Department of Animal and Environmental Biology

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of trematode parasite infection in Pila ovata from Iguobo community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. The snail specimens were collected by hand picking from water puddles within farmlands in Iguobo Community in July, 2025. Sixty-six snails species Pila ovata, belonging to the Family Ampullariidae, were examined and only one was found to be infected with trematode larval stages with an overall prevalence of 1.52%. The larval stages of trematodes recovered from the infected snail include rediae, cercariae, metacercariae, and a juvenile trematode. Two types of cercariae were identified namely, gymnocephalous and cercariaeum cercariae. The low prevalence of trematode infection recorded in this study could be attributed to minimal anthropogenic activities in the study area, which likely reduced water contamination. It could also be due to the short period of survey and timing. The study was conducted during wet season; which probably reduced the infection rate due to dilution factor. Although, Pila ovata showed low prevalence of trematode infection in this study, it however, exhibited high parasite diversity due to the presence of different larval stages and trematode recovered from the infected snail. This study reports Cercariaeum and gymnocephalous cercariae in P. ovata from Nigeria for the first time. Further investigation should be conducted on Pila ovata to ascertain the species status of trematode cercariae infecting this snail.

Estuarine ecosystems in industrial regions like the Niger Delta face increasing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and biological stress, highlighting the need for integrated environmental assessments. This study assessed the ecological and biological integrity of the Ubeji axis of the Warri River, Delta State by combining physicochemical and biological data with multivariate and environmental risk analyses. Sampling was from April to December 2024 and focused on water and sediment quality, heavy metal levels, and biological responses of five Macrobrachium species: M. macrobrachion, M. rosenbergii, M. vollenhovenii, M. equidens, and M. dux. Physicochemical parameters such as Water Temperature, pH, Electric Conductivity were measured in situ while heavy metals were tested for in the Laboratory using standard analytical methods. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to examine species–environment relationships. Pollution levels and ecological risks were evaluated using Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The Distribution coefficient (Kd) was calculated to ascertain the bioavailability of the metals. Results revealed clear seasonal variability in surface water quality driven by rainfall and anthropogenic inputs. Dissolved oxygen (3.85–4.50 mg/L) remained below WHO, US EPA, and FMev thresholds, while pH, conductivity, and nutrients stayed within acceptable limits. Strong and species-dependent Pearson correlations demonstrated that sediment is the dominant exposure route for all Macrobrachium species. Iron (Fe) showed strong correlations in M. rosenbergii (r = 0.722, p < 0.05), M. vollenhovenii (r = 0.989, p < 0.001), and M. equidens (r = 0.661, p < 0.05), while M. macrobrachion showed a weak, non-significant association (r = 0.181, p > 0.05). Zinc (Zn) correlated significantly only in M. vollenhovenii (r = 0.917, p < 0.001); correlations in M. macrobrachion (r = 0.547, p > 0.05), M. rosenbergii (r = 0.131, p > 0.05), and M. equidens (r = 0.491, p > 0.05) were weak or non-significant. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) explained 79.88% of species–environment variation, identifying sediment texture and metal loading as the main ecological drivers. Distribution coefficients (Kd) showed strong sediment retention for chromium (55) and iron (66.89) in June, while cadmium remained predominantly mobile across months. Risk indices revealed ultra-high enrichment for cadmium (EF > 5), though the geo-accumulation index indicated sediments were unpolluted (Igeo < 0). The Pollution Load Index remained low (PLI = 0.103), and ecological risk assessment showed cadmium posed the highest but still low overall ecological risk (mean PERI = 45.67). In conclusion, the river maintains good ecological integrity with low metal contamination, but cadmium enrichment signals early anthropogenic influence. Although sediments are currently unpolluted, continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent future ecological impairment.

Termite mounds are good examples of a well regulated ecosystem structure. These social insects are ecosystem engineers that are capable of building mounds of various sizes. Macrotermes mounds are equipped with several openings at various positions to mitigate thermoregulation and ventilation. One possible means of understanding the thermoregulatory pattern and ventilation strategies within a Macrotermes mound is to assess the relationships between its respiratory structures and geometry. Here, correlation test were done to test the level of significant relationships between the mound geometry and ventilatory structures. Results showed that the ventilatory structures above the base of Macrotermes mound is significantly (p<0.05) related to Its overall size (height, column, width) with correlation coefficient of 0.7323142, 0.668158 and 0.6531674 but had no relationship with the depth and perimeter of a Macrotermes mound. However, the ventilatory structure at the basal portion was significantly related to the depth with correlation coefficient of 0.7428268 and not necessarily the size of a mound. The temperature of a mound surrounding is also related to the internal temperature R=0.7074602, p=0.0004, R2=0.5005), and also deterministic factor in assessing the temperature flow within a Macrotermes mound. This ventilatory structures coupled with temperature are typical strategies used by termites to create a well thermoregulated and ventilated structures. The implications of these findings are that Macrotermes bellicossus mounds can be employed by humans in the construction of buildings, such that a time we come where there will be little or no need for
artificial ventilators like Air conditioners.

