Journal of the Chemical Society of Nigeria

Antifungal activity of ethanolic extract of potato peels on fungi causing rot in mango fruits

B.A. Ikyenge — 2025-03-18

There is a growing concern recently on the effect of synthetic drugs on human health and the environment. This has led to the search for natural antimicrobial agents. In this research, the antifungal and antioxidant properties of ethanolic extract derived from potato peels as potential natural preservatives for fruits like mango was examined. The potato peels were collected, processed, and extracted using ethanol (70 %), with phytochemical composition analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The analysis identified 16 bioactive compounds, including l-Verbenone, Pyrogallol, and Palmitic acid, which exhibited antifungal activity. The FTIR peak at 3400 cm-1was attributed to O-H stretching, peaks at 1700 cm^-1 and 1635 cm^-1 correspond to C=O and C-O stretching vibrations, Absorptions between 1400-1000 cm-1were assigned to C-H bending vibrations. The antioxidant ability was assessed using 1,1-Diphenyl 2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH),and the crude extract showed 94.41±0.15 %inhibition at the concentration of 600 µg/mL. Antifungal activity of the crude extract was tested against some fungi known to cause mango rots: Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The result showed that at higher concentrations (250 mg/mL), the extract completely inhibited fungal growth. These findings suggest that potato peels can be a sustainable source of natural antifungal agents and antioxidants for fruit preservation.

Contamination of pet bottled carbonated soft drinks sold in Nigeria after long storage due to antimony leaching: Risk assessment

C.E. Umeocho — 2025-03-18

This research was carried out to ascertain the rate of leaching of antimony (Sb)from PET bottled soft drinks after long storage and to calculate the health risk associated with this leaching. Six different brands of soft drinks sold in Nigeria (eleven bottles of each) were purchased from 9th mile area of Enugu State. One bottle of each brand was analysed for antimony before storage to serve as control. Five bottles of each brand were exposed to sunlight while five bottles of each brand were stored at room temperature and they were analysed for antimony concentration after 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of storage. For sample 1, Sb concentration ranged from 0.004 to 0.010 and 0.004 to 0.011, sample 2 ranged from 0.001 to 0.006 and 0.001 to 0.010, sample 3 ranged from 0.001 to 0.008 and 0.001 to 0.014, sample 4 ranged from 0.002 to 0.007 and 0.002 to 0.010. sample 5 ranged from 0.003 to 0.006 and 0.003 to 0.011, sample 6 ranged from 0.001 to 0.006 and 0.001 to 0.010 for room temperature and sunlight exposed samples respectively. The antimony concentration on the samples were found to exceed the WHO limit of 0.006 at 15 weeks of exposure to sunlight apart from sample 2. It was observed that the cancer risk increased with increase in storage time, temperature and amount of leached antimony increases.

Guanidine derivatives of Co(Ii), Ni(II), Cu(II) complexes and hepatitis activities studies

J.A. Aremu — 2025-03-18

This study determined hepatitis B and hepatitis C effectiveness of guanidine derivative, cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes using rats as test animal. Histopathological analysis was carried out. The derivatives demonstrated effectiveness at 2 mg kg-1 (w/w) for 5 ml kg-1 (v/w) concentration. Phosphonate compounds of benzothiazole demonstrated highest treatment, guanidine compouds of benzothiazole.were found to be next effective. The effectiveness trend was followed by phosphonate compounds of benzimidazole which performed better than the benzimidazole compounds of the guanidine. The derivatives compete favourably with the vaccine contre hepatitis recombinant standard which gave similar results of the analysis. The treatment properties of the derivatives therefore demonstrated that benzimidazole compounds of the guanidine < phosphonate compounds of benzimidazole < guanidine compounds of benzothiazole < phosphonate compounds of benzothiazole

Comparative study of polystyrene modified with Sand Apricot (Sa) seed oil and Uvaria Chamae (UC) seed oil

