International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 2020
The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications... more The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications depends on the fuel properties. In this study, the briquette was produced by carbonizing the rice stalk followed by crushing and sieving, the binder was prepared by dissolving the starch in hot water, then mixed with the sieved carbonized rice stalk and then the briquette was produced using the briquetting machine. Proximate analyses, viability, characteristics and combustion were determined to know the average composition of their constituents. From the results obtained it was observed that ash content, moisture content, after glow and ignition propagation decrease as the binder ratio increase while fixed carbon content, volatile matter, calorific value, density and compressive strength increase. The results of this work indicate that briquettes produced using high concentration of the binder would make good biomass fuels. However, it has a high moisture content of 25.00%, high ash con...
Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as defore... more Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as deforestation, flooding, soil erosion etc. and also serve as an alternative fuel for household cooking and supplement in small scale industries. This study investigated the physico-chemical analysis of the sugarcane briquettes at die pressure and ambient temperature. The sugarcane briquettes were prepared with cassava starch and gum Arabic as binders using a fabricated hydraulic press. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 2.91±0.10% and 6.12±0.12%respectively are less than 15% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.50±0.20% and 9.00±0.10% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 14.00±0.12%and 8.50±0.10% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 13.18±0.25MJ/Kg and 12.75±0.06MJ/Kg, respectively. ...
The Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 2021
<jats:p>Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic cond... more <jats:p>Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This present work investigated the yield of biogas production from Shea nut shell and millet stalk and their blends with sheep dung. It was revealed that sheep dung (control) had the highest yield with an average production of 187.8 ml of gas for 102 days followed by sheanut shell - sheep dung blends which had 123.3 ml of gas for 102 days. Millet stalk - sheep dung blends recorded 75.9 ml of gas for 79 days. Shea nut shell and millet stalk presented 31.5 ml of gas for 81 days and 7.1 ml of gas for 48 days respectively while the pH for production ranged from 10.1 to 4.6. The moisture contents recorded for millet stalk, Shea nut shell and sheep dung before and after production were 40%, 45%, 65% and 80%, 65%, 85 respectively, and also the recorded ash contents before and after production were, 35%, 45%, 40% and 85%, 75%, 65%, respectively. It was observed that the blending of Shea nut shell and sheep dung greatly improves biogas yield while Millet stalks alone are good material for biogas production at a reasonable pH and moisture content values.</jats:p>
This study was carried out on Chemical (Residual Chlorine) and Bacteriological (Total and Fecal c... more This study was carried out on Chemical (Residual Chlorine) and Bacteriological (Total and Fecal coliforms) Quality of drinking water Sources in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Apart from the laboratory analyses carried out, 350 copies of questionnaire were distributed to obtain data on; water treatment method, volume of water used, water-diseases suffered within last 1 year, sources of drinking water and basic demographic data. Forty-two water samples were analysed; (8 bottled waters,10 sachet waters, 10 samples of stored borehole waters,4 stream waters, 5 pipe borne waters and 5 Great Kwa river samples). The chemical analysis of these samples showed that 7 (16.7%) had Nitratenitrogen concentrations above WHO/SON standard (10mg/l) and the residual chlorine (present only in pipe borne water sample) ranging from 0.4 to 0.9mg/l were above the minimum but below the maximum standard set by WHO (0.2mg/l and 5mg/l) respectively. The bacteriological quality of the water samples showed that only 9 (21.4%) were fit for consumption (all the 5 pipe borne water samples, 2 bottled water and 1 sachet water sample). Only 19.6% of the respondents treated water before drinking by any of the convectional methods. Out of 84 respondents who treated water before drinking, 45 (68.2%) used boiling method. Fifty-six respondents out of 270 who did not normally treat water before drinking claimed they had suffered typhoid within the last 1 year. Null hypothesis between variables tested was rejected using student's t-test. These findings showed that the quality of drinking water sources in Calabar Municipality was not satisfactory. Strict regulation of bore hole water, compulsory treatment of water before drinking and regular sampling and analysis by NAFDAC of the packaged water being sold in the Municipality have been recommended.
