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Edible palm oil has been the parity of the human diet from generation to generation and has contributed both to nutrition and health. These studies investigated some selected heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in palm oil. Eleven (11) samples of ready-consumed edible palm oil were bought randomly from the selected market in calabar metropolis. The samples were digested with 25ml of concentrated H2SO4, for heavy metals analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The physiochemical parameters in selected markets include the following FFA, IV, PV, and protein content were also analyzed using standard methods. The results showed that FFA value range from 9.26 to 12%, Iodine value range from 45.78 to 21.40 MgKOH/g, Peroxide value range from 3.60 to 0.03 Meq/kg, and protein content ranges from 0.06 to 0.2 mg were significantly (p

Liquid accumulation is a major problem in gas wells. The inability of gas to lift coproduced liquids to the surface imposes back pressure on the reservoir, limits the ultimate recovery and ultimately kills the well if improperly managed. Therefore, accurate prediction of its occurrence and reliable monitoring strategy is key to effectively handling liquid accumulation in gas wells. In this study, machine learning algorithms were used to develop regression and classification models to accurately predict the critical flowrate and the loading status of individual wells. The regression models used are the feed-forward neural network and a least squares support vector machine models while the decision trees model was used as the classification model to characterize the loading status of the wells investigated. These models were validated using actual published data and it was observed that the feed-forward neural network performed better in predicting the critical rate compared to the least squares support vector machine model with an R2 value of 0.9833, and thus was adopted. The feed-forward neural network model was further compared with other critical rate models; and a consistent result with least percent error of 5.571% was also observed. Form this study, it is obvious that the neural network model provide benefits and good prospects in investigating liquid loading phenomena in gas wells compared to empirical models that apply so many simplifying assumptions.

The study aims at differentiating lithologic units, general structural trends and orogenic implications of crystalline rocks within part of Oban Massif, Southeastern Nigeria. Field study involve geological mapping, rock description and structural measurement, while laboratory analysis covered photomicrograph. Field observation and microscopic analysis reveal five petrological units; gneisses, schists, granodiorite, pegmatite and quartz veins. The rocks are generally siliceous and quartzo-feldspathic. The schist show foliation planes trending majorly in the NE-SW direction. The gneisses were highly fractured, indicative of a polyphase deformation. Structural elements such as joints, fractures, foliations and veins show series of deformational episodes that affected the area. Rose diagram plot for these structures show the NE-SW direction indicative of the Pan-African orogeny (600±150 Ma) and interpreted as the most recent event affecting the area. NW and NE trending joints are consideredto be tectonic in origin based on their alignments with major structures of the area. Furthermore, the structures also showed weak NW-SE and E-W trends, an imprint of older (Kibaran orogeny) deformational episodes.

The study on the action of Acetylcholine and Rivastigmine as Corrosion Inhibitors of Cu – Sn - Zn – Pb Alloy in Hydrochloric Acid Environment was carried out using density functional theory, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Potentiodynamic polarization, Scanning electron microscopy and weight loss. The result revealed that both Acetylcholine and Rivastigmine expired drugs were good inhibitors of Cu – Sn - Zn – Pb Alloy in Hydrochloric Acid Environment. This was confirmed from results of weight loss (99.1 % and 95.0 %), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) (92.5 % and 91.8 %), and Potentiodynamic polarization (97.4 % and 87.1 %). Both inhibitors were able to increase the charge transfer resistance and corrosion current densities of the electrical solution and reduce the double layer capacitance of the metal – solution interface. Inhibition was as a result of adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the Cu – Sn - Zn – Pb surface. Thermodynamically, inhibitors showed greater stability on metal surface, spontaneous in the forward direction and reduction in level of disorderliness. Inhibitors demonstrated a mixed type inhibition while physical adsorption mechanism was proposed for the inhibitor – metal interaction. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was obeyed as data fitted adequately to the isotherm and regression coefficient was approximately unity. A monolayer adsorption was deduces.

