Extruded flakes from pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)-carrot (Daucus carota) blended flours-production, nutritional and sensory attributes

Open Access JournalMillet flour (M) and carrot flour(C) were produced and blended in the ratios 100M:0C, 95M:5C, 90M:10C, 85M:15C and 80M:20C respectively to produce extruded flakes. The composite flours were subjected to analysis of the proximate and mineral composition, as well as functional and pasting properties. Extruded flakes were analyzed for proximate composition, total carotenoids, colour and sensory evaluation. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proximate, functional and pasting properties but there were significant differences (p 0.05) affected by extrusion cooking. In terms of the lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), 100% millet flakes had the least values of 50.09, 0.076 and 10.39 respectively. Sample with 85M:15C had the overall acceptance score of 7.25. In terms of colour and taste, the sample with 90M:10C had the highest scores of 8.50 and 6.50 respectively. Sample with 85M: 15C was most preferred in terms of crunchiness. The results indicate that pearl millet and carrot are rich in different nutrient when blended in the right proportions to make composite flour, it would produce nutrient-dense food product rich in protein, vitamin Aand minerals

Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics Studies of Sorption of Cu2+ onto Novel Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles

A novel nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) is an effective adsorbent forscavenging inorganic and organic toxicants. nZVI was synthesized in a single potsystem using bottom-up approach and were characterized by BET, SEM, EDX andFTIR. In this study, sorption of Cu2+ onto nZVI was carried out vis-à-vis theinvestigation of physicochemical parameters (initial metal ion concentration, pH,temperature, adsorbent dose) at 298 K. The sorption data obtained at optimumconditions were subjected to six different isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich,Temkin, Dubinin-Raduskevich (D-R), Halsey and Harkin-Jura). However, theequilibrium sorption data were best described by both Langmuir and Temkin isothermmodels with Langmuir maximum monolayer coverage (Qmax) of 40.816 mg/g andregression correlation value (R2 > 0.96) supporting a chemisorption mechanism. Pseudofirst-and second-order, Elovich, fractional power and intra-particle diffusion modelswere applied to the adsorption data in order to investigate the kinetic process; pseudosecond-order fitted the data most. The intra-particle diffusion model suggested that theintra-particle diffusion was one of the rate-limiting steps. The values of the Gibbs freeenergy showed the feasibility and spontaneity of the sorption process. The removalefficiency of Cu2+ (> 98%) onto zerovalent iron nanoparticles revealed that nZVI is apromising and efficient adsorbent that can be utilized by industries on a large scale forwaste treatment.Keywords: Zerovalent Iron nanoparticle; Sorption; Isotherms; Kinetics andThermodynami

Assessing the levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in biscuits and home-made snacks obtained from vendors in two tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

The modern day busy schedule of an average individual in Nigeria has made the consumption of snacks inevitable. This study assessed the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in some common snacks sold in two tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, using Perkin AAS Elmer model 460. The mean levels of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd found in plantain chips obtained from the University of Lagos main campus were 2.15 ± 0.13, 0.27 ± 0.03, 0.83 ± 0.04 and 0.10 ± 0.03 mg/kg respectively, while the mean levels of the same metals found in plantain chips obtained from Yaba College of Technology were 1.77 ± 0.57, 0.11 ± 0.04, 1.23 ± 0.61 and 0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg respectively. Independent-samples t-test analysis revealed that the differences between the mean metal levels in snacks obtained from the two institutions were not significant (P > 0.05). Though the levels of most metals in snacks obtained from the two institutions were within the upper limits of the range specified by the World Health Organization, the consumption of snacks with such metal loads over a long period of time may result in metal accumulation in the body beyond tolerable limit. These findings may be a reflection of what obtains in other educational institutions in the country. The authorities of tertiary institutions and other levels of education in Nigeria are therefore called upon to strengthen and widen their internal control mechanisms to guarantee the quality and safety of snacks sold to students and other people on their campuses.Keywords: Contaminants, Contamination, FAO/WHO, food, snacks, campuse

Evaluation of the Cytogenotoxic Effects of Emulsifiable Concentrate form of Amitraz Pesticide on Allium cepa L

