Drilling detergents are among the chemical compounds that are increasingly being used in many varieties of drilling fluids. They are aqueous blend of surface-active agents that reduces the surface tension of water-based drilling fluids, reduces the sticking tendency of water-sensitive shale cuttings and aid cuttings removal; leading to cleaner hole, faster penetration rates and lower drilling pressure. Due to the increase in environmental issues associated with the disposal of drilling detergent presently used, drilling companies are exploring options of using environmentally friendly, degradable and renewable drilling detergents. In this study, biodetergents were produced from non-edible seed oils (Ricinus communis oil and Azadirachta Indica oil). The biodetergents and a commercial drilling detergent used in the Niger Delta field were analysed for a number of standard properties required for good drilling detergents. Drilling muds formulated with these detergents were also analysed for a number of standard mud properties. Physicochemical properties analyses showed that biodetergents met the required specification of good drilling detergents. The physicochemical properties of the biodetergents were also comparable to that of commercial drilling detergent. BOD values obtained showed that the biodetergents could easily be broken or biodegraded than the commercial drilling detergent. Toxicity test on Penaeus Monodon showed that biodetergents are more environmentally friendly than the commercial drilling detergent. Drilling mud properties analyses further showed that synthesized biodetergents can be used as an alternative to conventional drilling detergent.

The search for suitable biodiesel for formulating oil based muds for deep high-temperature wells, deviated offshore wells and sensitive shale formation have intensified over the years. The reasons behind the continuous search are in two folds. First, conventional diesel used in formulating oil-based muds are fossil based, costly, non-renewable and detrimental to environment. Secondly, previous attempts to use biodiesels proved to be more expensive than the conventional diesel. In this study, biodiesel was produced from oil extracted from Lagenaria siceraria seeds. The suitability of using the synthesized Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel in oil-based muds was evaluated. The evaluation involved comparing the properties of the synthesized Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel and its drilling muds against those of the conventional diesel and some commonly used plant seed oil based biodiesels. In addition, the economic viability of the use of the synthesized Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel in oil-based muds was evaluated and compared against those of the conventional diesel and the commonly used plant seed oil based biodiesels. The physiochemical properties of the synthesized Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel showed that it has a better potential to replace the conventional diesel. Result of mud properties and toxicity tests also showed that the synthesized Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel has a better potential to replace the conventional diesel. Although, conventional diesel is cheaper than the Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel and the commonly used plant seed oil based biodiesels, economic analysis showed that it is cost effective to use the Lagenaria siceraria biodiesel.

Interest in renewable energy production and in reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuels has made anaerobic digestion of organic wastes an attractive option for alternate means of producing biogas (methane). In this present work, investigation was carried out on the unused energy present in cooked left-over waste rice as food waste and the amount of methane produced compared to cow dung and co-substrate used as feed stocks. The experiments were conducted batch wisely at mesophilic temperature with the varying percentage total solid (TS) and volatile solid (VS) calculated. It was observed that the volume of methane produced increased with increasing percentage total solid and percentage volatile solid during the 20 day HRT digestion period. The optimum quantity of methane gas produced was 57,306 ml at the highest 92.1% VS and 12.1% TS from food waste (oryza sativa), followed by the co-substrate 12,190 ml and cow dung 9802 ml. The high nutritional content and calorific value present in kitchen food waste contributed to its overall yield within the shortest time interval which indicates a rapid rise through the exponential phase of microbial growth rate. Furthermore, the results obtained reveal that food waste especially cooked left-over rice should be considered as a viable feed stock for biogas production in an anaerobic digestion process.

There is increasing research on the adsorption of lead because its use in industrial processes has resulted in various forms of environmental contamination and negative human health issues. Currently, researchers have intensified their search for low-cost adsorbents like activated carbon produced from nonfossil sources. This study is focused on the use of Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid for the adsorption of Lead ions. It was conducted to optimize the process variables in the production of Palm Kernel Shell Activated Carbon modified with Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid. A 23 three-level Central Composite Design was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of the time (10-130) X1, pH (5.0 – 7.0) X2, and adsorbent dose (0.4 -5.0g)X3. Data obtained from RSM on activated carbon production were subjected to ANOVA and analyzed using a second-order polynomial equation. The extent of lead ion removal by Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid activated carbon from aqueous solution was 96.30% at the solution pH of 7.2, contact time of 70 minutes, and an adsorbent dose of 2.1g/L. The Langmuir isotherm model was in good agreement with the experimental data.

Fibre-filled high-density polyethylene composite was prepared by two roll melt mixing, and pressed into standard shapes using compression moulding technique for varying fibre contents from 10% by weight up to 60w% by weight. Tests were performed on composite specimens in accordance with ASTM D638. Additives have been incorporated into the design formulation of the composite to provide flexibility and intercalate (adhesion) between the fibre and the substrate. The results obtained were compared with specimens made of 100% weight of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Results showed that waste loads in the range of 10-40% weight for un-treated hides (UH) and plant treated cowhide (acacia nilotical) (VT), represent good mechanical, physical, thermal and morphological properties, with improved intercalation between the fibre and interface substrate due to additives. 10-40 % weight (non-degradable) HDPE can be partially replaced with rawhide and processed shredded hide (both compostable), with the highest value at 10% by weight fibre content. The breaking strength of high-density polyethylene filled untreated hide with additive (HDPE/UHA) and high-density polyethylene filled plant treated hide with additives (HDPE/VTA) stretches longer under tension by 32.7% and 3.9% respectively, more than the control at 40% content by weight. The composites are suitable for producing composite-films, useful for manufacturing bags for packaging food goods, or in shoe soles, floor tiles and any material property requiring flexibility.