Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria

MAJOR, TRACE, AND RARE EARTH ELEMENTS GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE LATE PALEOCENE SHALES FROM GAMBA FORMATION, SOKOTO BASIN, NORTHWEST NIGERIA

A.B. Ogbesejana — 2025-02-23

The present investigation delved into the geochemical importance of trace elements and major oxide constituents in the shales from the Gamba Formation, Sokoto Basin, Nigeria. by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and statistical methodologies within the context of provenance, tectonic environments, and conditions of deposition. Alkali metals and alkali-earth metal elements, Na, K, Ca, and Mg occurred in very high concentrations in the shale samples while U has the lowest values, indicating the detritus derived from various provenances (felsic and mafic) and reducing conditions of the environment. Among the rare earth elements detected in the shales, light rare earth elements showed enriched concentrations compared to heavy rare earth elements, indicating anoxic conditions. Among the major oxides identified, the shales exhibit elevated levels of SiO2, with Fe2O3 greater than Al2O3; whereas the remaining oxides demonstrate relatively low concentrations. This suggests that shales are predominantly constituted of quartz minerals and were formed in marine settings. Moreover, the distribution patterns of the trace elements and major oxides showed striking similarities in the spider diagrams of UCC and PAAS. The ratios derived from both the trace elements and major oxides, along with the discrimination diagrams, indicated that the shales consist of mafic and felsic detritus. They were likely deposited under varying conditions, such as anoxic and oxic, near the passive margin and continental island arc. These conclusions were further corroborated by the multivariate statistical analyses conducted on the elemental dataset. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of trace elements and major oxides geochemistry in assessing the origin, tectonic setting, and paleoenvironments of shales.

BIOGAS PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM CO-DIGESTION OF CATTLE DUNG WITH MAIZE COB

A. A. Kuleve — 2025-02-27

Biogas technology is taking root in Nigeria in line with the global quest for a transition to sustainable renewable energies. This study investigates the co-digestion of cattle dung and maize cob waste for enhanced biogas production in laboratory-scale digesters. Three digesters were set up under varying experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that cattle dung and maize cob co-digestion significantly enhanced biogas production (410.20 mL) in the digester with the most optimal organic loading rate. The study showed that optimal inoculum-to-substrate ratio and organic loading rate promote the early onset of biogas production due to enhanced microbial activity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that retention time (RT) and I/S ratio were key factors influencing biogas yield. Methane content ranged from 53.00 % in the control to 60.80 % in D2, and hydrogen sulphide concentrations were reduced in D2 compared to the control. These findings show that the co-digestion of cattle dung and maize cob waste optimizes biogas yield, and methane content, and reduces harmful gas emissions. The study demonstrates the importance of substrate selection, organic loading rate, and retention time for efficient biogas.

EVALUATION OF THE PROTECTION PERFORMANCE OF Securidaca longipedunculata PLANT EXTRACTS ON STEEL CORROSION

S. E. Egga — 2025-02-27

The efficiency of Securidaca longipedunculata (SL) leaves extracts against mild steel (MS) corrosion has been investigated in near neutral solution. The open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic curves (Tafel plots), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used in the experiment. The results indicate that the corrosion protection capability of SL rises with increasing concentration, reaching a maximum of 91.9 % at 1.0 (w/v %). The surface analysis of the corroded surfaces was performed using visual examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy disperse X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy in the absence and presence of the plant extract. Phytochemical screening, UV-visible spectroscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to examine and characterize the extract. Corrosion inhibition efficiency was measured as a function of the extraction solvent, the extracts concentration, and surface analysis. The Adejo-Ekwenchi, El-Awady, Flory-Hggins, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherms were used to conduct the adsorption studies. All the procedures used yielded consistent results, indicating that the ethanol extracts of SL have significant potential to act as an inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in near neutral solution.

