343 research outputs found

    Comparative Analysis of Five Different Brands of Paracetamol Sold in Nigeria with The British Pharmacopeia Standards

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):180-186 Authors: Nkoli M.Mgbemena*, Emeka C. Ogoke, Stella M. Ufearon, and Onyedikachi B. Iroh Received: 19 December 2022/Accepted: 19 May 2023 Paracetamol is one of the most widely consumed and common analgesic in Nigeria because of its basic role in relieving pain. However, several concerns have been recorded on the ineffectiveness of the drug, which may be due to the presence of an insufficient concentration of the active ingredient. The present study seeks to analyse and compare the contents of the different brands of paracetamol in Nigeria using the British Pharmacopeia Standard as a reference. Five different brands of paracetamols were purchased from some stores and analyzed using the spectrophotometric method. The maximum wavelength of absorbance for the standard was 700 nm. Based on the British Pharmacopeia standards, concentrations of the active ingredient in each were calculated. The result obtained indicated that the concentrations in samples A to E were 358, 185, 320, 250 and 285 mg respectively. From the observed results and based on the recommended 500 mg content, the percentage paracetamol levels in the analysed samples are not below the recommendation, since there were 72, 37, 64, 50, and 57% for samples A to E respectivel

    Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments, Surface Waters and Oysters (Crassostrea Gasar) from Eastern Obolo Marine Ecosystems, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 545-571 Authors: Ufikairom G. Isotuk1, Usoro M. Etesin1*, Edet W. Nsi1, and Emmanuel J. Ukpong1 Received: 11 July 2023/Accepted 29 August 2023 The contamination of the environment by heavy metals is significant because of the non-biodegradable and persistent nature of these sets of metals. Reports on the contamination of water by heavy metals can be regarded as uncertain if the levels of these metals in sediment are not taken into consideration. Sediments, surface waters and oysters (Crassostrea gasar) from the Atlantic coastline, Iko river, Obolo river, Amadaka river and Emeremen river were analyzed for the levels of the concentrations of Co, Tl, Th, U, Se, Tl and Ag using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy method. Seasonal and spatial distribution of the metals were determined as the bases for ecological and health risk assessment of the environment. The distribution of the analyzed metals in the sediment followed the following order ((mg/kg dw) Th (38.05) > U (22.70) > As (11.06) > Tl (0.56) > Se (0.45) > Co and Ag (below detection limit). In the oysters were Th (46.67) > U (9.20) > As (7.11) > Se (5.05) > Tl (0.63) > Co and Ag (below detection limits). The water had far lower concentrations of the metals (0.01 – 0.19 mg/l). The results obtained indicate no statistically significant variation between the seasonal sediment data sets at P ≤ 0.05.  A strong correlation (0.50 – 0.99) between the metals was revealed indicating a common source (mainly anthropogenic) for the metals. Of the five study sites, only the Atlantic coastline and Iko River were contaminated by some of the metals studied; Se, Th, U, As, and Tl, with Iko River found to be more polluted. Co and Ag were below the detection limit in all the study sites in sediments, water, and oysters in both seasons. All the metals were below the detection limit along Obolo River, Amadaka River, and EmeremeEastern River during both seasons, thus indicating the sites were relatively uncontaminated by the heavy metals studied. The metal contamination status was significantly bio-indicated by the oysters at all the study sites in both seasons. The ecological risk indices revealed no contamination status for Obolo River, Amadaka River, and Emeremen River, but low to moderate pollution status for the Atlantic coastline and Iko River, especially for As, Th, and U. Based on bioconcentration data of the oysters, the health risk indices (daily intake of metal, health index, target hazard quotient, and total target hazard quotient, etc) have revealed that As in the oysters from Iko river and the Atlantic coastline of Eastern Obolo may pose a significant health risk to consumers. Adequate regulation and remediation of the ecosystems to safeguard ecological and human health is therefore recommended

    Modifications, Surface Morphology, and Mineral Composition of Clay Obtained from Southern Nigeria

