Evaluation of Homogeneity from Ore-bodied in Nigeria for Secondary Mineral Prospective

Samples from ore–bodied areas at different locations in Papalanto and Ifo in Ogun-State, South-West of Nigeria, where Ewekoro cement industry is situated, were analyzed so as to recover some secondary minerals of economic value. The following parameters were evaluated, conductivity, turbidity, colour, pH and other chemical parameters. Variations of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, chloride ion contents, and temperature were also studied. Mineral-forming heavy metals were in the ranges Fe: 89.0–1080 mg/l; Mg: 869–1120 mg/l; Pb: 23–80 mg/l; Zn: 180-480 mg/l. The concentration of nitrate is 20-35 mg/l; phosphate: 8-80mg/l; Dissolved Oxygen (DO): 30–45 mg/l; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 89-900 mg/l; pH: 6.1-8.5; Conductivity: 10-18μs/cm3 and temperature ranged between 25-27oC. Also in the tabulation are the results of the homogeneity of four geochemical explorations from other Nigerian ore-bodied environments for comparison. Correlations of some of the physical and chemical parameters have been established with the view of providing conditions for the formation of secondary minerals and the types of such minerals expected from the studied areas. The minerals may include the following groups of minerals: Adelite, Melilite, Cancrinite and Copriapite. The study apart from the present knowledge on ore-based baseline also present information on the pollution studies of the area under investigatio

Quantification of Activity Concentrations and Radiation Hazard Indices in the Solid Minerals Exploration Fields of Benue State, Nigeria with Multivariate Statistical Approach

The quantification of activity concentrations of radionuclides and the radiation hazard indices in the exploration fields of Benue State have been carried out. Samples of the environmental matrix (soil and minerals) were collected from five mining sites of barite, limestone, lead, coal and salt in Lessle, Gboko, Anyin, Owukpa and Akuana communities. The concentrations of radioactivity was analyzed using NaI (Tl) γ-ray spectroscopy. Results showed that the concentrations of activity of the primordial radionuclides 40K, 238U, and 232Th for soil samples obtained ranged from 11.42 (Salt) – 1491.47 (Lead) Bq/kg, 12.87 (Barite) – 452.32 (Coal) Bq/kg and 6.78 (Coal)–108.41 (Barite) Bq/kg respectively. The mean value activity concentration of the radionuclides in the minerals samples at the mining sites were 10.58 – 623.36 Bq/kg, 1.97 – 540.33 Bq/kg and 2.13 – 25.28 Bq/kg for 40K, 238U, and 232Th respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index, Hex, internal hazard index (Hin), representative index (Ig) and excess lifetime cancer risk calculated for soil and minerals samples compared favourably with the precautionary limits set by UNSCEAR. The excess lifetime cancer risk estimated for soil which was fairly insignificant compared with 0.05 prescribed by ICRP for low level radiation. The multivariate statistical (Pearson’s correlation and cluster) analysis showed some positive significant among 40K, 238U and 232Th, and with other radiological parameters in some mine fields. The study indicated that the minerals and soil samples from the mining sites will pose no major health risk to the public if used for industrial activities except for the salt minerals consumption

Comparative Assessment of Rural Development Programs of Selected NGOs in Plateau State, North-Central, Nigeria

The study examined the extent to which the rural development programs of Evangelical Church of West Africa-People Oriented Development (ECWA-POD) and Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) contribute to the development of rural communities in Plateau State. A comparison of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was done to examine the factors that explain variation in the organizations. A total of 150 respondents made up of community members and staff of the organizations randomly selected from four Local Government Areas responded to the structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the major rural development programs of the NGOs were agricultural programs, health programs, human resource development, community development, and industrial and trade promotion programs. Analysis carried out showed a significant relationship (P 2=0.023; p#0.05) in the program orientation of the two organizations. Majority (57.8 percent for ECWA-POD and 75.6 percent for COWAN) of the respondents considered the programs of the organizations as beneficial and benefitted more concerning potable water and community sanitation facilities. Participation of the community members at various stages of the program and type of participation was also identified. The perceived level of goal attainment of the organization was higher (t=2.72; p#0.05) in COWAN than ECWA-POD. It was recommended that government should collaborate with NGOs through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) concerning project identification, design, and implementation of rural development programs

