Challenges and Advances in Chemical Science Vol. 3

Investigation on the Sequestration of Divalent Metal Ions Employing Animal Waste

N. Muthulakshmi Andal — 2021-08-05

Heavy metal ions are toxic to the eco-system, when the exceed their concentrations as per specific standards. The widespread use of these in industries control havoc, therefore considerable attention in given for their reduction and removal. It is necessary to develop novel materials in environment order to chelate these toxicants in environmental samples. Based on this need for developing zero cost sorbent, the present study aims at investigating the sorption capacity of Goat Hooves, a no cost material, in the process of removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous media. Goat hooves are subjected Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy / Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses, post proper treatment (TGH), to identify the functional groups and describe its surface morphology respectively. Batch equilibration experiments are conducted to verify the impact of varied operating parameters viz., particle size, dosage, initial concentration, contact time and pH. The obtained data are modelled using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. Langmuir plot exhibited better linearity amongst other derived models indicating of monolayer adsorption to be followed by Pb(II) – TGH and Cd(II)- TGH. Further, Statistical tool analyses using SPSS 20 software, recorded a significant correlation value when applied to the optimized conditions of the batch studies.

Study on Virtual Screening of Treated Pistachio vera Shell Powder as a Potential Sorbent in Sequestering Ubiquitous Divalent Metal Ions from Aqueous Matrices

N. Muthulakshmi Andal — 2021-08-05

Water pollution due to noxious heavy metals such as Hg(II), Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions etc., has been tremendously gaining attention. Increasing concentrations of these metals into the ecosystem constitute a severe health hazard due to their toxicity, accumulation and bio- magnification. Lead contamination of drinking water is a great threat via lead pipes, plating units etc. Pistachio vera shell (PVS) is a hard layer surrounding the nut kernels. The current work evaluates the feasibility of powdered Pistachio vera shell (PVSP) - a bio waste in sequestering Pb(II) ions after treating with 0.1N HCl / NaOH to enhance its sorption efficacy (TPVSP). SEM, FTIR and microscopic analyses are recorded for material characterization. The competence of the sorbent material is experimentally verified through Batch mode under various operating factors viz., particle size and dosage of TPVSP, agitation time interval between TPVSP and Pb(II) ions, initial concentrations of Pb(II) ions, pH of the adsorption medium, effects of cations, anions, co-ions and influence of temperatures on Pb(II) – TPVSP system. The residual concentrations of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions are analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (SHIMADZU-AA-6200). Langmuir and Freundlich models are applied to describe the adsorption capacity. Column studies are conducted to ensure the quantitative estimation of TPVSP, wherein 99% of Pb(II) is removed by 40 mg TPVSP at a flow rate of 100 ml/10 mins.

Study on Biosorption of Divalent ion onto Treated Prosopis Juliflora Bark from Aqueous Solutions: An Approach towards Isothermal and Statistical Analysis

N. Muthulakshmi Andal — 2021-08-05

The present work emphasizes the utilization of Prosopis juliflora bark for adsorption of Cu(II). Raw Prosopis juliflora bark is treated using 0.1N hydrochloric acid to enhance its sorption efficiency. Characterization of TPJB was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, Bruner-Emmet-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda analyses. Experimental verification for Cu(II)- TPJB through Batch mode under operating factors viz., particle sizes/ doses of the material upon a range of initial Cu(II) concentrations at different temperatures, agitation time and pH values system was conducted, where maximum amount adsorbed is found to be 43.11 mg/g (97.4%) ,under optimized conditions, its efficiency being 3 fold times more than C_e values reported by other researchers. Quantification of Treated Prosopis juliflora bark is done through column studies, wherein 98% Cu(II) removal is observed. Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isothermal curves at various initial concentrations are plotted for Cu(II)-TPJB system, the straight line fit is best suited for Freundlich model. The response of Treated Prosopis juliflora bark in trapping Cu(II) ions influenced by various parameters is statistically verified using SPSS software, indicative of good correlation.

