Applied Chemistry

Honey is a natural product, it is used for different purposes as nutritional, medicinal and industrial and it is an important commodity in the local and international markets. This study has been carried out for honey analysis from four different regions in Sudan to determine the physiochemical characterization. The ash content in range 0.173 % to 1.013 % within Codex standard 0.6 %. Moisture content range was 13.936 % to 15.863 % the standard value 20%. The protein content range was 0.875 % to 1.750 %. Insoluble solids content ranged from 0.066 % to 0.337 %, with standard value 0.1%. Diastase activity content not detected in one samples and maximum value 10.241 Schade. The pH and acidity determined where pH ranged 3.81 to 4.77. Free acidity determined, results ranged from 16.00 to 33.50 meq/Kg, obtained within international standards 50 meq/Kg. Lactone content ranged from 118.50 to 297.00 meq/Kg. The total acidity was ranged from 134.5 to 314.5 meq/Kg. Analyzed honey samples are of high quality and conform to international standards. The variation of some compounds which detected in honey sample due to botanical origin of honey and other the parameters influence in honey quality.

The aquatic environment is continuously at the mercy of man's negative impact pollution activities. Three tropical species a: Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus), b: Croaker fish (Micropogonias undulates), c: Catfish (Bagrus bayad) of the fish usually available in Nigeria was purchased, analyzed for proximate and heavy metal composition. The aim of this study is to determine the proximate analysis and heavy metals composition in the three species of fish. The fish samples were cut into chunks using the ratio of 3:1 of HCl and HNO3 to digest it. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotoscopy (ICP-OES) was used for heavy metal quantification. The results of the proximate analysis for tilapia fish, Croaker fish and Catfish showed that the crude protein (17.29, 15.34, 11.03) %, ash content (0.88, 0.88, 0.97) %, total carbohydrate (CHO) (15.39, 11.08, 12.50) %, Crude lipid (7.28, 8.79, 10.35) %, and moisture content (59.18, 63.88, 65.17) % respectively. The estimated concentrations of heavy metals analysed for the Tilapia Fish, Croaker fish and catfish are Pb, Ba, Cr, Zn. The concentrations of the heavy metals determined are in order of Pb > Ba > Cr > Zn. The results of the proximate analysis obtained are in close argument with that in the literature which ranges from (0.065, 0.051, 0.051) % (0.046, 0.042, 0.042) %, (0.010, 0. 053, 0.007) % (0.028, 0.001, 0.041) % for crude protein, ash content, total carbonhydrate, and crude lipid respectively. In conclusion, the protein, lipid, CHO, fiber and moisture content in three (3) fish species Oreochromis niloticus, Micropogonias undulates, Bagrus bayad and the heavy metal determined varies among the different fish species and the highest percentage values for Pb, Ba, Cr and Zn are 0.061 %, 0.046 %, 0.053 % and 0.041 % respectively.

Two composites - 1) Molybdenum dicarbonate-filter paper and 2) Molybdenum dicarbonate-activated carbon were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX. Using the method of UV-visible spectroscopy, the removal efficiences and adsorption capacities of these composites towards the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution were compared. The findings of the MB adsorption with these composites (I and II) indicated equilibrium adsorption in less than 5 minutes. Composites I and II have MB removal efficiencies of 87% and 96.25%, respectively, and their estimated adsorption capacities at 20°C are 432 mg g-1 and 481 mg g-1. The adsorption process of MB onto Molybdenum dicarbonate-filter paper (composite I) suited well with the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetics and conformed to intraparticle diffusion model for Molybdenum dicarbonate-activated carbon composite (composite II). Adsorption of MB onto composite I aligned with both Freundlich model and Tempkin models due to higher values of correlation coefficients and fitted well with Langmiur model for composite II. Adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The adsorption results revealed that these composites could be employed as effective adsorbents to remove dyes from industrial effluents.

Activated carbons were prepared by carbonization and activation of Coula eludies seed shells. This was done using ZnCl2 as the activating chemical and the activation was done using sample to activating chemical ratios of 1: 10 and 1:20 (g/v). The activated carbon obtained were characterized by determining the percentage yield, moisture content, ash content and percentage fixed carbon. The adsorption of methylene blue by the activated carbon was done using 100mg to 500mg of the activated carbon. The results revealed that the yield, moisture content, ash content and percentage fixed carbon of 1:10 impregnated activated carbon were 41.94%, 11.20%, 7.00% and 92.00% respectively while that of the 1:20 impregnated activated carbon were 38.76%, 18.56%, 5.50% and 96.50% respectively. These results show that the yield and the ash content of 1:10 impregnated activated carbon is higher than that of 1:20 impregnated activated carbon. While 1:20 impregnated activated carbon has higher moisture content and percentage fixed carbon. The adsorption study also revealed that 1:20 impregnated activated carbon had greater adsorption capacity. However adsorption efficient was increased with increase in adsorbent dosage.

