ANALYTICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH GROUP

ANALYTICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH GROUP
DEPARTMENT OF PURE AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA.

Concept/Justification
Environmental pollution as a result of man’s increasing activities such as burning of fossil fuels, use of agrochemicals and automobile exhaust emission has increased considerably in the past century due mainly to significant increases in economic activities and industrialization. Chemical toxicants have been introduced into the environment due to these anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are systemic toxins with specific neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, fetotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects. PAHs have been reported to be mutagenic, genotoxic and carcinogenic. The use of pesticides is essential to control pests in agricultural crops for the production of an adequate food supply for the increasing world population. With the intensive use of pesticides in agricultural crops, residues may be accumulated at levels higher than the maximum residue levels. These halogenated hydrocarbons are well known carcinogens. Human exposure to this chemical toxicant through food and water consumption and air inhalation has aroused widespread health concern especially with regards to the increasing rate of cancer in the world.

Research focus
This group will focus their research on studies investigating concentrations of chemical toxicants e.g trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticide residues in food, water, soil, air and fossil fuel with the view of examining the bioaccumulation, food-chain transfer, soil-plant transfer. From these the human exposure risk and ecological risk will be evaluated.
The group will also focus their research in developing and modifying existing analytical methods for the detection of these chemical toxicants.
Research topics
1. Trace metal levels in some Nigerian staple food
2. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fossil fuels
3. Pesticide residues in some Nigerian food
4. Water quality studies of borehole water and treated water
5. Determination of BTEX in fossil fuels
6. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in some Nigerian processed food.
7. Evaluation of potentially harmful emissions from indoor combustion process

Composition of the group
1. Prof C.O.B. Okoye………………..Co-ordinator
2. Dr J.N. Ihedioha
3. Dr N.R. Ekere
4. Dr C.N. Ibeto
5. Dr V.E Agbazue
6. Mr A.C Ofomata
7. Miss C.N Eze
Curriculum vitae
See attached.

CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: Okoye, Chukwuma Obiajulu Benedict DATE OF BIRTH: 11th November 1953
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambra L.G.A.OF ORIGIN: Awka south
NATIONALITY: Nigerian MARITAL STATUS: Married
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS: 7 Eke Market Square, Amawbia, Awka South L.G.A
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
PHONE NUMBERS: +2348034692359; +234817091706
EMAIL ADDRESS: chukwuma.okoye@unn.edu.ng; chuma_2008@yahoo.com

QUALIFICATIONS: B.Sc. (Chem),Ibadan 1978; M.Sc.(Anal. Chem) Ibadan, 1982; Ph.D (Appl. Chem.) Ife 1989.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employer: University of Nigeria Nsukka Rank: Professor
Area of specialization: Analytical/Environmental Chemistry

Research interest: Pollutants e.g trace metals, PAHs and chlorinated hydrocarbons in food, water, soil and other environmental samples of interest. Development of new methods of metal analysis especially as cyaniding complexes using UV-vis spectrophotometer. Phytochemical studies.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
1. Fellow, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON)
2. Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, U A Onyechi, Health risk assessment of zinc, chromium and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population, Int J Occup Environ Health. 2014, 20, 281-288

J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, Dietary intake and health risk assessment of lead and cadmium via consumption of cow meat for an urban population in Enugu State, Nigeria, Ecotox Environ Safety, 2013, 93, 101–106.
J N Ihedioha, N R Ekere, C O B Okoye, Cadmium in locally grown rice (Oryza sativa) in Nigeria. Food Add & Contamin: Part B, 2013, 6, 275–278.
J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, Levels of some trace metals (Zn, Cr and Ni) in the muscle and internal organs of cattle in Nigeria. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess.: an Int. J., 2013, 19, 989-998.
C O B Okoye, E E Okon, N R Ekere, J N Ihedioha, Simultaneous UV–VIS Spectrophotometric Quantitative Determinations of Cyanidin Complexes of Co, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Fe ions in Mixed Aqueous Solutions. Int J Chem Analyt Sci. 2012, 3, 1662-1664.
C.O.B. Okoye, Aneke A.U., C.N. Ibeto and J.N. Ihedioha.(2011). Heavy Metals Analysis of Local and Exotic Poultry Meat. Int J. Appl Environ Sci. 6 (1): 49-55. Research India Publications.

Ugwu, J.N. Okoye C.O.B. and Ibeto C.N. (2011). Impacts of Vehicle Emissions and Ambient Atmospheric Deposition in Nigeria on the Pb, Cd, and Ni Content of Fermented Cassava Flour Processed by Sun-Drying. Hum Eco Risk Assess: An Int J, 17 (2): 478 — 488. Taylor and Francis group.

