Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM Leucaena leucocephala (RIVER TAMARIND) SEED POD FOR THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITAL WASTEWATER IN BARAU DIKKO TEACHING HOSPITAL, KADUNA STATE

2025-11-05T17:50:59+00:00

The management of hospital wastewater presents critical public health challenges due to its complex and hazardous composition. Conventional treatment methods often fall short in effectively removing persistent contaminants, while commercial adsorbents, though efficient, are frequently cost-prohibitive and not readily accessible in many local contexts. In response, recent research has focused on the utilization of low-cost, naturally occurring materials for the production of activated carbon as an alternative adsorbent. This study investigates the potential of activated carbon derived from Leucaena leucocephala (river tamarind) seed pods for the treatment of hospital wastewater obtained from Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), Kaduna State, Nigeria. The seed pods, an abundant and underutilized agricultural waste in Nigeria, were chemically activated using phosphoric acid (H?PO?) at 450 °C for 1 hour. The resulting activated carbon exhibited a yield of 40%, with moisture and ash contents of 1.12% and 1.53%, respectively. Functional group characterization was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while heavy metal concentrations in the wastewater were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and a multiparameter photometer with chemical oxygen demand (COD) capability. Proximate analysis of the wastewater revealed the presence of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu). The activated carbon demonstrated substantial adsorption capacity, achieving removal efficiencies of 47.98% for Zn, 93.50% for Fe, 66.67% for Cr, and 92.81% for Cu. Optimization studies indicated that the most effective adsorption occurred at a dosage of 0.10 g and a contact time of 60 minutes. These findings highlight the efficacy of Leucaena leucocephala pod-derived activated carbon as a sustainable, low-cost adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from hospital wastewater, offering a promising approach for resource-limited settings.

EXPLORING MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE AS A FUNCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR DYE REMOVAL IN WASTE WATER

2025-11-05T18:52:48+00:00

This study investigates the potentials of magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nano-particles as a photo catalyst for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions under UV irradiation. It was synthesized through co-precipitation method and characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a band gap of 4.7 eV and a porous, irregular morphology conducive to photo catalysis under UV irradiation. Optimal photo catalytic conditions were determined as 0.5 g catalyst dose, 20–40 ppm initial dye concentration, 60 minutes contact time, and an alkaline pH of 12, achieving high degradation efficiency. Adsorption isotherm studies confirmed that the Langmuir model best fits the experimental data, indicating mono layer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The magnetic separability of Fe3O4 nano particle enhances its practicality, offering an eco-friendly, reusable, and scalable solution for treating textile wastewater. These findings underscore the potential of Fe3O4 nano particles as a sustainable alternative for mitigating dye pollution, with implications for advancing nano material-based environmental remediation strategies.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SPICES COMMONLY CONSUMED IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH VIA CONSUMPTION OF THE SPICES

2025-11-05T18:45:14+00:00

This study was carried out to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in spices commonly consumed in south-south, Nigeria in order to provide data on their occurrence, distribution pattern health effects. A total of fifty-two (52) commonly consumed spices were collected from retailers in different markets from south-south, Nigeria. The PAHs in the spices were extracted by ultrasonication using dichloromethane/n-hexane and a gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry was used to quantify the content of 16 PAHs in the extracts. The concentration of ?16 PAHs in the spices ranged from 0.6 to 36.4 mg kg-1. The obtained BaP and PAH4 concentrations were below the recommended maximum levels set by the European Commission. The compositional pattern of PAHs in the spices was in the order: 3-> 4-> 5-> 6-> 2-rings. The risk assessment indicated that there is no health risks associated with the intakes of these spices.