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 10(1): 40-56 Authors: Ukeme O. Isaac, Ibanga O. Isaac*, Itoro E. Willie, Etiyene I. Essiet, Rasheed Babalola, and Udo J. Ibok Received: 18 March 2023/Accepted 25 September 2023 The concept of green chemistry has in recent times played a vital role in the processing of feedstocks from locally sourced materials for the production of vast industrial products. This has, to a greater extent, resulted in the sustainability of a greener environment and economy. This research aimed to evaluate the mineral composition, characterization, and modifications of clay obtained from southern Nigeria. The clay sample collected at Ikot Ekang, Etinan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was leached with a mixture of concentrated tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid and trioxonitrate (V) acid (4:1 v/v) to obtain acid-leached clay (AC). The acid-treated clay was calcined at a high temperature of 1050 °C for 2 hours to obtain modified calcined clay (CC). The untreated clay was labeled OC. The surface characteristics, functional groups, minerals, oxides, and elemental compositions of OC, AC, and CC were evaluated using standard methods. The OC and AC show three absorption bands at 3623–3693.8 cm-1 regions. These peaks were absent in the CC sample. There was no significant difference at p ˂ 0.05 in the mineral composition among the OC, AC, and CC samples, and the p-value was 0.999958. The Pearson correlation coefficient shows that the minerals of sample CC were strongly positively correlated with those of OC (R = 0.774; R2 = 0.5991) and AC (R = 0.9436; R2 = 0.8904). The percentage of quartz, syn, muscovite, and orthoclase minerals in OC, AC, and CC varied between 31–56%, 8.1–23%, and 1.87–9.8%, respectively. The surface morphology of the OC sample was plate-like, while surface porosity increased from AC to CC. The clay sample from southern Nigeria is mainly kaolinite clay, and the modification of clay through leaching with acid and calcination improves the mineral composition and quality of the clay minerals

    Body Mass Index and its Influence on HIV Positive Patients: A Case Study of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 404-411 Authors: Umar Ahmad Isyaku, Nura Muhammad, Aminu Sabo Muhammad and Abdulrasheed Luqman Received: 18 January 2023/Accepted: 30 July 2023 A crossectional study on the influence of HIV on the body mass index of HIV patients admitted in  Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, with the objectives of (i) evaluating the relation between height and weight of HIV-positive patients, (ii) testing the impact of gender on the BMI of HIV-positive patients, (iii) verification of the relationship between BMI and age of HIV positive patients (iv)  verification of the statistical relationship between  BMI of males and females HIV positive patients and (v) the prediction of best-suited model for the explanation of the height value when the BMI and weight are known. The results obtained indicated that there is a statistically significant linear relation between the height and weight of HIV-positive patients. However, the Body Mass Index does not depend on gender, and there was no observable significant difference between the BMI of male and female patients. On the contrary, the dependence of BMI on the age of the HIV-positive patients was upheld. The study recommended periodic evaluation of the investigated and other factors among HIV patients

    Investigation of the Safe Location for Private Electric Power Generators Servicing Residential Buildings in Nigeria

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 521-532 Olumuyiwa O. Akintola Received: 11 April 2023/Accepted 29 August 2023 This study focused on the safe location for electric power generators servicing detached bungalows in the Nigerian environment via the determination of the air quality impact of primary air pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SOx ), particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The AERMOD view air emission dispersion modelling commercial software was used to predict the ground-level concentration of air pollutants entering buildings. These were compared with Nigeria’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) and WHO air quality standards to determine the indoor air quality impacts and predict the safe location for electric power operations. The results showed that predicted ground-level concentrations of CO, NOx, SOx, PM and VOCs from electric power generators located at both 1 m and 4m  from the residential building of interest at the various hours considered were within limits. However, it was observed that the location of generators at 1m or beyond from the house is relatively good and safe to limit hazards from air emissions. The findings will assist relevant authorities and individuals in developing and implementing a strategic air quality management plan for the safety of residential building occupants

