FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Soil health plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity, influencing microbial diversity, nutrient availability, and overall plant growth. The presence of plant growth-promotingbacteria(PGPB) in soil enhances crop yield by facilitating nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of essential phytohormones This study focused on the isolation of PGPBfromselected farmlands in Oluku and an assessment of the physicochemical properties of thesoils. Bacterial counts varied across the farms, with the highest recorded in Farm8 (40.60±5.94×10⁴ CFU/ml) and the lowest in Farm 6 (11.20±0.57 × 10⁴ CFU/ml). Nine bacterial species wereidentified, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichiacoli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Bacillus pumilus. Among these, E. coli exhibited all four keyplant growth-promoting traits: nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, andindole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, making it the most versatile isolate. The physicochemical analysis of soil samples revealed pH values ranging from slightly acidic to nearly neutral (5.64–6.42). Electrical conductivity, organic matter, and organic carbon contents varied significantly, with Farm 2 exhibiting the highest values (EC: 873.00 ± 43.65 μS/cm, OM: 4.78 ± 0.24%, OC: 8.24 ± 0.41%). Essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, andmagnesium were also found in varying concentrations across the farmlands. Heavymetal analysis indicated the presence of iron (453.72–637.84 mg/kg), zinc (65.79–87.52 mg/kg), lead(2.87–4.69 mg/kg), and copper (21.45–28.75 mg/kg), with potential implications for soil qualityand crop safety. These findings highlight the significance of beneficial soil bacteria in improvingplant growth and emphasize the need for sustainable soil management practices. Regularmonitoring of soil nutrients and heavy metal levels is essential for maintaining soil fertilityandensuring safe agricultural production.

This study investigated the influence of soil pH variation on weed development originating from soil seed banks. Soil samples were subjected to distinct pH concentrations of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The objective was to ascertain the effects of varying pH levels on weed species' development and diversity, thereby shedding light on potential implications for crop productivity. The study's significance lies in its exploration of the relationship between pH concentrations and weed diversity, with implications for crop management. If weeds, which possess adaptable traits, are compromised by pH fluctuations, the security of agricultural crops faces a similar threat. The experiment entailed exposing soil samples to diverse pH concentrations, with two sets of replicates and a control group. Initially, the samples were
irrigated with a 300 ml solution, followed by subsequent applications of 200 ml every alternate day. Emergent weed counts were documented at four-day intervals over an 8-week period. The findings revealed noteworthy trends. At pH extremes of 3 and 11, reduced diversity was observed due to growth suppression, indicating the susceptibility of weed species to extreme pH conditions

This study evaluated indoor air quality and examined major risk factors for respiratory symptoms among students who used University of Benin libraries and laboratories. The concentrations of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde were measured during the morning and afternoon sampling periods, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, environmental, and health data. Statistical analyses included paired-samples t tests and chi- square tests, with significance set at p < 0.01. The mean pollutant concentrations range from 14.5 ± 0.6 to 24.1 ± 3.1 µg/m³ (PM₂.₅), 27.0 ± 1.5 to 43.2 ± 6.7 µg/m³ (PM₁₀), 399.5 ± 0.3 to 404.4 ± 4.7 ppm (CO₂), and 0.003 ± 0.000 to 0.026 ± 0.012 mg/m³ (HCOH), 24.6 ± 0.2 °C to 32.6 ± 3.7 °C (Temperature), and 69.1 ± 0.5% RH to 78.3 ± 0.6% RH (Relative Humidity).The mean pollutant concentrations did not differ significantly between the morning and afternoon samples, indicating temporal stability. In contrast, environmental factors were significantly associated with symptom prevalence. Notably, a highly significant but inverse relationship emerged for cleaning frequency: participants reporting daily cleaning reported the highest symptom prevalence compared with those reporting monthly cleaning. Demographic variables such as age and sex were not significant predictors of symptoms. These findings indicate that respiratory health risks in these indoor settings are driven less by short-term fluctuations in measured pollutants and more by shortcomings in building maintenance.

