Showing papers in "IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry in 2013"
TL;DR: In this paper, the reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) results revealed the reduced photocatalytic activity of poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) capped ZnO nanoparticles.
Abstract: Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared by the precipitation method from zinc sulphate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Organization, stabilization of the ZnO nanoparticles from further growth and partially inhibiting the photodegradation was achieved by capping with poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the structure, morphology and particle size. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) was used to study the thermal behavior. In addition, photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution was performed using bare and modified ZnO nanoparticles under the illumination of UV light. Various parameters affecting the degradation performance such as catalyst loading, initial dye concentrations, pH and concentration of capping agent were examined. The results showed that PVP capped ZnO nanoparticles have reduced photocatalytic activity than that of bare ZnO nanoparticles. The reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) results revealed the reduced photocatalytic activity of PVP capped ZnO. The UV-shielding property was evaluated by measuring the transmittance. The reduced photocatalytic activity of PVP capped ZnO nanoparticles will enhance their performance as durable, safe and non reactive UV blockers in cosmetics.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, starches from four varieties of mango (Mangifera indica) seeds were extracted and characterised using standard methods for potential industrial applications, and the results showed that the average starch content of the seeds is 60.44±5.26% although there are statistically significant differences amongst the varieties.
Abstract: Starch is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for various applications. These industries often rely on crops that are also traditional sources of food by man resulting high demand with consequence economic implications. In this work starches from four varieties of mango (Mangifera indica) seeds were extracted and characterised using standard methods for potential industrial applications. The results showed that the average starch content of the seeds is 60.44±5.26% although there are statistically significant differences amongst the varieties. Moisture content (6.23±1.36%), ash content (0.158±0.101%), starch protein (0.0669±0.0027%) and starch lipid (0.208±0.0417 %,) were low. Amylose content was within the range of 11.90-16.74%. Swelling power (19.40±0.30-19.80±0.36g/g) and solubility (0.135±0.002-0.142±0.001%) were less variable amongst the varieties. The Amylopectin content of the starches was within the range of 83.25±0.10- 90.60±0.40%); and significant variations (p<0.05) were observed amongst the mango varieties. It was also observed that the onset gelatinization temperature of the starches ranged from 60.5 to 63.4 o C whereas the conclusion gelatinization temperature was from 70.2 to 73.4 o C. In general, even though there are significant
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the size and morphology of cellulose nanofibers were investigated by using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) using standard microcrystalline cellulose as reference.
Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from coconut coir fibers by chemical treatment using alkaline, mineral acids and inorganic salts, followed by mechanical treatment and disintegration methods like sonication, cryo crushing and dissolution. The size and morphology of cellulose nanofibers were investigated by using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The width of synthesized cellulose nanofibers investigated by the FESEM was around 30 nm to 90 nm and few microns in length. Elemental analysis of cellulose nano fibers were confirmed with the Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDS) results. XRD study was conducted for the crystalline property of cellulose nanofibers synthesized from coconut coir fibers using standard microcrystalline cellulose as reference. FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, C-H bond and the C-O-C groups in the synthesized cellulose nanofibers. The cellulose nano fibers were successfully utilized in the preparation of transparent thin film, filtration and water treatment.
25 citations
Abstract: High concentration of heavy metals in the environment can be detrimental to a variety of living species. The purpose of this research was to explore the use of baobab (Adsononsia digitata) fruit shells in the removal of lead(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effect of varying adsorption parameters on the removal of aqueous lead and copper ions. The adsorption of Pb(II) was found to be maximum at pH 5.5 using adsorbent dose of 0.7 g. The adsorption of Cu(II) was found to be optimum at pH 6 using adsorbent dosage of 0.9 g. The adsorption data conformed to Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. However the Temkin isotherm showed the best fitting model with highest R 2 values for both lead and copper (0.9977 and 0.9967) respectively. Baobab fruit shells can be used as a cost effective adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions in the treatment of industrial effluent.
24 citations
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to study the relationship between sediment and bivalve tissue, which shows that there are no significance correlation among these metals, indicating that tissue of Marcia Marmorata sp. is being relatively eaten by the local people as other marine organism along the coastal area of Kuala Perlis.
