The research work investigates the metal uptake of the plantsLycopersicon esculentum(tomato),Rumex acetosa(sorrel), andSolanum melongena(garden egg) collected from experimental sites and a control area in Zaria, Nigeria. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn in different parts of each of the plant species grown on the experimental and control soils were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The experimental levels of the metals were higher than those at the control site and the limits recommended by Food and Agricultural Organisation/World Health Organisation (FAO/WHO).Solanum melongenashowed bioaccumulation factor (BF) and transfer factor (TF) greater than 1 for Cd, Pb, and Mn;Rumex acetosashowed BF and TF greater than 1 for Mn and Zn, and TF was greater than 1 for Cu and Fe;Lycopersicon esculentumhad only the TF for Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn greater than 1. This results implies thatSolanum melongenaandRumex acetosaplants can be effectively used for phytoremediation of Cd, Pb, Mn, and Zn from the dumpsite. Pearson’s correlation coefficient values(r)were greater than 0.75 for all the metals studied which indicated that the high metal level in the experimental soil was a result of the metal-scrap.
The amounts of cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel and chromium ions released from new and reused stainless steel arch bar used for maxillomandibular fixation was determined in Hank's solutions of different hydrogen and chloride ions concentrations, whole blood serum and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in vitro, over a six-week immersion time at 37 o C, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The corrosion levels of the wires due to effects of media and incubation times in the bio-fluids were compared by Duncan's two-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation was used in establishing relationship in the amounts of metal ions released by new and reused arch bars. The study indicated that the reused wires released more ions than new ones at all time points. The variation of pH and chloride ions of the bio-fluids had a significant effect on the amount of Ni, Mn and Cr ions released. Ageing prior use of arch bars significantly increased Ni ions released into the bio-fluids.
Aims:The study is aimed to examine the adsorptive characteristics of the main salivary protein, mucin onto Ti surfaces and compare the scientific data with that onto CaHap; towards elucidating the biocompatibility of these two candidates in biomedical applications.
Global waste generation has been a challenging issue that vastly affects humans and the environment. The conversion of a vast amount of agricultural and polymeric waste to briquette may bridge the energy deficit and environmental pollution issues in developing economies. On the other hand, the utilization of biomass waste or residue as an energy source could help alleviate dependence on imported energy and its use continues to be a topical issue in both developing and developed countries. Over the years, biomass has been an important source of generating energy due to its relative availability and the ability to meet both heat and electricity demands by contributing towards international commitments so as to minimize environmental degradation and maximize environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The benefits of compacted biomass compared to all other types of biofuel include its low transportation and storage costs, uniform product quality such as constant humidity content, and high mass fluency. Moreover, fuel wood and biomass residues have low combustion efficiency, posing environmental and health hazards. This research studies the performance of briquettes produced from maize cob, sugarcane bagasse, and polythene waste composites. The briquettes were agglomerated using cassava starch binder (CSB) and plantain peel binder (PPB) at binder concentrations of 4%, 12%, and 20%. Each briquette was characterized in terms of proximate analysis, calorific value, ultimate analysis and micro-structure by scanning electron microscopy. The briquettes had a moisture content of 5.39-12.10%, volatile matter of 10.15- 23.08%, ash content of 10.29-24.63%, fixed carbon content of 55.84-77.10%, calorific value of 9.04-28.14 MJ/kg, carbon content of 77%-8405%, nitrogen content of 0.875-1.05%, and sulphur content of 0.4-0.7%. The results obtained from this study revealed that briquette produced using CSB at binder concentration of 4% had the best properties required for biomass fuel briquette compared to briquette produced using PPB and suggested its use for the production of environmentally friendly solid fuel.
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