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Ogunniyi S, Emenike EC, Iwuozor KO, Ighalo JO, Ezzat AO, Adewoye TL, Egbemhenghe A, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. Removal of phenol from wastewater using Luffa cylindrica fibers in a packed bed column: Optimization, isotherm and kinetic studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26443. [PMID: 38420395 PMCID: PMC10900429 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This research entails a comparison of the effectiveness of unmodified Luffa cylindrica fiber in a fully packed bed (RLCF) and NaOH-modified Luffa cylindrica fiber in another fully packed bed (MLCF) in the context of phenol removal from wastewater. Experimental data obtained through batch adsorption experiments were utilized to determine the most suitable model. It was observed that as the initial concentration of phenol increased from 100 to 500 mg/l, the maximum percentage removal increased from 63.5 to 83.1% for RLCF-PB and from 89.9 to 99.5% for MLCF-PB. The correlation coefficient (R2) was calculated for the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkin-Jura, Halsey, and Flory-Huggins models for both materials. The analysis revealed that the pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable, followed by the Elovich model, with the pseudo-first-order model being the least suitable. The Weber-Morris diffusion model suggested that pore diffusion was the rate-determining step, and diffusion at the border layer was determined to be endothermic, feasible, heterogeneous, and spontaneous. In summary, this study indicates that MLCF-PB is a promising material for the efficient removal of phenol from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ogunniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Joshua O. Ighalo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Abdelrahman O. Ezzat
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Hussein K. Okoro
- Environmental-Analytical Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Nigeria
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Iwuozor KO, Ojeyemi T, Emenike EC, Umeh CT, Egbemhenghe A, Ayoku BD, Ogunsanya TI, Ogunniyi S, Ighalo JO, Adeniyi AG. Management of sugar dust in the sugar industry. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23158. [PMID: 38163109 PMCID: PMC10756972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Sugar dust poses significant risks in the sugar industry, threatening workers' safety and health as well as the potential for explosions and fires. The combustibility of sugar dust arises from its small, lightweight particles that disperse easily and ignite readily. Effective management strategies are essential to ensuring a safe work environment and preventing accidents. This perspective article provides an overview of sugar dust management in the global sugar industry. Various methods are employed to collect and manage sugar dust, including dust collectors, air handling systems, and proper housekeeping procedures. Advancements like electrostatic precipitators, high-efficiency particulate air filters, and self-cleaning dust collection systems show promise for future management. Utilizing both artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can also contribute to minimizing the concentrations of sugar dust in facilities. Stringent regulations and guidelines exist to control dust explosions in the industry. Implementation of robust safety measures and training programs significantly curbs the economic and environmental toll of sugar dust explosions. The paper concludes with recommendations to address sugar dust challenges, including enhanced regulation, investment in technology and research, and improved collaboration among industry stakeholders. These measures will mitigate hazards, ensure worker well-being, and safeguard the sugar industry's operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Nigeria Sugar Institute, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Ojeyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Chisom T. Umeh
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bridget Dunoi Ayoku
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria
| | | | - Samuel Ogunniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Joshua O. Ighalo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Chemical Engineering Department, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
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Costa GJ, Egbemhenghe A, Liang R. Computational Characterization of the Reactivity of Compound I in Unspecific Peroxygenases. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:10987-10999. [PMID: 38096487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are emerging as promising biocatalysts for selective oxyfunctionalization of unactivated C-H bonds. However, their potential in large-scale synthesis is currently constrained by suboptimal chemical selectivity. Improving the selectivity of UPOs requires a deep understanding of the molecular basis of their catalysis. Recent molecular simulations have sought to unravel UPO's selectivity and inform their design principles. However, most of these studies focused on substrate-binding poses. Few researchers have investigated how the reactivity of CpdI, the principal oxidizing intermediate in the catalytic cycle, influences selectivity in a realistic protein environment. Moreover, the influence of protein electrostatics on the reaction kinetics of CpdI has also been largely overlooked. To bridge this gap, we used multiscale simulations to interpret the regio- and enantioselective hydroxylation of the n-heptane substrate catalyzed by Agrocybe aegerita UPO (AaeUPO). We comprehensively characterized the energetics and kinetics of the hydrogen atom-transfer (HAT) step, initiated by CpdI, and the subsequent oxygen rebound step forming the product. Notably, our approach involved both free energy and potential energy evaluations in a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) setting, mitigating the dependence of results on the choice of initial conditions. These calculations illuminate the thermodynamics and kinetics of the HAT and oxygen rebound steps. Our findings highlight that both the conformational selection and the distinct chemical reactivity of different substrate hydrogen atoms together dictate the regio- and enantio-selectivity. Building on our previous study of CpdI's formation in AaeUPO, our results indicate that the HAT step is the rate-limiting step in the overall catalytic cycle. The subsequent oxygen rebound step is swift and retains the selectivity determined by the HAT step. We also pinpointed several polar and charged amino acid residues whose electrostatic potentials considerably influence the reaction barrier of the HAT step. Notably, the Glu196 residue is pivotal for both the CpdI's formation and participation in the HAT step. Our research offers in-depth insights into the catalytic cycle of AaeUPO, which will be instrumental in the rational design of UPOs with enhanced properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo J Costa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Ruibin Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, Egbemhenghe A, Iwuozor KO, Saliu OD, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20440. [PMID: 37790970 PMCID: PMC10543225 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Chika J. Okorie
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Ojeyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseyi D. Saliu
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Hussein K. Okoro
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Nigeria
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