The study of high-resolution aeromagnetic data was carried out over the Gongola basin, upper Benue trough, northeastern Nigeria, for analytic signal depth determination. Total intensity magnetic map obtained from the data using the Oasis Montaj TM programming software was used to get the residual map by polynomial fitting, from where the analytic signal was obtained with the use of anomaly width at half the amplitude (X1/2). This was used to carry out depth estimations over the study area. The results showed that it peaks over the magnetic structure with local maxima over its edges (boundaries or contact), and the amplitude is simply related to magnetization, likewise results also showed that the depth estimates were in the range of 1.2 to 5.9 km and were calculated for contact, dyke/sill and horizontal cylinder respectively. The lowest values are from DD profiles, while the highs are from AA profiles. This work is important in identifying dykes, contacts and intrusives over an area.

The marble deposits at Ubo and Ikpeshi areas of Edo state, Southwestern Nigeria, were studied in order to determine the major elements and the paleo-depositional environment of the original sediments using standard methods. Results obtained using test of difference between Ubo and Ikpeshi marbles showed that CaO (51.977±0.922 & 54.726±0.23), MgO (3.034±0.829 & 0.499±0.115), Na2O (1.7±0.73 & 0.024±0.008), MgCO3 (6.337±1.734 & 1.034±0.238), Cu (24.589±0.692 & 27.447±0.711), Ni (23.907±0.854 & 30.979±0.494), all for Ubo and Ikpeshi respectively; with Ni showing highest significance with P

The phytochemical screening and antibacterial effects of Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum)on Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae was carried out. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, glycosides and phenols in the seed extract. The susceptibility test showedzones of inhibition (ZOI) of S. typhi (11.0mm) and K. pneumonia (13.0mm)with methanolic seed extract (MSE), while the hot aqueous seed extract (HASE) recorded 3.0mmas ZOI for both test organisms. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200mg/ml and 100mg/ml were recorded against S. typhi and K. pneumoniae respectively with MSE, while HASE indicated 400mg/ml and 200mg/ml MICs against S. typhi and K. pneumoniae respectively. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) obtained from MSE were 200 mg/ml and 25mg/ml for S. typhiand K. pneumoniae, while HASE had > 400mg/ml for test microbes. The effectiveness of different concentrations of the test plant extracts on the test organisms was significant (P

Study on assessmentof biodiesel fuel potentials of seed crude oil extracts of Balanites aegyptiaaca (L.) Del was carriedout. Standard methods of the Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC) were adopted to evaluate the proximate, physico-chemical properties and fatty acid compositions of crude seed oil extracts of the test plant. The proximate constituents of the crude seed oil extract gave crude protein (22.09%), crude fat (56.75%), moisturecontent (1.35%), ash (4.70%), crudefiber (12.75%) and carbohydrate (2.36%). The crude oil physicochemical properties included saponification value(216.439mgKOH/g), peroxide value(4.84meq/kg), acid value(2.18mgKOH/g), iodine value(77.08g/100g), viscosity value(150.3@30°C) and cetane number(54.08), refractive index(1.487 @30°C), relative density (0.949g/cm3) while calorific value was 39.03(MJ/kg). The fatty acids composition of crude kernel oil extract of B. aegyptiaca indicated the presence of four (4) fatty acids, with relative percentage abundance (RPA) in the order of 67.17% (9,12-Octadecanoic acid (C19 H3402)) > 16.22% (Pentadecanoic acid (C17H3402)) > 11.8kg% (Heptacosanoic acid (C28H5602)) > 4.72% (Oleic acid(C18H3402)). These properties conferred relative prospects on the crude oil of the test plant as a suitable potential biodiesel substrate and consequently, large scale aforestation efforts be renewed, to guarantee ready availability of the raw materials. Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca, Biodiesel, proximate, physicochemical, crude seed oil extracts

