FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Houseflies, also known as Musca domestica L. , are a type of insect in the Muscidae family. Certain types of these bugs are capable of transmitting illnesses. They are called dirty flies because they like to hang around things like garbage and poop. This study found the germs and harmful bacteria that are linked to house flies and the potential danger in the main market in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state. We used a net to collect things from two parts of the dumpsites.Testing was done on housefly samples to find out what kind of bacteria were in them. This involved looking at the bacteria under a microscope, identifying their physical traits, and seeing how they grew on special substances. The studyfound certain types ofbacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus vulgaris. The study found that the amounts of certain types of bacteria ranged from 1. 4 x 106 to 1. 6 x 106 for coliformbacteriaandfrom6.7x106to7.4x106forotherbacteria.
The bacteria Escherichia coli, Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus were separated. We all react strongly to Gentamycin and ciprofloxacin. is a type of bacteria. E coli and Serratia bacteria are easily affected by chitosan. is a type of bacteria. The tests showed that most bacteria were sensitive to carbenicillin, but Proteus sp was resistant to it. The MAR index ranged from 0. 333 to 0444. It was found that houseflies in Uselu market from Egor Local Government Area of Edo state carry harmful parasites and bacteria on their bodies and inside them. So there is need to control the number of flies to prevent diseases caused by flies now and in the future..

Major contributions to the pollution in the atmosphere are Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from cement factories as well as other industrial activities in Urban and Rural areas. The study area covers Ibese, Paplanto, Abeokuta, Ewekoro and other rural areas as they play host to either cement factories or congested urban. This research compared the amount of NO2 and SO2 released into the atmosphere at Ibese, Papalanto and Abeokuta. Sentinel 5P data for the study area was used to monitor these pollutants. Google earth engine editor was used to extract the pollutants over the study area. The duration considered was a 4-month interval within year 2019 to 2021 which was used to present 3 spatial maps per year resulting in a total of 9 maps for both pollutants. SO2 concentration ranged between-0.000161 to 0.0000782;-0.000206 to 0.000162; 0.000194 to 0.000228, for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. NO2 concentration ranged between 0.0000459 to 0.0000846, 0.0000491 to 0.0000947, 0.0000565 to 0.000122 mol/m2 for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The spatial distribution for both pollutants were regrouped into 4 classes namely low, moderate, high and very high. Ibese fell once within the low class, seven times within the moderate class, five times each within the high and very high class respectively considering both the NO2 and SO2 maps. Papalanto fell twice within the low class, once within the moderate class, six times within the high class and eight times within the very high class. Abeokuta fell six times within the moderate class and twelve times within the high class. The most dominant zone is the moderate zone followed by the high zone for SO2 and NO2 between 2019 and 2021. The frequency of occurrence of Papalanto and Ibese within the peak zone of SO2 and NO2 was very high when compared to the frequency of occurrence of Abeokuta which never fell beyond the high zone of either pollutant. This was attributed to the cement factory working nonstop located within Papalanto and Ibese.

This study examined the length-weight relationship, Fulton's k-factor, and sex ratios of Chromidotilapia guentheri and Malapterurus electricus from October 2023 to March 2024. The study was carried out in Ikpoba River, Benin City. The Overall mean values for total length (TL), standard length (SL), head length (HL), body depth (BD), weight, and k-factor for Chromidotilapia guentheri during the sampling period were 26.0cm, 20.3cm, 7.1cm, 8.2cm,106.4g, and 3.8725, respectively. The Overall mean values for TL, SL, HL, BD, weight, and k-factor Malapterurus electricus during the sampling period were 32.9cm, 28.0cm, 8.5cm, 5.3cm, 139.2g, and 4.5710, respectively. The sex ratios of C. guentheri were 0.4:0.6, indicating a higher number of females, M. electricus were 1:00.8, indicating a higher number of males. C. guentheri had a mean k-factor ranging from lower than 1.61 in November to higher than 2.26 in March, while M. electricus ranged from lower than 0.94 in January to higher than 10.4 in March. The regression coefficients were less than 3 (b<3) for both species, indicating a negative allometric growth, meaning that the fish become slimmer/less weighty with increasing. The knowledge of these species is important for proper management of fishery resources and increase knowledge on understanding the species and other related fish.