This study was conducted to optimize a mixing design of lightweight aerated concrete with the bla... more This study was conducted to optimize a mixing design of lightweight aerated concrete with the blast furnace slag(BFS) using Box-Behnken method, one of response surface designs. The lightweight aerated concrete with the BFS was made on the conditions of steam curing method at atmospheric pressure. The experimental factors were unit Water(W)/total powder(P d) ratio, BFS replacement percentage and Al powder addition based on the total powder (P d *%). From the results of the response surface analysis, regression models for dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the lightweight aerated concrete were derived. When the target values for dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the lightweight aerated concrete were set at 0.72 and 4.42 MPa respectively, its optimized mixing conditions driven from the regression models were 0.62 of W/P d ratio, 35.5% of BFS replacement and 0.05% of Al powder addition. This experimental design model was found to be credible by measuring the dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the sample made from the above mixing conditions
The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications... more The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications depends on the fuel properties. In this study, the briquette was produced by carbonizing the rice stalk followed by crushing and sieving, the binder was prepared by dissolving the starch in hot water, then mixed with the sieved carbonized rice stalk and then the briquette was produced using the briquetting machine. Proximate analyses, viability, characteristics and combustion were determined to know the average composition of their constituents. From the results obtained it was observed that ash content, moisture content, after glow and ignition propagation decrease as the binder ratio increase while fixed carbon content, volatile matter, calorific value, density and compressive strength increase. The results of this work indicate that briquettes produced using high concentration of the binder would make good biomass fuels. However, it has a high moisture content of 25.00%, high ash content of 23.00%, moderate volatile matter of 44.80%, low fixed carbon content of 32.20%, moderate calorific value of 13.86 MJ/Kg and high density of 0.643g/cm 3. The results obtained for all the parameters showed that rice stalks briquettes produced with high concentration of the binder (starch) had a better performance based on their combustion profile.
Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This pr... more Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This present work investigated the yield of biogas production from Shea nut shell and millet stalk and their blends with sheep dung. It was revealed that sheep dung (control) had the highest yield with an average production of 187.8 ml of gas for 102 days followed by sheanut shellsheep dung blends which had 123.3 ml of gas for 102 days. Millet stalk-sheep dung blends recorded 75.9 ml of gas for 79 days. Shea nut shell and millet stalk presented 31.5 ml of gas for 81 days and 7.1 ml of gas for 48 days respectively while the pH for production ranged from 10.1 to 4.6. The moisture contents recorded for millet stalk, Shea nut shell and sheep dung before and after production were 40%, 45%, 65% and 80%, 65%, 85 respectively, and also the recorded ash contents before and after production were, 35%, 45%, 40% and 85%, 75%, 65%, respectively. It was observed that the blending of Shea nut shell and sheep dung greatly improves biogas yield while Millet stalks alone are good material for biogas production at a reasonable pH and moisture content values.
This investigated the potentials of crude neem oil as alternative fuel for biodiesel production. ... more This investigated the potentials of crude neem oil as alternative fuel for biodiesel production. The difficulty with alkaline transesterification of these oils has contained large amounts of free fatty acids (FFA). These free fatty acids quickly react with the alkaline catalyst to produce soaps that inhibit the separation of the ester and glycerin. A two-step transesterification process is developed to convert the high FFA oils to its mono-esters. Using 100 ml of oil, the optimum combination of parameters for pretreatment were found to be 45 v/v methanol-oil-ratio, 0.5 % v/w H2SO4 acid catalyst, 50 ˚C and 45 min reaction time. After pretreatment of neem oil, transesterification reaction was carried out with 3:1 methanolto-oil ratio, 1 % KOH as alkaline catalyst, 1hr reaction time and 55˚C reaction temperature to produce the fatty acid methyl ester. This twostep process gave maximum average yield of 90±2%.