Abstract: Aquatic organism and sediment absorb heavy metal from surrounding and accumulate in their body tissues and its surface area. The tissue of Marcia Marmorata sp. is being relatively eaten by the local people as other marine organism along the coastal area of Kuala Perlis. The tissue and sediment samples collected at four stations in Kuala Perlis Coast were analyzed for heavy metals by using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The bioaccumulation of metal in the soft tissue exhibit the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu >As > Cd while the mean concentration of heavy metal in sediment showed the following trend: Zn> Cu> Cd> As. The mean concentration of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) and Copper (Cu) in the tissue was exceeded the permissible limit except for Zinc (Zn) when compared to the FAO/WHO 2004 as well as Food Regulation 1985. Therefore it can be generalized that bivalve from the Coastal area of Kuala Perlis are not safe to consume in terms of these heavy metal concentration and constitute a risk for human health. Two-way ANOVA test indicated statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between sampling stations in the concentration of Zn while between the bivalve tissue and sediment indicated significance difference for As. Correlation coefficient were calculated to study the sediment and bivalve tissue relationship, which shows that there are no significance correlation among these metals, indicating that tissue of Marcia Marmorata sp. tend to regulate the levels of heavy metals in their tissue and may not reflect the levels in sediment to which there are exposed KeywordsBioaccumulation, Heavy metals, Bivalves, correlation coefficient, ICP-MS.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions onto chemically modified orange peel was studied at varying initial metal concentrations, adsorbent doses, pH and contact times.
Abstract: The removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions onto chemically modified orange peel was studied at varying initial metal concentrations, adsorbent doses, pH and contact times. Batch experiments were carried out under optimized conditions to evaluate the adsorption capacity of the orange peel chemically modified with sodium hydroxide. The residual Cr (VI) concentrations after biosorption were analyzed by FAAS. The biosorbent was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and BET. The characterization of the orange peel biomass suggested the possible contribution of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in Cr (VI) biosorption. Chemically modified orange peel exhibited more adsorption potential as compared to the raw orange peel. The biosorption efficiency of the orange peel was dependent on the pH of the Cr (VI) solution, with pH 2 being optimal. The removal rate of Cr (VI) ions increased with increase in contact time and remained constant after an equilibrium time of 180 min. The removal of Cr (VI) ions increased with increase in biosorbent concentration with the optimal adsorbent dosage at 4.0 mg/L. The increase in initial Cr (VI) ion concentration led to an increase in the percentage removal of Cr (VI). The adsorption data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model with R 2 = 0.987 for the raw orange peel and R 2 = 0.995 for the modified orange peel. The Freundlich constants Kf and n were 97.07 (mg/g (L/mg) n ) and 0.79 (g/L) for the raw orange peel and 139.0 ((mg/g)(L/mg) n ) and 0.815 (g/L) for modified orange peel respectively. The present study revealed that orange peel which is a low cost agricultural material could be used as an efficient sorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions and that chemical modification of the biosorbent using sodium hydroxide enhanced adsorption capacity. Keywords: Adsorption isotherm, Biosorption, Chemical modification, Chromium (VI), Orange peel
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, four sets of alkyd samples formulated by varying the percentage of melon seed oil contents were synthesised according to the alcoholysis-polyesterification process and the effect of oil lengths and oil quality on properties such as the drying schedule, hardness, gloss, colour, and chemical resistance of the alkyds were evaluated.
Abstract: The high cost and environmental problems associated with the use of petroleum - based monomers for synthesis of binders can be solved by the use of locally sourced vegetable oils as precursor for synthesis of binders. The polymers from the latter are biodegradable and cheaper than petroleum polymers. The GC-MS result revealed that melon seed oil contains octadec - 14, 17 - dienoic acid (56.86%) as the most abundant fatty acid. Four sets of alkyd samples formulated by varying the percentage of melon seed oil contents were synthesised according to the alcoholysis-polyesterification process. The effect of oil lengths and oil quality on properties such as the drying schedule, hardness, gloss, colour, and chemical resistance of the alkyds were evaluated. Short oil alkyd of crude and refined oil possessed the best hardness, drying time and resistant to 5% brine solution. These properties were comparable to those of the soya alkyd paints.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a mixed oil was used as feedstock for biodiesel production by homogeneous catalysts and the reaction in the presence of KOH as catalyst was carried out to investigate the optimum conditions and study the effect of variables on the reaction.
