Kovo Akpomie | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (original) (raw)
Papers by Kovo Akpomie
Current Microbiology
The current study aimed on isolating thermotolerant, cellulolytic fungi from different tropical s... more The current study aimed on isolating thermotolerant, cellulolytic fungi from different tropical soil/waste materials samples such as wood waste, sawmill, decomposing straw and compost pit sites in Abraka, Southern Nigeria and assessing their applications in diverse cellulolytic processes. Fungal isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological, ITS-5.8S barcoding, reproductive structures and thereafter screened for thermotolerance and cellulolytic activities [carboxy methyl cellulase (CMC-ase) and filter paperase (FP-ase)] by cultivating at 45, 50, 60, 70, 80° and 45 °C, respectively. The highest fungal abundance (44.4%) was observed in the compost pit while the lowest (11.1%) was recorded for sawmill. Nine thermotolerant fungal isolates were identified: Aspergillus flavus (4), Blakeslea sp. (3), and Trichoderma asperellum (2). Among them only five, including three A. flavus, one Blakeslea sp. and one T. asperellum, exhibited cellulolytic activity ranging from 12.11 ± 0.01 to 18.42 ± 5.39 µg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.01-9.21 ± 2.52 µg/mL for CMC-ase and filter paperase FP-ase assay, respectively. The low Michaelis-Menten constants of 1.137 for CMC-ase and 1.195 for FP-ase were obtained, indicated a strong affinity for the substrate. The thermotolerance coupled with cellulolytic activity of these isolates make them attractive for potential application in industries where they can be of economic and environmental benefits as against the use of chemicals.
International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites have contributed significantly to ... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites have contributed significantly to the pollution of the environment. This study investigates the pollution level of unlined dumpsite by...
Scientific Reports
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/quartzite nanocomposite modified with the extract of Dacryodes eduli... more Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/quartzite nanocomposite modified with the extract of Dacryodes edulis leaves was synthesized and designated as Q, which was applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from water. The adsorbents (PQ and Q) were characterized using the SEM, EDX, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and BET analyses. The XRD revealed the crystalline composition of the nanocomposite while the TGA indicated the incorporated extract as the primary component that degraded with an increase in temperature. The implication of the modifier was noticed to enhance the adsorption capacity of Q for Cr(VI) by the introduction of chemical functional groups. Optimum Cr(VI) removal was noticed at a pH of 2.0, adsorbent dose (50 mg), initial concentration (100 mg dm−3), and contact time (180 min). The kinetic adsorption data for both adsorbents was noticed to fit well to the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir model. The uptake of Cr(VI) onto PQ and Q was feasib...
The potential of Aloji kaolinte as a low-cost adsorbent for cadmium (II) ions from aqueous soluti... more The potential of Aloji kaolinte as a low-cost adsorbent for cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, sorbent dose, and temperature on the adsorption process were determined using batch adsorption technique. Optimum adsorption was obtained at pH, 6.0 and equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 50 minutes. The chemical composition of the kaolinite was determined by classical method and revealed silica and alumina as the major constituents. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms such as Langmuir, BET, and Tempkin model were applied to the experimental data. The values of the linear regression coefficient (R 2 ) showed the best fit with the Tempkins isotherm (0.975), then the Langmuir isotherm (0.939) and the least the BET isotherm (0.812). The Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were both applicable in the description of the kinetics of sorption. Thermodynamic analysis revealed negative values of ΔG 0...
International journal of phytoremediation, 2021
NOVELTY STATEMENT nsufficient innovative research on the sequestration of Cr(VI) from the aquatic... more NOVELTY STATEMENT nsufficient innovative research on the sequestration of Cr(VI) from the aquatic ecosystem has made Cr(VI) a recalcitrant water contaminant that often affects water sources. In this work, a novel plant anchor-nanocomposite was fabricated from the spent molecular sieve, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and the extract from the stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla. It was envisaged that due to the phytochemical constituent of the modifier, this nanocomposite could also act as potent adsorbents for the treatment of Cr(VI) polluted water. To the best of our knowledge, the application of Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark extract as a modifier for the green fabrication of nanocomposite has not been reported. The resulting composites showed good uptake capacity for Cr(VI) as well as efficient reusability.
