International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment
The International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment (IJREE) is a publication of the National Centre for Energy and Environment. The Journal contains scientific research into all aspects of Renewable Energy resources, their interaction with the environment and relationship with man. This journal is multidisciplinary in approach and interdisciplinary in scope promoting findings in a wide range of subject areas: Renewable Energy Technology, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Biomass Feedstock and Conversion, Environmental Forensics, Environmental Law and Policy, Environmental Management, Human Health and Life cycle Assessment, Biological Modelling, Environmental Engineering, Energy Efficiency, Climate Change and Carbon Capture Technology. In view of the multidisciplinary nature of the journal, the Editorial Board and Editorial Advisory Committee are made up of a broad spectrum of internationally recognized scientist, academicians and policy makers who will encourage publications that display only the highest standards of international scholarship.
National Centre for Energy and Environment
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NEIGHBORHOOD-SCALE ANALYSIS OF URBAN GROWTH AND LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION IN RIKKOS AND LAMINGO, JOS NORTH, NIGERIA USING REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
Rapid urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa is changing land use and land cover (LULC) patterns, with significant implications for ecological sustainability and spatial planning. This study assessed LULC dynamics in Rikkos and Lamingo, Plateau State, Nigeria, between 2014 and 2024, to understand spatial patterns of urbanization and land degradation. Multi-temporal Landsat 8 OLI imageries (30 m spatial resolution) were analyzed using supervised classification (maximum likelihood algorithm) and post-classification comparison within a GIS framework. Five major LULC categories: built-up, farmland, vegetation, rock outcrop, and water body were identified and classified. The classification achieved an overall accuracy of 94.2% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.90, confirming its strong reliability. Results revealed a substantial increase in built-up areas (+54.13%) and rock outcrops (+414.77%), largely at the expense of farmland (−37.43%) and vegetation (−50.15%), while water body showed minor change (−13.73%). These shifts reflect intense anthropogenic pressure, rapid urban expansion, and progressive land degradation. The study emphasizes the pressing need for integrated land-use planning, afforestation, and the reclamation of degraded areas to foster sustainable environmental management and enhance ecosystem resilience. The findings provide a spatial basis for policy formulation aimed at curbing uncontrolled land conversion in rapidly urbanizing regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
GC-MS PROFILING, ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ANALYSIS OF THE N-HEXANE EXTRACT OF THE SEEDS OF RAPHIA HOOKERI OBTAINED IN DELTA STATE
Raphia hookeri is widely employed in African traditional medicine for diverse therapeutic purposes; however, its bioactive potential remains inadequately investigated. This study examined the chemical composition of the n-hexane seed extract of Raphia hookeri and assessed its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, phenolic compounds, sterols, and cardiac glycosides. Antioxidant evaluation using the DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, indicating the strong bioactive potential of the seed oil. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei. The extract exhibited pronounced antimicrobial efficacy against all tested organisms, with zones of inhibition ranging from 18 to 25 mm. Anti-inflammatory assessment showed a maximum inhibition of 60.15% at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, compared to 89.13% inhibition obtained for diclofenac used as the reference drug. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the extract was determined to be 2.5 mg/mL. These findings provide scientific support for the therapeutic relevance of Raphia hookeri seed oil and highlight its potential application in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial formulations aimed at developing sustainable and affordable health solutions.
