RADINKA IN BIOAGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

Production of Bio Fuel from low Density Polyethylene through Modeling and Simulation

2026-06-13T14:30:32+00:00

While efforts have been made to create future biodegradable plastics, there haven't been many significant initiatives taken to address the environmental issue caused by low density polyethylene (LDPE), which has become a part of our everyday life. In this study, waste LDPE was utilized for pyrolysis to produce fuel oil with the same physical properties as fuels like gasoline, diesel, etc. The process of turning waste LDPE into biofuel was modeled and simulated using Aspen Plus. When LDPE is pyrolyzed, two processes take place at a high temperature of around 500⁰C without oxygen process reaction and drying process. The process model was created, and simulation results were obtained. The results indicate that the drying process yielded 1100.572 kg/h, while the flash separator at 135⁰C produced 4999.428 kg/h. Differences in enthalpy and entropy between the initial and final products were noted.

Science Communication for Sustainability: Public Perceptions of a Clean Household Energy Alternative

2026-01-09T12:29:20+00:00

Science communication is recognized as a catalyst for sustainability transitions, particularly in the household energy sector where cultural practices, affordability, and awareness shape fuel choices. This study explores public perceptions of biomass briquettes as a clean household energy alternative in Nigeria, drawing on laboratory assessments, household surveys in Bauchi State, and insights from global scholarship. Results show that briquettes possess superior calorific value and lower emissions compared to firewood and kerosene, confirming their technical and environmental viability. Yet adoption remains limited due to low awareness, irregular supply, cultural preferences, and skepticism about durability. Surveyed households expressed willingness to adopt briquettes if prices remain comparable to firewood, with health, affordability, and household cleanliness identified as key motivators. These findings affirm behavioral frameworks that highlight the role of perceived usefulness, affordability, and cultural fit in energy transitions. The study argues that effective science communication through participatory demonstrations, trusted local messengers, and culturally sensitive narratives can reshape public perceptions and enhance adoption. Integrating briquette promotion into Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Policy and aligning communication with health and livelihood benefits can accelerate household energy transitions, reduce emissions, and improve resilience in rural communities.

Resource Efficiency in Energy, Water and Supply Chains in Nigeria: Pathways for Sustainable Industrial Transformation Under SDGs 7, 9 And 12

2026-07-15T22:13:03+00:00

Resource efficiency is a vital aspect of sustainable industrialization, especially among developing nations. In the case of Nigeria, persistent inefficiencies when it comes to the use of energy, management of water, and the structure of supply chain systems have a negative impact on productivity, the environment, and the country’s ability to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study focuses on the role integrated resource efficiency practices (focused on energy, water, and supply chains) play on the environmental and operational competitiveness of Nigeria’s industrial sector. The study conceptualizes resource efficiency as a multi-faceted capability integrated within the organizational systems and is guided by the Resource-Based View, Circular Economy Theory, and Theory of Ecological Modernization. The study employs a cross-sectoral survey and a multivariate analysis. This research will explore the correlation among energy optimization, water stewardship, sustainable procurement, and organizational performance. The results of the study are anticipated to support and provide empirical evidence on the synergistic efficiencies created by the intersection of energy, water, and supply chains and provide strategic guidance to policymakers on how to implement the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP) and the sustainable industrial policy of the country. The study shows how to use nexus thinking and firm-level strategic management within the developing world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Investigating the Role of Deforestation in Climate change and Air Pollution in Bauchi Local Government Area

2026-06-13T14:21:57+00:00

This study investigated how deforestation contributes to air pollution and climate change in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Globally, deforestation reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels and raising temperatures. Land-use change, including deforestation, accounted for 19% of global CO₂ emissions between 2020 and 2021. In the study area, a sample size of 345 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula from a total population of 2,507. Data were collected using stratified sampling and a quantitative survey research design. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between deforestation and its environmental impacts, with the p-value (Sig. = .000) confirming statistical significance at the 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). Environmental and social effects were found to strongly influence climate change and air pollution, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.475, standardized Beta of 0.432, and a t-value of 6.301. The findings emphasize that deforestation accelerates climate risks, degrades biodiversity, alters local ecosystems, and worsens air quality. The study recommends that government and community stakeholders prioritize sustainable forest management, enforce stronger environmental policies, and create widespread education and awareness programs on the consequences of deforestation. Such interventions are essential to mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution, and improve resilience in Bauchi LGA.

Quantification and Characterization of Microplastic Distribution in Surface Water and Sediments of the River Benue Ecosystem, Makurdi, Nigeria

2026-05-20T10:21:32+00:00

Microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems is a growing concern, yet quantitative data for major Nigerian rivers remains sparse. This study provides the first systematic survey of microplastic pollution in the River Benue at Makurdi, analyzing 36 surface water and 36 sediment samples across six sites during the dry and early wet seasons of 2024. Following isolation via vacuum filtration and density separation, particles were enumerated using stereo microscopy and polymer-typed via mu-FTIR spectroscopy. Results revealed that microplastics were ubiquitous, with concentrations ranging from 118–412 particles/L in water and 276–1,186 particles/kg dw in sediment. Fibres dominated the morphology (55.4%), while PET (32.6%), PP (23.1%), and PE (20.4%) were the primary polymers identified. Pollution levels significantly peaked at urban commercial sites near markets and drainage outfalls (p < 0.001), with wet season concentrations 1.6 – 1.9 times higher than dry season levels. These findings indicate that the River Benue exhibits contamination levels among the highest recorded for tropical West African rivers, establishing a critical baseline for environmental management, fisheries conservation, and pollution regulation in Nigeria.

Climate-Smart and Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Forest Pest Management in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review

2026-06-13T14:14:48+00:00

In Pakistan, climate change and unsustainable forest management techniques are further endangering forest ecosystems due to outbreaks of pests. Increased temperatures, change in precipitation patterns and extreme weather conditions have added to the growth and development of populations of forest pests, which are becoming threatening to the biodiversity, stability of the ecosystem and forest productivity as well. This review evaluates climate wise and novel practices to forest pest management in Pakistan with the aim of sustainable and adaptive practices that may produce less impact on the environment. The research summarizes the literature on biological control, integrated pest management (IPM), remote sensing technology and community based forest management practices. Early warning systems, pest-resistant tree species, and adaptive silvicultural practices are mentioned as the examples of climate-smart strategies, which could help to reduce the risks associated with pests. Also, new technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and predictive modeling, are mentioned as means to enhance monitoring and decisions. The results show that conventional pest management practices cannot serve to meet the emerging challenges in the changing climatic conditions. Thus, the combination of modern technologies and sustainable practices is the key to efficient pest control in forests. The review wraps up by highlighting the necessity of policy backing, stakeholder involvement, and additional research in building robust forest management infrastructures in Pakistan.