EVALUATION OF INHIBITIVE PERFORMANCE OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Dialium guineense ON CORROSION OF MILD STEEL IN 1.0 M HCl SOLUTION

O. K Amadi — 2025-02-27

Aqueous extract of Dialium guineense (DG) leaves behaves as a green corrosion inhibitor to replace toxic chemicals. Inhibition of corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution using weight loss method was studied at different temperatures ranged from 302K to 343 K. The inhibition efficiency is found to increase with increasing concentration of extract and decreases with rise in temperature. The maximum inhibition efficiency 77.77% was obtained at 313 K. The corrosion rate of mild steel increased from 302 K to 343 K but declined from 100 ppm to 1200 ppm of the aqueous extract of DG. The activation energy, thermodynamic parameters (free energy, enthalpy and entropy change) and kinetic parameters for inhibition process were also calculated. These thermodynamic and kinetic parameters indicate a strong interaction between the inhibitor and the metal surface. The adsorption of inhibitor on mild steel surface is exothermic, physical adsorption, and spontaneous reaction. Also adsorption of DG leaves extract on the surface of the mild steel follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was used to calculate the thermodynamic parameter ?Gads. The activation parameters Eact, ?Hact and ?Sact were calculated using Arrhenius equation.

MOLECULAR MODELING ANALYSIS OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES BINDING ON HUMAN FERTILIZATION PROTEINS- IZUMO1 AND EGG SURFACE JUNO

M. A. Nnabuchi — 2025-02-23

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been increasingly utilized in commercial products despite growing concerns over their potential toxicological effects on human health. This study employed computational modeling to elucidate the binding interactions of PFAS with human fertilization proteins, specifically IZUMO1 and egg surface Juno targets. Molecular docking simulations revealed that out of the nineteen studied PFAS, Perfluoro?3,6?dioxaheptanoic acid (PFDHA) (-6.0 kcal/mol) and 4,8?Dioxa?3H?perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) (-5.9 kcal/mol) exhibited high binding affinity for IZUMO1. In contrast, perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriA) (-7.5 kcal/mol) and 2H,2H,3H,3H?perfluorooctanoic acid 5:3 acid (5:3FTCA) (-7.0 kcal/mol) demonstrated high binding affinity for egg surface Juno. Notably, 5:3FTCA displayed high potential for simultaneous binding to both targets. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the high stability of PFDHA and PFTriA at their respective targets, suggesting potential disruptions to the human fertilization process. These findings imply that PFAS may pose significant reproductive toxicity, warranting further research to elucidate their mechanisms of action and develop effective countermeasures to mitigate their deleterious effects on human reproductive health.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF TRITERPENOIDS FROM Brachystegia eurycoma

S. K. Ahile — 2025-02-23

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the search for novel antimicrobial agents. Natural products offer promising alternatives due to their structural diversity and evolutionary refinement. The antibacterial activity of crude extracts of the stem bark of Brachystegia eurycoma against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Escherichia coli (VRE) was investigated. The stem bark was extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, then column chromatography led to the isolation of friedelan-3-one, 2-hydroxy lupeol, and prunetin. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 45.0 µg/mL for MRSA and 10.0 µg/mL for VRE. The study highlights the potential of B. eurycoma as a source of bioactive compounds for antibiotic drug development.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIMICROBIAL AND DOCKING STUDIES OF CHLOROFORM EXTRACTS OF Piliostigma thonningii LEAVES AND SEEDS

O. U. Igwe — 2025-02-23

Piliostigma thonningii is one of the African’s medicinal plants that is used in ethnomedicine for wound healing and treatment of inflammations, bacterial infections, diarrhoea, worms’ infestation, stomach ache and headache. Chemical studies of the chloroform extracts of the leaves and seeds of the plant using GC-MS technique revealed the presence of 18 and 9 compounds respectively. The antibacterial activity screening of the extracts were studied using hospital isolates of five pathogenic bacteria organisms. Its activity at a varying concentrations of 150, 75, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 mg/ml was investigated against S. aereus, B. cereus, E. coli, S. typhi and P. aeruginosa using agar well diffusion method. The result showed that the extract of the leaf exhibited activity against three micro-organisms in a concentration-dependent pattern, with the highest growth inhibition seen in S. aereus and the lowest growth in S. typhi with MIC of 25 and 75 mg/ml respectively while the seed showed inhibition activity against two microorganisms in a concentration-dependent manner, with the highest growth inhibition seen in S. aereus and the lowest growth in E. coli with MIC of 50 and 75 mg/ml respectively. The result of this research work revealed that P. thonningii has a lot of phytochemicals which might be responsible for its therapeutic potentials in ethnomedicine. The compounds exhibited negative binding affinities in the molecular docking studies. This suggests the potential of the compounds to inhibit the growth of the bacteria species.The results emphasize the therapeutic potential of P. thonningii leaves and seeds extract as a natural source of bioactive compounds with antibacterial activities. This highlights the need for more research to explore its potential use in pharmaceutical applications.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND FTIR SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF BALANITESaegyptiacaSEED AND STEM BARK EXTRACT

