Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences

Production and Characterization of Silica from Rice Husk: An Updated Review

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Rice is regarded as one of the most valuable sources which is consumed by almost fifty percent of the world’s population. Rice husk ash is a by-product substance obtained from the rice husk by thermal and chemical treatment. The non-crystalline nature of silica content in rice husk, which is converted to crystalline silica such as quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite on thermal treatment. It has been an important material which impacts not only enhances the betterment of industrialization but also protects the environment from pollution. The produced silica was characterized by various analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Thermal analysis. This review is given attention to integrating and investigating processing, properties, characterization, reactivity, and application of rice husk (RH) and rice husk silica (RHS).

What Principle Governs the Chemical Dynamic/Kinetic Process (3)?

Wei-Xing Xu — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this work we discussed the description of the chemical dynamic/kinetic process. It is noticed that the conventional one way description about the chemical dynamic/kinetic process is a mathematically correct but physically incorrect description, because the chemical reaction doesn’t follow the one way mechanism as scientist’ will. Instead, the forward chemical dynamic/kinetic processes are always accompanied by the backward chemical dynamic/kinetic processes. Based on this physical picture for the chemical reaction dynamic/kinetic process, it is concluded: 1.the forward and backward chemical reactions follow the same route, just the time direction is reversed and 2.the exponential factor of the rate constant of the chemical reaction is the same for forward and backward chemical reaction dynamic/kinetic processes.

Oxovanadium (IV) Complexes of α-Amino Acid Schiff Bases and Polypyridyl Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity

Muhammad Atique Hasan, Hafizur Rahman, Md. Masuqul Haque, Md. Nazrul Islam — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes of the type [VO(L)(bpy)] (V-1 to V-5) have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR and UV-Vis spectra, molar conductance, melting points, and magnetic susceptibilities measurements, where L= N-salicylidene-β-alanine (sal-ala), N-salicylidene-glycine (sal-gly), N-salicylidene-DL-β-phenylalanine (sal-pheala), N-salicylidene-leucine (sal-leu), and N-salicylidene-DL-methionine (sal-met), and bpy is 2,2´-bipyridine. The infrared spectral data reveals that the tridentate nature of the amino acid-based Schiff base ligand and the coordination of the ligand through azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen and carboxylate oxygen with vanadyl (VO²⁺) ion. All of these complexes were determined to be non-electrolyte in nature, according to conductivity measurements. The magnetic moment measurements have been attributed that these complexes are paramagnetic and have d¹ configuration of vanadium (IV) ion. In Virto antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes was evaluated against two gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris) bacterial strains.

Assessment of Concentrations and Distributions of Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Abandoned Mine Sites of Jos South and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State Nigeria

Lubis S, Shibdawa M. A., Adamu H, Dahiru A. A., Bakji G, Ngap J.S — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State is situated in the central part of Northern Nigeria, on a rugged terrain of lowlands. It is the principal centre of tin and columbite mineralization, which forms the focal area of younger granites. The work was aimed at assessing the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soils of abandoned tin mines and the soil’s physicochemical properties. The samples were collected in July, from five different locations in both Barkin Ladi and Jos South where mining activities were predominant. The samples were analyzed using a gamma-ray spectrometer. The result obtained reveals a range of the concentrations of ⁴⁰K as 116.76 ± 0.21 to 250.15 ±0.,42 Bq/kg, ²²⁶Ra from 24.37 ± 0.31 to 90.45 ± 0.86 Bq/kg, and ²³²Th from 15.74 ± 0.71 to 88.43 ± 0.14 Bq/kg. The result of the physicochemical properties of the soil analyzed ranges from pH (3.12 to 6.81); organic carbon (0.01 to 1.62%); organic matter (0.22 to 3.01 %), cation exchange capacity (1.01 to 4,21Cmol/kg); clay (9.72 to 40.82 %); silt (8.32 to 40.32% and sand (32.42 to 75.38%) respectively. All the ⁴⁰K results analyzed in all the sampling sites were lower than the recommended limits of 412Bq/kg, whereas most of the results of ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th were above the 33Bq/kg and 45Bq/kg recommended safe limits. Exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil can pose potential health risks to nearby populations. The physicochemical properties of the soil varied across the sampling sites. Most of the sampling sites are polluted with radionuclides and migrations of the radionuclides from the ex-mining sites to other parts of the environment were noticed from the studies conducted.