Abstract: In this study, crude mixed oil was used as feedstock for biodiesel production by Homogeneous Catalyst. The reaction in the presence of KOH as catalyst was carried out to investigate the optimum conditions and study the effect of variables on the reaction. The variables included methanol to oil molar ratios, catalyst concentrations, reaction temperature and reaction times. Gas chromatography was used to determine the fatty acid composition of mixed oil. The optimum conditions for mixed oil biodiesel production were a catalyst concentration of 1.0% w/w of oil, a reaction temperature of 70 o C, a reaction time of 30minutes 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio at 400rpm. The methyl ester content under these optimum conditions was 95.10%, and all the measured properties of mixed oil biodiesel met the ASTM standards.
15 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the phytochemical constituents of leaves of four medicinal plants viz: Annona senegalensis, Axonopus compressus, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Heliotropium indicum, which are traditionally used as medicine in southwestern part of Nigeria shows that alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, were present in all the plants.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical constituents of leaves of four medicinal plants viz: Annona senegalensis, Axonopus compressus, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Heliotropium indicum, which are traditionally used as medicine in southwestern part of Nigeria. Qualitative analysis carried out on each plant leaves shows that alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, were present in all the plants. These plants leaves were also subjected to quantitative analysis and the results indicated that Alkaloids and phenolics distribution were highest in Annona senegalensis followed by Heliotropium indicum while Bryophylum pinatum has the lowest distribution. Flavonoids distribution was highest in Boyophyllum pinnatum followed by Annona senegalensis while Axonopus compressus has the least distribution. Saponins was highest in Heliotropium indicum followed by Bryophyllum pinnatum while axonopus compressus has the least. Tannins distribution was highest in Heliotropium indicum followed by annona senegalensis and Axonopus compressus while Bryophylum pinnatum has the least. I. Introduction The world is blessed with natural and unique medicinal plants (9). A medicinal plant is any plant, which in one or more of its organs contains active ingredients which can be used for therapeutic purposes or contain foundation compounds that can be used for the synthesis of useful drugs. Medicinal plants have invariably been a rich source of new drugs and many drugs in use today were either obtained from plants or developed using their chemical structure as templates (2). The medicinal value of these plants lies in bioactives phytochemical constituents that produce definite physiological action on the human body (3). Phytoconstituents are the natural bioactive compounds present in plants which combined with nutrients and fibers to form an integrated part of human defence mechanisms against diseases and stress conditions (8). Phytochemicals are basically divided into two groups that is primary and secondary constituents according to their function in the plant metabolism. Primary constituents comprises common sugars, amino acids, proteins and chlorophyll while secondary constituents consists of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and so on (5). The important values of some plants have long been published but a large number of them remain unexplored as yet. So there is a necessity to explore their uses and to conduct pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies to ascertain their therapeutic properties (11). Annona senegalensis, axonopus compressus, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Heliotropium indicum were chosen to study because they were some of the traditionally used medicinal plants in the southwestern past of Nigeria for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. The present study aims at drawing attention to the phytochemical constituents of these plants and comparing them with a view to providing useful information towards effective utilization of these plants. And also bring into focus the scientific rationale behind the usage of these plants in traditional medicine.
14 citations
TL;DR: Meat samples obtained from Ajegunle market in Oyo town and processed for their proximate composition and dietary minerals reveal that the moisture content in percentage ranged from 5.00% in Turkey to 0.50% in exotic Chicken, the ash content ranges from 6.50%, while fibre content was not detectable in exotic chicken.
Abstract: Locally breed Chicken, exotic Chicken and Turkey were obtained from Ajegunle market in Oyo town and processed for their proximate composition and dietary minerals. The proximate composition reveals that the moisture content in percentage ranged from 5.00% in Turkey to 0.50% in exotic Chicken, the ash content ranges from 6.50% in Turkey to 2.00% in locally breed chicken. The fat content ranges from 18.0% in Turkey to 3.70% in locally breed Chicken; the protein content ranges from 68.97% in exotic Chicken to 50.95% in locally breed Chicken. Carbohydrate content ranges from 25.83% in locally breed chicken to 0.63% in Turkey. The fibre content of Turkey was 2.22% and 1.96% in local Chicken while fibre content was not detectable in exotic Chicken. The dietary minerals that were in abundance in the meat samples are Potassium whose concentration ranged from 603mg/100g in Turkey to 527mg/100g in exotic chicken. Sodium ranged from 370mg/100g in Turkey to 345mg/100g in exotic chicken. Calcium ranged from 575mg/100g in Turkey to 375mg/100g in exotic chicken while Magnesium ranged from 377mg/100g in local chicken to 256mg/100g in exotic chicken, Iron ranged from 465mg/100g in local chicken to 233mg/100g in Turkey. Zinc ranged from 622mg/100g in exotic chicken to 475mg/100g in Turkey.
