Journal of Chemistry and Allied Sciences
The Journal of Chemistry and Allied Sciences (JCAS) is a leading peer-reviewed, open-access international journal dedicated to advancing research across all branches of chemistry and its interdisciplinary applications. Published under the auspices of the Tropical Research and Allied Network (TRANet), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, JCAS provides a rigorous platform for chemists, researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to disseminate innovative discoveries, novel methodologies, and transformative solutions to scientific and industrial challenges.
Tropical Research and Allied Network (TRANet), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) AND SELENIUM CONTENT IN SELECTED FRUIT JUICES
A spectrophotometric method was employed to quantify the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and selenium content in selected fruit juices. Five fruit juice samples—banana, apple, orange, pineapple, and pawpaw—were analyzed. Vitamin C concentrations were determined by measuring absorbance at 540 nm using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer (Model 1601, Shimadzu, Japan). The results revealed that orange juice contained the highest vitamin C content (17.56 ± 0.21 mg/100 mL), followed closely by pawpaw (17.18 ± 0.63 mg/100 mL) and pineapple (16.86±0.46 mg/100 mL), whereas banana juice had the lowest level (10.44 ± 0.29 mg/100 mL). Selenium concentrations were measured in the same samples, yielding values of 0.262 ± 0.009, 0.245 ± 0.013, 0.110±0.016, 0.154 ± 0.007, and 0.220 ± 0.019 µg/mL for banana, apple, orange, pineapple, and pawpaw juices, respectively. All selenium levels were below toxic thresholds and contributed modestly to the recommended daily intake for adults (55 µg/day). The variation in vitamin C and selenium content among the samples may reflect differences in fruit species, ripeness, and post-harvest handling. The findings suggest that these fruit juices provide dietary vitamin C while supplying trace amounts of selenium, supporting their role as nutritious beverages with potential antioxidant benefits. This study underscores the importance of fruit juices as accessible sources of essential nutrients in daily diets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Chemistry and Allied Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
LEAD POISONING IN NIGERIA: SOURCES, HEALTH IMPACTS AND POLICY GAPS (2005-2025)
Lead poisoning constitutes a severe public health emergency in Nigeria, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, and artisanal miners. This systematic review (2005–2025), analyzing 85 studies and agency reports, synthesizes evidence on exposure sources, health effects, and policy gaps. Primary exposure routes include artisanal gold mining and informal lead-acid battery recycling, with secondary contamination of water (abnormal pH, elevated Total Dissolved Solids), soil, and food crops. Blood lead levels (BLLs) reveal catastrophic exposure: children in mining areas exhibit BLLs up to 370 µg/dL, 74× the CDC’s 5 µg/dL reference. Occupational exposure averages 45 µg/dL among battery recyclers. Environmental testing shows staples like cassava and spinach bioaccumulating lead at 2–15× FAO safety limits. Health impacts span neurological damage, cardiovascular disease, and renal impairment (e.g., Fanconi syndrome). Despite the 2010 Zamfara outbreak response, progress stalls due to weak NESREA enforcement and limited remediation funding. We propose immediate actions: (1) community-led soil testing, (2) stricter battery recycling regulations, and (3) nationwide BLL surveillance. This crisis demands urgent, multisectoral intervention to safeguard Nigeria’s next generation.
AN OVERVIEW OF SOLID ELECTROLYTES FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES BASED ON NASICON MATERIALS
Lithium-ion solid electrolyte batteries have attracted great attention to replacing liquid electrolytes due to their cycling electrochemical properties, durable stability and safety. Numerous studies have been investigated to increase the performance of ionic-conductivity and enhance the stability of solid-state electrolytes, and its commercialization is broadly spread. This review article highlights the progress in developing NASICON-type solid electrolytes, which are made by solid-state reactions and wet-chemical procedures. Initially, researchers focused on the crystal structure, strength, and electrochemical properties of LiZr2(PO4)3, but recent studies have shifted towards investigating the electrical conductivity, crystal structure and its compatibility with Li metal. Also, the indigenous research on LiTi2(PO4)3 was pivoted on densification of the solid electrolyte to improve ionic conductivity by partial substitution of Ti4+ with Al3+ or B3+ now yields a promising ionic conductivity. LiGe2(PO4)3 is yet another Li-based NASICON electrolyte that, from the early stage, received extensive research majoring on the partial substitution of Al3+ with Ge4+ with the formula Li1+xAlxGe2-x(PO4)3 to stabilize the crystal structure following experimental and computational analysis. Improved ionic conductivity currently increasing as a result of improved Li intensity affected by aliovalent Al3+ substitution. Numerous research efforts have been explored to improve the ionic conductivity and elevate the electrochemical and thermal stabilities of NASICON-type electrolytes. It deems it fit to bring forth a cascade of promising results that so far have been recorded in both the early and the current research efforts in improving the suitability of NASICON-type electrolytes.
