FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Air is essential for sustaining life on Earth. It provides us with oxygen to breathe, and regulates the Earth’s climate. Clean and healthy air is needed for our overall well-being and the environment. Unfortunately, our environment has been exposed to different air pollutants because of various daily activities. Most of these day-to-day activities of human occur in an indoor environment, as people spend more of their daily time indoors; hence, the tendency to be exposed to indoor air pollution is considerably high compared with the outdoor air pollutants. For young children, classrooms are a major indoor environment where they spend approximately 90% of their daily active time in a day, as such indoor air quality become crucial. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been linked to serious health issues. PM2.5 is a particulate matter which has an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 or less and has the capacity to penetrate deep into the lungs, generated from transportation (Vehicular exhaust fumes, wear and tear of roads, brakes, and tyres) and industrial combustion processes such as cooking. It therefore becomes necessary to conduct a study on the atmospheric air condition of the indoor environment. The interaction between PM2.5 and meteorological parameters in schools is paramount as it plays a crucial role in air pollution analysis due to health implications on school children

Magnesium nanoparticles have potentials on plant growth and development, Ferruginous soil is known for their high iron content and addition of maize nanoparticles may have several impacts on the maize plants. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and play a crucial role in various physiological processes including photosynthesis, enzyme activation, nutrient uptake. The application of magnesium nanoparticles in ferruginous soil may also enhance the availability and uptake of magnesium by maize plants leading to improved growth, increased chlorophyll content, and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. However, it is important to note that specific effects of magnesium nanoparticles on maize plant in ferruginous soil may depend on the following factors such as nanoparticle concentration, application method and soil conditions

This study was carried out to evaluate the microbiological and proximate analysis of diseased and healthy tomato fruits (Lycopersicum esculentum). Standard microbiological and analytical methods were used to determine the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal count of healthy and diseased tomato samples obtained from two locations in Benin City. The isolated bacteria were characterized and identified using cultural and biochemical means from the samples. The proximate parameters such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibres and ash contents were evaluated using standard methods. The results revealed that the
bacterial count ranged from 7.13 ±0.11 x 10 4cfu/g in Uselu market to 4.25 ±0.96 x 10 4cfu/g in Osa market.

A wide array of ethno-medicinal values has been attributed to the different parts of Annona muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant to augment conventional drugs. Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out on the stem bark extract of Annona muricata Linn. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of A. muricata on hematological parameters in wistar albino rats. A total of Sixty (60) male albino rats were divided into 12 groups of five (5) rats each. They were given grower pellets and water. Groups one (control), two, three, four, five, six were administered 0, 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract per day respectively for a period of 28days.Weekly measurements of body weight were carried out. After 30 days, the rats were subjected to overnight fast after which they were sacrificed, with their
blood and organ samples collected into sterile containers with anticoagulant. Hematological profiles showed increased levels of red blood cells and its related indices for both methanolic and aqueous extract of Annona muricta. The investigation into the sub-chronic toxicity of methanol and aqueous extract of the stem bark of Annona muricata revealed no significant effect on the immunity of wistar albino rats.

The soil is a reservoir for various clostridial pathogens, with agricultural soils representing a major source of contamination for overlying crops and grazing livestock. Indigenous bacteria in the soil environment can produce a wide range of solvents and metabolites more efficiently. This study therefore was aimed at determining the antibacterial potential of crude metabolic extracts from Clostridium spp. isolated from cattle yards in Benin City, Nigeria against clinically relevant bacterial isolates. Soil samples were collected in triplicates each at 0-5 cm depth using soil Auger from cattle farmlands in Eyaen, Aduwawa 1, Aduwawa 2 and Dumez in Benin City Nigeria. Clinical isolates were collected from Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Benin
Teaching Hospital, Benin City Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters of the soil were analysed using standard methods. Minerals and heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bacteria were isolated using dilution technique and cultured on appropriate culture media followed by in-vitro screening for virulent factors. Isolated pathogens were subsequently assessed for antibiotic resistance to common antibiotics and resistance to crude metabolites using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while Clostridium species were further identified using molecular technique. The phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper where above the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) acceptable limit while electrical conductivity was below and potassium within FMEnv acceptable limit. The total Clostridium counts of soil samples ranged from 5.13±0.02 × 10 3cfu/g - 5.53±0.10 × 10 3cfu/g. The Clostridium isolates identified from the soil samples were Clostridium sporogens, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium bolteae, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium perfringens. Staphylococcus aureus was
found to exhibit positive characteristics for gelatinase, lipase, DNAse and hemolysin production. C. perfringenss and C. butyricum had the highest zone of inhibition against xi Escherichia coli (1.07±0.03 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (1.07±0.03 mm), while C. perfringens had the least zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa (0.10±0.00 mm). Enterobacter aerogenes had the highest percentage antibiotic resistance (50%) which was against amoxicillin, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42.1%) against parfloxacin. Clostridium species exhibit varying degrees of antibacterial activity against specific bacterial isolates which prove its potential therapeutic applications. Therefore, Clostridium species can be used commercially for the production of antibiotics after purification and proper standardization.