A DFT Study on Theoretical Investigation of Application of Combining Pristine C60 and doped C60 with Silicon and Germanium Atoms for Solar cells

Leila Hojatkashani — 2021-08-05

Solar energy and its conversion to electricity is an important research in the last decade. Solar cells are consist of a p-type semiconductor as donor and an n-type semiconductor as acceptor. Organic polymers as organic semiconductors are used in an organic solar cell. This research is a theoretical investigation of Fullerene C₆₀ as donor and C₆₀ doped derivatives with Silicon and Germanium atoms as acceptors for basic structure of a solar cell. This research is done not only with using related equations but also with investigating theoretical UV-VIS spectrum of the chosen donors-acceptors and their absorption wavelengths, oscillator strength and maximum coefficient absorptions of these solar cells.

An Experimental Investigation on Reverse Direction Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography, Hydrostatic Flow Injection and Diffusional Injection

Kiumars Ghowsi — 2021-08-05

Dunn, Hankins, and Ghowsi observed separation in the case where ions incapillary electrophoresis migrate in the opposite direction of electroosmosis and ions travel faster than flow, eventually separating them and reaching the detector.For the separation of p-xylene and toluene, a similar form of electrokinetic chromatography called reverse direction MECC has been developed (micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography).In reverse direction micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, the influence of injection time on separation is explored. Hydrostatic and diffusion injection were investigated in this study.

Study on the Efficiency of Metal Modified Bio–Nanocomposite Bead for Removal via Retention of Some Anthraquinone Dye

Mitali Sarkar — 2021-08-05

In an aim to study the efficiency of metal modified bio–nanocomposite bead for removal via retention of anionic dye the batch adsorption tests were conducted with iron(III) loaded cellulose nanocomposite bead and alizarin red S, of different concentrations, from aqueous environment. The spectral and surface character of the bead was investigated. The process was optimized for variables (pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature), employing response surface methodology following full factorial and central composite design. The maximum adsorption of 97% was observed at an optimum condition of pH 3.0, dose of 2.0 gdm^-3 and shaking time of 45 mins corresponding to the dye concentration of 100 mgdm^-3 at 303 K. The influence of the significant variables was correlated with the extent of dye adsorption in a second order polynomial equation. The mutual interactions of the significant variables were presented by 3D response surface and 2D contour plots in the design space. The adsorption was better described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second order kinetics. The process was spontaneous (-\(\Delta\)G°, 48.19 kJmol^-1), feasible (\(\Delta\)S°, 0.284 Jmol^-1K^-1) and endothermic (\(\Delta\)H°, 71.62 kJmol^-1). The adsorbent can be regenerated with NaOH (10.0.10^-2 M) and recycled for reuse, at least for five successive operations.

Investigating the Effect of Temperature and Phase on Properties of Metal Pseudobrookite

S. S. Gurav — 2021-08-05

Iron titanate is a metal pseudobrookite with a number of unique features, including spin glass behaviour, thermal microcracking, magnetic texture, and high resistivity. The polycrystalline pseudobrookite has wide range of applications. This paper compares the electrical resistivity and dielectric properties as a function of temperature and relaxation spectra of pure iron titanates prepared with the rutile form of titanium oxide and sintered at two temperatures, 1000^oC and 1250^oC, as well as pure iron titanates prepared with the anatase form of titanium oxide and sintered at 1250^oC.

The iron titanates are made using A.R. grade oxides and a typical ceramic method.XRD and FTIR tests confirm the development of a single phase. In terms of structure, all of the samples are pseudobrookites with orthorhombic unit cells. The analysis of the relaxation spectra establishes the presence of space-charge, which increases with the sintering temperature for the pseudobrookite prepared from rutile TiO₂. The pseudobrookite made from anatase TiO₂ also has inferior dielectric and electric characteristics at lower frequency (1 kHz) and exhibits strong hysteresis, indicating slower microcrack healing, according to the research. The effects of structural changes on resistivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss are discussed and analysed.