N. H. Rickson — 2025-02-23

With various applications, Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date) is a traditional remedy for jaundice, intestinal worm infection, syphilis, malaria, dysentery amongst others but despite its good medicinal properties, it is still considered a lost crop because little or no attention has been put into using it for generation of modern medicines. Hexane and Methanol Extracts from seed and Stem Bark of the plant were analyzed for the presence of phytochemicals and the extract and isolates were also analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer. The result of the analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, resin and other bioactive compounds. The seed FT-IR analysis of Balanites aegyptiaca showed peaks at 3240.63 cm-1 which corresponded to an O-H stretching typical for an aromatic ring. The peaks at 3567.36 cm-1, 2921.98 cm-1, 2359.42 cm-1, 1743.48 cm-1, 1653.33 cm-1 and 1130.91 cm-1 corresponded to C?C stretching typical for alkyne, C-H stretching typical for alkane, C-O stretching typical for Ester, C-C stretching typical for alkane and C-O bending typical for carboxylic acid. The stem bark FT-IR analysis of Balanites aegyptiaca showed peaks at 3396.29 cm-1 and 3374.85 cm-1 representing the bonded –OH group corresponding to aromatic rings of phenol. Peaks at 1065.00cm-1, 1734.06cm-1, 1706.71cm-1, 1230.95cm- 1, 1175.12cm-1 and 1734.06cm-1 was associated to C-O stretching typical for esters. The study would help in developing new economic opportunities for rural communities through cultivation, processing, and commercialization of the plant. Additionally, it could promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of locally available resources.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI-CANCER STUDY OF ETHYLACETATE EXTRACTS OF TWO AFRICAN Tapinanthus SPECIES

A. A. Azeez — 2025-02-23

Cancer- a multifaceted disease- is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world and breast cancer is currently a significant global health issue. Cancer cells in general have developed resistance to most of the existing therapies. Tapinanthus species have been reported for treatment cancer by traditional healers in Africa. For this study, ethylacetate extracts of Tapianthus buntigii growing on Citrus paradise and Tapinanthus dodoneifolius hosted by Parkia biglobosa were screened for phytochemical constituents and anticancer potentials against MDA-MB-231, an a aggressive cancer cell line using MTT assay. The result of phytochemical screening revealed presence of steroids, saponins and cardiac glycosides but absence of tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The extracts showed comparable anticancer activities against the cell line. From the results of this study, it is concluded that the Tapinanthus species could be reservoirs for potent anticancer drugs or lead compounds.

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES (Agnps) BY BIOLOGICAL (GREEN SYNTHESIS) METHOD FROM NEEM TREE LEAVES (Azadirachta Indica) FROM MULAI WARD, JERE L.G.A BORNO STATE NIGERIA.

B. A. Thliza — 2025-02-23

Nanotechnology is an advanced discipline of science and technology for dealing with material sizes on the nanoscale. Nanoparticles, which have a dimension of less than 100 nm are among those materials. In this study, five different neem tree leaf (Azadirachta indica) were collected from Mulai ward, Maiduguri Borno state and used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles synthesis for five different mM concentration (1 mM – 5 mM). Morphological and chemical characteristics of the highest yield synthesized AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using, UV spectrum analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis were done. Color change from yellow to brown, and 400 nm surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak after were obtained. FT-IR showed 12 peaks with some functional groups contributing to the synthesis of Ag nanoparticle. XRD was done to determine the crystalline nature of AgNPs and the resulted peaks were found at (2?) 15. 5o ,23.2o, 26.4o. Other peaks at 2? values in AgNPs pattern can be ascribed to the residues of the organic content of the plant extract. It was determined that AgNps have elemental (Ag ) and spherical crystalline structure. The mean crystal size was calculated at prominent peak (15.5o ) using the Debye-Scherrer equation

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PALM OIL SOLD IN MAJOR MARKETS IN ABAKALIKI TOWN, SOUTH EAST NIGERIA, EBONYI STATE.