MACHINE LEARNING PREDICTION OF INDOOR PM₂.₅-BOUND DIBENZO[a,h]ANTHRACENE IN CHILDREN’S CHURCH FACILITIES IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA USING MICROCLIMATIC DATA
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous semivolatile organic compounds frequently detected in indoor environments, several of which are designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as priority pollutants due to their carcinogenic potential. Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DahA), a high-molecular-weight PAH strongly associated with combustion-derived particulate matter, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probably carcinogenic to humans. This study applied supervised machine learning (ML) to predict indoor concentrations of PM₂.₅-bound DahA in children’s church facilities in Ugbowo, southern Nigeria, using microclimatic predictors. A total of 30 indoor air samples were collected from 5 locations across dry and wet seasons, and concentrations of the 16 USEPA priority PAHs were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Concurrent measurements of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and dew point were obtained. Decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), linear regression (LR), and generalized linear model (GLM) algorithms were trained and evaluated using mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R²). Random Forest outperformed the other models (R² = 0.71), demonstrating superior capability in capturing nonlinear interactions between PM₂.₅ loading and microclimatic variables. While DahA prediction showed greater variability due to relatively low ambient concentrations, the Random Forest model effectively reproduced temporal and microenvironmental trends in DahA concentrations. The results demonstrate the utility of ensemble ML approaches for indoor PAH assessment and highlight the relevance of microclimatic controls for exposure mitigation in child-centric indoor environments.
SPATIO-SEASONAL VARIABILITY AND SOURCE INFERENCE OF PM₂.₅ IN ABUJA, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR URBAN AIR QUALITY POLICY
Particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses a critical global public health risk. Urban centers in developing countries, like Abuja, Nigeria, frequently experience air quality levels that exceed international guidelines, yet data remains sparse. This study conducted a spatio-temporal assessment of PM₂.₅ concentrations across three distinct urban locales in Abuja—Karu Abattoir (KD), Nyanya Park (NY), and Asokoro (AS) to capture variability from anthropogenic and traffic influences. 24-hour samples were collected using a [Insert Sampler Model, e.g., BGI PQ100 low-volume gravimetric sampler] during the distinct dry and rainy seasons. PM₂.₅ mass was determined gravimetrically. Concurrent meteorological data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to identify key drivers of pollution dispersion and accumulation. PM₂.₅ concentrations exhibited significant seasonal and spatial heterogeneity. Dry season levels (50.34 – 87.07 µg/m³) consistently surpassed WHO (15 µg/m³), US EPA (35 µg/m³), and EU (25 µg/m³) standards by a factor of 3.3-5.8, with Nyanya Park, a high-traffic zone, recording the highest burden. Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizations ranged from "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" to "Unhealthy." Meteorological analysis revealed that low wind speed and high atmospheric pressure during the dry season facilitated severe pollutant accumulation. While wet season precipitation provided some scavenging, it was insufficient to reduce concentrations to safe levels. Abuja experiences a severe and seasonally exacerbated PM₂.₅ pollution problem, positioning it among the most polluted urban centers globally. The findings underscore an urgent public health priority and necessitate immediate, targeted policy interventions, including enhanced continuous monitoring, traffic management, and public awareness campaigns.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Chemistry and Allied Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EFFECT OF RAW MOMORDICA CHARANTIA (BITTER MELON) SEED MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF COPTODON GUINEENSIS FINGERLINGS
This study investigates the use of raw Momordica charantia (bitter melon) seed meal (RMCSM) in practical diets for Coptodon guineensis fingerlings. Fish (initial mean weight 1.47±0.3 g) were fed five isonitrogenous (35%) and isolipidic (10.5%) diets containing varying inclusion levels of RMCMS and designated as D1 (0%), D2 (10%), D3 (20%), D4 (30%) and D5 (40%) for 84 days. 15 fish per hapa were stocked in fifteen net hapa (0.5×0.5×1 m) suspended in outdoor concrete ponds (8 m×5 m×1.5 m) with the aid of kuralon twine tied to plastic poles. The concrete ponds were filled to 5/6 of its volume (40m3) with filtered and dechlorinated tap water. The fish were fed at 5% body weight two times daily. Each treatment was randomly allocated to three hapa. The result of the growth performance showed that fish