluated to improve planting efficiency and reduce drudgery involved in manual planting method. The laboratory and field tests were conducted to
determine weight of seeds discharged from the planter, seed percentage damage, field capacity, average depth of placement of seeds in furrow, average inter-row spacing of seeds
and the emergence of the seedlings. Results revealed that the planter had field efficiency and field capacity of 76.3% and 0.39 ha/hr with seed rate of 0.25 kg/ha, 0.18 kg/ha and 0.21kg/ha respectively for cowpea, maize and soybean. Percentage difference between the seed damage of 3.54%, 2.32% and 1.32% of cowpea, maize and soybean respectively obtained was from an average spacing of 40.8cm and depth of 3.98cm. The single-row multi-crop planter is very simple to use and it is maintenance free, except for the bearings which needs to be lubricated from time to time to allow the planter's ground wheel to move freely. For this design, the drive shaft directly controls the seed metering mechanism which eliminates completely attachments such as pulleys, belt systems, and gears thereby eliminating complexities which increase cost, and increasing efficiency at a highly reduced cost which is the focus of this project work. The planter can be easily maintained without any technicality and all materials used for the fabrication are locally available in the case of worn - out parts.

Research paper thumbnail of ASSESSMENT OF MECHANIZATION PROBLEMS OF PEASANT FARMERS IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE OF NIGERIA

More than 70% of the working adult population of Nigeria is employed in the agricultural sector d... more More than 70% of the working adult population of Nigeria is employed in the agricultural
sector directly and indirectly. Over 90% of Nigeria's agricultural output comes from peasant
farmers who dwell in the rural areas where 60% of the population live. The vast majority of
these farmers has limited access to modern inputs and other productive resources and is
unlikely to have access to pesticides, fertilizers, hybrid seeds and irrigation. The successful
development of farm mechanization is determined primarily by the transition process from
manual tools through animal-drawn implements and finally to the application of mechanical
power technologies, which will improve efficiency time, labour and productivity of peasant
farmers and thereby enhance food security of a Nigeria. This study investigates constraints to
agricultural mechanization in Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, Nigeria.
This study employed a multi stage sampling techniques to collect information on the socioeconomic
characteristics, agricultural machines available and equipment used for specific farm
operations. Analysis revealed that farmers in the study area are middle-aged and are relatively
uneducated. Most of the farm sizes in the study area range from 1-5 ha and many of the farm
operations were carried out manually; land clearing (93%), tillage (83%), planting (88.54%),
fertilizer application (97.5%), weeding (98.7%) and harvesting (97.5%). This study also shows
that majority of respondents were smallholder farmers who are often too poor to employ
modern tools, such as tractors and plows even though over 80% of the foods consumed in this
country come from these peasant farmers in rural areas. This confirms that agricultural
mechanization is still beyond the reach of the peasant farmers in rural areas

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Cassava Processing Plants in Irepodun Local Government Areas, Kwara State, Nigeria

An assessment of cassava processing plant was conducted in Irepodun local Government Area of Kwar... more An assessment of cassava processing plant was conducted in Irepodun local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria to evaluate different cassava processing machinery being used by the processors, the common machines, and costs of machines, type of prime movers and sex of machine operators. The study was carried out in five communities and five cassava processing centres were selected from each of the community to give a total of twenty-five processing centres. Many of the processing centres were owned by private individuals. 292 cassava processing machines were observed altogether during the study and most of these were obsolete equipment. Grating machine, dewatering machine and milling machines were more prominent in the Local Government. The diesel engine was the only prime mover in all visited centres. Cassava processors preferred diesel despite its high cost, this may be as a result of incessant petrol scarcity and constant absence of electricity supply from Power Holding Company of Nigeria. This assessment showed that inappropriate and unaffordable cassava processing machinery is responsible for low level of cassava processing and utilization in Nigeria which is the largest cassava producer.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites for Engineering Applications

Mechanical properties of ukam, banana, sisal, coconut, hemp and E-glass fibre reinforced laminate... more Mechanical properties of ukam, banana, sisal, coconut, hemp and E-glass fibre reinforced laminates were evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as new material in engineering applications. Samples were fabricated by the hand lay-up process (30:70 fibre and matrix ratio by weight) and the properties evaluated using the INSTRON material testing system. The mechanical properties were tested and showed that glass laminate has the maximum tensile strength of 63 MPa, bending strength of 0.5 MPa, compressive strength of 37.75 MPa and the impact strength of 17.82 J/m 2 . The ukam plant fibre laminate has the maximum tensile strength of 16.25 MPa and the impact strength of 9.8J/m among the natural fibres; the sisal laminate has the maximum compressive strength of 42 MPa and maximum bending strength of 0.0036 MPa among the natural fibres. Results indicated that natural fibres are of interest for low-cost engineering applications and can compete with artificial glass fibres (E-glass fibre) when a high stiffness per unit weight is desirable. Results also indicated that future research towards significant improvements in tensile and impact strength of these types of composites should focus on the optimisation of fibre strength rather than interfacial bond strength.