TL;DR: In this article, it has been found that ammonium chloride, which is a very inexpensive and readily available reagent, can efficiently catalyzed the Claisen-Schmidt reaction between ketones and aldehydes.
Abstract: It has been found that ammonium chloride, which is a very inexpensive and readily available reagent, can efficiently catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt reaction between ketones and aldehydes. α,α'- Bis(arylmethylene)cycloalkanones, α,α'-bis(cinnamylidene)cycloalkanones, α-cinnamylideneacetophenones and chalcones were afforded by reaction of ketones and aldehydes under microwave assisted solvent-free conditions in presence of ammonium chloride in good to excellent yields.
TL;DR: An experimental investigation was conducted to study the performance of fly ash based geopolymer specimens in Sodium Aluminium Phosphate solution as discussed by the authors, which can be obtained by hydrated alumina powder reacting with ortho phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Abstract: An experimental investigation was conducted to study the performance of fly ash based geopolymer specimens in Sodium Aluminium Phosphate solution. High strength geopolymer is produced from coal combustion fly ash and sodium aluminium phosphate chemical which can be obtained by hydrated alumina powder reacting with ortho phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide. The curing is done by both atmospheric and accelerated means. Performance of the specimens was evaluated in terms of visual appearance, change in compressive strength, phase development and micro-structural analysis over the exposure period of time. Evidence is provided with micro structural studies and mechanical strength properties on the presence of amorphous binding phase. These characteristics are similar to alumino-silicate geopolymer.
TL;DR: In this article, the severity of Arsenic contamination along with the hydrochemistry of ground water in Lakhimpur Kheri, one of the largest districts in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract: The present study aims to understand the severity of Arsenic contamination along with the hydrochemistry of ground water in Lakhimpur Kheri, one of the largest districts in Uttar Pradesh, India. Ground water samples collected from 102 handpumps from 15 blocks were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and Arsenic. The groundwater quality data were analysed statistically. The characteristic features of groundwater indicated the presence of As (0- 0.224 mg/L), Fe (0.011-8.634mg/L), Na + (2.84-62.12 mg/L), K + (1.21-51.20 mg/L), Ca 2+ (6-102mg/L), Mg 2+ (10-126), Cl - (2.19-133.96 mg/L), SO4 2- (1-269.92 mg/L), NO3 - (0.11-2.61 mg/L) and HCO3 - (122-549 mg/L). The pH of the groundwater was found to be neutral to slightly alkaline (6.88-8.45) with high EC (471-1569 µS/cm) and TDS (289-1042 mg/L). Of the total samples analysed, 41.18% contained As > 10µg/L, 13.73% contained As < 10µg/L, while in the rest of the samples As was found to be below detectable limit. Severe As contamination was reported mainly in six blocks of the study area- Pallia, Nighasan, Dhawahara, Ramia Beher, Isanagar and Nakaha. The highly contaminated block was Pallia where all the samples contained As above permissible limit. However, maximum As concentration (0.224 mg/L) was reported from a deep well handpump of village Dubha from Nighasan block. Both Shallow and deep bore handpumps were analysed to study the distribution pattern of As with depth. No systematic relationship was found. Arsenic showed insignificant correlation with EC, TDS, TH, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , HCO3 - , NO3 - Cl - and SO4 2- but poor correlation with Fe (r 2 = 0.391) and pH (r 2 = 0.018). Factor analysis was applied to reveal the processes controlling the hydrochemistry of groundwater and to understand the factors responsible for the release of As in groundwater of the study area. Extensive study in the affected areas advocates that the leaching of Arsenic in underground water is controlled by the magnitude of oxidizing environmental conditions created in the affected zones where As (III) oxidized to As (V) is introduced in the aquifers and gets adsorbed on iron
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact strength of nylon-6 was improved by using a co-rotating twin screw extruder with cloisite 30B and nanoclay, and the tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus were obtained.
