Impact of artisanal refining activities on bacterial diversity in a Niger Delta fallow land.

Hydrocarbon pollution is a major ecological problem facing oil-producing countries, especially in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In this study, a site that had been previously polluted by artisanal refining activity was investigated using 16S rRNA Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools. These were used to investigate the bacterial diversity in soil with varying degrees of contamination, determined with a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID).

Exploring C-F···π Interactions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Surface Analysis of Copper β-Diketone Complexes.

Synthesis and characterization of two novel copper β-diketone complexes, where halogen bonds play a pivotal role in shaping their multifaceted structural landscape, have been done in the present study. This study employs X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy to investigate two copper β-diketone complexes, [Cu(L1)(ttfa)]·2CHOH () and [Cu(L1)(dfpb)] (), where Httfa is 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butan-3,1-dione and Hdfpb is 4,4-difluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione. Complex displays a halogen bond, which contributes to its uniqueness.

Recycled pulp and paper sludge, potential source of cellulose: feasibility assessment and characterization.

The pulp and paper industry stands out as an example of a technology based on a renewable resource, cellulose. The sludge, however, poses major environmental and public health problems. To effectively manage the sludge wastes, it is critical to fully evaluate its composition, possible environmental impacts, and the total amount of exploitable renewable resources.

Finite difference spectral collocation schemes for the solutions of boundary value problems.

This article introduces novel numerical approaches utilizing both standard and nonstandard finite difference methods to solve one-dimensional Bratu's problems. Using the quasilinearization technique, the original problem is converted into a sequence of linear problems. Chebyshev polynomials are employed to approximate the second derivative of the function , after which Sumudu transform is applied to obtain a new form of trial function.

Evaluating climate Change's impact on hydroelectricity in the Zambezi river basin.

This study investigates the effects of climate change on energy security in Africa, specifically focusing on the Upper and Lower Zambezi Basin. Data from the Kariba River basin sub-catchments, annual reports, the Climate Data Store, and Teal Tool Earth's country-by-country climate data were analysed through quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The Mann-Kendal Trend Analysis was used to analyse time series and test the significance of changes to the climate.

Isolation of aqueous pesticides on surface-functionalized SBA-15: glyphosate kinetics and detailed empirical insights for atrazine.

Atrazine and glyphosate are two of the most used pesticides around the world causing serious water contamination. In this study, amine-functionalized Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 silica (SBA-15-NH) was synthesized and employed for the aqueous adsorption of atrazine and glyphosate. The adsorbent was mesoporous post-functionalization with lower surface area, pore volume, size, and stability when compared to the SBA-15.

Chemical, thermal and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate-waste pineapple leaf fibres composites.

The use of natural fibres for polymer composite applications has been widely researched due to the biodegradable and lightweight nature of natural fibres. To achieve good adhesion and compatibility between the matrix and the fibre filler, prior modification of the fibre surface via the use of various methods has been found to be effective. The natural fibres have been modified using chemical, physical, radiation, grafting and biological methods.

Application of carbon from pomegranate husk for the removal of ibuprofen, cadmium and methylene blue from water.

The presence of pharmaceutical products, dyes, and toxic metal ions in water is a major problem worldwide. This work developed low-cost pomegranate-based materials to uptake ibuprofen, cadmium and methylene blue from water. Pomegranate husks (PPH) were carbonized at 400 °C to form carbonized pomegranate husk (CPH), and nanoparticles were loaded into the carbon surface (NPH) by co-precipitation.

In situ capping of silver nanoparticles with cellulosic matrices from wheat straws in enhancing their antimicrobial activity: Synthesis and characterization.

Silver nanoparticles have gained worldwide attention in the scientific community due to their high antimicrobial activity. However, they tend to agglomerate and lose their shape and properties, thus capping agents necessary to protect their shapes, sizes, and properties. To enhance their antimicrobial activity, this research aimed to cap silver nanoparticles with cellulosic matrices from wheat straws.

Numerical examination of concentration-dependent wastewater sludge ejected into a drinking water source.

One of the significant water-related health challenges globally is due to pollutant fate. Contaminants endanger the lives of humans, animals, and even plants. The present mathematical analysis explains reactive wastewater sludge ejected into a drinking water source from wastewater treatment plants.

Fluorescence sensing and adsorption kinetics of Gd-doped AgInS I-III-VI quantum dots - A case study of Ag ions interactions.

The poor fluorescence properties of magneto-fluorescent paramagnetic-ion (Gd, Mn, or Co) doped I-III-VI quantum dots (QDs) at higher paramagnetic-ion doping concentrations have limited their use in magnetic-driven water-based applications. This work presents, for the first time, the use of stable magneto-fluorescent Gd-doped AgInS QDs at high Gd mole ratios of 16, 20, and 30 for the fluorescence detection and adsorption of Ag ions in water environments. The effect of pH, initial concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were systematically evaluated.