fed D4 had the highest final weight (FWM), percentage weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) while lowest was observed in D2. Survival rate values for D4 recorded (100%) while the lowest is observed D3 (80%). The nutrient utilization exhibit that no significant different among the treatment mean (P<0.05) for protein efficiency ratio and protein retention and apparent net protein utilization. There was significant difference in all the haematological indices measured among all the fish fed the experimental diets. However, there was improvement from the initial value recorded at the beginning of the experiment. Water quality parameters (mean DO and pH) measured were within the recommended range for experimental fish survival. This study showed that RMCMS meal would be a potential suitable ingredient for Coptodon guineensis and can be included in a diet up to 30% without any adverse effect.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND FATTY ACID PROFILES OF OILS FROM BLIGHIA SAPIDA ARIL, DACRYODES EDULIS PULP, AND CYPERUS ESCULENTUS TUBERS
This study assessed the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of oils extracted from Blighia sapida aril, Dacryodes edulis pulp, and Cyperus esculentus tubers to determine their nutritional and industrial potentials using AOAC standard analytical techniques. Oil yields ranged from 18.44% (C. esculentus) to 40.35% (B. sapida). Specific gravities (0.85–0.96 g/cm³) and refractive indices (1.45–1.47) were within Codex standards for edible oils. Acid values varied from 0.92 to 5.02 mg KOH/g, iodine values from 60.24 to 120.54 mg I₂/g, peroxide values from 0.90 to 4.93 mEq/kg, and saponification values from 177.87 to 207.38 mg KOH/g, reflecting differences in quality, stability, and level of unsaturation. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed distinct fatty acid profiles: B. sapida oil was highly saturated (93.46%) dominated by hexadecanoic acid (72.68%) as the major component; D. edulis oil contained a balance of saturated (59.38%) and unsaturated (39.30%) fatty acids, primarily n-hexadecanoic acid (45.60%) and oleic acid (35.26%). Meanwhile C. esculentus oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids (65.91%), with oleic acid (33.74%) as the most abundant. The findings indicate that B. sapida oil is suitable for thermal and storage stability, D. edulis oil offers nutritional and cosmetic benefits due to its high oleic acid content, and C. esculentus oil has potential applications in both nutrition and biodiesel production. These results highlight the potential nutritional and industrial applications of the oils.
UTILIZATION OF CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED WATERMELON PEELS FOR THE ADSORPTIVE DECONTAMINATION OF WATER CONTAINING COPPER AND CADMIUM
In this study, watermelon peels an abundant agro-industrial byproduct, were transformed into a cost-effective activated carbon through chemical impregnation with 1 M H₂SO₄ followed by thermal activation at 300 °C. The adsorbent exhibits bulk density 0.36 g/cm³, pH 6.72, moisture 1.82%, ash 18.7%, and electrical conductivity 32.4 µS/cm. Batch experiments (20–40 min, 50–140 mg/L, 1–3 g adsorbent) demonstrate maximum removal efficiencies of 99.98% for Cu²⁺ and 99.90% for Cd²⁺. The equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.99), with calculated monolayer adsorption capacities of 151.5 mg/g for Cu²⁺ and 115.0 mg/g for Cd²⁺. The kinetic profiles conform to the pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.98), suggesting that chemisorption governs the rate-limiting step. Regeneration with 0.1 M HNO₃ retains 94.1% capacity after three cycles. These results position sulphuric-acid activated watermelon peel as a competitive, sustainable sorbent for dual heavy-metal remediation in wastewater.
ADVANCES IN 3D PRINTING OF POLY(Ε-CAPROLACTONE) (PCL)-BASED SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING: A MINI REVIEW
Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a widely used, FDA-accepted, slow-degrading polyester well suited to 3D printing via extrusion methods for bone tissue engineering. Recent years have seen rapid development of PCL-based printed scaffolds combined with osteoinductive fillers (hydroxyapatite, β-TCP, doped-HA), surface modifications (polydopamine, collagen), and multifunctional additives (graphene/GO, magnetic or plasmonic particles) to improve osteogenesis, mechanical performance and biological activity. Low-temperature and solvent-assisted workflows, hybrid printing with hydrogels, and post-print functionalization have expanded the design space and preserved bioactivity. Although promising preclinical outcomes are reported, key barriers remain matching mechanical properties to host bone, controlling degradation while enabling timely bone in-growth, achieving reliable vascularization, and navigating regulatory/scale-up challenges. Targeted strategies now focus on hierarchical porosity, composite formulations (PCL/HA, PCL/β-TCP, PCL/GO), and clinically relevant case reports that point toward near-term translational opportunities.