This study explores the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of four medicinal plants Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Citrus aurantiifolia (lime), and Curcuma longa (turmeric)—to assess their potential in treating throat infections. The research aims to determine their antimicrobial effectiveness, identify bioactive compounds, establish optimal dosages, and scientifically validate traditional medicinal use. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plants were tested against bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acdophilus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) were evaluated, showing that the extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. The inhibition zones increased with higher concentrations, though the extracts were less potent than ciprofloxacin, the control antibiotic. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids, with phenolics being the most abundant. Elemental analysis identified essential macro- and microelements such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron, which may contribute to the therapeutic potential of these plants. The study concludes that these plant extracts exhibit notable antimicrobial properties, likely due to their rich phytochemical composition, and could serve as complimentary or alternative treatments for throat infections. However, further studies are necessary to refine formulations, elucidate mechanisms of action, and assess clinical applications. This research highlights the relevance of medicinal plants in combating antibiotic resistance and underscores their potential role in natural healthcare.

To determine the extent of physicochemical concentrations in the research area, a groundwater quality evaluation was conducted in Edo State's Ikpoba Okha LGA. Fifteen (15) boreholes were randomly selected from the study region and their physicochemical characteristics were examined. This study also used statistical and cluster analysis techniques. The most significant
component of the cluster analysis is the Dendrogram, which showed the Euclidean distance level at which a combination of elements and clusters was present. Four clusters were found, and Cluster 1, which is primarily composed of heavy metals, showed correlation and similarities among the relevant parameters. Among the parameters that were looked at were the water
sample's pH, turbidity, TDS, electrical conductivity, salinity, and TSS. An atomic absorption spectrometer was used to identify heavy metals and cations, such as Na, K, Ca, and Mg, whereas
sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, and carbonates were detected as anions. The results of the study indicated that the water samples had a pH range of 5.28 to 5.98, indicating that they were acidic. The research region's pH ranged from 4.51 to 5.22, while TDS varied from 5.34 to 6.22 mg/l. There were 1.54 mg/l to 2.12 mg/l of nitrate in the research area. Every water sample was
collected and compared to the WHO threshold of 10 mg/l. The research area's copper concentration ranged from 0.039 mg/l to 0.086 mg/l. The sample with the highest recorded value
was BH9, and the sample with the lowest recorded value was BH15. The study region's manganese concentrations range from 0.05 mg/l to 0.35 mg/l, with the mean, lowest, and highest
values included in these data. The WHO criterion is 0.1 mg/l, and just one sample (BH8) was higher than that. Some of the wells' water samples and those from a few boreholes are
contaminated with too high amounts of certain parameters to be consumed by humans. Therefore, it has been established that human activities (refuse dumping, sewage disposal, etc.) have had an impact on the quality of the groundwater in that area.

This study was carried out to assess the effect of spent engine oil on the growth of two microalgae Monoraphidium contortum and Dimorphococcus lunatus. The test algae were grown in seven concentrations of 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% which were set up in triplicates. The growth response was monitored every two days for 14days using a visible spectrophotometer (Model No. HV-721). The percentage inhibition, percentage yield, growth rate, and cumulative growth rate and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were calculated using Microsoft Excel software. Physicochemical parameters were also assessed including, pH, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity using prescribed methods. The results obtained showed that both microalgae species exhibited a positive growth response to the WSF, with Monoraphidium contortum consistently demonstrating higher growth compared to Dimorphococcus lunatus across all tested WSF concentrations. Statistical analysis using ANOVA indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) in growth response among the various WSF concentrations for both species. However, temporal differences between measurements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Percentage inhibition analysis revealed growth stimulation at low concentrations (5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%) and inhibition at high concentrations (75% and 100%) for both species, with Monoraphidium contortum showing higher inhibitory response relative to Dimorphococcus lunatus. Algal yield was enhanced at low to high concentrations (0-75%) for Monoraphidium contortum and low to moderate concentrations (0-50%) for Dimorphococcus lunatus. Growth rate analysis consistently favored Monoraphidium contortum across all WSF concentrations tested. Cumulative growth rate analysis suggested that Dimorphococcus lunatus may be less tolerant to WSF components compared to Monoraphidium contortum. Furthermore, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and pH increased significantly on termination of the experiment. Based on the findings of this study, both microalgae showed bioremediation potentials and should be further studied

This study investigates the cyto-morphological characteristics of two Nigerian species of the family Asteraceae, namely Aspilia africana and Spilanthes costata. Cyto-morphological studies are essential in plant taxonomy as they help in understanding the structural and chromosomal features that contribute to the classification, identification, and evolutionary relationships of plant species. The study aims to examine both the cytological and morphological attributes of these plants in order to provide useful taxonomic information. The research involves the collection of plant samples from selected locations, followed by detailed laboratory analysis. Morphological observations were carried out based on visible plant characteristics such as leaf shape, stem structure, flower arrangement, and growth pattern. Cytological studies were conducted using microscopic techniques to examine chromosome number, cell structure, and other cellular features. These analyses were used to identify similarities and differences between the two species. The results reveal variations in both morphological traits and cytological characteristics between the studied species, which provide valuable information for their classification and identification within the Asteraceae family. The findings also highlight the importance of combining cytological and morphological approaches in plant taxonomy and biodiversity studies. The study concludes that cyto-morphological analysis remains a useful tool in understanding plant diversity and improving the systematic classification of plant species. It further recommends additional molecular and genetic studies to complement cytological and morphological investigations for more accurate plant identification and evolutionary studies.

