DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

This study evaluates heavy metal contamination in soils and earthworms (Aporrectodea longa) across three distinct sites—a botanical garden, an automobile repair workshop, and an industrial zone—to assess site-specific pollution impacts. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). Results revealed stark contrasts: the industrial zone exhibited the highest contamination, with Cd averaging 0.2700 mg/kg in soil (peaking at 0.5250 mg/kg) and 0.01500 mg/kg in earthworms, exceeding regulatory thresholds. The automobile workshop showed elevated Pb (0.02100 mg/kg in soil) linked to vehicular emissions, while the botanical garden had relatively lower metal levels (Zn: 1.370 mg/kg in soil), though earthworms still accumulated significant Fe (3.342 mg/kg) and Cd (0.01450 mg/kg). Earthworm bioaccumulation patterns mirrored soil contamination, with industrial earthworms retaining hazardous Pb (0.03150 mg/kg) and Cd, underscoring their role as bioindicators. The automobile workshop’s earthworms exhibited suppressed metal uptake (Zn: 0.3600 mg/kg vs. soil Zn: 1.661 mg/kg), suggesting behavioral avoidance or toxicity effects. Conversely, botanical garden earthworms demonstrated moderate bioaccumulation despite lower soil pollution, hinting at atmospheric deposition. These findings highlight the industrial zone as a critical hotspot, with Cd posing severe ecological and human health risks due to its carcinogenic potential. The study advocates for urgent remediation in industrial areas, stricter regulation of automotive waste, and expanded use of earthworms in pollution monitoring. By linking land use to metal bioavailability, this research provides actionable insights for urban planning and environmental policy.

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp. (43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered due to the short duration of this study

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth
parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua
Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by
exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards
were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean
intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode
species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in
the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine
and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most
prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp.
(43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded
infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported
in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites
reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from
Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as
well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered
due to the short duration of this study

Amphibians play vital roles in our ecosystem as both predator and prey, contributing to insect population control and serving as a bio-indicator of the environmental health. This study was done to examine the food and feeding habits of anurans (Sclerophyrs maculata, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and Ptychadena pumilio) around the Faculty of Life Science towards the Department of Anatomy at the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 62 specimen were captured and analyzed using the stomach-flushing method to obtain the stomach content and the prey items were identified. The result revealed that the anurans mainly consumed insects in the Order Hymenoptera, which was the most abundant and frequently occurring prey item (73.43%). Sclerophyrs maculata had the highest dietary diversity, while H. occipitalis showed a preference for Araneae (spiders) and Ptychadena pumilio showed the lowest prey diversity probably due to the number of specimens captured. This study provides insight into the adaptability of these species to their environment, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding habits and the factors influencing their diet. The high consumption of hymenoptera suggests that crawling insects are a readily available and preferred type of food. The presence of empty stomach might indicate low availability of food or fast digestion rate.

