As the global plastic waste crisis escalates, the exploration of innovative solutions to repurpose plastic waste becomes increasingly urgent. The adaptation of plastic waste as a modifier for bitumen in road construction—commonly referred to as "plastic roads"—presents a promising avenue. Our comprehensive review encompassed scientific literature, news articles, patents, a cost-effectiveness analysis, and interviews with industry representatives and researchers to identify existing knowledge gaps surrounding key aspects of this technology. Plastic roads and playgrounds are an innovative idea that aims to reduce plastic waste while providing durable infrastructure. For roads, plastic can be recycled and mixed with asphalt to create a strong, long-lasting surface. The benefits include improved durability, reduced maintenance costs, and less plastic waste going to landfills or the ocean. In playgrounds, plastic can be used to create safer surfaces, like those made from recycled rubber or plastic materials, which are softer and provide better shock absorption for children. Additionally, using plastic waste in these projects helps reduce the environmental impact of discarded plastics, giving them a second life in a useful way Plastic roads are made by mixing shredded plastic waste with bitumen, a material which is commonly used in road construction. This blend makes roads stronger, longer-lasting; it gives a second life to non-biodegradable waste this study underscores that plastic roads have immense potential but also considerable challenges that need to be addressed. By investing in research, standardizing practices, and continuously improving the technology, plastic roads can become a sustainable solution for plastic waste while contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure. Thoughtful policy-making and collaboration will be key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring that the benefits of this innovation are realized on a global scale.

Groundwater contamination near automobile workshops is a growing environmental concern due to the leaching of heavy metals and other pollutants into the soil and water sources. This study aims to assess the physicochemical and heavy metal characteristics of groundwater in the Central Business District of Oxbow Lake, Swali, Bayelsa State, before and after treatment. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, temperature, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Mn), were analyzed before and after treatment. The results show that pH increased from 6.80 ± 0.02 to 7.70 ± 0.02, remaining within the permissible limits of 6.5–8.5 (WHO) and 6.6–9.0 (NSDWQ). Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged from 122 ± 1.5 to 141 ± 1.5 mg/L, and conductivity reduced from 238 ± 2.0 to 221 ± 2.0 µS/cm, both well below the regulatory limits. Temperature varied marginally from 27.4 ± 0.1°C to 27.8 ± 0.1°C. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) increased from 0.58 to 1.06 mg/L and 0.45 ± 0.01 to 0.71 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Heavy metal analysis revealed that Iron concentrations were significantly reduced after treatment, from 0.36 ± 0.01 mg/L to below the detection limit (<0.001 mg/L) slightly exceeded the WHO and NSDWQ limit of 0.3 mg/L, while manganese (0.14–0.42 mg/L) exceeding the WHO guideline. Copper concentrations dropped below the detection limit (<0.001 mg/L) after treatment, from an initial 0.50 ± 0.01 mg/L. Both nickel and lead were below the detection limit (<0.001 mg/L) before and after treatment, indicating zero contamination from these metals. Despite the low concentration observed for the various parameters, continuous monitoring and control measures is recommended.

This study aims to identify a sustainable source of energy from natural and environmentally friendly resources. Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) was extracted from kernel of African oil palm (Elais Guineensis) by two chemical extraction methods; soxhlet extraction and cold solvent extraction; yields % were found 40.98% and 34% respectively. The physiochemical properties of extracted oil were evaluated and results showed that its color (Golden Yellow), refractive index was 1.477, density at 15 ºC was 0.80343g/cm3, Kinematic viscosity at 40 ºC was 25.13 cSt, cloud point was 31 ºC, pour point was 21 ºC, free fatty acid was 2.60%, acid value was 5.20 mg KOH g-1, peroxide value was 7.30 mEq kg-1, iodine value was 18.23 mg g-1, saponification value was 216.11mg/KOH g-1and water content was 0.0329%. The fatty Acid compositions were determined using GC-MS. The results showed the dominant fatty acids were lauric acid, myristic acid and Oleic acid in which represent of 39.18%, 20.24%, and 18.82% respectively.

