The development and optimisation of a fast pyrolysis process for bio-oil production

A two-tier study is presented in this thesis. The first involves the commissioning of an extant but at the time, unproven bubbling fluidised bed fast pyrolysis unit. The unit was designed for an intended nominal throughput of 300 g/h of biomass. The unit came complete with solids separation, pyrolysis vapour quenching and oil collection systems. Modifications were carried out on various sections of the system including the reactor heating, quenching and liquid collection systems. The modifications allowed for fast pyrolysis experiments to be carried out at the appropriate temperatures. Bio-oil was generated using conventional biomass feedstocks including Willow, beechwood, Pine and Miscanthus. Results from this phase of the research showed however, that although the rig was capable of processing biomass to bio-oil, it was characterised by low mass balance closures and recurrent operational problems. The problems included blockages, poor reactor hydrodynamics and reduced organic liquid yields. The less than optimal performance of individual sections, particularly the feed and reactor systems of the rig, culminated in a poor overall performance of the system. The second phase of this research involved the redesign of two key components of the unit. An alternative feeding system was commissioned for the unit. The feed system included an off the shelf gravimetric system for accurate metering and efficient delivery of biomass. Similarly, a new bubbling fluidised bed reactor with an intended nominal throughput of 500g/h of biomass was designed and constructed. The design leveraged on experience from the initial commissioning phase with proven kinetic and hydrodynamic studies. These units were commissioned as part of the optimisation phase of the study. Also as part of this study, two varieties each, of previously unreported feedstocks namely Jatropha curcas and Moringa olifiera oil seed press cakes were characterised to determine their suitability as feedstocks for liquid fuel production via fast pyrolysis. Consequently, the feedstocks were used for the production of pyrolysis liquids. The quality of the pyrolysis liquids from the feedstocks were then investigated via a number of analytical techniques. The oils from the press cakes showed high levels of stability and reduced pH values. The improvements to the design of the fast pyrolysis unit led to higher mass balance closures and increased organic liquid yields. The maximum liquid yield obtained from the press cakes was from African Jatropha press cake at 66 wt% on a dry basis

Physico-chemical parameters of soil in some selected dumpsites in Zaria and its environs

Physico-chemical parameters of soil were found to have influence on the availability of heavy metals in plants. pH values recorded in the control site ranges from 7.8 to 9.2 indicating that all the soils studied were alkaline. The control site has a value of 7.16. The conductivity values range from 4.2 x 10-2 to 4.0x105μScm-1 . The highest conductivity value was recorded in site B, while site D had the least value. Moisture content in the 10 dumpsites studied ranged from 17.87 to 82.49%. Organic matter contents in the dumpsites ranged from 3.20 to 5.30% and are higher than values obtained for uncontaminated/control site. These higher values may be due to the aging of the dumpsites. The cation exchange capacity values ranged from 132.83(R) to 469.5(G)CmolKg-1. These values are reasonably high due to the relatively higher conductivity values obtained in the dumpsites and this may also affect the bioavailability of the heavy metals in plants. Correlation analysis revealed that pH, electrical conductivity and moisture content were negatively correlated.Keywords: Bioavailability, dumpsite, heavy metal, physico-chemical parameter, Zari

The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by Lecturers in North-Western Nigeria

Information and communication technology (ICT) encompasses all forms of technology deployed in information dissemination in contemporary societies. Several types of ICT products that can be found and having application to education, such as teleconferencing,  audio conferencing-mails, video lessons(TVs), radio broadcasts, interactive radio counselling, interactive audio response system, audiocassettes ,whatsapps  and CD ROMs, etc. are being used in education for many purposes. This paper determined the level of ICT usage among lecturers of federal universities in North-western Nigeria. A sample of 350 lecturers was randomly selected through a multi-stage cluster paradigm. Data was collected through online survey of adopted ICT perceive ease of use Questionnaire (IPEUQ) with a return response rate of 85.7%. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software. Findings indicate that lecturers have personal commitment to acquire ICT skills in developing their competence, to the extent that they bear the cost of training without any intervention from the authorities. The paper therefore, concludes that, insufficiency of ICT facilities and highly trained personal in the universities leads to the low level ICT competence among lecturers. Keywords: ICT usage, lecturers, North-Western Universitie

