Adsorption of Pesticides from Aqueous Solution using Kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum G.) Derived Activated Carbon

The utilization of kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum G.) leaves as precursor for producing activated carbon for adsorption of pesticides from aqueous solution was investigated in this study. The Combretum micranthum G. leave were carbonized at a temperature of 500 ºC for 1 h. After activation with H3PO4, the kinkeliba activated carbon (KAC) possessed bulk density of 78.6 g/dm3 and volatile component of 10%. The pH, percentage moisture and ash content of the KAC were 5.43 ± 0.36, 1.25 ± 0.04% and 5.01 ± 0.12% respectively. The adsorption of pesticides onto the prepared KAC adsorbent was optimized in terms of operating parameters (adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and initial adsorbate concentration). The results showed greater removal efficiency for the pesticides at pH 3 in 30 min. The results from isotherms studies showed that adsorption of pesticides onto KAC was best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.99), indicating monolayer adsorption. However, Freundlich isotherm model provided the best fit for the uptake of pendimethalin onto the KAC with qe of 118.13 mg/g and R2 of 0.935 suggesting multilayer adsorption.The present work showed that the kinkeliba activated carbon can be used as a potential low-cost adsorbent for the removal of pesticides from aqueous solutions

Impact Survey Results after SAFE Strategy Implementation in 15 Local Government Areas of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To determine prevalence of trachoma after interventions in 15 local government areas (LGAs) of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria. METHODS: A population-based impact survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. In each LGA, 25 villages were selected, except in Arewa LGA, where we selected 25 villages from each of four subunits to obtain finer-resolution prevalence information. Villages were selected with probability proportional to size. In each village, 25 households were enrolled and all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Information on sources of household water and types of sanitation facilities used was collected through questioning and direct observation. RESULTS: The number of households enrolled per LGA ranged from 623 (Kware and Tangaza) to 2488 (Arewa). There have been marked reductions in the prevalence of TF and TT since baseline surveys were conducted in all 15 LGAs. Eight of the 15 LGAs have attained TF prevalences <5% in children, while 10 LGAs have attained TT prevalences <0.2% in persons aged ≥15 years. Between 49% and 96% of households had access to water for hygiene purposes within 1 km of the household, while only 10-59% had access to improved sanitation facilities. CONCLUSION: Progress towards elimination of trachoma has been made in these 15 LGAs. Collaboration with water and sanitation agencies and community-based trichiasis surgery are still needed in order to eliminate trachoma by the year 2020

Meningococcus serogroup C clonal complex ST-10217 outbreak in Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria.

After the successful roll out of MenAfriVac, Nigeria has experienced sequential meningitis outbreaks attributed to meningococcus serogroup C (NmC). Zamfara State in North-western Nigeria recently was at the epicentre of the largest NmC outbreak in the 21st Century with 7,140 suspected meningitis cases and 553 deaths reported between December 2016 and May 2017. The overall attack rate was 155 per 100,000 population and children 5-14 years accounted for 47% (3,369/7,140) of suspected cases. The case fatality rate (CFR) among children 5-9 years was 10%, double that reported among adults ≥ 30 years (5%). NmC and pneumococcus accounted for 94% (172/184) and 5% (9/184) of the laboratory-confirmed cases, respectively. The sequenced NmC belonged to the ST-10217 clonal complex (CC). All serotyped pneumococci were PCV10 serotypes. The emergence of NmC ST-10217 CC outbreaks threatens the public health gains made by MenAfriVac, which calls for an urgent strategic action against meningitis outbreaks

Changing Pattern of Childhood Epidemic Cerebrospinal Meningitis in North-Western Nigeria

Introduction: Nigeria lies within the meningitis belt which extends from the Gambia, Senegal through Nigeria to Eritrea; however, outbreaks have been shown to extend further south involving countries such as Angola and Namibia. Epidemic outbreaks are often recorded every 8–12 years averaging in a 10 yearly circle however endemic cases still occurs. Materials and Methods: The study was retrospective; all results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of children with cases of meningitis from January 2010 to December 2010 were collected from the register of the microbiology laboratory of General Hospital Gusau. Relevant information such as their age, sex, CSF macroscopy/microscopy reports, latex particle agglutination test report, and CSF culture report were retrieved and entered into a pro forma. Results: There were 89 (73%) males and 33 (27%) females with male to female ratio of 2.7:1. The age ranged from 2 months to 14 years; the mean was 6.27 ± 4.00 years. Meningitis was mostly recorded from January to April. W135 was the most common serotype identified. Majority of the samples (54) which were nonreactive for any of the tested antigens had clear CSF (36), while among those that reacted; the W135 group had a high proportion of cases that had turbid CSF (44); (Fisher's exact test = 30.650, P = 0.000). Majority of the samples (99) had no cell count; although those of the W135 group had higher cell counts followed by those in the nonreactive group (Fisher's exact test = 11.226, P = 0.181). Conclusion: Meningitis was highest between January and April, and W135 was the most common serotype

