Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Evaluation of Total Phenolic Contents and in vitro Antioxidant Activity of Prosopis africana Leaf Extracts

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Prosopis africana belongs to the Family Leguminoceae, is used in ethnomedicine to treat different ailments including, diarrhea, bacillary dysentery, malaria, male sterility and Cancer. Antioxidants from natural sources are effective in the treatment of many diseases including garthritis, atherosclerosis, ischemia and reperfusion injury of many tissues, gastritis, diabetics, central nervous system injury, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cancer. This work was aimed at extracting and screening the extracts for, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the Prosopis africana. The plant material was extracted with absolute ethanol to obtained the crude ethanol extract which was macerated with different solvents in increasing order of polarity to obtained different fractions such as n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol. The results of total phenolic contents of the extract shows that methanol fraction (PA-05) showed the highest amount of phenolic compounds with the 285.92 ±0.22 mg/ml of GAE, followed by ethylacetate (PA-04) with the value of 268.49 ±0.12 mg/ml of GAE. n-Hexane fraction (PA-02) showed the lowest amounts of phenolic compounds. The results of antioxidant activity on the other hand, shows that methanol fraction (PA-05) was having the highest IC₅₀value of 6.39 µg/ml, competing with Ascorbic acid (positive control) with the IC₅₀value of 6.24 µg/ml. But, n-hexane fraction (PA-02) has the lowest IC₅₀value of 81.75 µg/ml, followed by chloroform fraction having the IC₅₀value of 76.22 µg/ml. Generally, the methanol fraction was found to be very effective in both phenolic contents and antioxidant activity among other fractions and the crude extracts.

Structural and Dielectric Study of Nano-Crystalline MFe_12 O_19 (M=Ba and Sr) Hexaferrites Prepared Via Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion Techniques

Abdu, Y., Musa, I. M., Musa, A. O. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The structural and electrical properties of m-type hexaferrites are very sensitive to particle size, shape and degree of crystalinity. The syntheses techniques and the nature of cations in the material lead to significant change in electromagnetic properties of the materials. In this work, M-type and nanohexaferrites were successfully synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion techniques. The structural, dielectric and functional group of these nanoparticles was investigated using XRD, FTIR, and Impedance analyzer. The XRD analysis revealed that pure and single phase hexagonal ferrites with crystallites sizes of 33.35nm for and 32.29nm for were obtained. The lattice constant slightly varies due to variation of ionic radii in the samples. The FTIR spectra of the sample show three dominants peaks in the range 400-600 cm^-1 which indicate the formation of the desired hexaferrites structure. The dielectric properties were studied using impedance measurements obtained in the frequency range 100Hz-120MHz. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and conductivity were analysed using Maxwell-Wagner model. Dielectric constant was enhanced at high frequency in the entire sample and reduction of dielectric loss is also observed with further ions substitutions. The grain boundary resistance contributes the most to the dielectric properties as indicated by Nyquist plot, whereas the Ac conductivity is the dominant conducting mechanism in the material. A high dielectric property, low energy dissipation and higher conductivity were observed with at higher frequency these make it useful for higher frequency applications.

Phytochemical, Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extracts from Two Different Locations

Umar, G. N., Atiku, U. M. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Azadirachta indica commonly known as Neem is widely distributed for more than a thousand years as one of the most versatile medicinal plant having wide spectrum of biological activities. The aim of this work is comparative study on phytochemicals, metabolites profiling and antioxidant activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts from two different locations. Samples were collected from Gaya and Nassarawa L. G. As in Kano State, identified, extracted with ethanol and subjected to phytochemical screening using standard methods. Metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of the crude ethanol extracts were evaluated by TLC analysis and DPPH radical scavenging assay respectively. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts revealed the presence of flavonoid, phenolic, fat and oil but coumarin, carboxylic acid and emodine were found to be absent. Tannin was found to be present in the sample obtained from Gaya while absent Nassarawa sample. TLC analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of similar compounds but with some variations. The extract of the sample obtained from Gaya was found to be the most active in DPPH radical scavenging assay by revealing the IC₅₀ value of 13.70µgml^-1 relative to other test samples. The plant extract obtained from Nassarawa demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than BHT (IC₅₀ 39.95µgml^-1) but lower than ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 20.34µgml^-1) and Gaya sample. The variation in the antioxidant activity of the two samples can be attributed to the presence of tannin in one sample but absent in the other sample which could be due to geographical variation.