N. E. Ireh — 2025-03-18

In order to improve the utilization of polystyrene in the area of packaging, consumer electronics, building, medical, and food service disposables, it is necessary to modify some important properties. This paper focused on the comparative study of polystyrene modified with Sand apricot (SA) seed oil and Uvaria chamae(UC) seed oil. Oil from the two seed was isolated, the quality parameter determined and the comparative analysis on some mechanical properties of polystyrene blended with Sand apricot and Uvaria chamae seed oil determined.The findings on the quality of the SA and UC seed oil are as follows: oil content (10.39% and14.56%), specific gravity at 25^oC (0.931 ± 0.21 and 0.87 ± 0.10), acid value (11.083 ± 0.18mg KOH and 9.028 ± 0.32 mg KOH), iodine value (20.798± 0.40 and 10.807 ± 0.40), peroxide value (12.30 and 7.2), free fatty acid (6.30% and 4.015%), and saponification values (283.271 and 173.392). The mechanical properties of the polystyrene blend with SA and UC seed oil (PS-SA and PS-UC) at 100g were reported as follows; ultimate tensile strength (58.6 and 50.4MPa), Young modulus (1954.0 and 1986.4MPa), % elongation (13.4 and 12.3%), break load (500.6 and 300.6 N), and Shore D hardness (80.0 and 79.0), The findings revealed that the mechanical properties of PS-SA and PS-UC were highly competitive with the conventional white petroleum oil used as a plasticizer. As a recommendation, Sand apricot and Uvaria chamae seed oil should be used as a plasticizer since it is available, cheap, and environmentally friendly.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystal cellulose derived from Parkia biglobosa pod

S.O. Didigwu — 2025-03-18

The careless dumping of agricultural waste in Nigeria is a significant environmental issue that requires attention. Some states in Nigeria haphazardly dump the pod of Parkia biglobosa, a pod that should have served an essential purpose in the waste to wealth context. The study investigates the synthesis and characterization of nanocellulose derived from the Parkia biglobosa pod. Standard procedures were used to isolate nanocellulose and were characterised with FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, and DTG techniques. The FTIR analysis identified the existence of O-H, C-O-C pyranose rings, and cellulose β-glycosidic connections. The SEM showed a surface that was uneven and had small clusters of the NCC. The devolatilization of cellulose in the raw and NCC of ALBP was recorded at 43.205% and 71.90%, respectively, with the NCC exhibiting the highest value. At 380˚C and 400˚C, the thermal decomposition peaks for raw Parkia biglobosa and NCC caused the most weight loss. Nanocrystal cellulose has a higher crystallinity index than raw pod powder. Using EDX, the elemental analysis revealed the presence of raw C (49.21%) and O (50.79%), while the NCC contains C (46.03%) and O (53.93%). with some variations. Various treatments applied to the raw locust bean pod correlate with the change in percentage mass. Thus, the NCC might be employed as a reinforcing ingredient for the creation of green composites, binder, adsorbents, and polymeric polymers.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystal cellulose derived from Parkia biglobosa pod

S.O. Didigwu — 2025-03-18

The careless dumping of agricultural waste in Nigeria is a significant environmental issue that requires attention. Some states in Nigeria haphazardly dump the pod of Parkia biglobosa, a pod that should have served an essential purpose in the waste to wealth context. The study investigates the synthesis and characterization of nanocellulose derived from the Parkia biglobosa pod. Standard procedures were used to isolate nanocellulose and were characterised with FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, and DTG techniques. The FTIR analysis identified the existence of O-H, C-O-C pyranose rings, and cellulose ?-glycosidic connections. The SEM showed a surface that was uneven and had small clusters of the NCC. The devolatilization of cellulose in the raw and NCC of ALBP was recorded at 43.205% and 71.90%, respectively, with the NCC exhibiting the highest value. At 380?C and 400?C, the thermal decomposition peaks for raw Parkia biglobosa and NCC caused the most weight loss. Nanocrystal cellulose has a higher crystallinity index than raw pod powder. Using EDX, the elemental analysis revealed the presence of raw C (49.21%) and O (50.79%), while the NCC contains C (46.03%) and O (53.93%). with some variations. Various treatments applied to the raw locust bean pod correlate with the change in percentage mass. Thus, the NCC might be employed as a reinforcing ingredient for the creation of green composites, binder, adsorbents, and polymeric polymers.

Studies on the complexes of Isonicotinoyl 2-chlorobenzaldehyde hydrazones with Cu II and Mn II and their antimicrobial studies

O. Idoko — 2025-03-18

Complexes isonicotinoyl 2-chlorobenzaldehyde hydrazone with Mn II and Cu II were synthesized and characterized using UV visible spectrophotometry, Infrared spectrophotometry Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, melting point, solubility test, conductivity measurement, magnetic susceptibility. Some bacterial and fungal strains were used to screen for the biological activities of the ligands and complexes. The melting point of the ligand (216 – 218) °C is higher than 106 – 107.80C of the Mn complex. The Cu complex decomposed at 174°C.The solubility showed that the ligand and complexes were soluble in dimethyl sulphoxide, but insoluble in water. The conductivity test showed that the Cu complex are conductors with higher value (9.934) µS/cm, while the Mn complexes are non- conductor with lower value (1.346) µS/cm. The magnetic susceptibility measurement pointed out that the complexes are paramagnetic with unpaired electrons. There was coordination via the azomethine nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen in all the complexes with a square planar geometries stoichiometrically combined in the ratio of ML 1:2 for the metal and ligand respectively. The ligand and complexes showed appreciable activities against Methicillin resistant staphlococus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, salmonella typhi Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillus niger