Characterization of Bioethanol Fuel from Rice and Corn Straws: A Comparative Study

In this study, the production and characterization of bioethanol from rice and corn straws were investigated.The bioethanol was produced through dilute acid hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation; and the distillateswere purified by dehydration using zeolite 4A. The physicochemical and fuel properties of the bioethanoldistillates including pH, refractive index, specific gravity, flash point, octane rating and calorific or heatingvalue were evaluated. Further characterization of the biofuel was carried out using FTIR and GC-MS. Theresults indicated that octane number, calorific value, and specific gravity of the corn straw bioethanol obtainedwere significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) compared to rice straw bioethanol. Meanwhile, no statistically significantdifference (p˃0.05) was observed in the flash point, refractive index, pH, pour and cloud points of thebioethanol produced from the two lignocellulosic substrates. Furthermore, the results reveal that pH, octanenumber, specific gravity and flash point are within the ASTM standards while refractive index, cloud and pourpoint were slightly outside the ASTM standard. This reveal potential of the feedstock as a source for Bioethanolproduction

Determinants of Infant Feeding Practices among Working and Non-working Mothers in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Growth during the first year of life is greater than at any other time after birth. Good nutrition during this period of rapid growth is vital to ensure that infant develops both physically and mentally to the fullest potential.Objectives: This study assessed determinants of feeding practices among working class and non-working class mothers in Kano,&nbsp; Nigeria.Methodology: Using a comparative cross-sectional study design, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 310 mothers (155 in each group) with their infants' aged 0 – 12 months.Results: Working mothers had a significantly higher level of knowledge of the recommended infant and young child feeding practices (t=4.69, p &lt;0.001) and overall practice performance score was significantly higher among the working group (t= 3.44 p= 0.001). Up to 94.5% working mothers had good knowledge of recommended infant feeding practices compared to 74.0 % of non-working mothers(p=0.001). Haven lost a child, currently being married and vaginal delivery were determinants of appropriate feeding practices among working mothers, while formal education, having five or more children and receiving infant feeding advice were determinants among non-working women.Conclusion: The study found a good knowledge of infant feeding practices among working mothers as compared to the non-working mothers and it also revealed a gap between knowledge and practice of adequate breastfeeding. Context specific health education messages should target both working and non-working class mothers so as to promote, protect and support infant and young child feeding practices in Kano, Nigeria.Keywords: Infant, feeding practices, mothers, breast-feeding, Kan

Impact Survey Results after SAFE Strategy Implementation in 15 Local Government Areas of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

PurposeTo determine prevalence of trachoma after interventions in 15 local government areas (LGAs) of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria.MethodsA population-based impact survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. In each LGA, 25 villages were selected, except in Arewa LGA, where we selected 25 villages from each of four subunits to obtain finer-resolution prevalence information. Villages were selected with probability proportional to size. In each village, 25 households were enrolled and all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Information on sources of household water and types of sanitation facilities used was collected through questioning and direct observation.ResultsThe number of households enrolled per LGA ranged from 623 (Kware and Tangaza) to 2488 (Arewa). There have been marked reductions in the prevalence of TF and TT since baseline surveys were conducted in all 15 LGAs. Eight of the 15 LGAs have attained TF prevalences &lt;5% in children, while 10 LGAs have attained TT prevalences &lt;0.2% in persons aged ≥15 years. Between 49% and 96% of households had access to water for hygiene purposes within 1 km of the household, while only 10-59% had access to improved sanitation facilities.ConclusionProgress towards elimination of trachoma has been made in these 15 LGAs. Collaboration with water and sanitation agencies and community-based trichiasis surgery are still needed in order to eliminate trachoma by the year 2020