ABUAD Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

An Assessment of Environmental Education Awareness, Attitudes and Engagements for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria: A Case Study of LAUTECH Students

Oladotun Ebenezer MORAKINYO — 2025-06-30

Environmental sustainability necessitates awareness, an attitude regarding oneself and the environment, along with proper conduct and ethical values, which Environmental Education (EE) provides. Therefore, EE is critical in developing countries such as Nigeria, which are confronted by significant environmental problems such as deteriorating ecosystems, erosion, flooding, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Because the ability to handle environmental challenges depends heavily on the young, as it is easiest to attain greater consciousness among them, this study assessed students’ EE exposure and awareness, knowledge of environmental problems, attitude and perceptions towards environmental sustainability, engagement to promote environmental sustainability and barriers to engagement. Using a questionnaire survey and convenience sampling, this study sampled 300 LAUTECH students from various academic disciplines, levels and demographic backgrounds. The collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS to generate descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean. The findings revealed that most of the respondents have heard of EE (4.19), primarily through informal education (3.77). Also, the environmental problems the respondents are mostly familiar with are pollution and waste management problems (4.22). While the students are highly interested in pursuing actions that promote environmental sustainability, they are constrained by restricted access to information on environmental issues (3.46) and organisations that promote environmental sustainability in Nigeria (3.24). The study recommended that Education for Sustainable Development, which includes EE and sustainability topics, should be incorporated into core subjects of the National Education Curriculum in Nigeria. Also, EE should be intensified formally and promoted informally through online sources, study groups, environmental clubs and partnerships with environmental NGOs.

Allocation of Power Losses with Distributed Generation using a Contribution of Generator to Load Pairs Technique in a Distribution System

Ebenezer Abiodun OMOTOSO — 2025-06-30

Nigeria's power sector lacks a structured approach to allocating active power losses, impacting cost fairness and operational efficiency. The contribution of the generator-load pairs technique effectively ensures equitable loss allocation in power networks. This study applied the technique in a Nigerian distribution network integrated with distributed generation (DG) to enhance transparency in loss allocation, using the Imalefalafia 32-bus network as a case study. Power flow analysis was conducted using the backward/forward sweep method to solve the network’s power flow problem. The adopted loss allocation technique was then used to allocate active power losses among generators and loads based on their contributions. Results demonstrated accurate and transparent loss allocation, ensuring fairness. The findings confirm the technique’s suitability for Nigeria’s distribution network and its potential to enhance efficiency in DG-integrated systems. This study introduces an effective loss allocation framework tailored to Nigeria’s electricity network, providing a basis for fair active loss-sharing mechanisms.

Silver Nanoparticles Recovery from X-ray Films using Humic and Fulvic Acids: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Applications

Owolabi Mutolib BANKOLE — 2025-06-30

The current study investigates the recovery and synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from used x-ray photographic films as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for scalable production. Silver was extracted using an alkaline NaOH solution and stabilised with humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids, demonstrating a green chemistry approach that enhances nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility. FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of functional groups for AgNP stabilisation, SEM revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles, and XRD verified their crystalline structure. The HA- and FA-stabilised AgNPs showed superior antimicrobial activity compared to pure AgNPs, with inhibition zones of 35 and 39 mm against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumonia, respectively. The antibacterial effects of the synthesised particles were found to be concentration-dependent. This dual approach of waste photographic film valorisation and in situ nanoparticle stabilisation offers an eco-friendly pathway for functional AgNP production with potential applications in medical and environmental fields.