Adsorption, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Azadirachta indica (AI) Bark Extract as a Potential Corrosion Inhibitor for Zinc in 0.25 M HNO3 Solution

The inhibition action and adsorption behavior of Azadirachta indica bark extract was studied on zinc in 0.25 M HNO3 solution using weight loss, FT-IR and SEM analysis. The result of the findings show that inhibition efficiency of the extract increases with increase in inhibitor concentration and decrease with rise in temperature. Corrosion rate was found to increase with rise in temperature and decrease with increase in inhibitor concentration. FT-IR and SEM analysis shows that there is adsorption of inhibitor molecules on metal surface which lead to decrease in corrosion rate. Adsorption isotherm study shows that experimental data obey Freundlich isotherm and the mechanism of adsorption follow physisorption. Adsorption thermodynamic study indicates feasible and spontaneous process from the large negative value of free energy. The value of enthalpy are all positives indicating endothermic nature of adsorption. The result of activation energy was found to be higher in the presence of inhibitor than its absence indicating the decrease in energy barrier of zinc dissolution process

Evaluation of Physico-Chemical and Fungal Species Associated with Oil Contaminated Soil from Selected Automobile Garage in Sokoto Metropolis

This study was conducted with a view to evaluating the physicochemical and mycological properties of different oil contaminated soils collected from three different automobile garages in Sokoto Metropolis, and uncontaminated soil from the temporary site, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) was used as the control. The pH was determined using pH meter model Hanna (H1991301), quantity of mineral elements was evaluated in accordance with Murphy and Fungi were isolated from the three oil contaminated samples (A, B. and C) and the uncontaminated (sample D) as control, this was done by standard procedure using the method of P. Ren, T. Jankun & B. Leaderer. The physical, chemical, and mineral elements from the oil-contaminated soils of the three automobile garages and control. The results of particle soil analysis revealed the high content of sandy soil (96.2 to 87.3) and silt is the lowest with (2.5–0.6). Magnesium had the highest concentration of studied minerals, ranging from 193 to 649.2 mg/kg. while PH result revealed that the soil samples were pH value ranged from (16.85–16.20) in oil Contaminated samples, while the control had 15.90, and electrical conductivity ranged from 12.8–13.8 % and 28 % in control, four fungal isolates Aspergillus sp., Penicillum sp., Mucor sp. and Sporobolomyces sp. were identified based on colonial, sexual and morphological characteristics. These fungal strains can be used in bioremediation process and oil pollution reduction in aquatic ecosystems

Determinants of Yield among Rice Farmers: Evidence from Fadama III AF Project Intervention in Sokoto State

The major focus of this paper was to examine the factors that contribute to rice yield among Fadama III AF beneficiaries in the three senatorial zones of Sokoto state. A sample of one hundred and twenty (120) rice farmers was surveyed across the three senatorial zones of the state to identify the determinants of yield and compare yield between senatorial zones. The study hypothesized that farm specific and socioeconomics are directly related to farm yield. Findings of the study could provide important insights on how to improve farm productivity among farmers in the study area. Results of the study revealed that farm size, experience, income and variability due to difference in farm location influence farm yield among Fadama III AF supported rice farmers in Sokoto state. Similarly, the high average yield obtained by the farmers could be as a result of Fadama III AF support in the area. The study concluded that farm specific factors could be tapped to improve yield. Keywords: Determinants, yield, rice, Fadama III AF, interventio

Factors Influencing Farm Income among Farmers in Northern Nigeria

The observed decline in farm income in recent times was a source of concern for farmers and other stake holders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This could be a serious setback for Nigeria’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This paper focused on identifying the determinants of farm income in northern Nigeria. Result of the study could be beneficial to farmers and policy makers by providing insight on the factors that could raise farm income. The study was based on the hunch that certain socio economic factors and climatic elements could improve farm income. Findings of the study revealed that livestock keeping, access to credit, farm power, proximity to market, marital status, gender and climate influenced farm income. In addition variation in factors due to difference in agro ecological zones significantly affected revenue. Conclusion of the study was that farm specific factors could be used as a framework to improve farm income. Keywords: Factors, farm income, farmers, Northern Nigeri