The cytogenotoxic effects of emulsifiable concentrate of amitraz pesticides was evaluated using Allium cepa L. test. The root meristems of A. cepa L. were treated with five concentrations (1%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 40%) of the chemical pesticide at 48 h for cytogenetic analyses and 96 h for root length inhibition. Pesticide doses affected root length significantly (P<0.05) at 5% to 40%; with 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 18% while there was no significant difference between control and 1% (p>0.05). The mean root length of the treated A. cepa for Amitraz pesticides in all concentrations was lower compared to the control showing the obvious mitodepressive effects of amitraz pesticides. A dose dependent reduction in the total mitotic dividing cells and mitotic index was observed in A. cepa treated with the pesticides. The values of mitotic index obtained for amitraz pesticides at 5% (5.20), 10% (4.0), 20% (2.30) and 40% (0.80) were lower than half of the negative control (7.25), which reflect its cytotoxicity. All the concentrations of the pesticides used in the present study induced important abnormalities during mitotic division. These aberrations were: chromosome stickiness, disturbed spindle, anaphase and telophase bridges, chromosome fragments, laggard chromosomes, and c- Mitosis. The highest abnormality number was observed in the root tips of Allium cepa (5%) while the least was at 40%. Frequencies of chromosome abnormalities were low at 20% and 40% concentration because of damaged cell and lower cell divisions. The present study, showed the inhibition of growth and induction of chromosomal aberrations by amitraz, this suggest their capability in inducing cytotoxicity and genome instabilityKeywords: Allium cepa, chromosomes, amitraz pesticides, aberrations, mitotic inde

Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Adsorption of Rhodamine B onto Bentonite Supported Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Nanocomposite

Bentonite clay supported nanoscale zerovalent iron (BC-nZVI) composite was successfully prepared. BC-nZVI was characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Surface area as determined by sear’s method is 291.2 cm2 . Adsorption operational parameters were investigated in a batch technique. At 500 mg/L initial concentration, 120 minutes contact time and pH 3, 454.81 mg/g quantity was adsorbed. The highest adsorption percentage removal efficiency was obtained at room temperature. Kinetic data fitted best to pseudo second order and the mechanism was diffusion governed. The kinetic models were further validated by sum of square error (SSE) and non-linear Chi-square statistical models (X 2). The values of the thermodynamic parameters: standard enthalpy change ΔH (- 10.597 Jmol -1 )to (-5558 Jmol -1.), standard entropy change, ΔS (-277.804 J mol -1 K -1 )- to (-139.2595 J mol - 1 K -1) and the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) revealed that the adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The performance of BC-nZVI enlisted it as a great potential adsorbent for effective removal of Rhodamine B and therefore recommended for application in industrial effluent treatment

Kinetics and isotherm modeling of adsorption of rhodamine B dye onto chitosan supported zerovalent iron nanocomposite (C-nZVI)

The kinetics and isotherm modeling of adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB) Dye onto chitosan supported zerovalent iron nanocomposite (C-nZVI) was successfully studied in a batch technique. The quantity adsorbed increased with increase in initial concentration from 49.33 mg – 242.37 mg for 200 ppm to 1000 ppm and high percentage removal efficiency (%RE) of 99.72% attained at 90 minutes contact time. Equilibrium data were analyzed by six isotherm models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Kaganer-Raduskevich (DKR), Redlich-peterson and Halsey isotherm model. Equilibrium data best fitted to Freundlich isotherm supported by Halsey isotherm model. Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (256.41 mg/g) of C-nZVI obtained greater than most adsorbent reported for adsorption of RhB. The mean adsorption free energy, E per molecule evaluated from DKR model was less than 8 KJmol -1 indicating a physisorption mechanism. The kinetic data best fitted to pseudo second-order kinetic model as validated by sum of square error (SSE) statistical model and the mechanism controlled by pore dif usion. The study revealed the great potential of C-nZVI for ef ective removal of RhB dye. C-nZVI is therefore recommended for civic and industrial ef luents treatment

High Incidence of Forest Fires and Preventive Measures in Cocoa Research Institute Plantations Ibadan, Oyo State

