DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

The indiscriminate disposal of solid waste and the proliferation of open dumpsites pose serious threats to soil quality, groundwater integrity and plant health. This study evaluated the ecological risk associated with heavy metals in soils collected around open dumpsites in Oluku, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten soil samples were randomly collected using an auger and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The mean concentrations of the analyzed metals ranged from 1.22 mg/kg for Cu to 3.05 mg/kg for Mn, following the decreasing order: Mn > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co > Zn > Fe > Cu. The contamination factor (CF) values for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co were 1.23, 1.26, 1.22, 1.95, 2.48, 3.05, 1.36, 1.42 and 1.29, respectively, indicating moderate contamination by Cd and considerable contamination by Mn. The ecological risk factor (Eir) of individual metals revealed that Cd (mean = 74.4) contributed the highest ecological risk, followed by Mn (30.58) and Pb (9.77). The overall potential ecological risk index (RI) was 133.92, suggesting a moderate level of ecological risk in the study area. The findings imply that uncontrolled dumping and anthropogenic activities contribute significantly to the accumulation of toxic metals in the soil, which may pose long-term environmental and health risks. Proper waste management strategies and periodic monitoring of soil quality are therefore recommended to mitigate further contamination and safeguard environmental health.

D3 Organic is a supplement composed of various plant materials, including Desmodium gangeticum, Eclipta alba, Garcinia kola, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, and Tetracarpidium conophorum. The aim was to determine the antitussive and expectorant properties of the D3 Organic® supplement . In an antitussive study, 25 mice were allotted to 5 groups of 5 mice in each group. Group 1 is the control, group 2 is dihydrocodeine (25 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 are D3 Organic® supplement extract at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. One hour after oral drug administration, all the mice were exposed to 25% NH₄OH ( ammonium hydroxide) to induce cough. In the expectorant, 30 mice were allotted in 6 groups of 5 mice in each group. Group 1 is the control, group 2 is bromohexane (15 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 are D3 Organic supplement extract at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Group 4 was given Sodium Chromoglycate (NaCr) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. All treatments were administered orally for five days, except Sodium Chromoglycate. In the last 30 minutes after Intraperitoneal administration of sodium chromoglycate, 5 mg/kg of ammonium chloride was given to each of the mice orally. Phenol red at a dosage of 500 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally (IP) 30 minutes after the other drug administration. The mice were sacrificed, and the tracheal length of 2 cm was removed. Each piece of trachea was kept in 2 mL of normal saline for 30 minutes, and 0.1 mL of 1 M NaOH solution was added to the saline, and the absorbance at 460 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer.D3 Organic® supplement (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and dihydrocodeine (25 mg/kg) reduced the number of cough bouts when compared to the control (p<0.05) for ammonia induced cough in mice.D3 Organic® supplement (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and bromohexane (15 mg/kg) increased phenol red secretions when compared to control (p<0.05). The experimental results demonstrate that the aqueous leaf extract of D3 Organic® possesses significant antitussive and expectorant properties,

This study investigates the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizomes against clinical nasal isolates. The research aims to evaluate the efficacy of these extracts in combating microbial infections and their potential as natural antioxidants. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including terpenes, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and sterols. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the broth dilution method, while antioxidant potential was determined through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The results indicate that the ethanolic extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against nasal isolates, including Micrococcus species, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococci species. Additionally, the aqueous extract demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, with a linear increase in activity correlating with concentration. The findings suggest that Curcuma longa extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, hold promise as natural antimicrobial agents, while the aqueous extract shows potential as a potent antioxidant. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of Curcuma longa in addressing antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress-related conditions, providing a scientific basis for its traditional use in medicine and its application in modern healthcare

