Sequential Analysis of Metals in Municipal Dumpsite Composts of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

The heavy metals contents (Pb, Cu, Fe, Cr, Cd, Zn, Mn and Ni) in Municipal dumpsite compost were determined by the sequential extraction method. Chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, and organic carbon contents of the samples were also determined. Analysis of the extracts was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometer machine (Buck Scientific VPG 210). Results of these analyses showed that Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe were largely associated with residual fraction (53.06%, 56.26%, 58.15%, 59.14% and 64.10% respectively). Cu, Cd and Zn were largely associated with non-residual fractions (71.42%, 54.44%, and 54.15% respectively). Calculated mobility and bioavailability factors of Cd, Zn and Cu were also high (54.54%, 54.16%, 53.06% and 0.54, 0.54, 0.53 respectively), moderate for Pb, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe (46.94%, 41.86%, 43.74%, 40.85%, 35.90% and 0.46, 0.41, 0.43, 0.40, 0.35 respectively). Mean percentage recoveries were ranged from 79.75%-100%.Keywords: Municipal dumpsite, compost, sequential extraction, mobility factor, bioavailability factor

Determination of heavy metals in soils from dump site of tanneries and farmlands in Challawa Industrial Estate Kano,Nigeria

Heavy metals were determined in soil samples at the dump site, Challawa town, Karfi Irrigation site and farmlands near the dump site by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that soil at the dump site contains significant amount of toxic elements. Hence remediation processes were suggested. The soil samples were analyzed for the presence of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe and Zn. The concentrations were 9.21±0.52ìgg-1 to 3797.33±459. 20ìgg-1for chromium, 0.39±4.96ìgg-1 to 40.65±12.03ìgg-1 for lead, 0.10±0.82ìgg-1 to 1.96±0.82ìgg-1 for  cadmium, 0.36±0.09ìgg-1 to 15.99±5.29ìgg-1 for copper, 13.69±2.03ìgg-1 to 23.32±2.33ìgg1 for zinc and iron concentration was  1165.00±249.53ìgg-1 to 2542.50±208.71ìgg-1.The concentrations of the metals in the soil samples analyzed was found to be in the order  Cr>Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd. Heavy metals are known to cause many diseases, and are poisonous even at low concentrations.Keywords; Heavy metals, Challawa, Karfi , Tanneries ,Soil, and Irrigation

Analysis of Some Mineral Elements in Selected Sorghum Cultivars

Ten sorghum samples were used for this study. Six samples(local) from Kibiya, Tsakuwa, Burum-Burum in Kano State,two samples from each of the sampling areas and four improved samples from Institute of Agricultural Reasearch, Zaria.The varieties are White Kibiya (WK), Yellow Kibiya (YK), White Tsakuwa (WT), Yellow Tsakuwa (YT), White Burum-Burum (WB) and Yellow Buru-Burum (YB) were the local samples. Samsorg 14 (S14), Samsorg 17 (S17), Samsorg 40 (S40) and Samsorg 41 (S41) were the improved samples.The mineral composition of the sample studied shows highest distrbution pattern of Fe (YK,31.95 &#956gg -1), Cu (YT,7.27 &#956gg-1), Zn (S40 59.81 &#956gg-1), Mg (YK.110.74 &#956gg -1) Ca (YT,40.85 &#956gg -1), Cu (S17,.8.0 &#956gg -1), Cd (S14,0.99 &#956gg -1), and Pb was only detected in white Burum –Burum variety (0,.64 &#956gg-1). Keywords: Minerals, Sorghum, Cultivars, Nutrient

Chemical characteristic of selected imported and local honey sold around Kano metropolis, Nigeria

In this study, analysis of nine samples of imported honey from Argentina, Italy and Turkey and local honey sourced from Kaduna, Adamawa, Zaria, Jigawa, Bauchi and Hadejia were incorporated in the study. The concentration of reducing sugars, sucrose, free fatty acid, pH, moisture and ash content were determined using standard methods. The imported honey had the highest reducing sugar and ash content. The reducing sugar content follows the order A>B> C. While, the local honey samples had high free fatty acid and moisture. The free fatty acid is in the order I> G> E> D≥ F> H. The pH and sucrose of all samples are within the national regulations. Reducing sugar (≥ 65%), sucrose (≤ 5%), free fatty acid (≤ 40meq/kg), moisture (≤21%), ash (≤1.0%) and pH (3.2- 4.5). These results indicate that imported honey fall within the Codex Standard regulations in most cases. It has been discovered that some substances in honey prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase and lipoxygenase. Other phytonutrients found in honey have been shown to possess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties. Honey is the ideal liver fuel because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose. Fructose "unlocks" the enzyme from the liver cell's nucleus that is necessary for the incorporation of glucose into glycogen (the form in which sugar is stored in the liver and muscle cells). Honey may promote better blood sugar control. Proper fueling of the liver is central to optimal glucose metabolism during sleep and exercise.Keywords: Chemical, Honey, Reducing sugar, Sucrose

Adsorption studies for the removal of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution

The adsorption characteristics of Cr(VI) in the form of Cr2O7(-2) ion from aqueous solution onto synthetic exchanger Amberlite IRA 400(Cl) resin was studied from UV – visible spectrphotometric measurement using DPC at 580nm. The efficiency of the adsorbent was judged from the variation of the % adsorption with (i) contact time, (ii) adsorbent dose and (iii) initial metal ion concentration. For the optimum adsorbent dose, the highest % adsorption was found to be 99.92% at 30ppm metal ion concentration. Keywords: adsorption, adsorbent, metal io

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metals Concentration in Municipal Dumpsite Compost in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria.