Iranian Journal of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering-international English Edition, 2019
Rising cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health concern. Many approved antibioti... more Rising cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health concern. Many approved antibiotics target penicillin-binding proteins example peptidoglycan transpeptidase (PTPase). Due to wide pharmacological activity of phenothiazines, new styryl, aryl, alkynyl, and thiophenyl benzo[a]phenothiazines were synthesized and their inhibitory potency against PTPasein silico and Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria evaluated. The compounds inhibited the activity of PTPase at 18.93 - 75.48 µM and their best-docked poses identified interaction with PTPase Tyr318, His336, and His352. Experimental results agreed with computational predictions and further confirmed the benzo[a]phenothiazines as potential antibiotics. Also, the identified essential residues could be targeted during the rational optimization of the analogs.
This evaluation was aimed at the determination of organic contaminants in water bodies in Ugwueme... more This evaluation was aimed at the determination of organic contaminants in water bodies in Ugwueme and Lokpanta in Enugu, Nigeria. The analytical study involved the sampling of water bodies both from both locations in order to conduct a comparative and qualitative study of the organic pollutants of the area..The points of sampling include; Oguta river, Lokpanta, Ugwueme spring, Seepage point at Ugwueme, Ugwueme stream and Obilagu river. The obtained result showed in mg/L; phenol (137.93 to 168.58), COD (4.07 to 9.95), BOD (11.89 to 23.99), synthetic detergent (59.6 to 74), grease (0.02 to 0.08%), pH (6.4 to 6.8), Cl (7.81 to 8.56), Br (0.19 to 0.2), asphalthene (133.2 to 178.4), ethylene (125.8 to 180.3), benzene (15.15 to 36.34), tetramethylene (77.3 to 159.1) and naphthene (10.7 to 17.2). The spread flow varied with respect to distance and altitude from the oil seep. The result revealed that the oil seep migration does not flow only at the seen point but gradually soaks into the Ow...
The kinetics of adsorption for the removal of Zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution unto a Nigeria... more The kinetics of adsorption for the removal of Zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution unto a Nigerian bentonite was studied. The aim of the experiment was the use of the bentonite as a low-cost adsorbent for Zinc (II) ions. The experiment was carried out using batch adsorption technique to determine the effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and temperature. The chemical characterization of the clay showed SiO2 and Al2O3 as the major constituents. The surface area of the bentonite was determined to be 29.4m 2 /g. pH point of zero charge of the bentonite was found to be 2.8. An optimum pH of adsorption was obtained at 5.0 and equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 60 minutes. The kinetic models applied are the Pseudo first order, Pseudo second order, Elovich, and intraparticule diffusion model. These models all gave good fits to the experimental data which indicated that physical and chemical adsorption are involved in the sorption of zinc (II) ions unto the be...
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) have gained attention in recent years due to their multifunction... more Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) have gained attention in recent years due to their multifunctional uses, potent adsorptive potential and effective antifungal activities. Despite these desirable characteristics, ZnONP has not been used for the adsorption of bromophenol blue (BRB) and tests as antifungal agents against certain important filamentous fungal strains have been limited. In this research, ZnONP was prepared via a facile one-pot synthetic approach and applied in the adsorption of BRB and as an antifungal agent against the filamentous fungi and plant pathogens; Alternaria alternata CGJM3078, Alternaria alternata CGJM3006 and Fusarium verticilliodes CGJM3823. The ZnONP was characterized by the UV, FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX techniques, which showed efficient synthesis. The characteristics ZnO UV absorption band was observed at 375 nm, while the XRD showed an average ZnONP crystalline size of 47.2 nm. The SEM and TEM images showed an irregular shaped and aggregated...
