FACULTY LIFE SCIENCE

Extracts from different parts of the Newbouldia laevis plant (leaves, stem bark and roots bark), have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, nociceptive and antiinflammatory properties. Previous experiments carried out have shown that the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark have anti- inflammatory. But none of these studies have ascertained the IOP reducing effect of the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark of the Newbouldia laevis plant in the eyes which was studied in this investigative work. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis leaves, stems, and roots on physically induced corneo-conjunctival inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits were used for this study and these rabbits were grouped into six ranging from group A through to group F. Each of the six experimental groups was treated with different extract (leaf, stem, or root) of Newbouldia laevis, while the control group was treated with sterile water. From the study, it was found that all three extracts (leaf, stem, and root) were effective in reducing corneal inflammation and increased IOP, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. ANOVA analysis used on the study showed the statical significant values (p < 0.005 was taken to be statistically significant) of the various treatments for corneal inflammation, ranging from group A- C having p values of: 0.002, 0.001, 0.265, respectively and induced IOP having p values of: 0.002, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. During the course of this study, the leaf extract was found to be the most potent in the treatment of both the inflammation and induced IOP

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been investigated for their great antimicrobial effect against multiple pathogens. Bacterial pathogens used for this research were isolated from African black soap samples and characterized using the phenotypic method. The antibacterial activity of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against the isolates; Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212, Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in-vitro. Nanoparticle treatments were applied at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) and an antibacterial agent Ampicillin was used as a control. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. ZnONPs at all concentrations had insignificant inhibitory effect on Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus (p>0.05) compared to the control. However, ZnONPs (100%)demonstrated significantly higher inhibitory activity on Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212 (p<0.05) compared to the control. The zones of inhibition ranged from 3.33 ± 0.54 to 18.00 ± 0.94 mm while the zones of inhibition for the control were 6.33 ± 1.09 mm(Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212), 18.67 ± 1.09 mm (Micrococcus sp.) and 16.00 ± 4.10 (Staphylococcus aureus). The findings obtained from this investigation demonstrated the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles against the selected bacterial isolates

The soil is a reservoir for various clostridial pathogens, with agricultural soils representing a major source of contamination for overlying crops and grazing livestock. Indigenous bacteria in the soil environment can produce a wide range of solvents and metabolites more efficiently. This study therefore was aimed at determining the antibacterial potential of crude metabolic extracts from Clostridium spp. isolated from cattle yards in Benin City, Nigeria against clinically relevant bacterial isolates. Soil samples were collected in triplicates each at 0-5 cm depth using soil Auger from cattle farmlands in Eyaen, Aduwawa 1, Aduwawa 2 and Dumez in Benin City Nigeria. Clinical isolates were collected from Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters of the soil were analysed using standard methods. Minerals and heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bacteria were isolated using dilution technique and cultured on appropriate culture media followed by in-vitro screening for virulent factors. Isolated pathogens were subsequently assessed for antibiotic resistance to common antibiotics and resistance to crude metabolites using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while Clostridium species were further identified using molecular technique. The phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper where above the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) acceptable limit while electrical conductivity was below and potassium within FMEnv acceptable limit. The total Clostridium counts of soil samples ranged from 5.13±0.02 × 103cfu/g - 5.53±0.10 × 103cfu/g. The Clostridium isolates identified from the soil samples were Clostridium sporogens, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium bolteae, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium perfringens. Staphylococcus aureus was found to exhibit positive characteristics for gelatinase, lipase, DNAse and hemolysin production. C. perfringenss and C. butyricum had the highest zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (1.07±0.03 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (1.07±0.03 mm), while C. perfringens had the least zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa (0.10±0.00 mm). Enterobacter aerogenes had the highest percentage antibiotic resistance (50%) which was against amoxicillin, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42.1%) against sparfloxacin. Clostridium species exhibit varying degrees of antibacterial activity against specific bacterial isolates which prove its potential therapeutic applications. Therefore, Clostridium species can be used commercially for the production of antibiotics after purification and proper
standardization.