Agricultural soil harbors a diverse array of microorganisms that play crucial roles in plant growth and soil fertility. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties and plant growth-promoting potential of bacteria isolated from selected farmlands in Benin City, EdoState, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from various agricultural locations, and the total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 1.34 ± 0.37 to 2.48 ± 0.85 (x10^4 cfu/ml), withthehighest counts found in the Capitol Area. Nine bacterial isolates were identified, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis was present in all locations, while P. aeruginosa and E. coli were more localized. B. subtilis and E. coli were the most prevalent isolates, each accounting for 26.32% of the total isolates. The physicochemical properties of the soils showed variability across locations, withthepH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. The highest electrical conductivity (EC) was observed in VC Quarters, suggesting a higher concentration of dissolved salts. Organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), and nitrogen content were notably higher in VC Quarters, indicating better soil fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels were also highest in VC Quarters, supporting nutrient availability for plant growth. Other essential nutrients such as calcium (Ca), potassium(K), and magnesium (Mg) varied across the locations, with Capitol Area exhibiting the highest calcium content, while potassium and magnesium were abundant in VC Quarters and Capitol Area, respectively. These findings underscore the role of soil microbiota in promoting plant growth, aswell as the importance of soil nutrient composition for agriculture. The presence of diverse bacterial isolates with potential plant growth-promoting characteristics, alongside varying soil properties, offers valuable insights into improving agricultural practices and soil management inBenin City.

Azanza garckeana is a plant species native to Africa that has been used in traditional medicine. Despite its widespread use, the potential toxicity of its extracts on vital organs like the liver and kidneys remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a hydro- methanolic extract from the seeds of Azanza garckeana on liver and kidney function parameters in male and female Wistar albino rats. The extract was administered orally at doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, and various biomarkers were evaluated. For liver function, the study found no significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and
conjugated bilirubin levels in both male and female rats across the treatment groups, suggesting no apparent hepatotoxicity at the tested doses. However, a significant increase in creatinine levels was observed at higher doses (300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg) in both genders, indicating potential nephrotoxicity or impaired renal function. Other kidney function parameters, such as urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels, did not show significant changes. In
conclusion, while the hydro-methanolic seed extract of Azanza garckeana did not affect liver function, caution should be exercised regarding its potential adverse effects on kidney function, particularly at higher doses. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential implications for human use.

This study investigated the pro-fertility effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) on the reproduction of female Wistar albino rats. Reproductive health represents a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and the relationship between nutrition and female reproductive function has gained significant attention. The research aimed to evaluate the profertility effects of fresh pineapple juice consumption on reproductive parameters including organ development and hormonal regulation.Thirty Female Wistar albino rats were used as experimental models, with doses of normal control, 5mg/kg Folic acid, 5mg/kg tamoxfene, then 5ml/kg and 20ml/kg of fresh pineapple juice administered over a 21-days treatment period. Results demonstrated significant estrogenic effects with dose-dependent increases in reproductive organ mass,particularly uterine weight, across all treatment groups compared to controls. Hormonal assays revealed notable alterations in reproductive hormone levels, including changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estrogen levels, indicating enhanced estrogenic activity and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The findings suggest that pineapple extract possesses measurable pro-fertility properties mediated through its complex array of bioactive compounds. The mechanism appears to involve anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant protection, hormonal modulation that collectively create favorable conditions for reproductive function

Banana and Plantain petals are plants commonly found in Africa, it is consumed locally and reportedly use for diverse medicinal purposes. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the extract of these banana and plantain petals on the liver function of female Wistar albino rats. A total of 42 female Wistar albino rats were used to carry out this study. The rats were acclimatized for 2 weeks before being randomly assigned into 7 groups, with 6 rats per group. Group 1 served as the control group, while groups 2 to 7 were designated as the experimental test groups. The experimental test groups were further subdivided into 2 groups: groups 2, 3 and 4were administered doses of 2.0ml, 1.0ml, and 0.5ml, of plantain petal extract respectively, whereas groups 5, 6, and 7 were administered 2.0ml, 1.0mland 0.5ml of banana petal extract respectively. The extracts were administered daily for duration of 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were anesthetized with chloroform, blood sample was collected from the abdominal aorta and the heart and the rats were then sacrificed. The resultsrevealed a non-significant change (p>0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein activities in experimental groups relative to the control group. This result also showed a mild increase in bilirubin levels in some of the groups administered with banana petal extract, albumin levels of the experimental groups administered with
the banana petals extracts showed a significant increase (p<0.05) relative to the control. In conclusion, aqueous banana and plantain petals extract has no negative impact on the liver

