Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN THE FRUITS OF Cucumis sativus FROM TWO MARKETS WITHIN ABA METROPOLIS

O. U. Igwe — 2023-08-23

ABSTRACT: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the fruits of Cucumis sativus obtained from Ahiaohuru and Ehere markets within Aba metropolis. C. sativus obtained from each of these markets was divided into three portions. The first portion was not washed (UW), the second portion was washed with tap water (WTW) while the last portion was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (WSS) before drying, milling and extraction procedures were applied. Quantification of the PAHs was done using a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Eighteen PAHs were analyzed and C. sativus samples from Ahiaohuru market gave a total PAHs content of 30.45, 25.65 and 2.97 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The samples from Ehere market gave 29.88, 18.82 and 3.06 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The results obtained from this research indicates that the level of PAHs content in the studied samples decreased when washed with tap water and further decreased significantly when washed with aqueous solution of sodium chloride. From the risk assessment of ?PAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) in the sample, there was no risk associated with the consumption of the fruity samples. It is however, advisable to wash fruity vegetables with a salt solution as it would reduce the presence of PAHs in them better than washing with tap water alone.

INVESTIGATION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSES EXTRACTED FROM Thaumatococcus danielli and Ficus exasperata LEAVES

G. O. Oladipo — 2023-08-23

Cellulose is a vital raw material used in various industrial applications. Microcrystalline celluloses were extracted from de-waxed Thaumatococcus danielli and Ficus exasperata leaves through acid hydrolysis (1.5ml nitric acid), bleaching (12g sodium chlorite) and mercerization treatments (17.5% w/v sodium hydroxide). The properties of the extracted microcrystalline celluloses were examined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy/Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermogravimetry (TGA/DTA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The leaves were found to have appreciable amount of cellulose of 30 and 37.26 % for Thaumatococcus danielli and Ficus exasperata leaves respectively. The FT-IR results showed absorption peaks at 1017-1010 cm-1 which confirmed stretching vibration of C-O-C in Thaumatococcus danielli and Ficus exasperata celluloses. This corresponds to the SEM micrograph results that proved the removal of non-cellulosic components from the surface of the celluloses. EDX results revealed predominant intrinsic elements of the celluloses as carbon, oxygen with traces of silicon and iodine. Thermal analysis showed apparent weight loss of 78.37 and 81.31% at 380oC for Thaumatococcus danielli and Ficus exasperata celluloses correspondingly. XRD results revealed high crystallinity index of 91.5 and 84.8 % with an average crystallite size of 1.015 and 1.454 nm respectively. The properties of microcrystalline celluloses obtained suggest their applications as a potential stabilizer in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and biocomposite reinforcement.

CONTRIBUTORY IMPACT OF SEWAGE ON POLLUTED OGUN AND LAGOS FISHING WATERS: INFLUENCE ON ANTIOXIDANT PROFILE AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF SILVER CATFISH (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus)

B. O. Onunkwor — 2023-08-23

Water pollution, a recurring phenomenon in fishing waters of industrial cities in Nigeria, inadvertently constitute hazards to the host biotic communities and the ecosystem. To continuously delineate the impacts of pollution via sewage outlets on aquatic life, this rainy season study investigated Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, an aquatic food from Ogun River and Epe Lagoon, Nigeria, both of which are locally channeled for sewage release. Sixty (60) samples of C. nigrodigitatus were collected from six sites each representing a group (n=10), with mean weight and length of 762.20 ± 11.05 g and 42.21 ± 0.30 cm respectively. Ajegunle (control), Alaapa and Quarry (test sites) along the Ogun River course in Abeokuta; Ebute-Alashe (control), Oluwo and Marina (test sites) along the Epe Lagoon. Analysis of Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand showed elevated variations at the sampled test sites than the control sites and above WHO safe limits. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in concentrations of heavy metals (lead, arsenic and cadmium) in the fishing waters from the sampled test locations particularly the Quarry and Marina sites, as well as in blood samples of fish, were observed when compared with their respective controls. Antioxidants profiling showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in fishes from Alaapa (14- and 3- folds), Quarry (8- and 4- folds), Oluwo (9- and 3- folds) and Marina (8- and 3- folds) sites, while significant increases in glutathione-S-transferase activity were observed only in fishes from Quarry (5- fold) and Marina (4- fold) sites respectively. The glutathione concentration significantly decreased in fishes from all the test sites while malondialdehyde concentrations significantly increased in fishes from all the test sites compared with the respective controls. Proximate analysis of the fish samples showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in moisture and fiber contents, but significant decrease in fat, ash and protein contents compared with the respective controls. The results of the study showed that sewage pollution of fishing waters is hazardous to aquatic life as it induces oxidative stress and significantly reduces the nutritional value of the fishes obtained from such water bodies.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL, HEAVY METALS AND HYDROCARBONS STUDYOF SURFACE WATER AND SEDIMENT FROM ALAPE RIVER AND ITS WATERSHED IN IGBOKODA, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA.