The work aims to carry out a survey on the production and consumption of sausage in Benin. Indded, the sausage constitutes a source of protein and the surveys were carried out in the various communes of Benin, on the basis of a reasonable sample of 120 consumers and food sellers in each department of Benin. These surveys relate to the production of chicken sausage which is done according to the different stages which are the pre-treatment of raw materials, bonig, trimming, chopping, cutting, embossing, draining, druing and sterilization. These result showed that the majority of consumers surveyed use Minu and Morifresh brand sausages to accompany meals rich in protein. The results also showed that the different types of sausages are used to accompany several culinary dishes in Benin

The assessment of heavy metals (Hg, Cu, Pb and Cd) by means of a Peroxidase - based assay is here presented. The method is based the inhibition of peroxidase activity by heavy metals. Measurements were made spectrophotometrically via the catalytic oxidation of guaiacol in the presence of H2O2. Preliminary characterization and optimization of the assay system revealed enzyme activity of 130 U/ml, Vmax of 0.178mM/min and Km of 0.184mM. Optimal reaction time was found to be 7 minutes; optimal pH was 6 and temperature was 40°C. Inhibition-based estimation of heavy metal ions was evaluated via calibration curves of metal concentration against %inhibition of peroxidase activity. The assay revealed detection limits between 0.006 – 0.045mg/L for the metals and repeatability in the range of 2.3 – 5.4% RSD. Application of the method to water analysis revealed percentage recoveries between 76.0 – 124.0%. Overall, the method showed good potential for further use in the biomonitoring of heavy metal pollutants

Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate the interactions of carbonization temperatures of adsorbents and concentrations of adsorbates on the adsorption capacities and removal efficiencies of activated carbons obtained from flamboyant (Delonix regia) pod bark (FB), milk bush (Thevetia peruviana) kernel shell (MB) and rice (Oryza sativa) husks (RH). The activated carbons produced at various temperatures (300 – 6000C) were used to adsorb concentrations (50 – 150 mg/L) of naphthalene and acenaphthene in a batch process at 150 rpm. The amount adsorbed was quantified with gas chromatography (GC-FID). Two factors interaction (2FI) model , showed that the interactions between increasing activation temperature of the adsorbents and increasing concentrations of the adsorbates increased the adsorption capacity of the MB while the adsorption capacities of FB and RH were reduced. The order of suitability of the adsorbents is MB > RH > FB and MB > FB > RH, respectively.

The seed of Syzygium aromaticum was analysed for its proximate and mineral elements constituents, the chemical characteristics and fatty acids profile of the seed oil were also investigated. Results revealed that the seed contain (g/100g) moisture (23.4 ± 1.25), ash (9.10 ± 0.55), crude fibre (10.65± 0.21), crude fat (18.90± 0.04), crude protein (7.00± 0.01) and carbohydrate (30.95 ± 2.17), gross calorific value of 321.9 K cal/g. The quantities of nutritive elements in mg/kg were Mg (1259.50 ± 30.10); Ca (782.40 ± 10.65); Fe (710.65 ± 5.20), Na (2.56 ± 0.02) and K (2.69 ± 0.03). The chemical properties of the seed oil revealed iodine value of 122.08 ± 1.01 mg/g oil, peroxide value of 6.00 ± 0.02Meq/kg and saponification value of 187.00 ± 1.42 mg KOH/g. Eleven fatty acids were identified in the seed oil by GC, total saturated fatty acids was 61.37 %, alpha linoleic acid was 19.09 % and docosahexaenoic acid was present at 2.94%. The seed could be explored as feed supplement and its oil considered for industrial applications.

Improper disposal of wastewater is one of the major problems our societies are facing today. The high cost of treating waste produced by industries every day is very high, which makes it difficult for industries to treat their wastewater effectively before disposal or reuse. The aim of this research work is to characterize the adsorbent (carbide ash) and use it to remove the four different heavy metals (Cadmium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese) present in wastewater. The drying method was used for the carbide ash waste while the adsorption method was used for the wastewater treatment. The moisture content of the ash was determined, and analytical techniques was used to characterize the ash are Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microsco [FTIR, (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for the quantification of the untreated and treated wastewater. FTIR results showed the spectrum at 3218cm-1 (stretching vibration hydroxyl group), 1375.cm-1 (bending vibration of methyl group), 764.1 cm-1 ( presence of calcium oxide), scanning electron microscope (SEM) which shows the smooth morphology of carbide, X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified mineral composition (Portlandite Syn = 65 %, Lime = 24 %, Osumilite = 3.9 %, Quartz Syn = 2.8 %, Graphite-3R = 1 % and Anhydrite Syn = 3.1 %) of carbide ash sample, th ermogravimetric analysis (TGA) which shows the stability of carbide ash at decreased mass of 20 g when its temperature increased reaches 470 °C and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis which shows the pore sizes of 5.0783 e. The quantitative analysis of the adsorption treatment was carried out by the optimization of (dosage, time and pH). The result of the moisture content is (4.5 %). The results for the analysis for the optimized dosage for the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (80.71, 79.9, 99.89, and 80.29) %. The pH optimization for the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (81.09, 97.56, 75.58, and 85.47) % respectively and for the time optimization of the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (81.09, 81.0, 73.41, and 72.06) % respectively. In conclusion, this study proves that carbide ash is effective for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, with removal efficiency of 99.8%.

A simple, reliable and selective square wave cathodic Adsorptive stripping (SWCAS) voltammetric method at modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for determination of Cobalt(II) has been developed and evaluated. Square wave Cathodic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric (SWCASV) mechanism is proposed to interpret the amplified sensitivity. The procedure is based on the interfacial preconcentration of Cobalt (II) ion on magneson through a surface coordination effect. Different parameters such as medium, pH, accumulation potential, scan rate, accumulation time and ionic strength were tested to optimize the conditions for the determination of Cobalt(II) ion. The adsorbed form is reduced irreversible at optimal conditions viz; 0.15M Britton–Robinson universal buffer (pH~9.5). Linear concentration range 2×10-12 - 6×10-11 M (0.00012 – 0.00354 ng/mL (at 60s, can be determined successfully. The interferences of some common interfering species and some metal ions were studied. The application of the procedure in Lab tap water sample demonstrates that it is possible to determine Co(II) ion at a level as low as 5.13×10-10 mol/L (0.03 ng/mL) in real sample with a recovery of 103%, a standard deviation (triplicate measurements) of 3.08%, and a confidence level of 95%. The concentration of Co(II) in lab tap water sample was confirmed by analysis the sample by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer.