FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to sustaining public health and ensuring community well-being. This study assessed the water quality and hygiene practices of households in Ogbelaka, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the microbiological quality of household water, evaluate hygiene practices, and identify householdlevel factors contributing to contamination. A cross-sectional design was employed, combining field sampling and survey methods. Water samples from selected households were analyzed for thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli using standard microbiological procedures. Data on hygiene, sanitation, and water handling practices were collected through structured questionnaires. Results indicated that a significant proportion of water samples showed microbial contamination exceeding WHO permissible limits, highlighting risks of waterborne diseases. Many households relied on untreated or poorly treated water sources such as boreholes and wells, with inadequate storage and handling practices contributing to contamination. Hygiene practices, particularly handwashing with soap at critical times, were suboptimal, and household water treatment methods were inconsistently applied. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions that promote community- based water treatment, improved sanitation, and sustained hygiene education. The study concludes that strengthening local water management, behavioral change communication, and enforcement of water quality standards are crucial steps toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) in Ogbelaka and similar semi-urban communities.

Cladocera is a crucial bio-indicator of water quality and trophic status of the aquatic environment they inhabit. This study was carried out from August 2021 to January 2022 using standard methods to investigate the species composition, abundance, distribution and diversity of Cladocera community of Okhuaihe River at Ikpe, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 22 physicochemical parameters were determined. Results show that flow rate, width and phosphate were significantly higher across the sampling stations, while temporally, air temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, zinc and manganese showed high significance difference. The physicochemical parameters measured were within the Federal Ministry of Environment and WHO permissible limits except electrical conductivity, ammonium, chloride, turbidity, iron, copper, manganese and chromium. A total of 6 families comprising 75 individuals were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 4 contributing 64 individuals and lowest at station 1 which accounted for 3 individuals of total individuals. The family Chydoridae (33.33%) dominated the samples followed by Sididae (26.67%), Moinidae (16.00%), Daphniidae (14.67%), Bosminidae (8.00%) and then Macrothricidae (1.33%). Species richness was highest in station 4 and lowest in station 2. Shannon wiener index indicated that station 4 had the highest diversity followed by station 3 while Cladocera species in station 2 were less diverse. Evenness was highest in station 1, closely followed by station 2 while station 4 had the least value. Dominance was measured with highest value in station 2 and least value in station 4. Daphniidae showed a positive significant correlation to turbidity while Macrothricidae exhibited positive significant correlations with sulphate and turbidity. The water quality index at stations 1 to 4 indicate that the sampled stations are safe for human consumption, support aquatic life and other domestic activities This study proved that Okhuaihe River is of good water quality and the Cladocera community encountered are typical of a tropical freshwater habitat but of low diversity. However, continuous monitoring should be carried out intermittently on the River so that a deviation in the quality of the water could be detected timely.

Water meant for drinking and domestic use can easily become a source of infection if stored under poor sanitary conditions. This study emphasizes on the bacteriological analysis of water tanks in halls of residence in the University of Benin, Edo state Nigeria. Swab and water samples were taken aseptically from water tanks in the halls of residence and in a household with regularly treated water tanks. Serial dilution and pour plate methods were carried out for the isolation of microorganisms on different sterile media. The population of the bacteria isolates were enumerated using the colony counter. Pure cultures were obtained by the streak plate method and they were characterized by Gram staining and some biochemical tests. The isolates were further identified using Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The highest total heterotrophic count for swab samples was gotten from Household A and Household B which both recorded TNC bacterial count and the lowest count was 2.33±0.57 ×10 1 CFU/mL which was gotten from Hall 3A, while that of water samples recorded the highest from 2.67±0.57 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Sample B and the lowest was 2.33±0.47 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was from Sample A. The highest total coliform count in swab samples was 7.63 ± 0.58 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Hall 4 and the lowest was 1.00 ± 0.57 ×10 2 cfu/mL gotten from Hall 2A, while for that of water sample recorded the highest as 2.33±0.94 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Sample A and recorded the lowest as 1.67±0.57 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Sample B. The highest total count for Non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria for swab was 6.60± 0.58 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Hall 3A and the lowest was Hall 1B and hall 4 which showed no growth, while for water samples, the highest was 2.63±0.48 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Sample A and the lowest was gotten from 1.00±0.58 × 10 3 CFU/mL which was Sample B. The predominant isolates identified included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., Citrobacter sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aureus and weakly fermenting E. coli. This study has shown that the water stored in the halls of residences in University of Benin stores different varieties and levels of bacterial contamination indicating that the water is not entirely safe for domestic use without proper treatment

