FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Microbial analysis in this study was conducted on palm wine samples gotten from five locations in Benin City. The samples were collected from different palm wine bars in the different locations. The microorganisms isolated were identified based on their various morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. The microbial analysis of palm wine in this study revealed the presence of diverse microorganisms including Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, Enterobacter, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus specie as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sp., and Aspergillus sp. The highest heterotrophic bacterial count was recorded for Sample A, in which the values were too numerous to count for the first dilution and 12±1.00×10 4cfu/ml for the fourth dilution plated. This was followed by Sample E with values of 1.4±1.00×10 2cfu/ml and 8.0±1.73×10 4cfu/ml for both dilutions plated. The total fungal counts were recorded as 2.06±0.58×10 2cfu/ml and 1.6±1.00×10 4cfu/ml for Sample A, 2.54±1.53×10 2cfu/ml and 8.6±2.08×10 4cfu/ml for Sample B and 4.0±0.81×10 1cfu/ml and 2.6±0.58×10 4cfu/ml for Sample C. Sample D was recorded as 2.26±1.53×10 2cfu/ml and 2.24±0.58×10 5cfu/ml while Sample E was recorded as 2.24±5.69×10 2cfu/ml and 5.4±1.53×10 4cfu/ml. The lowest count was found in Sample B in which the value was 2.6±0.58×10 1cfu/ml for the first dilution plated and no growth was recorded for the 10 4 dilution The presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus spp. with a 100% occurrence in the samples showed their usefulness in the fermentation of the beverage. Some of the organisms isolated such as the coliforms, indicated unhygienic handling of the beverage. It is therefore pertinent that hygiene practices are taken into great considerations in the production and distribution of the beverage.

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail of medical importance and serves as an intermediate host for several parasitic trematodes that affect both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in M. tuberculata snails from River Siluko in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 83 snails were collected in two batches: 17 and 66 specimens in May and July, 2025, respectively. All snails were subjected to standard cercarial shedding techniques and examined for the presence of trematode larvae under a dissecting microscope. Thereafter they were crushed and also examined. None of the snails shed cercaria. However, trematode larval stages (redia and furcocercous cercariae) were recovered from two (2.41%) of the snails examined after crushing. Only the snails examined in May were infected while none was infected in July. This finding showed that M. tuberculata from River Siluko harbors trematode infections, although at a relatively low prevalence. This indicates the role of M. tuberculata as an intermediate host for trematodes infection. The finding provides insight into the potential health risk posed by the aquatic environment of River Siluko. This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of snail-borne trematode infections in the region and offers valuable data that can support public health planning, especially in community like Siluko that relied on water from the river for domestic and recreational activities. There is therefore need for continuous monitoring of freshwater snails parasites infection in the area

Clays have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, ranging from wound healing to antibacterial applications, owing to their adsorptive and chemical properties that inhibit pathogens and support tissue regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of Okpepe clay, Uzala black clay and the combined effect of both clays on clinical isolates against some clinical isolates. Clay samples were processed into suspensions, physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal content and organic carbon. Uzala black clay had a higher pH (7.85), CEC (25.90 cmol/kg), and organic matter (2.80 %), while OKC was more acidic (pH 6.12) with higher EC and TDS. Antibacterial activity was tested against some clinical isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus spp. using agar well diffusion at concentrations of 100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 %. Uzala black clay demonstrated superior antibacterial activity with larger zones of inhibition and lower MIC values (6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus) compared to Okpekpe clay. Uzala black clay was bactericidal (MBC/MIC ≤ 2) against all isolates, while Okpekpe clay was often bacteriostatic. The clay combination (1:1) showed a remarkable synergistic effect, particularly at 75 % concentration, producing the largest zones of inhibition (42 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Uzala Black Clay is a potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal agent. The combination with Okpekpe Clay results in a significant synergistic enhancement of antibacterial efficacy. Its efficacy against clinical isolates, including those resistant to common antibiotics, highlights its potential as a source for developing new antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant bacteria and its novel antimicrobial strategies.