This study investigated the chemical and physical characteristics of clay samples from Ebonyi Sta... more This study investigated the chemical and physical characteristics of clay samples from Ebonyi State in Nigeria with a view to determining them for refractory application. The chemical analysis of the clay showed silica (48.3%) and alumina (21.7%) as the main constituents while other metal oxides such as Fe2O3 (6.8%), Na2O (2.9%), K2O (2.7%), MgO (1.2%), CaO (0.9%) and MnO (0.3%) are present in minute quantities. As the firing temperature increased from 900 to 1200C, the analysis varied from 2.98 to 10.56 for linear shrinkage, 34.01 to 27.02% for apparent porosity, 2.52 to 2.37g/cm apparent density and 1.66 to 1.73g/cm bulk. The clay showed low plasticity with a modulus of plasticity of 1.21, making moisture of 24.84 and had a refractoriness of up to 1200C. From the result of this study, it is shown that Ishiagu clay has good refractory and industrial potentials and can be used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, tiles, high melting clay, ceramics and colour vase but requires th...
Journal of Environmental Management
Adiabo clay, reddish-brown plastic clay found in commercial quantities in Calabar, Cross River St... more Adiabo clay, reddish-brown plastic clay found in commercial quantities in Calabar, Cross River State, and South-South Nigeria was investigated for industrial utilization and even for domestic purposes. The test carried out include, Plasticity Index, Swelling Index, Flexural Strength, Linear Shrinkage, Refractoriness, Loss on Ignition, Water Absorption, Bulk Density, Porosity, Chemical Composition Analysis, and FT – IR. At the green stage (110 o C), the sample had strength of 18.286KgF/cm 2 which is even stronger than most clays reported in the literature. From the plot, the strength increased with increase in temperature. The linear shrinkage values vary from 1.27% at 800 0 C to 8.4% at 1200 0 c which is within the internationally accepted standard values of 7 – 10% for alumino-silicates, kaolinite and fireclays. The bulk density of the sample was found to be in the range of 1.70 - 1.71 g/cm 3
The aim of this study was to determine the total alkaloids, total tannins content, and antiulcer ... more The aim of this study was to determine the total alkaloids, total tannins content, and antiulcer activity of the extracts from these selected medicinal plants (Acanthospermum hispidum, Pachypodanthium staudtii, Phaseolus lunatus, and Euphorbia deightonii). The total alkaloids content (TAC) was evaluated according to the chloride colometric method in which atropine was used as standard. While the total tannins content (TTC) was also determined using Folin Ciocalteau assay in which gallic acid was used as a standard. The antiulcer activity of the extracts was investigated using the ethanol induced model in Wistar albino rats. Parameters such as gastric volume, pH, and ulcer index were used as indicators for the antiulcerogenic activity of the extracts. The animals were orally treated with distilled water (Normal control group), Ranitidine 5 mg/kg (standard group), 0.5 mg/kg of ethanol (Negative control group) and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of the extracts, 1 h before oral administration of...
This study evaluated the potential of unmodified yam peel carbon (UYPC) and Zinc chloride activat... more This study evaluated the potential of unmodified yam peel carbon (UYPC) and Zinc chloride activated yam peel carbon (AYPC) as low cost sorbent for remediation of crude oil from aqueous solution. Their efficiencies on the adsorption of crude oil from the water were investigated through batch adsorption studies. The crude oil obtained was characterized, and properties such as viscosity (kinematic and dynamic), pH, density, specific gravity, and API gravity were determined. Thermal properties such as heat of combustion, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and latent heat of vaporization were also determined. Proximate analyses were carried out on the raw yam peels, and the physiochemical properties were examined after carbonization. The AYPC was found to be more efficient than UYPC in removing oil from water under the varied conditions of pH (3 to 13), concentration (2.0 to 5.0 g/L), time (0 to 80 min) and dosage (0.2 to 1.4g). AYPC sorption of crude oil required a much lesser...
The utilization of Horse-Eye Bean (Mucuna urens) Seed Husk (HEBSH) as low cost biosorbent for the... more The utilization of Horse-Eye Bean (Mucuna urens) Seed Husk (HEBSH) as low cost biosorbent for the abstraction of Co (II), Pb (II) and Zn (II) ions from water was performed. The biosorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The influence of pH, initial metal ion concentration, biosorbent dosage and contact time on the biosorption was studied. Four isotherm and four kinetic models were used to determine the mechanism of biosorption. FTIR showed the presence of some functional groups such as OH, C=O, C=C, C-O, C-Cl on the surface of HEBSH, while XRD and SEM showed amorphous and non-porous surface structure respectively. Optimum biosorption of the metal ions was obtained at pH 6.0, biosorbent dosage 0.1 g, metal concentration 400 mg/L and contact time of 30, 40, and 60 min for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) respectively. The Freundlich gave the best fit for the three metal ions (R > 0....
