These are theses by Postgraduate students of Industrial Chemistry programme. ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/361 2026-04-22T00:09:17Z 2026-04-22T00:09:17Z Kayode, Mobolaji Omije ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2512 2024-05-23T09:41:44Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of unripe plantain peel charcoal modified with quail egg shell for the removal of heavy metals in synthetic waste water Authors: Kayode, Mobolaji Omije Abstract: This study, the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic of unripe plantain peel charcoal mixed with quail egg shell for the of removal Zn (II), Pb (II), Cu (II), and Cd (II) from aqueous solution was carried out. This was done in order to consider its application for the removal of heavy metals in waste water. The effects of some parameters such as: pH, temperature, and contact time on the adsorption of Zn (II), Pb (II), Cu (II), and Cd (II) were studied in the experiment. The influence of the pH of the metal ion solutions on the uptake levels of the metal ions were carried out between pH 3 and pH 7. The influence of contact time on the adsorption of Zn (II), Cu (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) at pH 3, 5, and 7 in a thermostated water bath within the time intervals of 20 minutes ranging from 0 to 180 minutes and at room temperature, 30, 40 and 50° C. The optimum pH for Zinc and lead removal was 5 while copper and cadmium was at 7. An equilibrium time of 140 minutes was required for the adsorption of Zn (II), equilibrium was attained with 180 minutes for Pb (II) and Cu (II), for Cd (II), equilibrium was attained between 120-140 minutes. The adoption data fitted well into the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption parameters were determined using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin Isothern but the experimental data was best fitted into the Temkin Isothern. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption was a physical adsorption process, and also exothermic in nature. The study showed that there was an increase in the uptake of heavy metal via the addition of quail egg shell to the unripe planitain peel charcoal. The results showed that unripe plantain peel charcoal mixed with quail egg shell has a promising potential to remove heavy metal from industrial waste water of effluents.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Adeyemi, Tunmise Adigun ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2511 2024-05-23T09:10:06Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Production of biodiesel from palm kernel oil, tiger nut oil, and castor seed oil: Filling the gap in sustainable alternative fuel research Authors: Adeyemi, Tunmise Adigun Abstract: Exploring renewable energy sources is crucial in light of the rising demand for sustainable alternative fuels, particularly in nations like Nigeria that have a wealth of agricultural resources but heavily rely on export of fossil fuels for economic growth. While limited studies have been carried out on the efficiency of biodiesel from tiger nut oil and castor seed oil in diesel engines, a comprehensive spectroscopic analysis of biodiesel produced from palm kernel oil (PKO), tiger nut oil (TGO), and castor seed oil (CSO) was carried out in this research. This study’s main goal is to examine the feasibility and efficiency of Palm kernel oil biodiesel (PKOB), Tigernut oil biodiesel (TGOB) and Castor seed oil biodiesel (CSOB), in diesel engines without affecting engine performance. The transesterification process was optimized, the feedstock was characterised, and the biodiesel samples were thoroughly analysed as part of the research methodology. The physiochemical characteristics of PKOB, TGOB, and CSOB were initially identified, offering critical information on their viability as biodiesel feedstocks. For the qualitative examination of the biodiesel samples, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) were used. This allowed for identifying the functional groups and the determination of the fatty acid composition. The findings of the examination of the biodiesel samples showed that important functional groups like CH2, CH3, HCH, and C=O were present. The GCMS analysis gave useful information about the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) present in biodiesel, proving that the feedstocks were successfully converted into biodiesel. In addition, the biodiesel samples’ iodine value, specific gravity, ash content, cetane number, flash point, cloud point, and heating value were calculated and compared to established standards. The results showed that PKOB, TGOB, and CSOB had desirable characteristics that fell within the ranges required for biodiesel fuel. The results for specific gravity were reasonably close to those of the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D6751 (0.86-0.90), indicating satisfactory flow and combustion properties. Iodine values that were below the maximum limit (120) showed better stability and oxidation resistance. The ash contents were less than 0.1%, indicating minimal risk of engine deposits. Moreover, the cetane numbers (>47), flashpoints (>130 °C), and heating values (>35) demonstrated the potential of the biodiesel samples for efficient combustion and energy content. Overall, this research contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the engine suitability of PKOB, TGOB, and CSOB. The use of FTIR and GCMS analysis techniques provided valuable insights into the composition and quality of the biodiesel samples. The results obtained suggest that biodiesel derived from these feedstocks possesses favourable characteristics for use as a sustainable alternative fuel. This research offers significant implications for the energy sector, promoting the utilisation of locally available feedstocks and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Olaosebikan, Oladapo Joseph ir.bowen.edu.ng:8181/jspui/handle/123456789/2510 2024-05-17T12:47:25Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Extraction, characterization and in Silico studies on the antimalarial properties of phytochemicals from the aerial parts of Andrographis Paniculata Authors: Olaosebikan, Oladapo Joseph Abstract: Malaria fever is a prevalent disease in endemic sub-Saharan African Countries like Nigeria, where it poses life-threating complications, especially to children and pregnant women. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through infected female Anopheles mosquito bites. Research and development have produced several clinical synthetic drugs, while a variety of indigenous plants have also found applications as antimalarials; an example is Andrographis paniculata. It is popularly known as “ewe meje meje” in Southeastern Nigeria, the “King of Bitters” in English, and it belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Studies have shown that the extracts of this plant can even inhibit the growth of drug-resistant plasmodium parasite strains. Therefore, this research was aimed at identifying the phytochemicals present in the extracts of the aerial parts of the plant that inhibit the growth and development of the malaria parasite. The aerial parts (stem and leaves) of Andrographis paniculata were locally sourced, identified, thoroughly rinsed, air-dried, and pulverized. Cold extraction was carried out on the pulverized aerial parts using absolute dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The extracts were characterized using preliminary phytochemical screening, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. In silico studies (molecular docking and pharmacokinetic predictions) were then carried out on the phytochemicals identified from the GC-MS characterization. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, and fatty acids, which were explicitly confirmed by the GC-MS characterization, which identified 46 phytochemicals. The FTIR analysis of the three extracts revealed the presence of OH, C-H, C=O and CH2 vibrational bands. The C=N vibrational bands overlapped with those of C=C, likewise, the C-N vibrational bands overlapped with those of C-O. The 46 identified phytochemicals were docked against the enzyme, Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme that aids the development of the malaria parasite in the host organism. This was done in comparison to a reference ligand (DSMl), a known inhibitor, and their binding affinity was estimated in kcal/mol, as a potential for their inhibition of the enzyme. Only 4 out of the 46 study compounds (referred to as ligands 1, 2, 3, and 4) showed a higher binding affinity of - 12.1 kcal/mol, -13.8 kcal/mol, -14.4 kcal/mol, and -12.1 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared to the reference ligand -11.6 kcal/mol. This suggests that these 4 study ligands would have better inhibitory activities as compared to the reference ligand. Ligands 1, 3, and 4 showed better pharmacokinetic profiles as compared to the known inhibitor (DSMI), thus appear to be better drug candidates. From the in silico study ligands 1, 3, and 4 (naturally occurring compounds) were observed to be more promising drug candidates against DHODH as compared to its known inhibitor (DSMI), which is a synthetic compound. This makes them potential candidates for orally administered medications, further studies, and medicinal implications.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z