The influence of expendable graphite (EGFe) modified by ferric hydroxide and its interaction with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on combustion behavior and thermal stabilities of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were investigated. Results showed EGFe presented better flame retardation than the normal expandable graphite (EG). A 30 wt% EGFe improved the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of LLDPE from 17.6% to 28.1%. Furthermore, the combination between EGFe and APP improved the LOI of 70LLDPE/20APP/10EGFe to 31.6%, and the vertical combustion UL-94 level reached V-0. EGFe and APP were both beneficial for the improvement of composite thermal stabilities, and there was synergistic performance between them which had been testified by the LOI results. Union between EGFe and APP was of benefit for the formation of continuous and compact char layers, which makes 70LLDPE/20APP/10EGFe composite show better flame retardation than the independent 70LLDPE/30APP or 70LLDPE/30EGFe composite.

The goal of this work is the construction of ion sensitive electrodes with the use of 4- (6-methoxy-1, 3-dimetilizokinol-7-yloxy) phthalonitrile. The lifetime, response time, optimum working range and other response characteristics of these electrodes were also be investigated. The selectivity of the electrode towards the ion of the interest (Na+, K+, NH4+) was computed.

Hydrogen production has attracted large attention due to depletion of fossil fuels and the threat of global warming, society. This research is concerned with overcoming the problem of efficient production of hydrogen at room temperature and uses it as energy storage and clean fossil fuel alternatives. The hydrogen production was measured from chemical solution such as sodium chloride and natural solution as sea water. Hoffmann voltmeter was used to estimate the production of hydrogen on sodium chloride and sea water at different applied potential 12, 9, 7.5, 6, 4.5, 3 and 1.5 volts and 1 Ampere for 2 hours. The following techniques pH meter and conductivity meter were used to investigate the effect of concentration of aqueous solution on volume of hydrogen gas produce of samples. In general, the production of hydrogen increased by increasing in voltage.

: Bioactive constituents of Pleurotus squarrosulus and effect of its dietary incorporation on body and organ weights; and lipid profile levels of rats placed on high cholesterol diet was investigated. Saponins, flavonoids and the variety such as chalcones, aurones, flavones, flavonol, and leukoanthocyanins; tannins alkaloids , proteins, amino acids, as well as individual amino acids such as tyrosine, phenylalanine, arginine, and cysteine were among the bioactive constituents detected in Pleurotus squarrosulus. The effect of Pleurotus squarrosulus dietary incorporation was effective against weight reduction and dyslipidemia. Rats placed on different proportions of Pleurotus squarrosulus incorporated diets had significantly (p<0.05) reduced body weight, total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels against those of the experimental control. The incorporated diets also influenced the atherogenic indices positively in the test rats when compared to those of experimental control rats. The ability of the diet incorporated with Pleurotus squarrosulus to bring about the observed effects may be attributed to the presence and properties of these bioactive constituents detected in Pleurotus squarrosulus. This study has shown the bioactive constituents of Pleurotus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer and effect of its dietary incorporation on body/organ weights and lipid profile levels of rats placed on high cholesterol diet.

Crystalline a-zirconium phosphate, a-Zr(HPO4)2.H2O, was prepared via HF-method. Its metastable alcohol form, a-Zr(HPO4)2.2C2H5OH, was prepared and subjected to intercalate with 1,10-Phenanthroloine, and 4,4--Bipyridine to give well defined composites a-Zr(HPO4)2 (Phen)0.5.2H2O , a-Zr(HPO4)2 (4,4--Bipy)0.35.1.2H2O, respectively. Uptake of metal ions La3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+ and Yb3+ on the resultant 1,10-phenanthroline and 4,4--bipyridine intercalated products was investigated by radio tracer technique in HNO3 solution of pH1, and pH4. The radio tracers used were 140La, 153Sm,152mEu, 159Gd and 175Yb. The selectivity order (Kd values) at pH4 found to be for: (i)a-Zr(HPO4)2 (Phen)0.5.1.2H2O ; La(16135) > Yb (13600) > Eu(12300) > Sm(9987) > Gd(5510). (ii)a-Zr(HPO4)2 (4,4--Bipy)0.35 .1.2H2O; Eu(2936) > Sm (2660) > La(2185) > Yb(2072) > Gd(1782). The Kd values at pH1 found to be quite low, less than12 for the resultant intercalated products. The cation exchange of the lanthanide metal ions occurs with the residual protons in POH groups. However, we cannot rule the possibility of some complex formation of lanthanide metal ions with intercalated materials.

