DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

A total of ten (10) beds exposed at the Ekosodin/Evbuomore were obtained and studied. These beds belong to the Benin Formation of the Niger Delta Basin. Sieve analyses were carried out on them, with the results plotted and the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis calculated. These calculations were used to interpret the provenance, depositional process and environment of deposition. The beds mainly contain quartz, feldspar and detrital fragments revealing their igneous and metamorphic origin. The results indicate that the grain size were fine to medium to very coarse sand; poor to very moderately well sorted. The results of the mineral assemblage based on the percentage of quartz, feldspar and lithic fragment reveal that the beds are quartz arenite, subarkose, arkose and lithic arkose. Grain sizes are mostly medium to coarse, with some fine grains in Bed 5. Grain shape is mostly angular and subrounded, with few rounded and sub angular. The values obtained from the standard deviation for the beds suggest near moderately well sorted to poorly sort. The sorting show that the maturity of the bed samples ranges from immature (BED 3, 4 and 8) to submature (BED 1, 5 and 7) to mature (BED 2, 6, 9 and 10). The Bivariant plot of inclusive skewness against inclusive standard deviation indicates that the depositional process that led to the deposition of the beds is fluvial (river systems) suggesting a low energy of transportation of the sediments as well as beach sediments. Economic importance the sands serve as the main aquifer in Benin Formation. The abundance of quartz makes it a potential for use in glass making. The sands are mined/excavated and used in construction viz; concrete making, moulding of blocks, etc. My suggestions for further studies are, thus: More detailed study should be done with morphoscopic and petrographic analysis to ascertain the minerals present in traces. Environmental studies should be done in the area under study to ascertain the presence of any heavy minerals that is a potential health hazard to the subsurface water.

This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of selenium (Se) on the germination and early growth of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut). Selenium, an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, is known to enhance antioxidant activity and stress tolerance in plants at optimal levels, but becomes toxic when applied excessively. This study was conducted in the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, using five treatments: 0g/L (control), 1.5 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L, and 10 g/L sodium selenite solutions, with seed priming durations of 3, 6, and 9 hours. Parameters measured included germination rate, radicle length, stem girth, shoot length, and number of leaves. Results showed that moderate Se concentrations(1.5 g/L and 2.5 g/L) improved germination and growth relative to the control, while higher concentrations (5 g/L and 10 g/L) significantly reduced these parameters, indicating toxicity at elevated levels. The findings suggest that selenium at low concentrations can enhance seed germination and early seedling vigour in groundnut, but excessive application inhibits growth. This study underscores the importance of optimizing selenium use in groundnut cultivation to enhance yield.

Beans has a longstanding position as a staple of the Nigerian diet due the fact that it is an accessible and affordable source of nutrition for a wide range of people as it is the cheapest plant protein in Nigeria and most parts of Africa. Beans is also significant in the Nigerian diet because it has a potent combination of its high nutritional content, historical use as a financial stabilizer and fixed cultural importance. Consuming beans in Nigeria is not a straightforward dietary decision, rather it is a calculated reaction to a complicated interaction between inherited customs, economic realities and public health requirements. Beans has high-quality protein and fiber composition that act as a vital defense against chronic illnesses and also solve the pervasive protein shortage. Food legumes belonging to the genus Phaseolus, family Leguminosae, subfamily Papilio- nideae, tribe Phaseoleae, and subtribe Phaseolinae are commonly referred to as beans. About 50 wild-growing species of Phaseolus are found only in the Americas; Asian Phaseolus has been reclassified as Vigna. Life histories (annual to perennial), growth patterns (bush to climbing), reproductive systems and adaptations (from cool to warm and dry to wet) are all represented by these species. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.), tepary beans (P. acutifolius A. Grey), and year beans (P. polyanthus Greenman) are among the five domesticated species in the genus. These species have different adaptations and reproductive systems: mesic and temperate, mostly self-pollinated; warm and humid, cool and humid, outcrossing; cleistogamous; and cool and humid, outcrossing, in that order. The other domesticated species, which form a syngameon and are sibling species, are phylogenetically closer to the lima bean. In terms of 1 science and economics, the common bean is the principal species. Its wild ancestor, P. vulgaris var. mexicanus and var. aborigineus, is widely distributed throughout Latin America, from northern Mexico to northwest Argentina. The USDA in Pullman, Washington, USA, and CIAT in Cali, Colombia, both have sizable germplasm collections of both domesticated and wild types. The National Botanical Garden in Meise, Belgium, is home to the Phaseolinae reference collection. The most significant legume for direct human consumption worldwide is the common bean (Gepts, 2001).