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire
to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study Showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye

Aba, a major commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria, faces growing air pollution pressures, particularly from carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols. Sentinel-5P satellite data processed on Google Earth Engine were used to track their concentrations from 2019 to 2024, with annual, monthly, and spatial patterns assessed alongside inter-annual variation. CO peaked at 0.0562 mol/m² in 2024 and was lowest in 2023 at 0.0489 mol/m². February consistently recorded the highest monthly values, reflecting intensified dry-season emissions and limited atmospheric dispersion. Aerosols followed a similar seasonal cycle, peaking in February, with the highest concentration in 2024 (0.1683) and the lowest in 2020 (-0.7115). Spatial analysis revealed persistent hotspots in central and northern Aba, especially around Ariaria International Market, Aba Industrial Zone, and Ngwa Road Market, while outlying areas such as Asa Umu Nka and Crystal Park Avenue maintained lower levels. Statistical testing showed that CO differences were significant in the early years (2019–2020, 2021–2022) and highly significant in the later period (2023–2024 and the 2019–2024 comparison), while no significant changes occurred in 2020–2021 or 2022–2023. Aerosols, by contrast, recorded highly significant differences from
2019 to 2022, but no significant changes in the later years, except for a strong 2019–2024
contrast. Despite these fluctuations, both pollutants remained persistently elevated in densely populated and economically active zones, underscoring continued risks to health and environmental quality. The findings confirm the value of Sentinel-5P and Google Earth Engine for urban air quality assessment and highlight the need for targeted emission control and stronger regulatory oversight.

This study evaluates the microbial contamination in raw meat across four various open
market in benin city. Inadequate meat handling and contamination lead to spoilage, waste and reduced shelf life, which negatively affect both producers and vendors. Meat vendors often do not have access to refrigeration, and meat is displayed in unsanitary conditions, making it susceptible to microbial growth. The lack of cold chain infrastructure, where meat products are transported and stored at proper temperatures, exacerbates the situation. In Addition, foodborne illness outbreaks can result in costly hospitalizations, legal liabilities, and loss of consumer trust in the meat supply chain (Wagener et al., 2020). In Benin City, improving microbial detection and control measures would not only enhance public health but also boost the economic sustainability of the local meat industry. As a result, meat often remains at temperatures favorable to bacterial growth for extended periods, leading to foodborne disease outbreaks (Bokhari et al., 2021). In Benin City, as in many Nigerian cities, there is a notable lack of proper monitoring and regulation of food safety standards, making it difficult to address these issues effectively. The slaughtering process often takes place in poorly regulated slaughterhouses where hygiene and sanitation practices are inadequate. According to a study by Akinmoladun et al., (2020), many slaughterhouses in Edo State lack proper waste disposal systems, hygienic facilities, and pest control measures, which create an environment conducive to microbial growth. Slaughtered meat is often exposed to contamination from unclean surfaces, utensils, and equipment. Moreover, there is often a lack of adequate training in food safety practices for slaughterhouse workers, resulting in improper handling and processing of meat (Ajayi et al., 2020). The contamination of meat is not limited to slaughterhouses. In Benin City’s open-air markets, where meat is sold directly to consumers, poor handling practices and improper storage conditions further contribute to microbial contamination. Meat vendors often do not have access to refrigeration, and meat is displayed in unsanitary conditions, making it susceptible to microbial growth. The lack of cold chain infrastructure, where meat products are transported and stored at proper temperatures, exacerbates the situation. As a result, meat often remains at temperatures favorable to bacterial growth for extended periods, leading to foodborne disease outbreaks (Bokhari et al., 2021). In Benin City, as in many Nigerian cities, there is a notable lack of proper monitoring and regulation of food safety standards, making it
difficult to address these issues effectively.