Seasonal Chemical Fractionation of Metals in Some Dumpsites Soils in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

The study was aimed at investigating the chemical fractionation, bioaccumulation and bioavailability of Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the refuse waste soils of some dumpsites across the seasons (wet and dry) in Zaria metropolis. The heavy metals in the waste soils were sequentially extracted and measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed that high concentrations of metal in dry season. The non-residual fraction was found to be the most abundant pools for all the metals across the seasons (wet and dry). Also, significant amounts of Hg, Cd and Cu were mostly found in the bioavailable fractions across the sites in the seasons. Thus, these metals would readily be bioavailable to the environment. Overall, the order of mobility and bioavailability of these metals across the seasons (dry and wet) followed the pattern; Hg > Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu and Hg > Cd > Cu > Zn > Pb respectively. Tendencies of health risk for human and livestock due to the spread of the metal pollution from waste dumpsites to agricultural areas is high. Bioaccumulation of cadmium and mercury cause liver, brain and intestinal disorders, irreversible damage to nervous system and brain, protoplasmic poisoning etc. Keywords: Metals, Bioavailability, Dumpsites, Human Toxicity, Soil

An Evaluation of Staff Training Needs Assessment in Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

This study is on an evaluation of staff training needs assessment in Ramat polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State. Staff training and development means the provision of facilities and opportunities for people to perform the jobs for which they are employed and to develop their own personal potentials to meet their present and future needs in line with organizational objectives. Several studies have been conducted on training activities in Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri. These range from staff study leave arrangement, staff conference/workshop attendance to the Education Trust Fund staff development system. However, these studies are silent on training needs assessment. The general objective of the research was to evaluate staff training needs assessment in Ramat Polytechnic. The specific objectives were to identify the types of training needs of the Ramat Polytechnic staff, evaluate whether and how the training is assessed and to assess staff satisfaction with the training they have received. The study utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data were derived from the questionnaire and Indepth Interview, while the secondary data was obtained from review of relevant literatures such as documents from Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri. Four hundred questionnaires were administered to the study population; 250 questionnaires to academic and 150 questionnaires to non-academic staff. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting the academic and non-academic staff. Of the 400 questionnaires administered, 361 were retrieved and used in the analysis. Indepth interview was also conducted on 8 key respondents of the target population.  The Chi – Square Test of Independence was used in testing the hypothesis. The major findings indicates that there is no training needs assessment in Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri and that training need is not prioritized among the staff. The result of the test of the hypothesis testing revealed that there is a significant relationship between training needs of staff and approval for training. It is recommended that the management of the institution should henceforth consider staff training based only on the needs of the department and the individual so as to bridge the gap between requirement and the current capacity of the incumbent

Smart Framework for Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Control System Using IoT-Based Technology

Nowadays, our environment is suffering from environmental pollution, especially air and sound pollution. This is on a rapid increase due to speedy growth in industrial and human activities across the universe. Therefore, a monitoring and control system is recommended to bring these pollutants under control. This paper presents an IoT-Based framework for environmental pollution monitoring and control system that can detect and monitor both the level of sound and the existence of harmful gases in the environment. The paper extended our previous conference paper work 15. The methodology employs the use of MQ-2 gas and LMVR sound sensors and a real working prototype was designed and implemented. The Proteuos 8.0 professional and embedded C programming language are used as the development tools. The hardware architecture consists of the Arduino UNO board with hardware support packages, Wi-Fi module and a web server for monitoring pollution levels. The implemented prototype was tested for two parameters, namely, noise and smoke levels. This is achieved by comparing the threshold value with the normal behavior levels of the sensors. This process provided a real time data for monitoring and control of pollution, which make the environment smart and conducive for living. Real-time measurements of the two parameters are taken as long as the system prototype is on and connected to the internet. A Wi-Fi module was used to provide internet access and data synchronization between sensors. The sensor data can be monitored and control from remote locations via the internet. Experimental results and case study, demonstrates the flexibility and efficiency of the proposed system. These findings will help to plan for a healthy surrounding so that smart-environment users will be able to control the pollution by taking necessary measures to reduce the level of pollutants for smart environments. With the implemented device prototype, it’s very easy to monitor and control the level of air and sound pollution present in the environment