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND DEGRADATION OF BISPHENOL A USING Ce-DOPED ZnO NANOPARTICLES IN A FENTON-LIKE SYSTEM

2025-11-05T18:35:46+00:00

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a pervasive endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC) with low water solubility, raising significant environmental concerns due to its persistence and toxicity. This study explores the synthesis of cerium doped zinc oxide (Ce-doped ZnO) nanoparticles via a co-precipitation method followed by calcination for the degradation of BPA. Characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated through BPA degradation under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Degradation efficiency was monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 1050 nm for 200 minutes, showing a reduction from 10 ppm to 2 ppm, with 97% degradation achieved within 120 minutes. The findings indicate that Ce-doped ZnO nanoparticles possess significant photocatalytic potential, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation.

GREEN NANOPESTICIDES FROM COPPER (I) OXIDE AND NEEM SEED OIL: ACTIVITY AGAINST COWPEA WEEVIL AND MOSQUITO LARVAE

2025-11-05T18:24:16+00:00

Sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides are urgently needed for crop protection and vector control. In this study, a green route to copper(I)-oxide nanoparticles (Cu?O-NPs) using aqueous Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract and their hybridization with neem seed oil (NSO) to yield a bio-nanocomposite (Cu?O-NPs@NSO) is described. GC-MS revealed that the NSO (29.3% yield) contained biologically active fatty acids, esters, terpenoids, and related constituents. Formation of Cu?O-NPs was confirmed by UV–Vis (strong UV edge with visible tail), FT-IR (Cu–O bands with phytochemical capping signatures), XRD (cubic Cu?O; Average crystallite sizes 7.5 nm for Cu?O-NPs and 6.5 nm for Cu?O-NPs@NSO), SEM (rough, quasi-spherical particles with moderate agglomeration; increased compactness upon oil loading), EDX (C/O/Cu consistent with capping and oil incorporation), and TGA (12.76% NSO loading). Bioefficacy was evaluated against the storage pest, Callosobruchus maculatus and Anopheles gambiae larvae. Cu?O-NPs alone showed limited toxicity, whereas NSO was moderately active. The composite displayed pronounced synergy: for C. maculatus, Cu?O-NPs@NSO achieved 56.7% mortality at 24 h (LC?? 25.63 µg/mL) and 100% at 72 h (LC?? 11.86 µg/mL; LC?? 17.49 µg/mL), outperforming NSO and Cu?O-NPs. For A. gambiae larvae, Cu?O-NPs@NSO reached 80.0% mortality at 48 h (LC?? 208.96 µg/mL) and 100%G at 72 h (LC?? 131.85 µg/mL), again surpassing single components. The enhanced activity is attributed to nanoparticle-enabled delivery and controlled release of NSO actives, combined with Cu?O-mediated membrane disruption and oxidative stress. These results position Cu?O-NPs@NSO as a promising, biodegradable nanobiopesticide for dual agricultural and public-health applications. Future work should address formulation stability, field validation, and non-target/ecotoxicological profiles to support scalable deployment.

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF Annona muricata (SOUR SOP) STEM BARK EXTRACT

2025-11-05T18:18:19+00:00

Annona muricata Linn., a member of the Annonaceae family, is a widely cultivated tropical fruit tree commonly known as soursop, sir ap, or guanabana. Various parts of the plant including the fruit pulp, seeds, root bark, stem bark, and leaves have been extensively investigated for their phytochemical constituents and associated pharmacological activities, particularly antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, the stem bark of Annona muricata was subjected to ethanol extraction, and the phytochemical composition of the extract was evaluated using standard analytical methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using three assays: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, and the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) method. Phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids were present in the lowest concentration (21.04 ± 0.81 mg/100 g), while phenolic compounds were the most abundant (756.39 ± 2.10 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract exhibited a concentration-dependent response across all assays. At 100 µg/mL, DPPH scavenging activity reached 64.00%, compared to 12.78% at 12.50 µg/mL. Similarly, FRAP activity was 72.48% at 100 µg/mL and 19.08% at 12.50 µg/mL. In the TBARS assay, lipid peroxidation inhibition was 59.08% at 100 µg/mL and 8.39% at 12.50 µg/mL. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Annona muricata stem bark contains significant levels of bioactive phytochemicals, particularly phenolics, which contribute to its strong antioxidant potential.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BTEX POLLUTION IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS: A CASE STUDY OF LEICESTER, UK, AND LAGOS, NIGERIA.