SOCIO-CHEMICAL DETERMINANTS OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Industrial pollution presents serious health and environmental risks, but public perception and behavioural responses to these hazards are shaped by a complex interplay of chemical realities and social factors. This interdisciplinary mini review explores how sensory experiences, cognitive biases, institutional trust, environmental stigma, and sociodemographic characteristics influence how industrial communities perceive pollution and take action. Sensory cues such as odours and visible emissions often play a dominant role in shaping awareness, sometimes overshadowing scientific measurements. Psychological biases, including feelings of personal invulnerability and the tendency to view one’s immediate environment as safer than it objectively is, can distort risk perceptions and hinder protective behaviours. Institutional trust is a critical determinant of public engagement; when trust in authorities and regulators is low, skepticism and social activism increase, while transparent communication fosters cooperation. Environmental stigma can deeply affect community identity and wellbeing, leading to avoidance behaviours and social withdrawal even amid remediation efforts. Sociodemographic factors such as gender, income, education, and proximity to pollution sources—moderate risk perception and responses across diverse populations. Participatory monitoring initiatives that engage residents in data collection have shown promise in bridging the gap between subjective perceptions and objective environmental data, enhancing awareness and empowering communities. By integrating insights from both chemical and social sciences, this review highlights the importance of holistic, cross-disciplinary approaches for managing industrial pollution and supporting resilient, informed communities.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMPUTER-BASED EXAMINATION HALLS: ASSESSING STUDENT-GENERATED PM₂.₅, CO₂, AND VOCS FOR RISK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION
Computer-based examinations are vital for modern education, but poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in enclosed exam halls, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), can harm students' health and cognitive functions. This study investigates real-time changes in pollutants produced by students (PM₂.₅, CO₂, and total VOCs) during live exams at a Nigerian university, which exemplifies an LMIC setting with natural ventilation and high occupant density. Using cloud-connected Airthings View Plus monitors, we recorded pollutant levels during pre-exam, active exam, and post-exam phases. The results revealed notable IAQ decline: PM₂.₅ peaked at 26 µg/m³ (exceeding WHO 24-hour guidelines), CO₂ reached 1,682 ppm (68% above ASHRAE standards), and VOCs increased to 839 ppb (almost three times Health Canada’s limit). Elevated temperature (29°C) and humidity (73%) intensified pollutant persistence through hygroscopic particle growth and VOC volatilisation. Although pollutant levels remained below occupational hazard limits, frequent breaches of health guidelines highlight risks in poorly ventilated exam environments. This study underscores the need for affordable, immediate interventions such as improved ventilation schedules, reduced occupancy, and fragrance-free policies to minimise exposure. Our findings offer empirical evidence of IAQ concerns in LMIC academic settings and lay a foundation for future research on VOC composition and thermal comfort trade-offs. The work advocates for context-specific strategies over large infrastructure modifications, considering the resource limitations in LMICS.
LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries)
EVALUATING AIRTHINGS VIEW PLUS AND WAVE MINI FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY RESEARCH: A MINI REVIEW
Indoor air quality has a significant impact on human health. It affects respiratory health, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. The demand for low-cost air quality monitoring equipment such as Airthings View Plus and the Wave Mini is becoming popular in indoor air quality monitoring, particularly in residential and educational contexts. This necessitated the examination of their accuracy and reliability for both personal and research purposes. A peer-reviewed literature published in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed between January 2018 and June 2025 was searched. A total of 27 suitable papers were examined, with fewer than half containing direct comparisons to reference-grade instruments. The review discovered that both Airthings devices provide practical solutions for small-scale and personal IAQ monitoring; however, their metrological accuracy varies significantly depending on pollutants and ambient conditions. The View Plus showed moderate agreement with reference devices for CO₂ and VOC readings. However, it had performance constraints for PM₂.₅ in high-humidity conditions. The Wave Mini was much preferred for its portability and ease of use but cannot detect PM2.5. It also shows fluctuation in VOC accuracy due to poor calibration. While both devices are appropriate for improving IAQ awareness and use in community-based and educational programmes. They currently lack the precision and calibration standards needed for regulatory or high-risk scientific research. Future work should prioritise validation against internationally recognised protocols (e.g., EPA, ISO 17025) and look at machine learning-based calibration models to solve long-term sensor drift
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CITRIC ACID-STABILIZED IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a versatile class of nanomaterials with promising biomedical applications, particularly in targeted drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics. This study reports the synthesis of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles via a chemical coprecipitation method, stabilized with citric acid to prevent aggregation and improve colloidal stability. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed the successful synthesis of uniformly sized, spherical iron oxide nanoparticles with high crystallinity and surface stability. This foundational work sets the stage for the incorporation of these MNPs in advanced biomedical systems, including targeted drug delivery.