P. Micheal — 2023-08-23

Physicochemical, heavy metals and hydrocarbon parameters of fifteen surface water samples and fourteen sediment samples from the Alape River and its watershed in Igbokoda, South-Western Nigeria have been analysed. APHA and ASTM standard methods were employed in the analysis of the samples while obtained results were compared to DPR, NESREA, NSDWQ and WHO set standards. The mean pH values of the River and its watershed were found to be 6.78 and 7.25 respectively, falling within the recommended limit. In terms of DO, the mean values of 5.25 mg/L and 5.42 mg/L obtained were equally within the acceptable range for supporting aquatic organisms. Mean values of TS and salinity were relatively low, indicating favourable conditions. However, the mean total hardness value was considerably high. The River and its watershed exhibited low levels of O&G, TPH, and Cl-. The presence of organic matter was also observed, as demonstrated from the mean values of BOD and COD, suggesting some level of pollution. Furthermore, the sediments from the River contained detectable concentrations of some heavy metals; Fe, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Zn. The concentration of Fe exceeded the recommended limit set by NESREA. Overall, the research outcomes serve as valuable baseline data for future studies and offer insights to establish effective measures to prevent pollution in the event of industrialization in the area.

SYNTHESISAND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES OF SCHIFF BASE DERIVED FROM2-THENOYLTRIFLUOROACETONE AND 4-AMINOANTIPYRINEAND ITSCo(II), Fe(III), Ni(II) AND Cu(II) COMPLEXES

N. J. AGBO — 2023-08-23

A new ligand, 3-[2-(1, 5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2, 3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) hydrazinylidene]-2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HPDP) was prepared by diazotization of 4-aminoantipyrine and coupling of the obtained diazonium salt with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone. It’s Co(II), Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II) complexes were synthesized by refluxing the ligand(HPDP) with the metal chlorides in absolute ethanol for 6 hrs. Obtained compounds were characterized by means of melting point, conductivity, elemental analysis UV-Visible, FT-IR, 1H and 1 3C NMR.The molar conductivity values indicated that,[Fe(PDP)(H2O)Cl2], [Co(PDP)Cl2(OH2)], [Cu(HPDP)Cl2], [Ni(PDP)Cl2(OH2)] complexes were electrolytes when compared with CuSO4 and KCl salts respectively. The chloride analysis determination revealed the presence of chloride ions inside the coordination sphere of all the complexes. The Uv-Vis, IR, 1H and 13CNMR data of the complexes suggest square-planar geometry around Co (II), Cu (II), Ni (II) and octahedral geometry around Fe (III) ions. The ligand is tridentate and the complexes crystalized as M (HPDP). The ligand coordinated through the carbonyl oxygens and nitrogen atom of the azomethine –C=N group. The antimicrobial screening of the ligand and complexes with B.subtilis, E.coli, and P.mirabilis,S. aureus, S. intermediusS. typhi and S. pneumoniae showed more activities for the complexes than the ligand in comparison with standard drugs (Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin), this implies that the synthesized compounds have potency for possible use as antbacterial agents against resistant strains.