CURRICULUM VITAE
BIO-DATA
NAME: Ihedioha Janefrances Ngozi DATE OF BIRTH: 7th April 1974
STATE OF ORIGIN: Abia L.G.A.OF ORIGIN: Isuikwuato
NATIONALITY: Nigerian MARITAL STATUS: Married
PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS: Ugwunta, Ohoroho, Ovim
CONTACT ADDRESS: Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria Nsukka
PHONE NUMBERS: +2348063310841; +2348088123573
EMAIL ADDRESS: janefrances.ihedioha@unn.edu.ng; ngojanney@yahoo.com

QUALIFICATIONS: B.Sc. (Ind.Chem) Awka, 1997; M.Sc. (Anal Chem.) Nig., 2005; Ph.D (Anal. Chem) Nig., 2010.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employer: University of Nigeria Nsukka Rank: Senior Lecturer
Area of specialization: Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
Research interest: Studies designed to determine the levels, distribution and effects of chemical contaminants in biological and environmental samples. Developing and modifying existing analytical methods to detect chemical contaminants (trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticide residues), examining bioaccumulation, food-chain transfer and human exposure and risk assessment. Phytochemical studies on medicinal potential application of some plants

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
1. Member, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON)
2. Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).
3. Member, Organization of Women in Science in Developing World (OWSD)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, U A Onyechi, Health risk assessment of zinc, chromium and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population, Int J Occup Environ Health. 2014, 20, 281-288

N R Ekere, J N Ihedioha, S I Eze, V A Agbazue, Health risk assessment in relation to heavy metals in water sources in rural regions of south east, Nigeria. Int J of Phy Sci., 2014, 9, 109-116.
J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, Dietary intake and health risk assessment of lead and cadmium via consumption of cow meat for an urban population in Enugu State, Nigeria, Ecotox Environ Safety, 2013, 93, 101–106.
J N Ihedioha, N R Ekere, C O B Okoye, Cadmium in locally grown rice (Oryza sativa) in Nigeria. Food Add & Contamin: Part B, 2013, 6, 275–278.
J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, Levels of some trace metals (Zn, Cr and Ni) in the muscle and internal organs of cattle in Nigeria. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess.: an Int. J., 2013, 19, 989-998.
J N Ihedioha, C O B Okoye, Cadmium and Lead Levels in Muscle and Edible Offal of Cow Reared in Nigeria. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol 2012, 88, 422–427.

Nwachukwu R Ekere
Senior Lecturer, Analytical & Environmental Chemistry.
Qualifications
B.Sc-Ed (hons) Nig. 1988; M.Sc Nig 1996; Ph.D (FUTO) 2005.; MCSN, MICCON
Contact
Office: Room 114B Carver Building
e-mail: nwachukwu.ekere@unn.edu.ng ; nwachukwuekere64@gmail.com.
Phone: +2348037417138

Dr Nwachukwu R Ekere attended Boys High School Ekposhi before proceeding to University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained his Bachelor and Master degrees in Chemistry .He had his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Federal University of Technology, Owerri specialising in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a recipient of University of Nigeria Best Brain Award.

Research Interest
Water, Food and Phytochemical analysis; Pollution studies and health risk assessments of toxicants and development of Chemical analytical methods
Selected Publications
C O B Okoye, A M Chukwuneke, N R Ekere and J N Ihedioha, Simultaneous ultra- violet-visible (UV-VIS) determination of Pb, Hg, Cd, As and Ni ions in aqueous solutions using cyanidin as a chromogenic reagent. Int. J Phys. Sci. 2013. 8(3): 98-102.
N R Ekere and P O Ukoha, Heavy metals in street dusts of industrial market in Enugu South East Nigeria. Int. J Phys Sci.2013. 8(4) : 175-178
J N. Ihedioha; N R Ekere and C O B Okoye. Cadmium in Locally Grown Rice(oryza sativa) in Nigeria. Food Additives and Contaminants. Part B: Surveillance. 2013. DOI 10.1080/19393210,2013.58121174. [IF=0.891].
N R Ekere . Investigations of some Pollution indices of Dug-well waters in Enugu Urban, Enugu Nigeria. J. Chem Soc. Nigeria. 2013. 38(1):25-28.
V E Agbazue , A Ibezim and N R Ekere .. Assessment of Sugar Level in Different Soft Drinks. Int. J. Chem Sci .2013.(accepted and in print.
C.O.B Okoye, E E Okon, N R Ekere and J N Ihedioha, Simultaneous UV-VIS Spectrophotometric Quantitative Determinations of Cyanidin complexes oof Co, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Fe ions in mixed aqueous solutions. Int. J. Chem. Anal. Sci. 2012.3(12) :1662-1664 .
N R. Ekere. Nitrate Pollution of water sources of rural areas of Uzouwani, South East, Nigeria. J. Environ Res and Dev. 2012. 7(2) :600-606.
N R. Ekere and Ifeanyi S. Eze. Evaluation of Cyanogenic Potentials of Local Cassava Species and Residual cyanide contents of their locally processed food products in South East Nigeria. J. Hum. Ecol. Risk Asses. 2012. DOI; 10: 1080/10807039-2012.723185.
N R. Ekere. Urban Wastes impact on surface waters in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. J. Environ. Res and Dev. 2012. 7(1A) 229-233.
N R. Ekere and N.B Chinedu. Evaluation of some toxic metals in selected milk products in Nigeria market. Int. J. Appl. Environ Sci. 2012.7(4) :373-378.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Ibeto Cynthia Nkolika
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 10th of August, 1982.
Place of Birth: Lagos
State of Origin: Anambra
Nationality: Nigerian
Marital Status: Single
Phone: +2348039513896
E-mail: cynthia.ibeto@unn.edu.ng
Qualifications
B.Sc. (Industrial Chemistry) University of Ibadan, MSc.; Ph.D. (Analytical Chemistry) University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Employment Status
Research fellow l / Lecturer l, National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD) University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Research Interests
• Pollution studies/Determination of contaminants of different environmental media
• Production and Characterization of Biofuels (Biogas, Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Bio-oils)
• Environmental improvement of Fossil fuels via blending with Biomass or Biofuels

