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Comparative evaluation of the effect of fatty acids profile on the thermal properties of ethyl esters of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) oil and Groundnut (Arachis hypogiaea) oil as biodiesel feedstock was carried out. Chemo-physical properties of the oils and their fatty acid profile were determined. Ethyl esters of the oils were obtained by transesterification using ethanol with potassium hydroxide as catalyst. Chemo-physical properties and fatty acids profile were determined for the biodiesel produced. Results showed that the chemo-physical properties obtained for the ethyl ester of yellow oleander oil such as flash point (48.67 0 C), fire point (86.33 0 C), cloud point (12.3 0 C), pour point (2.33 0 C) and free fatty acids (0.65%) were consistent with ASTM stipulated standards for fuel grade biodiesel. The fatty acids for yellow oleander were predominantly 7.337% stearic acid (2,696.12J/kg), 18.618% palmitic acid (2384.76J/kg), 49.615% Oleic acid (2657.4J/kg) and 14.22% linoleic acid. The saturated fatty acids were capable of readily releasing their heat content during combustion. Groundnut oil gave similar result except 66.15% oleic acid which put it ahead of yellow oleander's 49.61%. On the basis of thermal properties, groundnut oil was better but the drawback as biodiesel feedstock lies in its high free fatty acids and the pressure on it as a staple crop. Use of yellow oleander biodiesel would reduce this pressure and extend the use of this ornamental crop.

An investigation of some quality control indices of selected grains stored in various locations in Makurdi farming environment was carried out. Grain quality factors are classified into those measurable defects as broken grains, insect damage, mould infestation, presence of foreign materials, and moisture content which determines the storage stability of most grains in the stored structures. Based on the indices mentioned above, an analytical investigation was conducted. An average of 500 gm of grain samples, made up of four (4) crops, eleven (11) varieties resulting in 44 samples and 308 checks in four ABSTRACT replications were prepared and quality measures evaluated. Results from these evaluations were compared with the standards of both local and international nature. Results showed that most grains used in Makurdi farming environment did not pass these quality standards. The failure of these tests was attributed to the pre-and postharvest management practices, such as harvesting, primary processing and the defective storage structures common with producers and vendors of grains in this area.

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