Acta Chemica Malaysia

Journal: Acta Chemica Malaysia (ACMY)
Author: Babatola Babatude Keji, Adebayo Samuel, Abiona Mujidat Ayobami, Ajide Adeolu Bamidele
ISSN: 2576-6732
e-ISSN: 2576-6724

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/acmy.01.2025.28.34

High-temperature pyrolysis of wood at 800–1600°C enhances biochar properties, such as high carbon content and energy density, making it suitable for energy generation. These properties can be further improved by upgrading biochar into activated carbon, expanding its potential applications. This study aims to investigate biochars’ chemical, structural, and energetic properties produced through pyrolysis and assess their potential for energy generation and environmental applications, including their transformation into activated carbon. Biochar was produced from mango tree (Mangifera indica) wood using incomplete combustion. Characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and water absorption capacity tests. Post-activation, changes in surface area, porosity, and adsorption properties were analyzed. XRD analysis revealed that the biochar was predominantly amorphous with some crystalline structures and a nanoscale grain size of 25.42 nm. UV-visible spectroscopy showed absorption peaks between 200 and 290 nm due to the biochar’s low-density characteristics. The water absorption capacity exceeded 100%, increasing the sample’s weight to 50 g in water. The biochar demonstrated enhanced surface area, porosity, and adsorption capacity post-activation. The findings highlight biochar’s suitability for diverse applications, including energy production, nanomaterial composites, and sensing devices. Activation expanded its potential for water purification, gas storage, and energy storage systems, positioning biochar as a versatile and sustainable material. The dual characterization of biochar underscores its potential for energy and environmental applications. The significant post-activation improvements suggest that biochar can serve as a key material in addressing energy and environmental challenges. This study uniquely demonstrates the simultaneous evaluation of biochar’s intrinsic and enhanced properties post-activation, offering new insights into its multifaceted applications in energy and environmental sustainability.

Journal: Acta Chemica Malaysia (ACMY)
Author:  Osemwota, I.O., Dania, S.O., Bakare, A.I., Eniola, R.I
ISSN: 2576-6732
e-ISSN: 2576-6724

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/acmy.01.2025.24.27

The distribution of Magnesium forms in surface hydromorphic soils of sourthern Nigeria was studied. Fifty four composite surface (0 to 15cm) soil samples drawn from different parent materials were used. Total Mgranged from 81.42 to 475.62mg/kg, while water soluble Mg, exchangeable Mg, difficulty exchangeable Mg and Mg reserved ranged from 0.080 to 1.04, 0.160 to 4.56, 0.24 to 5.60 and 0.40 to 150.70 cmol/kg, respectively. Soils formed on crystalline metamorphic and igneous rocks were highest in Mg status when compared to soils formed on shale mixed with sand stone and clay, coastal plain sand, coastal alluvium and fresh water swamps. Magnesium status in these soils was strongly influence by parent materials. Other factors that influenced the Mg formed on the different parent materials were silt and clay contents, organic matter and pH. Fifteen percent of the soils sampled were deficient in available Mg based on already established critical level for Nigerian soils.

Journal: Acta Chemica Malaysia (ACMY)
Author:  Ogbeide Osahon Kennedy, Aghedo Oscar Notoriuwa, Victor Emmanuel, Olowoeyo Israel, Asenoguan Nicole Osahenoma, Ovwero Emmanuel, Uadia Jeremiah Ogboma
ISSN: 2576-6732
e-ISSN: 2576-6724

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/acmy.01.2025.17.23

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, elemental make-up, and antioxidant properties of methanol extracts from the seed and stem bark of Morinda citrifolia (Noni). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, phenolics, eugenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in both extracts, with steroids absent in the seed but present in the stem bark. The quantitative analysis showed higher alkaloid content in the stem bark (2.960%) compared to the seed (1.460%), while the seed exhibited a higher total phenolic content (24.430 mg/ml) than the stem bark (7.830 mg/ml). Antioxidant assays demonstrated significant activities in both extracts, with the stem bark extract displaying greater antioxidant potential, which doesn’t correlates with its higher phenolic content but the lower IC50 value (higher antioxidant activity) of the stem bark, which could be based on the composition, effectiveness, bioavailability of the phenolic and other bioactive compounds present in the stem bark which could have enhanced its antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity assays indicated that both extracts possess substantial antimicrobial properties, with the stem bark extract showing a slightly higher inhibitory effect. These findings suggest that different parts of Morinda citrifolia can be utilized strategically based on their specific phytochemical compositions to maximize therapeutic benefits, highlighting the potential of the stem bark as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.