DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a long biological half-life that accumulates in vital organs, particularly the liver, causing oxidative stress and liver damage. Conventional treatments are expensive and often have side effects, creating a need for safer, affordable alternatives. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind against cadmium-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats (104-196g) were divided into five groups: negative control (distilled water), positive control (cadmium chloride), standard treatment (cadmium + vitamin C), and two treatment groups receiving cadmium plus watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. After 60 days of oral administration, liver tissues were examined for histopathological changes, and body weight, hepatic cadmium levels, and relative liver weights were measured. Histological examination revealed normal liver architecture in all groups, with hepatocytes showing normal appearance without necrosis or inflammation. Extract-treated rats, especially at 500 mg/kg, maintained body weights similar to controls, suggesting protection against cadmium induced weight loss. Hepatic cadmium levels were lowest in the 500 mg/kg extract group, indicating enhanced metal elimination. Relative liver weights in extract-treated groups were similar to controls, preventing cadmium-induced liver enlargement. These findings demonstrate that watermelon rind extract provides hepatoprotection against cadmium toxicity, likely through antioxidant activity and metal chelation. The study supports watermelon rind as a cost effective, sustainable natural alternative for managing heavy metal toxicity and promotes the use of agricultural waste for therapeutic purposes.

Mining and quarrying activities significantly contribute to environmental degradation and heavy metal contamination in Nigeria. The mechanical extraction of mineral resources leads to extensive landscape degradation, soil contamination, and increased human exposure to toxic elements. The study evaluated the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding quarrying communities in Ikpeshi and its environs, Edo State, Nigeria; assessing the extent of pollution, the ecological risk posed by heavy metals, and their potential human health implications. Soil samples were collected from four different locations at varying distances (0m, 100m, 200m) from active quarrying sites. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Pollution indices, including the Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), were used to assess contamination levels. Human health risk assessments followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, computing the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) for ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation exposure. The findings revealed that iron (Fe) had the highest concentration, with a mean value of 412.884 mg/kg. Followed by zinc (Zn) with a mean concentration of 40.652 mg/kg. Copper (Cu) (28.348 mg/kg). Lead (Pb) (1.105–5.755 mg/kg), cadmium (Cd) (0.5–2.01 mg/kg), nickel (Ni) (6.86–18.41 mg/kg), and chromium (Cr) (5.16–12.075 mg/kg) were also detected, with Cd and Ni exceeding permissible limits. The Pollution Load Index (PLI > 1) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo > 1) indicated moderate to heavy contamination in soils near quarry sites. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that children had a higher cumulative Hazard Index (HI = 0.13745) than adults (HI = 0.02417), suggesting increased vulnerability. For dermal exposure, cobalt (Co) had the highest HQ (0.03526) in children, indicating potential health risks. Carcinogenic risk assessment showed that nickel (Ni) (TCR = 2.14 × 10⁻⁴ for children, 3.10 × 10⁻⁵ for adults) and chromium (Cr) (TCR = 4.61 × 10⁻⁵ for children, 6.68 × 10⁻⁶ for adults) posed potential long-term cancer risks, exceeding the safe threshold (10⁻⁶) set by USEPA. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) had relatively lower carcinogenic risks, but their cumulative exposure remains a concern. The results reveal significant heavy metal contamination in quarrying communities, with potential long-term health consequences, particularly for children.

The study investigated the sub-chronic effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on the weekly body weight and organ weight indices of Wistar rats. A. grandiflora, commonly known as the Giant African Cabbage Tree, is widely used in African traditional medicine for treating malaria, liver disorders, and metabolic diseases. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal applications, limited toxicological data exist regarding its long-term physiological effects. Fresh leaves of A. grandiflora were extracted with methanol, and twenty male Wistar rats were orally administered graded doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 28 days, with a control group receiving distilled water. Weekly body weight measurements and post-treatment organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, and testes) were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed no significant adverse effect on body or organ weights across all doses compared to control, suggesting that the methanol extract did not induce major systemic toxicity under the experimental conditions. The observed stable weight progression and normal organ-to-body weight ratios indicate a relatively safe toxicological profile of A. grandiflora at the tested doses. The findings support its ethnomedicinal use and provide baseline data for further biochemical and histopathological safety evaluations.

