Abstract: Over the last decades, extensive studies have been carried out on nano-photocatalytic materials finding a broad range of applications mainly in solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. This article focuses on synthesizing a novel nano-photocatalyst material for purifying water from chloro-organic pollutants and microbes. It was synthesized in the electrolytic cell with titanium and graphite electrodes. TEM analysis revealed that the obtained nanocarbon-titanium composite has a spherical morphology, the average dimension of nanoparticles is 6±2 nm. The electrochemically synthesized nano-photocatalyst forms OH radicals in the presence of water vapor during daylight hours under sunlight’s ultraviolet radiation. As soon as extremely reactive OH radicals are formed, they react with organic pollutants. The results of photodegradation of E. Coli, methyl orange, methyl blue, and polychlorinated biphenyls in the ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight have been discussed. The effect of pH value on the decolorization efficiency has been also observed. The obtained photodegradation time of methyl orange (MeO) and methyl blue (MeB) solutions was less than 60 minutes, and the destruction time of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds was about 6-8 hours. The practical application of the developed nano-photocatalyst material promises to be an inexpensive, viable alternative or complimentary method for water and wastewater treatment at ambient temperature to degrade various chemical and microbiological pollutants in water.Abstract: Over the last decades, extensive studies have been carried out on nano-photocatalytic materials finding a broad range of applications mainly in solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. This article focuses on synthesizing a novel nano-photocatalyst material for purifying water from chloro-organic pollutants and microbes. It was synthe...Show More
Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the oldest root and tuber crops, used by humans to produce food, feed and beverages. It can be produced adequately in drought conditions making it the ideal food security crop in marginal environments. Although cassava can tolerate drought stress, it can be genetically improved to enhance productivity in such harsh environments. Currently, cassava is produced in more than 100 countries and fulfills the daily caloric demands of millions of people living in tropical America, Africa, and Asia. In this study the nutritional composition, toxic heavy metal and cyanide content of cassava root grown in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia were investigated. Cassava samples were collected from five selected Woredas (Districts) of the Zone, where the plant usually grows. The concentration of the mineral elements; calcium, magnesium iron and copper analyzed ranged from 153-436 mg/kg, 65-207 mg/kg, 54.23-127.03 mg/kg, and 0.09-0.36 mg/kg respectively. In addition to the above parameters, the recovery of the mineral and toxic heavy metals determined was between 81-120%. Wet sample digestion method was used for mineral and toxic heavy metal determination purpose. The results of mineral composition of analyzed cassava root samples were rich in mineral contents. The composition of cassava depends on the specific tissue (root or leaf) and on several factors, such as geographic location, variety, age of the plant, and environmental conditions.Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the oldest root and tuber crops, used by humans to produce food, feed and beverages. It can be produced adequately in drought conditions making it the ideal food security crop in marginal environments. Although cassava can tolerate drought stress, it can be genetically improved to enhance productivity in...Show More