College of Physical Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.funaab.edu.ng/handle/123456789/256

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 25
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNETIC4d-TRANSITION METALION-IMPRINTEDKAOL IN CHITOSANHYBRID FOR SELECTIYEMITIGATION OF METALTOXICITY INPLANT
    (2025-09-17) ADEBAYO, ANIKE OMOBOLA
    ABSTRACT The contamination of soil by toxic metals is a critical environmental challenge which poses a significant risk to the ecosystem and human health. Several soil remediation methods have been explored but have been limited by poor selectivity, high production cost and reusability. This work explored the adsorption capability of chitosan and kaolin in developing a sustainable, selective, and reusable solution for cadmium detoxification in soil using abio-based hybrid material. It successfully synthesized and characterized palladium(pd), Silver(Ag) and cadmium(Cd)ion-imprinted polymers(IIPs) and non-imprinted(NIP) from Magnetic kaolin - chitosan nanocomposite(MKCNC)and studied their adsorption potentials. IIPs and NIP were characterized using Ultra-violet/Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM-EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy(ICP-OES). The adsorption potential of the synthesized IIPs and NIP were investigated on maize plantings. Maize seeds were planted in soil spiked and treated with water only (pot1),25mgCdIP(pot2),25mgCdIP20mgCdC12(Ot3),50mg CdIP+20mgCdCl2Ot4)and25mgNIP+20mgCdC12Ot5). The UV-visa sorption bands of the leached and unleashed IIPs showed sharp band at around 224-240 rim indicating transition. The FTI Result to the nanocomposites how ethic (C—N)str (imine/azomethine) functional groupat1615cm1,however upon polymerization, the three IIPss have higher vibrational frequency (blue shift) at the region of u(C=N)strat1628cm‘'(PdlP),1638 cm‘'(AgIP) and1636 cm”'(CdlP). The SEMEOXs hawed crystalline morphology of large irregular particles. The surfaces of the IIPs appeared to be covered with powdered materials. TGA of the NIP and IIPs showed 4stages of weight loss. There was no obvious difference between the absorbance bands of leached and unleachedIIPs.Thisisanindicationthatthepolymermatrixremainsunalteredeven afterleaching.ThepowderysurfacesoftheSEM-EDXimagescouldbeattributedtothe imprinting of ions on the surface of the IIPs. The thermal studies showed that CdIP demonstratedthegreatestthermalstabilityamongstthethreeIIPs.Optimalreactionconditionof 89% adsorption was observed at pH 6.5 atareactiontimeof90 minutes. The NIP and CdIP showed excellent adsorption capacity by successfully mitigating Cd ions from being translocated into the maizeplantbody.Thenon-imprintedandion-imprintedpolymershavethepotentialof contributing to the advancement of sustainable soil remediation technologies and support agricultural productivity and environmental health.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNETIC4d-TRANSITION METALION-IMPRINTEDKAOL IN CHITOSANHYBRID FOR SELECTIYEMITIGATION OF METALTOXICITY INPLANT
    (2025-09-14) ADEBAYO, ANIKE OMOBOLA
    ABSTRACT The contamination of soil by toxic metals is a critical environmental challenge which poses a significant risk to the ecosystem and human health. Several soil remediation methodshavebeenexploredbuthavebeenlimitedbypoorselectivity,highproduction cost and reusability. This work explored the adsorption capability of chitosanandkaolin indevelopingasustainable,selective,andreusablesolutionforcadmiumdetoxification insoilusingabio-based hybrid material.Itsuccessfully synthesizedandcharacterized palladium(pd),Silver(Ag)andcadmium(Cd)ion-imprinted polymers(IIPs)andnon-imprinted(NIP)fromMagnetickaolin-chitosannanocomposite(MKCNC)andstudied theiradsorption potentials. IIPsandNIPwerecharacterized usingUltra-violet/Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM-EDX), ThermogravimetricAnalysis (TGA)andInductivelyCoupled Plasma-OpticalEmission Spectroscopy(ICP-OES).TheadsorptionpotentialofthesynthesizedIIPsandNIPwere investigated on maize plantings. Maize seeds were planted in soil spiked and treated withwateronly(pot1),25mgCdIP(pot2),25mgCdIP20mgCdC12(Ot3),50mg CdIP+20mgCdCl2Ot4)and25mgNIP+20mgCdC12Ot5).TheUV-visabsorption bands of the leached and unbleached IIPs showed sharp band at around 224-240 rim