This study evaluated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats following 28 days of sub-chronic oral administration. The plant commonly known as the “Giant African Cabbage Tree,” has long been used in traditional medicine for managing fever, jaundice, and metabolic disorders. Despite its wide ethnomedicinal use, scientific validation of its lipid-modulating potential remains limited. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of methanol leaf extract daily for 28 days. Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups for all lipid parameters. Mean cholesterol values ranged from 78.00 ± 3.07 to 85.60 ± 3.28 mg/dL, triglycerides from 77.60 ± 4.52 to 90.00 ± 8.83 mg/dL, HDL from 24.20 ± 0.97 to 27.60 ± 1.36 mg/dL, and LDL from 34.20 ± 4.98 to 43.60 ± 3.85 mg/dL. The slight elevation in HDL with a concurrent reduction in LDL at higher doses indicates a potential cardioprotective and hypolipidaemic effect of the extract. These findings suggest that A. grandiflora did not disrupt lipid metabolism but may support lipid balance through its antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics. Overall, the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora demonstrated safety and mild lipid-regulating potential during sub-chronic exposure, validating its traditional use in promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health

The relentless rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens, coupled with the deleterious health impacts of oxidative stress, has intensified the global search for novel, safe, and effective bioactive compounds from natural sources. Piper guineense (Schumach. and Thonn), (Family- Piperaceae) commonly known as African black pepper, West African black pepper, Ashanti pepper, or uziza is renowned for its rich phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to access the phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial profiling of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Piper guineense fruit and seed. Samples of commercial Piper guineense fruits and seeds were sourced from Local Markets in Benin City and identified by lecturers in the Plant Biology and Biotechnology laboratory, University of Benin while the microbial isolates used were obtained from stock cultures of clinical isolates stored from cases of Nosocomial infections from University of Benin teaching Hospital (UBTH). The phytochemical, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties were assayed using standard methods. Also antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts were investigated using agar well diffusion methods. Data obtained for the different parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance. The results of the qualitative phytochemical composition of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids were present in ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense while anthraquinones was present in ethanolic extract and absent in aqueous extract. The quantitative phytochemical composition of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense shows that Saponins (10.05±1.05 mg/g) had the highest composition, followed by phenolics (8.51±2.56 mg/g) in aqueous extract while flavonoids (12.10±2.17 mg/g) had the highest composition in ethanolic extract of P. guinense.. Also, aqueous extract (22.82%) had the highest percentage yield compared to ethanolic extract (17.87%). Zone of inhibition of the aqueous fruit and seed extract of Piper guineense on bacterial isolates ranged from 6.6±1.6 - 12.9±1.1mm while zone of on fungal isolates ranged from 4.5±1.5 - 11.3±1.5 mm respectively. Zone of inhibition of the ethanolic fruit and seed extract of Piper guineense on bacterial isolates ranged from 6.6±1.6 - 23.5±1.6 mm while zone of on fungal isolates ranged from 3.5±1.6 - 21.5±2.5 mm respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ranged from 0.9 – 8 mg/ml for aqueous extract and 0.9 - 8 mg/ml for ethanolic extract. Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) in aqueous ranged from 4 – 12 mg/ml and 0.9 – 8 mg/ml for ethanolic extracts. DPPH for aqueous extract ranged from 0.756±0.66 (10 µg/mL) to 0.306±0.21 (200 µg/mL), ethanolic extract range from 0.623±0.31 (10 µg/mL) to 0.226±0.05 (200 µg/mL) compared to control (Ascorbic acid) which range from 0.421±0.13 (10 µg/mL) to 0.110±0.04 (200 µg/mL). Percentage inhibition of aqueous extract ranged from 13.5±0.41 (10 µg/mL) to 56.12±0.66 (200 µg/mL), ethanolic extract ranged from 17.65±0.41 (10 µg/mL) to 78.62±0.66 (200 µg/mL) while control (ascorbic acid) range from 49.81±0.11 (10 µg/mL) to 98.01±0.35 (200 µg/mL). ethanolic extract (262.2 ± 7.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g) had the highest reducing power compare to ethanol extract (133.6 ± 11.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g) when compared to control (ascorbic acid) 615.5 ± 10.6 7.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities observed in Piper guinense fruit and seeds aqueous and ethanolic extracts is due to the presence of phytochemicals. The use of Piper guinense in folk medicine is therefore recommended