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal pollutant that causes significant reproductive dysfunction in males through oxidative stress and testicular damage. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind contains bioactive phytochemicals with potential antioxidant properties that may offer protection against heavy metal-induced toxicity. This study investigated the testicular protective effect of hydroethanolic watermelon rind extract against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups of five animals each. Group one served as the control and received distilled water only. Group two received 1 mg/kg
body weight of cadmium chloride in distilled water . Group three was co-administered 1 mg/kg of cadmium chloride and 100 mg/kg of vitamin C as positive control. Groups four and five received
1 mg/kg of cadmium chloride alongside 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus phytowaste (AECLP), respectively . All treatments were administered orally for sixty consecutive days. On day sixty-one, the animals were fasted overnight, humanely sacrificed, and samples collected. Semen was obtained from the epididymis for sperm analysis including sperm count, motility parameters. Results demonstrated that AECLP at both doses caused severe reproductive toxicity rather than protection, with complete elimination of progressive sperm motility, total loss of sperm viability, and undetectable sperm counts compared to control and
cadmium-only groups. The extract paradoxically enhanced testicular cadmium bioaccumulation, particularly at the higher dose. These findings suggest that watermelon rind extract at the tested
doses exhibits dose-dependent reproductive toxicity, warranting comprehensive safety reevaluation before therapeutic applications in reproductive health

This study was carried out in the southwestern part of Nigeria in Ondo State, which lies within Latitude 7° 09’ 50.1” and 7° 12’ 20.6”N, and the longitude 5° 13’ 30.5”E and 5° 14’ 30.1”, with the aim of assessing the physical, microbial and chemical parameters of the groundwater. Random sampling technique was employed in obtaining water samples from both the surface and groundwater in the study area. A sterilized one liter plastic bottle was used to collect water samples and were immediately transported to the laboratory for physico-chemical and microbial
analysis. A total of ten (10) water samples were collected; seven (7) groundwater samples and three (3) river samples. The physicochemical parameters determined and values obtained are as follows: Electrical conductivity ranged 300 and 960us/cm, Temperature 25.00 to 25.01℃, pHof6.6-9.2 with a mean value of 6.9, TDS shows a mean valve of 25.69mg/l, CODfrom5-18.4mg/liter with mean value of 10.65mg/liter, Turbidity ranged 1.5 to 6.0 NTU with mean valveof1.03NTU, Cl- 106.50 to 426.00mg/l, SO4 2- 0.41 to 2.87 mg/l, TSS shows a mean valueof0.411mg/l, TS 1.33 to 4.33 mg/l, NO3 - 23.73 to 41.48mg/l, Mg ranged from 0.42 to 0.67mg/liter which is within the WHO limit with mean valve of 0.41mg/l, Ca 0.10 to 0.41 mg/l, HCO3- 7.00to 22.00mg/l, Na ranged from 2.8 to 3.9 mg/liter with mean value of 1.47mg/litre, K0.41to1.20mg/l, Mn 0.01 to 0.11 mg/l, Fe 0.01 to 0.02 mg/l, Zn 0.01 to 0.65 mg/l, PO4 - 0.07 mg/l for all locations. Pb showed a mean value of 0. 011mg/litre. Result of analysis revealed that the ground and surface water in the study area appears to be generally potable, due to concentration of heavy metals being mostly under/within the WHO standard regulation. The pH, salinity and electrical conductivity in the study area was moderate. The colour for some samples were brownish–colourless. The presence of microbial organisms in water is from sewages, septic tanks, and animal faeces. The surface water found within the study area is the Ofuso River. The water quality in the study area is generally potabl

This study evaluated the effect of acid fermentation using varying concentrations ofhydrochloric acid (HCl) 0.025 M, 0.050 M, 0.075 M, and 0.100 Mon the bleachingefficiency and quality characteristics of crude palm oil (CPO), with untreated oil (0.00M) ascontrol. Physicochemical parameters analyzed included moisture content, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, free fatty acid (FFA) content, refractive index, andspecific gravity. Results from one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests revealed that HCl concentration had a highly significant influence (p < 0.001) on all parameters except moisturecontent. The moisture content remained relatively constant (0.015 ± 0.003 %to 0.022±0.002 %), indicating stable processing conditions. Iodine value markedly decreasedfrom48.80 ± 5.00 g/100 g in the control to between 14.21 and 20.31 g/100 g in treated samples, confirming saturation increase. Saponification value slightly declined from211.48 ±5.00mgKOH/g to 198.71–206.54 mg KOH/g, while peroxide value dropped sharply from24.03±5.00 mEq/kg to 2.02–6.62 mEq/kg, indicating improved oxidative stability. Conversely, FFAcontent increased significantly from 0.89 ± 5.00 % to 16.7–20.3 %, reflectingpartial triglyceride hydrolysis under acidic conditions. The refractive index values varied marginally(1.361–1.368), and specific gravity increased slightly from 0.8842 ± 5.00 to 0.887–0.893, suggesting limited compositional alteration. Statistical analyses confirmed that moderateacidconcentrations (0.05–0.075 M) yielded optimal bleaching performance, achieving effectivepigment and peroxide reduction while maintaining desirable stability and nutritional integrity. The findings establish acid-fermentation bleaching as a sustainable and cost-effectivealternative to conventional refining methods for enhancing palm-oil quality.

