DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND TOXICOLOGY

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are commonly used in many technologies. However, they are believed to have negative effects on the reproductive system. This research aims to explore how vitamin C can help protect the testis and epididymis of Wistar rats from the harmful effects of ZnO Nps. A total of 30 rats were separated into 5 groups of 6 and given different doses of ZnO Nps and Vitamin C for two weeks. In the ZnO group, malondialdehyde levels in the testis increased. On the other hand, the ZnO only group showed a decrease in gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the control group. However, oxidative markers were significantly mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO Nps and Vit C compared to the rats given ZnO Nps (p < 0.05). This study demonstrate the ameliorating role of vitamin C on toxicity of ZnO Nps. In there epididymis, significant increase were observed in the SOD, MDA, CAT, and GPX of the ZnO NPS and combined treatment of ZnO Nps and vit c when compared to the control ( p> 0.05). The study found that there was a noticeable drop in the number of live sperm cells when exposed to ZnO alone and ZnO with Vit C, compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was a notable increase in the number of dead sperm cells when exposed to ZnO Nps alone and ZnO Nps with Vit C. Additionally, there was a decrease in the movement of sperm cells when exposed to ZnO Nps alone and ZnO Nps with Vit C, in comparison to the control group. This research shows that ZnO Nps have a negative impact on sperm quality, as well as the functioning of the testis and epididymis

Public health and illness prevention depend on having access to clean drinking water andpracticing good hygiene. To determine their effects on community health, the Upper Missioncommunity in Benin City's water quality and cleanliness practices were examined. Onehundred households chosen by multistage sampling were included in the community-basedcross-sectional design. To investigate water sources, storage procedures, treatment techniques, and hygiene practices, structured questionnaires were given out. Additionally, physicochemical and microbiological analyses were performed on 30 drinking water samplesobtained from river sources, sachet water, and boreholes. 89% of households have accesstowater within 100 meters of their homes, with sachet water (52%) and borehole water (41%)serving as the main sources of drinking water. There is a significant gap between accessibilityand safety practices, as 80% of individuals did not purify the water before drinking it. With pH values ranging from 4.6 to 8.0, total dissolved solids between 24 and 136 milligramsper liter, and electrical conductivity between 44 and 219 microsiemens per centimeter, thephysicochemical parameters mostly satisfied WHO requirements. River water had the highest contamination (mean: 202.4×10⁰ colony-forming units per milliliter), followed by boreholewater (79.7×10⁰ colony-forming units per milliliter) and sachet water (43.2×10⁰ colonyforming units per milliliter), according to microbiological analysis, whichfoundheterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 26×10⁰ to 235×10⁰ colony-forming units permilliliter). River water (mean: 42.6×10⁰ colony-forming units per milliliter) andsomeborehole samples (mean: 24.9×10⁰ colony-forming units per milliliter) had total coliforms, but sachet water did not. Only one sample of river water had Escherichia coli. Although the infrastructure is good, there are notable shortcomings in environmental hygiene, handwashing with soap (34%), and water treatment, with 38% of residences locatedclosetowaste disposal sites. There is an immediate need for improved waste management systems, borehole maintenance, targeted health education initiatives, and increased water qualitymonitoring.

Water is one of the most essential resources for sustaining human life, agricultureandecosystems (Scanlon et al., 2023). Access to safe and quality water is fundamental humanrights and is recognized as a key goal for sustainable development to be achieved by2030(Vaseashta, 2021). The quality of water is determined by its physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic properties which collectively its ability to protect human health andaquaticecosystem. These properties are affected by various constituents both dissolvedandsuspended and can be influenced by natural processes as well as human activities (Luvhimbi et al., 2022).

Aquatic ecosystems are often subject to contamination by heavy metals due to human and natural activities. This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals present in water, sediment and fish samples collected from Ikpoba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Samples were collected over from June to August 2023 and analysed using standard methods. The findings showed that while Cd and Pb were not detected in the water, Ni and Cr exceeded permissible limits. However, the concentrations of Co were within limits. Sediment samples had comparatively low heavy metal content. Benthic fish were found to have higher concentrations of heavy metals than pelagic fish. However, the concentrations of these metals in the samples were below the recommended limits for heavy metals in food. Therefore, it was concluded that the fish in the study area are safe for consumption but the water is not. Hence, routine surveillance and implementation of measures to protect water quality such as prevention of waste discharge are recommended