In vitro Release Study of Drug from Nano Particle

Seema Manchanda — 2021-08-05

Recent years have witnessed unprecedented growth of research and applications in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology. There is increasing optimism that nanotechnology, as applied to medicine, will bring significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Anticipated applications in medicine include drug delivery, both in vitro and in vivo diagnostics, nutraceuticals and production of improved biocompatible materials.

Carbon Nanomaterials exhibit many unique intrinsic physical and chemical properties and have been intensively explored for biological and biomedical applications in the past few years. The presented work is a prelude in the direction of using Carbon Nano fibers as a vehicle for drug delivery to the desired sites. Release study of the anti cancer drug, Doxorubicin from the functionalized Carbon Nano fibers at different temperature and pH conditions were studied. Loaded anticancer drug shows better release in acidic medium. Moreover, increased release is seen with the increase in temperature.

Experimental Investigation Highlighting Performance and Emission Characteristics of Algae Bio-Fuelled Diesel Engine

J. Kuberan — 2021-08-05

During recent years the increasing consumption of fossil fuel has led to the search for alternative energy. Microalgae emerged as one of the potential sources of Bio-fuels from algae, and it is mostly preferred because it is sustainable and environment-friendly. The oil was extracted from spirulina and chlorella microalgae using a pyrolysis technique at 350°C, and the bio-oil characteristics were investigated. The viscosity and density of chlorella bio-oil were extremely similar to conventional diesel fuel when compared to spirulina bio-oil. The experiment was carried out in a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine for various loading conditions and was carried out for B10 blend for spirulina and chlorella algae bio-fuel. CL10D90 showed maximum output power at 100% load condition was nearly the same for diesel fuel than SP10D90, and specific fuel consumption was nearly the same when compared to diesel. The brake thermal efficiency of CL10D90 is 4% higher than that of SP10D90 and 2% higher than that of diesel, and the combustion characteristic of peak heat release rate is higher. There is also a reduction in HC and CO emissions at full load, with a slight increase in NOX emissions. The results of the experiment demonstrate that using CL10D90 bio-oil in a diesel engine is a viable option.

Study of the Treatment of Kidney Stone with Upupa Epops, Cissus Adanta Roxb and Cissus Javana DC in the Urinary Medium: A Comparative Approach

S. O. Ibopishak — 2021-08-05

Kidney stone is a very common disease suffered by many peoples. It causes health problems such as severe pain, urinary obstruction and infection that adversely affect well being individuals. It may be treated by using allopathic and herbal drugs, lithotripsy, open surgery etc. Medicinal plants are also used for such treatment. These plants are less side effect and more economic. In this article, chemoinhibitory effects of Upupa epops, Cissus adnata Roxb and Cissus javana DC for calcium phosphate(CP) stone and calcium oxalate(CaOX) stone formation in the aqueous and urinary media is studied. Kidney stone is treated with Hoopoe, Cissus adnata Roxb and Cissus javana DC in the urinary medium. The comparative study shows the inhibitory effect of the mixture of Hoopoe and Cissus javana DC for CP and CaOX stones in the aqueous and urinary media is higher and also the digestion or dissolution of kidney stone is higher by this mixture in the urinary medium.

A Detailed Analysis of Nitrates and Nitrites in Groundwater of Ilorin Environs

Oluwadurotimi O. Akiwumi — 2021-08-05

Over the course of four months, the levels of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water from two local government areas in Ilorin, Kwara State, were assessed using a HACH DR/EL 5 Spectrophotometer.

The average nitrate (NO3-N) concentration in the borehole is 0.185 mg/L, while nitrites (NO2-N) concentration is 0.044 mg/L. The mean concentration of nitrate (NO3-N) in the well is 0.915 mg/L, whereas nitrites are 0.087 mg/L. The measured means for both nitrates and nitrites in groundwater, as well as the highest single-point values, are substantially below the WHO MCL (maximum contamination level) of 10.0 mg/L nitrate as NO3-N and 3.0 mg/L nitrite as NO2-N. The results are likewise below the NSDWQ's (Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality) maximum permissible levelsof 50 mg/L nitrate as NO₃-N and 0.2 mg/L nitrite as NO₂-N.