Synthesis, characterization and invitro-antimicrobial activities of Ni (II) and Fe (II) complexes of some hydrazone ligands

N.M . Bello — 2025-03-18

hydrazone which are compounds that have N-N bond in addition to –C=N- bond of well-known Schiff’s bases. They are formed by the reaction of carbonyl compounds (ketones or aldehydes) with hydrazides or its derivatives. They form coordination compounds with almost all transition elements, forming various geometries. The present work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Ni (II) and Fe (II) complexes of some hydrazone ligands. For this purpose, three (3) different hydrazone ligands were synthesized, by reacting different types of hydrazide derivatives with carbonyl compounds (ketones or aldehydes). Each of these ligands were used to formed complexes with Ni (II) and Fe (II), using their hexahydrated metal salts. The complexes were characterized using; IR spectroscopy, UV- Visible spectroscopy, elemental analysis, conductivity measurement and magnetic susceptibility measurement.

Antimicrobial assay of essential oil from Eucalyptus globulus leaf

M.S. Isyaka — 2025-03-18

Investigating the antibacterial test of essential oil derived from Eucalyptus globulusleaves against clinically significant microbial strains is the goal of this investigation. Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are the isolates of Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Staphylococcus aureusis an isolate of Gram-positive bacteria. In the current study, essential oil was extracted using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, and the oil's antibacterial properties were assessed. The physical method was used to determine the oil's color, odor, and solubility. The essential oil of fresh Eucalyptus globulus leaves exhibits zone of inhibition against three of the studied species Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi at all concentrations of oil per disc but no action against Salmonella typhi at 1.43 mL/disc. At all concentrations, the essential oil did not, however, exhibit any anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity. With a zone of inhibition of 17.7 mm and a concentration of 5.72 mL/disc, the oil was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus. As concentration drops, the zone of inhibition shrinks as well; at 2.86 mL/disc and 1.43 mL/disc, it is 14.7 mm and 9.7 mm, respectively. The essential oil of dried Eucalyptus globulus leaves exhibits no action against Salmonella typhi at 1.43 mL/disc, but it does exhibit a zone of inhibition against three of the examined organisms: Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, at all oil concentrations per disc. At all concentrations, the essential oil did not, however, exhibit any antiPseudomonas aeruginosa activity. With a zone of inhibition of 13.3 mm and a concentration of 5.72 mL/disc, the oil was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus. As concentration drops, the zone of inhibition shrinks as well; at 2.86 mL/disc and 1.43 mL/disc, it is 11.1 mm and 8.3 mm, respectively. It is advised that the essential oil's effectiveness be evaluated against fungus in order to investigate the best combinations and uses to maximize its medicinal potential. For direct use, in vivo assay is advised.

Preparation and evaluation of physio- chemical properties of plastic wastes pavement blocks

F.A. Jajere — 2025-03-18

This study investigates the utilization of plastic wastes, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), poly propylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the production of pavement block. These plastic were mixed in different ratios with cement, sand, and stone dust to produce durable and cost-effective blocks.The plastic wastes was shredded, melted (170^oC-260^oC), and mixed with fillers. The mixture was cast into moulds and tested for water absorption, acid and base resistance properties. Significant improvements were observed: zero water absorption compared to conventional blocks (water absorption 7.8%), the plastic pavement blocks demonstrated superior performance. This research demonstrates the potential of plastic waste in construction, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and environmentally friendly infrastructure development.

Assessment of the quality of yoghurt produced from goat milk using natural and artificial starter culture as a function of storage time

