Levels of some physiochemical parameters in leachates from open dumpsites in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Leachates from selected dumpsites and control site in Lokoja municipal were analyzed for physiochemical properties. These parameters were compared with control samples and established international standards FEPA and WHO. Dumpsite leachates contained very high concentration of TDS which ranges between 5180.60±46.51mg/L - 3071.80±38.96mg/L, BOD 1085.60±7.44mg/L - 885.80±5.41mg/L, Alkalinity  2396.20±10.35mg/L - 1271.00±14.61mg/L. COD 4062.04±32.81mg/L - 2926.80±15.65mg/L, Chloride 1912.42±6.32mg/L - 1071.70±16.10mg/L while Ammonia ranges between 711.33±12.15 - 633.00±5.80mg/L. The study revealed that the dumpsite is a major polluting source in the surrounding environment. This underlines the need for appropriate government agency of Kogi State, Nigeria to initiate active remediation process such as phytoremediation in combination with physiochemical methods to recover the dumpsite from contaminants and reduce the level of pollution in the surrounding environment.Keywords: Dumpsite, Leachates, Physicochemical parameters, Phytoremediation

Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal

[EN] The effects of dietary Mucuna pruriens leaf meal (MLM) supplementation on rabbits’ performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status outside their thermal neutrality zone (21 to 25°C) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty 35-d old crossbreed (Chinchilla×New Zealand) rabbits weighing 694±5 g were allotted to 4 treatments (30 rabbits/treatment; 3 rabbits/replicate). A basal diet (crude protein: 16.9%, crude fibre: 17.6%, digestible energy: 2671 kcal/kg) was divided into 4 equal portions i.e. diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, supplemented with 0, 4, 8 and 12 g MLM/kg, respectively, and pelleted. The average body weight in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on diet 1 (control) at 91 d of age (+228 and +262 g, respectively; P=0.01). Within 35 to 91 d, the average daily weight gain in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on the control diet (+4.1and +4.8 g/d, respectively; P=0.01). The dressing-out percentage of rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 increased (P=0.05) compared to those fed the control diet. At 63 d and 91 d of age, the white blood cell level of rabbits fed on diet 4 increased significantly compared to those fed the control diet (+5.05×109 and +5.32×109/L, respectively). At 63 and 91 d of age, the cholesterol level of rabbits fed on diets 3 (–1.0 and –1.16 mmol/L, respectively) and 4 (–1.10 and –1.21 mmol/L, respectively), were significantly lower compared to those fed on the control diet. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in rabbits fed on diet 4 was reduced compared to those on control diet at 63 d of age (–33.68 IU/L; P=0.02). At 63 d and 91 d of age, compared to control, the activities of glutathione peroxidase in rabbits fed on diets 3 (+35.77 and +49.09 mg protein, respectively) and 4 (+54.52 and +55.02 mg protein, respectively) increased significantly, while catalase activities in rabbits fed diet 4 (+217.7 and +209.5 mg/g, respectively) also increased significantly. It could be concluded that dietary MLM supplementation enhanced the rabbits’ performance, reduced serum AST and cholesterol and improved the antioxidant status.Oloruntola, OD.; Ayodele, SO.; Adeyeye, SA.; Agbede, JO. (2018). Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal. World Rabbit Science. 26(4):277-285. doi:10.4995/wrs.2018.10182SWORD277285264Adekonla A.Y., Ayo J.O. 2009. Effect of road transportation on erythrocyte osmotic fragility of pigs administered ascorbic acid during the harmattan season in Zaria, Nigeria. J. Cell Anim. 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Batch Adsorption Study of Methylene Blue in Aqueous Solution using Activated Carbons from Rice Husk and Coconut Shell

The removal efficiency of activated carbons prepared from rice husk and coconut shell in the adsorption of methylene blue (azo dye) from the synthetic industrial wastewater was investigated in a batch system. Rice husk and coconut shell were both processed into activated carbon by carbonizing at 600 oC and activated with 3.0 M H3PO4 at 80 oC for 3h. Synthetic solutions of methylene blue were prepared and the adsorption process was carried out by varying initial, methylene blue concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact. The results showed that higher values of adsorbent dosage and contact time favored the adsorption of methylene blue from the simulated waste water. Activated carbon from coconut shell proved a better adsorbent compared to the activated carbon obtained from rice husk as coconut shell has the highest percentage removal for methylene blue

Influence of spark plasma sintering temperature on the densification and micro-hardness behaviour of Ni-Cr-Al alloy

Abstract : Sintering temperature is essential towards attaining desired densification and formation of phases which in turn influences the microstructure and properties of a material. In this study, the densification and microhardness behaviour of Ni-Cr-Al alloy prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at different sintering temperatures were investigated. After sintering operation, the density, hardness, phase analysis, and microstructural evolution were investigated using the Archimede’s principle, hardness tester, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The nickel based alloy was sintered at temperatures of 600, 750, 950 and 1100 ºC. The results indicated that the densification, microstructure, and hardness values were influenced by changes in the sintering temperature. The relative density increased from 73.89 % at 600 ºC to 99.89 % at 1100 ºC, while the hardness value was enhanced from 131.9 ± 2.8 HV to 404 ± 1.2 HV respectively

