FACULTY LIFE SCIENCE

Decrease in air quality has been a major concern in the world for decades and it has continued to worsen with dangerously toxic pollutant gases accumulating at a rapid rate every second. The atmosphere has majorly been polluted as a result of human day to day activities and these activities reduced a great deal during the covid-19 pandemic when a lockdown policy was established. The study area which is Lagos state, Nigeria is the state with the highest population count making it most prone to the spread of the covid virus and as such had the strictest policy regulation. This study was carried out to assess the effect of the covid-19 lockdown policy on air quality in Lagos state. The study adopted geographic information systems (GIS) using the Sentinel-5P data to obtain information on the concentration of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particulate matter (PM2.5), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) as parameters for air pollution for the year before the lockdown (2019), the year of the lockdown (2020) and the year after the lockdown (2021) which were compared and the results were analysed statistically to determine a significant difference in the concentrations per year. The data showed the year2020 had less concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 which increased in 2021 when human and vehicular activities were back to normal, while SO2 and CO concentrations were higher in 2020
than in 2021 as a result of the increase in the use of indoor air pollution sources.

In the realm of nanotechnology, the utilization of nanoparticles has surged across diverse industries, ranging from electronics to medicine. Among these nanoparticles, aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 – NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, concerns regarding their potential toxicity have
prompted extensive research into identifying strategies to mitigate their adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles on testis and epididymis of male wistar rat. The effects were investigated using hormonal assay, and standard methods to
determine oxidative stress markers. In the current investigation, male wistar rats were given intraperitoneal doses of (Al2O3) 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg body weight over a period of seven (7) days. The result obtained showed the detrimental impact of Al2O3 – NPs
on reproductive health. It suggests that these harmful effects are closely linked to the nanoparticles' chemical composition, size, dosage, and duration of exposure. Specifically, the study highlights that Al2O3 – NPs can disrupt the production of sex hormones, leading to adverse effects on sperm quality and potentially resulting in infertility. Given the harmful
effects of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, the use of antioxidants is proposed as a measure to reduce potential risks associated with Al2O3 – NP toxicity on the testis and epididymis of male wistar rats.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene is a growing field that supports the Sustainable Development Goal 6 which seeks to ensure water and sanitation for all. This study determined the WASH status of Uselu, Ogida and Useh markets in Egor Local Government Area. Water samples were collected from two points at Uselu and Ogida markets and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological qualities, adopting standard analytical procedures and microbiological techniques respectively. Findings showed results as pH ranged from 4.70 to 5.00 (Usleu) and 5.10 to 6.29 (Ogida), Chlorine, 24.85 mg/l to 28.4 mg/l (Ogida) and 35.5 mg/ to 46.15 mg/l (Uselu), Nitrate, 0.68 mg/l to 1.31 mg/l (Uselu) and 1.85 mg/l to 3.19 mg/l (Ogida), BOD5, 0.33 mg/l to 0.55 mg/l (Uselu) and 1.85 mg/l to 2.60 mg/l (Ogida). The heavy metal concentrations determined showed that iron was not detected in both markets, lead was not detected in one of the Uselu samples while the second read 0.04 mg/l and Ogida samples ranged from to 0.01 mg/l to 0.04 mg/l. Chromium ranged from 0.01mg/l to 0.04mg/l (Ogida) and 0.04 mg/l to 0.07mg/l (Uselu). The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.0 × 10 cfu/ml to 5.5 × 10 cfu/ml (Uselu) and 12 × 10 cfu/ml to 13 × 10 cfu/ml (Ogida). The total coliform counts ranged from 9MPN/100ml to 15MPN/100ml (Uselu) and from 6MPN/100ml to 7 MPN/100ml (Ogida). Fungi counts ranged from 0.33× 10 cfu/ml to 0.66 ×10 cfu/ml (Uselu) and from 1.33 × 10 cfu/ml to 1.67 × 10 cfu/ml (Ogida). From the questionnaire survey, it was discovered that boreholes and toilet facilities were available at Uselu and Ogida market (100% respectively) while none was found at Useh (100%). In Uselu and Ogida markets, hygiene was poor due to lack of soap materials (100% respectively) while at Useh, poor hygiene practices could be attributed to the lack of water as well as soap materials. At Uselu market, wastes were seldom evacuated by the waste management board (50%) and totally neglected in the environs of Ogida and Useh market (100% respectively). The results therefore show the need for an improvement of the WASH sectors of the three markets, especially Useh market, in order to protect the health and well-being of the traders and buyers