N. O. Eze — 2025-02-23

The investigation of the chemical properties of palm oil is crucial for understanding its quality, stability and potential application. This study examined the chemical composition of palm oil sold in the four major markets in Abakaliki town using standard analytical procedures. A total of twenty oil samples were examined, i.e. five oil samples from each market. The range of the values obtained are: Refractive Index (1.4647 ± 0.00 - 1.4657 ± 0.00), viscosity (40.11± 0.41 – 59.60 ± 0.01), acid value (13.39 ± 0.04 – 20.54 ± 0.41), saponification value (220.20 ± 1.07 – 223.92 ± 0.78), iodine value (28.89 ±1.03 – 33.9 ± 0.96 Wij), peroxide value (4.18 ± 0.07 - 6.12 ± 0.09 meq/kg) and moisture content 0.30 ± 0.00 - 0.33 ± 0.02%). The characteristics of the oil samples studied in most cases exceeded the FAO/WHO (CODEX Alimentarius) values, suggesting possible adulteration, contamination or improper storage. Some of the observed values were significantly different at p<0.05. The study recommended the adoption of effective monitoring systems and strict hygienic practices throughout the production chain to ensure the production of high-quality oil.

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN, SOURCES AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs) IN SEDIMENTS OF WARRI RIVER, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

E. A. Okonkwo — 2025-02-23

The distribution, pollution sources and ecological risk of the 16 priority PAHs were investigated in surface sediments of the Warri River, Niger Delta Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected from six points along the river during the wet and dry seasons. The concentrations of PAHs were determined using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector after ultra-sonication with hexane and dichloromethane. The mean concentrations of the ?16 PAHs in the sediments ranged from 1158 to 1993 µg/kg for the entire study period. The concentrations of ?16 PAHs during the wet season were significantly higher than those of the dry season. The 3-ring PAHs were the dominant PAH compounds in the sediments. The sources and ecological risk of PAHs were assessed using diagnostic ratios and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) respectively. The diagnostic ratios revealed that PAHs in the sediment of Warri River originated mainly from pyrogenic and petrogenic sources with greater inputs from pyrogenic sources. The ecological risk evaluation of PAHs in these sediments indicated low toxicity and that they would pose little or no ecological risk.

AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND PARTICULATE MATTER LEVELS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS OF JOS-SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

K. B. D. Dawit — 2025-02-23

Air quality is a critical aspect of environmental health, as it directly impacts human well-being and the ecosystem. Monitoring and assessments of air quality levels, particularly the particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), are therefore absolutely essential. In this study, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were analyzed in some selected areas of Jos-South area using a portable CW-HAT 200 Dust Particles Counter. The finding of the study revealed that 70 % of PM2.5 and 100 % of PM10 in all the sampling sites exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO)’s threshold limit, with the highest level of PM2.5 of 1.014 mg/m³ recorded at Old Airport Roundabout YG Way and the lowest level of 0.007 mg/m³ was observed at D.B. Zang Roundabout in comparison with the control. For PM10, the highest concentration of 0.039 mg/m³ was recorded at Old Airport Roundabout YG Way, while the lowest concentration of 0.012 mg/m³ was observed at Old Airport Roundabout Anguldi when compared with the control. There was a temporal variation in PM levels during the morning and afternoon, but the variations were not significant as confirmed by the independent t-test results (p = 0.05). Air Quality Index (AQI) analysis results indicated that the PM contributes to high pollution levels and significant human health concerns, particularly the PM2.5, which require urgent remediation strategies to safeguard public health and the environment.

CHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL STUDIES OF Monodora myristica SEED EXTRACT AND MOLECULAR DOCKING OF THE PROMINENT COMPOUNDS

