Proceedings
18th - 23rd September, 2016
Law faculty, Rivers State University of Science & Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigera.
Nigeria
Using index models for heavy metal pollution estimation of sediments from Bomu and Oginigba rivers
Sediments collected from Bomu and Oginigba rivers were treated according to recommended standards and subsequently analyzed for heavy metals and further tested with index models. The results showed that all the metals examined were higher than the recommended upper limits in sediments by China and USEPA except lead in the Oginigba River and cadmium in both rivers. In both rivers, all the metals, copper (Cu), nickel...
Characterization and distributions of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soils of oil sand deposits area of Ondo State, Nigeria
The concentration, distribution profile and possible sources of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil of oil sand deposits in Ondo Southwest Nigeria were investigated to determine the present level of contamination prior to exploitation of the oil sand deposits. Surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from Ilubinrin, Agbabu and Oloda communities. The level and distribution of polyaromatic...
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from Hura crepitans Linn seed shells
Activated carbons were thermally prepared from Hura Crepitan L. seed shells. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were separately used as the activating agents. The activated carbons obtained were characterized by determining the percentage yield, moisture content, ash content and percentage fixed carbon. The adsorption of methylene blue by the activated carbon was done using 0.1 to 0.5 g of the activated...
Corrosion inhibition properties of Commiphora africana (a. rich.) engl. gum exudates on mild steel in alkaline medium
The effect of Commiphora africana (CA) gum exudates on the corrosion of mild steel in 2.5 M Na2CO3 has been studied using weight loss (gravimetric) and thermometric methods at 303 and 333 K. Results obtained suggest that C. africana acts as a good corrosion inhibitor as the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in the concentration of the inhibitor. A decrease in the %I was observed with increase in temperature...
Comparison of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Al) in human scalp hair: A case study of Port Harcourt and Okigwe
The proliferation of industries has led to increased presence of heavy metals in our environment and, humans are continually exposed to these heavy metals through their engagements in different industrial activities. The current study is designed to make a comparative assessment of the level of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Al) in the hair scalp of humans living in industrialized and unindustrialized cities of Port...
The effect of extracts of crinum jugas on the acute toxicity of the Vernonia amygdalina root poisoned guinea pigs
The toxicity of Vernonia amygdalina root and enzymatic activities of Crinum jagus extracts on guinea pigs were investigated. The cold water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were used to evaluate the effect of VA root poison on the aspartate transaminante, alanine transaminante and alkaline phosphatise enzymes activities in the serum/liver of guinea pigs. No death of guinea pigs were recorded neither in the...
Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Justicia spicigera extracts: Activity enhancement by addition of metal salts
Justicia spicigera was screened for its phytochemicals. The results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins and steroids. Extracts of J. spicigera prepared with solvents of different polarities (n-Hexane, Chloroform, Methanol, and Ethyl acetate) was used to analyze the antibacterial properties in the absence and in the presence of metal salts. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using...
Delonix regia extracts as non – toxic corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of mild steel in HCl solution
The corrosion inhibition properties of Delonix regia leaf extract (DLE), flower extract (DFE) and seed extract (DSE) in 0. 5 M HCl solutions were studied using weight loss technique. D. regia extracts inhibited the corrosion of mild steel in HCl solution. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the extracts at 30°C. The seed extract (DSE) was found to be more effective than both the leaf...
Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of new mannich base 1-((4-chlorophenyl)(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-YL) methyl) urea
A new mannich base 1-((4-chlorophenyl)(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl) urea has been synthesized from the condensation of succinimide, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde and urea. The compound has been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, FTIR, 1HNMR 13C NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. The compound was tested for its antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and...
Assessment of physicochemical properties of clay samples obtained from Ashaka, Potiskum and Tango (NIGERIA) and a commercial bentonite obtained from Kofar Ruwa Market
Samples of clays suspected to be bentonite were obtained from Ashaka, Tongo and Potiskum, Nigeria and a commercial bentonite obtained from Kofar Ruwa market, Kano State were investigated for some of their physicochemical properties. These determinations were carried out on the wet beneficiated clay samples. The results were compared with results obtained from other studies on bentonite clays. The moisture content, pH,...
Nanotechnology and implementation in natural products green chemistry processes
Nanotechnology, already showing great potential for application in environmental protection has been suggested to be able to provide green and effective alternatives for the management of insect pests in agriculture and post harvest processes. This is in an effort to reduce the hazardous effects of previously used non-biodegradable substances on humans and the environment. The paper will discuss emerging...
