In the present study, the adsorption behavior of copper-based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) in the removal of cadmium ion (Cd 2+) from aqueous solution was investigated. The Cu-MOF prepared by solvothermal method was characterized by BET, FTIR, SEM and EDX techniques. Effect of adsorption parameters such as initial Cd 2+ concentration (20-100 mg/L), contact time (20-60 min) and adsorbent dosage (0.1-0.5 g) on the removal efficiency and equilibrium adsorption capacity was investigated at fixed pH and temperature. The results obtained from the batch mode adsorption studies revealed that at initial Cd 2+ concentration of 20 mg/L, contact time of 60 min and adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g, the removal efficiency and equilibrium adsorption capacity of Cd 2+ from the process were 98.62% and 1.9724 mg/g, respectively. The experimental data were evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm, and monolayer adsorption capacity of the Cu-MOF was 219.05 mg/g. The kinetic data were analyzed by using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The kinetic studies showed that pseudo-second-order model exhibited high correlation coefficients for all the initial Cd 2+ concentrations studied, thus indicating that the theoretical amount of Cd 2+ adsorbed agreed to the experimental values of Cd 2+ adsorbed.

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In this present study transesterification of used vegetable oil (UVO) using synthesized activated anthill as catalyst was investigated. The catalyst was prepared via calcination process, characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. From the BET analysis; calcination temperature has a positive impact on the textural properties. The XRD shows that the catalyst is crystalline in nature. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was produced using thermally activated anthill as catalyst. The optimal FAME yield of 94.85 % was obtained at Methanol/Oil (M/O) 9:1, catalyst loading 1.5 wt%, reaction temperature of 65 ᵒ𝑪 and reaction time of 2 h. The physico-chemical properties of UVO – FAME produced was found to be within the American Society for Testing and Methods (ASTM). Hence, the study reveals that used vegetable oil catalyzed by novel activated anthill could be an effective feedstock to produce sustainable energy. Keywords: Anthills, FAME, Central composite design, Heterogeneous, used vegetable oil.

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Chitosan is a biomaterial that can be obtained from certain parts of aquatic fauna like scales and shells. They are cheap, readily available and environment-friendly complexing agents for heavy metals. In this study, crab shell was used as a source of chitosan and compared with commercial chitosan. The yield was 22.75% and 71% degree of de-acetylation. Solubility test showed that it will dissolve within 30 minutes in 0.1 M HCl. The FTIR indicated the presence of –OH functional group at wavelength 1350 cm-1and R-NH2 at 3450 cm-1. SEM revealed that the locally developed chitosan has a rough surface characterized with holes, and has a porous spongy structure. Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to examine the presence of elements on the chitosan. Results showed the presence of C, N, O and Na. Usually, Hydrogen is usually present in organic materials but EDS cannot detect its’ presence. XRD revealed a low crystallinity of the chitosan obtained.