indicatingz—+z*transition.TheFTIRresultofthenanocompositeshowedthec(C—N)str (imine/azomethine)functional groupat1615cm1,however upon polymerization,the three IIPsshoweda highervibrational frequency (blue shift) at the region of u(C=N)strat1628cm‘'(PdlP),1638 cm‘'(AgIP) and1636 cm”'(CdlP). The SEM-EOXshowedcrystallinemorphologyoflargeirregularparticles.ThesurfacesoftheIIPs appearedto be coveredwith powderedmaterials.TGAoftheNIPand IIPsshowed 4stages of weight loss. There was no obvious difference between the absorbance bands of leached and unbleached IIPs. This is an indication that the polymermatrixremainsun altered even after leaching. The powdery surfaces of the SEM-EDX images could be at tribute to the imprinting of ions on the surface of the IIPs. The thermal studies showed that CdIP demonstratedthegreatestthermalstabilityamongstthethreeIIPs.Optimalreactionconditionof 89% adsorptionwas observedat pH 6.5 atareactiontimeof90 minutes.The NIP andCdIP showed excellent adsorption capacity by successfullymitigating Cd ions from being translocatedinto the maizeplantbody.Thenon-imprintedandion-imprintedpolymershavethepotentialof contributing to the advancement of sustainable soil remediation technologies and supportagricultural productivity andenvironmentalhealth.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF SELECTED ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIC POLLUTANTS USING A GREEN SYNTHESIZED Mn3O4ZnO/Co34 NANOCOMPOSITE
    (2025-09-07) OLOMIEJA, AYODELEOJO
    ABSTRACT Thepresenceoforganicpollutantsinwastewaterposessignificanthealthrisksto humans andaquaticecosystems. Photocatalyticdegradation hasemerged asoneofthe highlyeffectivemethodsforremovingthesepollutants.Thisstudyinvestigatedthe photocatalyticdegradationofselectedEnvironmentalOrganic Pollutants (EOPs) using agreen-synthesizedMn3O4tZnO/Co3O4(MZC)nanocomposite.TheMZCwas preparedthroughenvironmentallyfriendlymethodsthatutilizednon-toxicreagents andsustainableprocesses.Thiswasachievedbyusingmanganese(II)acetate tetrahydrate,zincnitratehexahydrate,cobalt(II)chloridehexahydratealongwith Moringaleafextractviaa simplesingle-stepcombustionmethod.Thematerialwas characterizedbyFourierTransformInfraredspectroscopy(FTIR),Ultraviolet-Visible spectrometry(UV-Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), TransmissionElectron Microscopy(TEM) andX-Ray Diffraction(XRD).Batch degradationexperimentsof MZC on Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP), Amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX), PolyethyleneGlycol(PEG)andDiethylphthalate(DEP)wereconductedunder varying conditions:pH (3 - 9), timeintervals(30 - 180 minutes),temperatures(25- 45°Cat 10°Cinterval) and catalystdoses (0.05- 0.15 g). The optimizedconditions were then appliedto raw samplesproducedwastewater(RPW)from oil mining.The degraded wereanalyzedusingUV-VisandGasChromatography-Mass Spectrometer(GC-MS).TheFTIRanalysisofthepreparedMZCnanocomposite acharacteristicstretchingvibrationsat3257,2325,1650,and1095cm', C-O-Cgroups,respectively.TheXRDdiffractogram of MZC showed sharp peaks at 28 of 12, 21 and 26°, which ascertained the crystallinity ofMZC.TheTEMporositydimension rangedfrom 20-50rim,showing the mesoporous nature of the material while the SEM micrograph revealed surface morphology with significant porosity. The highest degradation obtained for CIP, AMX,PEG,andDEPwere99.98%,25°C;53.5%atpH9,45°C;69.20%atpH9, 45°Cand76.9%atpH9,45°Crespectively.TheGC-MSresultsrevealedthatmajority ofthe compounds weredegraded. The CIP degradation showed theformation ofnew compounds: 2,3,7-trimethyldecane and 2-bromotetradecane after 150 minutes; while that of PEG showed the formation of8-methylheptadecaneand heptaethylene glycol after 60 minutes, and DEP degraded completely. There were also formation of new compounds: 24-Norursa-3,12-dien-11-oneand O1ean-12-en-3-ol from the RPW. The study showed that the synthesized Mn3O4tZnO/Co3O4»anocomposite effectively degraded the selected organic pollutants and hence can be used as a facile and cost effective material for waste-water purification.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    COMPUTATIONALANALYSISOF CONYECTIVE HEAT AND MASS TRANSFERIN A CASSONNANOFLUID OVER A VERTICAL RIGA PLATE
    (2025-10-12) TAIWO, MICHAEL ADESOLA
