J. O. Osarumwense

This study focused on the green synthesis of copper chloride (CuCl2) nanoparticles using onion peel extract as an eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent, and evaluated their efficacy in the photocatalytic degradation of crude oil in contaminated wastewater. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS),X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier- Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DLS confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with a primary size of 16.25 nm, XRD determined the crystalline phase of the nanoparticles, TGA measured the thermal stability and decomposition temperature, SEM visualized the particle size, shape, surface texture while FTIR analysis identified functional groups from the onion peel extract, verifying its role in capping and stabilizing the particles. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was assessed by studying the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) under sunlight, investigating the effects of catalyst dose, pH, temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Results demonstrated that the green-synthesized CuCl2 nanoparticles were effective in degrading crude oil components, with optimal performance observed under specific conditions. This indicates that onion peel-mediated CuCl2 nanoparticles present a sustainable, cost-effective, and promising photocatalyst for remediating crude oil-contaminated water, offering a potential solution for environmental cleanup, particularly in oil producing regions like the Niger Delta.

The improper disposal of waste engine oil poses significant environmental challenges causing serious pollution to the eco system and contaminating both land and groundwater. In this study the recycling/treatment of waste engine oil using different chemical method was investigated. The waste engine oil was first treated with glacial acetic acid and thereafter treated with kaolin. The treated oil was then neutralized with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and then filtered. The procedure was repeated using sulphuric acid and kaolin and glacial acetic acid with bentonite. The filtrate was characterized determining specific gravity, viscosity and flash point. The results showed that the flash point was within a range of 147°C - 177°C. viscosity with a range of 96.5 – 104.6mm2s -1 . However, all properties tested were close in value to the commercial lubricating oil