Characterization of beach water and its effect on nearby groundwater quality in Eti-osa and Ibeju-lekki local government areas, of Lagos State, Nigeria
Groundwater in Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki local government areas of Lagos state were investigated for the effects of beach water influence on adjacent aquifers. Beach water and Borehole samples at distances of 40-50 m and 100-150 m from adjacent beaches in the study areas were taken and analysed for pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Salinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO3- , NO3-, Cl-SO42-,...
Production of methylester (biodiesel) using melon seed oil as a raw material
The production of the methyl ester was carried out using raw melon seed oil as a raw material through the process of transesterification. The most important variable which influences the transesterification reaction time and conversion were put into consideration. Key words: Biodisel, transeterification, methyl ester.
Sorption kinetics of methylene blue on adsorbents derived from Delonix regia seed pods and Vigna subterranea fruit hulls
Kinetics of methylene blue adsorption on adsorbents prepared from Delonix regia seed pods (DRSP) and Vigna subterranea fruit hulls (VSFH) were investigated. Characterization of the adsorbents indicated that the points of zero charge (PZC) of DRSP and VSFH are 5.30 and 4.80 respectively. Optimum removal efficiencies of methylene blue by DRSP and VSFH occurred at pH of 8.00 and 11.00 respectively. For both DRSP and VSFH,...
Groundwater qualityin Okitipupa township of Ondo State, Nigeria
This study was conducted to assess the quality of groundwater in Okitipupa (Okpa), the head quarter of Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard methods while metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The pH range (Mean ± SD) are 8.5- 11.2 (10.1 ± 0.9), the Electrical Conductivity range are 1095- 1932 (1503...
Isolation and characterization of 2, 4-dihydroxycinnamic acid from the stem bark of Adina microcephala Delile
Adina microcephala which belongs to the family Rubiaceae is widely distributed in Africa. It is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea and other stomach or digestive tract problems. A microcephala stem bark was collected, identified, dried and pulverized. The pulverized plant material was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether (60-80°C), chloroform, ethyl acetate and...
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of leaf, stem-back and root extracts of Alstonia boonei
Medicinal plants have had a crucial role in human culture and civilization. Alstonia boonei De Wild is a medicinal plant commonly found in West African and is popularly known as God's tree. The plant parts have been traditionally used for painkiller, antimicrobial, antimalarial and antidiabetic which have also been proved scientifically. Previous studies revealed little information on phytochemcial components of A....
Kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation of chlorendic acid (flame retardant) in aqueous TiO2 suspension
Kinetics of the Photocatalytic degradation of chlorendic acid [1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7-hexachlorobicyclo-(2, 2, 1)- hept-5-ene-2, 3-dicarboxylic acid], a flame retardant found in the environment, has been investigated in aqueous heterogeneous solutions using TiO2 (Degussa P-25) powder in the presence of artificial ultraviolet radiation and oxygen. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with detector set at 221 nm was...
Low cost/waste catalyst for fatty acid methyl ester production
Non-edible crude karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil (CKO) with high free fatty acid (FFA) content was used as effective renewable feedstock for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production. Calcium feldspar clay, a rare compositional variety of plagioclase clay, a low cost, abundant earth resource, containing over 90% CaO and belonging to the class of anorthite clay was used as heterogeneous catalyst in direct conversion of...
Levels, spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of Cadmium and Lead in surface soil of Nsukka industrial cluster areas, South-East Nigeria
Surface soil samples collected from four Industrial work sites in Nsukka Urban Industrial cluster areas, South- East Nigeria were investigated for levels, spatial distribution and ecological risk of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). A total of 200 samples were analysed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) following wet digestion using 65% Nitric acid. The results revealed Cadmium and lead concentration levels...
Assessment of rainwater quality of Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria
The physiochemical and bacteriological quality of rain water in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State was studied using standard method of analysis. The result obtained indicated that the mean and standard deviation of temperature, pH, turbidity, total alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium were found to be 25.03 ± 0.82°C, 6.08 ± 0.34, 3.13 ± 0.64 NTU, 22.85 ± 6.45 mg/l, 5.76 ±...
Effect of advance organizers in the teaching of Chemistry in secondary schools: A case study of Anambra State
This study examined the effect of advance organizers on secondary school students' academic achievement in chemistry and their scientific attitude. It used the pre-test post-test control group quasi-experimental design with eighty-four senior secondary 2 (SS2) chemistry students as subjects selected from two sampled schools. Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) and Scientific Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) were the...