This study investigated the chemical composition of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) essential oils collected from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia-North East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim was to comparatively evaluate the bioactive constituents and determine variations in phytochemical profiles that influence the plant’s medicinal and industrial applications. Essential oils were extracted using Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane and analyzed by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC – MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The GC–MS results revealed a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, monoterpenoids, phenolics, long-chain alkanes, fatty acids, esters, and sterols. Major bioactive compounds identified included thymol, caryophyllene oxide, o-cymene, neophytadiene, phytol, and squalene, with thymol emerging as the dominant bioactive constituent. Among the samples, Oredo extract showed higher concentrations of oxygenated terpenes and hydrocarbons, indicating stronger antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, while Ikpoba-Okha and Ovia-North samples exhibited broader chemical diversity. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C = O), and carbon – carbon double bonds(C = C), characteristic of phenolics, terpenoids, and aromatic compounds. These findings validate the therapeutic and aromatic relevance of O. gratissimum, highlighting its potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries. The study concludes that environmental and geographical factors significantly influence the chemical variability and quality of O. gratissimum essential

Visual disorders have a profound impact on the overall well-being of individuals, often extending beyond physical impairments to include psychological and emotional challenges. This research assessed the prevalence and levels of depression, anxiety and
stress among persons with visual disorders within the University of Benin community. This study employed the use of a structured questionnaire as well as the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) self-report questionnaire. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of depression was 61.0% with majority (28.2%) of the respondents having moderate depression levels. Length of time of managing their ocular condition was statistically significant with p=0.021. The prevalence of anxiety among respondents was 73.75% with majority (34.5%) of the respondents having moderate anxiety levels. Length of time of managing their ocular condition was statistically significant with p=0.038. While the p (12.5%) of the respondents having mild stress levels. Age, Level of education and Length of time of managing their ocular condition were all statistically significant with p=0.058. 0,020 and 0.047 respectively. Refractive errors accounted for majority (65.8%) of the visual disorders found within this region and thus the most frequently experienced. This research serves as proof that emphasizes the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with visual disorders and, subsequently, to inform thedevelopment of strategies for early detection, intervention and support.

The research was carried out to evaluate the spoilage microorganisms of tomatoes sold in Benin City. Standard bacteriological methods were used to enumerate the total bacterial and fungal count of the tomatoes using pour plate methods after serial dilution. The bacterial isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and biochemical methods and sugar fermentation test. The percentage distribution and frequency of the isolates were evaluated using statistical method. The result obtained in this study showed that the highest bacterial, coliform and fungal population was obtained in Adolor sample with values of 6.07554±1.00, 5.09691±0.5 and 4.767155±0.5 log10 cfu/g respectively while the least bacterial, coliform and fungal count was obtained from Uselu and Ekosodin samples with values of 5.35218±2.00, 3.69897±1.00 and 4.32221±1.00 log10 cfu/g respectively. Using the cultural and morphological characteristics, the fungal isolates obtained in this study were Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma sp, Penicillium sp and Rhizopus arrhizus while the bacterial isolates obtained were Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Klebsiella sp and Staphylococcus sp. From the result, isolates were resistance to many of the antibiotics including, collistin, Erytromycin, metronidazole and clindamycin but were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, augmentin and gentamycin. The result in this study has shed light into the gaining of entrance of food borne pathogens as well as some spoilage microorganisms (mostly fungi) during selling, harvesting and cultivation which may result in food poisoning.