The plant commonly known as the forest fever tree has been widely used in African traditional medicine for treating fever, jaundice, malaria, and liver-related disorders. Its hepatoprotective potential is attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. The study investigated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on liver enzyme activities in Wistar rats. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. The control group received distilled water, while the other groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract daily for 28 days. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined as biomarkers of hepatic function using standard diagnostic methods. The results revealed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups. ALT values ranged from 80.40 ± 3.79 to 101.40 ± 6.39 U/L, AST from 157.60 ± 4.33 to 169.40 ± 2.73 U/L, and ALP from 373.20 ± 19.78 to 451.00 ± 67.33 U/L. These results indicate that the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora did not induce hepatotoxicity at the tested doses. The stability of liver enzyme levels within normal physiological limits suggests that the extract maintained hepatic integrity and may possess hepatoprotective properties. The observed effects are attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals that prevent lipid peroxidation, stabilize hepatocyte membranes, and enhance cellular defense mechanisms. These findings support the traditional use of A. grandiflora in managing liver ailments and demonstrate its potential as a safe natural therapeutic agent. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its hepatoprotective action

The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body from infections, toxin, and oxidative damage. However, it can be weaken or impaired by chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, malnutrition, exposure to chemical agents, or certain medications. In recent years, plant-based immunomodulators have gained global attention as promising alternatives to synthetic drugs such as Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis and Justica carnea,, being utilised as immunoprotecive agents. The aim is to assess the Immunoprotective effects of the aqueous polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea, in phenylhydrazine induced immunosuppressed Wistar rats. The method used for this analysis were evaluated using standard and established method. Oral administration of polyherbal extract at doses 25, 50, 100 mg/kg significantly increase blood levels compared to untreated group. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were monitored for 24 hours(1 day), 7 days, and 14 days. Results showed a dose dependent restoration of immune cell counts, with 50 mg/kg group exhibiting the most significant improvement in (CD4+ = 7.95 ± 0.12 cells/mm3 ; CD8+ = 3.11 ± 0.0 cells/mm3) when compared to the untreated group. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea as an immunoprotective agent at 50 mg/kg of the extract as the best. This validates its traditional use and such insights as a promising alternative for the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders.

This study Analyzed Atmospheric Parameters, PM₂.₅ concentration, temperature, and relative humidity within the University of Benin (UNIBEN) using a PurpleAir
sensor between January and March 2025. The research aimed to assess the air quality and evaluate the microclimatic conditions affecting the campus environment. The PurpleAir sensor was installed at the Space-Earth Environment Research Laboratory to record real-time data at two-minute intervals. Data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel for descriptive statistics, correlation, and graphical presentation. The results revealed that PM₂.₅ concentrations ranged
between 58 µg/m³ and 202 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 25 µg/m³, indicating consistently unhealthy air quality. Temperature values ranged from 20°C to 33°C, typical of the tropical dry and early wet seasons, while relative humidity varied between 32% and 100%. Analysis showed an inverse relationship between PM₂.₅ and relative humidity, implying that drier air conditions intensified particulate pollution. The findings highlight the need for continuous air monitoring and pollution control measures within the university. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of low-cost IoT- based sensors in generating reliable, real-time atmospheric data for environmental management and campus sustainability

This study examined the sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of problematic soils within the Lagos segment of the Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria, to understand their composition, depositional setting, and engineering implications. Eight borehole samples (BH1–BH8) were analyzed for particle size distribution, water content, density, and plasticity characteristics, while representative samples (L2 and L5) underwent X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The particle size distribution results showed that the soils are predominantly fine- grained comprising of clayey or silty materials to fine grained sand with mean grain sizes between 3.30ϕ and 6.83ϕ. Sorting values between 3.54 and 4.86ϕ classified them as very poorly sorted sediments deposited under fluctuating, low-energy coastal conditions. Water content ranged from 23.8 % to 36.9 %, density from 1.77 to 1.88 g/cm³, and void ratios from
0.65 to 0.81, indicating moist, moderately compacted soils with high porosity. The liquid limit and plasticity index values, ranging from 37.7–58.2 % and 21.3–32.6 % respectively, revealed high plasticity and significant swelling potential. XRD results confirmed montmorillonite (41–42 %) as the dominant mineral, alongside quartz (33–39 %) and minor actinolite or albite. These properties collectively explain the soils’ poor strength, high compressibility, and moisture sensitivity. The study concludes that the Lagos coastal soils are expansive and structurally unstable, requiring stabilization, effective drainage, or deep foundations to support safe and durable engineering development within the Dahomey Basin