Membership of Professional Bodies
 Editor in chief (Technical Secretary) Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN).
 Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN)
Vice Chairman, Enugu State Chapter- Chemical Society of Nigeria (Enugu-CSN)
 Member, Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Vice Chairman, University of Nigeria Nsukka Chapter, OWSD
 Member Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON)

Selected Publications
1. Marcus, A. C., Okoye, C. O. B. and Ibeto, C. N. (2013): Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals in Shellfish and Fish of Bonny River and Creeks around Okrika in Rivers State, Nigeria. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 90:708-713.
2. Ibeto, C.N., Okoye, C.O.B. and Ofoefule, A.U. (2012): Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Characterization of Some Oils as Potential Feedstock for Biodiesel Production. ISRN Renewable Energy. Volume 2012, Article ID 621518, 1-5. doi:10.5402/2012/621518.
3. Ibeto, C. N., C. G. Okpara, C. N. Anyanwu, I. S. Eze and G.O. Unachukwu (2011): Determination of Heavy Metals Concentration in Some Sub-Bituminous Coal Samples from Nigeria. J. Chem. Soc. Nig. 36(2): 95-101.
4. Ugwu, J.N., Okoye, C.O.B. and Ibeto, C.N. (2011): Studies on impact of highway emission and atmospheric depositions on the lead, cadmium and nickel concentrations of cassava flour. Journal of Ecological Risk Assessment. An International Journal, 17(2): 478 – 488.
5. Ibeto C. N. and Okoye C. O. B. (2010): Elevated Levels of Lead in Blood of Different Groups in the Urban Population of Enugu State, Nigeria. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 16(5): 1133 — 1144.
CURRICULUM VITAE OF DR. V.E. AGBAZUE

1. PERSONAL DETAILS/CONTACTS
Full Name: Vitus Eze Agbazue (Male)
Date of Birth: December 31, 1952
State of Origin: Anambra
Current Postal Address: Dept. of Pure & Industrial Chemistry,
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Phone Number 08068283058
E-Mail: vitus.agbazue@unn.edu.ng

2. SUMMARY OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Institution Attended Date Qualifications Obtained
Gov. College, Umuahia 1963-1966 WASC
University of Nigeria Nsukka 1974-1978 B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry
University of Nigeria Nsukka 1988-1990 M.Sc (Ind. Chemistry)
University of Nigeria Nsukka 1995-2005 Ph.D (Pure & Ind. Chemistry)

3. MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Fellow, Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN)
Fellow, Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria (FICCON)
Fellow, Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (FIIAN)
Member, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK (Chartered Chemist)

4. PUBLICATIONS
Published two books and over thirty papers in local and international journals, including:
i. Agbazue, V.E (1992): A Guide to Cement Industry and Quality Control in Nigeria, Fourth Dimension Publishing Co. Ltd. Enugu.
ii. Agbazue, V.E and Akpanisi, L.E.S (2012): Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry, WIPRO International, Enugu.

5. WORK EXPERIENCE
Employed as Works Chemist in Benue Cement Company Plc, Gboko in 1980 and rose to become the Quality Control Manager from 1988 to 2003. Currently serving as Lecturer I in the Dept of Pure and Industrial Chemistry UNN

6. AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST
Analytical, Environmental and Industrial Chemistry with emphasis on water quality assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and cement quality control respectively.