Physicochemical properties of municipal dumpsite compost in Kano metropolis and concentration of heavy metals were investigated. Analysis was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry (Buck Scientific VPG 210). The results shows that the compost pH (6.63-8.19), electric conductivity of compost (638-933μs/cm), total organic carbon(6.28-8.65%) and organic matter/humus (10.86-14.95%).The heavy metals analysis of municipal dumpsite compost it contained Zn(52.18-547.82mg/kg), Cu(34.50-262.06mg/kg), Fe(18.18-109.08mg/kg), Ni(9.5276.19mg/kg), Mn(12.40-73.45mg/kg) Pb(13.80-62.07mg/kg), and Cd(2.5-7.5mg/kg). Heavy metals concentrations (mg/kg) in studied compost were below the maximum allowable total metal concentration in compost compared with USEPA, Indian Compost Standards, Italy and USA Compost Regulations.Keywords: Compost, Dumpsite, Heavy Metal, Metropolis, Municipa

Trace Elements as Indicators of Quality of Drinking Water in Offa Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study involved the determination of trace elements in drinking water in Offa Metropolis. Drinking water samples were collected from tap, well, borehole, stream and sachet water and analysed for Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results obtained show the concentration ranges of the metals in the samples as follows: Cr (0.01 - 0.27)mgL-1, Co (0.000 – 0.018) mgL-1, Cu (0.001 – 0.023) mgL-1, Fe (0.025 – 0.13) mgL-1, Mg (0.007 – 0.082) mgL-1 and Mn (0.002 – 0.009) mgL-1. In conclusion these concentrations are within the permissible limit of the WHO drinking water quality guidelines except chromium with twenty-one samples above the WHO threshold limit and four samples within the limit.Keywords: Offa metropolis, Trace elements, Water quality, Kwara State, Drinking water

Remediation of Cr and Fe from aqueous solution by natural adsorbents

Different kinds of low-cost agro based fibres can be used to remove both trace and heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The removal efficiency of maize (Zea mays) cob, sawdust and coal coded as MC, SD and CO respectively was investigated in this study for the bioremediation of chromium and iron. Sorption experiments were carried out using batch process in which changes in concentration of the adsorbates were monitored by the use of Shimadzu AA650 Double Beam Atomic Absorption/Flame spectrophotometer. Effects of varying adsorbent dose, adsorbate loading concentration, pH, and adsorbent surface area were studied. At optimum adsorbent dose, remediation of Cr varies according to CO > SD > MC, while that of Fe varies according to MC > CO > SD. However, on individual adsorbents the remediation efficiency is; on MC Cr has 48.5% while Fe has 100%, while on SD Cr has 97.85% while Fe has 95% and lastly on CO Cr has 98.57% and Fe has 98%. This shows that the adsorbent can selectively be employed for the remediation of the ions from the solutions

Proximate analysis of Lepidium sativum leaves

Proximate analysis of Lepidium Sativum leaves was carried out. The leaves were analyzed using standard procedures and the following results were obtained; moisture (81.85±0.85%), crude protein (5.82±0.07%), fiber (8.69±0.01%), and appreciable percentage of lipid (1.01±0.01%), Ash (3.25±0.03%) and Carbohydrate (8.08±0.02%). The result indicated that lepidium sativum have high amounts of proteins, fats and fiber. Therefore, this plant is recommended for consumers as vegetable in their diet so as to meet up the body nutrients demand.Keywords: Proximate analysis, Lepidium sativum

Comparative Analysis of Physico-Chemical Properties of Extracted and Collected Palm Oil and Tallow

Palm oil was extracted from palm fruits while animal fat (tallow) from Cow. Various samples of both palm oil and tallow were also obtained from the market. Determination of the physico-chemical properties were made on these reference and collected samples. The results obtained from the reference samples of both palm oil and tallow are as follows: Relative density: palm oil; 0.875 and tallow; 0.909. Moisture content: palm oil; 0.24%m/m and tallow; 0.13%m/m. Free fatty acid: palm oil; 2.12% and tallow; 0.559%. Acid value: palm oil; 4.217 mg KOH / g of oil and tallow; 1.113 mg KOH / g of oil. Saponification value: palm oil; 191.324 mg KOH / g of oil and tallow; 190.763 mg KOH / g of oil. Peroxide value: palm oil; Nil and tallow; Nil. Unsaponifiable matter: palm oil; 3.033g/kg and tallow; 1.133g/kg. Iodine value: palm oil; 53.870 and tallow; 44.154. Soap content: palm oil; 0.003m/m and tallow; 0m/m. Insoluble impurities: palm oil; 0.001m/m and tallow; 0.001m/m. Titre value: palm oil; 41.5 oC and tallow; 42.5 oC. Rancidity: palm oil; negative and tallow; negative. The conclusion derived from these analyses is that, some of the samples do not comply with the standards given by the regulatory bodies (Standard Organization of Nigeria, and National Food and Drug Administration and Control).Keywords: Free fatty acid, Lipids, Palm oil, Rancidity, Saponification, Tallow