Showing papers in "Bioprocess Engineering in 2019"

Bioremediation of Aquacultural Effluents Using Hydrophytes

Abstract: Pollutant of agricultural industries constitute a threat to aquatic environment, being as a recipient of untreated or partially treated effluents, the use of conventional methods has its own problems especially in developing countries, hence the use of an eco-friendly approach to reduce pollutant load before being discharge. The study aim was to assess the performance of hydroponically grown macrophytes in aquacultural effluent the macrophytes were grown in 5 L aquacultural effluent with 21 days retention period in plastic containers. 100g, 150g, 200g and 250g of plants samples were introduce into hydroponic unit. Physicochemical parameters were measured at interval of seven days for three weeks. The parameters measured were temperature, pH, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and turbidity. The mean reduction values of temperature, pH, DO and nitrate were 27.07±0.07, 6.37±0.27, 2.07±0.09, and 0.90±0.15 for Pistia stratiotes respectively. While ammonia, phosphate and turbidity values are 0.70±0.15, 0.60±0.23 and 7.00±0.00 for Eichhornia crassipes. The performance of the plants was found to be increasing with increase in weight and duration. However, the overall performance may not meet the required effluent standards laid down by the national and international regulatory bodies.

Isolation of Enteric Bacteria from Various Sources in Selected Poultry Farms in Kaduna State

Abstract: This study was designed to isolate enteric bacteria from various sources in selected poultry farms in Kaduna state. One hundred and fifty samples of poultry feed, water and droppings from five poultry farms in Kafanchan, Zaria, Gonin-gora, Kamazou and Ungwan Television were examined for the presence of enteric bacteria. 30 samples were collected from each farm and were analysed using spread plate method. The culture media used were Selenite Feaces (SF) broth) and Bismuth sulphite agar. The contaminants isolated include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Proteus mirabilis. The distribution of the isolates based on sample type were droppings (1.33%) and feed (2.67%). There was no significant difference in each of the samples (p>0.05). The percentage distribution of isolates based on location were: Kafanchan (0.00%), Zaria (0.00%), Kamazou (33.33%) for Salmonella and (16.67%) for Proteus mirabilis, Gonin-gora (50%), and Television (0.00%). The results showed that the poultry feeds and droppings from the poultry farms visited in Kaduna, Nigeria had bacteria contaminants. The presence of these bacteria may be a serious health concern as these organisms are involved in causing various diseases. Therefore, hygienic measures should be taken in processing and handling of the poultry products being sold to general public. The national and local health authorities should enforce the food hygiene regulations to reduce the spread of diseases caused by these enteric bacteria. Public enlightenment programmes on the modes of transmission of Salmonella, E. coli and P. mirabilis should be conducted by Human and Veterinary Public Health services. Further studies should be conducted to know the extent of distribution of these organisms in different areas of Kaduna State and the country at large.

Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Factors Influencing the Degradation Process

Abstract: Hydrocarbon compounds have been noted to reside the family of neurotoxic and xenobiotic organic pollutants and nowadays petroleum hydrocarbon compounds continually being a major natural worry because of the development of petroleum oil extraction and related products which have major ecological issue. Oil seepage normally happen by mishaps pumping, transportation and refining and petroleum products consist of carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds which could have several consequences on biotic and abiotic factors of the ecosystem. Mainly two methods such as mechanical and chemical methods are normally used to remove hydrocarbons from contaminated places have effectiveness and can be expensive. Bioremediation is the best and advance technology for the treatment of these contaminated places because it is not much expensive and will lead to whole mineralization. Microbial degradation is the major and ultimate natural mechanism by which one can clean up the petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants from the environment. Many indigenous micro-organisms in water and soil are able to degrading hydrocarbon contaminants. A number of limiting factors have been recognized to affect the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. This review summarizes the microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons aerobically and anaerobically and various factors that influencing the process. It may be concluded that microbial degradation can be considered as a key component in the cleanup strategy for petroleum hydrocarbon remediation.

Physicochemical profiling of different released and improved desert and cooking banana varieties

Abstract: Banana (Musa spp.) is an important ingredient of several dishes and its nutritional and other biochemical composition of released and improved desert and cooking types are yet to be scientifically studied fully. In the present study, the most popularly cultivated species of cooking and desert type banana in Ethiopia selected. The objective of this study was to determine their physicochemical profiling and nutritional quality of desert and cooking banana varieties. The chemical composition and some physicochemical characteristics of the fresh fruit and flour obtained from seventeen different banana varieties are presented. A randomized complete design with three replications was used. Length, Width, Peel and pulp thickness, Pulp to peel ratio, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, ash and moisture of desert banana (Fresh) and mineral contents are the most important parameters to evaluate the quality of banana including potassium. The different varieties affected the fruit physical characteristics significantly (P≤0.05). The Cardaba varieties fruit was found to be the heaviest and the longest. The Kitawira and Nijiru varieties had the smallest, shortest and thinnest fruit. The Cardaba, Nijiru, Matoke, and Kitawira contained more pulp weight than peel weight. Most fruit chemical quality parameters were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by the varieties. The chemical composition of the flour also varied according to the variety and types of banana. Among others, the Cardaba variety was found to have high fruit weight, juice volume, total soluble solids, dry matter, and low total titratable acidity. Banana flour is rich in potassium varied from 246.288 to 375.949 mg/100g according to the variety. The range obtained were 41.200 – 89.132 mg/100g phosphorus, 0.705 – 19.352 mg/100g sodium, 2.497 – 3.359% ash, and 71.529- 76. 564% moisture. The sensory analysis of desert banana type was evaluated. Thus, there was no significant difference between varieties at P≤0.05 and sensorial acceptability in most varieties. The current study revealed the variations of biochemical compositions of desert and cooking banana varieties. This will be useful for the exploitation of these crops to obtain and formulate the value-added products. These varieties are recommended for different food product development by food processors in Ethiopia.