CURRICULUM VITAE
1. PERSONAL PARTICULARS
A. NAME IN FULL: OFOMATAH ANTHONY CHIBUZO
B. PLACE AND DATE OF BIRTH: UKPOR , 28TH MAY, 1972
C. PRESENT POSTAL ADDRESS: ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE, U.N.N
D. TELEPHONE NUMBER 08034010807
E. NATIONALITY/STATE OF ORIGIN: NIGERIAN/ ANAMBRA
2. PRESENT QUALIFICATION: M.Sc (Analytical Chemistry)
3. STATEMENTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH DATES
ESTABLISHMENT POST HELD PERIOD
A. RIMCO/ A-Z PETROCHEM. Co. ASST. LAB. MGR 1998-2004
B. ENVOY OIL IND. L.T.D ONITSHA QUALITY CONTR.MGR. 2004-2008
C.ENERGY RES. CENTRE, U.N.N HEAD, LABORATORIES 2008- DATE
4. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
1. Ugwu K.E, Ofomatah A.C and Eze S.I(2013) Evaluation of Liquid Charcoal as an Alternative to Diesel Oil. . Nig. Journal of Solar Energy. Vol. 24. Pp 132-134
2. Oparaku N.F and Ofomatah A.C(2013)Biodegradation of agricultural waste and pig dung in anaerobic digester. Int.J. Phy. Sc. Vol. 1(4)pp 062-068.
3. Kenechukwu Emmanuel Ugwu, Anthony Chibuzo Ofomatah and Samson Ifeanyi Eze(2013) Influence of solid concentration on the flow characteristics and settling rate of coal-water slurries. JENR 2(3) 21-24.
4. Ugwu K.E and Ofomatah A.C(2013)Evaluation of properties of coal slurry from different solvents. Int.J. Phy. Sc. Vol. 8(20)pp 1118-1120.
5. Okoroigwe E.C, Ofomatah A.C, Oparaku N.F and Unachukwu G.O (2013)Production and evaluation of activated carbon from palm kernel shells(PKS) for economic and environmental sustainability. Int.J. Phy. Sc. Vol.8(19)pp 1036-1041.

5. MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES:
MEMBER: IPAN, ICCON, CSN, SESN, ANIST
6. REFEREES
PROF. C.O.B OKOYE PROF. P. O UKOHA DR. P.E UGWOKE
CHEMISTRY DEPT. U.N.N CHEMISTRY DEPT. U.N.N DIRECTOR,
U.N.N U.N.N ENERGY RES. CENTRE, U.N.N
EZE CHINYERE NGOZIKA
Date of Birth: 27th April, 1974
Place of Birth: Nsukka
Sex: Female
State of Origin: Enugu
Marital Status: Single
Nationality: Nigeria
Telephone: 08063285055; 08153848723
E-Mail: chinyere.eze@unn.edu.ng; chinyere.eze5@gmail.com
Contact Address: Centre for Environmental Management and Control, University of
Nigeria, Enugu Campus
SPECIAL RESEARCH INTEREST
• Chemicals in the Environment
• Gender Issues and Environmental Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment

PROFESSIONAL BODY
• Member, Chemical Society of Nigeria (MCSN)
• Member, International Association for Gender Equity
• Member African Tchnology Policy Network (ATPS)
• Member Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation(SETPOM)

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS ATTENDED WITH DATES
• 3rd National Conference of International Association for Gender Equity (IAFGE). Benue State University, Markurdi. 19th-22nd March, 2012

• Inauguration of Patcience Jonathan Centre for gender and women development studies(PJC-GWDS) an advocacy workshop on gender and women development. Ebitimi Banigo Hall, University Of Port Harcourt. 12th-13th march 2013.

• UNN-UNESCO international scientific mobile learning Workshop, princess Alexandra Auditorium, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, 17th -21st June 2013

PUBLICATIONS
1. Eze C.N,Agusiegbe U. M,Ogboi K.C, Nwadinigwe C.(2013), Assessment of Combustion and Pollution Potentials of Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),Journal of Natural Sciences Research 3(7):5-10
2. S.M.U Ishiwu, Nnabuchi, M. N., C. N. Eze (2011), The effects of Deposition and anneling temperature and time on the optical and solid state properties of Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) in films grown by chemical bath Desposition Techniques. Chalcoginide letter 8:59 – 64
3 Eze C.N, Agusiegbe U.M,Eze I.C, Ogboi K.C,(2013) An evaluation of the physico-chemical and Bacteriological parameters of ogene (pond) water found in igbo-eze south and north local government areas of Enugu state South East Nigeria, International Journal of Physical and Social sciences 3(10) 36-43