This study aims to examine a sustainable source of energy from environmentally friendly and renewable resource. Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) obtained from kernel of African oil palm (Elaeis Gunieensis) was transesterified into biodiesel using alcohol (methanol) and base catalyst (sodium hydroxide) to produce 80.6% PKO methyl ester (biodiesel). Biodiesel produced was blended with diesel fuel in various proportions. Physiochemical properties of biodiesel produced, and its blends evaluated according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751). The results showed that; most of Physiochemical properties of PKO biodiesel and its blends were met the requirements of ASTM standard methods.

Sclerocarya birrea tree (Marula), is known in Sudan as Homeid tree. The different parts of the tree find wide traditional and medicinal uses. This study was carried to evaluate the chemical composition of the fruit seeds and kernels oil from nutritional value sight of view. Fresh fruits were collected from Darfur and Kordofan States. The proximate constituents of seeds were determined. Kernels oil was extracted by Petroleum ether. The physicochemical properties of the oil were measured. Seed kernels content of some minerals was determined by AAS. The extracted oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The proximate seed constituents were ash (4.93%), moisture (5.74%), pH (6.36%), protein (44.17%), vitamin C (19.47mg/100g) and Fiber (5.32%). The AAS analysis showed high P (220.25mg/100g) and K (86.10mg/100g) in the kernels. The oil yield was (53.47%). The physicochemical properties were acid value (0.42mg KOH/g), Peroxide value (4.64meq/kg), Saponification value (199mg KOH/g), viscosity (62.1), refractive index (1.467), density (0.919g/cm3) and un-saponified matter (3.17%). The GC-MS characterization showed a presence of five constituents, Dominated by Oleic (65.97%), Palmitic (17.53%) and Stearic acid (12.84%).

This study examines heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation in earthworms across three sites in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Are Oil Palm plantation, Irasa waste dumpsites, and EKSU Teak plantation. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed the highest contamination at Irasa waste dumpsites, with Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations averaging 45.2 mg/kg, 8.4 mg/kg, 36.7 mg/kg, and 112.5 mg/kg, respectively. Are Oil Palm plantation exhibited moderate contamination, with Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn averaging 29.5 mg/kg, 4.2 mg/kg, 18.6 mg/kg, and 67.9 mg/kg. The EKSU Teak plantation showed the lowest levels, averaging 15.3 mg/kg for Cu, 2.1 mg/kg for Cd, 9.8 mg/kg for Pb, and 35.4 mg/kg for Zn. Bioaccumulation analysis revealed a strong correlation with soil contamination, with earthworms from Irasa waste dumpsites containing the highest concentrations of Pb and Cd, at 25.3 mg/kg and 5.6 mg/kg, respectively. Earthworms from Are Oil Palm recorded 13.1 mg/kg for Pb and 2.9 mg/kg for Cd, while those from EKSU Teak had the lowest levels, at 6.5 mg/kg for Pb and 1.5 mg/kg for Cd. The study highlights significant heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation gradients influenced by anthropogenic activities. The elevated contamination at Irasa waste dumpsites emphasizes the need for pollution control and remediation strategies to protect soil and ecological health.

The study examined the effect of sulfurization temperature on chemical composition, structural properties and morphological features of CuAlS2 thin films that had been prepared using two – step Vacuum Thermal Evaporation Technique. It was reported that metallic Cu – Al precursor layer first deposited onto soda – lime glass substrates before they were sulfurized and annealed at 573K, 673K, and 773K. The thin films were then characterized by X – ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X – ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to study their crystallographic phase, surface morphology and elemental composition respectively. XRD study disclosed the formation of a chalcopyrite tetragonal CuAlS2 phase with notable variations of crystallinity and lattice parameters as a function of temperature. SEM images revealed that the film morphologies were influenced by sulfurization temperature and EDS analysis suggested non – ideal stoichiometry as a result of incomplete sulfurization at lower temperatures. Overall, the findings highlighted the crucial role of sulfurization temperature in determining material properties. The study also highlighted the potentials of CuAlS2 thin films in optoelectronic devices, particularly solar cells and light- emitting diodes.