In this study, a sustainable nanocomposite adsorbent was developed by integrating activated carbon (AC) derived from Hura crepitans biomass with green-synthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles for the efficient removal of heavy metals from dyeing wastewater. The activated carbon was produced via carbonization at 600 °C followed by HNO3 activation, while Co3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using Hura crepitans extract and subsequently immobilized onto the carbon matrix through a wet impregnation approach. The characterization using XRD, HRSEM, EDX, HRTEM, and SAED confirmed the successful formation of a porous Co3O4/AC nanocomposite with uniformly distributed nanoparticles and well-developed surface morphology. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the removal performance of Cr, Cu, Cd, and Fe ions under varying contact times (0–30 min), adsorbent dosages (0.2–0.7 g), and temperatures (30–80 °C). The Co3O4/AC nanocomposite exhibited markedly superior adsorption efficiency compared with pristine activated carbon and Co₃O₄, achieving complete removal (100%) of Cr at an optimal adsorbent dosage of 0.6 g. The maximum adsorption capacities were 78.52, 69.54, 64.37, and 72.18 mg g−1 for Cr, Cu, Cd, and Fe, respectively. Kinetic modeling indicated that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.98), suggesting that chemisorption and monolayer adsorption dominated the uptake mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis further revealed negative Gibbs free energy values, confirming the spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable nature of the process. In addition, the nanocomposite maintained appreciable performance over multiple adsorption–desorption cycles, demonstrating good reusability. Unlike previous studies that predominantly focused on single-metal systems or dye degradation, the present Co3O4/AC nanocomposite demonstrated efficient simultaneous removal of multiple heavy metals from real dyeing wastewater. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the high surface area and functional groups of activated carbon and the redox-active Co3O4 nanoparticles, which collectively provide multiple adsorption pathways and binding sites for metal ion sequestration.

Box-Behnken Design Optimization of the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized Na@Mg@Ti@ZnWO4 nanocomposite at different mixing ratios for the degradation of malachite green in wastewater was investigated. The synthesized ZnWO4-based nanomaterials were characterized using different analytical techniques. Optical analysis demonstrated a reduction in the band gap energy from 4.68 eV for ZnWO4 to 2.08 eV for the doped ZnWO4. HRTEM/HRSEM images revealed the formation of well-defined nanocrystals with distinct lattice fringes, while EDX confirmed the homogeneous distribution of dopants (Na, Mg, and Ti) on ZnWO4. The XRD analysis showed that the incorporation of the dopant did not change the phase of ZnWO4. In ZnWO4, XPS revealed electron sharing between 3 s (Na and Mg) and 3d (Ti) dopants. The host and doped ZnWO4 surface areas increased from 24.74 m2/g to 156.93 m2/g. Compared to the SPCE/ZnWO4/Na/Mg/Ti electrode, cyclic voltammetry analysis confirmed strong conductive properties. Maximum removal of 99.93 % malachite green (MG) from wastewater was achieved using catalyst load (0.7 g) (ZnWO4@NaMgTi), contact time (35 min), and pH 12. Even after five repeated cycles, ZnWO4 nanocomposite doped with 1 % Na, 1 % Mg, and 1 % Ti exhibited superior photocatalytic behavior than other ZnWO4 nanoparticles. A toxicity test demonstrated that dyeing wastewater treated with ZnWO4@NaMgTi nanocomposites supported aquatic life (juvenile fish) better than untreated dyeing wastewater, standard water of fish farming, and water treated with ZnWO4 nanoparticles alone. The immobilization of ZnWO4 with the dopants contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance.

