Predicting the minimum liquid surface tension activity of pseudomonads expressing biosurfactants

Bacteria produce a variety of biosurfactants capable of significantly reducing liquid (aqueous) surface tension (γ) with a range of biological roles and biotechnological uses. In order to determine the lowest achievable surface tension (γMin), we tested a diverse collection of Pseudomonas-like isolates from contaminated soil and activated sludge, and identified those expressing biosurfactants by drop-collapse assay. Liquid surface tension reducing ability was quantitatively determined by tensiometry, with 57 isolates found to significantly lower culture supernatant surface tensions to 24.5 – 49.1 mN m−1. Differences in biosurfactant behaviour determined by foaming, emulsion and oil-displacement assays, was also observed amongst isolates producing surface tensions of 25 – 27 mN m−1, suggesting that a range of structurally-diverse biosurfactants were being expressed. Individual distribution identification (IDI) analysis was used to identify the theoretical probability distribution that best fitted the surface tension data, which predicted a γMin of 24.24 mN m−1. This was in agreement with predictions based on earlier work of published mixed–bacterial spp. data, suggesting a fundamental limit to the ability of bacterial biosurfactants to reduce surface tensions in aqueous systems. This implies a biological restriction on the synthesis and export of these agents or a physical-chemical restriction on their functioning once produced

Effects of Phosphorus and Rhizobium Inoculation on Yield Components and Grain Yield of Some Selected Cowpea Genotypes

The effects of phosphorus (0, 20, 40kg P2O5ha-1) and rhizobium inoculation (inoculated and un-inoculated) on the yield components and grain yield of three cowpea genotypes (IT93K-452-1, IT97K-573-1-1 and IT98K-499-35) were investigated under field conditions at Bayero University, Kano, Teaching and Research Farm (11059 N; 8025 E; 466m above sea level) and Agricultural Research Station Farm, Minjibir (12010’ N,  8039’ E; 402m  above sea level) in 2014 rainy season. Cowpea genotypes were assigned to the main plot, while phosphorus levels were assigned to the sub-plots. The inoculation was assigned to the sub-sub plot. These were laid out in Split-split plot design and replicated three times. Results of the study indicated significant effect of genotype in all the characters measured except shelling percent. Significantly (p˂ 0.05) higher number of pods per plant, pod weight, fodder and grain yield was observed from IT99K-573-1-1 than all other genotypes evaluated. Similarly, the number of pods per plant, pod weight, fodder and grain yield were significantly influenced by application of phosphorus with better results recorded from 40 kg P2O5 treated plants. Inoculation of cowpea with rhizobium MC92 strain, also recorded significant effect on the measured characters and grain yield. Inoculation of cowpea with rhizobium MC92 along with 40kgP2O5 ha-1 could enhance performance of cowpea particularly with an adaptable genotype like IT99K-573-1-1. Keywords: Cowpea, grain yield, inoculation, yield component

Impact of Health Education in Halting the Spread of Infectious Diseases in Nigerian Schools

The future of a nation depends to a large extent on the health of its citizens. Man from time immemorial has recognized diseases as an inevitable phenomenon that affects the life of Nigerian school pupils. This paper has mentioned the classes of infectious diseases, nature of common infectious diseases in schools as well as control of infectious diseases in Nigerian school system. Recommendations offered are directed towards pupils, school administrators, parents and government

Extraction of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Oil: Optimization and Characterization

This work presents the result of the optimization of extraction of oil from Chrysophyllum albidum seed using ethanol as solvent. A 23 factorial designs with replication was employed to study the effect particle size, time, and temperature of extraction. The oil yield from extraction was 12.70 – 16.85 % with the optimal yield of 16.85 % at particle size of 500 µm, temperature of 55 0 C, and a time of 6 hours. Characterizations of the oil reveal a Saponification value of 228.4mgKOH/g, iodine value of 30 gI2 /100g, peroxide value of 1.45 meq/kg, acid value of 2.52 mgKOH/g. The oil extracted from this seed can be effectively used for variety of domestic and industrial application such as the making of paint, candles, soap and biodiesel. Keywords: Optimization, Characterization, Chrysophyllum albidum, Oi

Phytosociological attributes of aquatic weeds of Kano-Hadejanguru wetlands

A survey was conducted during dry and rainy seasons of 2011 in order to determine the phytosociological attributes of acquatic weeds of Kano-Hadeja-Nguru wetlands. Random quadrat method was adopted for the phytosociological studies. The study areas consisted of communities from Kano, Jigawa and Yobe States. In each state, six communities were randomly selected. In each community20 quadrats of 4 m2 size were laid down and hence sum of 120 quadrats were randomly thrown for each state. Within each quadrat area, weeds were identified, counted and weed cover scores were recorded. Weeds were cut at ground level, fresh and dry weights were determined. Typha grass was the most dominant species in the wetlands of Jigawa (21.195 and 22.5%) compared to either Kano (9.345 and 5.27%) or Yobe (12.73 and12.135%) states. Weed density, weed cover scores as well as fresh and dry weight of weed samples from Kano were observed to be higher than the other two states. Morphological characteristics of Typha spp found in Kano State were taller with more leaves than the other two states. The study suggested that there is strong need to start an Integrated Typha management in the study areas.Keywords: Phytosocioloy, aquatic weed, wetlands, Typha morpholog

Potentials of Sludge from Drinking Water Treatment Plant for Use as Source of Soil Nutrients for Reclamation of Degraded Land

