ABUAD Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

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

2025-02-14T14:35:52+00:00

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.

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

2025-02-13T08:49:37+00:00

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.