Novel admixture for improvement of foundations on tropical expansive soils

: Black cotton soils have excessive shrinkage and swelling properties with respect to changes in the moisture conditions. Thus, construction on these soils may result in foundation problems. conventionally some approaches have been used to mitigate the problem by stabilization with lime or cement and which are relatively expensive for sustainability, an alternative stabilization was experimented with terrazzo waste. The polishing process of the terrazzo tiles produces a significant amount of waste slurry that it’s disposal could pose some environmental pollution threat. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the suitability of terrazzo waste as admixture in the stabilization of black cotton soil. Natural moisture content, atterberg limits, maximum dry density and optimum moisture content parameters were determined using 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% proportion of terrazzo waste admixture. The results of the parameter analysis found the natural moisture content was 23.43%, liquid limit varied from 32.8 to 56.5%, Plasticity index varied from 4.71 to 13.52%, MDD varied from 1.61 to 1.67 (g/cm3) and OMC from 8.5 to 22.6%, the CBR value was indicates unsuitability for use as a base and sub-base material. The terrazzo waste admixture produced can be used for stabilization with the potential to minimize the cost of waste disposal as well as provide substitute to the use of conventional stabilizers for use in  places such as parks or pathways

Isolation and identification of aflatoxin producing fungi from different foodstuffs at Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Aflatoxin is a word derived from Aspergillus spp toxin which is naturally occurring mycotoxins that is produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus species of fungi. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify aflatoxin producing fungi from four different grains (maize, rice, cowpea, and groundnut). During the research, four (4) different grain samples were obtained from Shuwarin market (Kiyawa L.G.A), Jigawa state. The samples were analyzed for microbial examination through serial dilution, inoculation, incubation, subculture and microscopy. Six (6), fungal species were isolated which included Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp, Cladosporium sp and Aspergillus niger, where A. niger has the highest number of isolates (16; 40%), Rhizopus sp with 12 (30%) isolates, and A. flavus having 8 isolates (20%), Penicillium sp, 2 (5%), Cladosporium sp has and Fusarium sp has 1(2.5%) having 1 (2.5%), each, having the lowest number of isolate. Furthermore, the samples were also used to detect the presence of aflatoxin using thin layer chromatography technique (TLC). The contamination levels found ranged from the relative factor value (Rf) for maize, the Rf 0.94 registering the highest level of aflatoxin content and groundnut with Rf value of 0.08 registering the lowest level of aflatoxin content. This is due to improper harvesting, handling, processing, storage, and poor hygiene of the farmers and vendors. Therefore, the farmers and vendors have to be trained and enlightened on the method of harvesting, storage, handling, processing, transportation and selling of cereals and legumes so as to reduce the risk of causing health problems to the consumers

Role of lauric acid against prenatal sleep deprivation-induced-stress rise in corticosterone and low birth weight in rat offspring

Prenatal stress is known to affect the offspring later in life. Lauric acid is a known antioxidant shown to play a protective role in experimental animals. This study examines the role of Lauric acid on sleep deprivation-induced stress on serum corticosterone level and birth weight in male rat pups. Pregnant dams were sleep-deprived using the modified multiple water platform for 20hrs daily from gestational day 9-19. Animals in groups 1 and 2 served as normal and stressed controls respectively, groups 3,4 and 5 received Lauric acid of doses 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively while group 6 received Vitamin C 300mg/kg. Male offspring birth weight was recorded and at PND 28-36, were sacrificed and blood was collected for corticosterone assay. Serum corticosterone was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the sleep-deprivation-induced stress group. Its level was also significantly lower (p<0.05) in the LA and vitamin C treated groups. Birth weight was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the stressed and vitamin C (300mg/kg) groups while being significantly higher (p< 0.05) in LA 125mg/kg group. This finding suggest that Lauric acid protect against rise in serum corticosterone level and improves birth weight in male offspring of dams subjected to sleep deprivation