The residuals from Gubi drinking water treatment plant are usually discharged directly into the nearby streams without any form of treatment. The decomposition of the organic materials contained in the untreated sludge has caused the production of malodorous gases and unsightly condition in the area. The disposal of this sludge in an environmentally friendly manner is therefore not only desirable but necessary. The aim of this investigation was to assess the feasibility of utilizing the residuals from Gubi water treatment plant as a source of nutrients for reclamation of degraded lands especially those arising from mining activities. The study was carried out at Gubi water treatment plant located in the vicinity of Gubi Dam water reservoir.Ten sludge samples were collected from each of the three clerifiers. Important sludge properties that are known to aid nutrients status of soil were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The means of various soil quality parameters recorded in the WTRs were 6.8, 20.06g/kg, 34.90g/kg, 1.65g/kg, 2.30g/kg, 13.45mg/kg, 2.50Cmol/kg, 2.10Cmol/kg and 28Cmol/kg for pH, Organic C, Organic Matter, K, Total N, Olsen P, Ca, Mg and CEC respectively. The means of all the parameters analysed falls within the ranges considered good for vegetation growth. The heavy metals concentrations recorded in the residual were 1.8mg/kg, 0.1mg/kg, 2mg/kg, 29mg/kg, 66mg/kg, 15mg/kg, 8.7mg/kg, 6.2mg/kg and 0.03mg/kg for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr and Hg respectively. The concentrations of all the metals did not exceed the acceptable threshold limits recommended by regulatory authorities. Considering the enormous amount of plant nutrients and absence of excessive toxic metals in Gubi WTRs, it is safe to conclude that the residual can be use as a source of soil nutrients for reclamation of degraded land. Key words: Sludge, Soil Nutrients, Degraded Land, Reclamatio

Analysis of the distribution of heavy metals in the soils of Bagega mining area Zamfara state, Nigeria

Uncontrolled exploitation and degradation in the environment over the past few decades as the result of urbanization and poverty has caused a serious damage to lives and properties. The study analysed the spatial distribution of heavy metal (Fe, Cu and Zn) in Bagega, Zamfara state. Three mapping units were identified and samples were collected from the top soil (0-15cm) horizon using stratified random sampling techniques. These include the Mining Processing Environment (MPE), Residential exterior (RE) and Surrounding Farmlands (SF). In each mapping units, twelve (12) samples were collected randomly. Coordinates of all samples points were recorded using GPS. The soil sample were analyse for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and the result were recorded in Microsoft excel and later transformed into GIS environment in the Arc GIS 10.1 version. Krigging model was used for mapping the spatial distribution of the heavy metals in the study area. The result shows that there are more concentrations of heavy metals (Fe and Cu) in the Residential exterior (RE) and streams sites. The level of heavy metal in the soils of the area were below the acceptable toxic level of and this can be attributed to the number of years quarry activities in the study area have been in operation. The study concluded that Fe and Zn are more concentrated to the mining and river sites areas, while Cu is highly concentrated at the farmlands areas. The study recommends for continuous monitoring and mining should be avoided especially closer to the residential areas.Keywords: Spatial distribution, Mapping, Heavy metals, Bageg

Solid State Fermentation of Orange Pomace for Bioethanol Production

This study is aimed at studying the effect of process variables on solid state fermentation of orange pomace for bioethanol production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The effect of substrate concentrations (100 - 350 g), fermentation period (24 - 72 hours) and inoculum amount (2.0 - 4.5 g) on solid state fermentation of orange pomace for bioethanol production was investigated. Characterization of the resulting bioethanol was carried out to determine its fuel properties (viscosity, flash point, density, refractive index, specific gravity, pH and boiling point). Experimental results revealed increase in the process variables (substrate concentration, fermentation period and inoculum amount) led to a corresponding increase in bioethanol yield until an optimum condition was reached (substrate loading of 200 g, pH of 4.5, fermentation temperature of 35°C, inoculum amount of 3 g and fermentation period of 72 hours) after which a decline in yield was observed. The maximum ethanol yield of 32.32 % v/v was obtained at these condition. Characterization of the bioethanol sample showed that the ethanol has satisfactory fuel properties that establishes its suitability as an alternative renewable fuel that can be blended with gasoline

Simulation of Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited

This research was carried out to simulate the Hydrodesulphurization unit using ASPEN HYSYS with the aim of removing impurities such as Sulphur, Nitrogen and Oxygen in raw Kerosene. The simulation is based on conditions and parameters (mass flow rates, temperature and pressure readings) obtained from the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC). After the successful completion of the simulation, total removal of impurities was achieved as the concentration of sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen in mole fraction present in the treated Kerosene stream was approximately zero. The treated Kerosene composition indicated 0.0021, 0.3342, 0.3322 and 0.3315 mole fractions of n-C13, n-C14, n-C15 and n-C16 respectively. Key words: Simulation, Hydrodesulphurization, Aspen Hysys, Impurities

Establishing convergent validity of a medication literacy assessment instrument for use within the Nigerian setting

Purpose: To establish convergent validity of a previously designed medication literacy instrument for use in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zaria, Kaduna State from May to August 2021, with structured instruments administered to conveniently sampled members of the public via one-on-one interviews to collect data. These instruments included a previously designed medication literacy assessment instrument and the Newest Vital Sign United Kingdom version (NVS-UK) health literacy assessment questionnaire. Data obtained was reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Three hundred respondents were interviewed, majority of whom were females (51 %) and aged between 15 – 25 (76.6 %). The percentage of correct responses to the NVS-UK questions ranged from 22 to 58.3 %, while the total number of NVS-UK questions answered correctly by respondents ranged from 0 to 6 with a mean of 2.2 ± 1.7. Respondents’ NVS-UK scores were associated with their highest level of education completed (p = 0.001). The NVS-UK showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.7) and validation of the developed medication literacy instrument against the NVS-UK demonstrated a Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient of 0.42. Conclusion: The designed instrument is valid and can be used to assess medication literacy within the country