Abstract: India) Abstract: Nylon6 is having low impact strength. To improve the impact strength nylon6 is modified with TPUR and nanoclays. Nylon-6 was melt mixed with nanoclay (1%, 3%, & 5%) and then melt blended with TPUR (Thermoplastic Poly Urethane Rubber) (15%) using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Nanoclays used are Cloisite Na + (sodium montmorillonite)(MMT) and Cloisite 30B (organically modified montmorillonite) (O-MMT). Test specimens were made by using an injection molding machine for mechanical and thermal properties evaluation. Generally, higher tensile Strength, flexural strength and modulus were obtained with Cloisite 30B than that of Cloisite Na + since Cloisite 30B has more compatibility due to -OH groups present in the organic modifier. For 5% formulations, the flexural modulus is higher, and impact strength is lower. 1% cloisite 30B shows highest impact strength (33% Higher). The Tensile modulus is 16% higher with 5% Cloisite 30B. The elongation at break was lowered very much with cloisite30B from 185 % to 4%. The SEM micro photographs shows that the TPUR and Nylon6 are compatible and also in presence of the both type of nanofillers. DSC also confirms that nylon6-TPUR and nanocompsites with 30B are compatible. The XRD shows the intercalation of cloisite 30B of clay at 1 % and 3%. But at 5% clay incorporation it is not much intercalated. The thermal stability were improved for both types of nano composites as determined by TGA. The flammabililty test shows that cloisite Na + filled composites were having UL 94 V2; but, Cloisite 30B filled
TL;DR: A rainfall of pH 3.5 was reported in Mumbai as mentioned in this paper, where acid rain has also been reported in India and the air pollution levels are steadily rising in the metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai.
Abstract: Acid rain affects each and every components of ecosystem. Acid rain also damages man-made materials and structures Acid rain is one of the most serious environmental problems emerged due to air pollution Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen and ozone to some extent are the primary causes of acid rain. These pollutants originate from human activities such as combustion of burnable waste, fossil fuels in thermal power plants and automobiles. These constituents interact with reactants present in the atmosphere and result into acid deposition Due to the interaction of these acids with other constituents of the atmosphere, protons are released causing increase in the soil acidity, lowering of soil pH mobilizes and leaches away nutrient cations and increases availability of toxic heavy metals. Such changes in the soil chemical characteristics reduce the soil fertility, which ultimately causes the negative impact on growth and productivity of forest trees and crop plants. Acid rain has also been reported in India. A rainfall of pH 3.5 was reported in Mumbai. The air pollution levels are steadily rising in the metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai. Acid rain problem in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and southern coastal India has been predicted to lead to infertile soil. Acid rain makes the water bodies acidic. The amphibians are also affected by acidification of water bodies .At low pH, many species of amphibians including frogs, toads and salamander are particularly sensitive. Indirect effect of acid rain on human health involves toxic heavy metals because these are liberated from soil when soil gets acidified. The most common heavy metals are Al, Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, Mn and Fe. These mobilized contaminants are dissolved in soil and water make their way to groundwater that is drunk by humans and contaminate the food (Fish, meat, and vegetables) eaten by humans .These heavy metals get accumulated in the body and resulted into various health problems like dry coughs, asthma, headache, eye, nose and throat irritations. Acid rain problem has been tackled to some extent in the developed world by reducing the emission of the gases causing acid rain.
TL;DR: A new Schiff base has been synthesized from 3-(3-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4carbaldehyde and O-amino phenol.
Abstract: A new Schiff base has been synthesized from 3-(3-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4carbaldehyde and O-amino phenol. Metal complexes of the Schiff base have been synthesized from acetate salt of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) metal in the alcoholic medium. The newly prepared Schiff base ligand and metal complexes have been characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as Elemental analysis, Magnetic moment, molar conductance method, UV/ Visible, IR, H NMR, C NMR spectral technique and thermo gravimetric studies. On the basis of elemental and spectral studies, six coordinated geometry was assigned to these complexes. In the presence of these results, it is suggested that this ligand act as a bidentate ligand. UV/Visible, IR and TGA studies confirmed the presence of the coordinated water molecules in the metal complexes.