Monitoring of specific activities of long-lived radioactive elements along the Mini- Okoro/Oginigba Creek, Port Harcourt

Presence and concentrations of radionuclides could be as a result of natural and human activities. This  study examined the associations and differences  among soil, sediment and water specific activities of long-lived radioactive element (LLRE). Gamma spectroscopy was used to measure the concentration of  the LLRE along the Mini Okoro/Oginigba Creek, Port Harcourt. Specific activities of three selected LLRE were derived. Correlation analysis was carried out to  examine associations among the specific activities across different substrates. A strong and a significant negative correlation exists between the specific  activities of Water 40K and Soil 232Th (r =-0.721, p<0.05); Water 238U and Soil 238U (r = -0.717, p<0.05) and Water 40K and Sediment 238U (r=-0.69,  p<0.05). Comparison using Mann-Whitney U test shows that, soil and sediment are similar in their specific activities with Z values of -0.408, -1.209 and  -1.021 (p > 0.05) for 40K, 232Th and 238U respectively. The concentration of solid samples (soil and sediment) is different from the liquid (water) samples. These associations can be attributed to some specific underlying factors. And in other to understand them there is need for more studies. © JASEMKeywords: Radionuclide; environmental monitoring; Niger Delta; Gamma spectroscopy; Environmental managemen

Analytical Relevance of Trace Metal Speciation in Environmental and Biophysicochemical Systems

This article presents a review of the analytical relevance of trace metal speciation analysis, which must be considered in environmental and biophysicochemical systems for reliable and efficient assessment and monitoring of trace metals. Examples are given of methodological approaches used for speciation analysis. An overview of speciation analysis in sediments, aquatic ecosystems and agrosystems is also presented

Facile Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of 2-Alkanamino Benzimidazole Derivatives

Benzimidazole derivatives are known to represent a class of medicinally important compounds which are extensively used in drug design and catalysis. A series of 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives 10a-i was herein synthesized from the reaction of o-phenylenediamine with some amino acids using ameliorable pathway. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were con rmed by IR, UV, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass spectral and analytical data. The compounds were investigated for their antimicrobial activity alongside gentamicin clinical standard. The results showed that this skeletal framework exhibited marked potency as antimicrobial agents. The most active compound was 1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanamine, 10a

Heterogeneous Catalytic Efficiency of Silica Sulfuric Acid towards 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 data and spectroscopic means such as UV, IR, mass spectra, 1H and 13C NMR. SSA was found to be efficient method for the quantitative transformation to pyrimidine frame work. It can be re-used after simple washing with chloroform thereby rendering this procedure more economical

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of N, N-Diethylamido Substituted p-Toluenesulfonamides to their α-Toluenesulfonamide Counterparts

Reaction of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride with amino acids gave sulfonamides p-T1a-k which upon amidation afforded p-T2a-k. Similarly, treatment involving α-toluenesulfonyl chloride and amino acids afforded the sulfonamides α-T1a-k. These two classes of sulfonamides were synthetically modified at their COOH end position to achieve N,N-diethylamido substituted p-toluenesulfonamides p-T2a-k and α-toluenesulfonamides α-T2a-k, respectively. The chemical structures of the compounds were validated with IR, Mass spectra, NMR as well as elemental analytical data. Both classes of compounds were screened against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and their activity were compared. It was remarkable to note that the α-toluene sulfonamides α-T2a-k were more active than their p-toluenesulfonamide counterparts p-T2a-k. Compound 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-N,Ndiethylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide α-T2a was the most potent antibacterial compound on S. aureus with MIC value of 3.12 μg mLG1 while N,N-Diethyl-3- phenyl-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamide) propanamide α-T2j emerged as the best antibacterial motif against E. coli with MIC value of 12.5 μg mLG1. Hence, these compounds especially the α-toluenesulfonamide core structural templates are good candidates for further study for future drug discovery