Chapter 13 MX enes for Catalysis and Electrocatalysis Abel Inobeme, Abel Inobeme Department of Chemistry, Edo State University Uzairue, Iyamho, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorJohn Tsado Mathew, John Tsado Mathew Department of Chemistry, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorAlexander Ikechukwu Ajai, Alexander Ikechukwu Ajai Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorCharles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo University, Iyamho, Auchi, Edo State, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorAbdullahi Mann, Abdullahi Mann Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorJohn Olusanya Jacob, John Olusanya Jacob Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorElijah Yanda Shaba, Elijah Yanda Shaba Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorStanley Osita Okonkwo, Stanley Osita OkonkwoSearch for more papers by this authorGregory Edema, Gregory Edema Department of Physical Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEfosa John Osarenren, Efosa John Osarenren Department of Biochemistry, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Auchi, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEsther Bernard, Esther Bernard Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEvbuomwan L., Evbuomwan L. Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorTedunjaiye O.H., Tedunjaiye O.H. Edo State University Uzairue, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this author Abel Inobeme, Abel Inobeme Department of Chemistry, Edo State University Uzairue, Iyamho, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorJohn Tsado Mathew, John Tsado Mathew Department of Chemistry, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorAlexander Ikechukwu Ajai, Alexander Ikechukwu Ajai Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorCharles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo University, Iyamho, Auchi, Edo State, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorAbdullahi Mann, Abdullahi Mann Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorJohn Olusanya Jacob, John Olusanya Jacob Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorElijah Yanda Shaba, Elijah Yanda Shaba Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorStanley Osita Okonkwo, Stanley Osita OkonkwoSearch for more papers by this authorGregory Edema, Gregory Edema Department of Physical Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEfosa John Osarenren, Efosa John Osarenren Department of Biochemistry, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Auchi, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEsther Bernard, Esther Bernard Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Minna, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorEvbuomwan L., Evbuomwan L. Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorTedunjaiye O.H., Tedunjaiye O.H. Edo State University Uzairue, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Edo University, Iyamho, NigeriaSearch for more papers by this authorDr Jay Singh, Dr Jay Singh Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorDr Kshitij Singh, Dr Kshitij Singh Govt. V. Y. T. PG. Autonomous College, Durg, Chattisgarh, IndiaSearch for more papers by this authorDr Ravindra Pratap Singh, Dr Ravindra Pratap Singh Govt. of India New Delhi, New Delhi, IndiaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 March 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119874027.ch13 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Summary MXenes are fast-emerging two-dimensional materials with high expectations of impacting future technologies especially in the area of energy storage, water splitting, conversion, and reaction catalysis. MXenes are highly promising catalysts and are useful for various heterogeneous electrocatalytic and catalytic processes. In recent times, MXenes have been studied for potential applications in various organic and inorganic reactions, and the mechanisms of the reactions have also been attempted. Such outstanding applications are due to some of their unique properties such as remarkable electrical conductivity, stability in various chemical environments, structural stability, and large surface area. There are several factors that affect the physicochemical properties of MXenes such as nature of functional groups, conductivity, and nature of interface amongst others. Some of their electrocatalytic properties have been improved through processes such as active site optimization, surface doping, and increasing the number of active sites. Most of the available studies have focused on various areas of applications of MXenes such as storage of energy and sensors. There are limited works and literature on their applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis. This chapter discusses the applications of MXenes in various catalytic and electrocatalytic processes. Their methods of synthesis and strategies for enhancing their efficiencies are also discussed. It also highlights some of the future trends in this regard. References Biswas , S. and Alegaonkar , P. ( 2022 ). MXene: evolutions in chemical synthesis and recent advances in applications . Surfaces 5 ( 1 ): 1 – 34 . https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces5010001 . 10.3390/surfaces5010001 CASGoogle Scholar Iqbal , A. , Hong , J. , Ko , T. , and Koo , C. ( 2021 ). Improving oxidation stability of 2D MXenes: synthesis, storage media, and conditions . Nano Converg. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40580-021-00259-6 . 10.1186/s40580-021-00259-6 PubMedGoogle Scholar Ma , Y. , An , Y. , Xu , Z. et al. ( 2022 ). Activating lattice oxygen of two-dimensional M n X n −1 O 2 MXenes via zero-dimensional graphene quantum dots for water oxidation . Sci. China Mater. 10.1007. 10.1007/s40843-022-2091-4 Google Scholar Shinde , P.V. , Mane , P. , Chakraborty , B. , and Rout , C.S. ( 2021 ). Spinel NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles decorated 2D Ti 3 C 2 MXene sheets for efficient water splitting: experiments and theories . 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Surface and Heterointerface Engineering of 2D MXenes and Their Nanocomposites: Insights into Electro- and Photocatalysis . 2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chempr.2018.08.037. 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.08.037. Google Scholar Shen , J. , Wu , Z. , and Li , C. ( 2021 ). Emerging applications of MXene materials in CO 2 photocatalysis . FlatChem 28 ( 2 ): 100252 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2021.100252 . 10.1016/j.flatc.2021.100252 CASGoogle Scholar Nguyen , T. , Tusan , D. , Tran , D. , and Le o. ( 2020 ). MXenes: applications in electrocatalytic, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and CO 2 reduction . Mol. Catal. 486 : 11085 . Google Scholar Lv , Z. , Kou , L. , and Frauenheim , T. ( 2021 ). Hydroxyl-boosted nitrogen reduction reaction: the essential role of surface hydrogen in functionalized MXenes . ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 13 ( 12 ): 14283 – 14290 . https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c00871 . 10.1021/acsami.1c00871 CASPubMedGoogle Scholar Amrillah T. , Hermawan A. and Yin S. MXenes and Their Derivatives as Nitrogen Reduction Reaction Catalysts: Recent Progress and Perspectives . 2021 , 100864 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtener.2021.100864. 10.1016/j.mtener.2021.100864. Google Scholar Huang , X. , Song , M. , Zhang , J. et al. ( 2022 ). Investigation of MXenes as oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for selective H 2 O 2 generation . Nano Res. 15 : 3927 – 3932 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-021-4057-9 . 10.1007/s12274-021-4057-9 CASWeb of Science®Google Scholar Yoo , R. , Pranda , E. , Johnson , D. et al. ( 2022 ). Review—the oxygen reduction reaction on MXene-based catalysts: progress and prospects . J. Electrochem. Soc. 169 ( 6 ): 063513 . 10.1149/1945-7111/ac766e CASGoogle Scholar Yang , S. et al. ( 2018 ). Fluoride-free synthesis of two-dimensional titanium carbide (MXene) using a binary aqueous system . Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57 : 15491 – 15495 . 10.1002/anie.201809662 CASPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Sing , M. , Kumar , A. , and Sing , H. ( 2017 ). Performance improvement of photovoltaic: utilization of two-dimensional Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene . Surf. Interfaces 27 , 12: 100169 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2021.101566 . 10.1016/j.surfin.2021.101566 Google Scholar Sinha S. , Kim H. , and Robertson A. Preparation and application of 0D-2D nanomaterial hybrid heterostructures for energy applications . 2022 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2021.100169. 10.1016/j.mtadv.2021.100169. Google Scholar Xiu , L.Y. , Wang , Z.Y. , and Yu , M.Z. Aggregation-resistant 3D MXene-based architecture as efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting . ACS Nano 12 ( 8 ): 8017 – 8028 . 10.1021/acsnano.8b02849 PubMedGoogle Scholar MXenes: Fundamentals and Applications ReferencesRelatedInformation