2025-11-05T18:12:06+00:00

This study presents a comparative assessment of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) concentrations in ambient air across two urban environments: Leicester, United Kingdom, and Lagos, Nigeria, to evaluate air quality and associated public health risks. Air samples were collected using Tenax/TA-Carbograph 1TD sorbent tubes and analyzed via Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). BTEX concentrations in Lagos were significantly higher up to 10 - 15 times more than those observed in Leicester, with benzene consistently showing the highest levels in both cities. The calculated Hazard Quotients (HQs) for individual BTEX compounds and the cumulative Hazard Index (HI) revealed that while all values remained below the threshold of concern (HI < 1), the HI in Lagos (0.7565) was nearly three times that of Leicester (0.2550), indicating a greater chronic exposure burden. The elevated BTEX levels in Lagos are largely attributable to vehicular emissions, poor fuel quality, and unregulated industrial activities. These findings underscore the need for urgent policy interventions and enhanced air quality management in Lagos, particularly targeting benzene, a known human carcinogen. The study highlights the disparities in urban air pollution and its implications for public health in rapidly urbanizing cities of the Global South.

THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFECT OF MIRACLE LEAF (Synsepalum dulcificum) EXTRACTS AND METFORMIN DRUG INBLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL OF ALLOXAN – INDUCED DIABETIC LABORATORY RATS.

2025-11-05T18:06:14+00:00

The study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical composition. The hypoglycaemics effect of three Miracle leaf extracts which include: methanol, hexane and chloroform extract with metformin drug which is used for type 2 diabetic mellitus were investigated on laboratory rats that was induced with Alloxan. The results of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, phenol, terpenoid and steroid. The results of the hypoglycaemic activity of Synsepalum dulcificum leave extract showed presence of significant P?0.05 hypoglycaemic activity in all Miracle leaf extracts compared with control group. The result also showed highly significant p?0.05 hypoglycaemic activity of hexane extract compared with metformin drug than other extracts after (3,6,9) hrs of the treatment. This indicates that the leaves extract of Synsepalum dulcificum is good in management of diabetic’s mellitus cases. This may be as a result of high concentrations of phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol and terpenoid in the leaf extract which have demonstrated significant antidiabetics potentials through diverse mechanisms, including inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, enhancement of insulin secretion and modulation of glucose uptake and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, its uses in human are recommended, but at a regulated doses because of its efficacy as stated in this study.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND GC-MS PROFILING OF Ziziphus jujuba ETHYL ACETATE LEAVES EXTRACT

2025-11-05T17:59:31+00:00

Ziziphus jujuba is a medicinal plant traditionally used across Africa and Asia for treating infections, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite widespread use, limited data exist on its ethyl acetate leaf extract constituents. This study performed comprehensive phytochemical screening and GC-MS profiling of Z. jujuba leaf extract to identify major bioactive constituents and validate traditional uses. Fresh leaves were dried, powdered, and extracted with ethyl acetate by maceration. Preliminary phytochemical screening used standard qualitative methods. GC-MS analysis employed an Agilent 7890B system with electron ionization at 70 eV. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids; alkaloids were absent. GC-MS identified 26 compounds representing 89.3% of total composition. Major constituents included linoleic acid (37.29%), oleic acid methyl ester (9.61%), and various long-chain alcohols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The extract contains diverse phytochemicals, predominantly fatty acids and esters, supporting traditional medicinal uses and warranting further bioactivity-guided studies.

ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF LEAF AND STEM ESSENTIAL OILS OF Jatropha tanjorensis (Euphorbiaceae)

2025-11-05T15:22:30+00:00

Since health is wealth, management of pain has generated great interest due to the economic hardship generally being experienced by nations. Jatropha tanjorensis is a shrub found in Asia, America and Africa, with reported nutritional and biological activities. This study was designed to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf and stem essential oils of Jatropha tanjorensis. Plant sample was obtained from Gboko, Nigeria. Essential oils from leaf and stem of this plant were extracted by hydro distillation using all-glass Clevenger apparatus. Acute toxicity test on essential oil samples of Jatropha tanjorensis was carried out using various dosages. Analgesic activity of these essential oils was investigated by measuring the number of acetic acid induced writhing in rats while oedema volume of rat’s paw was used to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil samples. Essential oil samples were safe at 25 ml/kg bodyweight. Analgesic activity of essential oil was very good on leaf (65.57 %) at 15 ml/kg bodyweight, however, less active than diclofenac (75.95 %) at 40 mg/kg bodyweight. During investigation of anti-inflammatory activity, all two essential oil samples; leaf and stem, showed better activity than the standard drug, indomethacin. Both leaf and stem essential oils of Jatropha tanjorensis exhibited early (0 minutes) and late phase (120 minutes) inhibitory activity.Results show that leaf and stem essential oils of Jatropha tanjorensis exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity and can be researched further in this regard as a possible drug.

ANALYSIS OF SUNLIGHT-INDUCED STRAIN VARIATIONS IN HIGH-DENSITY AND LINEAR LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE BLENDS

2025-11-05T17:31:16+00:00

This study evaluates the effect of prolonged sunlight exposure on the strain behavior of High?Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Linear Low?Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) blends, with emphasis on the rate of mechanical degradation across varying compositions. Six blend ratios—100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 (HDPE:LLDPE)—were subjected to tensile loading, and strain values were recorded at intervals of 60?s, 120?s, 180?s, 240?s, 300?s, 360?s, 420?s, 480?s, 540?s, and 600?s. Prior to exposure, the materials exhibited high strain capacities, with pure HDPE reaching 0.77?mm at 60?s and 5.23?mm at 600?s, while the 50:50 blend recorded 0.48?mm at 60?s and 4.90?mm at 600?s, indicating good viscoelastic behavior. After four weeks of sunlight exposure, strain values declined across all blends; for example, at 60?s pure HDPE reduced from 0.77?mm to 0.65?mm, while the 50:50 blend dropped from 0.48?mm to 0.35?mm. After nine weeks, the strain values declined further, with HDPE reducing to 0.60?mm and the 50:50 blend to 0.30?mm at 60?s. After seventeen weeks of exposure, the lowest strain values were recorded: HDPE decreased to 0.50?mm and the 50:50 blend to 0.20?mm at 60?s, representing a reduction of approximately 35% and 58% respectively from initial values. Similar patterns were observed at longer loading times, demonstrating cumulative degradation.These results confirm that mechanical degradation increases with LLDPE content and exposure duration, while HDPE?rich blends (e.g., 100:0 and 90:10) maintain higher strain retention and better resistance to UV?induced embrittlement. The findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable HDPE/LLDPE ratios for outdoor applications and suggest that incorporating UV stabilizers can further improve performance in sunlight?exposed environments.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BOREHOLE WATER WITHIN THE VICINITY OF KARU MUNICIPAL, NASARAWA STATE

2025-11-05T17:04:18+00:00

The evaluation of water quality parameters offers vital information for pollution management, public health protection, sustainable water usage, and climate adaptation. This study assessed selected physicochemical characteristics of borehole water in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, using standard analytical methods. The measured parameters included temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen, nitrate, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chloride, and sulphate. The mean values recorded were temperature (29.79°C), electrical conductivity (503.99 µS/cm), pH (5.97), TDS (253.80 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.21 mg/L), nitrate (15.33 mg/L), turbidity (0.44 NTU), BOD (3.63 mg/L), chloride (44.03 mg/L), and sulphate (12.40 mg/L). Most parameters conformed to the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, except for pH, which fell slightly outside the ideal range of 6.5–8.5 in some samples. Overall, the borehole water was found to be potable and suitable for drinking. However, to ensure comprehensive water safety, further research focusing on the presence and potential risks of heavy metals is recommended.

