Rivers State Univeristy Journal of Biology & Applied Sciences

Some Thermal Characteristics of Yam Peels Bonded Water Lily (Nymphaea Odorata) Briquettes.

JBAS Journals — 2024-07-05

The hike in price of cooking gas, kerosene, electricity, and related firewood scarcity is a clarion call for the development of alternative affordable energy source, to the rescue of the low-income earners in Nigeria and abroad. Water lily, which falls into the invasive category of aquatic plants, blooms heavily in the Niger Delta region, all year round due to its endowment with network of rivers and streams. The study investigated the effect of binder concentration on the combustion properties of water lily briquettes. For this study, yam peels were gotten from table top vendors, which were then cleaned, sun-dried and milled to particle sizes 1.18 mm using Disk mill and Tyler sieves. The water lily plants were harvested manually, and treated similar to the yam peels to arrive at particle size of 1.18 mm. Yam peels’ grinds at concentration levels of (B1) 20% to (B4) 80% of a constant weight of water lily grinds at steps of 20% were blended together with addition of 200ml of boiled water. The resulting homogenous feedstock was then fed into a steel cylindrical die of dimension 14.21cm height and 2.14cm diameter, and compressed by hydraulic press at pressure level of 5 MPas with dwell time of 20 second before the resulting briquettes were ejected for further studies. From the results of the study, Fixed Carbon ranged from 15.98 to 26.38, volatile matter from 49.7 to 57.9, Ash from 15.7 to 17.8 and calorific value from 24880kj/kg to 25981 kj/kg. The values obtained in this study are above 17000kj/kg threshold minimum calorific value by standard (DIN 51731) for fuel sources, hence they are suitable for household and for small industrial heating applications. Though the combustion properties, generally improved with increase in binder concentration, it could be inferred that the optimum amount of binder recommended for the production of water lily yam peels’ bonded briquettes is at 60% and below, because beyond 60% the ash content increased and the calorific value declined.

Creating fuel briquettes from discarded Coconut shells and peanut shells as Renewable energy sources

Abhon Adus — 2024-05-24

This study explores the potential of creating fuel briquettes from discarded coconut shells and peanut shells as renewable energy sources. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources has led to the exploration of alternative options such as biomass briquettes. Coconut shells and peanut shells are abundant agricultural waste materials that can be utilized for the production of fuel briquettes. The process of creating fuel briquettes involves collecting and drying the discarded coconut shells and peanut shells, crushing them into smaller pieces, and mixing them with a binder such as starch. The mixture is then crushed into briquettes using a briquetting machine, and the heat value, moisture content, ash content, and caloric value are measured to determine the quality of the briquettes. It evaluated the calorific value, burning efficiency, and emissions of the briquettes compared to traditional fuels. Creating fuel briquettes from discarded coconut shells and peanut shells possesses the capacity to provide A long-lasting and renewable energy source with the potential to lessen environmental damage and lessen dependency on fossil fuels. This research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for utilizing agricultural waste materials for energy production, promoting a more sustainable and greener future.

Creating Fuel Briquettes From Discarded Coconut Shells And Peanut Hells As Renewable Energy Sources

JBAS Journals — 2024-07-05

This study explores the potential of creating fuel briquettes from discarded coconut shells and peanut shells as renewable energy sources. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources has led to the exploration of alternative options such as biomass briquettes. Coconut shells and peanut shells are abundant agricultural waste materials that can be utilized for the production of fuel briquettes. The process of creating fuel briquettes involves collecting and drying the discarded coconut shells and peanut shells, crushing them into smaller pieces, and mixing them with a binder such as starch. The mixture is then crushed into briquettes using a briquetting machine, and the heat value, moisture content, ash content, and caloric value are measured to determine the quality of the briquettes. It evaluated the calorific value, burning efficiency, and emissions of the briquettes compared to traditional fuels. Creating fuel briquettes from discarded coconut shells and peanut shells possesses the apacity to provide A long-lasting and renewable energy source with the potential to lessen environmental damage and lessen dependency on fossil fuels. This research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for utilizing agricultural waste materials for energy production, promoting a more sustainable and greener future.

Microbial Evaluation of Tap Water in Delta State University, Abraka

JBAS Journals — 2024-05-24

Water is one of the most abundant resources on which life on Earth depends; in some places, the availability of water is critical, limited, and renewable. The study is aimed at a microbial evaluation of the quality of tap water at Delta State University, Abraka. The pour plate method was used to determine the total heterotrophic count and thereafter, bacterial isolates were characterized using standard microbiological methods. The most probable number technique was employed in determining the total coliform count. Findings from the study revealed the heterotrophic count of the various water samples was between 3.0 x 104 and 3.4 x 105 cfu/ml. The coliform count in the presumptive test ranged from 9 to 240. This research also revealed the presence of bacteria species such as Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., and Aeromonas spp. Enterobacter spp. occurred the most and accounted for 33.33%, while Pseudomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp. accounted for 16.67% each. Escherichia coli was absent in all the water samples analyzed, but the presence of the isolated bacteria species in drinking water is of grave importance. The contamination of water samples may be a result of leaking underground pipes or inadequate sanitary conditions in the storage facilities. In order to improve the quality of tap water in the community, storage facilities have to be maintained periodically, and sanitary conditions should be improved