Abstract: In this work, the adsorption of heavy metal ions on Brewers' spent grain adsorbent (BSGA) and Telfairia occidentalis seed adsorbent (TOSA) was optimized and modelled kinetically. In a batch system, aqueous solutions were used to study the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) ions onto TOSA and BSGA with reference to pH, adsorbent concentration, and settling time. The Design Expert version 12 was utilized in the response surface methodology (RSM) design of the experiment. According to experimental findings, the adsorption process was favoured by an acidic pH, increasing initial TOSA and BSGA concentrations, and longer settling times. For BSGA, the ideal dosage, pH, and settling time were found to be 4.12 g/l, 2.60, and 40.35 Min; for TOSA, they were 4.00 g/l, 4.00, and 40-min, respectively. The best removal efficiencies with BSGA were 63.33 per cent As and 83.37% Pb, and with TOSA, 86.36 per cent As and 85.37% Pb. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich kinetic, and intra-particle diffusion model equations were applied to fit the experimental datasets for the adsorption of lead and arsenic ions under various conditions. From the model results, the rate constants of the first-order adsorption model (k₁), the second-order kinetic model (k₂), and the intra-particle diffusion rate constants (k_int.) were determined. The experimental data fitted both the pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the Langmuir isotherm model very well, indicating that chemisorption is the adsorption mechanism. It also followed the intra-particle diffusion model for 20 minutes, after which it deviated indicating that intra-particle diffusion was not the sole rate-controlling step. 

Keywords: Adsorption, heavy metals, pollution, optimization, wastewater.

Title: Optimization and Modelling of Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Wastewater using Telfairia occidentalis and brewer’s spent grain eco-friendly adsorbents

Author: Harriet Ifeoma Anyaene, Dominic Okechukwu Onukwuli, Nkiruka Justina Edeani

International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies

ISSN 2394-9716

Vol. 12, Issue 4, July 2025 - August 2025

Page No: 8-29

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 23-July-2025

Abstract: In a bid to make available to stakeholders the needed technical knowledge to foreclose extraneous loss of revenue as a result of failures associated with the use of unsuitable medium density fiberboard (MDF) for diverse needs due to lack of such knowledge, flexural strength assessment of (MDF) in Nigerian market was conducted. The most frequently sought after were identified out of which the top three were subjected to test after selection to establish their bending strength at peak or ultimate bending strength. The samples were conditioned and tested as required by the testometric machine. Graphs of the stress representing flexural strength versus the associated strain were obtained from data generated with computer program. From the analysis SGK Nordic had the best ultimate flexural strength of 13.568 N/mm², Richard Russel had ultimate flexural strength 12.986 N/mm² while MDF Hokusan (MDF) recorded 1.24 N/mm². Even though SGK Nordic and Richard Russel had different ultimate flexural strengths, they have a common strain at peak of 0.2149 % while MDF Hokusan (MDF) attained ultimate bending strength at strain of 0.1069 %. This novel data forms a good bases for decision making as to which (MDF) is suitable for certain applications so that the usual loss of revenue due to failure from inappropriate choice should be avoided. Individuals and construction firms should utilize this novel insight to forestall unwarranted loss of resources arising from (MDF) failures due to lack of this knowledge. Future attention should be geared towards similar research on high density fiberboard (HDF).

Keywords: Creep, Durability, Elasticity, Flexural Modulus, Flexural Stress, Flexural Strength, Mechanical Test, Modulus of Rupture, Resilience, Rigidity, Stability, Resistance.

Title: NIGERIAN ECONOMY MEDIUM DENSITY FIBREBOARD (MDF) WOOD COMPOSITE FLEXURAL STRENGTH ASSESSMENT

Author: Ilo, C. P., Nwanjoku, T. S., Olayeye, E. A.

International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies

ISSN 2394-9716

Vol. 12, Issue 4, July 2025 - August 2025

Page No: 1-7

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 18-July-2025