Estimation of Cinnamoyl Derivatives from Cordia Platythyrsa and Chemiotaxonomical Value of the Cordia Genus

Bernard Dabole — 2021-08-05

The aim of this study was to investigate the roots and the stem barks of Cordia platythyrsa with the view to improve the chemiotaxonomy value in the Cordia genus. Phytochemical investigation of the roots and stem barks of Cordia platythyrsa (Boraginaceae) had led to the isolation of two new cinnamates, the cordicinnamate A compound 1 and the cordicinnamate B compound 2 along with four known compounds. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis mainly FAB and TOF –MS, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR, COSY, HMBC, HSQC and by comparison with literature data. The cinnamoyl derivatives were reported for the first time in the Cordia genus. The isolation and identification of cinnamoyl derivatives in cordia genus improve the chemiotaxonomy value in this genus.

Scientific Investigation of Borreria hispida (Linn) – A Tamil Traditional Medicinal Plant against Hyperlipidemia Disease

C. D. Shaji Selvin — 2021-08-05

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the lipid lowering effect of various extract of whole plant of Borreria hispida (Linn) in high fat fed rats. The whole plant Borreria hispida (Linn) dry powder was extracted with various solvents (PE, EA and methanol) through Soxhlet extracter and crude various extract utilized for hypolipidemic activities. The acute toxicity study was found that all the extracts are safe up to 2000mg/kg, so one tenth of this dose was consider as evaluation dose. Different extracts (Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate and Methanol) of Borreria hispida (Linn) were administered in dose of 200mg/kg/day to rats fed with high fat diet to assess its possible lipid-lowering potential A total number of 36 animals were divided into 6 groups of six each. Group I normal, Group II High Fat Diet, Group III- High fat diet plus Pet.ether extract (200mg/kg b.wt), Group IV High fat diet plus Ethyl acetate extract (200 mg/kg b.wt), Group V High fat diet plus Methanol extract (200 mg/kg b.wt), Group VI High fat diet plus standard drug atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg b.wt). There was a noticed increase in the body weight in HFD fed group (p<0.001), which was reduced by the administration of methanolic extract of Borreria hispida (200 mg/kg). The elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, LDL-C and VLDL-C were observed in rats fed with high fat diet (group II). After treatment of methanolic extract of Borreria hispida (200mg/kg/day) showed a significant (p<0.001) decrement in body weight, plasma and tissue total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, plasma LDL-C and VLDL-C along with an increase in plasma HDL-C when compared to HFD rats (group II). The similar result was not found in other two extract treatment groups. The methanolic extract of Borreria hispida could protect against atherosclerosis and decrease the atherogenic index than that of other extract treatment groups.This finding provides some biochemical basis for the use of methanolic extract of whole plant of Borreria hispida could protect against atherosclerosis and decrease the atherogenic index, thereby supporting the local use of Borreria hispida in the management of atherosclerosis.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Skimmia lauriola from Tehri Garhwal

Naveen Kumar — 2021-08-05

Aromatic plants have played key roles in the lives of tribal peoples living in the Himalaya by providing products for both food and medicine. The chemical composition of the essential oils of Skimmia lauriola (leaves) growing in Northern Garhwal, Himalaya has been studied. The wildly growing plants were collected from Dhanolti region of Tehri Garhwal. The essential oil was extracted using hydro distillation techniques and analysed using GC/MS. Thirty seven components were identified, accounting for 86.33% of the total oil. The oil is mainly composed of linalool acetate (26.40 %), L-linalool (14.18 %), \(\beta\)-phellendrene (9.03 %), prejeijerene (7.06 %), \(\alpha\)-terpineol (6.25%), geranyl acetate (3.89 %) and myrcene (2.18 %). Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated. Pseudomonas aurens had the most activity, with an 8 mm zone of inhibition, followed by Escherichia coli with a 5 mm zone of inhibition, while Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureginosa were completely unaffected.