FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Persistent hyperglycemia is a symptom of diabetes mellitus, a metabolic or hormonal disorder caused by problems with insulin secretion. Type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are the two kinds of the disease. T1DM is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and it is brought on by a problem with insulin synthesis. T2DM, however, is often referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus since it is linked to cells' inability to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) (NIDDM). All across the world, diabetes is becoming more common. According to estimates, 415 million adults had diabetes in 2015, and by 2040, 642 million persons were expected to have the disease (Rahelic, 2016). More than 70% of people with T2DM reside in developing nations, and this number is rising yearly. There are several pharmacological antidiabetic medicines on the market, but the rise in the prevalence of T2DM, particularly in poor nations, together with the side effects linked to these drugs, has brought attention to the need for more efficient, safer, and affordable management techniques. Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp rise in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) worldwide for the treatment of conditions including diabetes. According to reports, up to 72.8% of diabetics took herbal remedies. food supplements and other CAM treatments (Chang et al., 2007). Additionally, data shows that the majority of patients who use CAM therapies do so in addition to traditional therapy rather
than in place of it (Kiran et al., 2012). There are many medicinal plants that are thought to have antidiabetic effects and have been used to treat diabetes (Ghorbani, 2014). Due to one or more of their phytochemical qualities, many of the plants found in Nigeria are known for their medicinal properties. (Okwu, 2003). These plants frequently display a variety of biological and pharmaceutical qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, etc (Ekeke et al, 2003). Despite the availability of contemporary medicine formulations, many ailments are treated with extracts from plant roots and bark (Sarkar, 2015). The mainstay of medical care has always been and will continue to be natural products.

The fungus Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the family Ganodermataceae and mainly grows in the tropics. The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum was investigated, and the best carbon and nitrogen sources were determined. Using standard potato dextrose agar (PDA) media as the growth medium, the mycelial growth of Ganoderma lucidum was observed. Subsequently, the sugar from PDA was then replaced with the selected nitrogen and carbon sources and used alternatively for each source inoculated with the fungus Ganoderma lucidum. The daily mycelial growth of each source was recorded. After 5 days of inoculation, the mycelial cells fully colonised the petri ishes. 10 days after inoculation, the fungus mycelial was harvested, dried, and the biomass recorded. Six selected carbon sources, which include glucose, lactose, starch, maltose, cellulose, and sucrose, were employed as nutrient supplements for the fungus anoderma lucidum's growth. All the sources promoted its growth, but maltose (66.88±1.44mm) and lactose (64.88±4.71mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. Sucrose (55.0±1.87mm), and cellulose (37.88±1.44mm), was least suitable for anoderma lucidum's growth due to their growth rates. The most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of anoderma lucidum was sucrose (0.29±0.03g) and lactose (0.26±0.04g), while the least suitable was cellulose (0.15±0.02g) and glucose (0.15 ±0.06g). Six selected nitrogen sources were also employed as supplements in this study. They include ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, yeast, and urea. All nitrogen sources promoted the fungus' growth with the exception of urea, which showed no growth. Among the selected nitrogen sources used, yeast (69.25 ± 2.33mm) and ammonium sulphate (61.25±3.01mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. The least suitable were ammonium nitrate (36.35± 0.96mm), sodium nitrate (47.13±0.48mm), and urea, which promoted no growth. The most suitable nitrogen sources for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum were yeast (0.52± 0.03g) and sodium nitrate (0.83±0.16g) and the least suitable was ammonium sulphate (0.19 ±0.09g) and ammonium nitrate (0.16±0.02g). The morphological characteristics and density pattern of the mycelial of Ganoderma lucidum were also observed in the course of the study. Nutritional factors have been noted to be responsible for the growth and development of fungi. From this study, it is concluded that the most suitable carbon source for the growth of Ganoderma lucidum is maltose and lactose, while the most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum is sucrose and lactose

This is carried out to assess the concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5), in Etsako East Local Government Area. Secondary data collection method was employed for the assessment. Levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5) were extracted biannually from Google Earth Engine using information from Sentinel-5-P satellite data (COPERNISCUS/5SP/NRT/L3_). A comparison of the levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5) was done iannually from the year 2019 to the year 2024 in Etsako East LGA. Results showed that the annual mean concentrations of itrogen dioxide (NO2) ranged from 0.000048mol/m2 to 0.000062mol/m2 , the highest and lowest concentrations were found in the first half of 2021, and the first half of 2022 respectively. Particulate matter (PM2.5) ranged from -0.2341 to 0.4357. The highest and lowest concentrations were found in the first half of 2021, and the second half of 2022 respectively. This condition as an implication of irritating airways and exacerbating respiratory conditions on the residents. Government should play their role in policy making so as to enforce a cleaner production process by the cement factory located there. GIS applications should also be employed and used to foster air quality and check for any deviations.