Food processing methods, particularly mechanical grinding, have been identified as potential sources of heavy metal contamination in daily diets. This study assessed the concentrations and health risks of heavy metals introduced into common Nigerian food items (tomato, pepper, melon, beans, groundnut, white and yellow corn, and crayfish) during grinding with various equipment types including blenders, milling machines, hand-crank grinders, mortars, and grinding stones. Heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Pb) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), and potential health risks were evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) models. Results revealed elevated levels of essential metals such as Fe, Mn, and Zn, with concentrations highest in foods ground with older milling machines and mechanical grinders, reflecting increased leaching due to metallic wear. Toxic metals (Pb and Cd) were mostly below detection limits, indicating minimal immediate toxicity but potential for chronic accumulation. Fe showed the highest EDI (up to 5.35 mg/kg/day in hand-crank grinder samples), while THQ values exceeded 1.0 in several processed beans samples, suggesting possible non-carcinogenic risk upon prolonged exposure. Traditional grinding methods (mortar and pestle) exhibited significantly lower contamination levels compared to mechanical ones. These findings highlight that metal leaching from food processing equipment constitutes a significant but often overlooked route of dietary exposure to heavy metals in Nigeria.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of trematode parasite infection in Pila ovata from Iguobo community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. The snail specimens were collected by hand picking from water puddles within farmlands in Iguobo Community in July, 2025. Sixty-six snails species Pila ovata, belonging to the Family Ampullariidae, were examined and only one was found to be infected with trematode larval stages with an overall prevalence of 1.52%. The larval stages of trematodes recovered from the infected snail include rediae, cercariae, metacercariae, and a juvenile trematode. Two types of cercariae were identified namely, gymnocephalous and cercariaeum cercariae. The low prevalence of trematode infection recorded in this study could be attributed to minimal anthropogenic activities in the study area, which likely reduced water contamination. It could also be due to the short period of survey and timing. The study was conducted during wet season; which probably reduced the infection rate due to dilution factor. Although, Pila ovata showed low prevalence of trematode infection in this study, it however, exhibited high parasite diversity due to the presence of different larval stages and trematode recovered from the infected snail. This study reports Cercariaeum and gymnocephalous cercariae in P. ovata from Nigeria for the first time. Further investigation should be conducted on Pila ovata to ascertain the species status of trematode cercariae infecting this snail.

The potential public health risk associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits sold in open markets was investigated through a microbiological assessment of three popular fruits: Apple, Pineapple, and Watermelon. A total of three samples were purchased from a market in Benin City and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, plating on selective media, and biochemical analysis. The mean total bacterial count was highest in Pineapple and lowest in Apple, while the mean total fungi count was highest in Apple and lowest in Watermelon. Bacterial isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter. Fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Yeasts, Penicillium species, and Mucor. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed isolates with resistance to multiple drugs, including Rocephin, Pefloxacin, and Ampliclox (for Gram-positive bacteria), while showing susceptibility to agents like Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Amoxicillin. The presence of these pathogenic and opportunistic micro-organisms confirms the contamination of the RTE fruits, which poses a significant public health hazard. This poor microbiological quality is likely due to unhygienic preparation environments, contaminated water, improper handling, and environmental exposure. Regulatory bodies must enhance surveillance, and vendors should strictly adhere to safe food handling practices. Consumers are advised to ensure proper washing of fruits before consumption.

