Several studies projected that by year 2025, 4.3 billion urban residents will be generating about 2.2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste per year, over 10% of which will be plastics. The landfills in Nigeria are uncontrolled and do not conform to the international standards of similar operations elsewhere in the world; this makes the disposal of synthetic polymers in the soil even more hazardous. Due to the availability and relative inexpensiveness of Zea mays in Nigeria, this study explores the use of this natural polymer, blended with low density polyethylene (LDPE) as an alternative to synthetic plastics. Biodegradability of the biopolymer blend was observed while buried in loamy sand soil with properties similar to the soil found in the general area of the study. The results showed that a polymer blend with 50% LDPE (50 CoS) by weight had the most uniform weight loss over the period of the study. Under the soil conditions given in the study, 50 CoS also had the steadiest rate of degradation. Hence 50% LDPE (wt.%) blended with Zea mays starch is the optimal ratio with regard to the degradability of biopolymer in loamy sand soil Ota,

The objective of this study was to assess the adoption level of Total Quality Management (TQM) in pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Southwestern Nigeria by a cross-sectional survey of staff in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria involving 348 of the 2,649 members, selected by multi-stage sampling. Primary data were collected using a set of pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which sought to elicit information on the level of TQM adoption and designed with items on a Likert–type scale of seven alternative responses with weighting scores of 0 through 6, representing seven stages (levels) in the adoption process. Adoption was taken as becoming effective from the sixth stage (level 5). Factors influencing TQM adoption were identified by employing a Likert-type influence scale with five alternative responses and weighting scores of 0 - 4. Weighted averages (WA) and means of weighted averages (MWA) were employed in summarising the data while t-test and regression analyses were used in identifying significant relationships between variables at 5% significance level. The results showed that TQM adoption was at implementation (trial) level (MWA ≈ 4) and had not become actualised in the industry (t = 11.906, df = 3, p = .000). The study concluded that the adoption level of TQM in this industry was at trial level and TQM adoption was ineffective. Thus, there is need for improved adoption of the various components of TQM, particularly ‘leadership commitment’ and this can be achieved through sustained TQM training and advocacy by professional associations within the industry such as Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

All over the world, even in developing countries, plastics have quickly become one of the most common things found around. Unsurprisingly, this has caused a major waste management problem, particularly because synthetic polymers do not break down and degrade like organic waste. As a result, an alternative is being sought out in biopolymers. This study explores the suitability of a biopolymer blend;Ipomoea batatasmixed with low density polyethylene (LDPE) at various compositions. Biodegradation of this biopolymer blend was observed periodically when produced samples ofIpomoea batatas/LDPE were buried in loamy sand over a period of 28 days. Results show that produced biopolymers are environmentally compatible and bio-degradable. It was also observed that the sample blend with equal portions by weight ofIpomoea batatas(50%) and LDPE (50%) showed the most optimum pattern of degradation. There was steady degradation over the study period and the rate of degradation observed showed sustainability.

Over 350 million tons of conventional plastics are currently produced from petroleum per year and this amount is expected to rise exponentially in the near future. Proper disposal of these products has caused a great problem for the waste management industry and as a result, there is a significant negative impact on the environment. As a matter of fact, in order to reduce the environmental impact of plastics, some products obtained from agriculture (like starch) are used as polymer blend with synthetic plastics. This study shows that Manihot esculenta can be blended with polyethylene to form a partially degradable polymer. The processing conditions and sample formulations are shown to significantly affect the structure of the polymer which has a concomitant effect upon the degradation ratio as well as the degradation rate. Six samples were produced by varying composition of the blend between Low-density Polyethylene and Manihot esculenta using glycerol and water as plasticiser. These samples were buried in soil and the degradation ratios and rates were studied within a period of 28 days. The results showed that these produced biopolymers are environmentally compatible and biodegradable. The rate of biodegradation in soil of these biopolymer samples varied largely. The polymer blend with 80% LDPE (20 CaS) by weight had the most regular weight loss over the period of the study. Under the conditions the study was carried out, polymer blend 20 CaS also had the steadiest rate of degradation. Hence, 80% LDPE (wt.%) blended with Manihot esculenta starch is the optimal ratio with regard to the degradability of biopolymer in sandy-loam soil.