Mechanism and Isotherm Modeling of Effective Adsorption of Malachite Green as Endocrine Disruptive Dye using Acid Functionalized Maize Cob (AFMC)

Cationic Malachite green has been identified as a candidate of endocrine disruptive compound found in the environment. In this study, the mechanism and isotherm modeling of effective adsorption of cationic malachite green dye onto acid functionalized maize cob (AFMC) was investigated by batch technique. The operational parameters such as initial concentration (100 – 600 mg/L); contact time (10 – 120 mins) and pH (3 – 10) influenced the removal efficiency and quantity adsorbed. Maximum of 99.3% removal efficiency was obtained at optimum conditions. AFMC physicochemical properties (surface area 1329 m2 /g and particle size 300μm0.97 and consistently low values of SSE, X2, HYBRID and MSPD adsorption statistical error functions (ASEF), equilibrium data were best fitted to Freundlich isotherm. Kinetic data were best described by pseudo second-order model with consistent R2 >0.98 and validated by ASEF. The mechanism of process was better described by intraparticle diffusion. Evidence of adsorption process was confirmed by change in morphology and surface chemistry determined by SEM and FTIR respectively. The performance of AFMC enlisted it as a sustainable and promising low-cost adsorbent from agro-residue for treatment of endocrine disruptive dye polluted water

Evaluating the Drying Characteristics of Paddy Rice Using Superheated Steam Dryer

It has been recorded in literature that superheated steam has the ability to combine the parboiling operation (steaming and drying) of paddy (Oryza sativa - UPL1) rice into a single unit. According to literature, this process has not been fully explored and implemented in rice processing. In this research work, superheated steam dryer was used to parboil (steam and dry) paddy rice. Soaking time and temperature used was 12hours at 60o C, with steaming time ranging from 10 to 24mins, while the drying conditions used were; temperature (160, 170 and 180o C), bed depth (1, 3 and 5cm) and tempering time (20 and 40 minutes). In addition, paddy rice was dried from initial moisture content ranging from 26-43% (d.b) to a final moisture content of 2 – 8% (d.b). It was observed that the milled rice yield ranged from 71.32 to 94.5%, head rice yield ranged from 70.5 and 90.6%, broken rice ranged from 3.2 to 7.7%, chalkiness ranged from 3.4 to 10.6% and drying capacity ranged from 0.1 to 0.36kg/h. The results obtained shows that drying with superheated steam can be used to improve rice qualit

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCUST BEAN SEED DEHULLING CUM WASHING MACHINE

A wet locust bean seeds (Parkia biglobosa) dehulling and washing machine was developed to reduce the drudgery attached to traditional dehulling of the seeds which are processed for use as condiments and flavors’ for food in many African countries. The machine consisted of dehulling and washing units, the dehulling mechanism obtains its drive from a 0.38 kW gear motor of 30 - 50 rpm. The dehulling shaft; has rods arranged concentrically to break seed coat and radial fan-like blades used as a stirrer. The dehuller cum washer was evaluated based on the boiling time of the seeds on an electric cooker. The result indicated that the efficiency of the machine increased linearly with an increase in boiling time. The throughput capacity decreased with an increase in boiling time and moisture content decreased with an increase in boiling time from the sixth hour. Dehulling efficiency ranged from 59.7 to 68%, and cleaning efficiency ranged from 83.4 to 87.4 % while the average throughput capacity was 108 kg/hr

Development of a self-propelled multi-crop two rows precision planter: A new design concept for the metering mechanism

Seed planting is a major step in crop production stages that requires timeliness of operation. It is tedious, less efficient and time-consuming especially when done manually. In this research, a motorized self-propelled multi-crop precision planter with new metering mechanism design concept was developed to address the constraints associated with the manual forms of seed planting using locally available materials. The planter was designed to drop a precise number of seeds at regular intervals mainly for maize, cowpea, and soybean. The machine was evaluated based on performance in the field for its field efficiency, field capacity and percentage of seed damage during operation. Performance evaluation was carried out on a sandy loam soil at the Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm using a 2.2 kW petrol engine as the prime mover. The investigations involved three levels of speed of 4.10, 6.14, and 8.25 km/hr in order to establish the best working speed for the machine. Results obtained showed that the speed of operation has an effect on the performance indices investigated. Best field performance of the planter was obtained at 8.25 km/hr working speed with a field efficiency of 81.2%, minimal seed damage and field capacity of 0.1 ha/hr. The planter was able to correct the problems associated with the manual methods of seed planting such as poor seed placement, poor spacing efficiency, and serious farm drudgery

Assessment of rice processing operations in Ekiti State, Nigeria

An investigation survey was carried out to examine factors affecting processing and quality of rice in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Nine major towns were selected from six Local Government Areas involved in rice production in the State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from three hundred (300) rice processors. Findings revealed that 47% of the processors were males and 53% are females, 66.7% of the processors have family size ranged within 4 to 7 persons, 63.78% of them have only primary education and 22.67% have no formal education, 70% of rice is gotten from middle men and 80% of the processors used their personal savings as capitals. 70% of the milling machines used was obsolete being single pass type characterized with high broken grains and 90% of the processors depend on diesel engines to power the mills while 7% had access to good storage facilities. None of the processors had accesses to a rice destoner. The result obtained is used to improve the processing deficiency of rice in Ekiti State. Key words: Rice processing; milling machines; rice processors; storage facilities; power sourc

