Quality Evaluation Of Some Softening Agents Used In The South East, Nigeria

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels are by-product of plantain fruits, constituting about 40% of the fruits. Performance effects of Ripe Plantain peel ash (RPPA) and Unripe Plantain peel ash (UPPA) in concrete were investigated in this research. Both RPPA and UPPA were added to the concrete as admixture in the proportion of 1.5% and 2.5%. The percentage composition of Silica (SiO2) and Alumina (Al2O3) contents in RPPA and UPPA were determined using spectrometry method of analysis. Slump test on the fresh concrete and compressive strength test were carried out on the concrete cube for 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days. The Silica (SiO2) content for RPPA and UPPA were 46.37% and 54.00% respectively while the Alumina (Al2O3) content for RPPA and UPPA were 2.20% and 3.08% respectively. The compressive strength for the control mix at 28-day is 20.4N/mm2, while that of 1.5 and 2.5% RPPP are 16.3 and 14.0N/mm2 respectively representing decrease of 20.15 and 31.58% respectively, compressive strength results for concrete containing 1.5 and 2.5% UPPA are 14.4 and 12.2N/mm2 respectively representing decrease of 29.32 and 40.01% respectively with the control mix. At later age, the strength development is observed to be on the increase with concrete containing admixtures. At 90-day, control sample has strength of 23.32N/mm2 which is about 12.56% higher than 28-day strength, concrete with 1.5 and 2.5% RRPA have strength of 22.77N/mm2 (28.50% increase), 20.64N/mm2 (32.40% increase) respectively while 1.5 and 2.5% UPPA concrete have strength of 20.86N/mm2 (31.00% increase) and 19.02N/mm2 (35.70% increase). Keywords---- Admixture, Compressive strength, Ripe plantain peel, Unripe plantain peel, Workability.

This study investigated the growth performance, histometry, haematology and economy of production of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed graded levels of plantain peels meal. Six iso-nitrogenious and isocalorific diets with graded levels of plantain peels (5%, 10% and 15% for both ripe [diets 2, 3 and 4] and unripe plantain peels [diets 5, 6 and 7]) were fed to C. gariepinius for eight weeks. Feeds were fed to triplicate groups of 10 fish per tank twice daily to satiation for 8 weeks. The control diet (0% plantain peel inclusion) had the highest average weight gain (90.94 ± 2.84 g) while diet 2 recorded the least value (62.85 ± 5.0 g) and this differ significantly (P 0.05) in fish organs and haematological indices, however, significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded in feed intake, profit index and incidence of costs across diets. Profit index had the highest (5.75 ± 0.20) and least values (3.58 ± 0.14) in diet 7 and control diet. Though the control diet had the highest weight gain, but from the results of the protein efficiency ratio and the economy of production values recorded in, diet 3 (10% ripe plantain peel) and diet 7 (15% unripe plantain peel), it suggests that, plantain peel either ripe or unripe could be used to replace some maize at the above inclusion levels without any detrimental effects on fish health and economy of production in the diet of C. gariepinus. Keywords : Plantain peel; Maize; Performance; Economy; Clarias. gariepinus

The study investigated and evaluated the feasibility of using a cost-effective biosorbent developed from the mixture of ripe and unripe plantain peel for copper (II) bioremoval from simulated industrial wastewater. The mixture of ripe and unripe plantain peel was modified with phosphoric acid and chitosan to produce acid-treated plantain peel (APP) and plantain peel-chitosan composite (PP-CH) biosorbents. The effects of experimental conditions: initial copper (II) concentration, agitation time, agitation speed and biosorbent concentration on the biosorption process were evaluated. The results showed that copper (II) biosorption was dependent on the experimental conditions. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the kinetics data of copper (II) biosorption to suggest chemisorption mechanism while the biosorption mechanism was film diffusion-controlled. Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models provided the best correlation ( &gt; 0.99) of the equilibrium biosorption data. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity ( ) was found to be 27.40 and 23.81 mg/g for PP-CH composite and APP, respectively. The D-R mean free energy ( ) values of 10.4 and 10 kJ/mol for PP-CH composite and APP respectively confirmed that the mechanism of copper (II) biosorption was of chemisorption. Quantitative recovery of copper (II) (78-95%) was evident with the use of inorganic acids (H2SO4 and HNO3) as eluents. Therefore, modified plantain peel has the potential for application as an effective biosorbent for copper removal from wastewaters.

