DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY,

Rice and beans are staple foods consumed in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, where they are a common part of daily meals and it is prepared in various ways. Rice is a cereal grain, classified under carbohydrates, providing mainly energy in the form of starch, containing carbohydrates, some proteins and fiber, while beans are a legume, rich in protein, antioxidants, iron, potassium, and folate. Rice is richer in iron, folate, and vitamin B3, while beans provide more fiber, copper, phosphorus, and potassium. Rice and Beans together are considered a balanced diet because they complement each other nutritionally providing a complete protein source by combining the essential amino acid that each lack on its own. This combination is rich in fiber and protein, provide several health benefits that contribute to overall well-being, the digestive health, heart health, blood pressure regulation, diabetes management, colon cancer prevention, maintaining glycemic index etc.

The study assessed the levels of heavy metals in soils near sand mining sites in Iyuku, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria and evaluated associated non-carcinogenic health risks through incidental ingestion. Soil samples were collected from ten locations, air-dried, sieved and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co using atomic absorption spectrophotometry after aqua regia digestion. Mean concentrations were highest for Fe (56.24 mg/kg), followed by Zn (27.15 mg/kg) and Cu (18.76 mg/kg), with Cd and Co at trace levels (0.45 mg/kg and 0.32 mg/kg, respectively). All values fell below World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 1992) soil quality guidelines, indicating limited contamination. Chronic daily intake (CDI) via ingestion was calculated for children and adults, revealing higher exposure in children due to behavioural factors. Hazard quotients (HQ) for individual metals and the hazard index (HI) for combined exposure were all below 1, suggesting negligible non-carcinogenic risks. However, elevated Fe and Zn near active pits highlight the need for ongoing monitoring. The findings underscore the importance of regulatory measures to prevent future escalation of risks in similar mining communities, emphasizing sustainable practices to protect vulnerable groups.

This study focused on the valorization of food wastes, particularly banana and
pineapple peels, for the production of bioethanol and other valuable products using Aspergillus Niger. The fruit wastes were collected, cleaned, oven-dried, pulverized, and subjected to fermentation for 21 days a. Proximate and physicochemical analysis revealed high carbohydrate content (17.50–21.29%) and moderate protein and ash levels, indicating their suitability as substrates for microbial fermentation. During fermentation, there was a gradual decline in pH and reducing sugar concentration, confirming active microbial metabolism and sugar utilization. The mixed banana–pineapple substrate yielded the highest ethanol concentration (7.60 mL/100mL), followed by banana (7.20 mL/100 mL) and pineapple (6.80 mL/100 mL). In addition to ethanol, A. Niger produced significant quantities of citric acid (4.30mg/mL), gluconic acid (2.60 mg/mL), and carbon dioxide (4.50 g/L), reflecting
multiproduct valorization. These findings demonstrate that fruit wastes can serve as low-cost, renewable feedstocks for sustainable bioethanol and organic acid production. The research underscores the potential of waste-to-wealth conversion as an effective strategy for environmental protection, renewable energy generation, and the promotion of a circular bio economy through sustainable food waste management