This study evaluated the performance of an Unmodi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (UUC) and the A... more This study evaluated the performance of an Unmodi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (UUC) and the Acid Modi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (AMUC) of Nigerian origin as low-cost materials for attenuation of Methylene Blue (MB). Batch sorption methodology was applied in adsorption and desorption studies. AMUC was found to have higher adsorption of MB than UUC under all experimental conditions. Optimum experimental conditions were achieved at pH 8.0, adsorbent particle size 100 μm, MB concentration 200 mg/L and contact time of 60 and 90 min for AMUC and UUC, respectively. Equilibrium isotherm analysis was performed by the application of the Langmuir, Freundlich, Flory-Huggins, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Scatchard isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be applicable (R2 of 0.999) in the sorption of MB on UUC while the Freundlich gave the best t (R2 of 0.990) for AMUC. Kinetic analysis was evaluated by the Pseudo First Order (PFO), Pseudo Second Order (PSO), Elovich, B...
Heavy metals contamination from industrial wastewaters into the environment is a serious environm... more Heavy metals contamination from industrial wastewaters into the environment is a serious environmental problem. Activated carbon adsorption is the most effective means of removing heavy metals from industrial effluents before discharge into the environment but is expensive. Several low cost adsorbents have been utilized as alternatives for heavy metal removal. However a thorough literature search revealed a dart of information on the use of Gourd Cell Seed Husk (GCSH) as adsorbent for heavy metals. This study therefore investigates the performance of GCSH for the biosorption of Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Batch biosorption was used to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time on metals sequestration. Isotherm was analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich model...
Deterioration in soil–water environment severely contributed by heavy metal bioavailability and m... more Deterioration in soil–water environment severely contributed by heavy metal bioavailability and mobility on soil surface and sub-surface due to irrational increase in wastewater discharge and agrochemical activities. Therefore, the feasibility of adsorption characteristics of the soil is paramount in curbing the problem of micropollutant contamination in the farming vicinity. Soil from a farming site in a populated area in Enugu, Nigeria was collected and tested to measure the lead and cadmium contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorption potency of the ultisol soil was estimated for identifiable physicochemical properties by standard technique. The mean activity concentration of Pb2+ and Cd2+ was 15.68 mg/kg and 3.01 mg/kg. The pH, temperature, metal concentration and contact time adsorptive effect on the Pb2+ and Cd2+ uptake was evaluated by batch adsorption technique. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models were fitted into equilibrium adsorption dat...
The theoretical and experimental synergistic inhibitive effect of 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazi... more The theoretical and experimental synergistic inhibitive effect of 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one, 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5- one and 6-(2-phenylethynyl)-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one compounds on mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution was described. Compounds 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one and 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one were obtained as brilliantly reddish and yellowish powdered solids via palladium catalyzed cross-coupling of phenyl boronic acid with 6-chloro-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one, 6-chloro-5Hbenzo[ a]phenoxazin-5-one respectively. The reaction of ethynylbenzene with 6-chloro-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one afforded orange coloured solid. The intense colors of these dyes and their ease of re-oxidation of Na2S2O4-reduced derivatives make them suitable as vat dyes. In addition, quantum chemical calculations based on DFT/B3LYP level confirm that the substitution of the oxygen in the hetero cyclic ring with sulphur and the bonding of an alkynyl grou...
The potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis)Seed Husk (BFSH) as low-cost biosorbent for the ... more The potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis)Seed Husk (BFSH) as low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Pb (II), Zn (II) and Co (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR)spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The batch methodology was utilized to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature on biosorption. Data generated were fitted into appropriate isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models. The effect of pH showed an increase in adsorption of metals with an increase in pH and an optimum pH of 5.0 was obtained for Pb (II), while 6.0 were obtained for Co (II) and Zn (II) ions biosorption. An equilibrium sorption contact time of 30, 40 and 60 min was obtained for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions respectively. The biosorption of metal ions was in the order Co (II) > Pb (II) > Zn (II). In general, the Fre...