This work introduces a newly developed kinetic mechanism and thermodynamic study that gives a clear theoretical insight between the iodine and chromium in acid solution. The paper mainly focuses on evaluating kinetic mechanism and thermodynamic properties of the oxidation of iodide by dichromate ion in acidic medium. This study was investigated using iodometric method. The rate has been studied by appropriate choice of concentrated conditions at constant temperature and ionic strength. The kinetic studies revealed half order reaction with respect to dichromate ion, first order for iodide ion and second order for hydrogen ion concentration. The dependence of reaction rate on the temperature was monitored in order to generate some thermodynamic parameters, which can be used in predicting the direction and spontaneity of the reaction. The thermodynamic studies of this reaction revealed negative values for ΔG, ΔS and positive values for ΔH which is an indication that the reaction wasspontaneous and endothermic. The oxidant chromium (vi) exist in acidic media as H2CrO4. The effect of ionic strength on the rate of redox reaction was investigated. The ionic strength was adjusted by varying the concentration of the nitrate to maximum. The effect of temperature was also studied to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters. Transition metals should be use as catalyst for future purpose to monitor the rate of redox reaction. The techniques employed on this research are very useful in determining the rate of a redox reaction. Keywords: Kinetic, thermodynamic, oxidation, iodometric method

Unwanted crude oil emulsions occur in many stages of oil production, transportation, and processing. The huge cost resulting from corrosion of transport system and production facilities, because of the presence of water is a major challenge to the oil industry and the global economy. However, the addition of alcohols to demulsifiers has been reported to enhance their efficiency in removing water from emulsions. There is therefore the need to identify the best type of alcohols and optimize this process of addition. Consequently in this work, the effect of different straight and branched chain alcohols on the performance enhancement of demulsifiers was investigated using four different crude oil emulsion samples. The results showed that straight alcohols performed better when compared to branched chain alcohols under all conditions of temperature. This may be due to their slow mobility particularly in stable emulsions. Keywords : Crude Oil, Emulsion, Emulsifiers, Demulsifiers, Alcohols

The character of gelatinized cassava starch was studied with a view to deciphering its rate of organic solvent absorption. Solution casting method was employed in fabricating the cast films. Cassava starch (CS) was initially modified to produce thermoplastic starch (TPS) and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) added to the matix. Absorption test was also carried out by introducing glycerol into the mixture to completely gelatinize the blend. Each blended sample was dried in a closed vessel for 12 hours and then cured in the oven for half an hour at 800C. Finally, the film was peeled off from the glass plate and sealed for experimental use. Results revealed that increase in polyvinyl alcohol content produced a corresponding increase in organic solvent uptake rate. However, this results implies that the cast films could absorb more water (hydrophilic) and microorganisms in a soil water environment increasingly over time with an increasing starch content, thus leading to a greater biodegradation.Keywords: Biodegradable, resistance, gelatinization, thermoplastic

Geo-electrical resistivity survey was conducted in part of the University of Benin, Benin-City, Ovia Northeast of Edo State, Nigeria, with a view to establishing the most dependable aquifer bearing zone and the lateral and vertical variation of subsurface lithology with distance and depth respectively. In this study, the schlumberger electrode configuration was employed for the acquisition of VES data in the field. A total of 6 VES stations were engaged within the study area. A, H and HK resistivity curve types were identified, reflecting facies or lithological variations in the area. Three patterns of geo-electrical resistivity curves obtained using IP2WIN software can be associated with different rock formations in the study area. Dar Zarruk Parameters were tools used for aquifer characterization in determining the groundwater potential of the area and capacity bearing rating, viz: Total transverse resistance (T) and Total longitudinal conductance (S), Resistivity Contrast (RC) and Resistivity Reflection Coefficient (RRC). Results obtained shows that VES 1 (coordinate N6o 23’56.69’’, E5o 37’ 32.83’’) with four layers and an A curve type is the most potential source for groundwater compared to other VES points. It is a sandy clay layer of resistivity 198Ωm, with thickness to infinity and well confined at the top by a laterite layer. VES 1 has the highest Total Traverse Resistance 690310 Ωm2 (showing a very good transmmitivity of the layer), Resistivity Contrast (0.01) and Resistivity Reflection Coefficient (0.90), all parameters falling within good prospect for groundwater development, but has a Total Longitudinal Conductance (S) value of 0.002 mho which shows that VES 1 has a poor bearing capacity. In summary, the results of the geo-electrical resistivity survey conducted at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge area of University of Benin using Schlumberger Array, revealed the most dependable aquifer bearing zone and the lateral and vertical variation of subsurface lithology with distance and depth respectively. Keywords: Geo-electrical Resistivity, Aquifer, Subsurface Lithology, Benin-City