    ABSTRACT The dynamics of heat and mass transport of Cassonnan of luid hasbecomecentreofresearch in recent time due to its scientific and engineering applications in the petrochemical and metallurgical fields. This study examined the combined effects of some thermophysical parameters on Casson nanofluid over a vertical Riga plate. The equations of momentum, energy and mass describing the flow, heat and mass transfer were formulated and transformed into coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformation method. The resulting self similar problems were solved using spectral collocation method. The impacts of associated pertinent parameters such as Hartmann number (M), Chemical reaction parameter (Cz),Thermal radiation (R),Soret number (Sz),Dufour number (Do), Eckert number (Ec), Prandtl number tPr), Schmidt number (Sc),thermophoretic number (It)ilnd Lewis number (I.n) were presented graphically on Velocity, Temperature and Concentration fields. The Skin frictionCJ!, Nusselt number (Nq) and Sherwood number (Sh) were presented in tabular form.The results showed that variationin the values of modifiedHartmannumber at 1.0 ñ M E 3.0 causedabrupt increase in the velocity profile in the vicinity of the Riga plate wall. The increase in the thermalradiationat 0.0ñRñ1.0andEckert number at 0.10ñEcñ1.12 wereobserved to increase thevelocity, temperature and the thermal condition of the fluid. Various values of Prandtlnumber within the range0.71ñPrE7.0 were foundto decrease the velocity and temperature profiles, indicating that at small values of Prandtl number, the fluid was more conductive while increase in thermal conductivity enhanced the velocity hydrodynamic boundary layer, temperature and thermal boundary layer thickness in the presenceofBrownianmotionparameter{Np)at4.0 ñ M E 12.0.Furthermore, enhancement in fi and Ec improved the Nusselt number which consequently increased the rate of heat transfer while the rate of mass transfer was boosted with various values of Sqand C.Thisstudyrevealed thatthe pertinent parameters improved theflow,heatand mass transport in Casson nanofluid over a vertical Riga plate.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    INVESTIGATION OF RADONEXHALATION RATECORRELATIONS WITH SOIL TEXTURAL PARAMETER SANDRADIUM CONCENTRATION
    (2025-08-12) UMAR, Aininu
    ABSTRACT Radon ('2'Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed in the decay series of '*‘U. It poses significant health risks due to its carcinogenic nature when inhaled, particularly at high concentrations in an enclosed environment. Indoor radon levels and radon exlialation rate are influenced by the concentrations of radon and radium in the soil and other physical parameters. Establishingcorrelationsbetweenthesoilparametersandradonexhalationratefromthesoilis crucial for assessing the potential health risk of indoor radon. This study investigated the correlation between"'Rnexhalation ratesand2°6Raconcentration ofdifferent soil textural classes within theFederal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) inOdeda Local Government Area ofOgun State, Nigeria. Five locations having different soil textures wererandomly selected within FUNAAB. Two soil samplesof4 kgeachwerecollected 10 niapart ateach location using a soil auger for determinationof particle size distribution,"6Ra concentration, and"'Rn exhalation rates. Another setoftwosoilsamples werecollected perlocation using acoresampler to determine hydraulic conductivity, soil moisture retention, soil porosity, and bulk density.The texturalclassesofthesoilsamplesweredetermined usingthemechanical sievingmethodforthe particle size distribution test,while the hydraulic conductivity was determined using theconstant head method. The 222Rn surface and mass exhalation rates were measured using radon accumulationchambertechnique,and"Raactivityconcentrationwasdetermined usingNaI(TI) scintillationgamma-rayspectrometer. Theresultsoftheparticlesizedistributionclassified thesoil samples into four based ontheirrespective percentages ofsand,clayand silt:sandy(90.8, 5.2and 4.0),sandy loam (74.8-80.8, 13.2-17.2 and 6.0-8.0), loamy sand (82.8-86.8, 9.2 and 4.0-8.0) and sandy clay loam (60.4-60.8, 20.64-23.2 and 16-18.96). The loamy sand soils of fadama farm demonstrated the highest average hydraulic conductivity (0.02050 cm/s), while sandy