The search for extraterrestrial life has been of major concern to scientists as they try to seek for ways by which humans and other living organisms can survive in outer space and beyond. Therefore, studying the effects the space environment could have on living systems and, most likely, finding solutions to these problems has been of great concern to scientists. Microgravity, or the condition of almost zero-gravity, can have profound effects on living systems, including plants and humans. The study design involves subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation condition
within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in several replicates, with conventional conditions serving as the control group. The clinostat stimulated micro gravity condition, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seed, removing the effect of gravitational force. The effects of microgravity on plants include changes in growth and morphology, changes in nutrient uptake, changes in response to light and changes in gene expression, while the effects on humans include changes in bone density, muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, cardiovascular changes
and immune systems changes. Several plants can be used for space explorations. Maize plant can survive in a microgravity environment and can serve as a food source (providing good protein and sugar content), and provide oxygen which can be used by astronauts for long space exploration. The effect of microgravity can could impair the growth and development of the plant, but the use of stimulators like IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), SNP (sodium nitroprusside) will significantly reduce the effects of microgravity environment on zea mays during long space exploration. Understanding these effects is important for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate their negative effects and ensure the safety and health of astronauts in space.

With Earth facing challenges such as increased urbanization, land degradation, pollution, and population growth, the search for alternative human settlement sites has gained momentum. Scientists are exploring space colonization as a potential solution, but microgravity presents significant obstacles to plant growth and food production in space. This study investigates the growth of maize seeds under simulated microgravity conditions using a clinostat. Maize seeds treated with growth stimulators (Vitamin C and Indole butyric acid) were subjected to clinorotation for 120 hours. Conducted at the Space-Earth Environment Research Laboratory, University of Benin, the experiment revealed morphological changes in maize seedlings exposed to microgravity. Height and length increased, while girth decreased compared to the control group. Minimal differences were observed in leaf number, sugar, and protein content between the control and microgravity-stimulated groups. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the molecular mechanisms driving plant responses to microgravity and optimize space agriculture for future human habitation beyond Earth.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in the brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in coffee, black and green tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. Blinking has been described to occur voluntarily, reflexively or spontaneously. Caffeine is a known stimulant that affects nervous system and probably the most widely consumed psychoactive substance is claimed to have conflicting effects on blink rate and blinking plays a critical role in the health of the eye. This research has assess the influence of caffeinated coffee consumption with blink rate. The purpose of this study was to
determine the effect of caffeine intake(coffee) on blink rate. The blink rate was measured on a sample of 85 participants in the university of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. The measurements for the test per participants were obtained and afterwards the means were applied in analysis of the result. Mean baseline was 17.38 and the mean blink rates after caffeine consumption was 15.04, 13.91, 12.42, and 16.69 for 15, 30, 45 and 65 minutes respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in the blink rate of participants after the consumption of caffeine (p < 0.05). It was concluded that caffeine reduces blink rate in adults
and excessive intake of caffeine should be avoided since caffeine intake could cause improper functioning of the eye.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene is a growing field that supports the Sustainable Development Goal 6 which seeks to ensure water and sanitation for all. This study determined the WASH status of Uselu, Ogida and Useh markets in Egor Local Government Area. Water samples were collected from two points at Uselu and Ogida markets and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological qualities, adopting standard analytical procedures and microbiological techniques respectively. Findings showed results as pH ranged from 4.70 to 5.00 (Usleu) and 5.10 to 6.29 (Ogida), Chlorine, 24.85 mg/l to 28.4 mg/l (Ogida) and 35.5 mg/ to 46.15 mg/l
(Uselu), Nitrate, 0.68 mg/l to 1.31 mg/l (Uselu) and 1.85 mg/l to 3.19 mg/l (Ogida), BOD5, 0.33 mg/l to 0.55 mg/l (Uselu) and 1.85 mg/l to 2.60 mg/l (Ogida). The heavy metal concentrations determined showed that iron was not detected in both markets, lead was not detected in one of the Uselu samples while the second read 0.04 mg/l and Ogida samples ranged from to 0.01 mg/l to 0.04 mg/l. Chromium ranged from 0.01mg/l to 0.04mg/l (Ogida) and 0.04 mg/l to 0.07mg/l (Uselu). The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.0 × 10 cfu/ml to 5.5 × 10 cfu/ml (Uselu) and 12 × 10 cfu/ml to 13 × 10 cfu/ml (Ogida). The total coliform counts ranged from
9MPN/100ml to 15MPN/100ml (Uselu) and from 6MPN/100ml to 7 MPN/100ml (Ogida). Fungi counts ranged from 0.33× 10 cfu/ml to 0.66 ×10 cfu/ml (Uselu) and from 1.33 × 10 cfu/ml to 1.67 × 10 cfu/ml (Ogida). From the questionnaire survey, it was discovered that boreholes and
toilet facilities were available at Uselu and Ogida market (100% respectively) while none was found at Useh (100%). In Uselu and Ogida markets, hygiene was poor due to lack of soap materials (100% respectively) while at Useh, poor hygiene practices could be attributed to the lack of water as well as soap materials. At Uselu market, wastes were seldom evacuated by the waste management board (50%) and totally neglected in the environs of Ogida and Useh market (100% respectively). The results therefore show the need for an improvement of the WASH sectors of the three markets, especially Useh market, in order to protect the health and well-being
of the traders and buyers.