O. U. Igwe — 2025-02-23

Petroleum ether extract of the seed endosperms of Monodora myristica was subjected to GC/MS analysis and twelve compounds were identified. The compounds were classified as fatty acids (38.897 %), terpenes and terpenoids (29.133 %), salicyclohydrazine (19.626 %), carboxylic acid (8.124 %) flavonoid (2.352 %), benzoic acid ester (1.166 %), and phenolic compound (0.700 %). The extract showed significant antioxidant activities of 72.51 and 96.22 % at minimum and maximum concentrations of 25 and 400 ?g/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activity results obtained are comparable to that of vitamin C used as a standard antioxidant agent. The extract also showed antibacterial potency against five strains of bacteria organisms which included Escherichia coli (gram-negative), Klebsiella pneumoniae (gram-negative), Shigella flexneri (gram-negative), Streptococcus pneumonia (gram-positive) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram-positive). The highest inhibition was shown against S. flexneri while the lowest inhibition was against S. pneumoniae. Gentamicin was used as a standard antibacterial agent and the results showed the extract to be far more efficacious than gentamicin against the bacteria organisms tested. The extract of the seeds of M. myristica could be used as antioxidant and antibacterial agent for the treatment of diseases caused by these pathogens as well as diseases mediated by free radicals. Molecular docking simulation showed that all the test compounds gave negative binding affinities which indicated that they were successfully docked to the receptors. The compounds' in-silicoADME and drug-likeness predictions demonstrated good pharmacokinetic characteristics, including high blood-brain barrier absorption, oral bioavailability, and water solubility. The results of this study make these compounds much more relevant as viable lead prospects for treating bacteria that are resistant to several drugs. This could aid medicinal chemists and other pharmaceutical specialists in developing and synthesising even more effective drug candidates.

SPECTROSCOPIC EVALUATION AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTICS (MPs) IN BOTTLED WATER SAMPLES SOLD IN ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA

I. Ogbuewu — 2025-02-23

The evaluation of microplastics (MPs) in bottled water samples sold in the Abakaliki metropolis was investigated. The absorption peak of the infrared spectroscopy (IR) obtained were 1397, 1636, 1830, 2303, 3261, and 3749 cm-1for sample A1; 1640 cm-1, 2117 cm-1, 3268 cm-1 for A2; while A3, A4 and A5 samples were respectively: 1640 cm-1, 2120 cm-1, 3268 cm-1; 1640 cm-1, 2124 cm-1, 3268 cm-1; 1640 cm-1, 2105 cm- 1 and 3273 cm-1. The functional groups that correspond to the absorption peak of samples A1 to A5 were C=C, C=O, O-H, and an additional C-O for sample A1. Interestingly, all the studied samples were absorbed at 1640 cm-1 while other absorption peaks varied. The particle size of the sample ranged from 17.20 particle/0.75L sample A5 to 44.63 particle/0.75L sample A3. The predominant shape of the microplastic detected was granules. Microplastic pollution load index (MPPLI), micro-plastic contamination factor (MPCF), and the estimated daily intake (EDI) for both children and adults were determined. The MPCF values obtained ranged from 1.00 for sample A1 to 2.59 for sample A3 and followed the profile A5<A1<A4<A2<A3. The result for EDI for adults was less than 1 except in samples A2 and A3 which were slightly greater than 1. The EDI for children ranged from 2.06 samples A5 to 5.36 samples A3. The EDI result showed that children consume more microplastics than adults. The MPPLI was obtained to be 1.58. The microplastic abundance was calculated as 12 % for samples A1 and A5, 21 % for sample A4, 24 % for sample A2, and 31 % abundance for sample A3.

CHEMICAL AND TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF CROP RESIDUE PERTINENT TO THEIR APPLICATION IN THE REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL

I. F. Abuah — 2025-02-23

This study investigates the chemical and textural properties of cassava peel (CP), groundnut husk (GH), and plantain peel (PP) to evaluate their potential in remediating contaminated soils. The physicochemical properties, including pH (CP: 7.18 ± 0.03, GH: 6.60 ± 0.26, PP: 7.40 ± 0.00), bulk density (CP: 0.33 ± 0.01 g/ml, GH: 0.43 ± 0.00 g/ml, PP: 0.51 ± 0.01 g/ml), and electrical conductivity (CP: 3.02 ± 0.07 mS/cm, GH: 4.47 ± 0.01 mS/cm, PP: 6.64 ± 0.97 mS/cm), indicate their ability to enhance soil conditions and microbial activity. BET analysis reveals that plantain peels have the largest specific surface area (440.49 m²/g), enhancing their adsorption capacity for contaminants, while groundnut husks have the highest pore volume (1.70 cm³/g), promoting microbial growth and nutrient retention. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that cassava peel biomass has a low pore size structure and irregular shapes, while groundnut husk and plantain peel biomass are non-porous. Surface oxygen functional groups, such as carboxylic acid, lactonic, and phenolic groups, were analyzed, revealing their capacity to immobilize heavy metals and reduce their mobility. In addition, the heavy metal content of these biomasses is within safe limits, ensuring they do not contribute to additional contamination. Elemental analysis highlights essential nutrients, such as carbon, oxygen, and calcium, as well as iron, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus improving soil fertility and supporting microbial activity crucial for bioremediation. The study concludes that CP, GH, and PP possess favorable properties for effective soil remediation, making them valuable for sustainable soil management.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SOME SELECTED TOOTHPASTES USED IN NIGERIA