NANO-CRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE OF AFRICAN BEAN (PENTACLETHRA MACROPHYLLA BENTH) POD: EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERISATION

O. P. Nsude — 2023-08-23

Nanocrystalline cellulose is a unique nanomaterial derived from the most abundant and almost inexhaustible natural polymer, cellulose. It is considered a sustainable nanomaterial due to its availability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Based on its desired structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics, it is suitable for mechanical and industrial applications. The research reports on the extraction and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose from African bean (PentaclethramacrophyllaBenth) pods. In this paper, nano-crystalline cellulose (CNCs) were isolated from the cellulose extracted from Africa oil bean pod waste, followed by characterization using XRD, FT-IR, TGA, DGA, and SEM to determine its crystallinity, structural properties, thermal characteristics, and morphology, respectively. The result revealed that the Africa bean pod amorphous segments containing hemicelluloses and lignin were extensively removed with increasing chemical treatments, leading to increased purity, crystallinity index, and thermal stability of the extracted materials. The crystallinity index of nanocrystalline cellulose was estimated at 71.43%, which is better than both raw oil bean powder and isolated cellulose. This therefore implies that the nanocrystalline cellulose of the oil bean pod can serve different mechanical and structural applications.

ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN EKUKU DAM

S. Kabiru — 2023-08-23

This study determines the heavy metal concentrations of water from Ekuku dam in Okene local government area of Kogi state. Water samples and available fish samples from Ekuku dam were collected, digested and analysed using inductively couple plasma – optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). There results of water samples were below or within the range of the recommended limit of WHO and other recognized regulatory bodies. Similarly, the head, gills, muscle and liver of the two fishes sample collected from Ekuku dam were found to contain all the analysed heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Hg) at different levels. Some of the determine metals in the parts of the fishes may not be harmful to consumers because the observed values of heavy metals were below the permissible limits issued by World Health Organisation (WHO) and other recognized regulatory bodies for human consumption however, elements like Cr, Ni and Pb call for serious concerned. Finally, Pearson’s correlation at 95% confidence levels of significance was calculated for finding relationship between elements content in water and fish sample. Significantly positive and negative correlation was observed between different elements in water and fish samples.

SENSORY, GC-MS AND FTIR ANALYSIS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HIBISCUS SABDARRIFFA AND VERNONIA AMYGDALINA HERBAL TEA WITH BLENDS OF GINGER AND LEMON ZEST

S. D. Ityo — 2023-08-23

The use of herbal remedies, especially in the form of teas for management of various diseases is gaining increasing popularity, making them the main stay of health care system, especially among the rural populace in the developing countries. Therefore, it is imperative to carryout proper analysis and screening of these plants, such as Hibiscus Sabdarriffa and Vernonia Amygdalina, to investigate their informed use. This research aimed at producing herbal teas from leaves of Hibiscus Sabdarriffa and Vernonia Amygdalina with additives of ginger and lemon zest with acceptable sensory attributes and also to investigate the phytocomponents of these herbal teas produced using GC-MS spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Ginger, lemon zest and fresh leaves of Hibiscus Sabdarriffa and Vernonia Amygdalina were collected from modern market areas of makurdi Benue State, authenticated by a plant taxonomist in Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Makurdi. Aqueous extracts of the herbal teas were analyzed using GC-MS Clarus 500 Perkin Elmer system. Identification of functional groups of samples (was done using FT-IR spectroscope (Shimadzu, IR Affinity 1, Japan). Results: FT-IR analysis of the herbal tea samples revealed the presence of phytochemicals like alkanes, alkenes, Carboxylic acids, phenols, alcohols, flavonoids, aromatics and saturated aliphatic esters,. GC-MS analyses of aqueous extract of the samples provided different peaks determining the presence of twenty two compounds with highest abundance. Twelve compounds were identified for Vernonia Amygdalina herbal tea sample and ten for Hibiscus Sabdarriffa herbal tea sample. The findings from this research showed that herbal teas produced from leave of Hibiscus Sabdarriffa and Vernonia Amygdalina had acceptable sensory attributes and also contains bioactive constituents of pharmacological importance for management of diseases which were identified by GC-MS and FTIR analysis.