Acanthamoeba, a free-living Amoeba commonly found in water, a category of protozoans which are pervasive and can be found in diverse environments, including, sewage water, air, soil, dust, and sediments. One of the vital issues in water pollution is the occurrence of pathogenic amoebae in tap or drinking water. The aim of the study was to compare the detection of canthamoeba from borehole water source and tap water in Egor Local Government within Benin metropolis using two methods. This observational, prospective cross-sectional study collected 52 water samples from various locations within the Egor Local Government Area (26 samples each from bore-hole water source and tap water). Samples were processed on the same day of collection. For Acanthamoeba detection, 500 mL of water sample was passed through a 0.45 μm cellulose nitrate membrane filter. Prepared nonnutrient agar plates were seeded with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Cultures were incubated at 30℃ for amoebic growth and examined microsopically. The study also employed centrifugation, and sediments were microscopically viewed under iodine-stained slides. Results showed a significant difference in the occurrence of Acanthamoeba species (p = 0.007) in bore-hole water and tap water when using the culturing method. However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.277) between samples of bore-hole water and tap water obtained through centrifugation. This suggests that an isolation method can influence the detection of Acanthamoeba species. This research highlights the substantial prevalence of Acanthamoeba species in bore-hole water sources within Benin City, with potential implications for water quality and safety. The discrepancy in results between culture and centrifugation methods underscores the need for careful consideration when choosing a detection method. The high prevalence of Acanthamoeba in bore-hole water may have a link to the nature of the water facility. Further studies are necessary to investigate the reasons behind the methodological differences and their implications for water quality and safety in Benin City.

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.

Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida species has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. The development of Candida species infection depends on several factors such as age, sex, and immunity of the host-pathogen relationship. Regarding this, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of candida species in urine of female. The current study was conducted on fifty (50) urine samples collected from female students within the age of 17 to 24 residing in university of Benin using a sterile universal container. Each of the collected samples was diluted serially and incubated in petri dish containing Sabourad Dextrose Agar (SDA) at 37 0C for 72hours. After subculturing, Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining, sugar fermentation test and microscopic morphological examination. Result shows that, the color of a urine sample is not an indicating factor of the presence of candida (infection) as candida growth were significantly present in all color types. According to the results, 40%, 20%, 17.1%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7% and 5.7% of the isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida parasiliosis, Candida pseudotropicalis and Cadida glabrata, respectively. Our result showed no significant correlation between age and prevalence of Candida in the urine. Based on the obtained results, Candida albicans species was the most prevalent Candida species. Hence, Candida. albicans are the main course of urinary tract infections in female.

Engineered materials with at least one dimension between 1 and 100nanometer are known as nano-materials. The energy, cosmetic, aerospace, in addition medicinal industries, among many others, all stand to benefit from the unique features of nano-fluids in addition colloidal suspensions made up of different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are regarded as excellent candidates for the creation of smart drilling fluids, i.e., fluids with specifically tailored rheological in addition flow characteristics, owing to their distinct physio-chemical features. The capacity of the drilling mud to sustain cuttings is represented by its rheological properties (gel- strength, viscosity, in addition yield points), which is a crucial drilling mud feature. Failure to utilize mud with the required rheological property could lead to formation damage from excessive circulation pressure that breaks gel in additionclogged pipes from poor cutting suspension. This project is aimed at defining magnesium oxide effect on nanoparticles on the gel-strength of water base drilling mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium Oxide nano-base mud to conventional water mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium oxide nano-base mud to conventional water base containing Banana peel which improves the gel- strength of drilling mud. Laboratory preparation of the various samples of drilling mud at l0sec, 5min, l0min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 40min after 600rev/min agitation produced enough gel-strength data for each samples for graphical representation in addition analysis of gel-strength of the prepared samples of the drilling mud. The prepared samples are Sample 1 (bentonite clay mud (blank)), Sample 2 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide), Sample3(bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide), Sample4(bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide), Sample5 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample6 (bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample7 (bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample8 (bentonite mud + 2g of banana peel). From the laboratory data in addition gel-strength vs time plot it was observe that the The sample formed a progressive type gel that began flat at llbf/100ft3 with the gel strength at l0sec in addition l0min being the same but rapidly improved as the static time increased. Sample 2 generated a flat-type gel that began flat at 21 bf/100 ft3 with the gel strength at 0 sec in addition 0 min remaining constant, but did not increase consistently as the static time increased. Sample3 - sample8 produced either a high-flat gel or a high- progressive gel, Sample3 in addition Sample4 which produced a high-flat gel as compared to the Sample4 - Sample8 which Also produced a high-progressive mud.