This study investigated the microbiological quality and sensory properties of saponified dishes (<i>otong</i>) prepared with unripe plantain peel and empty palm bunch ash solutions. Dried unripe plantain peels and palm bunches were incinerated using open pan (charring) and muffle furnace combustion methods. Commercially acquired potash was used as a control. The usage of these peels and palm bunches, as an alternative to limestone was to reduce the heavy dependence on this synthetic bicarbonate and limestone. Instant emulsion (<i>otong</i>) was prepared from the resulting alkaline solutions from the waste resources with palm oil. Commercial alkaline solution (potash) served as control. The formulated instant emulsions (<i>otong</i>) were analyzed for microbiological and sensory properties. The microbial populations of all the samples ranged from 1.0×10³-3.0×10⁵cfu/mg for bacteria and 1.3×10³-8.6×10⁵cfu/mg for fungi. Total of fourteen microorganisms comprising of four bacterial and eight fungal species were isolated from the raw oil and the formulated emulsions. Semi-trained panelists made up of 20 persons scored the emulsions (<i>otong</i>) when used for the preparation of goat head delicacy (<i>Isiewu</i>) on a nine-point hedonic scale for appearance, taste, flavor, smoothness and general acceptability. Results indicated significant acceptance (P<0.05) for <i>otong</i> prepared from the laboratory ash extracts while the one made with limestone extract (potash) was scored least accepted by the panelists (P<0.05).

Starch extraction potential from plantain peel wastes

The adoption of agricultural waste materials in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated waters has gained more recognition in recent times. This study capitalizes on the production of adsorbents from one of the predominant agricultural waste materials (Plantain Peel) in Ado-Odo Ota, to access its metal-removal efficiency. This work investigated Cu2+ adsorption using activated carbon processed from chemically modified unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peel. Adsorption studies were performed using batch experiments wherewith the influence of pH of the solution, initial concentration, temperature and contact time have been cross-examined. The results displayed a 99.8% removal efficiency of Cu2+ at pH 7.5, 30°C and 150 mg/L concentration. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of unripe Musa paradisiaca peel has been obtained using linear models of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The result is poised to elucidate the metal retention mechanism as a process involving ion exchange as the divalent metal ion binds to the activated unripe plantain peel.

The capacity of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peel biomass to remove heavy metals, Pb(II) and Mn(II) from aqueous solution of lead trioxonitrate (v), Pb (NO3)2 and potassium permanganate, (KMnO4) was investigated. Adsorption isotherms were determined by varying operating parameters such as effect of pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time. Unripe plantain(Musa paradisiaca) peel was found to remove Pb and Mn ions in solution. Removal rate of Pb(II) and Mn(II) was found to increase steadily from pH 2 , however, Pb(II and Mn (II) removal decreases at pH 8. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to adsorption equilibrium data to find the best fitted amongst these models. Langmuir model type 1, with R2 = 0.9823 best fitted for Pb (II) adsorption data. The separation parameter, RL values were less than 1.0 i.e., 0.000903, 0.000451, 0.000225 and 0.000150 with corresponding initial concentrations of (50, 100, 200 and 300) mg/L respectively. This indicates that adsorption of Pb (II) ion on unripe plantain(Musa paradisiaca) peel biomass was favourable to Langmuir isotherm, while Freundlich model with R2 = 0.9585 best fitted Mn (II) ion with (n) value of 1.03, which was favourable adsorption. Thus, the results of these findings showed that unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peel biomass could be effectively and efficiently utilized for the removal of Pb (II) and Mn (II) ions from aqueous solution.

Starch isolated from unripe plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) peels was characterised for proximate composition (moisture content, ash content and pH) and functional properties. The morphology of the starch granule and particle size were determined using scanning electron microscopy technique. The yield of starch from the unripe peels was 1.86% (1.86g/kg) on a dry weight basis, and the starch contained 12.60% moisture, 0.47% ash and had a pH value of 7.49 at 25°C. Studies on the functional properties gave values of bulk density, tapped density, particle density, water binding capacity, fat binding capacity and dispersibility as 0.46g/ml, 0.56g/ml, 1.18g/ml. 1.662 (166.2%), 1.3848 (138.48%) and 84% respectively. The morphology of the starch granule indicated a smooth, irregular, rod-like and highly elongated granule. The analysis of some of the flow properties of starch showed the good flowability property of plantain peel starch. Results obtained from proximate and physicochemical analysis portrayed the potentials of unripe plantain peel starch for industrial applications, especially in the pharmaceutical industries.