Congo Red Removal from Polluted Water using NaOH Treated Fallen Leaves of Ficus racemosa

G. Indramahalakshmi — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Naoh treated biosorbent Ficus Racemosa Leaf Powder (NaFRLP) was prepared from the fallen leaves of the plant. FT-IR, SEM and BET analysis were done to characterize the biosorbent. The biosorbent was found to be mesoporous with an average pore size 18 nm. Batch adsorption equilibrium studies were conducted for the adsorption of congo red on NaFRLP as a function of adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, dye concentration, temperature and contact time. Batch adsorption studies revealed that with an increase in the time of adsorption, the percentage removal of congo red increases and with an increase in the concentration of dye solution, congo red removal decreases. Initial dye concentration of 100 mgL^-1, agitation speed 200 rpm and adsorbent dosage 1gL^-1 were the optimum conditions for the effective removal of congo red. The adsorption data well agreed with the Langmuir isotherm as indicated by the higher correlation coefficient (R²=0.962) value. Thermodynamic analysis of the batch adsorption studies indicated that all the processes studied were spontaneous with the congo red adsorption on NaFRLP being endothermic. Intra particle diffusion model was also tested. NaFRLP was found to be an effective adsorbent for the removal of congo red from the polluted water.

A Computational Approach on Fenofibrate Drug Using Degree-Based Topological Indices and M-polynomials

S. Nagarajan, M. Durga — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Fenofibrate is a drug approved by FDA Food and Drugs Administration used to treat patients with Hypertrigly ceridemia primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B and increases high -density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults. The sum and multiplicative versions of several topological indices such as General Zagreb, General Randic, Arithmetic Geometric Index, Inverse sum (Indeg) Index, Symmetric Division (Deg) Index, Forgotten Indices M-polynomials of Fenofibrate are computed in this article.

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Carbonated Soft Drinks Bottled in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles Kept under Various Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Mrema, Evarist E., Chaula, D. N, Chove, B. E — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Carbonated soft drinks (CSD), packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage globally. People of all ages enjoy CSDs for their flavour, mouthfeel, crispness, freshness, and capacity to both quench thirst and provide mental refreshment. Terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and other additives such as phthalates are the materials used to make these PET bottles. Several studies have demonstrated that phthalates may migrate into packaged goods and, when consumed, can cause several ill-health conditions to humans. Type II diabetes, obesity, asthma, male and female reproductive disorders, tumours (including breast cancer), pituitary, hypothalamic, and peripheral hormone disorders, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the health issues reported to be associated with phthalates.

Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the presence and concentration of phthalates in PET bottled carbonated soft drinks produced in Mwanza City, and to examine the effects of various storage conditions on the migration of these contaminants into the product.

Methods: Liquid-liquid extraction, clean-up techniques, and chromatographic analysis were used as the methods of determination to identify and quantify the specific phthalates compounds.

Results: The findings demonstrated that after being stored outdoors for four to six months, the migration, especially for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate (DEHP), became more apparent. After two, four, and six months of indoor storage, there was no appreciable change in the mean concentrations of DMP (dimethyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and DEHP for either brand in this study. Compared to indoor storage, the DBP and DEHP migration increased by up to 24-fold when the two brands were kept outdoors for four and six months. Thus, the safety and quality of carbonated soft drinks were seriously compromised by the phthalate compounds from the PET bottles that these companies were using.

Conclusion: The study's conclusions show that PET packaging, which is influenced by the bottle manufacturing process and raw material formulations for packages of the studied CSDs, are responsible for the migration of phthalates into the products. The storage conditions and time are established to be the primary causes of phthalates migration in bottled carbonated soft drinks. Though the migration figures in this study are lower than those of the other studies from different locations that were compared, it is important to remember that these compounds may interfere with hormones even in small quantities.