Access to safe drinking water is critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, yet it remains a challenge in Nigeria, contributing to a high burden of waterborne diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the complex relationship between community perceptions of water quality and laboratory- confirmed health outcomes among residents in Ogbeson, a rural community in Edo State, Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining socio-demographic and behavioral surveys with objective physicochemical and bacteriological analyses of drinking water samples. The population exhibited a relatively high educational level (49.5% with tertiary education) and moderate income. Water quality was assessed against World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and health status was determined through self-reported illness prevalence, particularly waterborne diseases.A major discrepancy was found between community confidence and actual water safety. A high proportion of respondents (78%) reported confidence in their main water source's reliability, often relying on sensory attributes (color, taste, odor) for quality assessment. This confidence directly contradicted laboratory findings of severe contamination, including pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas species) and chemical hazards like elevated nitrate (52.17 to 92.47 mg/L, exceeding the WHO limit of 50 mg/L) and acidic pH (4.43–6.37). The documented contamination correlated directly with a substantial acute disease burden: 42.7% of households reported water-related illnesses, with typhoid fever (55.7%) and diarrhea (42.3%) being the most prevalent. Despite high education and 74.1% of respondents treating water (predominantly by boiling), structural constraints undermined protective behaviors. Pervasive water supply intermittency (61.4% experiencing problems) and seasonal unreliability (94.2% during the dry season) necessitated unsafe water storage and increased recontamination risk. This was compounded by critical WASH infrastructure deficits, with 85.5% of the community lacking adequate facilities, particularly hand washing stations (87.1% lacking), alongside the near-total absence of community-based WASH programs (82.3% lacking). In conclusion, the Ogbeson community faces a public health emergency driven by the dangerous coexistence of high confidence in unsafe water sources, pervasive infrastructural failures, and an overwhelming burden of waterborne disease. Urgent, multisectoral interventions are required to resolve water supply intermittency, invest in foundational WASH infrastructure, and implement integrated community programs to align risk perception with objective reality, thereby achieving health equity and SDG 6 alignment

This study assessed the sanitation, hygiene, and health status of residents in Amufi Community, a peri-urban settlement in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate existing sanitation facilities, examine hygiene practices, and identify common health risks linked to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered to 220 randomly selected residents. Data collected included information on socio-demographic characteristics, sanitation facilities, hygiene behaviors, and self-reported health outcomes, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 87.7% of households used flush toilets, while 9.5% relied on pit latrines, with 39.5% sharing toilets with other hous holds. Waste disposal practices were poor, as 17.3% of respondents dumped refuse in open spaces and 32.3% resorted to burning. Although 90% had access to soap, only 44.5% had designated handwashing areas, and just 30% consistently used soap and water for handwashing. About half of the respondents (50.3%) reported experiencing waterborne diseases within the past year, with typhoid fever (70.3%) and diarrhea (37.8%) being the most prevalent. Community involvement in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs was low, with only 21.8% of respondents participating in any sanitation or hygiene improvement activities. These results indicate that although access to sanitation infrastructure in Amufi is mode ately high, inadequate hygiene practices, poor waste management, and limited community engagement continue to sustain preventable health risks. The study concludes that strengthening WASH infrastructure, enhancing hygiene education, and promoting active community participation are essential strategies for improving public health outcomes and reducing disease burden within the Amufi Community

This study investigated the effects of different urea concentrations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedsemus, two freshwater microalgae species were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The experiment involved subjecting the microalgae to varying concentration of urea (Control, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). Absorbance was measured using a 721-visible Spectrophotometer at 750nm. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids were analyzed. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics, two way analysis of variance and t-tests analysis and was conducted in Microsoft Excel 2010. Results revealed significant variation in the growth responses of both microalgae. Chlorella vulgaris exhibited optimal growth at 20% and 40% urea concentration with lowest growth occurring at higher concentrations. Scendesmus, on the other hand had the highest growth at 20% urea concentration with extremely low growth at higher levels. This infers that Chlorella vulgaris was more tolerant to higher concentrations of urea and ammonia toxicity than Scenedesmus. All physicochemical parameters and growth showed significant differences across concentrations of urea apart from Turbidity