Sweet potatoes are important food staples in tropical sub-Saharan Africa. Orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) varieties are especially important for combating vitamin A deficiencies and nutrition-induced blindness. Fungal leaf spots are one of the many challenges constraining its production in Umudike, Southeast, Nigeria. The aims of this experiment were to isolate the causal fungi of leaf spots of OFSP and to attempt their control using aqueous extracts of banana peels, plantain peels and plantain leaf in vitro. Mycotic agents isolated from infected plant were Verticillium longisporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger. Pathogenicity test conducted on the organisms revealed that the first three pecies were actively pathogenic, with infected sweet potato showing irregular brown spots/blights surrounded by chlorotic hallo around leaf veins and margins of the laminae; while A. niger showed weak infection of the plant. In the laboratory, four concentrations (10%, 25%, 50% and 75%) of ripe and unripe plantain peels, ripe and unripe banana peels, and senescent and new plantain leaves, griseovid® (a standard antifungal) and control (sterile water) were evaluated in vitro for inhibition of mycelial elongation of the test myco-pathogens associated with the leaf spot disease of the crop. The experiment was laid out as 3 x 4 x 8 factorial in CRD with 3 replications. The botanicals significantly (P≤0.05) and differentially retarded radial growth of the fungus over the control in a dose-dependent manner. However, the fungitoxicity of the botanicals were inferior but compared favourably with the standard antifungal griseofulvin (griseovid®). Exploiting the potency of these readily available, cost effective and eco-friendly agro-wastes against these fungal pathogens causing leaf blight of sweet potato will not only reduce the hazards and pollution challenges associated with use of synthetic pesticides but also increase food production in developing countries where synthetic fungicides are expensive and out of reach of low-input farmers.

Extraction and physicochemical analysis of oil from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels was carried out using cold extraction method. The peels were washed with distilled water, sun dried for 3 hours and oven dried for 6 hours at 85oC. It was then ground thoroughly. 700g of the sample was weighed and 1.20 liter of n-hexane was added for 72 hours. It was placed in a water bath for the evaporation of the solvent. The physicochemical properties determined were Saponification Value (SV), Iodine Value (IV), Free Fatty Acid Value (FFA), Peroxide Value (PV), Acid Value (AV) the mean results obtained SV 335.18mg/KOH/g, IV 7.16gI2/100g, FFA 338.76mg/KOH/g, AV 696.35mg/KOH/g and PV 328.46meq/kg. In comparing these physicochemical properties with the standard given by WHO/FAO, it was observed that IV and PV were below the range, SV, AV and FFA was above the range. Hence, the oil obtained from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels is not fit for human consumption because AV, SV and FFA are higher than the standard given by WHO/FAO rather it can be used for making of soap and shampoos, PV showed the stability of the oil and IV indicates it’s nondrying quality which will not be suitable for ink and paint making due to its low iodine content.

Comparative analysis of alkali, moisture and ash contents of some agricultural wastes which include palm bunch, plantain peel, banana leaf and maize cob were carried out to assess their usefulness in food, chemical and soap industries and as well as the possibility of reducing environmental pollution caused by them. Standard methods of analysis were used for all the parameters and the results revealed that all the wastes contain considerable amount of alkali in (g/l) as follows 0.05, 0.062, 0.016 and 0.03 and their molarity in mol/dm3 as 0.134, 0.09, 0.086 and 0.038 for Palm bunch, Plantain peel, Banana leaf and Maize cob respectively. The percentage ash content results were 2.91, 1.62, 2.02 and 1.12 while moisture content results were 53.77, 86.95, 79.05, and 38.54 respectively. The results suggested that some of the waste can be used for several beneficial purposes thereby reducing the harm and pollution they caused to the environment

The utilization of agricultural waste for value addition presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development in Sierra Leone. This study investigated the potential of plantain peel ash as a local, renewable source of potassium hydroxide (KOH) for saponification. The research aimed to scientifically validate this traditional practice by quantifying the alkali yield from both ripe and unripe plantain peels and demonstrating its efficacy in soap production. The methodology involved collecting, drying, and combusting separate batches of ripe and unripe plantain peels to produce ash. The alkali from each ash type was extracted into a leachate, and the KOH concentration was determined via acid-base titration with a standardized 0.2 M nitric acid solution. A combined alkali solution, mimicking realistic feedstock conditions, was then used to saponify palm oil to produce a final soap product. The study yielded two primary findings. First, a quantitative analysis confirmed that ripe plantain peels produce a significantly higher concentration of potassium hydroxide (12.376 g/dm³) compared to unripe peels (9.744 g/dm³), identifying the peel's stage of maturation as a critical factor for optimizing alkali yield. Second, the saponification trial using a combined-source alkali solution was successful, producing a quality soft soap with desirable characteristics, which validates the robustness of the method for practical, small-scale application where feedstock uniformity is not guaranteed. This research concludes that plantain peel ash is a viable and effective alternative to industrial alkali for soap making. It provides a scientific basis for an eco-friendly practice that supports the principles of a circular economy by converting agricultural waste into a valuable commodity. Key recommendations include the standardization of ash production, the development of low-cost methods for testing alkali strength, and the dissemination of best practices to local producers to foster economic empowerment and sustainable enterprise.