Microbial Quality of Public Swimming Pools in Lagos

The microbial quality of some public swimming pools in Lagos State, Nigeria was investigated to determine possible risks of infections to swimmers. Ten swimming pools (Pools AJ) were investigated for their microbial and physico-chemical qualities. The pH of the pools ranged from 5.24-8.71 and the residual chlorine ranged from 0.01-0.07. Water samples from the pools were cultured on differential and selective media. The microbial loads varied with different swimming pools. The fungal population ranged from 0-4.7× 10 4 cfu ml-1, while the bacterial population ranged from 0-1.12 x 10 5 cfu ml-1. Eight bacterial isolates were obtained and identified using Microbact 24E kit. Fungal isolates (6) were identified by microscopy, Gram’s staining and chloramphenicol test. The isolates include Aeromonas hydrophila (4), Burkolderia pseudomallei (2), Serratia marcescens (1), Enterobacter agglomerans (1), Candida albicans (3), Saccharomyces spp.(2) and Aspergillus flavus (1). Antifungal sensitivity test showed 50% susceptibility to nystatin and 50% resistance to voriconazole, while the bacteria were resistant to most of the antibiotic tested. The Multiple Antibiotics Resistance (MAR) index for the isolates ranged from 0.125 to 1.000. The feedback from the questionnaires administered, showed that unhygienic practices and maintenance of pools could contribute to low levels of swimming pool water quality. The high microbial loads and the types of microorganisms isolated from the pools show that contaminated swimming pools can constitute a serious public health hazard to the users

Comparative effects of Varying Rates of Moringa Leaf, Poultry Manure and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench)

The fertilizer management practices have not ensure the desired improvement in yield for okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench) due to differences in fertilizer types. The search continues for nutrient sources that would provide adequate nutrition for the crop on the season. A pot experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria to evaluate the growth and fruit yield responses of okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench) to the application of air-dried milled moringa leaf (MML), poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer. The MML was applied at 400, 800, and 1200 kg/ha; NPK 15-15-15 at 250 kg/ha and PM at 10 t/ha separately and in all possible combinations in completely randomized design in three replicates. The parameters measured were plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, number of fruits and fruit weight. The single treatments differed significantly (P = 0.05) with the combinations of the treatments giving better performance. The 800 kg/ha MML + PM treatment gave the tallest plants (103.33 cm) and followed by single application of PM (102.33 cm). The application of 400 kg/ha MML + PM + NPK produced the highest number of fruits but 800 kg/ha MML + PM + NPK gave the highest fresh fruit (42.70 g) and dry fruit (20.50 g) weight. 800 kg/ha gave best growth performance among MML but 1200 kg/ha gave best yield. This suggests that MML can be used as source of nutrients to grow okra

Technology – Enhanced Pathology Education: Nigerian Medical Students Perspectives

Background: The delivery of pathology education traditionally through instructor centred didactic lectures, small group tutorials, and practical demonstrations using microscope glass slides, gross pot specimens and autopsy sessions, is paving way for electronic learner-centred methods. Successful adoption and implementation of rapidly advancing educational technologies in the resource-constrained environment obtainable in most of sub-Sahara Africa requires a comprehensive analysis of the learners’ reflections on their use and effectiveness.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the perspectives of medical students towards the ever-advancing ways of teaching and learning pathology in Nigeria.Materials and methods: Fifty-five fourth year medical students randomly selected from two universities were given survey questionnaire. The questionnaires enquired into opinions of the students on the various aspects of the use of ICT in pathology education.Results: Studying with microscope mounted glass slides was considered by the majority (33, 60%) of the 55 respondents to be the most effective method of learning pathology and 24 (43.6%) favoured the projection of the glass slide on a large screen using a camera-mounted microscope. Twenty-seven (49.1%) preferred projected computer based digital microscope images. Twenty students (36.4%) disagreed with the use of internet-based images during practical classes. Prior distribution of digital images to students’ hand – held devices days before classes was agreed to by 19 (34.5%) and strongly agreed to by 15 (27.3%) students. Annotated digital images, instead of glass slides, were favoured by 50, (91%) students.  Self-study with webinars was not supported by 26, (47.2%) students. Eleven (20%) students strongly agree, 25 (45.5%) agree, eight (14.5) are undecided, and 10 (18.2%) disagree that the use of digital microscope images reduces microscope handling proficiency. The use of digital images instead of mounted glass slides during objective structured practical examination was supported by 20, (36.4%) students. Forty-seven (85.5%) reported interrupted classes due to faulty equipment.Conclusion: The challenge of developing ways for better delivery of pathology curriculum content to future doctors compels medical educators to explore easier ways of teaching and learning. This study has demonstrated that medical students in Nigeria favour technology enhanced learning and the integration of new teaching methods into already existing frameworks. Keywords: technology-enhanced learning, pathology, pathology education, student perspective