Evaluation of Computer Modeling and Simulation Tools in Managing Engineering Projects at Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abubakar, A., Adamu, A., Hassan, M. A., Umar, Z. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Engineers and Technologist in Nigeria encounter their first challenge/task as Project designers and Managers in the final year of their studies, i.e. ND II, HND II and Level 500 for National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and University students, respectively. Where they are mandated to come up with a reliable and functional project, however, their need for Computer Modelling and Simulation tools becomes paramount in order to develop and test a model due to uncertainties, complexity and cost of engineering projects. This paper is aimed to evaluate the level at which Computer Modelling and Simulation Tools are being used to carry out engineering projects in Nigerian Tertiary institutions, with the ultimate goal of highlighting its significance and address the challenges that hinder their use of it at Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi as a case study. Descriptive research design was used for data collection, 50 academic staff and 100 final year students (ND and HND) from the departments of Agricultural, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Metallurgical engineering, were randomly selected for the study. Data was collected using a distributed questionnaire. Results obtained indicated that the percentage of staff with training, accessibility and capacity respectively was 14%, 18% and 14%. And that of the students was 3%, 14% and 3% respectively. Therefore, the study reveals poor level of training, accessibility and capacity amongst both the staff and the students.

Pattern of Macroinvertebrates Trophic Structure in Some Selected Streams of Kano River, Nigeria

Suleiman, K. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aquatic macroinvertebrate are important organisms in the study of different water bodies of temperate and tropical regions world over, they relatively have longer life span, can easily sample and are good indicators of water conditions. This study aimed and scaled sampled macroinvertebrate communities of the Kano river selected streams into Five (5) Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs) Scrapers which form the base of the structure, Shredders, Gathering Collectors, Filtering Collectors and Predators at the top. The FFGs numerical structure indicate the linkage between shredders and filtering collectors. Gathering collectors Chironomidae revealed the highest (550 species, 48%) FFGs, an increase of collector-gatherers was recorded at sites A18% ; B29% ; D32% and 34% in site E, however declined to 23% was observed downstream at site F. This was followed by the simuliidae filtering collectors exhibited 233 species translating to 20% total abundance. However, other filtering collectors Gammaridae and Oligochaeta expressed equal abundances of 4% respectively and there low number could be due to the absence of preferred feeding host. Overall, scrapers were the most abundant FFG (593 species, 52%) dominated by Hydrophilidae (155 species, 14%), Bitidae (76 species, 6%), Hydrobidae (99 species, 9%), Corixidae (80species, 6%), Hydroptilidae (26species, 3%) and Siplonuridae (157 species, 14%). Species diversity of the Kano river revealed site F(414)>A(403)>E(390)>B(372)>C(303)>(329). This sustain a complex interactions of the functional feeding groups in the river ecosystem. it is therefore recommended, that effect of cascading power of the hydroelectric power plant on the distribution and abundance macroinvertebrate communities at the upstream to the downstream of the River Kano should be investigated.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution Index in Soil around Metal Workshops in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria

Musa, M. S., Abdullahi, S. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of metal workshop on the environment due to metal contamination. Soil samples from five metal workshops in Potiskum town, Yobe State-Nigeria were collected at the main workshops point, 30 m, 60 m and 90 m away from the workshop and a control sample at 250 m from the workshop point. Each sample was analyzed for ten heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Co, Mn, Ni, Fe, Se and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The degree of contamination of heavy metals in the soil samples from the workshops ranged between 5.1 – 218.5, with Cu, Zn and Pb recording the highest degree of contamination values of 218.5, 20.7 and 13.4 respectively. While the lowest, 5.1 and 6.1 degrees of the contamination were recorded by Fe and Co respectively. Concentrations of the heavy metals follow order Cu>Zn>Pb>Mn>Cd>Ni>Se>Cr>Co>Fe. The soil samples analyzed are considered polluted with heavy metals with pollution load index far greater than one (PLI>>1) with pollution severity decreasing in the order GIM > GAS > GOA > NWC > GDH. Pearson correlation matrix between heavy metals levels in the soil samples with respect to distances from the workshops revealed gradual dispersion of the heavy metals to the nearest surroundings.