This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or sy... more This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
The seeds of Balanite aegyptiaca were collected, washed and prepared by decocting, drying and pul... more The seeds of Balanite aegyptiaca were collected, washed and prepared by decocting, drying and pulverizing. The seed oil was extracted using soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane as solvent. The percentage yield of oil extraction was (36.5 %). Physicochemical analysis of the seed oil was conducted using standard procedures and the following results were obtained; specific density (0.88 g/cm 3), moisture content (7.16 %), refractive index at 25 o C (1.34), iodine value (43.1 g/100g), saponification value (136 mg KOH/g) and peroxide value (37 meq/kg), acid value (12.1 mg KOH/g), free fatty acid value (12.2 %). This reveals that Balanite aegyptiaca seed oil could be a rich source of oil for domestic and industrial purposes if richly exploited.
There is growing public concern over potential impact on environmental quality caused by animal w... more There is growing public concern over potential impact on environmental quality caused by animal wastes. Anaerobic digestion, a biological conversion process can be used to obtain energy from biologicall wastes. This study explored the production of biogas from co-digestion of fonio hus and donkey dung using anaerobic biological conversion. The digesters were labeled as; digester A-Fonio husk only, digester B-donkey dung only, digester C-Fonio husk (300g) and Donkey Dung (200g), digester D-Fonio husk (200g) and donkey dung (300g). Proximate analysis of the substrates before and after digestion were determined such as total solids (TS), volatile solid, carbon content, nitrogen content, ash content, etc., and pH before and after digestion process. The biogas produced during this period was collected by water displacement method and subsequently measured. The results showed that Fonio husk in bio-digesters A and B gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 4972 ml and 5222 ml (week 3) while pig dung in bio-digesters C and D gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 5564 ml and 5978 respectively (week 3) within three weeks of fermentation. The digester is capable of producing 0.007m at average working temperature of 320C. Digester D produces higher volume of biogas as a result of improved nutrient provide by donkey dung as shown in the results obtained from the proximate analysis and has the best neutral pH, there was a reduction in the startup time.
Background: Fish is known to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein and have essential ... more Background: Fish is known to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein and have essential nutrients needed in human diets. The present study investigated the proximate and nutrient composition of three species of fish, Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Methods: The sample collection, proximate and mineral analysis were conducted using the standard protocols of sample collections and chemical analysis. Results: The results revealed that Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus contain moisture (66.00±0.50%, 52.00±1.00%, and 70.00±0.20%), crude protein (9.20±0.1323%, 3.75±0.02%and 5.80±0.05%), crude lipid (10.16±0.91%, 2.37±0.01% and 12.00±0.30%), ash (11.92 ±0.02%, 39.40±0.03% and 11.97±0.06%), and crude fiber (2.03±0.01%, 2.36±0.02% and 0.19±0.01%) respectively. The mineral contents were: iron (4.50±0.01mg/kg, 3.70±0.01 mg/kg and 4.70±0.02mg/kg), Zinc (2.35±0.01mg/kg, 2.15±0.0100mg/kg and (1.89±0.01mg/kg) for Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus respectively, while copper was only detected in C. gunnari (0.25±0.01mg/kg). The same amount of chromium (0.01±0.00 mg/kg) was detected in all the samples. Manganese was undetected in all the samples. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the nutritional value of Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus. This information would help in choosing any of the fish bases on their nutritional values rather than taste and other physical features.
Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spu... more Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spurred research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. The article presents the production of biodiesel from cassia tora seed using eggshell as catalyst. In this research work, oil was extracted from CTS using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. The extracted oil was characterized via physicochemical analysis then in-situ transesterification of oil with methanol was carried out using eggshell as catalyst. The physico-chemical analysis showed the state of the oil at room temperature to be liquid, the odour was mild, the colour was brown, specific density was 3.46, saponification value was 193.6 ± 0.25, acid value was 8.2 ± 0.4, and iodine value was 100.68 ± 1.0. Biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40 o C was 4.98, cetane number was 64.5, flash point was 159, pour point was-13, cloud point was 5, and density was 0.85. The prepared eggshell catalyst was characterized using X-ray Fluorescence and was found to be composed of CaO (73.2), MgO (0.2), SiO2 (0.4), SO3 (0.3), P2O5 (0.7), Na2O (0.5), Al2O3 (0.07), K2O (0.03), and Fe2O3 (0.08). This study suggests that CTS oil can be used as a source of triglycerides in the manufacture of biodiesel by transesterification. The properties of the biodiesel produced showed theoretical compatibility with diesel engines in accordance with the American standard for testing materials (ASTM).