EFFECT OF EXTREME CLIMATE ON HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL DISCOMFORT IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE
Amid rising global climate concerns, Jos Metropolis in Nigeria, a high-altitude city historically known for temperate conditions, now experiences abrupt temperature fluctuations (“Jos weather”) that induce significant physiological discomfort. This study investigated (i) specific weather conditions causing discomfort, (ii) the nature and extent of discomfort during extreme heat/cold, (iii) the most affected demographic groups, and (iv) coping strategy effectiveness. A descriptive survey design was adopted targeting 1,101,300 residents of Jos North and South LGAs (NPC, 2022). Using Taro Yamane’s formula, 400 respondents were selected via stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.818) and Landsat-derived LST analysis (2014–2024) were employed. Results revealed extreme heat and cold spells as primary drivers, causing respiratory issues, dehydration, and joint pain, worsened by urban expansion (+7.474 km² built-up area). The elderly are most vulnerable, with significant demographic differences (ANOVA F(3,379) = 6.247, p = 0.001) and a strong climate-discomfort relationship (r = 0.672, p < 0.001). Current coping strategies offer only moderate relief. The study recommends portable fans, insulated clothing, cooling centres, N95 mask distribution, GIS-based vulnerability mapping, and aggressive green infrastructure development to mitigate escalating health risks in Jos Metropolis.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WASTE LUBRICATING OIL ON SOIL QUALITY IN AUTOMOBILE WORKSHOPS IN DELTA STATE
This study assessed the impact of waste lubricating oil (WLO) management on soil quality in automobile workshops across three local government areas in Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected using a soil auger from five sites in Uwvie, Warri, Oghara and Sapele automobile workshops. Physicochemical and heavy metal analyses were conducted to evaluate contamination levels. Results showed moderately acidic soils (pH 4.60–7.20) except WARS1, which was slightly basic. Cadmium concentrations exceeded WHO limits, while heavy metals followed the trend Cr > Zn > Pb > Cd. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were high (724.09–8630.39 µg/kg), indicating hydrocarbon contamination. ANOVA showed significant variation only in Total Organic Carbon (TOC%) and n-hexadecane, while PCA explained 96% of the dataset variance. The TPH contamination trend was WARS2 > SAPS2 > WARS1 > OGHS1 > SAPS1. The study concludes that improper WLO disposal significantly degrades soil quality, posing ecological and sustainability risks.
WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION OF 3D PRINTED PLATE SKID LANDING GEAR FOR IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN FIXED WING UAVS
This study details the structural optimization of a 3D-printed plate skid landing gear for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve flight endurance and operational efficiency through weight reduction. The study integrated Topology Optimization (TO) with Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, using ANSYS Mechanical for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations to ensure structural integrity under both ground and aerodynamic loads. Topology Optimization revealed the minimal load-bearing regions, enabling targeted material removal while maintaining the exterior airfoil shape. The optimized design achieved a 9.6% weight reduction (from 88.28 g to 79.80 g). Structural performance remained robust: maximum equivalent stress increased negligibly (0.84%), and reduction in factor of safety was minimal. Successfully fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), the new design also reduced production time by 1.89%. This research confirms that the synergy of TO and AM is a viable pathway for developing lighter, more energy-efficient UAV components, and this methodology can be extended to optimize other UAV parts and aerospace structures.
LAND USE/LAND COVER TRANSITIONS IN BENIN CITY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Benin City has witnessed tremendous increase in urban activities over the years, mainly due population increase. In 2006, the city recorded a population figure of 1,085,892 with a growth rate of 2.8 percent. However, by 2022, the Nigeria Population Commission projected population figure for Benin City at 1,841,000 at a growth rate of 3.31%. With rapid population growth and soaring urbanization, the city is now grappling with increased wastes generation and the need for improved waste management. This present study investigated the changing pattern of Land use/ Land Cover (LULC) in Benin and implication for MSW management. Landsat 7 and 8 thematic satellite imagery datasets were used in this study, and was sourced from the United State Geological Surveys (USGS) Earth Explorer platform. The analysis was based on satellite imagery classification covering five time periods: 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, with projections extended to 2025. Result showed that built-up area has continued to progress remarkably throughout the study period, demonstrating Benin City's rapid urbanization. Starting from 1,171 hectares (4% of the total area) in 2000, the built-up area expanded to 2,133 hectares (7%) by 2005, representing an 82% increase within five years. This upward trend continued consistently, reaching 2,866 hectares (9%) in 2010, 3,544 hectares (12%) in 2015, and 4,346 hectares (14%) in 2020. The projected 2025 figure of 5,229 hectares (17%) indicates that built-up areas will constitute nearly one-fifth of the total land cover. This expansion has resulted in growing pressure on public infrastructure, including municipal authority’s capacity to effectively manage solid waste. Indiscriminate dumping of waste has implications for GHGs emission, pollution, leachate contamination with serious concerns for public health. This study recommends the implementation of compact urban development strategies to reduce the urban footprint per capita as well as the establishment clear urban growth boundaries to prevent sprawl into environmentally sensitive areas, including illegal disposal of MSW in these areas of the city.
ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY AND NOISE LEVEL AROUND UNIVERSITY OF BENIN UGBOWO CAMPUS MAIN-GATE, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE NIGERIA
This study investigates the air quality and noise levels around the Main Gate of the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to assess the environmental conditions. Information on Particulate Matters (PM2.5, PM10), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and noise levels were obtained. The results indicated that air quality, PM2.5, Noise level exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO while CO exceeded NESREA permissible level. These findings highlight the need for enhanced environmental management and regulatory measures to improve air and noise quality around the area. The study underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and the implementation of pollution control strategies to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with prolonged exposure to poor air and noise quality.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF MONOCRYSTALLINE, POLYCRYSTALLINE, AND THIN-FILM SOLAR PANELS UNDER VARYING SOLAR IRRADIANCE IN ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the comparative performance of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels under varying solar irradiance and temperature conditions. The study employed an experimental design in which photovoltaic panels were exposed to natural sunlight during a seven-day rooftop experiment in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, with measurements of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, voltage, current, and power output. All the panels were operated at a uniform tilt equal to the site’s latitude and the same orientation, with identical cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure consistent solar exposure. Results show that monocrystalline panels achieved the highest mean power output (53.80 ± 15.05 W), voltage (18.49 ± 0.20 V), and current (2.91 ± 0.80 A), outperforming polycrystalline (45.69 ± 14.11 W; 17.73 ± 0.21 V; 2.57 ± 0.77 A) and thin-film panels (32.03 ± 10.24 W; 16.03 ± 0.34 V; 2.00 ± 0.65 A).The study concluded that monocrystalline panels have more technological advantage due to their higher and more consistent power output, voltage stability, and responsiveness to varying solar irradiance, making them better suited for energy-demanding applications, especially in warm, high-irradiance regions like Nigeria.
MODELING SLOPE AND ASPECT INFLUENCE ON LANDSCAPE MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGE IN NDELE, RIVERS: A GIS-BASED ASSESSMENT
This study examines the complex relationships between slope, aspect, and landscape evolution. The study analyzed how slope and aspect as fundamental topographic factors significantly influence landscape evolution. The primary data was derived from extraction of DEM resolution 30m×30m LANDSAT TM– imagery downloaded from United State Geological Survey. The secondary data were gotten from simulation results carried out with digital elevation model (DEM) using Landscape Process Modeling at Multi dimensions and Scales (LAPSUS); a GIS-based Landscape Evolution Model. The findings of the study showed that the interaction between slope and aspect shaped Ndele landscape through influencing erosion patterns, landform morphology, and ecosystem dynamics. Slope angle controls erosion rates as shown that steeper slopes occur in the Northern regions of Ndele while lower, gentler slope are continually worn down with the lowest value occurring in 2016 at 40.05. Conclusively, the study findings infer that there is an inverse relationship between slope angle and soil erosion which led to structural change in the areas landscape.
FRACTIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH LEAD NITRATE AND CADMIUM NITRATE USING SEQUENTIAL EXTRACTION METHOD
A separate pot experiment was conducted to compare the metal uptake of soil spiked with amount of lead nitrate (Pb0- 0 mg/kg, Pb1- 1000 mg/kg, Pb2- 500 mg/kg, Pb3- 250 mg/kg, Pb4- 125 mg/kg, Pb5- 62.5 mg/kg), cadmium nitrate (Cd0- 0 mg/kg, Cd1- 1000 mg/kg, Cd2- 500 mg/kg, Cd3- 250 mg/kg, Cd4- 12 5mg/kg, Cd5-62.5 mg/kg) and the combination of the two salts using maize plant. The experiment was carried out under a greenhouse condition for ten weeks; the maize cob was harvested and analysed with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic (AAS). Sequential extraction was used to fractionate the spiked soils into five operationally defined groups: Exchangeable, Carbonate, Fe-Mn oxide, Organic and residual. The Organic fraction was the most abundant pool for the soil spiked with lead nitrate while Carbonate is the most abundant for that spiked with cadmium nitrate and the results obtained from the combination of the two salts indicated that Organic fraction was the most abundant. Metal distribution in the different chemical fractions in these soils depends on the respective total metal concentration used to spiked the soil.
Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Batteries
This study presents a comparative modeling and performance analysis of four major battery chemistries Lead–acid, Lithium-ion, Solid-state, and Flow using MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape. A unified equivalent circuit model (ECM), comprising an open-circuit voltage source, ohmic resistance, and two RC branches, was implemented as a baseline framework to ensure consistency across chemistries. Chemistry-specific extensions were incorporated, including the Shepherd–Peukert model for Lead–acid, a Single-Particle Model (SPM) for Lithium-ion, an extended SPM with interfacial resistance for Solid-state, and coupled tank–stack–channel dynamics for Flow batteries. Experimental OCV–SOC (Open-Circuit Voltage vs. State of Charge) data, diffusion coefficients, and kinetic parameters were integrated to enhance fidelity, while degradation sub-models such as SEI growth, Peukert aging, interfacial resistance, and electrolyte imbalance enabled lifecycle projections. Standardized test protocols comprising constant-current discharges, dynamic load cycles, temperature sweeps, and cycling tests were applied to evaluate voltage–SOC behaviour, round-trip efficiency, thermal rise, and cycle life. Results indicated that Lithium-ion and Solid-state deliver superior energy density and efficiency, Lead–acid remains cost-effective but cycle-limited, and Flow batteries achieve exceptional lifetime with scalable power–energy decoupling. The unified framework provides a reproducible methodology for battery evaluation, offering valuable insights for mobility, stationary storage, and grid-scale applications.
Assessing Grid Stability Under Renewable Energy Penetration Using Data-Driven Simulations
This study develops a simulation framework based on a modified IEEE 14-bus network in MATLAB/Simulink to evaluate stability under renewable energy integration. Hourly meteorological data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet, Jan–Dec 2024) were used to model residential and commercial loads alongside solar irradiance and wind speed. System performance was assessed at penetration levels of 10%, 50%, 70%, and 100%, using metrics such as voltage deviations, frequency fluctuations, and energy storage requirements. At 10% penetration, voltage and frequency remained within ±1.8% and ±0.02 Hz, respectively. At 50%, deviations increased to ±4.5% and ±0.08 Hz, while at 100% they exceeded ±6% and ±0.15 Hz. Storage capacity needs also rose significantly, from 0.5 MWh to over 6.5 MWh. The results highlight the growing importance of scalable energy storage and advanced control measures for maintaining power system reliability under high renewable penetration.
COMPARATIVE YIELD AND ANALYSIS OF ALCOHOL FROM SELECTED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Alcohol was produced from cassava, sorghum, rice and maize by measuring 100 grams of each starch material sourced from the different agricultural products which were hydrolyzed using 6 M hydrochloric acid respectively. The resultant reducing sugar (glucose) solution were fermented using brewer’s yeast and then distilled to obtain alcohol (ethanol). The yield of alcohol was determined, which ranged from 19.40 – 7.00 %. Sorghum gave the highest yield of 19.40 % which rice gave least yield of alcohol of 7.00 %. The daily protein analysis of the fermenting liquor was irregular, however the daily glucose analysis showed a gradual decrease in the concentration of glucose as fermentation progresses.