clay loam soils presentedthelowest(0.00043cm/s)due to itsfinerparticlesize.Sandy clayloamwasfound iV to have the highest average of 2'6Ra concentration (237.55z31.37 Bq/kg) while loamy sandy of fadamafarmhasthelowest(96.93z29.96Bq/kg),attributabletoitshighercationexchange capacity.The average '22Rn mass (0.1056 Bqkp*1/i*1)and surface (4.4776 Bqm 'h’) exhalation rates from sandyclay loam were higher thanall theothersoil textures.These indicated thatareas with sandy clay loam soil could be prone to higher radon exhalations. Generally, the correlation of "'Rn mass and surface exhalation rates were strongly positive with "Ra concentrations (r = 0.7369;p=0.1773),positive withsoilmoistureretention(r=0.6020;p=0.0882)andporosity(r =0.4018;p—0.1326),negativewithbulkdensity(r=-0.4018;p=0.0681),andnegativewith hydraulicconductivity(r=-0.2771; p=0.0521).Theresults revealed that"Raconcentrationand soil moisture retention were the most important factors that influenced soil "'Rnexlialation rates asexemplifiedbysandyclayloamsoil;inthestudyarea.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF POULTRY WASTE EFFLUENT ON SOIL PROPERTIES AT IJAKO VILLAGE EPE SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
    (2025-06-26) BALOGUN KEHINDE
    ABSTRACT Poultry waste effluents, especially liquid discharges, often contain high levels of nitrates, phosphates, pathogens, heavy metals, and organic contaminants. When released into the surrounding environment, these effluents can percolate through the soil and seep into aquifers, causing both shallow and deep groundwater pollution. The present study is carried out with the aim of investigating the subsurface impact of poultry waste effluent on soil and groundwater quality in Ijako Village, Poka, Epe, Southwest Nigeriausing geophysical techniques. Electrical resistivity method was employed to map the vertical and lateral variations in subsurface resistivity. A total of ten(10) VES stations were probed utilizing Schlumberger electrode array mode and eight 2D profiles were acquired usingWenner array configurations, respectively. The survey was carried out using the campus tigre resistivity meter. The VES data were processed using both partial curve matching and WIN RESIST software in order to generate thicknesses and resistivities and the 2-D data were processed using the RES2DINV software to get the 2D resistivity imaging (inversion) and subsurface resistivity models from field data. The results of the VES data for the study area revealed that the KQ curve type was the predominant type, made up of the four layers (ρ₁ < ρ₂ < ρ₃ > ρ₄). The second dominating curve type is the HK type (ρ₁ > ρ₂ < ρ₃ > ρ₄), followed by the HQ type (ρ₁ > ρ₂ < ρ₃ < ρ₄), and lastly QH (ρ₁ < ρ₂ > ρ₃ < ρ₄). The geologic layers identified include topsoil, clay, clayey sand, sandy clay, sand, lateritic soil. The RMS errors obtained from the model inversion ranged between 1.8% and 4.7%. The topsoilconsistedmainlyofclay,clayeysand,sandyclay,andlateriticsoil,withresistivityvaluesrangingfrom4.5to662.3Ωmandthicknessrangingfrom0.2to1.9m.Thesecondlayercomprisedsandyclay,lateriticsoil withresistivityvaluesrangingfrom6.6to414.7Ωmandthicknessrangingfrom0.3to7.4m.Thethirdlayerinterpreted lateritic clay inmostlocationswithresistivityvaluesrangingfrom4.1to18900.0Ωmandthicknessrangingfrom0.7to16.6m.Thefourthlayerhasanindicativeoffresh clay withresistivityvaluesrangingfrom7.4to11244.0Ωm. The 2D ERI profiles demonstrated a spread of horizontal distance of about 45m and vertical penetration of approximately 6 meters. This research provides an evidence of the environment impact of poultry waste effluent on both soil and subsurface structures in IJAKO VILLAGE.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF HIGH-RESOLUTION AIRBORNE MAGNETIC DATA OVER ILORIN AND ITS ENVIRONS, NIGERIA
    (2025-06-23) AWE QUDUS OLUWADAMILARE