In this study, the concentration dependent ovicidal effects of three botanicals were investigated on the eggs of Ephestia cautella. Three plants were selected for the experimental process, these include bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata). Aqueous, alcohol and acetone extracts of the selected botanicals were prepared. Eggs of the insect Ephestia cautella were also collected and treated with the various extracts. The ovicidal activity of the various extract o the eggs of E. cautella was investigated after 96h and the percentage mortalities were estimated for the various extracts. Findings from the study revealed that for aqueous extract treatments, the highest percentage mortality 55.81% was recorded for treatments with aqueous extract of Siam weed while the lowest percentage mortality 6.97% was recorded for treatments with aqueous extract of Bitter leaf. For alcohol extracts treatments, the highest percentage mortality 20.00% was recorded for treatments with alcohol extract of Bitter leaf while the lowest percentage mortality 8% was recorded for treatments with alcohol extract of Neem leaf. Ovicidal effect of acetone extract on eggs of Ephestia cautella revealed that the highest percentage mortality 20.00% was recorded for treatments with acetone extract of Bitter leaf and Neem leaf. Aqueous extract of the botanicals were most effective in inhibiting the egg development of E. cautella. The study proved the efficacy of botanicals in preventing the growth and development of destructive plant pests such as Ephestia cautella. key words

This study evaluated the many waste streams produced at the University of Benin and its teaching hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. Additionally, it evaluated the health risks related to the heavy metal concentrations in the soil around the waste
dumps. Each of the waste dumps on the campus and hospital undergo waste characterization through material type sorting. The findings demonstrate that the waste produced has the potential to be recycled if it is separated, and it also demonstrate that Cadmium (Cd) is above the permissible limit of WHO (1996), FEPA (1991) and US EPA (2002) in refuse dumps 5, 8 and 9 which is 0.8 mg/kg, 1 mg/ kg and 0.48 mg/ kg respectively. The ten sampled sites has cadmium concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 2.70 mg/kg, with a mean of 0.49 + 0.810mg/kg. In refuse dump 5, the Zinc concentration was higher than the
50mg/kg acceptable limit established by WHO (1996). Chromium (Cr) concentrations in the ten sampled sites are higher than the permissible limit which is 0.20 mg/kg, according to the FEPA (1991) guideline. It’s concentration ranges from 1.70 mg/ kg to 8.05 mg/ kg with a mean of 4.28 + 2.23 mg/ kg in the ten sampled sites. The lead (Pb) threshold set by FEPA (1991) is 0.05 mg/ kg and it shows that the concentration of lead in refuse dumps 4, 8 and 10 exceed the threshold. Manganese was the metal with the highest concentrations with a range of 26.10 to 124.40 mg/ kg and a mean of 64.5 + 34.73 mg/ kg which was above the permissible limit of WHO (2004) and FEPA (1991) which are 12 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/ kg respectively.

This study was carried out to determine heavy metal levels and distribution in soils and earthworm in selected primary and nursery schools namely, Owina school, Olua school, Ubth staff school, Calvary crown and Impact academy, located in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of ten (10) soil sample and thirty (30) earthworms were collected from five school; particularly the playground area in Benin City, Nigeria. Seven (7) heavy metals were examined in this study namely: Iron, Zinc, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Cadmium. The mean concentration of metals in soils ranged from 14.56-121.3 mg/kg for Fe, 5.98-43.22 mg/kg for Zn, 1.56 -15.44 mg/kg for Cr, 0.73 - 19.26 mg/kg for Cu, 0.38 - 1.44 mg/kg for Pb, 2.16 - 4.28 mg/kg for Ni and 0.012 - 0.04 mg/kg for Cd. While the mean concentration of metals in earthworm ranged from 49.45-95.73 mg/kg for Fe, 18.93 - 108.7 mg/kg for Zn, 1.86 - 5.74 mg/kg for Cr, 6.47 - 50.27 mg/kg for Cu, 0.23 - 0.63 mg/kg for Pb, 0.22 - 0.62 mg/kg for Ni and 0.04 - 0.14 mg/kg for Cd.The value recorded in soils were observed to be higher in comparison to the values in earthworms. The highest mean value in soils was recorded in Owina school and the lowest was recorded in Ubth staff school while the highest mean value in earthworm was recorded in Olua school and the lowest in Impact academy. Much attention should be given to heavy metals because oftheir high toxicity potential in children, their widespread use and their prevalenc