Biomass fuels are potential source of renewable energy and can be easily obtained from agricultur... more Biomass fuels are potential source of renewable energy and can be easily obtained from agricultural waste. In this context, this article presents the preparation steps and characterization of watermelon peels for the production of briquettes. The chemical compositions with physical characteristics of the waste briquettes were evaluated. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 11.20±0.40% and 16.18±0.20% respectively are less than 20% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.00±0.5% and 18.00±0.2% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 13.50±0.20% and 18.50±0.40% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 11.99±0.10MJ/Kg and 11.27±0.28MJ/Kg, respectively. It showed that the binder types had effect on physicochemical properties and it was concluded that briquettes bonded with starch had better characteristics.
Biodiesel is another form of renewable energy with various applications. In this context, biodies... more Biodiesel is another form of renewable energy with various applications. In this context, biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40°C was 5.3, cetane number was 68.1, flash point 240, pour point was-12, density was 0.85, specific gravity was 0.85, sulfated ash was 0.6, copper strip corrosion test was 1b and the high heating value was 42.4. The empirical model obtained showed that reaction time, catalyst concentration and reaction temperature are the most important variables that influence the process. Irrespective of the amount of methanol employed, biodiesel yields in excess of 69% were obtained only when the trans-esterification taken place at temperature of 65°C for 74 mins. The optimal process condition was discovered to be when the temperature, reaction time and catalyst concentration were 66.26°C, 74.4 minutes and 5.23 M, respectively. Validation results (68.7 ± 0.8%) are generally in agreement with the predicted value of 70.04%.
Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spu... more Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spurred research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. The article presents the production of biodiesel from cassia tora seed using eggshell as catalyst. In this research work, oil was extracted from CTS using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. The extracted oil was characterized via physicochemical analysis then in-situ transesterification of oil with methanol was carried out using eggshell as catalyst. The physico-chemical analysis showed the state of the oil at room temperature to be liquid, the odour was mild, the colour was brown, specific density was 3.46, saponification value was 193.6 ± 0.25, acid value was 8.2 ± 0.4, and iodine value was 100.68 ± 1.0. Biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40 o C was 4.98, cetane number was 64.5, flash point was 159, pour point was-13, cloud point was 5, and density was 0.85. The prepared eggshell catalyst was characterized using X-ray Fluorescence and was found to be composed of CaO (73.2), MgO (0.2), SiO2 (0.4), SO3 (0.3), P2O5 (0.7), Na2O (0.5), Al2O3 (0.07), K2O (0.03), and Fe2O3 (0.08). This study suggests that CTS oil can be used as a source of triglycerides in the manufacture of biodiesel by transesterification. The properties of the biodiesel produced showed theoretical compatibility with diesel engines in accordance with the American standard for testing materials (ASTM).
Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as defore... more Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as deforestation, flooding, soil erosion etc. and also serve as an alternative fuel for household cooking and supplement in small scale industries. This study investigated the physico-chemical analysis of the sugarcane briquettes at die pressure and ambient temperature. The sugarcane briquettes were prepared with cassava starch and gum Arabic as binders using a fabricated hydraulic press. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 2.91±0.10% and 6.12±0.12%respectively are less than 15% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.50±0.20% and 9.00±0.10% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 14.00±0.12%and 8.50±0.10% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 13.18±0.25MJ/Kg and 12.75±0.06MJ/Kg, respectively. Comparatively sugarcane briquette with cassava starch binder performs better.