AN ASSESSMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, SO2, NO2 AND CO) CONCENTRATIONS ON AIR QUALITY USING AIR QUALITY INDEX IN EASTERN NIGERIA

E. S. Nicholas — 2023-08-23

The rate at which atmospheric pollution is increasing in the world as a whole is quite alarming, having a negative effect on the health of humans and the environment. The alarming rate of pollutants in the atmosphere led to this study which was carried out in Douglas Road, Owerri Municipal Council (urban) and Ezihe village, Uzii, Ideato North Local Government Area (rural) in Imo State, Nigeria with the aim to investigate and assess the effect of industrial activity on the air quality of the survey areas, to ascertain its impact on the environment and to compare the overall results of the air quality assessment with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings. The air quality status of the sampled areas was analyzed using Gasman Air Monitoring Meter (Models 1200-19831) and Air Ae Steward Meter (Haz-Dust Tm; PM2.5 and PM10, Model: HD1000). The results of the air quality assessment in the urban and rural areas of the state analyzed were in the ranges of 99.30-124.70 µg/m3 for PM2.5, PM10 (138.70-168.00 µg/m3), relative humidity (62.67- 68.33 %), pressure (1008.70-1011.70 hpa), temperature (28.33-35.67 oC), elevation (18.70-82.67 m), cloud (55.67-99.33 %) and wind speed (1.28-1.57 m/s). Other results in (ppm) were: SO2 (0.63-0.70), NO2 (0.27-0.37), CO (33.00-38.67), CO2 (6,500.00-10,166.27). The air quality Index (AQI) ratings of the obtained results showed that, in the rural area, it was rated from poor (D) to very poor (E) while in the urban area, it was rated very poor (E) to hazardous (F). There is need for a routine monitoring of the air quality in Eastern part of Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole to ensure safety, and a few helpful recommendations were suggested in this study for positive impacts on the environment.

DETERMINATION OF THE LEACHING TENDENCIES OF VARIOUS ROOFING SHEETS MODELLED AS RAIN WATER HARVESTERS IN IMO STATE NIGERIA

M. C. Enedoh — 2023-08-23

Runoff rain water from roofing materials is a predominant channel for obtaining drinking water for most inhabitants in Imo State Nigeria as such water is even kept in storage tanks for later usage.. Analysis of four different roofing materials used in the area- Zinc, Aluminum Metro tiles and Galvanized iron roofing sheets (Zinc) was carried out to determine their chemical content and leaching abilities. 5gms of each sheet was separately ground to powder and elemental analysis using a compact multi-element bench top Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescent (EDXRF) EDX3600B by Skyray Instrument (precision: 0.0% deviation; detection limit: 0.0001% (1ppm) - 99.99%) was carried out. The research showed the metro tile roofing sheet contains toxic metals like lead; Pb(0.0962 mg/kg), Al (2.1380 mg/kg), Cr (0.1988 mg/kg) and Mn(0.2163 mg/kg) unlike the rest which roughly contain Al (1.0407 mg/kg), Zn (0.9000 mg/kg), Mn(0.1057 mg/kg) and Fe (1.0008 mg/kg). Leaching capability of the four sheets was determined.Rainwater was harvested into clean plastic container previously washed and rinsed severally. Simple leaching experiment was carried out. The sheets were cut into sizes of (4 by 4)cm and the surface areas measured. Each was introduced into a separate beaker with 150ml rainwater (mentioned) for 24 hours. The sheets were then removed from the rainwater and their surface areas re-measured. The resultant waters and the unused rainwater- the control, were analysed using Agilent 240 AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result detected that the metro tile roofing sheet decreased by 0.01cm in its surface area and was observed to have leached out Al (0.028mg/kg) and Pb(0.0060mg/kg) into the water. This can be hazardous by accumulation if proven.More work on this is still in the pipeline.

HEXAMETHYLENETETRAMINE (C6H12N4) INDUCED HIGH-DENSITY NITROGEN DOPED REDUCED GRAPHENE: A NOVEL SONO-MICROWAVE ASSISTED SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION TOWARDS RENEWABLE ENERGIES APPLICATIONS.

F. O. Oladoyinbo — 2023-08-27

Development of low-cost electrocatalytic material for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reaction (HER and ORR) is the main requirement for many renewable energies like the, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysers (PEME) Photo-electrochemical Water Splitting (PEWS) technologies. Herein, we report a novel, simple, economical and rapid one-pot Sono-microwave assisted synthesis of nitrogen doped graphene (NG) from graphene oxide in presence of a nitrogen precursor (Hexamethylenetetramine). The obtained NG was optimized by varying the ratio of GO to Hexamethylenetetramine to find the optimized N content in the catalyst and investigated as electrocatalyst for the ORR. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM) micrograph of optimized NG showed well exfoliated graphene oxide with few layers of graphene while the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depicts that about 11 % of nitrogen doping into the graphene lattice active forms of pyrrolic-N, pyridinic-N, and graphitic-N in 1:3NG catalyst is 55.00, 33.69, and 11.31 % respectively. Demonstrating the potential attributes of the Material in electrocatalytic renewable energy applications.