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of N, N-Diethylamido Substituted p-Toluenesulfonamides to their α-Toluenesulfonamide Counterparts

Reaction of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride with amino acids gave sulfonamides p-T1a-k which upon amidation afforded p-T2a-k. Similarly, treatment involving α-toluenesulfonyl chloride and amino acids afforded the sulfonamides α-T1a-k. These two classes of sulfonamides were synthetically modified at their COOH end position to achieve N,N-diethylamido substituted p-toluenesulfonamides p-T2a-k and α-toluenesulfonamides α-T2a-k, respectively. The chemical structures of the compounds were validated with IR, Mass spectra, NMR as well as elemental analytical data. Both classes of compounds were screened against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and their activity were compared. It was remarkable to note that the α-toluene sulfonamides α-T2a-k were more active than their p-toluenesulfonamide counterparts p-T2a-k. Compound 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-N,Ndiethylpyrrolidine- 2-carboxamide α-T2a was the most potent antibacterial compound on S. aureus with MIC value of 3.12 μg mLG1 while N,N-Diethyl-3- phenyl-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamide) propanamide α-T2j emerged as the best antibacterial motif against E. coli with MIC value of 12.5 μg mLG1. Hence, these compounds especially the α-toluenesulfonamide core structural templates are good candidates for further study for future drug discovery

Physicochemical and Heavy Metals Characteristics of Soil from Three Major Dumpsites in Ilorin Metrpolis, North Central Nigeria

Impact of waste disposal and management is a worldwide phenomenon leading to health impact most especially in underdeveloped and developing world. This study was undertaken to assess the major contaminants in some municipal waste disposal sites and the prospective impact to the surrounding domestic water supply source as well as the impact on the health of the people in the city. This is carried out by studying variousphysico-chemical parameters of soil which were collected from three municipal dump locations namely; Ita-Amodu, Sawmill garage and Kuntu areas in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State Nigeria. The geochemistry of the dumpsites were studied with respect to important parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, moisture content, organic matter and heavy metals having the following constituents present in its composition- Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu). The study revealed that the three different soils samples: “(A) Ita-Amodu”, “(B) Sawmill Garage”, and “(C) Kuntu”) have pH of 7.1, 7.2 and 6.8, respectively. Temperature of 24.2, 26.4, and 28.0 oC, Organic matter compositions of 0.95%, 0.73%, and 1.14%. The Moisture contents were 3.93%, 2.89%, and 3.48% respectively. The chloride  contents of the samples was found to be 31.76 mg/L, 48.98 mg/L, and 91.63 mg/L, while nitrates were found to be 0.10 mg/L, 0.06, mg/L and 0.23mg/L, with a sulphate values of 1.96 mg/L, 2.35 mg/L, and 2.14 mg/L. The conductivities were 1.79 μs/cm, 2.23 μs/cm, and 1.15 μs/cm respectively. Heavy metal analysis from the waste soil were found to contained copper (Cu) - 0.03 mg/L, 0.028 mg/L, and 0.031 mg/L, zinc (Zn) - 0.04, mg/L 0.009 mg/L, and 0.066 mg/L), cadmium (Cd) - 0.516 mg/L, 0.62, mg/L and 0.048 mg/L), Lead (Pb) - 0.063 mg/L, 0.07 mg/L, and 0.056 mg/L), and iron (Fe) -0.518 mg/L, 0.62 mg/L, and 0.190 mg/L. Keywords: Dumpsites, Heavy metals, Ilorin, Moisture contents, Nitrates