International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa

Optimization by Response Surface Methodology of Methylene Blue Removal in Aqueous Solution on Bioadsorbent Based on Hyphaene Thebaica Shells

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Mahamane Nassirou Amadou Kiari, Leygnima Yaya Ouattara, Abdourahamane Adamou Ibro, Maman Hamissou Ibrahim Grema, Ali Sanou, Abou Traore, Maman Mousbahou Malam Alma, Kouassi Benjamin Yao
This work presents the preparation of a bioadsorbent from the shells of Hyphaene Thebaica. The shells were first characterized. Analyses such as bulk density, pH at zero charge point, specific surface area (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (ATG/ATD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR) were determined. The results obtained showed that the zero charge point pH equals 6, the specific surface area value obtained by the BET method is 235 m2/g and the pore diameter is 2.132 nm. Next, tests were carried out to determine the adsorption capacities of diiodine and methylene blue. The results obtained showed a methylene blue index of 11.56 mg.g-1 and an iodine index equal to 456.84 mg.g-1. The adsorption mechanisms studied revealed that pseudo-second-order kinetics was the model that best fitted the experimental data. Finally, the effects of adsorbent mass, stirring speed and concentration were investigated using a Box-Behnken design. Optimal factors were obtained for a concentration of 100 mg/L, a mass of 0.200 g, an adsorption capacity of 5.073 mg/g, agitation of 400 rpm and a removal rate of 97.605 % with a desirability of 0.923.

Use of Biochar and Digestat for Soil Amendment and Treatment for Greenhouse Cultivation

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Ansoumane Diedhiou, Jeanne Marie Annick Troh, Ammar Bensakhria
Healthy, sustainable and intrusive food systems are essential to achieving global development goals, and agriculture is one of the most important levers. The agricultural sector is responsible for unsustainable levels of pollution, so a solution is needed to stem the tide. Biochar obtained by pyrolysis and digestate from anaerobic digestion of biomass were used to assess their effectiveness on several parameters of the two types of soil used a sandy soil and a cultivable soil. This study was carried out using four soil treatments: one without fertilizers, one with 100% biochar, one with 100% digestate and one with 50% biochar and 50% digestate. Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on the three different treatments every seven days for a period of twenty-eight days, with prior knowledge of the control soils. The results showed that the amendments made with biochar generated a better mineral reserve with a much higher absorbance value than the other types of treatment. The treatments also had a positive effect on the pH of the treated substrates. On the other hand, a salinity level was found on the various substrates treated with digestate and biochar combined with digestate, which will have repercussions on the yields of the various crops to be developed on these types of soil.

Ecological Anti-Vector Knitwear: Sida rhombifolia Impregnated with Aloe vera Gel for Sustainable Control of Insect Vectors

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Abdoramane Nsangou, Dydimus Efeze Nkemaja, Enama Serge Eteme, Ebanda Fabien Betene, Pierre Marcel Anicet Noah, Omgba Achille Désiré Betené
The vector control strategy, focused on the use of impregnated mosquito nets, has clearly led to a clear reduction in the incidence of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa . However, the predominant curtains on the market, made from polyethylene and polyester treated with products from the pyrethroid and piperonyl butoxide family, have notable disadvantages. These textiles, in addition to generating undesirable dermatological repercussions (irritation and itching), prove to be non-biodegradable, thus contributing significantly to environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to produce an ecological knitted fabric based on Sida rhombifolia filament treated with Aloe vera gel, with a view to evaluating its effectiveness against insects. The retting method with stagnant fresh water was chosen to extract these fibers. We observe the appearance of peaks 2852 and 2050 after maceration of the fiber with aloe vera gel. The disappearance of peak 1029 which indicated the stretching of the C-O-C bonds of the cellulose shows the modification of the latter. It allows us to see that the AV gel-impregnated knitted fabric washed three times does not contain the bonds of the zone: C-H between 2700 Cm-1 and 3300 Cm-1; O-H around 3500 Cm-1 for phenols and 2800 Cm-1 for carboxylic acids. It appears that for knitting to be treated with aloe vera gel, we must limit ourselves to 2 washes. In the remainder of this research, the behavior of Anopheles in the face of this ecological knitting will be assessed through the tests recommended by the WHO.

Optimisation of the Iron, Zinc and Vitamin C Content of a Zea Mays-Based Infant Food Supplement Enriched with Parkia Biglobosa Pulp and Anacardium Occidentale Almond Meal

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Konan Martial Gboko, Kisselmina Youssouf Kone, Doudjo Soro
Infant malnutrition remains a major health problem in West Africa, particularly among children aged 6 months, the crucial period for dietary diversification. Faced with the predominance of imported industrial flours, which are often expensive, local populations are turning to traditional flours. To improve the nutritional quality of these flours, food fortification, recommended by bodies such as the FAO and the WFP, is commonly used. In this study, the mixture design method was used to formulate an affordable complementary flour, enriched in iron, zinc and vitamin C, from under-exploited local plant resources such as Anacardium occidentale kernel fragments and Parkia biglobosa pulp. An augmented centred mixing design with constraints was used to formulate, model and optimise the iron, zinc and vitamin C content of the infant supplement flour. Modelling of the iron content revealed a synergistically interacting cubic model with a desirability of 0.97, and an average iron content of 14.13 mg/100 g. Zinc content was estimated at 5.78 mg/100 g and modelled by a significant quadratic model. The vitamin C content was better represented by a linear model with a synergistic interaction, with a desirability of 0.97 and an average content of 117.6 mg/100 g, well above the standard of 30 mg/100 g. In conclusion, the optimisation has maximised the iron, zinc and vitamin C content of the formulation, offering an improved nutritional solution for combating infant malnutrition.

