DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

This study investigates a plant-based surfactant alternative as a result of the growing need for Surfactants that are both economical and ecologically friendly for enhanced oil recovery. These research project comprises the study of enhance oil recovery with it crucial application of Natural surfactant from bitter leaf extract , while using alkaline from calcined corn cob ash to form basic medium . Corn cobs were calcined for 3 hours at 750°C to produce the alkali, which was then extracted using distilled water to produce the alkaline for the medium, the extraction process for the bitter leaf to extract the saponin content to produce the surfactant The extraction process was carried out according to the experimental design with 19 runs with independent variables of extraction time (30-300 minutes) ,mass of bitterleaf (1-10grams) and temperature
(50-90 degree census),and a constant volume of 100 ml of methanol with a single response yield (%), Alkaline surfactant was also produced using alkaline hydrolysis of the saponin was carried out to form the surfactant and75ml of the saponin was mixed with 25ml of the ash solution. Various Physical characteristics was carried out in the process such as forth test where 2.0 gms portion of the powdered sample was boiled into 20ml of distilled water in a test tube in boiling water bath and filtered , 10ml of the filtrate was mixed with 5ml of distilled water and shaken vigorously to foam, Total Saponin Content Quantitative Analysis where a quantity ,1.0 gms of the powdered sample was weighed using electric weighing balance into 25ml beaker and soaked with 100 ml of 20% Methanol for 3 minutes and heated for 3 hours at 55 degree
census for proper extraction then filtered and lastly . The volume and stability of the emulsion was observed and the emulsion index was calculated.

With Nigeria generating over 42 million tonnes of waste annually, improper disposal poses significant risks to soil health, groundwater, and public health. This study examines the contamination levels of heavy metals and the physicochemical properties of soil at a solid waste disposal site in Ovia Northeast, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm) from a dumpsite and a control site, focusing on lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), alongside properties such as pH, bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). Results revealed elevated levels of heavy metals at the dumpsite compared to the control site, particularly in the top 10 cm of soil. For example, Pb concentrations reached 12.31 mg/kg at the dumpsite, nearly three times higher than the 4.24 mg/kg observed at the control. Similarly, copper (Cu) levels at the dumpsite peaked at 74.22 mg/kg, significantly higher than the control site’s 57.47 mg/kg. Physicochemical properties demonstrated a strong influence on metal mobility: soil pH at the dumpsite ranged from 7.12 to 7.62, slightly higher than the control’s 6.86 to 6.12. Organic matter content decreased with depth, from 8.74% at the surface to 3.15% at 40 cm in the dumpsite, compared to 9.07% to 2.54% in the control. EC values were markedly higher
at the dumpsite (252–290 µS/cm) compared to the control (144–168 µS/cm), reflecting leachate infiltration and ion enrichment. The findings underscore the environmental risks posed by heavy metal contamination, including soil degradation, reduced fertility, and potential bioaccumulation in the food chain. Elevated
metal concentrations exceeded WHO permissible limits, necessitating immediate remediation actions. Recommendations include the implementation of sustainable waste management
practices, soil remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate long-term environmental impacts.

The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources has driven the exploration of biodiesel as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the development of biomass-derived catalysts for the production of biodiesel using a blend of non-edible oils: neem, shea, and jatropha. The research aims to address the challenges associated with conventional catalytic processes, such as high costs, environmental impact, and inefficiencies, by utilizing agricultural waste products to create sustainable and cost-effective catalysts.
The project involved the synthesis of biomass-derived catalysts from plantain peels and coconut husks, which were characterized for their physical and chemical properties. The transesterification process was optimized using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to determine the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst load, and methanol-to-oil mole ratio on biodiesel yield. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for biodiesel production were a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 90 minutes, a catalyst load of 5.5 wt%, and a methanol-to-oil mole ratio of 6.5:1, yielding a maximum biodiesel yield of 92.37%.
The biodiesel produced from the oil blend was characterized according to ASTM standards, and the results showed that the physical and chemical properties, including density, viscosity, flash point, and acid value, were within acceptable limits for biodiesel. The study demonstrated that biomass-derived catalysts are effective in producing high-quality biodiesel from non-edible oil blends, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional catalysts. This research contributes to the advancement of renewable energy technologies by providing a framework for the utilization of locally sourced agricultural waste in biodiesel production. The findings highlight the potential of biomass-derived catalysts to enhance biodiesel yield and qualitywhile reducing environmental impact, thereby supporting the transition to sustainable energy
solution.