This study investigates the toxicological and behavioral impacts of larsor seasoning—a representative artificial food additive—on drosophila melanogaster, serving as a model organism to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying seasoning-induced stress. Natural seasonings, derived from herbs and spices, offer beneficial bioactive compounds; however, the rising consumption of artificially formulated seasonings has raised concerns over potential adverse health effects due to synthetic additives and high sodium content. In this study, 2–3-weeks-old male and female drosophila melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of larsor seasoning incorporated into a standardized cornmeal-agar diet. The experimental design included comprehensive assessments of survival rates, negative geotactic behavior (a measure of neuromuscular function), and the expression levels of key stress-related genes, including KEAP1, GSTD1, PHGPx, and Cap’n’collar (CncC). Survival test was conducted over a two-week period and negative geotaxis tests after exposure to lasor seasoning for seven (7) days. Gene expression analyses were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Results indicated an increase in mortality and significant impairments in climbing ability among flies exposed to higher concentrations of larsor seasoning. Gene expression data revealed a notable upregulation of KEAP1, suggesting an elevated oxidative stress response, alongside a significant suppression of GSTD1, PHGPx, and CncC, which implies a compromised detoxification and cellular defense mechanism.

Land use and land cover changes significantly impact environmental sustainability and water
quality. This study aimed to examine spatiotemporal variations in land use and assess selected physicochemical attributes of a bridged section of Ogba river in Benin City, Nigeria. Landsat satellite imagery from 1990, 2001, 2012, and 2023 was processed using ENVI 5.3 software, with classifications categorized into built-up areas, vegetation, barren land, and water bodies. Water quality analysis involved sampling from three points along the Ogba River over three months, testing for pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and electrical conductivity (EC). Land use/cover results revealed a decline in vegetation and barren land, while built-up areas increased to 7.122106 km² in 2023. Water quality analysis showed that Point C had the highest TDS values (29.00–45.00 mg/L)
and EC levels (58.00–91.50 µS/cm), with significant differences (P < 0.05), while turbidity
values ranged from 2.50 to 5.00 NTU with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). pH values
ranged from 6.35 to 7.31, showing minor variations across the sampling points. These findings highlight the impact of urban expansion on both land and water resources. It is recommended that urban planning policies incorporate sustainable land management and stricter regulations to mitigate environmental degradation and protect water quality in the region.

The complex mixture of pollutants found in industrial effluents can have a significant impact on soil organisms, especially earthworms, which are important for soil health. This study investigates the effects of exposure to industrial effluent on the growth and biochemical stress responses of Eisenia fetida , a well-known bioindicator species. Over the course of 28 days, earthworms were introduced weekly into varying concentrations of the effluent, along with a control group that was not exposed. To measure the effects of the effluent, we tracked important growth parameters, such as weight gain, body length, and reproductive output (cocoon production), at weekly intervals. We also examined biochemical markers of stress, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total protein content, to assess oxidative stress and metabolic changes. The data were statistically analyzed to identify patterns of growth inhibitions, physiological adaptation, and Biochemical alterations over time. Our research showed that Eisenia fetida was clearly affected by the effluent in a dose-dependent manner. Significant decreases in weight, body length, and cocoon production were observed in earthworms exposed to higher concentrations, suggesting physiological stress and compromised reproductive ability. Biochemical analyses further confirmed these effects, with increased SOD and CAT activities suggesting an oxidative stress response. Meanwhile, the decline in total protein content pointed to metabolic distress and possible protein degradation, especially at higher effluent concentrations. To visually represent these trends, we used line graphs and bar charts to track changes in growth and biochemical markers over time. Additionally, picture documentation documented noteworthy morphological variations between exposed and control groups. These results underscore the substantial environmental concerns caused by industrial wastewater discharge and reinforce the need for tougher waste management policies. The significance of Eisenia fetida as a bioindicator for evaluating soil contamination and ecosystem health is highlighted by this study, which illuminates the harmful impacts of industrial pollution on soil organisms.

Major contributions to the pollution in the atmosphere are Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from cement factories as well as other industrial activities in Urban and Rural areas. The study area covers Ibese, Paplanto, Abeokuta, Ewekoro and
other rural areas as they play host to either cement factories or congested urban. This
research compared the amount of NO2 and SO2 released into the atmosphere at Ibese, Papalanto and Abeokuta. Sentinel 5P data for the study area was used to monitor these pollutants. Google earth engine editor was used to extract the pollutants over the study area. The duration considered was a 4-month interval within year 2019 to 2021 which was used to present 3 spatial maps per year resulting in a total of 9 maps for both pollutants. SO2 concentration ranged between -0.000161 to 0.0000782; -0.000206 to
0.000162; 0.000194 to 0.000228, for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. NO2 concentration ranged between 0.0000459 to 0.0000846, 0.0000491 to 0.0000947, 0.0000565 to 0.000122 mol/m2 for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The spatial distribution for both pollutants were regrouped into 4 classes namely low, moderate, high and very high. Ibese fell once within the low class, seven times within the moderate class, five times each within the high and very high class respectively considering both the NO2 and SO2 maps. Papalanto fell twice within the low class, once within the moderate class, six times within the high class and eight times within the
very high class. Abeokuta fell six times within the moderate class and twelve times within the high class. The most dominant zone is the moderate zone followed by the high zone for SO2 and NO2 between 2019 and 2021. The frequency of occurrence of Papalanto and Ibese within the peak zone of SO2 and NO2 was very high when
compared to the frequency of occurrence of Abeokuta which never fell beyond the high
zone of either pollutant. This was attributed to the cement factory working nonstop located within Papalanto and Ibese.