TL;DR: In this article, a modification of natural zeolite (ZA) produced in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, as well as metal supported onto the ZAA for hydrocracking catalysts of polyethylene terephthalat (PET) have been conducted.
Abstract: Characterization and modification of natural zeolite (ZA) produced in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, as well as metal supported onto the zeolite for hydrocracking catalysts of polyethylene terephthalat (PET) have been conducted. The natural zeolite was refluxed in HCl 3M for 30 min., drying and heated in a microwave produced the ZAA sample. The transition metal such as Cu, Cr, Ni, or Pd was loaded into the ZAA sample under reflux in methanol using salt precursor of each metal, produced the Cu/ZAA, Cr/ZAA, Ni/ZAA, and Pd/ZAA catalysts. The zeolite based samples were characterized by means of determination of acidity by vapor adsorption of NH3 and pyridine, catalyst crystalinity by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area by surface area analyzer NOVA-1000 and TO4 (T= Si and Al) site by Infra Red Spectrophotometer (IR). The PET was pyrolyzed in 350 oC produced liquid fraction as a feed for hydrocracking process. The hydrocracking of the PET was carried out in a fixed bed reactor of stainless steel at temperature of 350 o C, H2 flow rate of 20 mL/min., feed/catalyst ratio of 10. Liquid products of the hydrocracking were analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The characterization results showed that the Indonesian natural zeolite produced in Sukabumi consisted mainly of mordenite crystalline. The HCl treatment towards the natural zeolite caused dealumination, increased its acidity and surface area. Loading of Ni, Cu, Cr, or Pd metal on to the zeolite did not affect the zeolite crystallinity. However, the metal loading decreased surface area of the zeolite. Products of the hydrocracking were liquid, coke, and gas fractions. The liquid products consisted mainly of gasoline fraction (C5-C12). The highest liquid product conversion was produced by the Pd/ZAA catalyst, i.e. 34.05 wt. %, with selectivity towards gasoline fractions was 97.99 wt. %.
TL;DR: In this paper, the metal levels in both the soil and vegetation samples in all the sites were significantly higher than the levels obtained in the control site which is suggestive of significant contribution of the industries to these elevated levels.
Abstract: Soil and vegetation samples collected from the vicinities of wood processing industries from selected parts of Delta State, Nigeria were analyzed for their metal levels and physicochemical properties inorder to assess the impact of the industries on the surrounding environment. The pH values ranged from 4.9 to 6.0 indicating that the soils were acidic. The electrical conductivity values ranged from 54.80 to 75.90uScm which is suggestive of significant concentration of soluble inorganic salts. The total organic carbon and total nitrogen ranging from 0.25 to 0.45% and from 0.11 to 0.69% respectively showed some presence of degradable and compostable materials as well as organic matters in the soils. The cation exchange capacity which ranged from 1.23 to 3.95cmolkg -1 indicated the low capacity of the soils to adsorb metals. The mean levels of the heavy metals in the soils ranged from 12.69 to 272 mgkg -1 with abundance trend of Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > As > Cr > Pb > Cd while those of the vegetation ranged from 4.17 to 47.10mgkg -1 with abundance trend of Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > As. The metal levels in both the soil and vegetation samples in all the sites were significantly higher than the levels obtained in the control site which is suggestive of significant contribution of the industries to these elevated levels. The contamination/pollution index values of the metals in the soil samples showed generally contamination levels for all the metals except copper which showed moderate pollution. The soil plant transfer values indicate medium, accumulation for all the metals. Although the overall results showed evidence of contamination of the soils by heavy metals, the present levels do not pose any environmental risk or health hazard.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of different home storage conditions and preservation on some chemical constituents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were investigated for changes in total solid, insoluble solid, pH, sugar, salt content, ascorbic acid and ash contents.
