Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1189

Abstract: The danger to environmental productivity posed by many human activities is making water contamination an essential problem. Assessing oxidative stress biomarkers as markers of environmental contamination in water hyacinth and Nile tilapia from the Wupa River in Abuja that is damaged by effluent is the goal of this study. Samples were gathered and examined according to established protocols. Biomarker result shows hydrogen peroxide activities in the leaves of water Hyacinth (101.76 ±11.70-104.17 ± 17.78 mol/L) stem (81.22 ± 9.86-87.68 ± 10.31 mol/L). Superoxide anion of the leaves (25.33 ± 3.56-28.06 ± 6.09 mol/m³), stem (24.51 ± 2.99 - 26.16 ±1.84 mol/m³). Catalase enzymatic activities (43.57±2.12 - 48.23 ± 19.06), stem (39.73±4.95-47.12 ± 5.00). The Malondialdehyde of the leaves (348.04 ± 220.43-455.08 ± 137.99 g/mol) and the stem (180.08 ± 151.08-252.04 ±147.67 g/mol). In the Fish, Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels were highest in the liver, ranging from 363.62 ± 46.16 mol/L (upstream) to 362.81 ± 225.78 mol/L (downstream), significantly exceeding those in the heart and gills. Superoxide anion concentrations followed a similar pattern, with liver values ranging from 41.03 ± 8.75 mol/m³ (downstream) to 82.61 ± 64.88 mol/m³ (upstream), again surpassing levels in the heart and gills. Catalase activity was relatively stable across tissues, with values in the liver ranging from 33.75 ± 5.49 (upstream) to 38.51 ± 2.04 (downstream). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated in the gills, particularly upstream (30.89 ± 10.87 g/mol), when compared to liver and heart values. The Biomarker results demonstrate that water hyacinth and Nile Tilapia can be effectively used to assess the pollution status of the Wupa River, with the biomarkers such hydrogen peroxide, catalase and superoxide anion levels reflecting the organism’s response to environmental stressors.

Abstract: This study utilizes phenanthrene as the model molecule to investigate the optimization and reusability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles for the adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). After controlled carbonization and activation, the carbon nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical solid synthesis method and meticulously studied to determine their surface morphology and crystallinity. One factor at a time (OFAT) was used as an optimization method for the batch adsorption studies, the parameters varied including pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, Temperature, and initial phenanthrene concentration. The optimal circumstances for phenanthrene resulted in a high removal efficiency of up to 95.3% for phenanthrene, and 96% removal for naphthalene, hence demonstrating the material's potential for PAH remediation. Subsequent batch testing confirmed the material's efficacy in removing naphthalene and phenanthrene. Furthermore, reusability studies conducted over five adsorption-desorption cycles demonstrated minimal decline in removal efficiency for Naphthalene by 10%, with a difference between the 1^st and 5^th run. hence showing robust regeneration capability and operational stability. But it shows a high decline in removal efficiency for phenanthrene. The results demonstrate the efficacy and sustainability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles as a cost-effective adsorbent for applications addressing PAH contamination in water.

Abstract: Nigeria's growing aquaculture sector faces critical water quality challenges that threaten fish health and food safety, yet limited systematic assessment exists for urban fish farming environments. This study comparatively assessed physicochemical, bacteriological, and heavy metal quality of water in three selected fish farms in Abuja, Nigeria. The study was conducted over five weeks (November 2024–January 2025), with water samples collected in triplicates from inlet and outlet points and analyzed using standard APHA methods for physicochemical parameters, culture and molecular techniques for bacterial identification, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for heavy metals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results revealed that all farms exhibited suboptimal water quality with dissolved oxygen levels critically below standards (0.18 ± 0.07 mg/L vs. recommended >5 mg/L), acidic pH (6.4 ± 0.41), and elevated chemical oxygen demand (98.72 ± 19.90 mg/L). Nine bacterial species were identified from thirty isolates, with Escherichia coli being predominant (60%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. and Shigella sp. (10% each), while Campylobacter, Proteus, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Enterobacter, and Bacillus species were each detected at 3.3%. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly across farms with manganese concentrations ranging from 0.18 ± 0.12 mg/L in Farm A to 0.24 ± 0.25 mg/L in Farm C. Zinc (Zn) levels were highest in Farm V at 0.28 ± 0.21 mg/L and lowest in Farm A at 0.20 ± 0.11 mg/L. Nickel (Ni) concentrations remained relatively consistent across all farms. The study concludes that critical water quality deficiencies across all examined fish farms pose significant risks to fish health and public safety, necessitating urgent implementation of water quality management interventions and strengthened regulatory oversight for sustainable urban aquaculture development.