The growing demand for renewable and sustainable fuels has led to increased research into biodiesel production from non-edible oils. This study aims to evaluate the techno economic feasibility of biodiesel production from a ternary blend of neem oil, castor oil, and waste vegetable oil. The research focuses on analyzing the economic viability through Aspen Plus simulation, with an emphasis on optimizing reaction parameters to achieve a high biodiesel yield while maintaining
cost-effectiveness. In this study, the acid values of the feedstocks were first determined through titration, revealing the need for pre-treatment via esterification before transesterification. The Aspen Plus process simulation was employed to model the transesterification reaction, incorporating key factors such as methanol-to-oil ratio, reaction temperature, and the flowrate. A techno-economic analysis was
conducted to determine capital investment, operating costs, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period, providing insights into the financial viability of the biodiesel production process. The results indicate that biodiesel production from the ternary blend is economically feasible.
The total capital investment for the project was $7,020,220 (₦10,603,000,000), with an annual operating cost of $1,793,070 (₦2,710,000,000). The total revenue generated was $15,678,800 (₦23,678,000,000) per year, leading to an NPV of $78,295,380 (₦118,180,000,000) at a 10% interest rate. The internal rate of return (IRR) was 28.2%, demonstrating strong investment potential, while the payback period was approximately 0.51 years (~6 months), indicating rapid cost recovery. Additionally, the profit margin was 88.56%, confirming the economic viability of
the process

This study investigates a plant-based surfactant alternative as a result of the growing need for surfactants that are both economical and ecologically friendly for enhanced oil recovery. Using alkali from corn cobs, this study explores the synthesis of a natural surfactant from Aloe vera for possible use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Corn cobs were calcined for eight hours at 450°C to produce the alkali, which was then extracted using distilled water. Aloe vera leaves were macerated with 62.5% ethanol to extract saponins, which were then filtered and the
solvent evaporated. To create the surfactant, the isolated saponins were mixed with the alkali solution that had been created under controlled conditions.
Several tests were carried out to assess the surfactant's effectiveness. Tests for emulsification and foam stability were carried out to evaluate the characteristics. The surfactant's functional groups were also compared to those of the synthetic surfactant Tween 80 using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed using Box-Behnken Design to optimize the experimental variables and produce surfactant.
The research results showed that the aloe vera-derived surfactant proved a viable alternative for conventional synthetic surfactants due to its foaming ability and emulsion formation. The existence of functional groups typical of surfactants was confirmed by the FTIR analysis which was similar to that of tween 80. The surfactant produced had an optimum volume of emulsion of 2.52 ml which was achieved with saponin concentration of 0.0587 g/ml, 0.0186g/ml alkaline concentration at the duration of 53 mins. The RSM model was seen to be quite effective in
optimizing surfactant production because of the R2 of 0.9719. This study demonstrates the viability of using agricultural waste (corn cobs) with locally produced aloe vera to create an affordable and sustainable surfactant, supporting environmentally friendly industrial processes.

The components of bio-waste are particularly abundant in essential minerals like calcium and potassium, which are essential for the manufacture of effective biocatalysts for biodiesel. This study evaluated the potential of bio-based heterogeneous catalyst of fused cockle shells and watermelon peels for the transesterification of waste vegetable oil. At 900°C and 500℃, the waste materials were dried, calcined, and carbonized, respectively. In order to evaluate the compositional, morphological, structural, and thermal features of both the catalyst and the precursor materials, they were both characterized. The Box-Behnken design was utilized to generate 29 experimental runs to examine the impact of operational parameters such catalyst loading, temperature, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and reaction time. The presence of basic (calcium and potassium) and acidic oxides (silicon and nickel) demonstrated that the catalyst was bi-functional. The catalyst's surface area (105.35 m2/g) and pore volume (0.60 cm3/g) obtained from the BET analysis contributed to a 91.77% biodiesel yield at 63.34 °C reaction temperature, 149.41 min reaction time, 1.05wt% catalyst loading, and a 14.45:1 methanol to oil ratio. The physicochemical parameters of the biodiesel produced were measured and determined to be acceptable according to the European National (EN) and American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) quality standards, demonstrating the product's suitability for use as fuel

This study focuses on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) using calcined cow bone as a heterogeneous catalyst through the transesterification process. The research aimed to promote sustainable energy production by converting waste oils into biodiesel while utilizing animal bone waste as a low-cost, environmentally friendly catalyst. The WCO was pretreated and characterized to determine its physiochemical properties, which included an acid value of 1.4025 mg KOH/g, free fatty acid (FFA) content of 0.7012%, peroxide value of 16 meq/kg, iodine value of 44.1 g I₂/100 g, viscosity at 40 °C of 53.5 cP, saponification value of 362.667 mg KOH/g, moisture content of 2.678%, and density of 0.9176 g/cm³. These results confirmed that the feedstock required pretreatment before transesterification to minimize soap formation and enhance biodiesel yield. Characterization of the catalyst was performed using analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the presence of CaO and evaluate its surface properties.The transesterification reaction was carried out using methanol and cow bone-derived catalyst under optimized conditions. The resulting biodiesel was washed, purified, and analyzed for key physiochemical properties. The biodiesel exhibited an acid value of 0.561 mg KOH/g, density of 0.901 g/cm³, viscosity at 40 °C of 8.86 cP, and a flash point of 115 °C. These results were within acceptable limits prescribed by ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards, indicating that the produced biodiesel possesses good fuel properties suitable for use in diesel engines. The study concludes that waste cooking oil can serve as an efficient feedstock for biodiesel production, and cow bone ash is a promising, sustainable, and economical catalyst. This dual utilization of waste materials not only reduces environmental pollution but also supports circular economy practices and sustainable energy development.