This study was carried out to ascertain the high incidence of forest fire and its preventive measures in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN) plantations Ibadan, Oyo state. Fire is used as work tool by rural population, it serves as land clearing method for agricultural land, flushes management for livestock, wastes disposal, honey gathering, animal tracking and hunting. A multistage sampling approach was used to select 120 respondents. Data were collected using interview schedule on socioeconomics characteristics, perceived causes of forest fire, effect of forest fire and preventive measures to forest fire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic. The result revealed that the mean age was 44.9 years and majority (72.7%) were male, 83.0% of them were married. Also a very good number of respondents (97.7%) has various level of education. Bush burning to eradicate weed as a perceived cause of forest fire was ranked 1st with the mean value of 1.36. Destruction of CRIN mandate crops parent materials as the effect of forest fire was ranked 1st with the mean value of 1.42 and controlled bush burning was ranked 1st with mean value of 1.64 among the preventive measure of forest fire. It was revealed that significant relationships were observed between sex (?2= 6.000, p = 0.014), Religion (?2= 8.693, p= 0.013) on the preventive measures of forest in CRIN plantations

Kinetics and Equilibrium Models for Sorption of Cu(II) onto a Novel Manganese Nano-adsorbent

The studies of kinetics and equilibrium sorption of Cu(II) were undertaken using nanoscale zerovalent manganese (nZVMn) synthesized by chemical reduction in a single pot system. nZVMn was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray, and surface area determined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, agitation speed, initial Cu(II) concentrations, temperature, and ionic strength on the sorption of Cu(II) onto nZVMn were investigated in a batch system. The kinetic data followed pseudo-second-order. The mechanism was governed by pore diffusion. The equilibrium sorption data were tested by Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin–Kaganer–Raduskevich, and Halsey isotherm models. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (Qmax = 181.818 mg/g) is much greater compared to other nano-adsorbents used in sorption of Cu(II). The thermodynamic parameters (∆Ho, ∆So, ∆Go) revealed a feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic adsorption process. nZVMn has a great potential for effective removal of copper (II) in aqueous solution

Bottom-up approach synthesis of core-shell nanoscale zerovalent iron (CS-nZVI): Physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization with Cu(II) ions adsorption application

Single pot system in chemical reduction via bottom-up approach was used for the synthesis of core shell nanoscale zerovalent iron (CS-nZVI). CS-nZVI was characterized by a combination of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Data obtained showed BET surface area 20.8643 m2/g, t-Plot micropore volume 0.001895 cm3/g, BJH volume pores 0.115083 cm3/g, average pore width 186.9268 Å, average pore diameter 240.753 Å, PZC 5.24, and pH 6.80. Surface plasmon Resonance from UV-Vis spectrophotometer was observed at 340 nm. Surface morphology from SEM and TEM revealed a spherical cluster and chain-like nanostructure of size range 15.425 nm −97.566 nm. Energy Dispersive XRF revealed an elemental abundance of 96.05% core shell indicating the dominance of nZVI. EDX showed an intense peak of nZVI at 6.2 keV. FTIR data revealed the surface functional groups of Fe–O with characteristics peaks at 686.68 cm−1, 569.02 cm−1 and 434 cm−1. In a batch technique, effective adsorption of endocrine disruptive Cu(II) ions was operational parameters dependent. Isotherm and kinetics studies were validated by statistical models. The study revealed unique characteristics of CS-nZVI and its efficacy in waste water treatment

Concentrations of Phthalates and Metals in Commercially Packaged Sachet and Plastic Bottled Water Sold in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: In many developing countries, numerous brands of bottled water and the relatively cheaper counterpart, sachet water, can be found in all cities, towns, and even villages. This study assessed the concentrations of some phthalates and metals in bottled and sachet water sold in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Fifteen pieces of plastic bottled water and 15 pieces of sachet water were randomly obtained from different street vendors in Lagos, Nigeria. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the levels of dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP), and dibutylphthalate (DBP). Also, atomic absorption spectroscopy assay was applied in order to assess the contents of metals, including zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS (version 20). Results: The mean concentrations of DMP, DEP, and DBP in bottled water samples were 0.564&plusmn;0.074, 0.248&plusmn;0.166, and 0.042&plusmn;0.049 mg/L, respectively; these rates for sachet water samples were 0.803&plusmn;0.049, 0.243&plusmn;0.035, and 0.160&plusmn;0.073 mg/L, respectively. Some significant differences (p<0.01) were found between phthalates concentrations of various water brands. The mean DMP concentration of sachet water samples was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of bottled waters. The concentrations of Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd in the samples were within the acceptable limits. Conclusion: The higher concentrations of phthalates in sachet water relative to bottled water indicate that drinking sachet water may pose higher risk of phthalates exposure. DOI: 10.29252/jfqhc.5.4.