Current Microbiology
The current study aimed on isolating thermotolerant, cellulolytic fungi from different tropical s... more The current study aimed on isolating thermotolerant, cellulolytic fungi from different tropical soil/waste materials samples such as wood waste, sawmill, decomposing straw and compost pit sites in Abraka, Southern Nigeria and assessing their applications in diverse cellulolytic processes. Fungal isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological, ITS-5.8S barcoding, reproductive structures and thereafter screened for thermotolerance and cellulolytic activities [carboxy methyl cellulase (CMC-ase) and filter paperase (FP-ase)] by cultivating at 45, 50, 60, 70, 80° and 45 °C, respectively. The highest fungal abundance (44.4%) was observed in the compost pit while the lowest (11.1%) was recorded for sawmill. Nine thermotolerant fungal isolates were identified: Aspergillus flavus (4), Blakeslea sp. (3), and Trichoderma asperellum (2). Among them only five, including three A. flavus, one Blakeslea sp. and one T. asperellum, exhibited cellulolytic activity ranging from 12.11 ± 0.01 to 18.42 ± 5.39 µg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.01-9.21 ± 2.52 µg/mL for CMC-ase and filter paperase FP-ase assay, respectively. The low Michaelis-Menten constants of 1.137 for CMC-ase and 1.195 for FP-ase were obtained, indicated a strong affinity for the substrate. The thermotolerance coupled with cellulolytic activity of these isolates make them attractive for potential application in industries where they can be of economic and environmental benefits as against the use of chemicals.
International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites have contributed significantly to ... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites have contributed significantly to the pollution of the environment. This study investigates the pollution level of unlined dumpsite by...
Scientific Reports
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/quartzite nanocomposite modified with the extract of Dacryodes eduli... more Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/quartzite nanocomposite modified with the extract of Dacryodes edulis leaves was synthesized and designated as Q, which was applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from water. The adsorbents (PQ and Q) were characterized using the SEM, EDX, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and BET analyses. The XRD revealed the crystalline composition of the nanocomposite while the TGA indicated the incorporated extract as the primary component that degraded with an increase in temperature. The implication of the modifier was noticed to enhance the adsorption capacity of Q for Cr(VI) by the introduction of chemical functional groups. Optimum Cr(VI) removal was noticed at a pH of 2.0, adsorbent dose (50 mg), initial concentration (100 mg dm−3), and contact time (180 min). The kinetic adsorption data for both adsorbents was noticed to fit well to the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir model. The uptake of Cr(VI) onto PQ and Q was feasib...
The potential of Aloji kaolinte as a low-cost adsorbent for cadmium (II) ions from aqueous soluti... more The potential of Aloji kaolinte as a low-cost adsorbent for cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, sorbent dose, and temperature on the adsorption process were determined using batch adsorption technique. Optimum adsorption was obtained at pH, 6.0 and equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 50 minutes. The chemical composition of the kaolinite was determined by classical method and revealed silica and alumina as the major constituents. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms such as Langmuir, BET, and Tempkin model were applied to the experimental data. The values of the linear regression coefficient (R 2 ) showed the best fit with the Tempkins isotherm (0.975), then the Langmuir isotherm (0.939) and the least the BET isotherm (0.812). The Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were both applicable in the description of the kinetics of sorption. Thermodynamic analysis revealed negative values of ΔG 0...
International journal of phytoremediation, 2021
NOVELTY STATEMENT nsufficient innovative research on the sequestration of Cr(VI) from the aquatic... more NOVELTY STATEMENT nsufficient innovative research on the sequestration of Cr(VI) from the aquatic ecosystem has made Cr(VI) a recalcitrant water contaminant that often affects water sources. In this work, a novel plant anchor-nanocomposite was fabricated from the spent molecular sieve, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and the extract from the stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla. It was envisaged that due to the phytochemical constituent of the modifier, this nanocomposite could also act as potent adsorbents for the treatment of Cr(VI) polluted water. To the best of our knowledge, the application of Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark extract as a modifier for the green fabrication of nanocomposite has not been reported. The resulting composites showed good uptake capacity for Cr(VI) as well as efficient reusability.