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is a wastewater byproduct of palm oil production, characterized by its high organic content and potential pollutant to water bodies and capable of causing significant environmental damage. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the treatment methods by coagulation and adsorption processes to remove suspended solids and pollutants, thereby purifying the wastewater for safe discharge or reuse. These methods are essential for environmental protection, resource recovery, and economic sustainability. The POME sample was collected, diluted, and analyzed to determine its physicochemical properties before treatment. Its pH was adjusted to both acidic and alkaline conditions using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, monitored with pH indicator paper. Processed periwinkle shell powder served as a natural coagulant and adsorbent. Standard laboratory instruments were used to assess parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and salinity before and after treatment. The study evaluated the effects of coagulant dosage, contact time, and pH on the treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) using a periwinkle shell–chitosan composite. Significant reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity were achieved at moderate dosages (0.55– 0.82 g/L), contact times of 105–150 minutes, and near-neutral pH (7–8.2), showing effective coagulation and adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline peaks at 2θ values of 23.9°, 26.5°, 27.5°, 33.4°, 36.4°, 38.1°, 41.4°, 43.1°, 46.0°, 48.6°, 50.5°, and 53.1°, corresponding to aragonite, muscovite, quartz, and orthoclase phases. Crystallite sizes (111–702 Å) confirmed a fine heterogeneous structure with high surface activity, making the composite suitable for efficient and sustainable POME purification

This research investigates the feasibility and performance of polymer flooding as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for Nigerian sandstone reservoirs. With the growing need to improve oil recovery from mature fields and reduce dependency on primary and secondary recovery techniques, polymer flooding has emerged as a promising tertiary recovery strategy. The study focuses on evaluating the technical and operational effectiveness of injecting hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) polymer solution under representative Nigerian reservoir conditions using the CMG-STARS simulation software. A detailed reservoir model was developed, incorporating a six-layer sandstone formation characterized by an average porosity of 20%, initial pressure of 2299.2 psi, and oil viscosity of 5 cP. Two simulation cases were analyzed: a base case (without EOR) and a polymer flooding case with a 2000 ppm polymer solution injected over a 30-year production period (2025–2055). The performance of both scenarios was evaluated based on field oil production rate, bottom-hole pressure, water cut, and cumulative oil recovery. The results revealed that polymer flooding significantly improved reservoir performance compared to the base case. While the base case exhibited a steady decline in pressure and oil rate leading to early depletion around 2047, the polymer injection maintained an average pressure of about 2100 psi throughout the simulation. The polymer case also achieved a cumulative oil
recovery of 23.6 million stock tank barrels (MMSTB), representing an incremental gain of 5.8 MMSTB (32.6%) over the base case. Furthermore, water cut was reduced from 89% to 68%, indicating better mobility control and sweep efficiency. These findings confirm that polymer flooding is a technically viable and cost-effective EOR method for Nigerian sandstone reservoirs, capable of improving oil displacement efficiency and extending field life. The study recommends that field pilot projects be implemented to validate simulation outcomes and optimize polymer formulation for local reservoir conditions. Overall, this research demonstrates that polymer flooding can play a vital role in maximizing Nigeria’s oil recovery potential, supporting energy sustainability, and promoting efficient reservoir management.

Ikpoba River is the major recipient for municipal waste and industrial effluent in Benin City,samples of water were collected at five different locations in the river for some selected heavy metal analysis in order to determine the extent of pollution. Samples were collected in August to December 2021. Chemical analyses of samples river water and Dam was collected at predetermined sampling points were undertaken, the observations obtained were subjected to ANOVAand correlation analysis. Results obtained showed that each point source has its relative contribution to the overall degradation of the river water quality. The heavy metals were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). From river water and dam the heavy metal concentrationwere found to be in the increasing order, fe>zn>cu> pb>Cd for all the five samples point collection as show in the result analysis. It also shows that the lead was not present in one of the point and Cadmium were not also detection in all of five sample. The analyses carried out also show the level of phosphate, nitrate, magnesium, pH, BOD,DO, electrical conductivity and turbidity in all the five stations and the turbidity was also notice to be relatively high. Most of the heavy metal determine were below the maximum permissible limit set by FEPA and WHO