International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 2020
The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications... more The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications depends on the fuel properties. In this study, the briquette was produced by carbonizing the rice stalk followed by crushing and sieving, the binder was prepared by dissolving the starch in hot water, then mixed with the sieved carbonized rice stalk and then the briquette was produced using the briquetting machine. Proximate analyses, viability, characteristics and combustion were determined to know the average composition of their constituents. From the results obtained it was observed that ash content, moisture content, after glow and ignition propagation decrease as the binder ratio increase while fixed carbon content, volatile matter, calorific value, density and compressive strength increase. The results of this work indicate that briquettes produced using high concentration of the binder would make good biomass fuels. However, it has a high moisture content of 25.00%, high ash con...
Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as defore... more Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as deforestation, flooding, soil erosion etc. and also serve as an alternative fuel for household cooking and supplement in small scale industries. This study investigated the physico-chemical analysis of the sugarcane briquettes at die pressure and ambient temperature. The sugarcane briquettes were prepared with cassava starch and gum Arabic as binders using a fabricated hydraulic press. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 2.91±0.10% and 6.12±0.12%respectively are less than 15% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.50±0.20% and 9.00±0.10% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 14.00±0.12%and 8.50±0.10% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 13.18±0.25MJ/Kg and 12.75±0.06MJ/Kg, respectively. ...
The Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 2021
<jats:p>Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic cond... more <jats:p>Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This present work investigated the yield of biogas production from Shea nut shell and millet stalk and their blends with sheep dung. It was revealed that sheep dung (control) had the highest yield with an average production of 187.8 ml of gas for 102 days followed by sheanut shell - sheep dung blends which had 123.3 ml of gas for 102 days. Millet stalk - sheep dung blends recorded 75.9 ml of gas for 79 days. Shea nut shell and millet stalk presented 31.5 ml of gas for 81 days and 7.1 ml of gas for 48 days respectively while the pH for production ranged from 10.1 to 4.6. The moisture contents recorded for millet stalk, Shea nut shell and sheep dung before and after production were 40%, 45%, 65% and 80%, 65%, 85 respectively, and also the recorded ash contents before and after production were, 35%, 45%, 40% and 85%, 75%, 65%, respectively. It was observed that the blending of Shea nut shell and sheep dung greatly improves biogas yield while Millet stalks alone are good material for biogas production at a reasonable pH and moisture content values.</jats:p>
This study was carried out on Chemical (Residual Chlorine) and Bacteriological (Total and Fecal c... more This study was carried out on Chemical (Residual Chlorine) and Bacteriological (Total and Fecal coliforms) Quality of drinking water Sources in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Apart from the laboratory analyses carried out, 350 copies of questionnaire were distributed to obtain data on; water treatment method, volume of water used, water-diseases suffered within last 1 year, sources of drinking water and basic demographic data. Forty-two water samples were analysed; (8 bottled waters,10 sachet waters, 10 samples of stored borehole waters,4 stream waters, 5 pipe borne waters and 5 Great Kwa river samples). The chemical analysis of these samples showed that 7 (16.7%) had Nitratenitrogen concentrations above WHO/SON standard (10mg/l) and the residual chlorine (present only in pipe borne water sample) ranging from 0.4 to 0.9mg/l were above the minimum but below the maximum standard set by WHO (0.2mg/l and 5mg/l) respectively. The bacteriological quality of the water samples showed that only 9 (21.4%) were fit for consumption (all the 5 pipe borne water samples, 2 bottled water and 1 sachet water sample). Only 19.6% of the respondents treated water before drinking by any of the convectional methods. Out of 84 respondents who treated water before drinking, 45 (68.2%) used boiling method. Fifty-six respondents out of 270 who did not normally treat water before drinking claimed they had suffered typhoid within the last 1 year. Null hypothesis between variables tested was rejected using student's t-test. These findings showed that the quality of drinking water sources in Calabar Municipality was not satisfactory. Strict regulation of bore hole water, compulsory treatment of water before drinking and regular sampling and analysis by NAFDAC of the packaged water being sold in the Municipality have been recommended.