Investigation of wall geckos, caught in IDP Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State for their parasites was undertaken between July and September , 2025. A total of 27 specimens were collected consisting of 20 males and seven females. Two species of geckos were encountered, consisting of Hemidactylus angulatus and Hemidactylus mabouia. Out of the 27 samples examined, 17 were H. angulatus and 10 were H. mabouia. Twenty three out of the 27 wall geckos examined were infected with parasites giving an overall prevalence of 85.18%. The parasites recorded included pentastomid;; Raillietiella sp. (55.55%), Cestode; Oochoristica sp. (7.41%), Nematode; Parapharyngodon awokoyai (3.70%) and Thelandros scleratus (62.96%). The most encountered parasite was Thelandros scleratus while the least encountered was Parapharyngodon awokoyai. More males (74.1%) were infected than
Females (25.93%). This difference in prevalence values was statistically significant (p<0.05). The four parasites recorded in this study have previously been recorded by other researchers in Nigeria.Further study needs to be conducted on the helminth parasites of wall geckos from IDP camp Uhogua in order to unravel other species of wall geckos and helminth parasites infecting them which were not recorded in this study due to small sample size and short duration of study. Investigation of two species of wall geckos caught in Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State for their parasites was carried out between July and October, 2025. A total of 32 specimens were collected and all were males. Two species of geckos were encountered, consisting of Hemidactylus angulatus and Hemidactylus mabouia. Out of the 32 samples examined, fifteen were H. angulatus and seventeen were H. mabouia. Nineteen out of the 32 wall geckos examined were infected with parasites given an overall prevalence of 59.38%. The
parasites recorded included; Pentastomid; Raillietiella sp. (37.50%), Cestode; Oochoristica sp.(15.63%), Trematode; Paradistomoides(3.13%) and Nematodes; Parapharyngodon awokoyai (15.63%) and Thelandros scleratus(28.13%). The most encountered parasite was Raillietiella sp. having overall prevalence of 37.50% and mean intensity of 5.67 while the least encountered was Paradistomoides having an overall prevalence of 3.13% and mean intensity of 1.00. The difference in prevalence value was statistically significant (p<0.01). All parasites recorded affected both H. angulatus and H. mabouia except Oochoristica sp.
and Paradistomoides which infected only H. mabouia. The parasites recorded in this study have all been previously reported b other researchers from Uhogua and other localities in Edo State.

Cladocera is a crucial bio-indicator of water quality and trophic status of the aquatic
environment they inhabit. This study was carried out from August 2021 to January 2022 using standard methods to investigate the species composition, abundance, distribution and diversity of Cladocera community of Okhuaihe River at Ikpe, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 22 physicochemical parameters were determined. Results show that flow rate width and phosphate were significantly higher across the sampling stations, while temporally, air temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, zinc and manganese showed high significance difference. The physicochemical parameters measured were within the Federal Ministry of Environment and WHO permissible limits except electrical conductivity, ammonium, chloride, turbidity, iron, copper, manganese and chromium. A total of 6 families comprising 75 individuals were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 4 contributing 64 individuals and lowest at station 1 which accounted for 3 individuals of total individuals. The family Chydoridae (33.33%) dominated the samples followed by Sididae (26.67%), Moinidae (16.00%), Daphniidae (14.67%), Bosminidae (8.00%) and then Macrothricidae (1.33%). Species richness was highest in station 4 and lowest in station 2. Shannon wiener index indicated that station 4 had the highest diversity followed by station 3 while Cladocera species in station 2 were less diverse. Evenness was highest in station 1, closely followed by station 2 while station 4 had the least value. Dominance was measured with highest value in station 2 and least value in station 4. Daphniidae showed a positive significant correlation to turbidity while Macrothricidae exhibited positive significant correlations with sulphate and turbidity. The water quality index at stations 1 to 4 indicate that the sampled stations are safe for human consumption, support aquatic life and other domestic activities This study proved that Okhuaihe River is of good water quality and the Cladocera community encountered are typical of a tropical freshwater habitat but of low diversity. However, continuous monitoring should be carried out intermittently on the River so that a deviation in the quality of the water could be detected timely.

This study examined the emotional impact of parental neglect on children in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of emotional neglect, identify its major causes, assess its ef ects on children’s mental health, behavior, and academic performance, evaluate parental responsiveness, and examine the availability and ef ectiveness of support services. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting 370 respondents, including primary and secondary school children, their parents, and teachers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Spearman’s Rank Correlation and multiple regression analysis) via SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that emotional neglect is prevalent, primarily driven by parental work commitments, financial constraints, and poor communication. The study further established significant associations between neglect and children’s emotional well-being, social behavior, and academic performance, while institutional support services were found to be limited. Recommendations emphasize parental engagement, school counseling, community awareness, and policy interventions