This study evaluated the effect of different lignocellulosic substrates on the mycelial growth performance of Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata, two indigenous edible mushrooms of nutritional and economic significance in Nigeria. Five agro-residues including oil palm fiber corn straw, corn husk, plantain leaves, and sawdust were prepared as substrates following pasteurization procedures. Pure cultures of Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata were inoculated into the substrates and incubated at 35°C under controlled humidity (75-80%). Mycelial growth parameters, including radial extension, growth rate, and morphological density, were measured at three-day intervals. The results revealed that substrate composition significantly influenced mycelial colonization and growth rate. For Pleurotus tuberregium, plantain leaves supported the highest mycelial extension after three days, followed by oil palm fiber, while corn husk exhibited the least growth. In contrast, Psathyrella atroumbonata recorded its best performance on oil palm fiber and sawdust, with the least growth again on corn husk. Mycelial density and morphology varied across substrates, with dense and woolly growth observed on oil palm fiber and plantain leaves, indicating vigorous metabolic activity, while sparse or thin mycelium was associated with corn husk, reflecting nutrient limitation and structural rigidity. The comparative growth rate analysis showed that Psathyrella atroumbonata (27.06 mm day') grew faster than Pleurotus tuberregium (22.39 mm day'), suggesting species-specific enzymatic adaptation and differential substrate utilization. The study establishes that substrate selection is a critical determinant of mycelial performance in mushroom cultivation. Plantain leaves and oil palm fiber emerged as the most efficient substrates for Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata, respectively, due to their favorable carbon-nitrogen balance, moisture retention, and porosity. The findings highlights the potential of agricultural residues as contributing to both waste reduction and enhanced food.

Pentaclethra macrophylla belongs to the Mimosaceae family, the different parts have been used traditionally for a host of different diseases and ailments over the years including dysentery, influenza, diabetes and jaundice. The antibacterial assessment of the bark part of Pentaclethra macrophylla was carried out against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) as well as gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The tree bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla was extracted with methanol and water (aqueous), at concentrationns of 500 mg/ml 250 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml, 62.5 mg/ml and 31.25 mg/ml. Antibacterial assay was carried out using Agar Well Diffusion method (A.W.D.). Statistical significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the antimicrobial activities between the methanol and aqueous extracts and the standard antimicrobial drugs. The results of this study revealed that the methanol exhibited more significant antimicrobial activities in both gram positive and negative microorganisms. The results obtained revealed that both extracts could contain active antimicrobial compounds which may inhibit the growth of microorganisms associated with infectious diseases in in-vitro conditions. This study has provided the basis for the use of Pentaclethra macrophylla bark in the treatment of diarrhoeal, dysentery, and wound infection. This study does not only show the scientific basis for some of the therapeutic uses of this plant in traditional medicine, but also confirms the fact that ethno-botanical approach should be considered when investigating antimicrobial properties of plants. There is also need for the incorporation of its methanol and aqueous extracts of P. macrophylla bark in the manufacture of new drugs against common infections caused by the organisms whose growth was inhibited. Thorough works still needs to be done to harness the full antibacterial potentials of this plant for an improved health status of man as well as its nutritive potentials. These findings therefore justify its high acceptability in traditional medicine and the therapeutic uses.

Celosia argentea, commonly known as Lagos spinach or “soko yokoto,” is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as infections, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. The study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial properties of Celosia argentea leaves, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for treating infections, inflammation and other ailments. Growing concerns over antibiotic resistance have driven research into natural sources of antimicrobial agents, particularly from plants rich in bioactive compounds. The study aimed to qualitatively determine the phytochemical components present in Celosia argentea leaves and to evaluate their antimicrobial activities against selected pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The leaves were collected from Benin City, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 50% ethanol. Standard phytochemical tests were performed to identify the presence of secondary metabolites, and antimicrobial sensitivity tests were conducted using the agar disc diffusion method. Results revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and phenols, which are known for their pharmacological significance. However, the aqueous extract of Celosia argentea leaves exhibited weak antimicrobial activity, showing mild inhibition zones (5 mm) only at the highest concentration (1000 mg/ml) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while no activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The limited antimicrobial response may be attributed to low solubility orconcentration of active compounds in water. These findings suggest that although Celosia argentea leaves contain significant bioactive components, solvent optimization and concentration adjustments are essential to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. The study concludes that Celosia argentea has promising therapeutic potential and warrants further investigation using organic solvents and advanced analytical techniques for the development of effective plant-based antimicrobial agents.

Alchornea Cordifolia commonly known as the Christmas bush or “Ewe ira” in West Africa, isamedicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections, wounds, andinflammatory conditions. This study investigates the phytochemical compositionandantimicrobial properties of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extracts. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of major bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and phenolic compounds, which are known to possess therapeuticand antimicrobial potential. However , terpenoids was absent in the cause of this work. Theantimicrobial activity of the ethanolic leaf extracts was evaluated against selected bacterial isolates including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosaandBacillus substilus. The study employed the agar well diffusion method to assess bacterial susceptibility to varying concentrations (1000 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml,125 mg/ml and62.5mg/ml) of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract. The results showed no significant degreesorzones of inhibition exhibited by the extract and so suggest further research is needed. Theobserved activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of the identified phytochemicals. Thesefindings support the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea cordifolia leaves and suggest that theplant could serve as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents for developing alternativetherapies against resistant microbial strains.