Climate change presents significant threats to human and environmental systems, with impacts including rising temperatures, flooding, drought, biodiversity loss, and declining agricultural productivity. While a variety of adaptation strategies exist, adoption rates remain relatively low, often due to social, institutional, and psychological barriers rather than a lack of available
measures. This study helps to investigate the underlying factors that hinder individuals from adopting climate change adaptation strategies, with particular focus on psychological, social, financial, institutional, and sociocultural barriers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 160 respondents in Benin City, and the data were analyzed using SPSS for reliability, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis. The reliability of the instrument used for this study is 0.867. The result revealed that a majority of respondents are aware of climate change adaptation strategies and understand their potential impacts. Contrary to expectations, insufficient finance and sociocultural beliefs were not identified as significant barriers, as most respondents demonstrated that finance was not a barrier to them and cultural openness to adaptation measures. Institutional and government-related barriers were minimal, though concerns about unclear policies and low trust in government initiatives were noted. Psychological barriers, such as low self-efficacy and skepticism toward expert advice, emerged as moderate obstacles, influencing perceptions of responsibility and individual action. Correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between age and education with climate change awareness, while awareness was positively associated with psychological barriers. Therefore, people in the study area have little challenges in term of awareness, finances, institutional, psychological and
sociocultural barriers in adopting climate change adaptation strategies. . However, climate literacy should be integrated into curricula and supported by media and community-based outreach so as to increase awareness.

This study examined the fungal community associated with the topsoil of three major open markets in Benin City, Uselu, Kara, and Oluku, representing different environmental and sanitary conditions. The aim was to enumerate, identify, and compare the fungal species present in the topsoil, focusing on differences between the tomatoes (plant-based) and cattle/beef (animal-based) sections. Topsoil samples were collected aseptically from six locations and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar using the pour plate technique. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. The mean total heterotrophic fungal count ranged from 12.5 ± 3.3 × 10³ cfu/g in Uselu cattle/beef section to 28.5 ± 3.7 × 10³ cfu/g in Oluku cattle/beef section. Tomato sections of Uselu and Kara showed moderate counts (15.7 ± 2.9× 10³ and 16.2 ± 4.7 × 10³ cfu/g), while Oluku tomato soil had 27.7 ± 6.5 × 10³ cfu/g, indicating greater microbial activity. Ten fungal taxa were identified are Aspergillus species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus), alongside Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium, Trichoderma sp, and Alternaria sp. Oluku Market exhibited the highest diversity, particularly in tomato sections, where potential aflatoxin producing fungi like; Aspergillus flavus were prevalent. The results of this reveal that market top soils in Benin City have diverse fungi. The frequent presence of toxin-producing Aspergillus species in the locations highlights the need for improved waste management and hygiene to reduce potential public health risks. xi

Medicinal plants are plants that generally contain constituents that have been found useful for the treatment and management of both animal and human diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. This present work determined the ameliorative effect of the histopathological changes in Streptozotocin-Induced diabetic rats. Male wistar rats were purchased of age (16weeks), kept in clean and serene cages and left to acclimatize for two weeks and were fed with normal poultry feed before inducing them with Streptozotocin according to their weight and were divided into 7 groups and were administered treatment using Metformin, crude extract, ethyl acetate of 200mg and 400mg respectively. From the histopathological studies of the liver, it showed that the control group had hepatocytes and central vein organized, orderly and patterns are regular. The negative control group showed periportal hepatitis, inflammation of the hepatocytes and zonal necrosis while the group treated using Metformin showed a little improvement but there was still portal hepatitis and necrosis. When 200mg of the crude extract was administered, necrosis was reduced, inflammation persisted but mild. 400mg of the crude extract ameliorated the disease, no inflammation, no congestion, no necrosis, fine hepatocytes, Sinosoids were seen properly and Kupffer cells were activated. 200mg ethyl acetate tried in ameliorating the effects of the Streptozotocin damage. Small inflammation was observed, small congestion was observed , necrosis were really reduced and there was Kupffer cell activation too. 400mg ethyl acetate was administered and the inflammation though mild became more obvious compared to the 200mg of ethyl acetate which did a better job at ameliorating the effects of the Streptozotocin. The bile ducts were obvious and no congestion was observed.