Major contributions to the pollution in the atmosphere are Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from cement factories as well as other industrial activities in Urban and Rural areas. The study area covers Ibese, Paplanto, Abeokuta, Ewekoro and other rural areas as they play host to either cement factories or congested urban. This research compared the amount of NO2 and SO2 released into the atmosphere at Ibese, Papalanto and Abeokuta. Sentinel 5P data for the study area was used to monitor these pollutants. Google earth engine editor was used to extract the pollutants over the study area. The duration considered was a 4-month interval within year 2019 to 2021 which was used to present 3 spatial maps per year resulting in a total of 9 maps for both pollutants. SO2 concentration ranged between-0.000161 to 0.0000782;-0.000206 to 0.000162; 0.000194 to 0.000228, for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. NO2 concentration ranged between 0.0000459 to 0.0000846, 0.0000491 to 0.0000947, 0.0000565 to 0.000122 mol/m2 for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The spatial distribution for both pollutants were regrouped into 4 classes namely low, moderate, high and very high. Ibese fell once within the low class, seven times within the moderate class, five times each within the high and very high class respectively considering both the NO2 and SO2 maps. Papalanto fell twice within the low class, once within the moderate class, six times within the high class and eight times within the very high class. Abeokuta fell six times within the moderate class and twelve times within the high class. The most dominant zone is the moderate zone followed by the high zone for SO2 and NO2 between 2019 and 2021. The frequency of occurrence of Papalanto and Ibese within the peak zone of SO2 and NO2 was very high when compared to the frequency of occurrence of Abeokuta which never fell beyond the high zone of either pollutant. This was attributed to the cement factory working nonstop located within Papalanto and Ibese.

Garri is a commonly consumed cassava product in Nigeria. Poorly processed/stored garri could pose serious health risk to consumers. This study seek to investigate the microbial evaluation of garri sold in open markets Benin City. Five garri samples were purchased from eight open markets which are; Egor market, Oba market, Ekiosa market, Oluku market and Adolor market, Ikpoba-Hill market, and Aduwawa market, all in Edo State making a total of 40 samples. 500 mg each for the sample and appropriately labeled. The samples were transported to the Environmental Management and Toxicology Department laboratory, for microbial, pH and moisture content analysis. Different media such as Potato Dextrose agar (PDA), Nutrient Agar (NA) were prepared separately. 1g of each sample (garri) was weighing on a weighing balance, dissolved properly in 10m1 of pepton water which was used to prepare ten folds serial dilution. Using pour plate method. The total number of bacteria, yeast and moulds in the garri samples was determined. The total number of colony forming unit (CFU/g) was calculated, the moisture content and pH of the garri samples were also calculated. Data obtained were analyzed in percentage and mean. Total Heterotrophic bacteria count in garri samples (cfu/g x103) indicated that Egor and Adolor markets had the highest heterotrophic bacteria count of (9.25 x103) respectively while Ikpoba Hill market had the lowest count of (1.00 x103). The highest fungal count was recorded in Ekiosa market (1.75) and the lowest was in New Benin market (0.50). The bacteria identified are; Micrococcus sp., Escherichia coli,: Klebsiella sp.,Lactobacillus sp Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp,, Streptococcus sp., Shigella sp., Bacillus sp. the fungi identified are Rhizomucor sp., Aspergillus sp., Trichophyton sp., Geotrichum sp., Mudurella sp and Candida sp. The highest moisture content was noticed in Aduwawa market 16.80% sample C and last was in Oluku market 8.70% sample B. The highest pH was noticed in Oluku sample C (6.76) and the lowest pH was in Egor market sample A (4.11). There is therefore a need to maintain proper sanitary conditions so as to avoid health risks. The moisture content of garri samples analyzed is low and within standard specification, this could have accounted for keeping the microbial load of garri low.