Fiber Parameters Optimization from Waste PET Bottles for Enhanced Concrete Strength Using Response Surface Methodology

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Omar Mezghanni, Jihen Mallek, Mohamed Fourati, Mamadou Diouf, Lala Brahim, Bilel Hadrich, Atef Daoud
’This study investigates the mechanical performance of concrete reinforced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers obtained from discarded plastic bottles, aiming to promote sustainable waste reuse in construction materials. Previous studies on PET fiber reinforced concrete have mainly examined the influence of fiber length and content separately, without considering their combined effects on mechanical properties. In this work, the interactions between fiber length, volume fraction, and mechanical behavior were systematically analyzed using a Central Composite Design (CCD) within the framework of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Concrete incorporating recycled PET fibers was evaluated at three volume fractions (0.3%, 0.8%, and 1.3%) and three lengths (20 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm), while maintaining a constant water-to-cement ratio. Sixty specimens were tested to assess both fresh and hardened properties. The greatest loss of workability occurred for the mix containing 1.3% fibers with a length of 60 mm, corresponding to about a 25% reduction compared with the control. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) identified 0.3% fiber content and 40 mm length as the optimal combination, representing the mix that simultaneously maximized both compressive (26 MPa) and tensile strengths (3 MPa) according to the predictive model.

Enhancing Safety and Durability in Household Juicers: 3D Modeling and Reliability Analysis with Child-Lock Mechanism

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Wasim M. K. Helal, Wei Jie Zheng
Nowadays, a small household juicer is an important and useful tool in the kitchen. Therefore, increasing its lifespan and improving its performance are crucial. A 3-D modeling of the small household fruits and vegetables juicer by using Creo 7.0 software was created in the current study. The screw, knife net and transmission shaft of a juicer were analyzed by using ANSYS 23 R1. The analysis yielded a maximum von Mises stress of 7.9343 MPa on the transmission shaft and 5.6102 MPa on the juicer screw. These findings indicate that the design effectively meets the required specifications, ensuring both functionality and durability. The validation process was developed by comparing the maximum stress values obtained from the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with the theoretical stress values calculated manually to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the simulation model. In this paper, a child-lock mechanism was added to the juicer structure to enhance safety for children. The structure ensures that the machine will stop automatically if the upper cover is opened. This innovation adds significant value to the juicer, helping it stand out in a competitive market.

Low-Carbon Hydrogen: A Key Piece for a Just Energy Transition

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Ayodeji Stephen Adekanbi, Chima Stephen Okeke, James Carton
The transition to a low-carbon economy is now imperative for the global community as a target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement ambitions. Hydrogen has been identified as an essential tool for attaining decarbonisation targets across several aspects of global energy systems. However, developing countries that themselves can be most affected by climate change are under intense pressure to hold back developing their fossil fuel-based resources in favour of renewable energy systems and, where possible, explore the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen. This work explores the implication of low-carbon hydrogen development in ensuring a just energy transition for developing countries. Through a comprehensive review of relevant materials, the work identifies what role natural gas can serve in achieving the energy transition plans of many fossil fuel-rich developing economies and how, at a larger scale, the production of blue hydrogen from natural gas can help decarbonise hard-to-abate emissions. While green hydrogen is often touted as the ultimate goal for a sustainable hydrogen economy, it faces numerous challenges. The production of green hydrogen is currently more expensive compared to blue hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This cost disparity makes it difficult for developing countries to adopt green hydrogen on a large scale, especially when they have abundant fossil fuel resources that can be utilised for blue hydrogen production. Moreover, the infrastructure for green hydrogen production and distribution is still in its nascent stages, requiring substantial investments that many developing countries may find prohibitive. In contrast, blue hydrogen can leverage existing natural gas infrastructure, making it a more feasible option in the short to medium term. In essence, while green hydrogen represents the ideal long-term solution for a low-carbon future, blue hydrogen offers a more immediate and practical pathway for developing countries to transition towards a sustainable energy system. This balanced approach ensures that these countries can contribute to global decarbonization efforts without compromising their economic development and energy security. The work aims to inform policymakers, scientists, and the public on the potential role of existing natural gas resources in critical decarbonisation points and their role in establishing a just energy transition for developing economies, while highlighting the financial and infrastructural limitations of green hydrogen adoption and calling for further research on context-specific pathways to hydrogen integration in national energy systems.

Feasibility Study on Hydrogen Production Goals in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Publication date: 3 February 2026
Source: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa Vol. 78
Author(s): Omata David Omakoji, Gil Christ Zinsou, Afefa Mireille Akoumany
This paper evaluates the feasibility of hydrogen production targets within Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), considering the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, evolving policy environment, and significant infrastructural and financial hurdles. Using a comprehensive review of global and national energy strategies, cost estimates, and technical potentials, the study compares Nigeria’s current hydrogen development status to international benchmarks. Key findings show that although Nigeria has substantial solar, wind, and hydropower potential, along with vast natural gas reserves for green and blue hydrogen, the lack of a detailed national hydrogen policy with clear, measurable targets remains a major obstacle. Additionally, hydrogen technologies’ high capital and operational costs, combined with an overall funding gap in the broader energy transition, call for strong policy frameworks, strategic infrastructure development, and focused human capital investment. The paper concludes with recommendations for a phased, integrated strategy to unlock Nigeria’s hydrogen economy. It highlights the importance of policy clarity, risk reduction in investments, and building local capacity to meet its net-zero goals by 2060.