This study was conducted to optimize a mixing design of lightweight aerated concrete with the bla... more This study was conducted to optimize a mixing design of lightweight aerated concrete with the blast furnace slag(BFS) using Box-Behnken method, one of response surface designs. The lightweight aerated concrete with the BFS was made on the conditions of steam curing method at atmospheric pressure. The experimental factors were unit Water(W)/total powder(P d) ratio, BFS replacement percentage and Al powder addition based on the total powder (P d *%). From the results of the response surface analysis, regression models for dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the lightweight aerated concrete were derived. When the target values for dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the lightweight aerated concrete were set at 0.72 and 4.42 MPa respectively, its optimized mixing conditions driven from the regression models were 0.62 of W/P d ratio, 35.5% of BFS replacement and 0.05% of Al powder addition. This experimental design model was found to be credible by measuring the dried specific gravity and compressive strength of the sample made from the above mixing conditions
The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications... more The selection or choice of agro-waste briquettes for domestic and industrial cottage applications depends on the fuel properties. In this study, the briquette was produced by carbonizing the rice stalk followed by crushing and sieving, the binder was prepared by dissolving the starch in hot water, then mixed with the sieved carbonized rice stalk and then the briquette was produced using the briquetting machine. Proximate analyses, viability, characteristics and combustion were determined to know the average composition of their constituents. From the results obtained it was observed that ash content, moisture content, after glow and ignition propagation decrease as the binder ratio increase while fixed carbon content, volatile matter, calorific value, density and compressive strength increase. The results of this work indicate that briquettes produced using high concentration of the binder would make good biomass fuels. However, it has a high moisture content of 25.00%, high ash content of 23.00%, moderate volatile matter of 44.80%, low fixed carbon content of 32.20%, moderate calorific value of 13.86 MJ/Kg and high density of 0.643g/cm 3. The results obtained for all the parameters showed that rice stalks briquettes produced with high concentration of the binder (starch) had a better performance based on their combustion profile.
Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This pr... more Biogas production undergoes decomposition of organic compounds under anaerobic condition. This present work investigated the yield of biogas production from Shea nut shell and millet stalk and their blends with sheep dung. It was revealed that sheep dung (control) had the highest yield with an average production of 187.8 ml of gas for 102 days followed by sheanut shellsheep dung blends which had 123.3 ml of gas for 102 days. Millet stalk-sheep dung blends recorded 75.9 ml of gas for 79 days. Shea nut shell and millet stalk presented 31.5 ml of gas for 81 days and 7.1 ml of gas for 48 days respectively while the pH for production ranged from 10.1 to 4.6. The moisture contents recorded for millet stalk, Shea nut shell and sheep dung before and after production were 40%, 45%, 65% and 80%, 65%, 85 respectively, and also the recorded ash contents before and after production were, 35%, 45%, 40% and 85%, 75%, 65%, respectively. It was observed that the blending of Shea nut shell and sheep dung greatly improves biogas yield while Millet stalks alone are good material for biogas production at a reasonable pH and moisture content values.
This investigated the potentials of crude neem oil as alternative fuel for biodiesel production. ... more This investigated the potentials of crude neem oil as alternative fuel for biodiesel production. The difficulty with alkaline transesterification of these oils has contained large amounts of free fatty acids (FFA). These free fatty acids quickly react with the alkaline catalyst to produce soaps that inhibit the separation of the ester and glycerin. A two-step transesterification process is developed to convert the high FFA oils to its mono-esters. Using 100 ml of oil, the optimum combination of parameters for pretreatment were found to be 45 v/v methanol-oil-ratio, 0.5 % v/w H2SO4 acid catalyst, 50 ˚C and 45 min reaction time. After pretreatment of neem oil, transesterification reaction was carried out with 3:1 methanolto-oil ratio, 1 % KOH as alkaline catalyst, 1hr reaction time and 55˚C reaction temperature to produce the fatty acid methyl ester. This twostep process gave maximum average yield of 90±2%.