Biodiesel Fuel from Differently Sourced Local Seed Oils: Characterization, Effects of Catalysts, Total Glycerol Content and Flow Rates

The recently observed depletion in the petroleum resources, which also mainly constituted carbon dioxide emission and global warming problems call for renewable and sustainable alternative fuels. Oils were extracted from various seeds: Jatropha curcas (Botuje), Pentaclethra macrophylla (Apara) and soybean, using petroleum ether (40-60℃). Alkali catalyzed transesterification of the oils (biodiesel pro-duction) in the presence of different kinds of alcohol (methanol, ethanol and propanol) were carried out using sodium hydroxide as catalyst. In the case of Jatropha oil, potassium hydroxide served as catalyst. Effect of catalysts to obtain optimum biofuel was established. In the case of soybean oil, fatty acid methyl ester, FAME, (96%), fatty acid ethyl ester, FAEE, (84%) and fatty acid propyl ester, FAPE, (37.50%) were pro-duced. In waste palm kernel oil, methyl ester (72.92%) and ethyl ester (46.25%) were obtained. In refined palm kernel oil, methyl ester (70.83%), ethyl ester (66.67%) and (14.17%) propyl ester were produced. However, only methyl ester conversion (20.83%) was possible in Pen-taclethra macrophylla oil. In Jatropha curcas using KOH catalyst, only methyl ester (80%) formation was possible. Moreover, yields were af-fected as the alcohol alkyl became bulkier giving relatively lower value of biodiesel. Sulphur content (0.01) obtained for each of the biofuel was satisfactory when compared with ASTM standard (0.05 maximum). The cetane value of soybean oil (45.5), refined palm kernel oil (46) and used oil (44.6) were quite reasonable compared with the special standard (47). The combustion energy of the fuels from refined palm kernel oil, waste palm kernel oil and soybean are 39, 36 and 45.5 respectively. The total glycerol content (Gc) of the methyl and ethyl esters emanat-ed from soybean are quite reasonable and fell within standard

Comparative study of spark plasma sintering features on the densification of Ni-Cr binary alloys

Abstract: Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has been widely regarded as an advanced powder consolidation technique which helps in the development of array of engineering materials. Many have been reported in the literature about sintering parameters such as temperature, pressure, heating rate and holding time. However, little or no reports has been made on some of the intricate features such as process time(s), power SPS (KW), pressing speed (mm/min), and average pressing force (KN) on which sintering parameters are directly related to. This study aims to investigate the behaviour of spark plasma sintered Ni-17Cr binary alloys with emphasis on the densification, hardness value and spark plasma sintering features such as process time (s), power SPS (KW), pressing speed (mm/min), and the average pressing force (KN). Nickel and chromium powders were milled individually using High energy ball milling for durations of 5hr, 10 hr prior to mixing and subsequent sintering. The sintered 5 hr and 10 hr milled Ni-17Cr binary alloys attained relative densities of 98.72 % and 99.1 % respectively. The Microstructural morphology was examined using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sintered 10 hr milled Ni-17Cr binary alloy revealed the higher hardness

Effect of metal poisoning and the implications of gender and age on the elemental composition in patients with mental behavioural disorders

The objective of this work was to investigate the possible correlation between the exposure to selected toxic metals and the behavioural disorder of mentally ill patients. The study also sought to establish if gender and age of the patient had an effect on the pattern of the elemental distribution in their head hair and blood samples. To achieve this, the concentrations of a number of selected toxic metal elements were determined in 60 mentally ill patients and 43 healthy individuals (control) in Ile-Ife area, in Nigeria, using inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The behavioural disorder cases investigated were 8 bipolar, 2 post partum psychosis, 43 schizophrenia and 7 non-specific cases. The concentration ranges of Cu, Zn, Ca, Li, V, Be (for both males and females), Cd and Sr (for females only) as analyzed from the patients’ head hair with behavioural disorders, were found to be similar with those of the controls. However, the concentration ranges of Al, Ba, Mg, Cr and Cd, Sr (for males only) were higher in patients than in the controls, while those for K and Fe were found to be higher in the controls than in the patients for both males and females. Blood samples analysis showed that, nearly all the elements were higher in the female (patients and control) than in the males; a possible indication that women may be at greater risk than men. It was also shown that, age may have an influence on the accumulation of some specific elements. The accuracy of the analytical results was experimentally demonstrated by NCS DC 73347 certified reference material that was analyzed along the standards while the significance of the data obtained was tested statistically at both p = 0.01 and 0.05