    Annual Effective Dose Due to Background Gamma Radiation in Buni Gari, Yobe State

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 10(1): 67-72 Authors: Habu Tela Abba*, Jasini Waida, Busari Kahinde Abdulsemiu Received: 07 May 2023/Accepted 27 September 2023 In this study, we aimed to assess the levels of gamma radiation both outdoors and indoors in Buni Gari, Yobe State. Our goal was to determine the annual effective dose associated with gamma radiation and to investigate whether the presence of active quarrying companies around the town has had any notable impact on the background radiation levels. Geiger Muller (G. M) detector known as X5C plus, was used to carry out the measurement. To ensure the accuracy of our readings, the G.M detector was positioned one meter above ground level to minimize ground-related effects. During outdoor measurements, we maintained a distance of at least six meters from nearby building walls to avoid any interference from the building materials. Our findings indicated that the average gamma dose rates for outdoor and indoor measurements were 55.8 ± 8.2 nSv/h and 62 ± 6.4 nSv/h, respectively. We calculated the average annual effective dose resulting from background gamma radiation to be 0.372 mSv, which was found to be lower than the global average value of 0.48 mSv. In conclusion, the average annual effective dose from background gamma radiation in Buni Gari was below the global average. When we compared our results with a previous study conducted in 2019 to determine the effective dose of environmental gamma radiation in the same town, we found that the presence of quarrying activities around the town over four years did not significantly change the annual effective dose of Buni Gar

    Effect of Na-22, Cl-36, 3-H, and P-32 Exposure on Laboratory Clinical Researchers

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 438-446 Authors: Bertha Onyenachi Akagbue and  Mu’awiya Baba Aminu                        Received: 20 April 2023/Accepted 16 August 2023This research paper examines the potential health effects of occupational exposure to Na-22, Cl-36, 3-H, and P-32 isotopes on laboratory clinical researchers. The study aims to assess the risks associated with these radioactive isotopes commonly encountered in healthcare settings and provide insights into protective measures to mitigate these risks. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, the research paper discusses the radiological properties of these isotopes, exposure pathways, potential health risks, and best practices for ensuring the safety of laboratory and the health workers. The research study undertakes an in-depth exploration to evaluate the risks that healthcare professionals face while performing their duties, encompassing a range of medical applications from diagnostic procedures to advanced research endeavors. By amalgamating insights from an extensive literature review and meticulous analysis, this paper aspires to furnish a holistic understanding of the challenges and imperatives concerning the safeguarding of health workers engaged with these isotopes. The global literature has noted a notable rise in male infertility rates, prompting inquiries into its underlying factors. Some of this increase might be attributed to the impact of synthetic harmful substances, known as endocrine disruptors, on the endocrine system. Many of these substances are commonly used in various work settings. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the specialized literature pertaining to the influence of occupational exposure to Na-22, Cl-36, and 3-H on the health of laboratory workers has been conducted, specifically with regard to their potential that causes infertility and et

    Biofacilitation Potential of Sawdust on Landfarming of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Polluted Soils

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):145-162 Authors: U. Oghoje*, C. Ejeomo, U. Ugbune , J. E. Ukpebor, , A. K Asiagwu and E. E. Ukpebor Received: 21 January 2023/Accepted 04 May 2023 The purpose of this study is to reveal the biofacilitation potentials of green biomass (GB) using dried and sieved sawdust (DSS) as a typical type. The effects of the DSS on water retention capacity (WRC), leaching of diesel range organics (DROs) and landfarming of 5 % diesel-spiked soils were investigated according to standard methods and procedures. Hydrocarbon analyses were carried out according to USEPA recommendations using GM-MS. The results showed that green biomass could increase the WRC of oil-contaminated soils significantly. For instance, 2.5, 5 and 10 % DSS composting of 5 % diesel-contaminated soil increased its WRC by about 35, 36 and 45 % respectively as compared to the control which was 34 % and for 10 % pollution, the effects were 31, 33, and 40 % respectively as against the control soil whose WRC was about 30 % which reveals that the higher the degree of pollution, the more the relative effects of GBM on the WRC of the polluted soils. Also, the different levels of composting reduced the leaching of the DROs by about 43, 51, and 74 % respectively. Furthermore, the weather-moist DSS was found to contain 3.5 x 104 and 4.0 x104 cfu of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi respectively and 5 and 10 % of the GBM promoted the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removal by 47 and 52 % respectively in 56 days. The various results have revealed that DSS (And by extension all GBM) could ease the accessibility of soil pollutants by soil biodegrades and hence, optimise the bioremediation of oils polluted soils