CHARACTERIZATION OF TRITERPENOIDS ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL USING ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACTS FROM AERIAL PARTS OF Deinbollia pinnata

2025-11-05T16:16:05+00:00

Triterpenoids are a diverse class of secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial properties that have gained significant attention in recent years due to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we focus on the characterization of triterpenoids and their antimicrobial potential in ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Deinbollia pinnata. The crude extracts from different solvents such as n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were obtained through ultrasonic extraction method with the highest yield of ethyl acetate extracts at (73.92 g, 4.93%). Using a combined chromatographic separation method to isolate squalene (1) stigmasterol (2), stigmasta-5,22-diene-3-ol acetate (3), ?-sitosterol (4), lupeol (5), taraxasterol (6), and betulinic acid (7) from ethyl acetate extracts. Ethyl acetate crude extracts and isolated compounds were both screened for antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). For ethyl acetate crude extracts with concentrations of (1.5, 0.75, 0.35, & 0.168 mg/mL) indicated marginal antibacterial activity with a range of 17-, 20- and 14-mm zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations ranges from 18.75 µg/ml to 150 µg/mL. Butulinic acid showed the highest activity against E. coli and C. albicans at 15 mm & 15 mm followed by Lupeol against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans at 13, 12, 12 mm. Moreso, no antimicrobial activity for both S. aureus and C. albicans with squalene except for E. coli which showed activity at 11 mm with 300 µg/mL (MIC). Thus, triterpenoids will be another centered area for antimicrobial drug discovery as they are abundant in plants.

DESIGN AND BIO-EVALUATION OF SOME IMINES BASED ON THE CHALCONE SCAFFOLD AGAINST GRAM-POSITIVE AND GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA

2025-11-05T16:12:14+00:00

The increasing multi-drug resistance of bacterial pathogens to conventional antibiotics necessitates the development of novel antimicrobial agents. In this study, three imines, (E)-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-((E)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)allylidene)hydrazine (SAAB1), (E)-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-((E)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)allylidene)hydrazine (SAAB2) (E)-1-((E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)allylidene)-2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazine were synthesized through a two-step condensation reaction between substituted chalcones and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). The chalcones were synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation of substituted benzaldehyde and acetophenone using 20% aqueous NaOH and monitored by TLC. The structures of the synthesized imines were elucidated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), with characteristic 1598 – 1605 cm-1 imine (>C=N) and 1320 – 1350 cm-1 nitro (-NO2) group absorptions confirming successful hydrazone formation. The compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against two clinically resistant bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), using the agar well diffusion method. DMSO was used as the negative control while ciprofloxacin (10 µg/mL) served as the positive control. Preliminary results revealed moderate to significant activity, particularly against S. aureus, suggesting structure-dependent bioactivity. These findings underscore the potential of chalcone-derived hydrazone imines as lead scaffolds for developing new antibacterial agents.

PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION, ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM H. verticillata LEAF AND ITS EFFECT ON CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISING ENZYMES RELEVANT TO TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

