Master of Science (M.Sc.) Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing Master of Science (M.Sc.) Theses and Dissertations by Author "OMONIYI, Abiodun"

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    Elemental Characterisation of Pawpaw(carina papaya linn.) using Proton Induced x-ray Emission.
    (Department of physics and engineering physics, Faculty of science, Obafemi Awolowo University., 2023) OMONIYI, Abiodun
    The aim of this study was to examine the chemical makeup of Carica papaya samples obtained from Igbope in Oyo State and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, with a focus on distinguishing between male and female specimens. The study assessed the differences in elemental concentrations found in the leaves, seeds, fruits, peel, and flowers of both genders. Additionally, the results were compared to established reference values to determine their applicability in traditional medicine for treating different diseases. The female and male pawpaw leaves, seeds, fruits, and peels collected from two distinct areas in southwestern Nigeria underwent a treatment process to eliminate any surface contaminants. This involved washing the samples with distilled water. Afterward, the washed samples were placed in an oven at the postgraduate laboratory (Department of Botany) and dried for 96 hours over a period of five (5) days. To enhance conductivity, the specimens were finely powdered utilizing an agate mortar. A thick pellet measuring 13 mm in diameter, consisting of ten percent (10%) ultra-pure graphite powder without a binder, was prepared and mixed with the ground samples. The levels of elemental composition in the samples collected from the two areas were assessed through the utilization of Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The analysis of PIXE was performed by employing the Proton Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) accelerator, operating at an energy level of 2.5 MeV. The results showed that in all the samples analysed, K had the highest concentration.The concentrations of K were as follows: 58624 (46.9 ppm) for female fruits, 48729.9 (39.0 ppm) for male flowers, 46904.5 (37.5 ppm) for male leaves, 41629.9 (41.6 ppm) for female seeds, 39468.8 (35.5 ppm) for female peel, and 33036 (33.0 ppm) for female leaves. Notably, the concentration of potassium (K) was higher in the male leaves in comparison to the female leaves. Moreover, the male flowers displayed the greatest concentration of calcium (Ca), measuring 24891.8 (69.7 ppm). Interestingly, rubidium (Rb), a rare element in most plants, was found in all the samples. The male flowers exhibited the highest concentration of Rb, measuring 11090.3 (3389.2 ppm). All the samples from both locations contained the following elements: sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), fluorine (F), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and barium (Ba). The findings of this study indicate that Carica papaya, including its male and female components, contain a variety of essential trace and major elements that are important for human health. Furthermore, the study revealed that the male part of the plant had a significantly higher concentration of rubidium, an important element, when compared to the female part. In summary, this research indicates that the essential elemental composition of the male components of Carica papaya provides equal benefits compared to the female components.