    ABSTRACT The use of derivative filtering, analytic signal transformation, Euler deconvolution, and upward continuation in magnetic data analysis has gained significant attention in geophysical studies, especially for subsurface structural mapping. Ilorin and its environs, the study area, are part of the Nigerian Basement Complex known for complex tectonic deformation. Different geophysical approaches have been applied in the past for interpreting airborne magnetic data in the region, but integrated multi-filter techniques remain less explored. The objectives of this work are to (i) To Identify subsurface structural features.(ii) Analyzing magnetic anomalies to infer geological structures and tectonic settings. (iii) Evaluate the depth, orientation, and geometry of magnetic sources. (iv) Map lineaments and structural intersections relevant to mineral exploration and groundwater targeting. The main datasets used include high-resolution total magnetic intensity grids and geological base maps obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency. In this study, first vertical derivative (FVD), total horizontal gradient (THG), tilt derivative (TDR), and analytic signal (AS) filters were applied, while Euler deconvolution was used to estimate depth solutions and structural indices. Upward continuation was conducted at 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, and 2000 m to separate shallow and deep magnetic contributions. The results revealed prominent NE–SW trending faults, shear zones, basement highs, and depressions consistent with Pan-African structural trends. Lineament and skeleton vector maps showed dense networks of intersecting structures, while upward continuation confirmed persistent deep crustal anomalies. The analytic signal delineated magnetic source boundaries, and Euler solutions highlighted deeply rooted intrusive bodies and fault blocks. This study demonstrates that integrated derivative filtering and depthestimation techniques are effective tools for mapping tectonic complexity and guiding exploration strategies within Ilorin and its environs.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    CHARACTERIZATION OF AQUIFER FOR WATER SUPPLY TO CULTIVATED FARMLAND IN A BASEMENT COMPLEX USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD ON DUFARMS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRTICULTURE ABEOKUTA NIGERIA
    (2025-06-23) OLADODU IYANUOLUWAOLUWATOBILOBA
    ABSTRACT This study aims to characterize aquifer systems within a crystalline Basement Complex terrain to enhance groundwater supply for cultivated farmland, using the 1D Electrical Resistivity Method. The investigation was conducted at DUFARMS ASSETRISE LIMITED FARM, located within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria, where agriculture is critically dependent on groundwater due to irregular and seasonal rainfall patterns. The geophysical technique adopted was Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. A total of 24 VES points were surveyed across different sections of the farmland to assess the subsurface lithology and aquifer potential. Field data were processed and interpreted using IP2WIN and WinResist software packages, generating one-dimensional resistivity models for each sounding point. The interpretation revealed a stratified subsurface composed of topsoil, weathered basement, fractured basement zones, and fresh basement rock. The topsoil layer showed resistivity values ranging from 48 to 320 Ω•m, with an average thickness of 0.6 to 2.2 meters, indicating variations in soil composition (sandy, lateritic, or loamy) across the site. Beneath this layer, the weathered basement exhibited resistivity values between 20 and 90 Ω•m, with thicknesses ranging from 3.5 to 15.6 meters—a zone often saturated and serving as a primary aquifer unit. In some locations, fractured basement zones were identified with moderately low resistivity values (typically less than 60 Ω•m), indicating secondary porosity and groundwater storage potential. The dominant curve types encountered include H-type, KH-type, HA-type, and QH-type curves. The H and KH types were most prevalent, indicating a common geoelectric sequence of a relatively resistive topsoil underlain by a more conductive weathered or saturated zone, followed by a resistive fresh basement. These curve types are diagnostic of aquifer-bearing formations within basement terrains. The study identifies the second and third geoelectric layers—corresponding to the weathered and fractured basement zones—as the principal aquiferous units. These layers are potential targets for hand-dug wells, boreholes, or small-scale irrigation schemes. In conclusion, the 1D resistivity method has proven to be a reliable, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach for delineating groundwater-bearing formations in crystalline basement settings. The findings offer valuable guidance for irrigation planning, sustainable water resource management, and borehole siting on the DUFARMS farmland and similar agricultural projects in southwestern Nigeria.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    CHARACTERIZATION OF AQUIFER FOR WATER SUPPLY TO CULTIVATED FARMLAND IN A BASEMENT COMPLEX USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD ON DUFARMS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRTICULTURE ABEOKUTA NIGERIA
    (2025-06-25) OLADODU IYANUOLUWAOLUWATOBILOBA
    ABSTRACT This study aims to characterize aquifer systems within a crystalline Basement Complex terrain to enhance groundwater supply for cultivated farmland, using the 1D Electrical Resistivity Method. The investigation was conducted at DUFARMS ASSETRISE LIMITED FARM, located within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria, where agriculture is critically dependent on groundwater due to irregular and seasonal rainfall patterns. The geophysical technique adopted was Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. A total of 24 VES points were surveyed across different sections of the farmland to assess the subsurface lithology and aquifer potential. Field data were processed and interpreted using IP2WIN and WinResist software packages, generating one-dimensional resistivity models for each sounding point. The interpretation revealed a stratified subsurface composed of topsoil, weathered basement, fractured basement zones, and fresh basement rock. The topsoil layer showed resistivity values ranging from 48 to 320 Ω•m, with an average thickness of 0.6 to 2.2 meters, indicating variations in soil composition (sandy, lateritic, or loamy) across the site. Beneath this layer, the weathered basement exhibited resistivity values between 20 and 90 Ω•m, with thicknesses ranging from 3.5 to 15.6 meters—a zone often saturated and serving as a primary aquifer unit. In some locations, fractured basement zones were identified with moderately low resistivity values (typically less than 60 Ω•m), indicating secondary porosity and groundwater storage potential. The dominant curve types encountered include H-type, KH-type, HA-type, and QH-type curves. The H and KH types were most prevalent, indicating a common geoelectric sequence of a relatively resistive topsoil underlain by a more conductive weathered or saturated zone, followed by a resistive fresh basement. These curve types are diagnostic of aquifer-bearing formations within basement terrains. The study identifies the second and third geoelectric layers—corresponding to the weathered and fractured basement zones—as the principal aquiferous units. These layers are potential targets for hand-dug wells, boreholes, or small-scale irrigation schemes. In conclusion, the 1D resistivity method has proven to be a reliable, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach for delineating groundwater-bearing formations in crystalline basement settings. The findings offer valuable guidance for irrigation planning, sustainable water resource management, and borehole siting on the DUFARMS farmland and similar agricultural projects in southwestern Nigeria.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATION EFFECT OF LIVESTOCK WASTE ON SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER USING INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL METHODS
    (2024-11-20) LASISI, RASAQ AKANJI
    ABSTRACT Cattle confinement causes significant amount of animal wastes in the surface and subsoil, contributing an enormous amount of pollutant into the soil and nearby aquifer units. In order to evaluate the degree of pollution, the extent of migration of leachate formed from animal wastes and its impact on shallow aquifer unit should be appraised. In view of this, electrical resistivity survey (1D vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 2D electrical resistivity Tomography (ERT)) and geochemical methods were utilized on the study site and nearby water sources respectively. Apparent resistivity data were measured along sixteen profiles using Schlumberger and Wenner configuration while soil samples were collected from laid transverses at depths