THERMAL COMPETITIVENESS OF FURNACE BRICKS MADE FROM AGGREGATION OF SAND AND CLAYS SOURCED FROM OVIA, AFUZE ANDOGHARA IN NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Furnace operation is dependent on the characteristics of clays and mode of production. Many fire bricks fail due to poor materials formulations during production. Also, reliance on foreign sourced fire bricks has been a bane to local production local fire bricks production in Nigeria. This paper analyzed thermal competitiveness of fire bricks made from clays sourced locally from Ovia, Afuze and Oghara townships in the Niger delta region of Nigeria. Thermal and physiochemical attributes of the fire bricks were studied based on the mix ratio formulation of clays, silica and water. Result obtained showed that the clays were of the alumina-silica group. Formulation mix ratio for Afuze and Oghara clays and silica was 3:2, while it Ovia clay to silica was 1:1. These ratios gave satisfactory characteristics of fire bricks made with the clays respectively in accordance to ASTM standards for fire bricks with operational temperatures of 10000C.
PLASTIC WASTES: AFRICA'S PERSPECTIVE IN ADDRESSING THE CRISIS AND INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Plastic waste is a global environmental challenge, causing serious pollution in water, land, and air, and it affects biodiversity due to its persistent and non-biodegradable form. Their affordability and widespread use have led to escalating production, with developing countries facing major disposal challenges. Key drivers include urbanization, population growth, industrialization, economic development, and inadequate legislation. The government plays a central role in addressing plastic waste issues, together with the community, NGOs, and civil society organizations. However, efforts are often constrained by limited resources, weak infrastructure, poor coordination, and public resistance. In Africa, regional collaborations such as the African Union Convention, the Nairobi and Abidjan Conventions, and ECOWAS action plans promote shared knowledge and strategies for pollution control. Technological innovations, including recycling advancements and sustainable packaging alternatives, are being explored to support waste reduction. Policy measures such as bans on plastic bags, extended producer responsibility, prohibitions on microbeads, and sustainable packaging regulations have also been adopted. Nonetheless, weak enforcement, insufficient waste management systems, low public awareness, and political barriers hinder progress. Achieving sustainable plastic waste management requires innovation, strong governance, and transitioning towards a circular economy. To this end, it is important that policy measures on plastic waste disposal and usage, and technological advances such as recycling and sustainable packaging, be adopted in Africa towards a sustainable environment.
FORMS OF ORGANIC CARBON IN SOILS FROM ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA
This study focuses on the forms and distribution of organic carbon content in the soils of Etsako East Local Government Area. The soil samples were physically fractionated into labile organic carbon and recalcitrant organic carbon following standard methods in the laboratory to understand soil organic carbon dynamics and the effect on land use and selected physical-chemical properties of the soils were also determined. In all it was observed that the labile organic carbon accounted for 13 percent of the total organic carbon while the recalcitrant organic carbon accounts for 87 percent indicating that the recalcitrant organic carbon is of a greater proportion than the labile organic carbon. These fractions of organic carbon were also decreasing with depth. The soil organic carbon is low. The study revealed the different land uses contributed to the relatively low level of labile organic carbon in the soil hence appropriate crop and soil management practices are required in maintaining or improving the organic carbon status of the soil.