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important industries to man due to the production of drugs and other heath based products that are relevant to humans. Environmental contamination associated with pharmaceutical effluents has however become a pressing global issue in recent times because the discharge from these industries contains various organic and inorganic contaminants which have deleterious effects on aquatic life, environment and man. Most of these toxic compounds have also found their ways into surface and ground water constituting threat to human health and have been linked to serious diseases such as cancers, skin disorder, damages of vital organs as well as development of drug resistance among the human population. The efficient treatment of pharmaceutical waste water is therefore paramount for the purpose of human and environmental safety. Various methods have been employed in the treatment of waste water from pharmaceutical industries based on physical, chemical and biological processes. Most of these methods have their inherent limitations. Recent studies have documented the potentials of advanced oxidation processes in the treatment of waste water from pharmaceutical industries and other sources. This chapter therefore reviews pharmaceutical waste water treatment using oxidation and advanced oxidation processes. It discusses the chemical compositions of pharmaceutical waste water, the types of advanced oxidation processes utilized in waste water treatment, and the principles involved in advanced oxidation processes. Finally recent reports on the application of advanced oxidation for pharmaceutical waste water treatment are also highlighted.

Acacia nilotica Linn is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases, such as diarrhea, ulcer, dysentery, asthma, inflammation and cancer. The present study aimed at isolation and characterization of a steroidal compound and evaluating the gastroprotective activity of the ethyl acetate portion of A. nilotica seeds in indomethacin-induced ulcer model. Fractionation of the ethyl acetate portion using standard chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of a compound (B2-I) which on further purification and characterisation using physical, chemical and spectral analysis, and by comparison with literature values was identified as stigmasterol. The effect of ethyl acetate portion of A. nilotica on experimentally induced ulcer was dose-dependent with curative ratios of 40%, 60% and 75% at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weights respectively. It significantly (P<0.05) decreased free and total acidity and increased the pH of gastric juice with respect to the indomethacin treated group. This justifies the ethnomedicinal use of A. nilotica seed as an antiulcer agent. The study recommends that A. nilotica seeds be evaluated against other ulcer models such as ethanol and stress induced ulcers.