Diarrhoea is the excretion or passage of watery stools at least twice or three times within 24-hour. Traditional medicines are largely underused as a source of health care. Insights and innovative approaches from traditional medicine can also directly impact the economy and public health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diarrhoeal activity of Chrysobalanus icaco (coco plum) fruit methanol extract in Swiss mice. Diarrhoea was induced in Swiss mice using castor oil model. Parameters such as consistency, frequency, and duration of stool were investigated and compared with the control groups. The results obtained from this study showed that C. icaco fruit methanol extract elicited an inhibitory effect in castor oil induced diarrhoea across graded doses of the extract when compared with the untreated control. Also, a significant decrease in the number of diarrhoea compared with the untreated group p <0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrated that C. icaco fruit methanol extract possessed a significant anti- diarrhoeal activity. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to determine its long-term safety and efficacy in human subjects

Dipterans are excellent indicators of water quality; hence, they are routinely used as bioindicators during monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The study was therefore, executed to investigate the physico-chemical water quality and dipteran aquatic insect larvae community. Both water and benthic samples were collected between August 2021 and January 2022 at four designated sampling stations along the Okhuahie River at Ikpe in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, using standard procedures. A total of 22 physiochemical parameters were determined and measured. Among the physical and chemical parameters, Flow rate, Dissolved oxygen, and Phosphate showed highly significant differences (P<0.001) across the stations. A total of 3 taxa comprising 857 species were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 3 consisting of 146 individuals and the lowest in station 2 consisting of 77 individuals. The dominant taxon is Chironomid (98%), Culex (1.2%) and Tanyderidae (0.3%). Culex consisted of just 1 species and 11 individuals, Tanyderidae of 1 species and 3 individuals, whereas Chironomid comprised 5 species and 843 individuals. The diversity indices showed that station 3 was more diverse followed by station 4, while dipteran species in station 2 was least diverse. Culicidae and Tanyderidae showed positive critical correlation to sulphate and turbidity. The overall abundance showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) for all the four station. This study proved that Okhuaihe River is unperturbed and the Dipteran encountered are characteristics of a tropical freshwater habitat.

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is an acidic, viscous, and voluminous colloidal suspension formed during palm oil processing from the mixed stream of sterilizer condensate, separator sludge, and hydrocyclone wastewater. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological analysis of localized and mechanized palm oil mill effluents. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) were collected aseptically with sterile microbiological bottles from mechanized (NIFOR) and Local palm oil mill in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The samples were immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. The standard method of isolating microorganisms was adopted. Microorganisms were cultured on Nutrient Agar and …. Antimicrobial analysis was done using the agar well diffusion method. Local palm oil mill effluent had the highest bacteria count (13.00 x 10 3cfu/ml) while mechanized palm oil mill effluent had the least bacteria count (3.0 x 10 3cfu/ml). Bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella dysentariae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus. P. aeruginosa (18.%) and E. coli (18.8%) were the most occurring bacterial isolates while S. dysentariae (7.8%) and P. mirabilis (7.8%) were the least occurring bacterial isolates. B. subtilis, S. aureus and S. dysentariae were susceptible to rocephin, septrin and resistant to gentamycin, zinnacef and ciprofloxacin. E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. enterica were resistant to augmetin and chloramphenicol and susceptible to pefloxacin and ofloxazin. P. aeruginosa was the most resistant bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.7. E. coli was the least antibiotic resistant bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.2%. Proper hygiene practice by palm oil workers and sanitation of the palm oil facilities should be constantly carried out to avoid transmission of potentially infectious agents to patients. Also, use of fertilizers to grow palm trees should be reduced to minimize the incidence of drug resistance.

All thanks to God almighty for giving me the grace, wisdom and strength to complete this my project work and also for His provision, protection and unmerited favour throughout the period of my study. To my supervisor Dr. F.I Okolafor, I want to say thank you for taking out time to ensure that this work was a success and for your unending support, love and care. May the good Lord continue to bless and reward you accordingly. My warm regards goes to my H.O D; Dr. E.O Oshomo and the entire lecturers and staffs of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin for their services rendered in making me a better person. Thank you all. Special gratitude to my parents Mr. and Mrs. Monday Aludu for being there always as regarding the spiritual, financial and all round support. May the good Lord continue to grant you many more years. I say a very big thank you to my sweet and lovely siblings, Obokparo, Eroure, Ajiri and Edafe thank you all for your support and care. I am forever grateful. To my friends Ejobona Mike and Victor who stood by me in the thick and thin of my project period and my entire five years of study in University of Benin, I want to say I love you all and may God grant you your heart desires. Lastly, I wish to express my gratitude to my course mates who assisted me at one point or the other. God bless you all