A segment of the livestock industry, poultry birds include chicken, turkeys, ducks, and quails. Ectoparasite infestations are a common occurrence in poultry farms. These parasites feed on the skin, feathers, and blood of the birds, which results in illnesses and decreased egg production. Chicken lice is one common instance. The Phthipraptera order includes lice. Iguosa and Senior Staff Quarters (SSQ) in Ovia North East of Edo State are where this study was carried out in July 2023. This study was conducted to determine the species composition of lice in Ovia North East, abundance, species composition and mean intensity.The feathers of 101 hens were carefully held horizontally, in the opposite direction of their anatomical alignment, to expose the lice. The chickens were then hand-selected and inspected for lice. The only lice species identified in both farms were Menacanthus stramineus and Menopon gallinae, with Menacanthus stramineus being the only species on Iguosa Farm. 98.02% of both farms had lice, with M.stramineus having a frequency of 98.04 and M.gallinae having a prevalence of 14.85%. Iguosa had a total of 96.08% lice prevalence, while SSQ had the highest prevalence of 100%. M.stramineus was present in both farms, with no significant difference between them (p>0.1, p=0.127). In order to reduce the prevalence of lice and, especially, to increase poultry output, proper poultry management should be followed. Proper and constant treatment for lice should also be ensured.

The over use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control, contaminates natural ecosystem and its inhabitants. Botanical resources are promising alternatives for pests and vector control due to their environmental compatibility, high biodegradability, target specificity, and zero resistance culture. Therefore this study investigated the larvicidal potency of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cocos nucifera fiber (CNF), Ananas comosus peels (ACP) and their synergy of 1:1 mixture against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Qualitative phytochemistry of both plants were examined. Cx. quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae were subjected to different concentrations of 500ppm, 750ppm and 1000ppm for 24, 48 and 72hrs exposure time. Data was analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Phytochemical constituents revealed alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and steroids present in equal strength in ethanolic CNF and ACP, Presence of flavonoids and Glycosides were both common in aqueous CNF and ACP. At 1000ppm (ECNF) extracts and (EACP) showed percentage mortality of 46.67% and 33.33% after 72hrs. Synergistic ethanoic extracts showed 53.33% mortality and 30% for the aqueous extracts under same conditions. The ethanolic combination of CNF and ACP recorded the lowest LC50; 983.99ppm and LC90; 1703.40ppm. While ethanolic ACP had the highest LC50; 8676.96ppm, aqueous ACP had highest LC90; 272866.3ppm respectively. There was significant mortality P<0.05 at 48 and 72hrs in (ECNF) and (EACP). The ethanolic synergistic extracts showed highest significant mortality P<0.05 at 48hrs of exposure. Results of synergistic CNF and ACP showed fair mortality on Culex
quinquefasciatus larvae.

Acanthamoeba, a free-living Amoeba commonly found in water, a category of protozoans which are pervasive and can be found in diverse environments, including, sewage water, air, soil, dust, and sediments. One of the vital issues in water pollution is the occurrence of pathogenic amoebae in tap or drinking water. The aim of the study was to compare the detection of canthamoeba from borehole water source and tap water in Egor Local Government within Benin metropolis using two methods. This observational, prospective cross-sectional study collected 52 water samples from various locations within the Egor Local Government Area (26 samples each from bore-hole water source and tap water). Samples were processed on the same day of collection. For Acanthamoeba detection, 500 mL of water sample was passed through a 0.45 μm cellulose nitrate membrane filter. Prepared nonnutrient agar plates were seeded with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Cultures were incubated at 30℃ for amoebic growth and examined microsopically. The study also employed centrifugation, and sediments were microscopically viewed under iodine-stained slides. Results showed a significant difference in the occurrence of Acanthamoeba species (p = 0.007) in bore-hole water and tap water when using the culturing method. However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.277) between samples of bore-hole water and tap water obtained through centrifugation. This suggests that an isolation method can influence the detection of Acanthamoeba species. This research highlights the substantial prevalence of Acanthamoeba species in bore-hole water sources within Benin City, with potential implications for water quality and safety. The discrepancy in results between culture and centrifugation methods underscores the need for careful consideration when choosing a detection method. The high prevalence of Acanthamoeba in bore-hole water may have a link to the nature of the water facility. Further studies are necessary to investigate the reasons behind the methodological differences and their implications for water quality and safety in Benin City.