The frequent use of an industrial dye such as malachite green (MG) has caused major water body deterioration and is one of the most pressing global challenges, demanding effective treatment techniques. To solve these issues, a simplistic method was developed to synthesize zinc-tungstate (ZnWO4) nanoparticles and also dope the surface matrix of the ZnWO4 nanoparticles using nonmetals of boron (B), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) at different ratios for enhanced MG removal from wastewater. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized by different methods for crystal structure composition, surface properties, surface morphology, microstructures, functional groups, and elemental oxidation states. The BET analysis revealed a mesoporous structure with surface areas of 30.740 m2/g for ZnWO4, 38.513 m2/g for ZnWO4@BCN, 37.368 m2/g for ZnWO4@BCN/B, 39.325 m2/g for ZnWO4@BCN/C, and 45.436 m2/g for ZnWO4@BCN/N nanocomposites. The best removal of MG was accomplished at pH (8), contact period (50 min), nanoadsorbent dose (0.8 g/L), initial MG concentration (20 mg/L), and temperature (303 K). The maximum adsorption capacities of ZnWO4 and ZnWO4@BCN/N towards MG were 218.645 and 251.758 mg/g, respectively. At equilibrium, the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were the best fits for the experimental data of MG adsorption on both nano adsorbents. After eight cycles of adsorption and desorption, both ZnWO4 and ZnWO4@BCN/N were found to be good at removing MG, with efficiencies of 71.00 and 74.20%, respectively. Thermodynamic investigations further validated the spontaneity and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. All study findings confirm the nanoadsorbents exceptional capability and economic feasibility for removing MG dye.

Heavy metals (HMs) are ubiquitous; they are found in soil, water, air, and all biological matrices. The toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and deleterious effects of most of these metals on humans and the environment have been widely documented. Consequently, the detection and quantification of HMs in various environmental samples have become a pressing issue. The analysis of the concentrations of HMs is a vital component of environmental monitoring; hence, the selection of the most suitable analytical technique for their determination has become a topic of great interest in food, environment, and human health safety. Analytical techniques for the quantification of these metals have evolved. Presently, a broad range of HM analytical techniques are available with each having its outstanding merits as well as limitations. Most analytical scientists, therefore, adopt complementation of more than one method, with the choice influenced by the specific metal of interest, desired limits of detection and quantification, nature of the interference, level of sensitivity, and precision among others. Sequel to the above, this work comprehensively reviews the most recent advances in instrumental techniques for the determination of HMs. It gives a general overview of the concept of HMs, their sources, and why their accurate quantification is pertinent. It highlights various conventional and more advanced techniques for HM determination, and as one of its kind, it also gives special attention to the specific merits and demerits of the analytical techniques. Finally, it presents the most recent studies in this regard.

The monoclinic wolframite-phase structure of ZnWO4 materials has been frequently synthesised, characterised, and applied in optical fibres, environmental decontamination, electrochemistry, photonics, catalysis, and not limited to magnetic applications. However, the problems of crystal growth conditions and mechanisms, growth, the crystal quality, stability, and the role of synthesis parameters of ZnWO4 nanoparticles remain a challenge limiting its commercial applications. This review presents recent advances of ZnWO4 as an advanced multi-functional material for Industrial wastewater treatment. The review also examines the influence of the synthesis parameters on the properties of ZnWO4 and provides insight into new perspectives on ZnWO4-based photocatalyst. Many researches have shown significant improvement in the efficiency of ZnWO4 by mixing with polymers and doping with metals, nonmetals, and other nanoparticles. The review also provides information on the mechanism of doping ZnWO4 with metals, non-metals, metalloids, metals oxides, and polymers based on different synthesis methods for bandgap reduction and extension of its photocatalytic activity to the visible region. The doped ZnWO4 photocatalyst was a more effective and environmentally friendly material for removing organic and inorganic contaminants in industrial wastewater than ordinary ZnWO4 nanocrystalline under suitable growth conditions.