EVALUATION OF WIND ENERGY FOR POWER GENERATION IN BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA
This study evaluated the wind power potential of a selected site (Bauchi) in Nigeria using wind speed data from 2015 to 2020, which were analyzed by Weibull probability distribution function. The average annual wind speed variation of the site lies between 2.05 m/s and 2.13 m/s. The shape factor K lies between 8.619 and 6.043, while the scale factor c lies between 7.33 m/s and 4.10 m/s. The average wind speed range of 2.05m/s-2.13m/s is small but sufficient enough for small scale wind turbines with cut-in speeds of 2.0m/s hence, the site can be used for water pumping and battery charging. Selection of wind turbine was basically done on the average wind speed on the study site which has to be sufficient to meet the cut-in wind speed. Tumo-Int 400W wind turbine generator is suitable for the study site; it is efficient even at lower wind speed. It is recommended that more sites should be studied, as wind is stochastic in nature so as to get more accurate and comprehensive wind profile for Nigeria. The government also needs to develop good policy that would foster the development of wind energy technology and attract investors.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINATION IN NIGERIAN FISH AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
This systematic review (2015–2025) synthesizes 111 peer-reviewed studies on radionuclide contamination in Nigerian fish, focusing mostly on catfish and tilapia across Lagos (Epe, Victoria Island), Rivers (Port Harcourt), Niger (Kainji), Ondo (Ilaje, Ijebu), Kwara (Ilorin), Osun (Eko-Ende), Ekiti (Ado Ekiti), Kaduna (River Kaduna), Gombe (Dadin Kowa), Kebbi, and Delta States. Elevated radionuclide levels (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U) in Lagos (²³²Th: 299.33 Bq/kg) and Rivers (⁴⁰K: 2,305.84 Bq/kg) reflect industrial and oil-related pollution, while Ekiti and Kaduna show minimal contamination. Catfish exhibited higher bioaccumulation than tilapia due to benthic feeding habits. Annual effective doses (AEDs: 5.5 – 416 μSv/y) and excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR: 0.97×10⁻³ for catfish, 0.85×10⁻³ for tilapia) were below ICRP thresholds, indicating fish consumption is not toxic. Children in Gombe face higher risks (AED: 66 μSv/y) due to higher absorption. Mitigation includes source control, water treatment (adsorption, ion exchange), sediment dredging, bioremediation, phytoremediation, permeable reactive barriers, fish monitoring, and consumption advisories. Research gaps include limited studies in northern/eastern regions (e.g., Plateau, Imo, Bayelsa), lack of temporal trend analysis, and non-carcinogenic risk assessments. Future studies should standardize protocols, explore aquaculture, and model climate-driven radionuclide mobilization to enhance food safety and public health policies.
FACTORS INFLUENCING COMMUNITY EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION WITHIN WARRI REFINING AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY (WRPC) ENVIRONS, NIGERIA
The study examined socio-economic factors which instigate and enhance exposure to pollution by residents of communities (Ubeji, Ifie-Kporo, Jeddo and Ekpan) around Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company of Nigeria (WRPC). Knowledge of such factors would provide basis for reducing exposure to pollution from point sources by enforcing planning regulations and extensive buffering around industries. The factors were determined using information retrieved from 379 copies of questionnaire, and analyzed descriptively using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Exposures, Effects and Actions (DPSEEA) framework. The results of the study revealed that refinery activities (32.5%) and a high proportion of migrant population (67.3%), the use of private owned electric power generating sets (74.%), vehicular traffic (2.4%) and bush burning (2.4%) were the major instigating factors which exposed residents to pollution in the study area. Family ties/ marriage (31.4%), employment and business opportunities (18.2%) and security and cheap housing (3.4%) were also reported to be the major reasons attracting new settlers to the area. The study recommends the enforcement of legislations reducing or banning emissions from industries and bush burning (37.5%), the use of alternative energy source (33.2%) and the use of ‘controls in refinery processes (11.9%), in preventing and managing the factors which instigate and enhance exposure to pollution.