RICE PROCESSING OPERATIONS

An investigation survey was carried out to examine factors affecting processing and quality of rice in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Nine major towns were selected from six Local Government Areas involved in rice production in the State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from three hundred (300) rice processors. Findings revealed that 47% of the processors were males and 53% are females, 66.7% of the processors have family size ranged within 4 to 7 persons, 63.78% of them have only primary education and 22.67% have no formal education, 70% of rice is gotten from middle men and 80% of the processors used their personal savings as capitals. 70% of the milling machines used was obsolete being single pass type characterized with high broken grains and 90% of the processors depend on diesel engines to power the mills while 7% had access to good storage facilities. None of the processors had accesses to a rice de�stoner. The result obtained is used to improve the processing deficiency of rice in Ekiti State

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCUST BEAN SEED DEHULLING CUM WASHING MACHINE

A wet locust bean seeds (Parkia biglobosa) dehulling and washing machine was developed to reduce drudgery attached to traditional dehulling of the seeds which are processed for use as condiment and flavours’ for food in many African countries. The machine consisted of dehulling and washing units, the dehulling mechanism obtains its drive from a 0.38 kW gear motor of 30 - 50 rpm. The dehulling shaft; has rods arranged concentrically to break seed coat and radial fan - like blades used as stirrer. The dehuller cum washer was evaluated based on boiling time of the seeds on an electric cooker. The result indicated that efficiency of the machine increased linearly with increase in boiling time. The throughput capacity decreased with increase in boiling time and moisture content decreased with increase in boiling time from the sixth hour. Dehulling efficiency ranged from 59.7 to 68 %, and cleaning efficiency ranged from 83.4 to 87.4 % while average throughput capacity was 108 kg/hr

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF VARIOUS BIOMASS USED IN ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

The challenge of sufficient sources of energy, the high cost of the available sources, and the emission of greenhouse gases harmful to both man and his surroundings amongst others, Initiate the need for renewable sources of energy that are available and affordable. This study focuses on the physicochemical properties of the substrate and digestate of biomass (fruit waste with sheep dung and food waste with human excreta). The hydraulic retention time was 30 days, within the mesophillic temperature range (30 – 40ºC) using a digester with 25 liter capacity, the biomass used was mechanically pre-treated. The pH of the medium reduced progressively from 7.75 to 7.45 and 7.4 to 7.25 for fruit waste with sheep dung and for food waste with human excreta respectively. This study shows that the synthesis of fruit waste with sheep dung and food waste with human excreta can produce sufficient carbon that will accelerate effective gas generation as an alternative energy source in Nigeria. Additionally, from the values of the physicochemical properties (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), the biomass is a good replacement for the conventional chemical fertilizer used on farms which are more expensive to come b

Energy Requisite and Drying Capacity of a Superheated Steam Dryer

This research was carried out to determine the energy requisite in terms of the specific thermal energy consumption, the specific electrical energy consumption and the drying capacity of a superheated steam dryer. The superheated stream dryer consists of a boiler housing, steam transfer pipes made of galvanized steel, super-heater made up of two (2) heater bands of 4000W (used to convert saturated steam to superheated steam), superheated chamber made of galvanized steel, the drying chamber made using stainless steel, a PID temperature controller (for regulating the temperature of superheated steam) as well as a water heater of 1500W to raise the temperature of water to saturation temperature. The result observed revealed that, drying capacity ranged from 0.1 to 0.36 kg/h, specific thermal energy consumption ranged from 9.22 to 19.99 kJ/kg and specific electrical energy consumption ranged from 15.41 to 57.17kWh/kg as influenced by temperatures of 160-180 0 C, bed depths of 1 to 5 cm and tempering time of 20 and 40 minutes. Results obtained proves that drying paddy rice in a superheated steam dryer in comparison with hot air dryer has lesser energy consumption and saves operational cost

Effect of polishing duration on physical, milling, cooking, and sensory properties of a novel mix‐colored Nigerian parboiled rice

Background and objectives Polishing is a step of milling process to produce white rice. It influences rice quality. This study evaluates the effect of increased polishing duration (0, 1, 2, and 3 min) on the physical, milling, cooking, and sensory properties of novel mix‐coloured Nigerian rice. These quality parameters influence the consumers’ choice. Findings Polishing duration had a significant effect on the physical, milling, cooking, and sensory properties of the milled rice. As the polishing duration increased, the length, width, length/width ratio, 1000‐grain weight, bulk density, true density, porosity, optimum cooking time, cooking loss, aroma, and flavour of the milled rice reduced while increased polishing duration increased the head rice yield, percentage broken rice, milled rice yield, percentage dockage, kernel elongation ratio, width expansion ratio, water uptake ratio, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability of the milled rice. The correlations between physical, milling, cooking and sensory properties were strongly significant (P˂0.01 and P˂0.05). Conclusions This study revealed that increasing the polishing duration improves the cooking, head rice yield, milled rice yield and some sensory quality attributes of the mix‐coloured parboiled rice, but reduced its physical attributes. Significance and novelty The mix‐coloured rice showed an improved milling, cooking, and sensory attributes but poor physical characteristics during polishing which is very vital to Rice milling industry