Abstract: Contamination of water by heavy metals is a major environmental problem in modern world as pollutants enter aquatic systems through various means such as effluent discharge, industrial, urban and agricultural run-off. This study is evaluated the bioaccumulation potentials of Eichornia crassipe (Water hyacinth) on some selected heavy metals in effluent impacted Wupa River. The result shows Water Cadmium (0.10 ± 0.01-0.12 ± 0.00 mg/L), Copper (0.01 ± 0.01-0.04 ± 0.02 mg/L), Iron (0.57 ± 0.23-0.83 ± 0.26mg/L), Nickel (0.11± 0.01-0.15±0.10 mg/L), Lead (0.98 ± 0.86-1.04 ± 0.64 mg/L), Zinc (0.02 ± 0.00-0.03 ± 0.00 mg/L). Sediment heavy metal Copper mean (0.13 ± 0.03-0.28 ± 0.06mg/L), Nickel (0.02 ± 0.02-0.18 ± 0.12mg/L), Zinc (0.03 ± 0.04-0.05 ± 0.04mg/L), Cadmium (0.004 ± 0.05-0.01 ± 0.01mg/L), Lead (5.09 ± 5.38-5.69 ± 1.61mg/L), Iron (2.00 ± 1.77 to 5.65 ± 2.03 mg/L). Molecular identification reveals high percentage identities ranging from 88.69% to 98.74% with known chloroplast sequences of E. crassipes. Water hyacinth root had high bioconcentration factor metals such as iron and copper while the leaves had highest BCF in Lead. The heavy metal removal efficiency of iron and copper was significantly low (p<0.05) in the root of water hyacinth when compared to the leave and stem of same plant. While the lead heavy metal removal was significantly (p<0.05) low in the stem when compared to the root and leaves of water hyacinth.

Abstract: Membrane-based separation technology has grown significantly due to its cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, easy system operations, and scale-up. The versatility of membrane application is also a significant factor in their widespread use in many separation processes. Their applications span water treatment, gas purification, energy production, and biomedicine. While promising, membrane technology still requires improvements in membrane features and performance, such as pore structure, fouling resistance, chemical stability, and concurrent enhancement of permeability and selectivity. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing membrane properties and performance through surface modification with atomic-scale precision, enabling conformal coatings, functional surface modification, and precise control over pore size. The ability of ALD to deposit uniform and conformal films on membrane substrates makes it a favourable modification technique. This review offers a concise yet informative discussion on the fundamentals of ALD, its integration with membrane modification, recent advancements in ALD-modified membranes, emerging trends in membrane modification via ALD, and challenges of ALD application in membrane modification.

Abstract: Carboxylic (COOH) functionalized zinc oxide and iron oxide (COOH-ZnO@Fe₃O₄) composites were used in this study to modify polyamide thin film composite membranes. The resultant membranes exhibit improved water permeability, greater antifouling qualities, robust stability for repeated usage, and enhanced rejection of Pb²⁺ metal ions compared to the unmodified membrane. In contrast to the unmodified PA-TFC membrane, which had an 82.36±0.01% Pb²⁺ removal efficiency, a contact angle of 82.36°±0.01, a flux recovery ratio of 33.6%, and a water permeation flux of 3.3 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹, the membrane containing 1.5% of the COOH-ZnOFe₃O₄ composite, for instance, achieved a 97.6±0.35% Pb²⁺ removal efficiency, a lower contact angle of 58°±1.86, a higher flux recovery ratio of 86.3%, and a higher water permeation flux of 10.23 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹. Additionally, by combining ZnO, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, and COOH groups from sodium polyacrylate as additives to the PA layer, the modified membranes demonstrated improved performance relative to the other membranes.

Abstract: Environmental worries have increased due to the sharp rise in single-use plastics in healthcare institutions, especially with relation to medical plastic waste. This study explores the viability of using low-cost, small-scale technology to recycle such trash into goods with added value. Samples of medical plastic, such as vials, syringes, and bottles of intravenous solution, were gathered at Al-Shamiya General Hospital, sanitized, and mechanically destroyed. Two processing units were created: a 3D printing filament extruder and a manual injection molding machine. While the injection molding machine generated molded components based on the applied mold design, the extruder successfully produced filaments suitable with fused deposition modeling. The technical feasibility of converting sterilized medical plastics into useful products for everyday use and healthcare was validated by experimental results. The results highlight the potential of decentralized recycling strategies to lessen the environmental impact of medical waste, promote circular economy principles, and decrease plastic pollution, so long as stringent safety and sterilizing measures are followed.

Abstract: Iraq faces chronic electricity shortages despite abundant agricultural biomass resources. This study evaluates a small-scale biomass power plant in rural Latifiyah, Iraq as a model for renewable energy integration. Using the NREL System Advisor Model (SAM), we simulate a direct-combustion plant of approximately 14-20 MW capacity fueled by local corn stover residues. The resource assessment confirms ample feedstock availability (on the order of 10⁵ tonnes per year of corn residues), enabling annual electricity generation of roughly 100 GWh. SAM performance results indicate a net conversion efficiency around 25% and a capacity factor of 75%, reflecting continuous year-round operation. However, the economic analysis reveals challenges: the levelized cost of electricity is estimated in the range of $0.10-0.15 per kWh, and the project’s payback period extends to nearly 20 years under current market conditions. These Fig.s exceed typical benchmarks, underscoring the need for financial incentives or policy support. Despite the economic constraints, the biomass plant offers significant environmental benefits, including substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the elimination of open-field residue burning, along with improvements in rural energy access and local development. As a case study, this work shows the potential and challenges of deploying agricultural biomass power in Iraq’s energy transition.