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different home storage conditions and preservation on some chemical constituents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The experiment involved three post-harvest treatments comprising of fruits without preservative used as the control, fruits preserved with groundnut oil and fruits preserved with salt. All these were further divided into sub samples and subjected to different home storage conditions for the period of 8 weeks. The tomato samples were evaluated for changes in total solid, insoluble solid, pH, sugar, salt content, ascorbic acid and ash contents. Results obtained indicated that total soluble solid, insoluble solid, pH, sugar, salt, ascorbic acid and ash contents of fresh and dehydrated samples decreased with different storage conditions while their acidity showed an increase. Powdered tomato samples were found to withstand long term storage and their chemical constituents showed minimal change over the period of the study. The results revealed that preservation by powdering technique proved to be a better technique and worthy of further industrial investigation.
TL;DR: Wool and nylon fabrics were dyed using four different types of acid dyes of various colours as discussed by the authors : Lugani 101 (black), brown 3RG, nylomine (navy blue), methyl orange.
Abstract: Wool and nylon fabrics were dyed using four different types of acid dyes of various colours i.e Lugani 101 (black), brown 3RG, nylomine (navy blue), methyl orange. Generally both wool and nylon fabrics exhibited higher percentage exhaustion. Relatively, nylon showed higher percentage exhaustion compared to wool. Also the dyed wool and nylon fabrics possess good fastness towards bleaching rubbing, pressing and perspiration but poor fastness to higher and washing. Keywords - Acid dyes, exhaustion, fastness, nylon, wool,
TL;DR: The correlation between the glucose and biochemical parameters in female patients was positive significant correlated with Creatinine, Alkaline phosphate, ALT and AST, but non- significant with Urea, but in males the correlation betweenthe glucose and all biochemical parameters even Urea was negative.
Abstract: In individuals who have diabetes type 2, they are a higher incidence of liver function test abnormalities than individuals who do not have diabetes. The most common liver function tests ( LFTs) include the serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time. Aminotransferases, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), measure the concentration of intracellular hepatic enzymes that have leaked into the circulation and serve as a marker of hepatocyte injury. The study was done on (55) blood samples which divided in two groups: first group was (40) the patients (diabetic typeII ) (25 females &15 males) and the second was (15) the control group which( 8 females &7 males) , glucose , Urea, Creatinine, Alkaline phosphates ,ALT and AST were measured in these groups. there is no significant difference between females and males in controls and patients, there is significant difference between the controls group and the patients and the correlation between the glucose and biochemical parameters in female patients was glucose levels were positive significant correlated with Creatinine, Alkaline phosphate, ALT and AST, but non- significant with Urea, but In males the correlation between the glucose and all biochemical parameters even Urea. As conclusions there is relationship between the glucose and biochemical parameters above .
TL;DR: In this paper, a white nitrogen-doped titania was used for photocatalytic reaction in the presence of a nitrogen source from urea, and the titania catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET Surface area, UV-Vis DRS,TEM and XPS.
Abstract: In order to utilize visible light in a photocatalytic reaction, yellow nitrogen-doped titania was prepared by sol-gel method in mild condition, with the elemental nitrogen source from urea.The titania catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET Surface area, UV-Vis DRS,TEM and XPS . The results showed that all titania catalysts were anatase and doping of nitrogen extended the absorption into visible light region. Photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was evaluated based on the photodegradation of 2,4-D in aqueous solution under visible light. The experiments demonstrated that the nitrogen-doped titania exhibited higher visible-light activity compared to undoped one.
TL;DR: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the seed was carried on the extracts, which reveals that alkaloids, glycoside, flavonoids and Saponin were present in both the hexane and methanolic extract of moringa oleifera seed.
