Dm Maina

Determination of suspended particulates matter of major significance to human health using nuclear techniques in kenya

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of aerosol samples in Nairobi is presented. Results show that elemental concentrations are of the order of 10−4 to 10−6 μg/m3 for most elements analyzed. The total suspended particulate (TSP) matter was between 30–80 μg/m3 for the entire sampling period between December 1993 to October 1994. Levels of lead (Pb) are below WHO guidelines. However, the obtained bromine (Br) to Pb ratio: 0.3–0.51, shows the origin of Pb to be from vehicular emissions. This ratio was particularly high during the months of April to July 1994 which were also found to be very active in terms of weather parameters.

Inorganic element concentrations in near surface aerosols sampled on the northwest slopes of Mount Kenya

Abstract Eight trace elements, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe and Zn in the near-ground atmospheric aerosols were evaluated in the northwestern part of Mount Kenya using a dichotomous sampler and an EDXRF spectrometer. The samples were taken at 2 sites situated in Nanyuki area, which is roughly on the Equator. The sampler segregated the aerosol into two aerodynamic diameter (ad) size fractions, fine ( 3.5 and

Antidiabetic and safety of lantana rhodesiensis in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Lantana rhodesiensis Linn is used traditionally in the management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus; however, its efficacy and safety is not scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of aqueous extracts of L. rhodesiensis in white male albino rats. Aqueous extracts were screened for their hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats using the oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of these extracts was studied in rats orally or intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording the changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral compositions of the extracts were estimated using total reflection X-Ray Fluorescence System (TRXF) while the types of phytochemicals present were assessed using standard procedures. Aqueous extracts orally and intraperitoneally administered at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight demonstrated hypoglycemic activity with the intraperitoneal route being more effective than the oral route. Oral and intraperitoneal dose of 1 g/kg body weight of the extracts significantly reduced the body weight gain, increased the testis and spleen, and decreased the lung weight; reduced the hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, packed cell volume and increased the neutrophil count; decreased the activity of γ-glutamyltransferase and histologically mildly reduced lymphoid follicles. Orally, the same dose decreased the red blood cell count, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, monocyte and platelet count; increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase. The extract contained phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phylobatannins, resins, and bound anthrax quinones. Potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, lead and zinc levels in the extracts were below the recommended daily allowance. In conclusion, the observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytonutrients present in this plant. This study recommends use of this plant as herbal medicine.

Evaluation of fundamental parameters method for biological materials and soil analysis by energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry

Abstract Two methods of determination of trace elements in plant materials, viz. the fundamental parameters method (FPM) and the empirical method with the use of standard samples, were compared. Hay CRM and fresh tea leaves were used in measurements. Good agreement was achieved for the determination of a number of elements by both methods. Also Soil-7 Certified Reference Material (CRM) was analysed using emission-transmission method for absorption correction and FPM for concentration determination. The agreement with CRM was found to be reasonably good for several elements.