Iranian Journal of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering-international English Edition, 2019
Rising cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health concern. Many approved antibioti... more Rising cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health concern. Many approved antibiotics target penicillin-binding proteins example peptidoglycan transpeptidase (PTPase). Due to wide pharmacological activity of phenothiazines, new styryl, aryl, alkynyl, and thiophenyl benzo[a]phenothiazines were synthesized and their inhibitory potency against PTPasein silico and Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria evaluated. The compounds inhibited the activity of PTPase at 18.93 - 75.48 µM and their best-docked poses identified interaction with PTPase Tyr318, His336, and His352. Experimental results agreed with computational predictions and further confirmed the benzo[a]phenothiazines as potential antibiotics. Also, the identified essential residues could be targeted during the rational optimization of the analogs.
This evaluation was aimed at the determination of organic contaminants in water bodies in Ugwueme... more This evaluation was aimed at the determination of organic contaminants in water bodies in Ugwueme and Lokpanta in Enugu, Nigeria. The analytical study involved the sampling of water bodies both from both locations in order to conduct a comparative and qualitative study of the organic pollutants of the area..The points of sampling include; Oguta river, Lokpanta, Ugwueme spring, Seepage point at Ugwueme, Ugwueme stream and Obilagu river. The obtained result showed in mg/L; phenol (137.93 to 168.58), COD (4.07 to 9.95), BOD (11.89 to 23.99), synthetic detergent (59.6 to 74), grease (0.02 to 0.08%), pH (6.4 to 6.8), Cl (7.81 to 8.56), Br (0.19 to 0.2), asphalthene (133.2 to 178.4), ethylene (125.8 to 180.3), benzene (15.15 to 36.34), tetramethylene (77.3 to 159.1) and naphthene (10.7 to 17.2). The spread flow varied with respect to distance and altitude from the oil seep. The result revealed that the oil seep migration does not flow only at the seen point but gradually soaks into the Ow...
The kinetics of adsorption for the removal of Zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution unto a Nigeria... more The kinetics of adsorption for the removal of Zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution unto a Nigerian bentonite was studied. The aim of the experiment was the use of the bentonite as a low-cost adsorbent for Zinc (II) ions. The experiment was carried out using batch adsorption technique to determine the effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and temperature. The chemical characterization of the clay showed SiO2 and Al2O3 as the major constituents. The surface area of the bentonite was determined to be 29.4m 2 /g. pH point of zero charge of the bentonite was found to be 2.8. An optimum pH of adsorption was obtained at 5.0 and equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 60 minutes. The kinetic models applied are the Pseudo first order, Pseudo second order, Elovich, and intraparticule diffusion model. These models all gave good fits to the experimental data which indicated that physical and chemical adsorption are involved in the sorption of zinc (II) ions unto the be...
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) have gained attention in recent years due to their multifunction... more Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) have gained attention in recent years due to their multifunctional uses, potent adsorptive potential and effective antifungal activities. Despite these desirable characteristics, ZnONP has not been used for the adsorption of bromophenol blue (BRB) and tests as antifungal agents against certain important filamentous fungal strains have been limited. In this research, ZnONP was prepared via a facile one-pot synthetic approach and applied in the adsorption of BRB and as an antifungal agent against the filamentous fungi and plant pathogens; Alternaria alternata CGJM3078, Alternaria alternata CGJM3006 and Fusarium verticilliodes CGJM3823. The ZnONP was characterized by the UV, FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX techniques, which showed efficient synthesis. The characteristics ZnO UV absorption band was observed at 375 nm, while the XRD showed an average ZnONP crystalline size of 47.2 nm. The SEM and TEM images showed an irregular shaped and aggregated...
This study investigated the chemical and physical characteristics of clay samples from Ebonyi Sta... more This study investigated the chemical and physical characteristics of clay samples from Ebonyi State in Nigeria with a view to determining them for refractory application. The chemical analysis of the clay showed silica (48.3%) and alumina (21.7%) as the main constituents while other metal oxides such as Fe2O3 (6.8%), Na2O (2.9%), K2O (2.7%), MgO (1.2%), CaO (0.9%) and MnO (0.3%) are present in minute quantities. As the firing temperature increased from 900 to 1200C, the analysis varied from 2.98 to 10.56 for linear shrinkage, 34.01 to 27.02% for apparent porosity, 2.52 to 2.37g/cm apparent density and 1.66 to 1.73g/cm bulk. The clay showed low plasticity with a modulus of plasticity of 1.21, making moisture of 24.84 and had a refractoriness of up to 1200C. From the result of this study, it is shown that Ishiagu clay has good refractory and industrial potentials and can be used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, tiles, high melting clay, ceramics and colour vase but requires th...
