November 2017

Comparative biosorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution using Moringa oleifera plant parts: Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

This research article presents a comparative study of the adsorption properties of Moringa oleifera biomass using Pb2+ ions as test analyte. The investigated parameters which affected the adsorption process were the effect of pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. The comparison of adsorption process was evaluated in the pH range of 3 to 8, concentration range from 5 to 20 ppm,...

Author(s): Stephen Nyoni, Edmore Satiya, Netai Mukaratirwa-Muchanyereyi and Munyaradzi Shumba

November 2017

Variability of seed oil content and fatty acid composition in Shantung maple (Acer truncatum Bunge) germplasm for optimal biodiesel production

Shantung maple seed oil methyl esters have emerged as the potential feedstock for producing biodiesel. The goal of this work was to assess variations in seed oil content and fatty acid compositions for optimal biodiesel production among 138 Shantung maple accessions native to 14 regions of China. Dramatic differences in seed oil content were observed among trees grown in the various regions tested; seeds of trees grown...

Author(s): Qian Qiao#, Mei-Jing Ye#, Fen-Fen Si, Hong-Jian Ren, Kai An, Zhen Feng, Lin Zhang and Zhong-Kui Sun

November 2017

Effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as feed additives, on growth and haematology of Clarias gariepinus Juvenile

The rebirth and use of medicinal plants in aquaculture has become necessary as the use of synthetic drugs and chemicals is been discouraged due to their aftermath effects on cultured organisms and aquatic environment. A 56-day study was conducted to assess the effects of Roselle and ginger as dietary additives, on growth and hematology of Clarias gariepinus juvenile. Total of 150 C. gariepinus juveniles...

Author(s): Ogueji E. O., Iheanacho S. C., Dada A. O., Yaji A. J., Ifejimalu A., Ibrahim B. U., Mbah E. C., Okafor E. A. and Nnatuanya I. O.

November 2017

Diversity and extracellular enzymes of endophytic fungi associated with Cymbidium aloifolium L.

Cymbidium aloifolium is an epiphytic orchid used in treatment of many human ailments. The endophytic fungi associated with orchids are diverse and have potential to produce many bioactive compounds including extracellular enzymes. A total of 165 endophytic fungi representing 22 different fungal species were obtained from root, leaf and flowers of C. aloifolium. The colonization rate (CR) and isolation rate (IR) varied...

Author(s): Shubha J. and Srinivas C.