This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or sy... more This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
The seeds of Balanite aegyptiaca were collected, washed and prepared by decocting, drying and pul... more The seeds of Balanite aegyptiaca were collected, washed and prepared by decocting, drying and pulverizing. The seed oil was extracted using soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane as solvent. The percentage yield of oil extraction was (36.5 %). Physicochemical analysis of the seed oil was conducted using standard procedures and the following results were obtained; specific density (0.88 g/cm 3), moisture content (7.16 %), refractive index at 25 o C (1.34), iodine value (43.1 g/100g), saponification value (136 mg KOH/g) and peroxide value (37 meq/kg), acid value (12.1 mg KOH/g), free fatty acid value (12.2 %). This reveals that Balanite aegyptiaca seed oil could be a rich source of oil for domestic and industrial purposes if richly exploited.
There is growing public concern over potential impact on environmental quality caused by animal w... more There is growing public concern over potential impact on environmental quality caused by animal wastes. Anaerobic digestion, a biological conversion process can be used to obtain energy from biologicall wastes. This study explored the production of biogas from co-digestion of fonio hus and donkey dung using anaerobic biological conversion. The digesters were labeled as; digester A-Fonio husk only, digester B-donkey dung only, digester C-Fonio husk (300g) and Donkey Dung (200g), digester D-Fonio husk (200g) and donkey dung (300g). Proximate analysis of the substrates before and after digestion were determined such as total solids (TS), volatile solid, carbon content, nitrogen content, ash content, etc., and pH before and after digestion process. The biogas produced during this period was collected by water displacement method and subsequently measured. The results showed that Fonio husk in bio-digesters A and B gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 4972 ml and 5222 ml (week 3) while pig dung in bio-digesters C and D gave a cumulative average biogas volume of 5564 ml and 5978 respectively (week 3) within three weeks of fermentation. The digester is capable of producing 0.007m at average working temperature of 320C. Digester D produces higher volume of biogas as a result of improved nutrient provide by donkey dung as shown in the results obtained from the proximate analysis and has the best neutral pH, there was a reduction in the startup time.
Background: Fish is known to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein and have essential ... more Background: Fish is known to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein and have essential nutrients needed in human diets. The present study investigated the proximate and nutrient composition of three species of fish, Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Methods: The sample collection, proximate and mineral analysis were conducted using the standard protocols of sample collections and chemical analysis. Results: The results revealed that Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus contain moisture (66.00±0.50%, 52.00±1.00%, and 70.00±0.20%), crude protein (9.20±0.1323%, 3.75±0.02%and 5.80±0.05%), crude lipid (10.16±0.91%, 2.37±0.01% and 12.00±0.30%), ash (11.92 ±0.02%, 39.40±0.03% and 11.97±0.06%), and crude fiber (2.03±0.01%, 2.36±0.02% and 0.19±0.01%) respectively. The mineral contents were: iron (4.50±0.01mg/kg, 3.70±0.01 mg/kg and 4.70±0.02mg/kg), Zinc (2.35±0.01mg/kg, 2.15±0.0100mg/kg and (1.89±0.01mg/kg) for Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus respectively, while copper was only detected in C. gunnari (0.25±0.01mg/kg). The same amount of chromium (0.01±0.00 mg/kg) was detected in all the samples. Manganese was undetected in all the samples. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the nutritional value of Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus. This information would help in choosing any of the fish bases on their nutritional values rather than taste and other physical features.
Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spu... more Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spurred research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. The article presents the production of biodiesel from cassia tora seed using eggshell as catalyst. In this research work, oil was extracted from CTS using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. The extracted oil was characterized via physicochemical analysis then in-situ transesterification of oil with methanol was carried out using eggshell as catalyst. The physico-chemical analysis showed the state of the oil at room temperature to be liquid, the odour was mild, the colour was brown, specific density was 3.46, saponification value was 193.6 ± 0.25, acid value was 8.2 ± 0.4, and iodine value was 100.68 ± 1.0. Biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40 o C was 4.98, cetane number was 64.5, flash point was 159, pour point was-13, cloud point was 5, and density was 0.85. The prepared eggshell catalyst was characterized using X-ray Fluorescence and was found to be composed of CaO (73.2), MgO (0.2), SiO2 (0.4), SO3 (0.3), P2O5 (0.7), Na2O (0.5), Al2O3 (0.07), K2O (0.03), and Fe2O3 (0.08). This study suggests that CTS oil can be used as a source of triglycerides in the manufacture of biodiesel by transesterification. The properties of the biodiesel produced showed theoretical compatibility with diesel engines in accordance with the American standard for testing materials (ASTM).