    A Review of Theoretical Techniques in Corrosion Inhibition Studies

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 394-403 Authors: Humphrey Sam Samuel, Ugo Nweke-Maraizu, Gani Johnson  and Emmanuel Edet Etim Received: 14 April 2023/Accepted 30 July 2023 Studies on corrosion inhibition are essential for preventing and reducing the damaging effects of Corrosion in a variety of sectors. With their ability to provide an understanding of molecular interactions, structure-activity connections, proposal of new inhibitors, and the prediction of inhibitor efficacy, theoretical approaches have become important research tools in the field of corrosion inhibition. An overview of the theoretical methods frequently used in investigations on corrosion inhibition is given in this paper. Despite improvements in theoretical methods, problems with accuracy, accessibility to computational tools, large-scale time required for larger molecules, and the incorporation of multi-scale modelling strategies still exist. The development of more effective and long-lasting corrosion inhibitors is made possible by theoretical methodologies, which have the potential to have a considerable impact on corrosion inhibition research. In this review, theoretical methods are viewed as an avenue for the provision of knowledge of molecular interactions, prediction of inhibitor function, and useful insights into corrosion inhibition investigations. The use of theoretical approaches allows for the understanding of molecular interactions, the prediction of inhibitor activity, and the optimization of inhibitor design. It is the view of the authors that likely, future theoretical developments will significantly advance corrosion prevention techniques and improve the toughness and dependability of materials and structures in a variety of industrial applications. Consequently, the advantages, challenges and the way forward on the derivation of theoretical results closely analogous to those from experiments are enumerated in this work. The authors considered this view the considerations of the popular and relatively developed methods that apply to corrosion studies. These include density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, and quantum chemical calculations, etc.  These techniques are now essential for the creation, improvement, and comprehension of corrosion inhibitor

    Production and Characterization of Chemically Activated Carbon from Khaya senegalensis Shell Waste

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    Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 533-544 Authors: Mikyitsabu Ago Atoshi and Ataitiya Hyelalibiya Despite the numerous and important applications of activated carbon, not much work has been done on its application as a supporting activated carbon for the production of biodiesel. In this study, an activated carbon was developed through chemical activation of Khaya senegalensis shell waste. The effect of pH, conductivity, ash content, carbon yield and moisture content were investigated. From the results, the yield of the activated carbon decreases gradually as the temperature increases from 500oC to 900oC. The activated carbon yield decreases progressively as the impregnation ratio of K2SO3 increases from 2 to 10 gdm-3. The optimum temperature for carbonization was observed at 800 ⁰C.  The effect of temperature on the ash content of the activated carbon at 500 to 700 oC were observed to be 6.2 to 11.2. However, when the temperature was raised from700 to 900 oC, the ash contents also increased from 11.2 to 15.3. Moisture content also shows a decrease with increasing reaction temperature. At 500 oC the moisture content was observed to be 7.9 % and the lowest moisture content was observed to be 3.0% at 900 oC. The external surface of the activated carbon that was produced at 3:6 carbon impregnated with K2CO3 displays some crystals on the surface, which also displayed some pores and cavities on the surface. The FT-IR spectrum showed band that was attributed to C-C stretching. Other peaks were observed at corresponds C=O, 1442.5 is associated to C-O stretching and a C-H bending at 700.7cm-1
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