The molar conductivity, salinity and total dissolved salt (TDS), were measured using electrical conductivity meter (Extech instrument DO 700). Different concentrations of KBr and KCl solutions (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 M)l were prepared separately by dissolving appropriate amount of each salt in distilled water. The results obtained showed that the molar conductivities, salinity and total dissolved solid values of KBr were higher than that of KCl. This observation was attributed to change in concentration, ion-solvent interactions, solubility and ionic size effects. The limiting molar conductivity at infinite dilution was determined graphically.

Banana play important role in providing dietary needs to the individuals from vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium and some others nutritious elements that are needed in the daily food as dietary supplementation, or as an important elements that form some hormones or enzymes in small concentration. However, if they exist beyond the recommended levels they can pose bad health effects. This study aims at assessing level of selected nutritious and non-nutritious elements in banana grown in different areas of Unguja-Zanzibar using Energy Dispersive X- Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) machine. Nutritious elements (NEs) included sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), while non-nutritious elements (NNEs) were; cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). These elements were observed and recorded from Jumbi (six sampling sites), Ndijani (six sampling sites), Masingini (four sampling sites), as well as Mpigaduru (four sampling sites). Concentration of elements investigated in all banana samples were above limit recommended by FAO/WHO and USDA. The sound reason for the elevated levels of the analyzed parameters is suggested to be due to solid wastes dumped at the study sites. From the statistical data analysis, the levels (in mg/kg) of the analyzed elements in their decreasing order were; K: 10537.62; Na: 8723.50; Pb: 106.151; Cr: 90.747; Fe: 61.548; Mn: 58.949; Cd: 14.995; Zn: 9.478; and Se: 2.01. This order is summarized as; K > Na > P b> Cr > Fe > Mn > Cd > Zn > Se. Elevated levels of these elements in banana might had been attributed to the repeated use, and addition of wastes as fertilizers in banana agricultural areas. The data analysis showed that the levels of some elements namely, Cr, Fe, Pb and Na in banana were significantly different (p <0.05). Nevertheless, the present study remarkably pointed out the age of the dumping site has a positive correlation with the levels of both NEs and NNEs found in the analyzed samples. These findings will provide the baseline information about the presence of nutritious and non-nutritious elements in banana grown in different areas of Unguja- Zanzibar. Moreover, it is important for nutritional classification, compliance with the standard of identification and ensuring that the products meet human consumption specification.

1-Substituted-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-cyano-6-pyridone-azo-antharaquinone disperse dyes having high light fastness on polylactide fibres were synthesized from 1-anthraquinone via a diazotization-coupling reaction with substituted pyridones. The structures of these dyes were confirmed using IR spectroscopy. Their dyeing behavior on polylactide fibres was also determined whereupon it was found that the title dyes could be applied at temperatures of 90 to 100 oC and that the corresponding dyed fabrics had good fastness properties.