Physico-Chemical Parameters and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Some Domestic Water Sources in Pankshin LGA of Plateau State Nigeria

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Due to human activity and other natural influences, drinking water is seldom found in 100% pure forms in nature. Drinking polluted water is a major source of sickness in underdeveloped nations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and standard methodologies for the investigation of water and wastewater were followed in the analysis of the collected water samples, which were conducted using automated instrumental methods. The obtained results indicated that the samples used had the following ranges of concentrations: SO₄^2- ranges from ND to 19.00 mg/L; NO₃^-ranges from 4.40 to 100.32 mg/L; PO₄^2- from 2.02-11,34 mg/L; pH 6.64 to 7.70; Cd from 0.0020 ± 0.001 to 0245 ± 0.01 mg/L; Ni, from 0.0074 ± 0.003 to 0.848 ± 0.021 mg/L; Cr, ND to 0.386 ± 0.082 mg/L; Pb ND to 0.428 ± 0.003 mg/L; total bacteria count TaBC, 4 x 10² to 3.3 x 10⁴ CFU/mL. Most of the physicochemical parameters were above acceptable limits. The bacteriological study of the water samples also revealed that the water samples were all polluted with bacteria and coliforms. From the foregoing, these drinking water sources, therefore require treatment before consumption to minimize or avoid the incidences of water-related diseases.

Wastewater Phytopurification Monitoring with Congolese Planted Filters, Republic of Congo

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to evaluate the purifying power of two Congolese plant filters or emerging macrophytes EP-F (Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) Hutch) and CA-F (Cyperus alternifolius L.) on wastewater coming from the Total market, the largest national market of Brazzaville in Congo. To do this, we set up an experimental device composed of gravel, fine sand and two plants. These plants were cultivated in an experimental pilot consisting of 8 tanks of 42,000 cm³ of wastewater at treat each one, in addition to 2 tanks used as controls. The purifying performance study of the system after 90 days of treatment showed a significant reduction in physical, organic and mineral pollution. Using the planted filter EP-F (Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam)Hutch), we obtain reduction rates of almost 100% for turbidity and for suspended matter (SM), 75.42% for COD, 76.5% for NH₄⁺ ions, 99.5% for NO₃^- ions and 99.73% for PO₄^3- ions. In the case of the CA-F (Cyperus alternifolius L) planted filter, we obtain reduction rates of almost 100% for turbidity and SM, 80.94% for COD, 93% for ions. NH₄⁺, 89.11% for NO₃^- ions and 98.93% for PO₄^3- ions. Furthermore, we also noted an increase in organic and mineral pollutants concentrations in the two plants compared to the raw plants before wastewater passage. This study showed that Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) Hutch and Cyperus alternifolius L. are effective macrophyte filters to eliminate physical, organic and mineral pollution.

Health Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Cultured Chanos chanos (Bangus) and Scylla serrata (Mudcrab) in Selected Municipalities in Northern Samar

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

One of the common problem in fishponds is heavy metal contamination. Though there are some heavy metal elements that are naturally occurring, but due to human activities, their concentration goes beyond what is normal. In this study, health risks analysis using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), Target Cancer Risk (TCR) were done to assess if the quantities of the heavy metals, such as: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Mercury, impose risks to consumer. Arsenic had the highest concentration among all other heavy metals in crab aligue, having 46.83 mg/kg. The consumption of bangus meat may result in an EDI that is greater than PTDI, especially for Arsenic [15.22731-18.10317 μg kg⁻1 BW d⁻1]. Similarly, consuming crab aligue may also result to a high EDI for Arsenic [2.48197-5.27841μg kg⁻1 BW d⁻1]. THQ was also evaluated as well as the sum of individual heavy metal values which is the Hazard Index (HI) that exceeded to 1 multiple times. In terms of TCR levels, all of the heavy metals exceeded the acceptable limit for cancer risks. Shapiro-Wilk Test had shown non-normal distribution of data for EDI, THQ, and TCR. Spearman’s Correlation Test, meanwhile, suggested that there is a significant relationship between the quantities of heavy metals in bangus meat and crab aligue as well as EDI, THQ, and TCR. In general, based on the health risks assessments (EDI, THQ, and TCR), Arsenic, an established carcinogen, can be the greatest contributor in developing risks and disease, while the varying concentration of Chromium and Cadmium in the samples may also pose risks to consumers. This implies that strict management measures should be implemented to mitigate or lessen the discharge of these heavy metals in the aquatic systems.