Plantains (Musa sapientum Linn. var. paradisiaca) have been reportedly used in folk medicine for the management/prevention of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. However, its peel which has continued to be a major waste in some part of the world has been shown to be rich in phenolic compounds. Hence, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effects of the phenolic extract of different plantain peels on key enzyme linked to hypertension (angiotensin I converting enzyme, ACE) and antioxidative properties in vitro. The phenolic extracts of the different plantain (unripe, ripe and over ripe) peels were extracted using methanol – 1M HCl solution (1:1 v/v). Thereafter, the ACE inhibitory study and antioxidant capacity of the extracts were investigated. The results revealed that all the phenolic extracts inhibited ACE in a dose dependent manner (0 – 25 μg/ml); however, as revealed by the IC50 (extract concentration causing 50% inhibition on ACE activity) values, the unripe plantain peel extract (IC50 = 2.70 μg/ml) had the highest inhibitory effect while the brown plantain peel extract (IC50 = 11.04 μg/ml) had the least. In addition, all the phenolic extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activities as typified by their ABTS radical scavenging ability and reducing property with the unripe plantain peel extract showing the highest activities. The inhibition of the ACE, and antioxidative properties by the phenolic extracts could be attributed to the additive and/or synergistic action of the phenolics and indicate some possible antihypertensive potential. Therefore, the phenolic extracts from plantain peels could be harness as a cheap dietary approach to the management and prevention of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Cassava (Manihot spp) and green (unripe) plantain (Musa spp., AAB group) peels are a cheap source of feed to ruminant livestock in Ghana. Since cassava and plantain availability in large quantity is seasonal, effective utilization of the peels can be obtained by sun‐drying (processing) to increase its dry matter content and enhance its storability. A study was conducted to determine the effect of sun‐drying on the chemical components of the peels with the view to enhance peel utilization by small scale ruminant livestock farmers in Ghana. The colour and texture of the peels changed appreciably after processing. The observed peel to pulp ratios (wet basis) were 53:47, 40:60, and 21:79; and 36:64, 27:73 and 15:85 (dry matter basis) for French‐, and False‐horn plantains and cassava, respectivley. Significant increases in dry matter content (15.14% to 94.00%, 17.51% to 91.00% and 30.02 to 87.64%) for French‐, False‐horn plantain and cassava peels, respectively, resulted from the processing (P<0.05). ...

The by-products of banana and plantain fruits, especially banana and plantain peels are usually thrown away by producers in plantations, and produce important quantities of post-harvest waste. The banana and plantain peels grown in Nigeria was assessed for their proximate, minerals and amino acid compositions. The proximate contents including moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and crude fibres were determined using standard A.O.A.C methods. The amino acids by HPLC, and minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results revealed that the total amino acid of 89.71±5.45 g/100g and 86.71±3.02 g/100g was recorded for plantain and banana peel. Glutamic acid 12.72±0.02 g/100g was the most abundant amino acid in plantain peel while glycine (3.02±0.82 mg/100g) was the most abundant amino acid in banana peel. Results revealed that sodium is the most abundant minerals contents of both the plantain (76.88±0.89 Mg/100g) and banana (58.16±2.73 Mg/100g) peel, while iron (7.89±0.79 Mg/100g and 5.06±0.07 Mg/100g) was the least minerals in the both samples. Carbohydrate is the most abundant proximate contents of both the plantain (74.12±0.565) and banana (63.82±0.32%) peel, followed by Crude fibre 8.36±0.04% and 12.67±0.08 %, crude ash (6.17±0.05% and 9.56±0.06%) for both plantain and banana peels respectively. While crude fat (3.01±0.06% and 0.89±0.04%) was the least proximate in the both samples. These peels could be considered good source of nutrients for production of human and animal feeds, and their utilization for this purpose should be encouraged, as this will also help in reducing the menace of nutrient deficiencies