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of essential biomolecules, but its exposure to toxicants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) often results in severe hepatic damage. This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Entandrophragma utile stem bark extracts on selected liver enzymes in CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. Fresh stem bark of E. utile was collected, air-dried, and extracted using methanol, after which the crude extract was fractionated into ethyl acetate and ethanol residue fractions. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals each: normal control, CCl₄ control, silymarin treated, and groups treated with crude, ethyl acetate, and ethanol residue fractions of E. utile. The extracts were administered orally for 28 days, while CCl₄ was given intraperitoneally in the final week to induce hepatotoxicity. Blood samples were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities using standard colorimetric methods. Results revealed that CCl₄ intoxication caused significant elevation in all liver enzyme markers compared with the control, indicating hepatic injury, whereas treatment with E. utile extracts markedly reduced these enzyme levels in a manner comparable to the standard drug, silymarin. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most pronounced hepatoprotective effect, suggesting the presence of potent antioxidant constituents capable of mitigating oxidative stress and restoring normal liver function. In conclusion, Entandrophragma utile possesses significant hepatoprotective properties against CCl₄-induced liver damage, validating its traditional use in managing hepatic disorders and indicating its promise as a natural source of therapeutic agent

This study evaluates the antioxidant and toxicity profiles of Alstonia boonei aqueous root extract in Wistar rats, a plant widely used in African traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Despite its extensive traditional use, limited scientific data exist on its biochemical effects and potential toxicity. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity and safety profile of Alstonia
boonei to validate its pharmacological relevance. Fourteen Wistar rats were assigned to three groups : a control group and four treatment groups receiving varying doses (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) of Alstonia boonei root extract for 21 days. Biochemical assays assessed glutathione (GSH), vitamin C levels, total protein concentration, and organ weights. Acute and subacute toxicity studies were conducted, and statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). No mortality or observable toxicity symptoms were recorded, confirming the extract’s safety at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. A dose-dependent increase in total protein concentration was observed in the liver, reaching 2.60 ± 0.13 g/dL in the 100 mg/kg group (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting enhanced protein synthesis. However, GSH levels declined significantly in the liver from 124.59 ± 2.62 µg/mL (control) to 23.77 ± 0.82 µg/mL (100 mg/kg), indicating a potential transient depletion of antioxidant reserves. Vitamin C levels showed a compensatory increase, peaking at 76.62 ± 27.27 µg/mL in the liver of the 500 mg/kg group. The findings suggest that Alstonia boonei root extract exhibits strong antioxidant potential while maintaining a favorable safety profile. However, the observed depletion of GSH highlights the need for caution in prolonged use. Future research should explore long-term effects, optimal dosage, and molecular mechanisms to ensure its safe application in medicine.

Phosphatase enzyme activities were investigated in plantain (Musa paradisiacal) bracts to determine the activities of ALP and ACP. Fresh bracts were collected and analyzed for both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. The study revealed that alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than acid phosphatase activity in plantain bracts, with mean values of 0.265 ± 0 µmol/min/g fresh weight and 0.253 ± 0.008 µmol/min/g fresh weight, respectively. Maximum ACP activity was observed at pH 3.5, while ALP showed optimal activity at pH 9.5. Temperature optimization studies indicated peak activities at 45°C for ACP and 40°C for ALP. Mg2+ was used as a modulator and results gotten showed than it was a positive modulator for both ALP and ACP as their activity increased, While Pi was shown to inhibit the activities of both Enzymes. The presence of these phosphatases, particularly the predominant acid phosphatase, indicates their crucial role in phosphate metabolism during bract development and senescence. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical processes occurring in plantain bracts and may contribute to understanding the physiological changes during plantain flower development.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Synclisia Scabrida (Meirs) on reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lungs tissue of wistar rats with ovalbumin-induced asthma. Twenty (20) female wistar rats were divided into three subgroups and treated with ovalbumin-induced asthma for three weeks (21 days) followed by administration of Synclisia Scabrida (Meirs) at 0.4ml daily. The result showed that the extract significantly increased Glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the lung tissue of treated rats compared to control groups. These findings suggests that Synclisia Scabrida (Meirs) has antioxidant properties and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of asthma. The study provides new insights into the role of oxidative stress in asthma and potential benefits of using natural products in the management of the disease.