African Breadfruit Seed Oil as Lipid Phase of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improved Gastrointestinal Fluid Solubility of Ibuprofen: Design and Evaluation

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Rain forest vegetations all over the world produce large quantity of economically important seed oils which, in most developing countries are utilized only as food condiments but hardly employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to formulate ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system for the enhancement of the gastrointestinal fluid solubility of this poorly water soluble drug.

Methods: The breadfruit seed oil was extracted by the soxhlet extraction technique and characterized for various physicochemical properties including acid, iodine, peroxide, saponification values and organoleptic properties. The super saturation solubility process, water titration studies and pseudo ternary phase diagrams were used to select and quantify the components of the emulsion systems. The liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems were converted to solid forms by adsorption onto a blend of miceocrystalline cellulose and Aerosil-200 powders. The resulting wet mass was dried and processed for encapsulation.

Results: The percentage yield of the oil from the extraction process was 20.68 % while the acid, iodine, and saponification values were, 4.12 ± 1.24, 21.91 ± 0.88, and 302.45 ± 1.22 respectively. The ibuprofen exhibited higher solubility in the hydrolysed oil than in the crude form. Fourier transform infrared analysis did not reveal existence of component incompatibility. The optimized liquid and solid emulsions exhibited standard characteristics that were compatible to previous literature reports. The formulations also exhibited superior drug release properties over two control samples.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Breadfruit seed oil has the potential to function as the lipid component of ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system formulated to enhance the aqueous solubility of the drug.

Synthesis of TiO\(_2\) Impregnated Ribes nigrum Stem Nanoactivated Carbon and their Application to Remove Heavy Metals

Buhari Magaji , Nasiru Yahaya Pindiga , Ibrahim Mohammed Bida — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nanoactivated carbons from Ribes nigrum (black currant) stem were prepared using two-step procedure with excellent yield and were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed O-H, C=C, C=N, and C-O stretching. XRD analysis revealed the particle sizes as 29.57 nm for stem activated carbon (SAC) and 26.55 nm for stem activated carbon impregnated with titanium (SAT) while, the morphology of the SAC and SAT were revealed by SEM to be spherical, granular and porous. The prepared nanoactivated materials were used for removal of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from aqueous solution. The influences of initial metal ion concentration, agitation time, adsorbent dose, temperature and pH were studied in batch experiments at room temperature. The adsorption equilibriums were rapid at 60 min of agitation for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ on SAT with appreciable %removal. The adsorption data for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ on SAT fitted well into Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir given correlation coefficient (R²) very close to unity and appreciable maximum adsorption capacity K_F > 1.00. The fitting into Freundlich indicates multilayer coverage on the adsorbents. The kinetic studies showed good correlation coefficient for a pseudo-second order kinetic model for the SAT. The enthalpies of the adsorption process are: +12.754 and +18.377 KJ mol^-1 for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ on SAT respectively. The entropies of the adsorption process were also evaluated and have been found to be +41.805 and +12.151 KJ mol^-1 for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ on SAT. The results showed that SAT has the potential to be applied as alternative low-cost nanoadsorbents in the remediation of metal contamination in water.