A facile aliphatic nucleophilic fluorinations with alkali metal halides (Cesium Fluoride) in the presence of nanoparticles as a catalyst has been demonstrated. Reactivity of nanoparticles in nanocrystal form was found to be chemoselective in the presence of water. Furthermore, the reaction is highly specific with alkyl sulfonate substrates. This nanoparticles catalyst not only enhances the reactivity of alkali metal salts but also affording high yield and allows easy protocol. Nanoparticle was fully characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorinated compounds were characterized by using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

Increasing attention has been paid to the use of natural antioxidants, particularly of plant origin in order to substitute synthetic antioxidant due to their negative health effects. The aim of this study was to screen the flavonoid extracted from leaves and flowers of A. pavarii and their mixture of to show any antioxidant activity in vitro. the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were determined by several standard methods using spectrophotomer. Flavonoid extracts showed higher reducing ability in comparison with ascorbic and BHA. It was found that flavonoids extracted from leaves have the most activity to reduce the DPPH with an IC50 of 0.625mg/mL; more effective than others. This extract also exhibited fairly good antioxidant activity by inhibiting the generation of OH (IC50= 0.625mg/mL) and NO radicals (IC50= 1.25mg/ml). The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was recorded in flavonoids extracted from leaves (60%). Synergism was the main effect among the combined extract, C3 (L:F; 2: 1). Three types of interactions (synergistic, additive and negative synergistic effect) were observed.

The Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III) mixed ligand complexes were prepared by using 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (Catechol) as main ligand (HL1) and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (Salicyladehyde) as secondary-ligand (HL2). All the prepared mixed ligand complexes were characterized by using several physiochemical tools. Both electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements exhibited the existence of an octahedral structure for Mn(II), Co(II) and Fe(III) complexes, square planar geometry for Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes and tetrahedral structure for Zn(II) complex. The effect of the free ligands, metal salts and their mixed ligand complexes were examined on some bacteria species causing eyes infections (BCEI) such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumouiae and Staphylococcus aureus. Catechol has more effect than salicyldehyde on all tested bacteria, this is due to the existence of phenolic groups which are electron-releasing so increased the activity, meanwhile, the ligand and their mixed ligand complexes exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory effects on the growth of the bacteria strains.

Fibrous cerium phosphate silver nanocomposite , Ce(H)0.7 (PO4)2(Ag)1.3. 2.97H2O(CePAg), was prepared by ion exchange method from reaction of Ce(HPO4)2.2.9H2O(nCePf) with 0.1M AgNO3 in 0.1M HNO3 solution. Fibrous cerium phosphate-silver nanocomposite(CePAg) was dispersed in polyethylene by melt process using twin extruder at different loading : 2 , 5 and 10 % in wt., with respect to polyethylene(PE), to obtain cerium phosphate-silver-polyethylene nanocomposites (CePAg-PE). The resultant products were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TGA. The antimicrobial resistance of CePAg–PE was studied by measuring the diameter of inhibition zone of growths of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The results showed that CePAg-PE exhibited efficacy in the inhibition of bacterial growth especially at 10 w% content.

River water was sampled across various segments of the River within Makurdi town to ascertain the anthropogenic contribution of heavy metal contents, a day after the torrential flood of 2012, and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric techniques. The mean concentration (mg/L) of the metals in sample sites were determined to be; Fe (0.46±0.1), Pb (0.03±0.01), Mn (0.002±0.002), Cr (0.02±0.01), Cd (0.001±0.001) and Zn (0.004±0.001). The results were compared with standards of WHO and EU recommended values for drinking water quality. It was found that Mn, Cr, Cd and Zn were below the WHO/EU limits while Fe and Pb were above recommended value. Statistical analysis shows that there is no significant difference observed for Fe, Mn, Cd and Zn between sites. However, Pb and Cr showed significant differences between sites. This shows that the metals are distributed at different points as a result of human activities, coupled with the impact of flood in their transport and solubility.