Botanical insecticides may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetics in future, as the yare relatively safe and readily available in many parts of the world. This study investigated the efficacy of Chrysophyllum albidum extracts (Leaf and Bark stem) on Culex species larvae. The extracts were tested on laboratory bred Culex sp. larvae at different concentrations (500, 750and1000ppm) at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Data was analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). Increasing mortalities was observed with increase in concentration and time of exposure. Highest mortalities of Chrysophyllum albidum bark per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 3.3%; 48 h = 10.0%; 72h=13%). Highest mortalities of C. albidum leaf per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 10%; 48 h = 16.7 %; 72 h = 23.3%). LC50andLC90 values at 72 hrs were 6332.262 ppm and 58278.321 ppm respectively for Chrysophyllum albidum bark, 4672.394 ppm and 46866.555 for the leaf and 4265.617ppmand 42292.050forboth the leaf and bark. The phytochemicals screening of ethanoic extract of Chrysophyllumalbidum from both the leaves and bark revealed the presence of carbohydrate, saponins, tannins, phenol, steroid and alkaloids in Chrysophyllum albidum and the absence of phenol in leaves. The findings of the present investigation revealed that the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum showed larvicidal activity against Culex sp. Chemicals derived from plants offer promise in future mosquito control

This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical effect of imidacloprid (Imidacloprid 200G /L SL exposure on Clariasgariepinus juveniles. Four (4) weeks old C. gariepinus juveniles werepurchased at the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experimental fishes were kept and used for twenty-eight (28) days in a static renewal bioassay. At the end of the 28 days exposure, juvenile samples were prepared for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. This study investigated the effects of imidacloprid on Clariasgariepinus and examined Albumin function in the liver and muscle. Albumin constitutes a major part of the proteins in the body. Functions of albumin includes distribution of extra cellular fluid, regulation of osmotic pressure ,acts as transport agent for hormones,lipids and vitamins. Increased levels are found in dehydration and decreased levels are found in liver disease, malnutrition and kidney disorders. Standard physicochemical analyses of the experimental water yielded the following parameters: temperature 28 °C, pH 5.74, electrical conductivity 32 µS/cm, total dissolved solids 16 mg/L, turbidity 2 NTU, dissolved oxygen 6.6 mg/L, biological oxygen demand 2.7 mg/L, hardness 18 mg/L, alkalinity 8 mg/L, and chloride 14.12 mg/L. Fish were exposed to imidacloprid at three concentrations—5 µg/L (Concentration A), 10 µg/L (Concentration B), and 15 µg/L (Concentration C)—with an unexposed group serving as the control (Concentration D). These results suggest that imidacloprid exposure led to changes in albumin levels. At lower concentrations imidacloprid may affect albumin synthesis and at higher concentrations there was a significant increase in albumin levels. Increase in Clariasgariepinus, potentially serving as a protective mechanism against pesticide-induced oxidative damage. The research work shows the importance of antioxidant responses in aquatic environments on their exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and teaches the management of contaminated aquatic systems 

Contamination from various pollutants has been a major threat to water bodies, resulting in the accumulation of minerals. This study evaluated and compared the concentration and distribution of minerals (Na, Mg, Ca, K, P) in two fish species (Parachanna obscura and Malapterurus electricus). Samples from both species were taken, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. The results were then presented in mean ± standard deviation format. The mean concentration of sodium in Parachanna obscura was 1.75 ± 0.29 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 0.90 ± 0.19, the mean concentration in Parachanna obscura was 18.65 ± 5.63 while that of
Malapterurus electricus was10.81 ± 2.42, the mean concentration of Phosphorus in Parachanna obscura was 9.76 ± 2.02 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 8.16 ± 1.66. In Parachanna obscura, magnesium mean concentration was 9.35 ± 2.24 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 6.45 ±1.52 and lastly, the mean value of concentration of calcium in both species were 1.88 ± 0.62 and 1.18 ± 0.22 respectively. From the result, Parachanna obscura showed higher mean concentration across all measured minerals thereby indicating a greater nutritional benefit from it. This finding provides valuable insights into nutritional planning, dietary choices and fish consumption. There is need for further research to explore seasonal/environmental factors that may influence mineral levels in the species as well as the reduction of environmental pollution and preserve public health.