The stomach of 76 tree frogs belonging to one family (Hyperolidae), two genera (Afrixalus and Hyperolius) from the Okomu Oil Palm Plantation were examined for their food and feeding behaviour. The species examined included Afrixalus dorsalis, Hyperolius concolor, H. fusciventris, H. fusciventris burtoni, and H. picturatus. More males were collected than females and they accounted for 95% of the specimens collected. The stomach contents examined showed 20 individuals with empty stomachs, 23 with prey items and 33 stomachs with already digested prey items. The diet of the 5 species consisted of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera and members of the Araneidae. Hymenoptera constituted 16 .92% of the total prey items ingested by the tree frogs, followed by Diptera (7.69%), Coleoptera (6.15%), Araneida (4.62%) and Orthoptera (1.54%). Unidentified prey items and digested preys accounted for 12.31% and 50.77% respectively. Hymenoptera was a common diet among the Hyperolius species accounting for 75% of the prey items recovered from H. concolor, while Dipterans constituted a major portion (42%) of the prey items ingested by Afrixalus dorsalis. Although there were variations in feeding rate among these species, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The diet of the tree frogs in the plantation were a reflection of the prey items available rather than selective feeding

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal crop which is an important raw material in human diet. It is an annual grass in the family Poaceae and is a staple food crop grown all over the world. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify fungi from maize and its products (pap). A total of 6 samples from six vendors were cultured for total heterotrophic fungi counts on different potato dextrose agar (PDA). The total fungi count of maize and pap samples ranged from 0.4 × 10 6 – 1.4 × 10 6 cfu/g and 1.40 ×10 2 - 2.00 ×10 6 cfu/g respectively. A total of 37 fungal isolates were identified. The morphological, cultural and biological characteristics of fungi isolates revealed the following fungi species; Penicillium oxalium, Penicillium italicum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium oxalium, Cladiosporium sp., Saccharomyces spp., Mucor sp., Clavispora spp., Cryptomonas spp. and Saccharomycodes, Galcatomyces. The results of fungi diversity in different samples revealed that samples A (21.6 %), C (24.3 %) as the most contaminated isolates, while sample D (10.8) and F (10.8) was the least contaminated. This study revealed the common fungi flora of maize and pap samples sold in local markets in Benin City. This study revealed the common fungi flora, their distribution in maize and pap and some possibly fungi contaminants which may not be directly associated with maize and pap. The distribution of fungi species in maize and pap samples may be dependent upon environmental conditions at the time of harvest, processing and the difference between the storage structures. It is therefore recommended that further studies be undertaken to understand the role of each fungi general isolated in this study and their source of contamination

Antibiotics play a crucial role in medicine, aquaculture, and agriculture, but their persistence in wastewater and runoff poses significant environmental risks, particularly for aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of tetracycline and chloraphenicol on the growth of Acutodesmus acutiformis, a freshwater green microalga.. The experiment involved culturing A. acutiformis with varying concentrations (0, 5%, 10%, 20%,30%,40%,50%) of tetracycline and chloramphenicol under controlled laboratory conditions at the University of Benin. Microalgal growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 750 nm over 14 days, alongside physicochemical parameters such as temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total organic carbon (TOC). Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, paired t-test descriptive statistics) revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in growth response and water quality parameters except for tetracycline and for chloramphenicol which had no significant difference with regards the antibiotic concentrations with a percentage yield of (P<.05). Tetracycline exhibited a dose- dependent effect, promoting growth at 50% concentration but inhibiting it at higher levels, while chloramphenicol significantly promoted growth possibly due to the presence of proteisynthesis. The growth response of Acutodesmus acutiformis was revealed using an interval of 0 -14days. Meanwhile the result of the physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, TD and conductivity after been acted by antibiotic concentration of tetracycline and chloramphenicol were revealed in various upward and downward trend, it was observed that both antibiotics influenced algal growth.