Journal of Environmental Management
Adiabo clay, reddish-brown plastic clay found in commercial quantities in Calabar, Cross River St... more Adiabo clay, reddish-brown plastic clay found in commercial quantities in Calabar, Cross River State, and South-South Nigeria was investigated for industrial utilization and even for domestic purposes. The test carried out include, Plasticity Index, Swelling Index, Flexural Strength, Linear Shrinkage, Refractoriness, Loss on Ignition, Water Absorption, Bulk Density, Porosity, Chemical Composition Analysis, and FT – IR. At the green stage (110 o C), the sample had strength of 18.286KgF/cm 2 which is even stronger than most clays reported in the literature. From the plot, the strength increased with increase in temperature. The linear shrinkage values vary from 1.27% at 800 0 C to 8.4% at 1200 0 c which is within the internationally accepted standard values of 7 – 10% for alumino-silicates, kaolinite and fireclays. The bulk density of the sample was found to be in the range of 1.70 - 1.71 g/cm 3
The aim of this study was to determine the total alkaloids, total tannins content, and antiulcer ... more The aim of this study was to determine the total alkaloids, total tannins content, and antiulcer activity of the extracts from these selected medicinal plants (Acanthospermum hispidum, Pachypodanthium staudtii, Phaseolus lunatus, and Euphorbia deightonii). The total alkaloids content (TAC) was evaluated according to the chloride colometric method in which atropine was used as standard. While the total tannins content (TTC) was also determined using Folin Ciocalteau assay in which gallic acid was used as a standard. The antiulcer activity of the extracts was investigated using the ethanol induced model in Wistar albino rats. Parameters such as gastric volume, pH, and ulcer index were used as indicators for the antiulcerogenic activity of the extracts. The animals were orally treated with distilled water (Normal control group), Ranitidine 5 mg/kg (standard group), 0.5 mg/kg of ethanol (Negative control group) and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of the extracts, 1 h before oral administration of...
This study evaluated the potential of unmodified yam peel carbon (UYPC) and Zinc chloride activat... more This study evaluated the potential of unmodified yam peel carbon (UYPC) and Zinc chloride activated yam peel carbon (AYPC) as low cost sorbent for remediation of crude oil from aqueous solution. Their efficiencies on the adsorption of crude oil from the water were investigated through batch adsorption studies. The crude oil obtained was characterized, and properties such as viscosity (kinematic and dynamic), pH, density, specific gravity, and API gravity were determined. Thermal properties such as heat of combustion, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and latent heat of vaporization were also determined. Proximate analyses were carried out on the raw yam peels, and the physiochemical properties were examined after carbonization. The AYPC was found to be more efficient than UYPC in removing oil from water under the varied conditions of pH (3 to 13), concentration (2.0 to 5.0 g/L), time (0 to 80 min) and dosage (0.2 to 1.4g). AYPC sorption of crude oil required a much lesser...
The utilization of Horse-Eye Bean (Mucuna urens) Seed Husk (HEBSH) as low cost biosorbent for the... more The utilization of Horse-Eye Bean (Mucuna urens) Seed Husk (HEBSH) as low cost biosorbent for the abstraction of Co (II), Pb (II) and Zn (II) ions from water was performed. The biosorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The influence of pH, initial metal ion concentration, biosorbent dosage and contact time on the biosorption was studied. Four isotherm and four kinetic models were used to determine the mechanism of biosorption. FTIR showed the presence of some functional groups such as OH, C=O, C=C, C-O, C-Cl on the surface of HEBSH, while XRD and SEM showed amorphous and non-porous surface structure respectively. Optimum biosorption of the metal ions was obtained at pH 6.0, biosorbent dosage 0.1 g, metal concentration 400 mg/L and contact time of 30, 40, and 60 min for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) respectively. The Freundlich gave the best fit for the three metal ions (R > 0....