Biomass fuels are potential source of renewable energy and can be easily obtained from agricultur... more Biomass fuels are potential source of renewable energy and can be easily obtained from agricultural waste. In this context, this article presents the preparation steps and characterization of watermelon peels for the production of briquettes. The chemical compositions with physical characteristics of the waste briquettes were evaluated. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 11.20±0.40% and 16.18±0.20% respectively are less than 20% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.00±0.5% and 18.00±0.2% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 13.50±0.20% and 18.50±0.40% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 11.99±0.10MJ/Kg and 11.27±0.28MJ/Kg, respectively. It showed that the binder types had effect on physicochemical properties and it was concluded that briquettes bonded with starch had better characteristics.
Biodiesel is another form of renewable energy with various applications. In this context, biodies... more Biodiesel is another form of renewable energy with various applications. In this context, biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40°C was 5.3, cetane number was 68.1, flash point 240, pour point was-12, density was 0.85, specific gravity was 0.85, sulfated ash was 0.6, copper strip corrosion test was 1b and the high heating value was 42.4. The empirical model obtained showed that reaction time, catalyst concentration and reaction temperature are the most important variables that influence the process. Irrespective of the amount of methanol employed, biodiesel yields in excess of 69% were obtained only when the trans-esterification taken place at temperature of 65°C for 74 mins. The optimal process condition was discovered to be when the temperature, reaction time and catalyst concentration were 66.26°C, 74.4 minutes and 5.23 M, respectively. Validation results (68.7 ± 0.8%) are generally in agreement with the predicted value of 70.04%.
Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spu... more Diminishing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption has spurred research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. The article presents the production of biodiesel from cassia tora seed using eggshell as catalyst. In this research work, oil was extracted from CTS using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. The extracted oil was characterized via physicochemical analysis then in-situ transesterification of oil with methanol was carried out using eggshell as catalyst. The physico-chemical analysis showed the state of the oil at room temperature to be liquid, the odour was mild, the colour was brown, specific density was 3.46, saponification value was 193.6 ± 0.25, acid value was 8.2 ± 0.4, and iodine value was 100.68 ± 1.0. Biodiesel characterization showed that kinematic viscosity at 40 o C was 4.98, cetane number was 64.5, flash point was 159, pour point was-13, cloud point was 5, and density was 0.85. The prepared eggshell catalyst was characterized using X-ray Fluorescence and was found to be composed of CaO (73.2), MgO (0.2), SiO2 (0.4), SO3 (0.3), P2O5 (0.7), Na2O (0.5), Al2O3 (0.07), K2O (0.03), and Fe2O3 (0.08). This study suggests that CTS oil can be used as a source of triglycerides in the manufacture of biodiesel by transesterification. The properties of the biodiesel produced showed theoretical compatibility with diesel engines in accordance with the American standard for testing materials (ASTM).
Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as defore... more Briquetting of agricultural wastes is suitable to combat the environmental problem such as deforestation, flooding, soil erosion etc. and also serve as an alternative fuel for household cooking and supplement in small scale industries. This study investigated the physico-chemical analysis of the sugarcane briquettes at die pressure and ambient temperature. The sugarcane briquettes were prepared with cassava starch and gum Arabic as binders using a fabricated hydraulic press. The moisture content of the both briquette samples were 2.91±0.10% and 6.12±0.12%respectively are less than 15% of recommended standard. The briquette sample using cassava starch as a binder has a fixed carbon content and ash content values of 15.50±0.20% and 9.00±0.10% respectively, while that of gum Arabic are 14.00±0.12%and 8.50±0.10% respectively. The calorific values of the sample briquettes with cassava starch binder and also that of gum Arabic binder are 13.18±0.25MJ/Kg and 12.75±0.06MJ/Kg, respectively. Comparatively sugarcane briquette with cassava starch binder performs better.
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