A good number of modern drugs have been isolated from medicinal plants which have led to sudden increase in the number of herbal drugs of recent. Commenlina diffusa is a widely known annual climbing dayflower that distributes dispersedly with heavy branches and slowly grows along the soil. The LD50 and biochemical effect of the plant extract was studied using 24 rats where the rats were grouped into 3 groups in 8 cages (A-G). Cages A-C as drugged with extract, D-G as inoculated with trypanosomiasis parasite (infected blood) and H as the control, they were all fed normally. The study revealed that the crude extract is tolerable below 0.22mg/100ml extraction. The biochemical assay showed an increase in the hepatic phospholipid and total glucose in the drugged rats (1.2;2.0mg/ml) while the inoculated rats with infected blood showed a decrease in hepatic phospholipid and higher hepatic glucose (1.0;2.5mg/ml) when compared with the control (1.1;1.2mg/ml). Moreover, the blood serum glucose revealed decreased in the drugged (2.40mg/ml) and increase for the inoculated rats (3.50mg/ml) when compared with the control (3.40mg/ml). The growth rate (weight difference) for the drugged is lower when compared with the control whereas the inoculated showed no significant difference, this could be as a result of the presence of phytochemical constituents in the extract. The study summarily suggests that the drug (extract) worked to oppose the infection via the gluconeogenesis pathway whereas the inoculated have their glucose synthesis elevated.

Background: Trypanosomes cause the parasitic condition, which is transmitted by tsetse fly. The disease is characterized by intermittent fever, anemia, and frequent diarrhea. This study examined antioxidant and anti-trypanosomal effects of the aqueous extract of garlic in mice. Methods: The extract’s phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity were performed based on standard methods. The acute toxicity was evaluated via Lorke’s method and the anti-trypanosomal effect was evaluated in mice at 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg over 16 days. Results: The screening identified phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. Phenols were present at the highest amount (291.88±6.12 mg/100g) and alkaloids were present the least (13.66±0.03 mg/100g). At 100 µg/mL, the extract quenched 53.20% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with an inhibition concentration (IC50) of 12.44 µg/mL. The lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was determined to be >5000 mg/kg in mice. The extract exhibited high anti-trypanosomal activity at 500 mg/kg and lowered the parasitemia count of 9.7±1.15. This was comparable to the diminazene aceturate activity at 5 mg/kg. The extract at 500 mg/kg significantly increased the packed cell volume and bodyweight of the infected mice. There were no significant differences in many hematological indices comparing the control mice to those that received the extract at 500 mg/kg. Conclusion: The garlic extract had a significant anti-trypanosomes effect and ameliorated the anemic condition induced by infection with trypanosomes. Therefore, the extract may become a therapeutic candidate for the management of trypanosomal infections.

The present study investigates some biological and pharmacological effects of Tetraodon fahaka strigosus (Puffer fish) and Potamotrygon garouensis (Stingray) venom extracts. The saline extracts from skin and innards of T. fahaka strigosus and P. garouensis were used to evaluate haemolytic, enzymatic and in vitro antioxidants activities. In vivo determination of median lethal dose, some blood biochemical parameters and analgesics activities of the extracts in mice were also carried out. The result of this study showed that all extracts from both the puffer fish and stingray showed significantly haemolytic, proteolytic and phospholipase activities. The DPPH scavenging activity of different parts (innard and skin extracts) of puffer fish and stingray demonstrated significantly antioxidant activity at IC50 values 0.16 mg/ml and 0.15 mg/ml and 0.20 mg/ml and 0.01 mg/ml respectively; when compared to the negative control. Median lethal dose range between 31-90 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, there was significant increase (p

Background: Anti-plasmodial activities of the methanol stem bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia, and Terminalia glaucescens were investigated in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods: A total of 24 Plasmodium berghei infected (P. berghei infected) mice were divided into 8 groups of 3 each. Groups A-F were given 100, 300 or 500 mg/kg of either extracts. Groups G and H received 2 mL normal saline (negative control) and 5 mg/kg of chloroquine (positive control), respectively. The drugs and extracts were administered orally once daily for five days. Results: Alkaloids and flavonoids were the most and abundant metabolites in the extracts, respectively. The extract of Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) and Terminalia glaucescens (T. glauscecens) had Median Lethal Dose LD50 of >5000 mg/kg and 3808 mg/kg, respectively. In vivo anti-plasmodial studies revealed that the highest suppression (66.79% and 65.37%) and mean survival days (27.67±1.45 and 30.33±0.33) were recorded for the groups treated with 500 mg/kg N. latifolia or T. glaucescens, respectively. The infected but untreated groups survived only for 9.33±0.88 days while chloroquine treated groups lived for 31.33±0.88 days. The body weight and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of rats treated with 500 mg/kg. N. latifolia or T. glaucescens significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to those in the infected but untreated groups. There was a significant loss (P<0.05) in body weight and PCV of the mice treated with 100 mg/kg of T. glaucescens compared to those in other treated groups. Conclusion: The extracts exhibited anti-plasmodial activities in mice, therefore, they may be considered potential candidates for new anti-malarial agents.