Modeling adsorption and photocatalytic treatment of recalcitrant contaminant on multi-walled carbon/TiO nanocomposite.

A nanocomposite photocatalyst consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO) supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been successfully prepared and used for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with tetracycline (TC), a recalcitrant antibiotic pollutant. The TiO/MCNT composites were prepared by a simple evaporation-drying method. The properties of MWCNT/TiO were optimized by dispersing different amounts of TiO onto MWCNT.

Comparative Study of Sorbents for Spray Dry Scrubbing of SO from Flue Gases.

This study presents the findings of an investigation involving the absorption of SO from flue gases, using three different sorbents, in a spray dryer. Experimentation involved the evaluation of three sorbents, i.e.

Development of a Structural Equation Model to Examine the Relationships between Genetic Polymorphisms and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been used to discover genetic polymorphisms that affect cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been identified as a robust multivariate analysis tool. However, there is a paucity of research that has conducted SEM in African populations.

Quest for NetZero emissions in South African national parks: A tourism perspective.

Globally, national parks contribute to tourism and conservation. Several iconic national parks in Africa attract millions of tourists. These include Table Mountain, Kruger, the Serengeti, Chobe, Hwange, and Gorongosa National Park.

Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Immunosensors for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing is an emerging technological innovation for monitoring small substances/molecules in biological or non-biological systems. In particular, there has been a surge of interest in developing PEC devices for determining molecules of clinical significance. This is especially the case for molecules that are markers for serious and deadly medical conditions.

Trends in removal of pharmaceuticals in contaminated water using waste coffee and tea-based materials with their derivatives.

The introduction of large amounts of pharmaceuticals into the environmental waters is well-documented in literature with their occurrence reported in all different water matrices accessible to humans and animals. At the same time, the increasing consumption of coffee and tea-based beverages results in the generation of solid waste, which is mostly disposed-off in the environment. To minimize environmental pollution, coffee and tea-based materials have been proposed as suitable options to remove pharmaceuticals in environmental waters.

A downstream social norms approach for curtailing e-cigarette waste: Promising social marketing interventions from consumer interactions.

Irresponsibly disposed electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) waste poses significant public health and environmental harm. This study explores downstream social marketing interventions that can be used to curtail the growth of e-cigarette waste in South Africa through the lenses of the social norms approach. This study harnesses the power of social marketing to identify downstream interventions that can be used by marketers to curb the problem of e-cigarette waste.

Chitosan-Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Remediation of Mercury Pollution.

Mercury is a well-known heavy metal pollutant of global importance, typically found in effluents (lakes, oceans, and sewage) and released into the atmosphere. It is highly toxic to humans, animals and plants. Therefore, the current challenge is to develop efficient materials and techniques that can be used to remediate mercury pollution in water and the atmosphere, even in low concentrations.

Quercetin Zinc and Iron Metal Complexes Protect against Sodium Arsenite Intoxication in the Hepato-Renal System of Wistar Rats via the Oxidative Stress Pathway.

Background: Chronic exposure to arsenic is a major health concern consequent upon generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. The safety of treatment with chelating agents has not been well established; therefore, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to management of arsenic toxicity. Bioflavonoids are known to influence redox homeostasis in cells; the study therefore investigates the efficacy of quercetin and its zinc and iron metal complexes on sodium arsenite (NaAr)-intoxication in rats.

Quantification of some ARVs' removal efficiency from wastewater using a moving bed biofilm reactor.

To date, in South Africa alone, there are an estimated 4.5 million people receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. This places South Africa as the country with the largest ARV therapy programme in the world.

Trace Metals, Crude Protein, and TGA-FTIR Analysis of Evolved Gas Products in the Thermal Decomposition of Roasted Worms, Sweet Corn, and Peanuts.

The thermal behavior of worms (), roasted peanuts ( L.), and sweet corn ( L. saccharata) was investigated under inert conditions using the TGA-FTIR analytical technique heated from 64 to 844°C at a heating rate of 20°C/min.

Optimization studies of BTX removal by magnetite coated oleic acid obtained from microwave-assisted synthesis using response surface methodology.

Benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) are volatile organic compounds released into the environment, that require urgent removal to avoid adverse health effects. In this work, the modelling and optimization of the preparation factors for magnetite coated oleic acid (MNP-OA) composite from microwave synthesis using response surface methodology were conducted to maximize BTX removal, and iron content. The influence of five crucial preparation variables: the FeFe solution volumes, microwave power, volume of ammonia water (VAW), reaction time and volume of oleic acid (VOA) on the iron content (% Fe), and BTX adsorption capacity were investigated.

Waste tire pyrolysis and desulfurization of tire pyrolytic oil (TPO) - A review.

The presence of waste tires on open fields or households creates an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying vermin, threatening human well-being. There are various technologies studied for efficient use of waste tires, such as pyrolysis, which results in char, oil, and non-condensable gases. Tire pyrolytic oil (TPO) has been reported to be similar to commercial diesel fuel.