Physicochemical properties

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.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between Beta Cleanser Bitters and two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. Method: Commercial brands of Ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and Beta Cleanser Bitters were purchased and evaluated for the physiochemical properties. The interaction between the antibiotics and Beta Cleanser Bitters were evaluated using the disintegration time test and dissolution studies. Further interactions studies were carried out using absorbance inference studies and FTIR studies. Results: The presence of Beta Cleanser Bitters showed no contrasting effects on the disintegration times of the two drugs. For ciprofloxacin in the presence of Beta Cleanser Bitters, the dissolution drug release remained relatively stable and no significant difference while for amoxicillin there was a decrease in drug release in the presence of the bitters. FTIR analysis revealed similarity in spectra, suggesting minimal chemical interactions between amoxicillin and Beta Cleanser Bitters and for Ciprofloxacin, revealed difference in spectra, indicating an interaction. Conclusion: The study suggests that Beta Cleanser Bitters may exert some influence on the dissolution and disintegration behavior of ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin, though chemical interactions appear to be limited