ABSTRACT:The potassium ester (C11H23COO -K + ) commonly known as African black soap was prepared by the action of palm kernel oil on cocoa pods. This was divided into four portions. Sample A contained the African Black soap without any modification, sample B was black soap modified with honey, sample C and sample D were modified with shear butter and coconut oil respectively. The pH, FTIR and phytochemical analyses of the samples were carried out. They were also screened for in-vitro antibacterial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The pH determinations showed that all the samples were alkaline in nature with sample A having the lowest pH of 8.90, while sample B had the highest pH of 9.58. FTIR analyses of sample A revealed strong bands assigned to the υ (C=O) frequency of a keto group at 1668 and 1560 cm -1 and a strong band at 1379 cm -1 assigned to the υ (C-O) frequency of the ester oxygen. The spectra of samples B, C and D showed no complexation through these oxygen donor atoms, but rather some interactions with other present molecules. Phytochemical analyses showed that samples A and D were rich in saponin, all the samples were rich in both flavonoids and terpenoids, while tannins and steroids were absent in all the samples. Antimicrobial studies showed that only sample B was active against Staphylococcus aureus, while samples A, C and D were inactive against all tested microorganisms.

This study investigated the biosorption efficiency of sodium hydroxide modified African Border tree (SMABT) bark powder on Safranin O, a cationic dye. The SMABT was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). As the initial dye concentration increased, the amount of Safranin O removed increased. The kinetic studies were described by pseudo first order and pseudo second order. The pseudo second order fitted very well into the kinetic experimental data. Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were employed to describe the adsorption of Safranin O to SMABT and also to evaluate the isotherm constants. Langmuir model was the best of the four to excellently fit into the experimental data. The maximum uptake capacity of SMABT for Safranin O dye was 90.9 mg/g.

The availability of potable water has decreased in recent times due to the extensive discharge of effluents from some industries. This contaminated water poses a great danger to both human and aquatic life. Senna fistula was activated using phosphoric acid, H3PO4 and its ability to remove Safranin O from aqueous solution was investigated. The characterization of Senna fistula activated carbon was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The impacts of pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, and effect of temperature were investigated. Results showed that the optimum pH for the removal of Safranin O was 4.4. The adsorption capacity increased as the initial dye concentration increased from 30 - 130 mg/L. The dye adsorption equilibrium data were properly fitted to both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The maximum uptake capacity for Safranin O was 22.1 mg/g. The kinetic studies indicated rapid sorption dynamics via a second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameter shows that the sorption of Safranin O on Senna fistula activated carbon was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. Senna fistula-activated carbon was found to be cheap and efficient adsorbents for the removal of Safranin O dye from aqueous solutions.

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