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in smoked food in appreciable amount is an issue of concern in recent times. The present study focuses on the PAHs and heavy metal contents of smoked beef. The effect of three solvent combinations (n-hexane, dichloromethane and n-hexane:DCM) and two extraction methods (Soxhlet and sonication) on PAHs contents were also assessed. GC-MS was used for the quantification of PAHs while heavy metal contents were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentrations of metals were in the general order: Fe > Zn> Mn >Pb > Cu > Cd. The content of metals was generally lower than the permissible limits based on international standard. Sonication method gave the highest yield of total PAHs (45.15µg/kg) while n-hexane registered the highest extraction efficiency amongst solvents. The concentration of PAHs ranged between 0.09 - 9.90 µg/kg. Benzo[a] pyrene exceeded the 5.0µg/kg maximum limit in some cases. It is necessary to continually check the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in food.

Biodiesel has gained more recognition as a fuel to replace fossil fuel which has cause a lot of damage to the environment and high cost of the product. The best way to reduce the cost of the production of biodiesel is to use feed stocks which are cheap which accounts for the larger percentage of biodiesel production cost. The use of less expensive feed stock and optimization of process variables that affect the yield presents the opportunity of significantly reduction of the cost. An investigation was carried out with Afzelia africana oil seed and waste snail shells as raw materials. One step transesterification was conducted to produce the biodiesel. Snailshells was used as a source of Calcium oxide (CaO) heterogeneous catalysts by calcination process at 600 0 C for 6h. Four processe variables were optimized; methanol to oil ratio (6:1), reaction temperature (55 0 C), catalyst concentration (1.5 wt%) and reaction time (65 min). The fuel properties of the produced biodiesel from A. africana seed oil were compared with ASTM standard and all the properties determined from the oil were all within the standard. Keywords : Snail shell, A. africana seed, optimization, Biodiesel, transesterification, fuel properties.

The purpose of this work is to investigate the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metal contents of barbecue fish, beef and chicken obtained from Minna, Niger state, using standard procedures. Extraction of PAHs was done using sonification method. n-Hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and mixture of both (1:1) were used as extractants. PAHs content was analysed using GC-MS while the heavy metal analysis was done using AAS. The results obtained from the study showed that grilled chicken had the highest content of total PAHs (214.41µg/kg) while beef had the least (25.71µg/kg). 45 to 98% of the fractions of PAHs observed in the samples were 4 and 5 member rings. Benzo (a) pyrene was detected in all the samples analysed, its concentrations varied from 1.82 to 12.89 µg/kg. The concentrations of PAHs in the grilled samples were generally higher than the control. The efficiency of the solvents from this study were in the order: n-hexane > (n-hexane: DCM) > DCM. With the exception of Pb which had a concentration of 3.17 mg/kg to 4.68 mg/kg, other metals investigated were within safe limit based on international standard. The concentrations of the metals in chicken and beef samples were in the general order: Fe>Pb>Cu>Mn. There is need to continually check the contents of PAHs and heavy metals in barbecue food since they have bio-accumulative tendencies and are deleterious to health.

The assessment of nutritive and anti-nutritive compositions of fermented and unfermented seeds of Annona senegalensis from Niger State, Nigeria was carried out using standard analytical methods. The proximate parameters determined were moisture, protein, ash, fat and fibre of the unfermented seed were 18.07±0.03, 16.90±0.14, 3.62±0.23, 27.54±0.45 and 7.34±0.11%, respectively; while the moisture, protein, ash, fat and fibre of the fermented seed for 24 and 48 h were 21.00±0.51 and 22.78±0.21, 18.42±0.32 and 25.89±0.05, 4.00±0.50 and 4.22±0.32, 23.00±0.10 and 21.76±0.31, 5.35±0.16 and 4.05±0.14%. The carbohydrate content was lowest in the seed fermented for 24 h (21.30±0.46%) and highest in the unfermented seed (26.60±0.54%). Energy values obtained in this work were 1757.29±0.33, 1616.34±0.14 and 1573.35±0.52 Kcal/100g for the unfermented, 24 and 48 h fermented samples, respectively. The fermentation generally improved the mineral contents but decreased the anti-nutrient contents of the seeds. The amino acid profiles makes the studied seed protein of high nutritive. Thus, large-scale production of fermented A. senegalensis seeds will be a valuable source of nutrients for humans and animals.