Jatropha curcus L seed oil has been extracted by mechanical pressing, physicochemical parameters of the extracted oil such as moisture content, ash content, density, refractive index, kinematic viscosity, saponification value, Iodine value, peroxide value and acid value have been carried out on the seed oil using American Oil Chemist Society [1] and Association of Official Analytical Chemists [3] standard methods. The organic compounds of Jatropha curcus L oil have been evaluated by gas chromatography mass spectrometry technique (GC/MS), elements composition of extracted oil has been determined using inductively coupled plasma technique (ICP). The extracted oil is non-edible because all physicochemical characteristics have been found to be out of permissible limits assigned by World Health Organization [4] for edible oils. A total of 34 organic compounds of Jatropha curcus L seed oil have been detected, besides there have been some new compounds that have not been previously reported. The elements composition concentrations that have been found in extracted oil are Na, Mg, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Al, As and Pb, these comply with WHO specification except the concentrations of Mg, Ni and As have been found to be 21.5, 0.1 and 2.872 ppm respectively.

Effect of seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum using Nche stream as a case study was investigated using standard methods. Three plants of lower phylum (watercress, moss plant, and spirogyra) were selected and studied for both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Results obtained for levels of ascorbic acid (0.81-11.87 µmoles/g DW), glutathione (1.47-3.01µmoles/g DW) and proline (1.27-3.01 g/100g) non-enzymatic antioxidants and those of superoxide dismutase (289.19-615.85 µg/g protein), peroxidase (32.56-52.79 µg/g protein), and catalase (57.80-73.20µmoles/g DW) of enzymatic antioxidants were higher in dry season against rainy season. It has been noted that a slit difference in these indicators could be as result of enormous stress. The reduction in volume of water of the host stream in dry season may have resulted in increased concentration of the pollutants in the water body hence, inducing the plants to absorb more of the pollutants. This may have triggered more stress on the plants, which reflected on the levels of the observed stress indicators when compared to the indicators as observed in rainy season. This study has shown the seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum.

This study investigated the heavy metal concentration in muscle of Tilapia zilli from River Nun in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The samples were collected from the brackish environment in the Nun river estuary. Tilapia zilli were collected from creek lines traversing five communities at Obama, Tebidaba, Clough creek, Ogbainbiri and Samabiri. The samples were preserved in ice chest and transported to the laboratory. The fish samples were prepared by oven-drying, dry-ashing and digested using a mixture of 5 ml of 1 N nitric acid and 10 ml of 1 N hydrochloric acid, afterwards, the acid digest was filtered and made up to 20 ml by diluting to volume with distilled water. The fish sample digests were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Result of the fish ranged from 0.380 – 21.555mg/kg (lead), <0.001 mg/kg (copper), 0.190 – 1.670 mg/kg (chromium), 0.290 – 22.67 mg/kg (manganese), 2.785 – 30.340 mg/kg (zinc), 40.860 – 195.905 mg/kg (iron) and 0.205 – 1.145 mg/kg (nickel). Statistically, there was significance difference (P<0.05) in the fish collected from the different locations apart from copper. The heavy metal concentration were above the limits recommended by various agencies including Food and Agricultural Organization/ World Health Organization, Median international standard, European Union, United States Environmental Protection Agency and Water Pollution Control Legislation. The high concentration of heavy metals above permissible level suggests the need for caution during the consumption of Tilapia zilli from the Nun estuary due to health implications associated with heavy metals.

An experimental study using semi-batch reaction vessel to evaluate the applicability of ozone oxidation process for the mineralization of di-n-butyl phosphate, which is one of the major degradation product of PUREX solvent (Tri-n-Butyl phosphate). Power law kinetic model for prediction of the conversion profiles of DBP fitted with the experimental results well. From the analysis of experimental data it is found that first - order kinetic is appropriate to describe the oxidation kinetics of DBP. The influence of temperature and the combined effect of ozone on the oxidation efficiency of DBP have been carried out. The global reaction rate constants are found to be in the range of 10-3 min-1.