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail of medical importance and serves as an intermediate host for several parasitic trematodes that affect both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in M. tuberculata snails from River Siluko in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 83 snails were collected in two batches: 17 and 66 specimens in May and July, 2025, respectively. All snails were subjected to standard cercarial shedding techniques and examined for the presence of trematode larvae under a dissecting microscope. Thereafter they were crushed and also examined. None of the snails shed cercaria. However, trematode larval stages (redia and furcocercous cercariae) were recovered from two (2.41%) of the snails examined after crushing. Only the snails examined in May were infected while none was infected in July. This finding showed that M. tuberculata from River Siluko harbors trematode infections, although at a relatively low prevalence. This indicates the role of M. tuberculata as an intermediate host for trematodes infection. The finding provides insight into the potential health risk posed by the aquatic environment of River Siluko. This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of snail-borne trematode infections in the region and offers valuable data that can support public health planning, especially in community like Siluko that relied on water from the river for domestic and recreational activities. There is therefore need for continuous monitoring of freshwater snails parasites infection in the area

This study investigated the influence of grinding fineness on heavy metal leaching across seven common food matrices-melon, tomatoes, pepper, white and yellow corn, beans, groundnut, and crayfish-using both household and industrial tools. Samples were processed at two fineness levels (coarse and smooth), and analyzed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Results showed that smooth grinding consistently produced higher Fe and Zn concentrations than coarse grinding, indicating that finer particle exposure and increased friction enhance metal transfer from processing tools. Iron levels were highest in beans (10.97 mg/kg), followed by crayfish (6.47 mg/kg) and white corn (4.64 mg/kg), while zinc peaked in crayfish (1.15 mg/kg) and groundnut (0.82 mg/kg). Manganese were moderate, with the highest levels in pepper (0.71 mg/kg) and melon (0.58 mg/kg). Nickel appeared only in isolated smooth-ground samples, while cadmium and lead were largely undetected, except for trace levels in melon (0.015 mg/kg) and tomatoes (0.00008 mg/kg). Blenders, hand crank grinders, and aged milling machines contributed most to metal leaching, whereas traditional tools such as mortars and grinding stones showed comparatively lower contamination. Although detected metal levels generally fell within international food safety limits, cumulative exposure may pose long-term health risks. The study concludes that grinding fineness, tool type, and age are key factors influencing heavy metal migration during food processing. Routine equipment maintenance, use of food-grade materials, and greater public awareness are recommended to minimize contamination and ensure safer household and industrial food processing practices.

Solid waste generation and management is a major concern for both developed and developing countries. Because of population density, consumption pattern, production activities and rural-urban migration, solid waste management has become a major environmental issue and problem in major cities. The purpose of the study was to view, analyze and interpret waste generation, disposal methods mechanism, environmental impacts associated with waste management; nutritional value of maize (Zea mays) husks as animal feed. The primary data were obtained via questionnaires administered to a randomly selected population in the study area. Oral interviews and field observation were also carried out for holistic assessment. The questionnaires had questions on demographic characteristics, waste management matters, and collection of maize (Zea mays) husks waste. Proximate analysis and test for nutritional value of freshly unboiled and boiled maize (Zea mays) husks were carried out in the Benin Owena laboratory. The secondary data were obtained from relevant literatures. Results indicated that streets, roads and open spaces were used as waste dumps; ineffectiveness of waste managers contributed to the problem of waste management. Data revealed that almost equal gender respondents, with (49.5%) males and (50.5%) females. The highest respondents were 50-59years. Educational status recorded highest (29.5%), followed by middle school (20.5%). Food waste accounted for the largest proportion of waste generated (40%), followed by plastics (30%). Public bins (28.75%) and roadside disposal (25.5%) were the most common waste disposal methods. However, environmentally unfriendly practices like open space disposal (15.5%) and roadside