Characterization of a Bioplastic Product from the Ulva reticulata (Ribbon Sea Lettuce) Extract

Maria Erica R. Bordeos, Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea , Manuela Cecille G. Vicencio — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Humans have a strong reliance in using petroleum-based plastics which take several decades to degrade and cause a lot of environmental problems such as pollution. This study intended to develop bioplastics from Ulva reticulata (Ribbon sea lettuce) and to determine the bioplastic’s physicochemical properties. The sample was collected in Allen, Northern Samar, Philippines, water samples were also collected. After the extraction, development of bioplastic from the sample extract commenced. The developed bioplastic underwent several test to check the stability of the product – its includes physicochemical analysis, tensile strength, thickness, moisture content, and soil degradation test. The Ribbon sea lettuce bioplastic solution was slightly acidic. The seaweed bioplastic have an average thickness of 0.30mm. The Ribbon sea lettuce bioplastic sample was both insoluble in the three solvents. The sample bioplastic can handle an average load of 55.12g. An average moisture content of 51.534% have been observed in the three trial of the seaweed bioplastic sample. The seaweed bioplastic sample naturally degraded during the soil biodegradation test and have lost an average weight percentage of 82.05% after 21 days of being buried in soil. The results showed that the seaweed bioplastic has a potential as an alternative to the non-biodegradable plastic and can be used in agricultural, industrial and economic purposes.

Quality Assurance and In-vitro Bioequivalence Analysis of Amlodipine Besylate Tablets

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The proliferation of generic brands in the local pharmaceutical market makes it increasingly difficult for health professionals and patients to choose the optimal drug. The study aimed to assess the physicochemical parameters of generic amlodipine besylate tablets utilizing in-vitro testing to eliminate health hazards and maximize safety. Five brands (A, B, C, D, and E) of amlodipine besylate tablets (5 mg) were examined for six in-vitro tests; thickness, hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, disintegration, dissolution, and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The dissolution test revealed that Brand D had the highest percentage of drug release at 5 minutes (106.2%), followed by Brand E (103.2%), A (70.7%), B (64.4%), and C (61.0%), respectively. The spectrophotometric measurement was carried out at 240 nm. All five brands satisfied the British Pharmacopeia standard for uncoated tablet weight homogeneity (less than 5% variance) and disintegration within 15 minutes. Brand A has the longest disintegration time (4.37 minutes), whereas Brand B has the shortest (3.05). Brand E had the maximum hardness of 8.7 kg/cm², and Brand B had the lowest hardness of 3 kg/cm². All five brands had a friability percentage of less than 1%, with bread B having the highest (0.91%) and brand E, lowest (0.10%), all tablets crumbled after 15 minutes. All brands passed the quality assessment test. Conclusion: The Quality Assurance and in-vitro bioequivalence assay methods used in this study are dependable, simple, and inexpensive, and they can be used consistently to evaluate amlodipine tablets and other solid-dosage pharmaceutical products.

Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Mahogany Fruit Shell (Khaya senegalensis) Impregnated with TiO2 Used in the Adsorption of Cadmium and Arsenic

Wilson Lamayi Danbature, Nasiru Yahaya Pindiga , Auwal Musa Ibrahim — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this Study, low-cost activated carbon impregnated with TiO₂(Ac/ TiO₂) was prepared from mahogany fruit shell (Khaya senegalensis) by chemical activation using phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄. The resulting product was evaluated for the removal of Arsenic and Cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The prepared activated carbon was characterized using SEM, FTIR and XRD. Operational parameters such as initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, effects of pH and temperature were studied in a batch system. It was found that the percentage removal for arsenic and cadmium were around 98 and 97% respectively. Equilibrium of the adsorption processes were obtained by testing the adsorption data using two different isotherm models: Langmuir and Freundlich. The adsorption of arsenic fitted well with Freundlich with R² value of 0.9106. The kinetic of adsorption process was tested through pseudo first order and pseudo second order models. The Pseudo Second Order Kinetic Model provides the best correlation for the experimental data of both the two metals studied. Thermodynamics parameters, such as ΔG^o, ΔH^o and ΔS⁰ were also calculated. This result shows that the process of adsorption for arsenic was spontaneous and exothermic, while that of cadmium was spontaneous and endothermic.