C. C. Egwuonwu

STANDARD WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FISH FARMING (A CASE STUDY OF OTAMIRI RIVER)

A study on standard water quality requirements and management strategies suitable for fish farming is presented. The water quality criteria studied based on physical, chemical and biological properties of water include temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solid (TDS), nitrate- nitrogen, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total hardness. Water samples from Otamiri River in Imo state, Nigeria, were analyzed based on the afore-mentioned criteria to assess its suitability as a source of water for fish farming. The results of the analysis compared with international standards revealed that

Biodiesel Production from Jatropha Curcas Seed Oil in a Modified Batch- Reactor Using Sodium-Hydroxide as Catalyst

Jatropha seed oil was used to produce biodiesel using a modified batch reactor. A two stage esterification process was adopted. A 114 liters cylindrical batch reactor was modified and locally fabricated, all the required reagents were also locally sourced. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) to oil ratio of 1%w/w and methanol(CH3-OH) to oil ratio of 60%w/w were used to ensure less than 4% free fatty acid (FFA) content. 753ml of alcohol (methanol) and 30grams of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was vigorously mixed for about 35mins to achieve a homogenous solution. 3500ml of the acid treated Jatropha curcas seed oil was trans-esterified. A reactor mixing speed of 300rpm using four paddles (arms) and a horizontally placed baffle was maintained for 57minutes at a reaction temperature of 60C. The resulting solution was left undisturbed in a gravity flask. After 24 hours the solution produced a slightly cloudy golden brown liquid on the upper part of the mixture (methyl ester) accounting for about 89% and a yellowish brown liquid (glycerol) on the lower part accounting for about 11% of the entire mixture. This translates to about 98% methyl ester production from the experiment.

Renewable Energy as an Alternative Power Source in the Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Production in Nigeria

In recent times, agricultural practices have transformed to a level that only well-articulated programs, mechanized equipment and clean energy input can ensure its sustainability. This research work is aimed at highlighting the potentials of clean, renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy in the sustainability of agriculture and food production in Nigeria. The consequences of using non-renewable forms of energy in the farm have been a source of concern because of its attending environmental pollution and contamination of edible agricultural products due to its hazardous gas emissions. Nature on the other hand has provided in-exhaustible and available alternative energy source that could guarantee the continual existence of mechanized agriculture globally. These ranges from the harnessing of energy from the sun (solar), wind energy, hydro power and biogas forms of energy. These clean and environmentally friendly forms of energy can adequately replace fossil energy sources in all agricultural areas ranging from the tractor/ equipment fuel, drying of products, preservation of agricultural products, irrigation and electric power generation in the farm. Nigeria being one of the growing economies in the world, must embrace clean and sustainable sources of energy in the agricultural sector to pull herself out of impending economic crises that may result from the possible collapse of the nonrenewable energy sources as being predicted by research findings conducted in major oil producing nations.

Engineering properties of the crude oil–contaminated soils of Niger Delta southern Nigeria

The study investigated engineering properties of crude oil contaminated soils from the Niger Delta of Nigeria in 2008. The percentages of clay, silt and sand of various soil samples and amounts of total hydrocarbon (THC) of the crude oil samples applied were the determinant factors. The comparison between the uncontaminated and the crude oil contaminated soils showed wide variations in their engineering properties. There were pronounced increases in Aterberg limits, plasticity limits, maximum dry density (MDD) with low optimum moisture content (OMC), organic matter and the compressibility of the soil samples, when crude oil of high hydrocarbon content was applied on the soil samples of appreciable clay content. Also observed was a decrease in the permeability of various contaminated soil samples. There was a reverse trend when soil samples with appreciable percentages of sand and crude oil of low THC were used. The knowledge of these will aid geotechnical engineers on their designs and remediation techniques. Keywords : Engineering properties, soils, crude oil, hydrocarbon, Niger Delta, Nigeria