Grapes contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, resveratrol, flavonoids, and phytoestrogens with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating potentials. Considering the rising prevalence of female infertility and the limitations of conventional therapies, this study explored grapes as a possible natural alternative to enhance reproductive health. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the effect of Vitis vinifera (grape) juice on pregnancy outcome in female rats using experimental animal model. Freshly prepared grape juice was administered orally to gravid albino Wistar rats at doses of 2 mL/kg and 5 mL/kg across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Key parameters assessed included maternal weight gain, serum progesterone levels, implantation sites, uterine horn development, pregnancy outcomes, fetal biometric indices, and blood glucose levels. The results showed significant improvements in maternal weight, progesterone concentration, implantation success, litter size, and fetal development in the grape-treated groups compared to controls. Additionally, low-dose grape juice maintained normoglycemia, while higher doses elevated blood glucose, indicating a dose dependent effect. These findings demonstrate that Vitis vinifera juice positively influences maternal physiology, enhances uterine receptivity, and improves pregnancy outcomes, highlighting its potential role as a nutraceutical for supporting female fertility.

The increasing use of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines as an alternative medium for financial transactions in Nigeria has greatly improved accessibility to cashless services but simultaneously raised public health concerns due to the frequent handling of these devices by multiple individuals under poor hygienic conditions. This study
was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing bacteria associated with POS machine keypads within the Textile Mill Road to Ogida Market axis of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) POS machines were randomly selected from different locations, including shops, roadside kiosks, and open market stores around the locations of sampling. Samples were aseptically collected using sterile cotton swabs moistened with physiological saline and transported under cold conditions (approximately 4 °C) to the Laboratory for analysis. The samples were inoculated on Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar for bacterial isolation. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for bacterial growth and 25 °C for 24–72 hours. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using the agar disc diffusion method with standard antibiotic discs. The result revealed that the total bacterial count ranged from 1.0 × 10³ to 7.7 × 10⁴ cfu/ml, indicating a significant level of microbial contamination. The bacterial isolated from all sampled POS are identified as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. The frequency and percentage occurrence showed that Bacillus spp was 14 (26%), Staphylococcus spp 13 (26%), Enterococcus spp 10 (20%), Corynebacterium spp 13 (26%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that most bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol but remained sensitive to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and gentamycin. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria observed in this study suggests that POS machines may serve as potential reservoirs
and transmission routes for pathogenic bacteria, particularly in densely populated commercial areas where hygiene standards are low.

Coconut, as food is usually called perfect diet since it contains almost all of the vitamins the body requires. The phytochemical characteristics of coconut oil was examined to determine the presence of Alkaloid, Flavnoid and Saponin quantitatively. Antimicrobial activities were also determined against several bacterial isolates. The tested organisms were sourced from the University of Benin Teaching hospital (UBTH) and they include Klebsiella species, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The phytochemical examination provided confirmation of the existence of alkaloids, flavonoid and saponin. The Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion method was employed to evaluate sensitivity, with zones of inhibition measured in millimeter diameter. Coconut oil showed activities as well as resistant on the isolates at the various dilution concentrations with the zone of inhibition ranged from 5 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 3 mm for Escherichia coli and 2.5 mm for Streptococcus spp while Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp, showed no activities in all the concentrations tested against them. The result of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) revealed activities at 400 mg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, while Streptococcus spp was seen to have activity at 600 mg/ml. The oil was seen to be bacteriostatic up to the highest concentration (1000 mg/ml) used. Since this study identified some bioactive components that are known to be bacteriostatic, it suggests using coconut oil as a medicinal agent and in the battle against antibiotic resistance. To understand the mechanisms of action of the oil and its derivative, more in vitro and in vivo research should be conducted.