2025-11-05T16:02:36+00:00

Oxidative stress is key to the progression of diabetic complications. Plants derived essential oils have been shown to possess promising glucose modulating and antioxidant effects resulting from their rich content of phytochemicals. In the present study, essential oil extracted from Hyptis verticillata leaf (HVEO) was investigated for its phytochemical and anti-oxidative properties as well as its effect on carbohydrate metabolising enzymes relevant to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. GCMS analysis revealed that 9, 12-octadecadienal, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, Decyl prop-1-en-2-yl ester, palmitic acid vinyl ester, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid and 3-Eicosene were some of the bioactives contained in HVEO. Further, the inhibitory effect of HVEO on carbohydrate metabolising enzymes was estimated using ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibiting assays while total antioxidant capacity as well as its inhibitory effect on FRAP, DPPH, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation was evaluated. From the results, HVEO moderately inhibited ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase compared to acarbose, while presenting a higher scavenging capacity on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in comparison to gallic acid and A. muricata essential oil. Also, HVEO potently inhibited lipid peroxidation by deceasing MDA levels. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of HVEO together with the observed moderate inhibitory effect on glucose metabolising enzymes may have resulted from its rich phytochemicals contents and maybe part of the mechanisms for which HVEO could be explored in the management of oxidative stress and diabetic related complications.

POST-HARVEST STORAGE TIME OF FRESH FRUIT BUNCHES INFLUENCES THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PALM OIL

2025-11-05T15:50:30+00:00

Post-harvest storage of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) is a critical pre-processing factor influencing crude palm oil (CPO) quality. Prolonged storage triggers enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation, degrading key physicochemical properties. This study systematically investigated the effects of FFB storage time (0–28 days) on oil yield and physicochemical parameters of CPO. FFBs were stored for 0–24h (day 1), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days prior to processing. The CPO was extracted and analysed using AOCS and MPOB methods. The parameters measured includes; moisture content, free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), carotene content, saponification value (SV), iodine value (IV), density, slip melting point (SMP), refractive index (RI), and solid fat content (SFC). The results revealed a time-dependent increase in the physicochemical properties of FFB and oils (p < 0.05). Oil yield peaked at day 14 (10.00 ± 0.01%) but declined significantly by day 28 (8.76 ± 0.08%). FFA, PV, and AV increased progressively (p < 0.05), reaching 7.2%, 12.5 meq/kg, and 18.2 respectively by day 28. Carotene content was highest on day 14 (1169 ± 4.93 mg/kg) before declining. Similarly, SV was highest on day 28 (380 mgKOH/kg), while IV decreased on day 28 (37 cg/g). The Physical properties increased significantly as SMP increased from 29–33°C for day 1 to 41–42°C for day 28. SFC increased from 50.2% for day 1 to 80.2% for day 28) while RI diverged beyond Day 14 with day 28 being 1.763. These results indicate that FFB storage beyond 7 days causes severe quality deterioration and affects the functional properties of the oil. These findings provide critical benchmarks for mills and small-scale processors to minimize post-harvest losses and maintain CPO marketability.

BIOGAS PRODUCTION THROUGH ANAEROBIC CODIGESTION, MONODIGESTION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT, POULTRY LITTER AND COW DUNG

2025-11-05T15:38:58+00:00

The growing impact of global warming, largely attributed to the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, has led the energy industry to explore cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. Among these options, bio-methane stands out as a viable renewable energy source due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In Nigeria, palm oil mills generate large amounts of organic waste, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. A major by-product of this industry, palm oil mill effluent (POME), can be converted into bio-methane through anaerobic digestion, which offers potential for generating electricity, heat, and fuel.This study investigates the potential of POME as a feedstock for bio-methane production using anaerobic digestion techniques. The focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of mono-digestion (using POME alone) versus co-digestion (mixing POME with other organic materials like poultry litter and cow dung). A 60-day experiment was conducted under mesophilic conditions, where two groups, labelled A and B, were established using 1000 mL Buchner flasks as digesters.Various mixtures of POME with cow dung and poultry litter were tested. The most effective results were observed from a 4:1 ratio of POME to cow dung and the combination with poultry litter, both yielding up to 1000mL of biomethane—surpassing the yields from mono-digestion setups. During the study, critical parameters such as total solids, volatile solids, ammonium nitrogen levels, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), moisture content, and pH were analysed.The findings suggest that co-digestion of POME, especially with animal waste, significantly enhances bio-methane production. Given Nigeria’s abundant supply of organic waste and naturally favourable mesophilic conditions, this method presents a promising and sustainable energy solution.