Quality Evaluation of Jam Produced from Mixture of Orange and Black Plum Fruits

Inuwa, I.M., Faki, F.R., Mashi, J.A. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The potential of some wild-growing indigenous fruits such as black-plum (Vitex doniana) has remained largely untapped. Jams are solid gels made from fruit pulp or juice, sugar and added pectin. The research work was aimed at producing Jam from mixture of orange and black plum fruits in different proportions. Standard methods were used for determination of physicochemical properties; pH, titratable acidity, specific gravity, total soluble solids, sweetness index. Proximate compositions; moisture, protein, lipids, ash, carbohydrate and crude fibre analyses were carried out using standard method of AOAC, Vitamin A and E were determined using UV-Visible spectroscopic method, Vitamin C was determined by iodine titration method. Mineral contents were analyzed by AAS and flame photometry. The 9-point hedonic scale questionnaire was used for sensory evaluation. Results of physicochemical analysis showed significant increase (P<0.05) in pH (4.15±0.11 and 4.53±0.11), total soluble solids (60.88±0.74 and 62.80±2.03) and sweetness index (40.68±0.05 and 47.95±0.15) of sample orange-black plum (70:30 and 55:45) respectively when compared with orange jam (100%). Significant decrease (P<0.05) was also observed in titratable acidity (1.31±0.2) and specific gravity (2.19±0.20) of orange-black plum (55:45) when compared orange jam (100%). Significant difference was observed in all the proximate parameters analyzed with the exception of crude fibre (P<0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated consumer acceptability in orange- black plum jam (55:45). Processing black plum into jam by mixing it with orange or other fruits may help in preserving as well as utilizing the numerous nutrients available in the fruit.

On Coupled Time-Fractional Heat-Equations

Umar, M. D., Muhammad, A. L., Auwal, I. A., Muhammad, Y. M. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, we consider a coupled time-fractional heat equations, one homogeneous and the other a non-homogeneous. Analytic solutions of the involved variables, the main and auxiliary, are presented with a special attention on the fractional order derivative α on the range of (0, 1]. The main variable may represent some density function while the auxiliary function plays the role of a source function. We consider the well-posedness of solution of the equation in the sense of Lipschitz and energy method. Scaling becomes important tools for the study of the solution near the singularity and larger numerical resolutions. We present the analytic solutions of the system using the method of Fourier and Laplace transforms, where one finds the solution in terms of a Green’s function, which is a scaled Mittag-Leffler’s function. The behaviour of the main and auxiliary variables is depicted using numerical approximation.

Activated Carbon and Nanocomposite Adsorbents Used for the Removal of Dyes and Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution using Adsorption Technique - A Review

Abdullahi, M. R., Sulaiman, M.S. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Excessive discharged of dyes and heavy metals as a result of developments in the industrial activities has resulted to an increased in environmental pollution and caused serious negative effects to human and other living organisms. Activated carbon derived from agricultural residues and nanocomposites has been widely used as less expensive adsorbents mainly for the removal of various pollutants from aqueous solution and the use adsorption technique has been the most effective, less cost and promising method for the removal of wide range of pollutants. This review focuses on the use of various adsorbents derived from activated carbons and nanocomposites that has been used for the removal of toxic pollutants from aqueous solution. However, adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of different adsorption systems are also highlighted.

Determination of Chemical Toxicity and Radiation Dose by Burning Tire at ‘Yan Babbaka Unguwa Uku, Yan Awaki, Kano

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One of the principal concerns both in industrialized and underdeveloped countries is the health risk assessment of environmental pollution. The health of workers and residents of any environment is impacted by using tires as a source of energy while roasting or preparing food. This study examines the potential health risks associated with the Unguwa-Uku head-skin roaster's operations throughout the course of the three-day Eid-Kabir holiday. The average radiation dose absorbed over a period of 18 hours per day was found to be respectively, exceeding the U.S. standard occupational radiation limit of The results of both kidney and liver function tests reveal significant levels of urea in samples C and D, which indicates excessive levels of waste product in these samples' blood.