Developing novel photocatalytic cementitious permeable pavements for depollution of contaminants and impurities in urban cities

Photocatalyst such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) has been recently introduced as a nanoparticle into cementitious permeable pavements. Combining photocatalytic compounds within concrete permeable pavements can aid with depollution of several contaminants found in urban water streams and air impurities. This paper presents research carried out at the Uni-versity of Greenwich, UK using photocatalytic concrete with varying percentages of TiO2 (0 %, 1% and 5%) to assess the levels depollution which can be achieved.Concrete samples were testing against the degradation of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, a harmful chemical found in herbicides. This advanced oxidation process can aid in the re-duction of urban pollution from an air and water perspective, improving sustainability for urban cities. Self-cleaning benefits of photocatalytic concrete permeable pavements can be used to keep urban infrastructure cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing. Experimental tests were carried out on the characterisation of inorganics through X-Ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to ensure that the structures of the concrete samples were not altered by addition of the na-noparticles (photocatalyst). Experimental results were compared to that found in previous literature and confirmed that the addition of 5% TiO2 did not affect the structure of the concrete samples and can be a viable option used in urban infrastruc-ture such as permeable pavements

Efficiency of a novel biodegradable pyrolysis liquid-amended mulch in weed control

Agrochemicals and plastics represent a burden on natural ecosystems and there is an urgent need to introduce alternative plant protection measures that have fewer negative impacts on the environment. Replacement of plastic mulches and synthetic pesticides with their biodegradable alternatives offers a way to decrease chemical residues. Pyrolysis liquids (PL) have been suggested as easily degradable and residue-free herbicides for agriculture. We tested the efficiency of PL (1%-10% of volume) containing peat mulch (PLM) in weed control under glasshouse and field conditions. We also estimated the length of the withdrawal period needed between PLM spreading and sowing/planting for crops and examined the light permeability and effects of PLM on soil temperature. In the glasshouse, the mulch amended with 5%-10% PL inhibited weed germination entirely. In the agricultural field, the number of weeds remained 44%-60% lower under PLM than under the control mulch. In a study performed in a city park, weed cover around the base of trees remained 64%-85% lower under PLM than without a mulch. However, a 7-21 d withdrawal period, depending on crop plant species, is needed to avoid injuring the crops. PLM inhibited sunlight effectively and the effects on soil heat sum across the growing season remained small. The weed-inhibiting effect of PLM is probably a result of both the PL compounds and the solid cover, formed by the sticky PL and peat fibres, which acts as a mechanical barrier. We conclude that the PLM is a promising alternative to plastic mulches.Peer reviewe

The perception of individuals towards blood donation in some selected healthcare facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State – Nigeria

The perception of individuals towards blood donation in some selected health facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State – Nigeria was studied. Blood donation entails an individual voluntarily allowing a withdrawal of some volume of blood from him or her for the purpose of transfusions and/or for biopharmaceutical purposes. This study seeks to determine the perception of family members towards voluntary blood donation to pregnant mothers. It also seeks to determine the socio-cultural factors affecting voluntary blood donation to pregnant mothers in this crisis–prone area. The study is significant in the sense that the result will benefit the individuals and the Government of Nigeria It employed descriptive research design. Likert rating scale, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used. The knowledge and perception of the respondents as regards voluntary blood donation are positively correlated but there was no significant difference between the age ranges or between the genders in the three selected hospitals. Socio-cultural factors negatively affected willingness to voluntarily donate blood in the selcted hospitals. There was no significant difference in the influence of educational qualification of respondents towards voluntary blood donations to pregnant women. It was concluded that the family members have knowledge towards voluntary blood donation to pregnant women in some selected hospitals in North-eastern Nigeria. This study recommends that the Government should mount advocacy and sensitization campaigns to correct myths or misconceptions on voluntary blood donations to pregnant women through radio programmes in local languages. Additionally, the Governmet should provide incentives to potential voluntary blood donors as a way of encouraging blood donation  Keywords: Knowledge, Perception, Blood, Donation