This study evaluated the performance of an Unmodi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (UUC) and the A... more This study evaluated the performance of an Unmodi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (UUC) and the Acid Modi ed Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (AMUC) of Nigerian origin as low-cost materials for attenuation of Methylene Blue (MB). Batch sorption methodology was applied in adsorption and desorption studies. AMUC was found to have higher adsorption of MB than UUC under all experimental conditions. Optimum experimental conditions were achieved at pH 8.0, adsorbent particle size 100 μm, MB concentration 200 mg/L and contact time of 60 and 90 min for AMUC and UUC, respectively. Equilibrium isotherm analysis was performed by the application of the Langmuir, Freundlich, Flory-Huggins, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Scatchard isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be applicable (R2 of 0.999) in the sorption of MB on UUC while the Freundlich gave the best t (R2 of 0.990) for AMUC. Kinetic analysis was evaluated by the Pseudo First Order (PFO), Pseudo Second Order (PSO), Elovich, B...
Heavy metals contamination from industrial wastewaters into the environment is a serious environm... more Heavy metals contamination from industrial wastewaters into the environment is a serious environmental problem. Activated carbon adsorption is the most effective means of removing heavy metals from industrial effluents before discharge into the environment but is expensive. Several low cost adsorbents have been utilized as alternatives for heavy metal removal. However a thorough literature search revealed a dart of information on the use of Gourd Cell Seed Husk (GCSH) as adsorbent for heavy metals. This study therefore investigates the performance of GCSH for the biosorption of Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Batch biosorption was used to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time on metals sequestration. Isotherm was analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich model...
Deterioration in soil–water environment severely contributed by heavy metal bioavailability and m... more Deterioration in soil–water environment severely contributed by heavy metal bioavailability and mobility on soil surface and sub-surface due to irrational increase in wastewater discharge and agrochemical activities. Therefore, the feasibility of adsorption characteristics of the soil is paramount in curbing the problem of micropollutant contamination in the farming vicinity. Soil from a farming site in a populated area in Enugu, Nigeria was collected and tested to measure the lead and cadmium contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorption potency of the ultisol soil was estimated for identifiable physicochemical properties by standard technique. The mean activity concentration of Pb2+ and Cd2+ was 15.68 mg/kg and 3.01 mg/kg. The pH, temperature, metal concentration and contact time adsorptive effect on the Pb2+ and Cd2+ uptake was evaluated by batch adsorption technique. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models were fitted into equilibrium adsorption dat...
The theoretical and experimental synergistic inhibitive effect of 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazi... more The theoretical and experimental synergistic inhibitive effect of 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one, 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5- one and 6-(2-phenylethynyl)-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one compounds on mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution was described. Compounds 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one and 6-phenyl-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one were obtained as brilliantly reddish and yellowish powdered solids via palladium catalyzed cross-coupling of phenyl boronic acid with 6-chloro-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one, 6-chloro-5Hbenzo[ a]phenoxazin-5-one respectively. The reaction of ethynylbenzene with 6-chloro-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one afforded orange coloured solid. The intense colors of these dyes and their ease of re-oxidation of Na2S2O4-reduced derivatives make them suitable as vat dyes. In addition, quantum chemical calculations based on DFT/B3LYP level confirm that the substitution of the oxygen in the hetero cyclic ring with sulphur and the bonding of an alkynyl grou...
The potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis)Seed Husk (BFSH) as low-cost biosorbent for the ... more The potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis)Seed Husk (BFSH) as low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Pb (II), Zn (II) and Co (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR)spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The batch methodology was utilized to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature on biosorption. Data generated were fitted into appropriate isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models. The effect of pH showed an increase in adsorption of metals with an increase in pH and an optimum pH of 5.0 was obtained for Pb (II), while 6.0 were obtained for Co (II) and Zn (II) ions biosorption. An equilibrium sorption contact time of 30, 40 and 60 min was obtained for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions respectively. The biosorption of metal ions was in the order Co (II) > Pb (II) > Zn (II). In general, the Fre...