Urban solid waste management is considered one of the most serious environmental problems confronting urban government in low and middle-income countries. However, there is a fairly novel approach of bio waste conversion by insect larvae, using the example Hermetia illucens.Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of Yam and Eba waste on pre-adult developmental rate of Hermitia illucens. The effect of larval diets on developmental period, weight gain, survival, and sex ratio were analyzed. The mean developmental period (days) of larvae Yam, Mixture (yam/eba) and Eba diets were 40, 42 and 52 days respectively. There was no significant different in the developmental period. The Percentage survival for Eba, Yam and Mixture were 2.8%, 47.6% and 28% respectively which varied significantly. Yam and Mixture had more survival rate than Eba diet. The BSF fed with the Mixture diet had weight increase of 42.3% while the Yam diet had 26.8% and Eba diet had 21.4%. There was no significant variation in weight gain. The sex ratio of male to female varied significantly in Eba diet while Yam and Mixture varied non- ignificantly. Eba produced more females than male. The result of the proximate analysis carried out on the various diet revealed significant differences in diets. Yam diet had higher amount of dry matter, crude fibre and carbohydrate compared to Eba. The analysis of the results show that the type of diets play an important role in the population dynamics of Hermitia illucens as more larvae survived in yam diet.

In the realm of nanotechnology, the utilization of nanoparticles has surged across diverseindustries, ranging from electronics to medicine. Among these nanoparticles,aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 – NPs) have gained significantattention due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, concerns regarding their potential toxicity have prompted extensive research into identifying strategies to mitigate their adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles on testis and epididymis of male wistar rat. The effects were investigated using hormonal assay, and standard methods to determine oxidative stress markers. In the current investigation, male wistar rats were given intraperitoneal doses of (Al2O3) 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg body weight over a period of seven (7) days. The result obtained showed the detrimental impact of Al2O3 – NPs on reproductive health. It suggests that these harmful effects are closely linked to the nanoparticles' chemical composition, size, dosage, and duration of exposure. Specifically, the study highlights that Al2O3 – NPs can disrupt the production of sex hormones, leading to adverse effects on sperm quality and potentially resulting in infertility. Given the harmful effects of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, the use of antioxidants is proposed as a measure to reduce potential risks associated with Al2O3 – NP toxicity on the testis and epididymis of male wistar rats.xiv

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) are small edible seed with high nutritional and medicinal values. This study was carried out to investigates the antimicrobial and phytochemical constituents of the seeds. The aqueous and ethanol extract of the seed were screened for antimicrobial effects against six bacterial isolates :Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytochemical screening for flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, glycosides and alkaloids were carried out by standard methods. The results showed that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited antimicrobial activities. At 100 mg/ml concentration, the aqueous extract produced inhibition zones of 20.00 mm against Escherichia coli and 14.00 mm against Streptococcus sp., while the ethanolic extract showed 16.00 mm and 18.00 mm, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited inhibition zones of 21.00 mm (aqueous) and 10.00 mm (ethanolic), and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed 7.00 mm (aqueous) and 14.00 mm (ethanolic). However, Staphylococcus aureus did not exhibit significant inhibition in either extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis revealed that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts had MIC values of 100 mg/ml for Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Interestingly, Escherichia coli did not show an MIC with the ethanolic extract, suggesting variable susceptibility across bacterial strains. The minimum bactericidal concentration results indicated that the ethanolic extract was bacteriostatic, while the aqueous extract exhibited bactericidal activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins and glycosides in both extracts, while alkaloids were absent. These findings highlight the promising antimicrobial potential of chia seed oil extracts, demonstrating it’s efficacy against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.