Copyright (c) 2022 International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER FOR LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS
Heat transfer instruction lessons has been a mainstay in the curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in mechanical and chemical engineering disciplines in higher institutions across the world. This paper presents the design and fabrication of a shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) for laboratory experiments. A detailed thermal design using the Kern’s approach was adopted for the thermal design of the heat exchanger. Thereafter, a mechanical design was carried out employing the TEMA standards and the ASME BPVC. It was then modeled before its fabrication. A water retention mechanism was designed using PVC pipes and 90˚ bend connectors to form a U-shaped apparatus to ensure efficient exchange of heat between both streams of fluid.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR POWERED PNEUMATIC JACK
Conventional jacks; screw and hydraulic jacks require some certain level of human effort and skill from the user, and the topography of some terrains make them difficult for use. The Pneumatic jack was fabricated to ease the use of handling and minor complications from handling the conventionally operated jack. Two basketballs are used as the bags for the pneumatic jack, and these basketballs are encased in a sheet metal casing. The metal casing protects the ball from puncturing, as rusted metal parts can be found beneath some cars. Using basketballs as the bags for the jack makes it cost effective for production. The air compressor is connected to a battery, charge controller and solar panel, and the hose is connected to the basketball valve. An air pressure of 0.241 N/mm2 on each basketball can lift a mid size sedan with an average weight of 1300kg off the ground to a height of 160mm in less than a minute. The fabricated pneumatic jack can be utilized in lifting loads in any topography with little or no human effort which is an advantage over the conventional jacks.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PRETREATMENT OF AGRO-WASTE PEELS FOR IMPROVED HYDROLYSATE SUGAR DELIVERY
Physicochemical pretreatment of some food and fruit peel agro-wastes using different mineral acids and bases was done to identify common bench reagents that have good hydrolytic effect on the observed substrates. The reagents considered were H2O, 1% NaOH, 1% KOH, 1% Ca(OH)2, 1% H2SO4 , 1% HCl and 1% HNO3. The substrates studied were pineapple peels, banana peels, plantain peels, cassava peels, yam peels, potato peels and rice husk. It was observed that the substrates have target chemicals for optimum pretreatment or hydrolysis. Results also showed that 1% NaOH was the best reagent with a cumulative hydrolysate sugar weight yield of 17.97%. This was followed by 1% H2SO4 with a percentage cumulative hydrolysate sugar weight yield of 17.55%. Others were 1% HCl, 1% HNO3, 1% KOH, H2O, and 1% Ca(OH)2 with a percentage cumulative hydrolysate sugar weight yield of 17.39%, 14.82% 13.31%, 10.02% and 8.86% respectively. The hydrolysate sugar weights achieved from the considered substrates were substantial and made them suitable to be utilized for fermentation.
cumulative hydrolysate sugar weight yield
EVALUATION OF MINERAL AND NUTRITIVE COMPOSITION OF UNRIPE MUSA PARADISIACA L. (PLANTAIN) FRUIT
In order to increase the awareness of the importance of some African staples, unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca), an important dietary staple in Benin City, Nigeria was investigated for its nutritional and mineral compositions. Results obtained from the proximate nutritional analysis revealed that mature unripe plantain purchased from Uselu market in Benin City, Nigeria contained 60.22% moisture, 0.86% ash, 5.54% fat, 20.84% crude fibre, 5.05% protein and 7.49% carbohydrate. Also, results obtained from the mineral analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopic method revealed that the fruit contained 2754 mg/100g iron, 1360 mg/100g potassium, 320.1 mg/100g zinc, 282 mg/100g calcium, 180.6 mg/100g copper, 130 mg/100g magnesium, 65.9 mg/100g manganese and 26.1 mg/100g sodium. The substrate was found to contain significantly high amount of Iron when compared with results from other workers. Other tested heavy metal minerals like chromium, lead and cadmium were absent. Keywords: plantain, proximate, mineral, nutritional, evaluation
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HYDROPOWER STATIONS IN NIGERIA
This paper presents the theoretical determination of power generating capacities of Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro hydropower stations in Nigeria. The theoretical power output equation was developed from the fundamental energy equations. Hydrological data like gross head (H) in metres (m) and Volumetric flow (Q) in cubic metres per second (m3/s) were obtained from the various efficiency departments of the hydropower stations for a period of 2013 to 2017. The results obtained reveal that the average power generation ranges from 298.03MW to 367.53MW for Kainji, 251.45MW to 337.24MW for Jebba and 176.42MW to 207.37MW for Shiroro. The above generation levels fall short of the installed capacities of 760MW, 578MW and 600MW of Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro respectively. Thus, there is need to increase the efficiency of these hydropower stations in terms of operational improvements and application of new technologies.