Generation-3 Polyamidoamine Dendrimer-Silica Composite: Preparation and Cd(II) Removal Capacity

Generation-3 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer was implanted on silica to produce a very good adsorbent (G-3 PAMAM-SGA). The composite was characterized and used for the removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. Kinetic data fit the Lagergren pseudo-second-order model and also follow the intraparticle diffusion kinetic model to an extent, which is an indication that the sorption process is controlled by both mechanisms: intraparticle/film layer and adsorption inside the pores/crevices of the composite. Equilibrium sorption data of Cd(II) on G-3 PAMAM-SGA fit the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9993) which is indicative of multilayered adsorption that occurred on heterogeneous surfaces. The ΔG° values for all temperatures studied were negative, which indicated a spontaneous and feasible process. The result implies that G-3 PAMAM-SGA is a promising adsorbent for microscale scavenging of Cd(II) ions in aqueous solutions

Environmental Policies within the Context of Compensation for Oil Spill Disaster Impacts: A Literature Synthesis

The policies guiding the Nigerian environment, oil and gas production is enormous. Nigeria is a signatory to innumerable international agreements and conventions related to environmental sustainability, climate change, health and safety of its citizens and protection of marine waters, fishes and livelihood structures. The regulations are aimed to reduce the dangers that emanates from industrial activities and safeguard the surroundings and wellbeing. This paper is a review of some instructive environmental policies and guidelines in the Nigerian oil and gas industry in relation to compensation for environmental damages resulted from oil spillages. The literature including journal articles, conference papers, government documents and news papers were reviewed to understand the influence of the established policies on communities affected by oil spills. The study establishes that the policies are laudably pronounced theoretically rather than practically. The policies lack consistency, enforcement and overlaps of mandates which is contradicting and controversial for the affected communities. In addition, the lack of clarity in compensation strategies and transparency in the process calls for a greater attention. The paper recommends that government and the oil and gas industries revisit the existing policies to in-cooperate compensation for damages due to oil spills, or enact a separate law specifically for damages from oil spillages. Also, there should be a clear mandate between agencies for an effective enforcement of the laws