of 0-30 cm and 30-60cm respectively. Geochemical assessment of surface and groundwater samples were carried out according to standard laboratory practices while hydrochemical facies of the sampled water was evaluated using Piper Trilinear software. The VES, 2D and 3D resistivity data were processed and inverted using WINRESIST, RES2DINV and RES3DINV software respectively. The ranges of resistivity and thickness of the Topsoil, Silt Fine Sand layer and Clay layers according to VES are (3.2-54.80 Ωm, 0.4-3.4 m), (5 - 75Ωm, 0.2 -19.1 m), (4.6 -188.7 Ωm, 2.7 -12.7 m). The inverse resisting model section of the subsurface from 2D and 3D imaging revealed low resistivity value less than 10 Ωm suspected to be leachate infiltration while 3D inverse section allowed delineation of animal waste plume, weathered layer and seepage path. The extent of migration was up to a depth of about 9m and more pronounced in the south eastern part of the study site. Hence, possible contamination of shallow groundwater system as livestock market ages. All the collected soil sample along the traverse lines belong to sandy loam, moderately acidic with nitrate and moisture content value ranging from 9.87-135.39 mg/kg and 0.238 to 0.324 cm3/cm3, respectively, At selected soil depths. The result of the physicochemical analysis revealed that 77% of water samples to be within the permissible limits of WHO/NSDWQ for drinking purpose besides their suitability for irrigation use. Interpretation of the piper diagram showed NaHCo3 to be the dominant facies in the area while alkaline earth metal (Ca2+ x mg2+) and weak acid (HCo3-, Co3-) are dominant cation and anions in the area. Surface and groundwater in the study area are of fresh and alkaline water type.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    A NOVEL GLUCOSE BIOSENSOR BASED ON SILVER NANOPARTICLE (AgNP) STABILIZED WITH SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (NaTPP) CROSS-LINKED CHITOSAN: DIRECT ELECTRON TRANSFER AND ELECTROCATALYTIC ACTIVITY
    (2024-09-15) BAMIGBADE, Akeem Adesina
    Abstract The development of non-enzymatic glucose biosensor has been the concern of many researchers mainly because enzymes based sensor despite having excellent sensitivity and selectivity, has the limitations such as poor stability, complicated enzyme immobilization, critical operating conditions such as optimum temperature and reproducibility, which hinder the sensor properties. The prevalence of renal problem globally justifies the need for the development of non-enzymatic glucose biosensor that can effectively and accurately detect glucose in any medium which can be very effective to the detection and treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study has developed a biocompatible non-enzymatic glucose biosensor, Direct electron transfer and electro-catalytic activity of non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) stabilized with sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP) cross-linked chitosan was studied. Silver nanoparticle was prepared and characterized by Fourier transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electro-catalytic activity of the synthesised AgNPs was investigated through potentiometric and amperometric techniques. The crystalline size of the AgNPs was revealed with XRD. The cubic face-centered structure of the synthesised silver nanoparticle was confirmed. This was supported by the observed sharp four diffraction peaks with peaks intense appearing at 2θ = 38.09°, 44.15°, 64.67°, and 77.54°. However, the SEM micrograph of the synthesised AgNPs revealed the spherical shape of AgNPs with a non-uniform granular shape attributed to bio-mediated ionic gelation process. The surface of the synthesised AgNPs has a spherical shape and slightly elongated with a big tendency to aggregate and form larger particle clusters. Whereas, FTIR spectra of AgNPs gave peaks at 1054 – 1645 cm-1 suggesting the presence of phosphonate linkages between ammonium, -NH3+ of chitosan and –PO32- moieties of NaTPP during cross linking process. The electro-catalytic oxidation of glucose at the electrode surface was examined and the mechanism involved in glucose oxidation was revealed. The silver nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode (AgNPGCE) showed a better electrochemical