Extraction and characterization of magnesium chloride from different brackish water sources in Rivers state
Magnesium chloride, an important source of magnesium, chlorine and other related products was extracted from brackish water obtained from Kaa, Eagle Island, Opobo and Iwofe water fronts in Rivers State using conventional methods. This involved the concentration of the sea water from 10 L to below 1 L before reacting with CaO to precipitate Mg(OH)2.The precipitates were washed, filtered and dissolved in 200 ml of 1.0 M...
Petrochemicals: Upstream to plastic industry using ideas, methods, developments and procedures in developing countries
Plastic still remains today the real driving force of the petrochemical industry. Petrochemical is a branch of Chemistry that employs hydrocarbons, Oil and Gas as raw materials. This scientific research work clearly reveals that the petrochemical industry produces polymers (Plastics, Synthetic Fibres and Rubber), Detergents, Fertilizers, Fine Chemicals as well as alternative fuels. It dwells extensively and specifically...
Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of potassium trisoxalatoferrate(iii) by permanganate ion in aqueous hydrochloric acid medium
The kinetics and mechanisms of the oxidation k3[Fe(C2O4)3].3H2O by permanganate ion in acid solution has been studied. The data are consistent with the rate law: d[Fe(C2O4)3-]/dt (a + b [H+])[Fe2(C2O4)3[MnO4] with a = 0.12 s-1 and b = 1.35 dm6 mol2 s-1, at T = 27.0±1.0°C,[H+] = 0.2 mol dm-3, I= 0.2 mol dm-3 (NaCl), and ëmax = 420 nm. There is evidence for the formation of an intermediate complex of...
Studies on the molar ratios of optimal interactions of NR-PVC blend using IR spectroscopy
Blends of Natural Rubber (NR) and poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) were made by the liquid-liquid technique. The analytical study was carried out by the means of Infra- Red spectroscopy. The aim of the research is to locate blend compositions of optimal interaction, between the components. Using frequency method the functional groups of optimal interactions were; C-Cl, C=C, and CH3. The result obtained for establishing the...
Synthesis and evaluation of substituted benzimidazole motifs for preliminary antimicrobial drug target
Benzimidazole scaffolds are structural isosteres of naturally occurring nucleotides which allows them to interact with the biopolymers and enzymatic sites of living systems. The aim of this present work is to synthesize selected 2-alkanamino-benzimidazole derivatives in order to investigate their antimicrobial efficiency for possible future drug development. The series of targeted compounds were conventionally...
Chemical constituents of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.) and anti- hepatotoxic activity of the leaves and stem bark extracts
The use of natural products derived from plants for therapeutic purpose is as ancient as human civilization. Sandbox tree, Hura crepitans L. (Euphorbiaceae) is one of such plant and has been reported to have many ethnomedicinal applications especially as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antihepatotoxic effects. This recent study was designed to determine the anti-hepatotoxic activity of the ethylacetate soluble...
Heterogeneous catalytic efficiency of silica sulfuric acid toward the synthesis of substituted pyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives
Pyrimidine template is a highly privileged motif for the development of molecules of biological and pharmaceutical interest due to its prebiotic nature to life. This present study deals with the synthesis of pyrimidin- 2(1H)-one derivative from chalcones by the action of silica supported sulfuric acid (SSA) or conventional refluxed in concentrated hydrochloric acid. The chemical structures were confirmed by analytical...
Synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition of Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) complexes derived from nicotinic acid hydrazide
Metal complexes formed by the reactions of nicotinic acid hydrazide (NAH) with copper (II), cobalt (II), nickel (II), and zinc (II) sulphate ions were prepared and characterized by their infrared, electronic, magnetic moment, elemental analysis, solubility, molar conductivity, and melting point as well as their corrosion inhibition properties using the weight loss method (WLM). Key words: Ligand, Metal...
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Blighia sapida
Blighia sapida is a medicinal plant whose fruits and leaves possess therapeutic properties. This research is aimed at identifying the phytochemical constituents present in the leaves. The plant leaves were extracted with n- hexane and methanol. Phytochemical screening was carried out on both extracts while only the methanolic extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. The...
Assessment of some metals in roadside dust from Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
Roadside dust samples were collected from commercial and residential areas in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria for the determination of Cr, Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cd, As and Zn. Sample preparation and digestion were carried out using standard procedures. The samples were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion with aqua regia. The levels of Cr, Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cd, As and Zn were...