Inhibitive Effect of Glutaraldehyde on the Corrosion of Aluminum in Hydrochloric Acid Solution

The inhibition effect of glutaraldehyde on the corrosion of aluminum in 1.4 M HCl solution at 308-318 K was investigated by using weight loss method and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) & Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis (SEM). The results show that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing inhibitor concentration and decreases with rising temperature. The activation energy value was 20.48 kJ mol-1 for the uninhibited acid solution which increased to 33.79 kJ mol-1 in the presence of 0.1 M inhibitor concentration. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to provide an accurate description of the adsorption behavior of the investigated inhibitor. The thermodynamic parameters such as adsorption equilibrium constant (Kads), free energy of adsorption (ΔGads), heat of adsorption (ΔHads) and entropy of adsorption (ΔSads) have been calculated and discussed in detail

Inhibitive Effect of Glutaraldehyde on the Corrosion of Aluminum in Hydrochloric Acid Solution

The inhibition effect of glutaraldehyde on the corrosion of aluminum in 1.4 M HCl solution at 308-318 K was investigated by using weight loss method and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) & Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis (SEM). The results show that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing inhibitor concentration and decreases with rising temperature. The activation energy value was 20.48 kJ mol-1 for the uninhibited acid solution which increased to 33.79 kJ mol-1 in the presence of 0.1 M inhibitor concentration. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to provide an accurate description of the adsorption behavior of the investigated inhibitor. The thermodynamic parameters such as adsorption equilibrium constant (Kads), free energy of adsorption (ΔGads), heat of adsorption (ΔHads) and entropy of adsorption (ΔSads) have been calculated and discussed in detail

Ramadan tafsir of the glorious Qur’an goes virtual during Covid-19 lockdown in Nigeria

The researchers were motivated by the adoption of digital communication applications and social media platforms by some Islamic scholars in Nigeria to conduct annual Tafsir of the glorious Qur’an in Ramadan 2020 in the midst of coronavirus lockdown. The paper adopted Lull’s Gratification Theory for theoretical explanation of virtual interaction between the scholars who conducted the Tafsir from an isolated places and the audience who watched or listened from their homes in adherence to safety measures to stop the spread of the disease. Methodologically, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique to elicit secondary data from the target participants. The study found that there is usage of digital medium of communication and interaction between Islamic clerics and their followers. This explains the flexibility of Islam to embrace development, adopt and adapt it in conformity with Islamic rules and regulations. The findings also show that Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram are the most common internet based interactive platforms which Islamic scholars explored and disseminated their Tafsir virtual to the audience. The paper concludes that internet has enabled people not only to interact virtual but Tafsir and other forms of Islamic preaching can be conducted without co-presence of the preachers and the audience. The option of live streaming video on Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram which consume a lot amount of data has enabled Muslim users to followed the Ramadan Tafsir from distant places

Assessment of selected heavy metals uptake from soil by vegetation of two areas of district Attock, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to examine the heavy metals in the soil and vegetation of two areas of district Attock (Pakistan). Investigations were made to compare the heavy metals concentrations (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn) in a relatively less polluted site (Khour City) and a polluted site (Khour Company). An assessment of the selected heavy metals uptake by the soil and vegetation was made through calculation of bioaccumulation and enrichment factors. Samples of soil and plants were collected from both sites. From each site, four points were selected randomly for vegetation and soil sampling. Plant species included Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Calotropis procera, Ziziphus nummularia, Cynodon dactylon, Acacia senegal, Parthenium hysterophorus, Dalbergia sissoo and Desmostachya bipinnata. Heavy metals were detected in soil and vegetation of both areas using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lead concentration was highest amongst other heavy metals in both soil and vegetation (Cynodon dactylon). In studied plant species heavy metals concentrations varied among different species. The level of heavy metal concentration in Khour Company was greater compared to Khour City. The increasing level of heavy metal contamination in the Khour Company area may be because of higher traffic density and industrialization compared to Khour City