The rheological behavior of composites made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and different agro fiber by-products such as corncob (CCF), Rice hull (RHF), Flax shives (FSF) and Walnut shell (WSF) flour of 60 -100 mesh were studied. The experimental results were obtained from samples containing 65 vol.% agro fiber and 3 wt.% lubricant. Particle sizes distribution of the agro fibers was in the range of 0.295 mm to ˂0.125 mm. SEM showed evidence of complete matrix/fiber impregnation or wetting. The melt rheological data in terms of complex viscosity (η*), storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss tangent (tanδ) were evaluated and compared for different samples. Due to higher probability of agglomeration formation in the samples containing 65 vol.% of agro fillers, the storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of these samples were high. The unique change in all the samples is due to the particle size distribution of the agro fibers. The storage and loss modulus increased with increasing shear rates for all the composites, except for Walnut shell composite which exhibited unusual decrease in storage modulus with increasing shear rate. Damping factor (tanδ) decreased with increasing shear rate for all the composites at 65 vol.% filler load although there were differences among the composites. Maximum torque tended to increase at the 65 vol.% agro fiber load for all composites. Corncob and Walnut shell composites gave higher torque and steady state torque values in comparison with Flax shives and Rice hull composites due to differences in particle sizes distribution of the agro fibers.

The effects of four agro fibers on the mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene, particle sizes of the fibers, flexural properties, and impact properties of the composites were investigated. Their performances were compared with commonly used wood flour filler. In this research, high-density polyethylene composites filled with agro fiber at high filler content of 65 wt% were prepared. Environment-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable composites were fabricated by melt compounding and extrusion processing technology, using corn cob, rice hull, flax shive, and walnut shell flour with particle sizes distribution 0.295 mm to <0.125 mm as reinforcements for thermoplastics as an alternative to wood fiber. The influence of fiber type and high filler loading level on composite properties was investigated. Mechanical analysis showed that flexural strength, flexural modulus, and un-notched Izod impact strength increased with filler loading at the 65 wt% level for all composites, but there was little difference in both properties among the composites from various fiber types. Bulk density was measured for these agro fiber fillers in relation to wood flour, and the lowest amount was 150 kg/m3. The results of the study demonstrate that agro fiber-filled high-density polyethylene composites can be used as reinforcements for engineering value-added bio-composite materials.

Proximate and mineral content levels of whole Trinervitermes germinatus (Termite), the raw (fresh), fried and wings were evaluated using Standard Methods. Results obtained showed that the wings often removed during processing had the highest iron content (7.18 + 0.012 mg/Kg) with an appreciable calcium level (

Palm kernel shell and the palm fruit pulp fiber were used as additives for polypropylene. The mechanical properties of the polymer, namely, tensile strength, impact strength, surface hardness, and flexural modulus were remarkably enhanced. This was attributed to the fact that these solid wastes functioned as reinforcing fillers through bonding interactions and stress-sharing mechanisms.

Studies were carried out between June through December, 2007 to evaluate the quality of rural water supply for drinking in Ebonyi South Zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The rural communities of Ekoli Edda and Ozizza in Afikpo South L.G.A and parts of Okposi in Ohaozara L.G.A depend solely on spring water for their domestic needs. Samples from seven spring water sources in these areas were analyzed for some physico-chemical and microbial parameters by standard methods. Concentrations of some heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni and Zn were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results of the chemical analysis compared favourably with the WHO standard for drinking water, except for the relatively high concentration of iron in samples SE 5 (0.79 mg/L) and SE 6 (0.58 mg/L), and the exceedingly high phosphate concentrations, ranging from 0.25 -1.6mg/L in all the samples as against the WHO permissible limit of 0.1mg/L. The bacteriological analyses however revealed about 40% total coliform bacteria contamination, varying between 0 -4 MPN/100 ml of water in five out of the seven samples tested. The mean total hardness ranged from 8 -26 mgCaCO 3 /L indicating that the water is soft. The pH ranged from 4.2 -5.6 and 4.5 -6.0 at the rainy and dry seasons respectively, with an average pH of 5.1 + 0.48 during the rainy seasons and 5.6 + 0.58 at the dry seasons. This study provides baseline information on the spring water situation in Ebonyi South and suggested an alternative method of harnessing the natural water.