ADVANCING RUBBER SEED OIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY SECURITY IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE LENS OF THE RUBBER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA
Rubber seed oil (RSO), once regarded as an agricultural byproduct, is gaining attention as a promising resource for industrial and sustainable development. This study explores the untapped potential of RSO from Nigeria, highlighting its physicochemical properties, extraction methods, and diverse applications across the biofuel, pharmaceutical, and polymer sectors. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the work underscores Nigeria’s strategic position as a key player in the global bioeconomy, driven by its abundant rubber seed resources and growing interest in renewable alternatives. Emphasis is placed on innovations that enhance oil yield, refine quality, and support eco-friendly utilization, positioning RSO as a viable candidate for replacing conventional oils in industrial processes. The study also sheds light on the challenges of commercialization, regulatory gaps, and the need for international collaboration to fully unlock RSO’s potential. Ultimately, this work affirms that Nigeria’s rich natural resources, particularly rubber seed oil, can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable progress in a resource-conscious world.
PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AFRAMOMUM DANIELLI GROWN UNDER MATURE RUBBER PLANTATION: NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC
This study evaluates the proximate and phytochemical composition of Aframomum danielli seeds cultivated under a mature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation in Edo State, Nigeria, highlighting its nutritional and therapeutic potential. Mature fruits were harvested, air-dried, and subjected to methanol extraction via Soxhlet apparatus. Proximate analysis revealed a nutrient-rich profile dominated by carbohydrates (55.67%), proteins (13.30%), fats (7.78%), fiber (3.64%), ash (5.77%), and moderate moisture content (13.84%), positioning A. danielli as a promising energy and nutrient source. Phytochemical profiling using GC-MS identified key bioactive compounds, including catechin (3.36 ppm), ellagic acid (2.37 ppm), luteolin (1.61 ppm), and quercetin (0.64 ppm), known for potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. The presence of additional flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and other bioactives underlines the plant’s broad pharmacological relevance. The unique agroecological conditions of the rubber plantation likely influence secondary metabolite biosynthesis, enhancing therapeutic compound diversity. Collectively, these findings scientifically substantiate the ethnomedicinal uses of A. danielli and support its development as a functional food, nutraceutical, and phytopharmaceutical resource. Further in vivo and clinical investigations are recommended to validate safety and efficacy.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MACRO, MICRO AND TOXIC ELEMENTS IN COW BONES AND HORNS
Bones and horns from slaughtered cattle are often discarded as wastes, yet they contain vital minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. This study evaluates macro (Ca, P, N), micro (K, Mg, Zn, Cu), and toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr) in cow bones and horns to assess their potential for agricultural and nutraceutical use. One gram of each sample (except phosphorus, which was 0.5g) was digested. The digestion solutions were analysed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (Flame-AAS), flame photometry, and UV-visible spectroscopy. From the elemental analysis, the result revealed that cow bones had significantly higher Ca (5950 mg/kg) and P (3010 mg/kg) than horns (p < 0.01). Zinc was over 12 times higher in horns when compared to bones (1992 mg/kg vs. 154 mg/kg). Toxic elements (Pb, Cr, Cd) were detected in both samples and their concentration were above WHO/FAO limit, making these biomaterials suitable for most applications except human consumption. These findings support the sustainable reuse of cow bones and horns as nutrient-rich supplements, though heavy metal monitoring is critical.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Panicum maximum - DERIVED WHEY FOR BIOREMEDIATION OF ENGINE OIL-CONTAMINATED SOIL: A GREEN ALTERNATIVE TO DIARY WHEY
Bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils in developing countries requires affordable, sustainable strategies. This study produced a fermented liquid extract ('whey') from Panicum maximum grass as a novel biostimulant for soil treatment. The extract’s physicochemical properties (pH 3.46–5.74, electrical conductivity 2419–4804 μS/cm) and microbial profile (dominance of Bacillus, E. coli) were characterized over a 12-day fermentation. Results showed high organic carbon (44–67%) and nitrate (56–394 mg/kg) levels, indicating nutrient-rich conditions for microbial growth. While the extract shows promise for bioremediation due to its balanced properties, pathogen presence necessitates further treatment. This study introduces the first plant-based alternative to dairy whey for hydrocarbon degradation, aligning with green chemistry principles.