INSILICO DETERMINATION OF ANTI CANCER ACTIVITY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL FROM CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum L) SEED

U. J. M. Ikezu — 2023-08-27

Syzygium aromaticum seed from the family of Myrtaceae is a highly priced natural spice used in preparation of food which have been acclaimed and reported by previous researchers to have anticancer activities potentials. Due to the rising burden of cancer worldwide its severity and fatality coupled with side effects of synthetic drugs calls for an alternative treatment solution. Hence the current research studied the phytocompounds from the seed by extracting and screening the compounds using solvent maceration method and gas chromatography coupled to mass selective detector respectively to extract, identify and quantify the component phytochemicals present in the seed. Site directed multi-ligand docking of the identified compounds was performance on progesterone receptor protein responsible for breast cancer development using the compounds from GCMS results and compared with four standard breast cancer drugs by molecular docking method. The result showed that the alpha cubebene (-7 kcal/mol), Velerena -4, 7- (II) diene (-7.1 kcal/mol), caryophyllene (-7.4 kcal/mol), caryophyllene oxide (-7.4 kcal/mol), dibutyl phthalate have binding affinity close to the standard breast cancer drugs Abemaciclib (-8.3), Anastrozole (-7.2 kcal/mol) and Paclitaxel (-8.8 kcal/mol) and they have better binding affinity than the drug Cyclophasphamide (-5.6 kcal/mol). The result also revealed that some compounds from the GC-MS were found to have a binding affinity closer tothat of thecocrystallized ligand (-10.7 kcal/mol). Other compounds from clove seed showed favourable docking scores in comparison with the drugs as many of the compounds have docking scores of more than (-6 kcal/mol) suggesting that the compounds have anti breast cancer activities since their amino acids showed hydrogen bonding corresponding to that on the binding site

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF DEINBOLLIA PINNATA LEAVES WITH ISOLATION OF TRITERPENOIDS

R. Yakubu — 2023-08-27

Inflammation is the secondary signal from tissue/cell injury or damage. Most often have increased temperature, and blood flow and are characterized by pain, coloration and swelling. Leaves of Deinbollia pinnata have been into use for anti-inflammatory diseases in rural populated areas of African countries by barefoot doctors. The leaves of D. pinnata investigated showed higher anti-inflammatory with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane in order of (80%, 50% and 14%) at 50 µL for bovine serum albumin assay; and methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane (85%, 57%, and 20%) at 40 µL using egg albumin assay. The result showed that the methanolic fraction with less quantity of yield has the highest anti-inflammatory potential compared to other fractions indicating the presence of polar unidentified compounds. Seven (7) known triterpenes were reported using combined chromatographic separation from ethyl acetate fraction which showed the highest yield of extract. These include squalene (1) stigmasterol (2), stigmasta-5,22-diene-3-ol acetate (3), ?-sitosterol (4), lupeol (5), taraxasterol (6), and betulinic acid (7) from aerial parts. Their structures were elucidated using HR-ESIMS, 1D NMR compared with existing data which confirmed their uses in African traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

SPATIAL ASSESSMENT AND POLLUTION ANALYSIS OF PACKAGED SACHET WATER SOLD IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA.

S. E. Mohammed — 2023-09-02

The study assessed the physicochemical quality of sachet water produced and/ or sold in some Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Twenty-one (21) sachet water samples from seven (7) different manufacturers were used for the study. This was achieved by the use portable laboratory kits, titrimetry and flame photometry. Results of pH obtained ranged from 6.39-6.79in all thewater samples, conductivity (47.2-69.4) µS/cm, turbidity (0.2-1.0) NTU, nitrates(0.03-0.31) mg/L, phosphates (0.15- 1.33) mg/L, hardness (4.70-7.17) mg/L, Na (07-39) mg/L, and K (3.73-4.62) mg/L and all results obtained for the parameters tested were within the WHO and NIS standards. Metal index and Water Quality Index results showed that the waters were generally of good quality.