Research paper thumbnail of This work by Wilolud Journals is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Food security is currently a fundamental issue in Nigeria as the country faces serious challenge ... more Food security is currently a fundamental issue in Nigeria as the country faces serious challenge in meeting food needs of its growing population. Though large expanse of arable land, favorable climatic conditions the nation has not been able to translate these to increased food production. Over 90% of agricultural production in Nigeria is rain-fed. Smallholders, mostly subsistence producers account for 80% of all farm holdings such that crop and livestock productions remain below potentials. Majority of Nigeria's agriculture is still at subsistence level; this is grossly inadequate in food production. This paper highlights the relevance of appropriate technology to production, processing and preservation of food, advances in biotechnology, renewable energy and waste management for environmental sustainability. Neglect or low level of appreciation for agricultural engineering is partly responsible for food insecurity in Nigeria. The role of agricultural engineers in the development and application of relevant agricultural implements to boost food production and the need for government at all levels to recognize and encourage the profession is emphasized. This will ultimately lead to greater productivity and guarantee food security for the nation.

Research paper thumbnail of Performance evaluation of motorized and treadle cowpea threshers

A motorized thresher and a treadle cowpea thresher were evaluated in terms of threshing efficienc... more A motorized thresher and a treadle cowpea thresher were evaluated in terms of threshing efficiency (%), throughput capacity (kg h -1 ), cleaning efficiency (%), mechanical damage (%) and percentage loss (%) for three commonly grown cowpea varieties in Nigeria. The three varieties were 994, IAR48 and TVX. The cylinder concave clearances were fixed at 13, 12 and 11 mm based on the major diameter of each cowpea variety. The investigation was conducted at three levels of moisture contents (12.5%, 15% and 17% wet basis). Evaluation results indicated that for motorized thresher threshing efficiency varied from 71.4 to 82.86%, 73.56 to 87.14% and 77. 63 to 88.57% while for treadle thresher threshing efficiency varied from 20.50 to 24.29%, 21.50 to 25.71% and 25.05 to 28.57 for 994, IAR48 and TVX varieties respectively. The highest cleaning efficiency of 80.77% was obtained at 610 r min -1 for 994 cowpea variety for motorized thresher. Least damage of 6.00% and 7.5% were observed at 405 and 406 r min -1 for IAR48 and 994 varieties for motorized and treadle threshers respectively. A throughput capacity of 66.06 kg h -1 was obtained at moisture content of 12.5% wet basis and 405 r min -1 while throughput capacity of treadle thresher was 55.51 kg h -1 at moisture content of 17% wet basis and 610 r min -1 .

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on castor seed shell as a sorbent in basic dye contaminated wastewater remediation

Desalination, Jan 1, 2008

The potentialities of castor seed shell (CSS), a waste agricultural by-product, in the remediatio... more The potentialities of castor seed shell (CSS), a waste agricultural by-product, in the remediation of water, contaminated with Methylene Blue (MB), a basic dye, were investigated in the present study. The CSS was ground and washed, thoroughly, to remove any water extractable constituents. The dried CSS was reground, sieved and used in series of agitated batch adsorption experiments. The experiments were conducted to assess the effect of two process variables i.e. initial MB concentration and CSS dosage on the sorption process. The equilibrium sorption isotherm was studied using the two widely used isotherm models (i.e. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models). The results from the isotherm studies showed that the process of sorption of MB occurred on a heterogeneous surface of the CSS. The sorption capacity of the CSS, as obtained from the Langmuir plot was 158 mg/g. The mass transfer property of the sorption process was studied using Lagergren pseudo-first-order and chemisorptions pseudo-secondorder kinetic models. The sorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model more than the pseudo-first order; hence the mechanism of the sorption process was analysed further using this kinetic model. The application of the intraparticle diffusion model to determine the rate limiting step showed that intraparticle diffusion is not the singular rate limiting step in the sorption of MB onto CSS. The role of chemisorptions in the mechanism of sorption was established by an empirical relationship between the pseudo-second-order rate constant, K, and the initial MB concentration. The results of this relationship showed that pseudo-second-order chemisorptions are important in the sorption process.