response towards glucose. This glucose sensor shows high sensitivity at +0.54 V. A low detection limit of 1.22 M taken the confident level to be 3, and wide linear range of 2 to 24 M with a correlation coefficient of 0.9987 were obtained. The calculated parameters revealed that AgNPs has shown better overall electrochemical performance with a response which is better than enzymatic biosensor. The fabricated AgNPs sensor shows comparable sensitivity (98%) of the initial value after it was kept in air for 8 days, demonstrating the very good sensitivity and durability of the glucose sensing. The good adhesion towards electrode and structural stability of AgNPs could be ascribed to long-term stability of AgNPs sensor. Based on these results, the AgNPGCE is a promising glucose biosensor candidate for excellent determination of glucose level in any medium.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ELECTRONIC, THERMOELECTRIC, ELASTIC, THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES AND PHONON DISPERSION OF Sb-BASED HEUSLER ALLOYS USING FIRST PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
    (2024-10-23) AJAYI, KEHINDE DANIEL
    ABSTRACT Antimony-based Heusler alloys exhibit enhanced thermoelectric performance. These materialsoffer a promising route for efficient waste heat recovery and renewable energy harvesting,providing a sustainable energy conversion. This study investigated the structural, electronic,thermoelectric, elastic,thermodynamic properties, and phonon dispersion of four (4) Sb-basedHeusler alloys: CoHfSb, Li2NaSb, RhHfSb, and RuTaSb. Density Functional Theorycalculationswere performed using the Quantum Espresso package and Thermo_pw code. Theground state energies were calculated by optimizing Self Consistent Field (SCF) parameters. TheBand gaps were obtained from Non-Self Consistent Field (NSCF) band structures while thefigure of merit (ZT) was calculated using BoltzTraP software. Thermo_Pw employed the quasiharmonic model to calculate Poisson ratio, anisotropic values, elastic constants andthermodynamic properties. Phonon calculations were performed using the Debye model. Theminimum ground state energies were obtained at lattice constants 6.0674, 6.8603, 6.2995, and 6.1608 Å for CoHfSb, Li2NaSb, RhHfSb, and RuTaSb respectively.The band gapenergies were calculated to be 0.78, 0.49, 0.81, and 0.46 eV for CoHfSb, Li2NaSb,RhHfSb, and RuTaSb, respectively, indicating semiconducting behaviour. The Figure of Merit (ZT) values were remarkably high for all the alloys, with CoHfSb exhibiting ZT ≈ 0.74 (n- type) and ≈ 0.99 (p-type); Li2NaSb exhibiting ZT ≈ 0.99 (n-type) and ≈ 0.98 (p-type); RhHfSbexhibiting ZT ≈ 0.78 (n-type) and ≈ 0.99 (p-type); and RuTaSb exhibiting ZT ≈ 0.74 (n-type) and ≈ 0.98 (p-type). These highZT values showed a testament to the potential of these alloysin the field ofthermoelectricity and power generation. The Poisson ratio (υ) was calculated tobe0.25, 0.16, 0.30 and 0.32 for CoHfSb, Li2NaSb, RhHfSb and RuTaSb, respectively.Theanisotropic values of the alloys were calculated to be 0.74, 2.29, 1.16 and 1.04 for CoHfSb, Li2NaSb, RhHfSb and RuTaSb, respectively. Negative frequency was absent in the materials’phonon dispersion curves. The Valence Band maximums and Conduction Bandminimums do not align, indicating indirect band gaps. The high ZT values suggestedapplicability for thermoelectricity and powergeneration. Materials with υ > 0.26 were ductile, while the ones with υ < 0.26 were brittle. Thepositive values of the elastic constants confirmedthat the alloys are mechanically stable. The materials were said to beanisotropic, with the anisotropic values not equal to 1 (A ≠ 1). Their vibrational energyincreased with temperature whilevibrational free energy decreased monotonically.Theentropy increased with temperature due to thermal agitation which enhanced configurationaldisorder while the heat capacity became constant above 650 K. Phonon calculations revealed dynamic stability with separated optical and acoustic branches in the phonon dispersion curve in all the materials, providing confidence in their potential applications. This study foundvaluable insights into the properties of these Sb-based Heusler alloys, highlighting theirpotential for innovative applications in thermoelectricity and energy harvesting.