MAIZE

This study was carried out to assess the effects of cassava and maize effluents, on the growth of two freshwater microalgae (Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). Cassava and maize effluent from agro-processing facilities produces large quantities of wastewater. The test algae were grown in seven concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), which were set up in triplicates. Growth response of the test microalgae was monitored at two-day intervals for 14 days using a visible spectrophotometer (Model No. HV-721). The growth rate, percentage inhibition, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were computed using Microsoft excel software. Physicochemical parameters such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solid (TDS) were also determined. The results indicated that the growth response of Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii increased with the increasing concentrations of cassava and maize effluent. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that the growth response was statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the various concentrations for both species. Overall, Scenedesmus ecornis recorded higher biomass relative to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Dry weight of Scenedesmus ecornis recorded the highest biomass of 398.53mg/L, 331.93mg/L, 306.86mg/L, 362.9mg/L, 175.55mg/L, 123.75mg/L and 85.28mg/L at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5% and 0% concentrations respectively. Percentage inhibition result revealed that both microalgae had a stimulatory response to the effluents. This stimulatory response was found to follow a concentration gradient with increased stimulation as effluent concentration increased. Scenedesmus reached -450% inhibition at the highest concentration (100%), while Chlamydomonas peaked at -330% at 100% concentration, this makes Scenedesmus ecornis a better candidate for a successful bioremediation. Results of the physicochemical parameters showed a concentration dependent relationship. pH was observed to decrease with increasing concentration across effluent medium. Based on the findings in this study, it can be deduced that both test microalgae can be utilized for the bioremediation of cassava and maize effluent polluted areas.

This systematic review examines the effectiveness and feasibility of heating and ventilation systems as critical interventions to mitigate substantial post-harvest maize losses in Nigeria, which currently range from 20% to 30%. The core challenge stems from Nigeria's humid, tropical climate, where high temperatures and relative humidity foster pest infestations, microbial growth, and the dangerous production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus species. The study finds that uncontrolled heat, particularly in structures like metal silos, encourages harmful moisture migration and spoilage , while controlled heating remains a potential solution for active grain drying. Ventilation is identified as the key defense mechanism, but its implementation is complicated: traditional natural airflow systems often fail in the humid southern regions, and powered aeration faces significant constraints due to high ambient humidity and an unreliable electricity supply.