Use of nanoporous ceramic membranes for carbon dioxide separation

Natural gas processes accounts for about 5.3 billion tonnes per year of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the atmosphere. At this rate of emission, the expectation will drastically rise if not curtailed. In order to achieve this, a cost-effective and environmental friendly technology is required. In recent times, membrane technology has been widely applied for CO2 removal from raw natural gas components. This article examines CO2 separation from natural gas, mainly methane (CH4), through a mesoporous composite membrane. A laboratory scale tubular silica membrane with a permeable length of 348 mm, I.D and O.D of 7 and 10 mm, respectively, was used in this experiment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the membrane. Single gas permeation of helium (He), CH4, nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar) and CO2 were determined at permeation temperature range between 25 and 100°C and feed gauge pressure of 0.05 to 5.0 barg. Before silica modification, He recorded the highest flow rate (0.3745 l/min) while CO2 recorded the least flow rate (0.1351 l/min) at 0.4 barg and 25°C. After silica modification, CO2 flow enhances significantly (3.1180 l/min at 1.0 barg) compared to CH4 (2.1200 l/min at the same gauge pressure) due to the influence of surface flow mechanism. Temperature variation described the applicability of Knudsen diffusion for He. A combination of viscous, surface and Knudsen diffusion transport mechanisms were obtained throughout the experiment. Membrane thickness was also calculated to be 2.5 × 10−4 m

Molecular characterisation of pathogenic fungi of maize grains

Fungi differ from each other phylogenetically, ecologically, metabolically, biochemically, physiologically and morphologically. Despite industrial, medicinal and agricultural importance of fungi, their identification remains daunting for young mycologists. A study was conducted to identify the common fungal pathogens causing post-harvest contamination of stored maize grains purchased from the Rumuokoro daily market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Fungal cultures were isolated and morphologically identified using both standard blotter method and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. The DNA of the most common fungal isolate, coded M-11, was molecularly characterised using Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS-1) molecular marker. The M-11 isolate DNA sequence was aligned using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide (BLASTN) 2.8.0 version of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The amplified DNA sequence of the millet isolates yielded 569 base pairs. The results indicated that the M-11 isolate sequence was 89.34% identical to Aspergillus flavus var. flavus strain CSS 130026 and 88.11% identical to Aspergillus flavus isolate AA 133. The above outcome shows that one of the causal organisms associated with stored maize grains is Aspergillus flavus. It is anticipated that these results will improve on the current information available, provide information for developing effective disease control strategy for alleviating the post-harvest losses caused by Aspergillus flavus and also provide a foundation for further study of potential mycotoxic effect of consuming diseased maize seeds

Growth Performance, Carcass and Organ Characteristics of Pullets Fed Plantain Ash Supplemented Commercial Diets

The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of different plantain ash sources (plantain root base ash (PRA) and plantain stalk ash (PSA) supplementation on the performance of pullets fed commercial diets. Ninety six Isa brown pullets aged 15 weeks were therefore used to assess the effect of supplementing commercial diets with plantain root base (PRA) and stalk ashes (PSA) on growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics of pullets during 4 weeks before point of laying (19 weeks of age) and 6 weeks of laying period (25 weeks of age). The pullets were divided into two groups of 48 each for supplementation with either PSA or PRA. Each group was divided into four groups of 12, which were further replicated 3 times with 4 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. At each developmental stage, the feed offered to the birds was supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 g/kg body weight of PSA or PRA. One g/kgBW of PRA supplementation elicited observable growth performance effects on the birds, while for PSA it was 2 g/kgBW. The 2 g/kgBW PSA supplemented birds gained significantly (P<0.05) more weight than the other groups except the control, which consumed significantly (P<0.05) more feed. At point of laying, the 1g/kgBW PRA group recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight and weight gain than the control. Plantain root base ash affected dressing percentage significantly (P<0.05) resulting in higher thigh weights, while organ weights decreased with increasing ash supplementation levels. Plantain ash therefore has positive effect on growth and edible carcass cut. Key words: plantain ash, pullets, feed, carcas

Mycoremediation Potential of Edible Mushroom (Lentinus squarrosulus Mont) for Reduction of Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Load of Landfill Leachate obtained from Choba Dumpsite, Rivers State, Nigeria

Dumpsite leachate samples are characterized by high concentration of pollutants that pose several environmental health risks in both short and long term. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the efficacy of mycoremediation capacity of edible mushroom (Lentinus squarrosulus Mont.) for reduction of physicochemical properties and microbial load of landfill leachate obtained from Choba dumpsite, Rivers State, Nigeria using mycofiltration technique and standard methods. Data obtained after a 24-48 hours mycofiltration treatment, revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the concentration of pH from 7.4 to 7.7, Colour 227 to 108, Turbidity 152 to 50 (NTU), Electrical conductivity 415 to 201(µS/cm), Total Dissolved Solid 560 to 218 (mg L-1), Total Suspended Solid 22 to 20 (mg L-1), Nitrite 0.124 to 0.120, Nitrate 0.130 to 0.125, Phosphate 1.4 to 1.1, Dissolved Oxygen 8.64to 1.52 (mg/L-1), Biological Oxygen Demand 7.2 to 1.52 (mg/L-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand 4.96 to 1.32 (mg/L-1) and microbes at the end of the filtration process.  The findings from this study showed that mycofiltration technique could be a useful, efficient and affordable technology for toxicity reduction in dumpsite leachate