This study evaluated the effects of cassava mill effluent (CME) on the NPK of hydrocarbon polluted soil in Delta State, Nigeria. This has severely degraded soil fertility by depleting essential macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and elevating total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels beyond regulatory limits thereby threatening agricultural productivity and food security for local communities dependent on subsistence farming. This study aimed to evaluate baseline NPK levels in contaminated clay-loam soils from spill-affected sites while investigating the bioremediation potential of cassava mill effluent as a nutrient-rich bio stimulant containing 2–3% N, 0.5% P and 0.3% K, applied at varying frequencies including daily, once, weekly, monthly and control setups. Soil samples were collected from 0–15 cm depths pre treatment and post-treatment over a 12-week period, with analyses conducted using the Kjeldahl method for N via digestion and titration, ascorbic acid spectrophotometry at 710 nm for P, flame photometry at 766.5 nm for K, and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection with n-hexane extraction for TPH, leveraging indigenous microbes like Pseudomonas and Bacillus for bio stimulation in alignment with sustainable waste-to-wealth approaches in cassava-producing regions. Results demonstrated substantial nutrient restoration and TPH reduction following remediation, with pre-treatment values showing low NPK (N: 0.008–0.07%; P: 1,055–5,322 ug/g; K: approximately 0.10 mg/kg) while diminishing TPH to undetectable levels, surpassing the outcomes of single or monthly treatments. These improvements arose from heightened microbial activity and enhanced nutrient cycling, which alleviated toxicity and reinstated bioavailability in the polluted soils. The findings highlight the effectiveness of cassava effluent for affordable soil rehabilitation at near-zero cost, with potential to elevate crop yields by 20–40% and contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) while recommendations advocate for ongoing bio stimulation protocols and regular monitoring to refine remediation efforts in Niger Delta ecosystems, ultimately promoting ecological resilience and supporting community livelihoods.

Plants have long been used as medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses and humans have depended on nature to meet their basic needs. This study was aimed at determining the mineral content, proximate content, phytochemical composition and the antibacterial properties of the aqueous and ethanolic extract of citrus sinensis on some bacterial. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were evaluated for mineral elemental analysis, proximate content and phytochemical properties using the method of A.O.A.C. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using an agar well dilution techniques against five bacterial isolates using the Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were determined using the MIC and MBC. The mineral element of Citrus sinensis of aqueous and ethanolic extract for Sodium (Na) was (250.333 ± 0.333 mg/kg) and (260.300 ± 0.3111 mg/kg), Potassium (K) (3415.667 ± 2.500 mg/kg) and (2215.060 ± 2.400) mg/kg, Calcium (Ca) (1.412.077± 1.400 mg/kg) and (1,521.047 ± 1.453 mg/kg), Phosphorus (P) (0.2100 ± 0.005 mg/kg) and (0.1900± 0.005 mg/kg), Iron (Fe) (1.1400 ± 0.004 mg/kg) and (1.2400 ± 0.009 mg/kg), Nitrogen (N) (0.1400 ± 0.001 mg/kg) and (1.2000 ± 0.009 mg/kg), Magnesium (Mg) (129.100± 0.700 mg/kg) and (131.000± 0.577 mg/kg). The result for proximate content of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Citrus sinensis showed varying composition of moisture content, ash content, crude fibre, crude fat, protein and carbohydrate. The qualitative phytochemical result revealed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, eugenols, flavonoids, tannins, and reducing sugars. The quantitative phytochemical result revealed the presence of alkaloid to be (5.4063 ± 0.2985) for aqueous and (6.3427±0.329) for ethanolic, total saponins, (5.9620 ± 3.6112) for aqueous and (7.0867±0.002) for ethanolic, total phenolic, (0.2077 ± 0.0012) for aqueous and (0.2140±0.001) for ethanolic, total tannins (10.1533 ± 0.0023) for aqueous and (12.7747±0.161) for ethanolic and for total flavonoids, (6.9993 ± 0.0127) for aqueous and (6.5827±0.031) for ethanolic. The antibacterial activity of the crude extract against selected bacterial isolates was also evaluated using the MHA method. It was demonstrated that at a concentration of 200 mg/kg of both the aqueous and ethanolic extract, the extract of Citrussinensis expressed bactericidal potential against the bacterial isolates. The result from this research shows the potency of the extract of Citrus sinensis being able to the utilized for drug formations with antibacterial effects