J.O. Ayodele — 2025-03-18

This study assessed the quality of yoghurt produced from goat milk using natural and artificial starter cultures. It determined its physicochemical [total solids, ash, protein, fat, pH, and Lactic Acid Bacteria], antioxidant [total phenolic content, tannin, phosphomolybdate assay, and vitamin C of milk], and mineral composition [calcium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium] within 28- day duration of storage. The study revealed that those yoghurts produced from goat milk using natural starter cultures exhibited the highest Total solids TS [13.95 %], Total Ash TAC [0.69 %], Oil [5.3 %], Protein [3.31 %], pH [4.96 %], and Lactic Acid [1.07 %] at day 1. Also, yoghurts produced from natural culture starter exhibited higher phenol [0.125 g/L], phosphomolybdate [0.082 g/L], and Tannin [0.082 g/ L]; while the one with artificial starter culture had higher Vitamin C [7.56 g/L] content. The yoghurts produced using natural starters were observed to have the best mineral contents [Phosphorus: 0.234 g/L, Potassium: 1.050 g/L, Sodium: 1.450 g/L, Zinc: 0.101 g/L and Calcium 0.697 g/L]. Yoghurts produced using artificial starter culture showed higher nutritional contents at a storage duration of 28 days. Natural starter culture yoghurt exhibited the best physicochemical properties and mineral composition. While yoghurts from artificial starter culture performed exhibited better storage capability and stability of shelf life. Certain fruits and mostly citrus can be employed to improve the shelf-life of yoghurt samples as well as their nutritional composition.

Heavy metals and phthalates in water, soil and plant from automobile mechanic villages in Abeokuta

A.D. Adesina — 2025-03-18

Phthalates and heavy metals are very toxic and are environmental pollutants. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of phthalates and heavy metals in water from selected mechanic villages in two locations in Abeokuta (Idi-aba and Camp). The soil, plant and water samples were digested with concentrated HNO₃ and analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Mn, Fe, Cu and Pb) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. High Performance Liquid Chromatography- UV Spectrometer was used to quantify phthalates in the water samples which include Diethyl phthalates (DEP), Di-n-propyl phthalates (DPP), Di-n-butyl phthalates (DBP) and Diethylhexyl phthalates (DEHP) prior to which the water samples had been extracted with dichloromethane and cleaned-up into fractions. The result indicated the presence of all metals considered. The concentrations were compared with WHO (World Health Organization) standards. The result showed that Fe had the highest concentrations in all samples varied from 0.3 - 0.7 mg/L as against WHO standard (0.3 mg/L). The result obtained from the phthalates analysis showed that DEHP was present in all the samples obtained from the mechanic villages which is a common phthalate pollutant with concentration ranging between 0.02 to 3.53 ppb. The result obtained showed that in all the soil samples, Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) had the highest concentration ranging from 30.6 - 90.9, 111.5 - 137.6 and 7.7 - 8.0 mg/ kg as against their WHO benchmarks (36, 85 and 0.8 mg/kg) respectively. The concentration of the heavy metals and phthalates showed that the activities of the mechanic villages have moderate effect on the soil, plant and water samples.

In silico docking studies of bioactive compounds in chloroform extract of Annona muricata leaves against human androgen receptor

C.B.C. Ikpa — 2025-03-18

It has become a major challenge for clinicians and research scientists to control or treat prostate inflammation due to drug resistance being commonly observed. Crude extracts from medicinal plants could serve as an alternative source for resistance-modifying agents because they contain numerous diverse secondary metabolites. It has been claimed that Anonna muricata possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial activities. However, little is still known about the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity. In this study, the plant`s bioactive compounds were extracted using chloroform and analyzed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The drug likeness and ADME predictions were done with Swissadme webserver, while the molecular docking against human androgen receptor was done using Auto dock Vina. The docking results showed that the binding energy and interactions of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (-6.7kcal/mol); 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl octyl ester (-6.1) and 8-Hexadecenal, 14-methyl-, (Z)- (6.1kcal/mol) ) were close to the control drug enzalutamide (-7.6 kcal/mol) and the protein native ligand methyltrienolone (-7.4kcal/mol). More so, these compounds showed drug likeness by obeying the limpiski rule qualifying them to be good drug candidate for control or treatment of prostate inflammations.

Schiff Base from L-Glycine And 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde And Its Complexes With Co(II) And Cu(II): Synthesis And Antimicrobial Activity

A.D. Adesina — 2025-03-18

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of Schiff base ligands derived from 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and L-glycine. The Schiff base was synthesized using a base catalyst (Potassium hydroxide). The derived Schiff base was reacted with metal salts (Cobalt (II) chloride pentahydrate and Copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate) to form Schiff base-metal complexes. The synthesized Schiff base, (E)-2-(4- hydroxybenzylideneamino) acetic acid and its metal complexes were characterized using Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and solubility in selected solvents. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes was evaluated against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli using standard agar diffusion method. The result demonstrated that the metal complexes exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the Schiff base. The result shows the potential of the complexes as antimicrobial agents, highlighting the importance of metal-amino acid interactions in enhancing biological activity.