In this paper agricultural waste; Canarium schweinfurthii was explored for the sequestering of Fe and Pb ions from wastewater solution after carbonization and chemical treatment at 400 o C. Optimum time of 30 and 150 min with percentage removal of 95 and 98% at optimum pH of 2 and 6 was obtained for Fe and Pb ions. Kinetics model followed pseudofirst order as sum of absolute error (EABS) between Q e and Q c greater than that of pseudo second order. Parameters evaluated from isothermal equation (Freundlich and Langmuir) showed that K L and Q O for Fe > Pb and R 2 for Langmuir> Freundlich. The study reveals the suitability of the adsorbent for sequestering of Fe and Pb ions from industrial wastewater. ©JASEM Keywords : Adsorbent; Pb; Fe; Kinetics and Isotherm

This study investigates the distribution of phthalateacid esters (PAEs) in groundwater from some power stations in Delta State. Groundwater samples were collected from eight power transmission and distribution stations. Concentrations (μg/L) of six phthalate acid esters compounds in the groundwater ranged from 0.000–2.547(DMP), 0.053–0.180(DEP), 0.100–0.443 (DBP), 0.400-0.660(DEHP) and 0.000-0.020 (DnOP), while BBP was not detected in all the locations. Lowest total PAEs concentration was recorded in Edjeba Station (0.994±0.040μg/L) while the highest concentration was recorded in Mofo Station (3.380±0.012μg/L). Analysis of variance showed significant difference in concentration of DMP (p

Dietary composition and aspect of reproductive biology (fecundity and sex ratio) of African carp was investigated for 12 months. Specimens were collected from artisenal fishermen, measured for Length (cm) and weight (g), examined for genital papilla in the male and the stomach removed for food analysis. The main food categories were crustaceans, rotifers, insects, worms, plant parts and mud. The index of relative importance (IRI) values indicated that 13 out of the 21 food items were major diet components. The prominence of detritus in the diet indicated that L. coubie is a bottom feeder and is euryphagus. Fifty eight (58) 28.6% out of the 205 females had matured gonads. Absolute fecundity ranged from 679 to 15073 eggs. The relative fecundity ranged from 40 to 793eggs/Length (cm) and 64 to 286 eggs/weight (g). Spawning was between the months of May through August. The Length – Weight yielded significant results for female than male indicating that, females were in better condition than the males. The overall sex ratio of L. coubie was 1:1.67 in favour of females. The wide food range and high fecundity made L. coubie suitable for pond culture. @ JASEM J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 19 - 24

Dietary composition and aspect of reproductive biology (fecundity and sex ratio) of African carp was investigated for 12 months. Specimens were collected from artisenal fishermen, measured for Length (cm) and weight (g), examined for genital papilla in the male and the stomach removed for food analysis. The main food categories were crustaceans, rotifers, insects, worms, plant parts and mud. The index of relative importance (IRI) values indicated that 13 out of the 21 food items were major diet components. The prominence of detritus in the diet indicated that L. coubie is a bottom feeder and is euryphagus. Fifty eight (58) 28.6% out of the 205 females had matured gonads. Absolute fecundity ranged from 679 to 15073 eggs. The relative fecundity ranged from 40 to 793eggs/Length (cm) and 64 to 286 eggs/weight (g). Spawning was between the months of May through August. The Length – Weight yielded significant results for female than male indicating that, females were in better condition than the males. The overall sex ratio of L. coubie was 1:1.67 in favour of females. The wide food range and high fecundity made L. coubie suitable for pond culture. @ JASEMJ. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 19 - 24