This study focused on the green synthesis of copper chloride (CuCl2) nanoparticles using onion peel extract as an eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent, and evaluated their efficacy in the photocatalytic degradation of crude oil in contaminated wastewater. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS),X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier- Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DLS confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with a primary size of 16.25 nm, XRD determined the crystalline phase of the nanoparticles, TGA measured the thermal stability and decomposition temperature, SEM visualized the particle size, shape, surface texture while FTIR analysis identified functional groups from the onion peel extract, verifying its role in capping and stabilizing the particles. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was assessed by studying the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) under sunlight, investigating the effects of catalyst dose, pH, temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Results demonstrated that the green-synthesized CuCl2 nanoparticles were effective in degrading crude oil components, with optimal performance observed under specific conditions. This indicates that onion peel-mediated CuCl2 nanoparticles present a sustainable, cost-effective, and promising photocatalyst for remediating crude oil-contaminated water, offering a potential solution for environmental cleanup, particularly in oil producing regions like the Niger Delta.

This study assessed the human health risks associated with heavy metals in groundwater from Oluku, Edo State, Nigeria, with a focus on dermal exposure. Groundwater, a primary domestic water source, is vulnerable to contamination by both natural and anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. Key heavy metals analyzed included zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and Lead (Pb). Fifteen groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) following standard procedures. Concentrations were compared against World Health Organization (WHO, 2017) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ, 2007) limits, while potential human health risks were estimated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 2004) Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) framework. Results indicated that zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) were present at relatively higher levels, with mean concentrations of 3.05 mg/L and 1.53 mg/L, respectively, while lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) recorded concentrations of 0.604 mg/L and 0.462 mg/L, exceeding WHO and NSDWQ limits. Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) analyses revealed that non-carcinogenic risks from Zn, Fe, and Mn were minimal. However, Pb and Cd posed significant health risks, particularly for children, who exhibited higher exposure levels due to lower body weight and greater dermal contact. Carcinogenic risk assessment further indicated that both Pb and Cd exceeded acceptable USEPA limits, with cadmium presenting the highest lifetime cancer risk. The study concluded that Fe and Zn likely originated from natural geogenic sources within the Benin Formation, while Pb and Cd contamination was predominantly anthropogenic, linked to industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities. The uneven spatial distribution of metals highlighted the influence of proximity to pollution sources. These findings underscore the urgent need for continuous groundwater monitoring, effective waste management, and public health interventions to mitigate exposure risks in Oluku, ensuring the safety of groundwater resources for domestic use.

Polyherbal formulations have long been utilized in traditional medicine for their synergistic therapeutic benefits. This study evaluated the comparative antimicrobial activities of Macedar a polyherbal formulation composed of Carica papaya leaves, Veronica amygdalina leaves, and Croton hirtus leaves and Carica papaya leaves alone. Methanol extracts were prepared using cold maceration and tested against selected Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria through agar well diffusion at varying concentrations (62.5–500 mg/ml). The results revealed that both extracts exhibited significant, dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with Macedar demonstrating stronger inhibitory effects across all test organisms. The highest inhibition zones were observed at 500 mg/ml, with Staphylococcus aureus showing the greatest susceptibility. These findings indicate that the synergistic interaction of the three plants in Macedar enhances antimicrobial potency beyond that of single-plant extracts. The study provides scientific validation for the ethno medicinal use of these plants and highlights the potential of polyherbal formulations Macedar as effective alternatives in combating resistant bacterial infections.