Isolation And Identification of Common Fungal Pathogens Invading Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) Sold in Choba Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This research was aimed at isolating and identifying common fungal pathogens invading sweet potato tubers. Tubers were collected from Choba Market, Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Fungal isolates were collected and morphologically identified. The Deoxyribonucleic acid of the most common fungal isolates, SP-1 and SP-2 were molecularly characterized using Internal Transcribed Spacer 4 and 5 molecular markers. The isolates Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence was aligned using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for Nucleotide 2.8.0 version of National Centre for Biotechnology Information database. The molecular weight of the Deoxyribonucleic acid of the isolates were 573 base pairs for Lasiodiplodia theobromae and 521 base pairs for Pichia kudriavzevii. Based on sequence similarity, it was observed that the sweet potato tubers isolate SP-1 was 99.25% identical to Lasiodiplodia theobromae and SP-2 was 99.70% identical to Pichia kudriavzevii. These findings showed that Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Pichia kudriavzevii are some of the causal fungal pathogens invading sweet potato tubers. It is projected that this result will provide information for disease control approach for improving the post-harvest losses of sweet potato. This study will improve available information and aid in reducing the deteriorating activities of fungi invading Sweet Potato tubers

Evaluation of Network Architecture and Its Implication on Connectivity and Data Security

Networking offers the framework to congregate largely heterogeneous entities so that they can communicate. In this paper we review aspects of Network architectural design that aims to ensure connectivity and data security for network users. Security protocols like the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) ensures data security for users of a Virtual Private Network which provides encryption, tunneling and authentication services. Virtual Local Area Networks plays a role in network management and security. Access Control lists provides an overview of rights granted to users to access network resources thereby reducing incidence of hacking to the minimum. Combining these techniques in a network would ensure uninterrupted service and data security to network users

Design and fabrication of a multipurpose railroad hand truck

A multipurpose railroad hand truck comprising mainly of a frame, swinger arm, connecting rod, crank shaft, gears, wheels and brake was designed and fabricated to reduce the cost of material handling in small scaled manufacturing industries. The frame and other major components of the hand truck were fabricated with mild steel bars, shafts and sheets while the guide rail was constructed using 50mm by 50mm mild steel angle bar. The hand truck is hand paddled and requires no prime mover (electric motor, IC engine, etc.), hence incurring minimal operational cost. The hand truck will be used to convey tools, materials and work pieces from one part of the workshop to another on guide rails. Results of its performance test indicated that the hand truck can carry loads up to 250kg. All materials used for the fabrication were sourced locally.Keywords: railroad, truck, paddled, swinger, multipurpos

Proximate analysis, phytochemical properties and antifungal activity of ‘miracle plant’, Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken

The leaf and root of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken were evaluated for proximate composition, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, mineral elements, micro-morphology and its antifungal activities on some selected fungal species obtained from diseased Arachis hypogaea seeds. These were assessed following standard procedures. The study showed that the protein, moisture, ash, crude fibre and crude fat contents were higher in the root of B. pinnatum than in the leaves except for carbohydrate. B. pinnatum leaves and roots had water-soluble vitamins (19.45%; 48.22%), fat-soluble vitamins (11.75%; 29.05), essential amino acids (5.324%, 8.318%) and non-essential amino acids (1.189%, 2.355%), respectively. Phytochemicals and mineral concentrations were higher in the roots of B. pinnatum than in the leaves. The micromorphology revealed aniocystic stomatal type, the presence of tannins in the petiole and stem as seen in the vascular bundle and secretory cells while starch grains were seen in the root. Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract inhibited Rhizopus stolonifer mycelia growth followed by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The mycelial growth of these fungi ranged from 2.57 – 3.33 cm compared with the control treatment (8.7 cm). These inherent potentials in B. pinnatum could be the reason the plant is recommended for the treatment of various ailments

Production of Periwinkle Shell Reinforced Grindstone

The study involves the use of periwinkle shell particles as reinforcement in the production of grindstone to meliorate its physical and mechanical properties. The assessment of the properties of the periwinkle shell reinforced concrete grindstone showed that reinforcement yielded several promising results. The compressive strength was higher for samples with lower water/cement ratio (7%) than those with higher water/cement ratio (10%). The introduction of concrete that contains periwinkle shells as fine aggregates resulted in the loss of smooth like appearance and reduction in weight. The loss of its smooth like nature introduces the rough nature which improved its functionality. The reinforced sample had the lowest hardness test and in hardness test the lower the number the higher the hardness. There was an increase in the density after absorption test was carried out on specimens. There was also reduction in production cost with periwinkle shells partial replacement of cement and gravel as fine aggregate. The composite was adequate for grindstone production since its sample has a compressive of 18.15Mpa and thus satisfied MOR requirements of 11.5 MPa for general purpose boards

Response Surface Optimization of a Plastic Powder Processing Machine using Desirability Function Approach

Optimal performance and operational parameters of a plastic powder processing machine used for converting used PET bottles into powdered form was assessed in this study. The geometrical (operational) parameters investigated include: speed of hammermill shaft, number of blades on the hammermill, length of hammermill blade and intrinsic viscosity of the PET processed while grain size produced, throughput and conversion efficiency constitute the machine’s (performance) parameters. The interactions of these factors (operational parameters) and responses (performance parameters) were evaluated and estimated using a completely randomized Box-Behnken blocked design layout which comprises twenty seven (27) experimental runs. Desirability function approach was the optimization technique applied. Results revealed the optimal values of hammermill speed, number of blades, blade length and intrinsic viscosity as 1400 rpm, 4, 109.6 mm and 0.82798 respectively with responses of 89.71%, 1.9953 kg/min and 139.9998 for conversion efficiency, throughput and grain size respectively. These optimal operational parameters will make the machine economical to operate in terms of labour, time and energy requirement