Understanding the impacts of climatic factors on cotton production may help physiologists to determine the control mechanisms of boll retention in cotton. However, weather affects crop growth interactively, sometimes resulting in unexpected responses to prevailing conditions. This study investigates the statistical relationship between climatic factors and production of flowers and bolls obtained during the development periods of the flowering and boll stage. Also, predicting effects of climatic factors during different convenient intervals (in days) on cotton flower and boll production compared with daily observations. Further, collects information about the nature of the relationship between various climatic factors and cotton boll development and the 15-day period both prior to and after initiation of individual bolls. And, provide information on the effect of various climatic factors and soil moisture status during the development stage on flower and boll production in cotton.

Fe-TiO2 catalyst was implemented for photo mineralization of chlorazole black E dye. Percentage conversion. 67.2% , 74.8% and 62.8% using 1%, 3% and 5% Fe-TiO2 under Visible light and 73.3%, 67.2% and 62.8% using 1%, 3% and 5% Fe-TiO2 under UV light after irradiation for 80 Minutes respectively. Fe-TiO2 under UV/Visible light has proven to be effective through the investigation which was synthesize through wet-impregnation, calcined and characterized to determine the group resulting from bond vibrations using FT-IR and crystalline phase of the catalyst via XRD pattern. It was then subjected to photo-degradation to optimize various experimental parameters such as effects of metal loads, light source and time. The obtained result are shown in decreasing order of activity 3% Fe-TiO2 > 1%Fe-TiO2 >5%Fe-TiO2. Which indicate that 3% Fe-TiO2 shows more photo-degradation at UV/Visible but does more better at visible region with respect to time.

Glassy hafnium-, hafnium-titanium phosphates, Hf(HPO4)2.3H2O , HfxTi(1-x) (HPO4)2. 3H2O, respectively, (where x= 0.9, 0.67, 0.50) were prepared and characterized. Found to be amorphous with vitreous visual look. Crystalline layered nanosized Hf(HPO4)2.H2O(nHfP) , HfxTi(1-x) (HPO4)2.H2O(nHfTiP),where (x= 0.9, 0.67, 0.50) were prepared from crystallization of their parent glassy sodium forms with HF solution in Pyrex round bottom flask. Size particles of (nHfP) and (nHfTiP) were calculated from XRD broadening method using the Scherer’s equation, found to be 10.15,18.69, 18.69,16.92 nm, respectively. They were characterized by chemical, thermal, XRD analysis and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR). Their exchange capacities were determined. We think these materials crystallized during the conversion process in two steps: 1st their parent glassy sodium forms dissolved in HF solution forming a mixing complex, 2nd the crystalline products were gradually precipitated due to HF solution action on the Pyrex flask and to a certain extent evaporation of excess HF. Preparations of polystyrene/(nHfP)-, (nHfTiP) nanocomposite membranes were carried out by mixing slurry tetrahydrofuran(THF) solution of (nHfP)- , (nHfTiP) of different weight percentages (10, and 20 wt %), with THF solution of 5% polystyrene(PS) in concentration at 45oC with stirring for 48 hours . The resultant mixtures were poured into flat surface containers of desired thickness, respectively , and allowed to dry in air. The resultant fully dried composites were pealed from the glass containers. The composite membranes were transparent flexible thin films and were characterized by XRD, TGA and FT-IR.

Novel nanosized theta-type zirconium phosphate, ?-Zr(HPO4)2.1.88H2O (?-typeZrP), was prepared and characterized. Its average size particles calculated from XRD broadening method using the Scherer’s equation , found to be 60 nm . Transparent flexible thin films of poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA)-, polystyrene(PS) / theta-type zirconium phosphate nanocomposite membranes were obtained from mixing PVA-, PS solutions with different weight percentages of ?-typeZrP equal to (5,10,15,20% in wt), respectively. The resultant nanocomposite membranes were characterized by XRD and TGA,. The inorganic filler, ?-typeZrP, was well dispersed in the organic polymers matrix , show good thermal and mechanical properties better than that of the original polymers. These nanocomposites are promising for utilizations in fuel cells and as sorbents.