Abstract: Moringa oleifera possesses high nutritional value and has been used in folklore medicine to treat various ailments related to pain and inflammation, chemical pharmacological and pharmacognostical application. The extract was gotten by adding 500ml of hexane to 120g of the grounded moringa oleifera seed , follow by ethyl acetate and methanol to the recovery sample of Moringa seed in order of their increase polarity. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the seed was carried on the extracts, which reveals that alkaloids, Glycoside, flavonoids and Saponin were present in both the hexane and methanolic extract of moringa oleifera seed. Majority of the extracts contained the secondary metabolite such as alkaloid, glycoside, flavonoid,tannins, saponin, steroid and reducing sugar which make the seed of Moringa oleifera to posses the
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the management of pension in Nigeria by analyzing the various pension reforms introduced by Gowon, Abacha and Babangida for the purpose of finding out to what extent these reforms have proved effective in tackling those problems that account for the delay in the payment of pension which has remained the bane of pension management.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of pension in the country by analyzing the various pension reforms introduced by Gowon, Abacha and Babangida for the purpose of finding out to what extent these reforms have proved effective in tackling those problems that account for the delay in the payment of pension which has remained the bane of pension management in Nigeria. This formed the basis for critical evaluation of the new contributory pension scheme introduced during Obasanjo regime with a view to determining its ability to arrest the problem of irregular payment of pension. It is believed that the appraisal of the new reform will improve strategies needed to achieve more positive result in carrying out this study. The history of the Nigerian Pensions administration dates back to the 1950s.The Pension Reforms Act of 2004 brought into limelight the new pension scheme in Nigeria which is a defined contributory scheme unlike the old scheme which was largely defined benefits. Although the new scheme is being adjudged to be better than the old scheme in that, it is expected to correct the deficiencies and inadequacies prevalent in the old scheme, it advocated that only proper coordination, supervision and regulation of the pension Industry in Nigeria will make it to happen.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of petroleum product on the soil samples in automobile engineering workshops at eight different points in osun state were investigated, and the results indicated the favorable natural mechanism of high uptake of the metals.
Abstract: Effects of petroleum product were investigated on the soil samples in automobile engineering workshops at eight different points in osun state. Composite samples were taken at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm, therefore a total of sixteen samples were considered. From the properties determined, it was shown by the result that the soil samples were acidic. The P H ranged from 4.61 - 6.25 and 4.30-7.45 EC,49.40-8500 (µ/cm) and 40.20-357(µs/cm) 2 CEC, 1.00-168.25(meq/100g) and 2.10- 17.65 (meq/100g), TOC,0.83-40.22% and 0.10-3.75%, SAR,0.10- 0.98 and 0.12-0.60, Total nitrogen 0.05-0.20% and 0.02- 0.64%. The concentrations of heavy metals were also determined and the result indicates the favourable natural mechanism of high uptake of the metals.
TL;DR: In this article, a microwave-assisted efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of bis-, tris(indolyl)methanes and di- bis(indylmethane by the reaction of indoles with aldehydes in presence of fruit juice of Citrus limon as catalyst under under solvent-free conditions is reported.
Abstract: Microwave-assisted efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of bis-, tris(indolyl)methanes and di- bis(indolyl)methanes by the reaction of indoles with aldehydes in presence of fruit juice of Citrus limon as catalyst under under solvent-free conditions is reported. The advantages of the protocol are the use of green and inexpensive catalyst, commercially available precursors, simple work-up procedures, high yields and short reaction times.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesized and characterized some lanthanide picrates (Ln 3+ = Pr 3+, Nd 3+ and Dy 3+ ) with benzo-18crown-6 and 221-cryptand and compared the results with those of the broad spectrum antibiotic Chloramphinicol.
Abstract: Complexes of some lanthanide picrates (Ln 3+ = Pr 3+ , Nd 3+ and Dy 3+ ) with benzo-18-crown-6 and 221-cryptand were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, and UV-Visible. Spectrophotometric methods, thermal analysis (TGA & DTG), melting point, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance. Also an in-vitro study on gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella and pseudomonas aeruginosa) was performed and the results were compared to those of the broad spectrum antibiotic Chloramphinicol. The benzo-18-crown-6 complexes have the general formula of (Ln.L.(Pic)2)Pic.nH2O , where; (Ln 3+ = Pr 3+ , Nd 3+ , and Dy 3+ ) , (L = Benzo-18-crown-6) , (Pic = Picrate anion) , (n = 1-2). In these complexes two picrate anions are coordinated to the metal ion through the phenolic oxygen and oxygen of the ortho nitro group, thus, the metal ions in these complexes have a coordination number of (10). The complexes of 221-cryptand have the general formula of (Ln.L.(Pic))Pic2.nH2O where; (Ln 3+ = Pr 3+ , Nd 3+ , and Dy 3+ ), (L = 221-cryptand), (Pic = Picrate anion), (n = 1,2 or 7). In these complexes one picrate anion is coordinated to the metal ion, also through the phenolic oxygen and the oxygen from the ortho nitro group, thus the metal ions in the cryptand complexes have a coordination number of (9).