H. N. Omosigho — 2025-02-23

Toothpaste is a gel that is used with toothbrush to clean the teeth. They are of different brands from different manufacturing companies hence, are made up of different compositions. In this research work, quality assessment of different toothpastes used in Nigeria were investigated. Five different brands of toothpaste were purchased in Edjeba market Warri Delta State, Nigeria and the physical parameters, and heavy metals were analysed in them. Physical parameters; the pH level of the toothpastes were determined using pH meter, the moisture and volatile contents were determined using a recommended method, the heavy metals (Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb)) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). From the results obtained, the pH value of these toothpastes were within 6.59 to 7.03, all the toothpastes fell within the NAFDAC recommended pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The moisture and volatile contents of the toothpastes were within the range of 3.1 to 7.4 which were within the range set by NAFDAC. The heavy metals; Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb were detected in all the toothpastes samples. The level of Cd ranged from 2.470 to 2.952, Cu level was between 0.096 to 5.165, the level of Zn ranged from 13.396 to 24.164, Mn concentration ranged from 1.700 to 3.402 and Pb level was between 4.917 to 6.113. The results of the concentration of heavy metals in the samples shows that some of the toothpastes contains heavy metal in an amount higher than the set standards and may pose health problems to the consumers. Hence, there is need to educate the users on the danger of swallowing toothpaste and how to properly use them especially for children and pregnant women to ensure safety.

ELECTROCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NON-ENZYMATIC GLUCOSE BIOSENSOR BASED ON SILVER NANOPARTICLE (AgNPs) STABILIZED WITH SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (NaTPP) CROSS-LINKED CHITOSAN.

A. A. Bamigbade — 2025-02-23

The development of non-enzymatic glucose biosensor has garnered significant attention the recent research. This interest arises primarily from the limitations associated with enzyme-based sensors, which, despite their remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, face challenges such as inadequate stability, complex enzyme immobilization process, and stringent operational conditions including optimal temperature, and issues with reproducibility. This study presents a cost-effective and biocompatible non-enzymatic glucose biosensor utilizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized with sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTTP) cross-linked chitosan. The AgNPs were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), and Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis revealed the crystalline size of the AgNPs, while the SEM images indicated a spherical morphology with a non-uniform granular structure, which can be attributed to the bio mediated ionic gelation process. The FTIR spectrum displayed peaks between 1054-1645 cm-1, indicating the formation of phosphonate bond between the –NH3+ groups of chitosan and the –PO32- moieties of NaTTP during cross-linking process. The direct electron transfer and electro-catalytic properties of the AgNPs modified glassy carbon electrode (AgNPGCE) were examined through Potentiometric methods. The electro-catlytic oxidation of glucose at the AgNPGCE surface, along with the underlying mechanism of glucose oxidation, was elucidated through cyclic voltammetry. The AgNPGCE demonstrated superior electrochemical performance in response to glucose, exhibiting high sensitivity at +0.54 V.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITIONS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Bobgunnia fistuloides LEAVES.

J. E. Okafor — 2025-02-23

The phytochemical and proximate compositions of Bobgunnia fistuloides was investigated.The sample was collected from Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. Maceration method of extraction was used for crude extraction, using methanol. Phytochemical and proximate compositions of crude extract was carried out using standard methods. Phytochemical composition revealed that the medicinal plants have appreciable amount of secondary metabolites. Glycosides (5.08%), Alkaloids:( 43.33%), Saponins (42.75%), Steroids (293.52)% and Flavonoids (55.31%). Proximate analysis of the sample gave moisture content10.39 %, Ash: (3.86%), Carbohydrate: (54.73%), Crude lipid): (5.81%), Crude protein:(21.85%), Crude fibre:(3.36%) respectively. It could be concluded that Bobgunnia fistuloides has some amount of nutrients and bioactive secondary metabolites that could be exploited for use in modern system of healthcare.

HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION OF WATER, ELEPHANT GRASS - Pennisetum purpureum, AND SOIL OF OGINI, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

H. O. Ataikiru — 2025-02-23

The impact of petroleum exploration activities on the concentration levels of iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], lead [Pb], and chromium [Cr] in the water, vegetation, and soil of Ogini was assessed. Samples were collected from water effluent, soil, and elephant grass leaves around the flow station. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques were employed to analyze sample solutions. Results indicated varying heavy metal concentrations in the samples. Topsoil samples contained 18.50-27.10 mg/kg Fe, 16.30-19.40 mg/kg Zn, 1.81-2.44 mg/kg Cu, 0.64-2.33 mg/kg Pb, and 0.10-0.81 mg/kg Cr. Bottom soil had 19.30-27.10 mg/kg Fe, 17.90-23.00 mg/kg Zn, 3.01-4.20 mg/kg Cu, 0.91-3.33 mg/kb Pb, and 0.40-0.91 mg/Kg Cr. Background samples were 3.00 ± 1.70 mg/kg Fe, 4.27 ± 0.15 mg/kg Zn, 3.07 ± 0.06 mg/kg Cu, 1.67 ± 0.25 mg/kg Pb, and 0.93 ± 0.11 mg/kg Cr. Mean concentrations of heavy metals in water samples were 2.30 ± 0.45 mg/l Fe, 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/l Zn, 0.01 ± 0.01 mg/l Cu, 0.05 ± 0.00 mg/l Pb, and 0.01 ± 0.001 mg/l Cr. Mean concentration levels in elephant grass leaves were 9.32 ± 0.45 mg/kg Fe, 8.65 ± 0.35 mg/kg Zn, 3.08 ± 0.44 mg/kg Cu, 2.11 ± 0.20 mg/kg Pb, and 0.47 ± 0.11 mg/kg Cr, exceeding control sample values. Levels of Zn, Pb, and Cr in elephant grass leaves exceeded WHO/FAO toxicity reference values, except for Cu. Fe and Zn samples surpassed background soil samples, suggesting potential environmental implications of petroleum exploration activities.

EFFECT OF ACETYLATION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROBIAL LOAD OF Manihot palmata STARCH FROM MOKWA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

N. C. Nwakife — 2025-02-23

Starch expediency in industrial applications is well-defined by its physicochemical properties and functionality. Starch in its native form constitutes certain limitations. Manihot palmata starch extracted from cassava tubers by wet extraction method was modified by acetylation to improve its properties, using maize starch British Pharmacopeia (BP) as control. The effect of acetic anhydride (CH3CO)2O concentrations on the physicochemical properties, as well as the microbial load of the native sweet cassava starch, were studied. The percentage yield of the native cassava starch was 41.56 %; however, the value increased with an increase in acetylation from 89.44 % to 89.92 % for acetylated cassava starch I (ACSI) and acetylated cassava starch II (ACSII) respectively. The acetylation of the cassava starch decreased the pH, moisture content, gelatinization temperature, browning and charring power, and increased amylose/amylopectin content, swelling power, solubility, iodine, acidity, and viscosity. The amylose/amylopectin content, pH, moisture content, viscosity, gelatinization temperature, browning and charring power, solubility in cold water, hot water and ethanol of the acetylated starches were significantly similar at p < 0.05 except for the percentage yield and swelling power. Also, the percentage yield, pH, moisture content, swelling power, viscosity, browning and charring power, solubility in cold water and hot water of the NCS and the acetylated starches (ACSI and ACSII) were significantly different at p<0.05. The amylose/amylopectin contents of the NCS and acetylated starches were significantly similar but differed from the maize starch. The gelatinization temperatures of the studied starches were significantly similar while the swelling powers differ significantly from each other at p ? 0.05. The moisture content, and browning and charring power of the maize starch and acetylated starches were significantly similar at p<0.05 but differ from that of the NCS. The microbial loads of the native cassava starch decreased; with acetylation and an increase in the concentration of the acetic anhydride and serial dilution. However, the microbial loads increased with incubation time and were within the standard specifications but with much load in the unmodified than the modified starch. The results of the sensory parameters for the modified starches had better properties compared to that of the unmodified starch. Thus, acetylation improved its quality as a valuable raw material in the pharmaceutical and other food Industries.