Air pollution remains a critical environmental and public health challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions. This study employs Sentinel-5P satellite data and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze the spatial and temporal trends of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and aerosols in Lokoja, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. As a major transit hub, Lokoja experiences significant pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning,necessitating comprehensive monitoring. Results reveal dynamic fluctuations in pollutant concentrations, with CO levels peaking in 2024 due to increased fossil fuel combustion, while NO₂ concentrations spiked in 2021 before a gradual decline, suggesting the influence of regulatory interventions and shifts in energy consumption. Aerosol trends indicate seasonal variations, with pronounced increases post-2021 linked to dry-season biomass burning and industrial expansion. A paired sample t-test confirmed statistically significant year-to-year differences in pollutant levels, reinforcing the role of economic, policy, and environmental factors in air quality dynamics. This study underscores the importance of integrating satellite-based remote sensing with ground validation for enhanced air quality assessments. Findings provide critical insights for policymakers, advocating for emission control strategies, sustainable urban planning, and targeted mitigation efforts to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability in emerging urban centers.

Carrot (Daucus carota) is one of the most important economical root vegetable crops worldwide and the largest source of provitamin A and carotenoids in the human diet. Storage is a prerequisite for a year-round supply of Carrot, but longer duration can affect its quality. Essential oils also has diverse and relevant biological activities. This study was aimed towards isolating the bacteria associated with rotted carrot, characterizing and isolating three bacteria isolate and determining the antibacterial properties of selected essential oils against the isolates using Agar well diffusion method. Suspected bacteria pathogens were isolated from a diseased carrot tuber, the isolates were identified using biochemical and cultural characterization. Essential oils were used in the antimicrobial sensitivity treatment using agar well diffusion method against the isolated bacteria to determine the antibacterial property of the essential oils. The results showed that Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Agrobacterium tumenfacien were the isolated pathogenic bacteria from the carrot tubers. The essential oils which are (Neem oil, Tea tree oil and Bergamot oil), showed no antibacterial activity on the isolated bacteria pathogens. Further investigations can be done using essential oils against bacterial isolates but it should be extracted from the plant source to avoid destroying its potential antimicrobial properties

Air pollution remains a critical environmental and public health challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions. This study employs Sentinel-5P satellite data and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze the spatial and temporal trends of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and aerosols in Lokoja, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. As a major transit hub, Lokoja experiences significant pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning, necessitating comprehensive monitoring. Results reveal dynamic fluctuations in pollutant concentrations, with CO levels peaking in 2024 due to increased fossil fuel combustion, while NO₂ concentrations spiked in 2021 before a gradual decline, suggesting the influence of regulatory interventions and shifts in energy consumption. Aerosol trends indicate seasonal variations, with pronounced increases post-2021 linked to dry-season biomass burning and industrial expansion. A paired sample t-test confirmed statistically significant year-to-year differences in pollutant levels, reinforcing the role of economic, policy, and environmental factors in air quality dynamics. This study underscores the importance of integrating satellite- based remote sensing with ground validation for enhanced air quality assessments. Findings provide critical insights for policymakers, advocating for emission control strategies, sustainable urban planning, and targeted mitigation efforts to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability in emerging urban centers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: While existing data shows that increased Intraocular pressure predisposes individuals to glaucoma, it is a challenge figuring out if increased IOP can be traced to myopia. PURPOSE: To investigate if myopia affects IOP in people of various ages and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of one hundred and two (102) myopes of power (- 0.50D to over -6.0D) was recruited for this study. The myopic powers were measured objectively by Retinoscopy and Subjectively by Subjective Refraction with a Trial lens set and Snellens Visual Acuity Chart while the IOP was measured via the Perkins Handheld Applanation tonometer.
DATA ANALYSIS: Data obtained was analyzed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS version 22.0) and the following conclusions were drawn from the results gotten;
i. The study found out that there was no significant difference between IOP in males
and females as p-value was greater than 0.05.
ii. There is statistically significant difference in IOP across the three degrees of myopia groups.
iii. There is statistically significant difference in IOP across the three ages groups. iv. There is no association between gender and degree of myopia in the study population. CONTRIBUTION TO OPTOMETRY: This study was projected to identify and clarify any relationships between Myopia and IOP in people of various ages and gender within the university of Benin, Benin City, Edo state which was actualized with recommendations made.

Hypertension and diabetes are major global health problems that often occur together, worseningcardiovascular and hematological complications. Standard therapies such as Lisinopril andGlibenclamide are effective but can alter normal blood parameters during prolonged use. Thisstudy compared the effects of Lisinopril/Glibenclamide (50 mg/kg) and the methanol fractionofSida acuta and Cleome rutidosperma (50 mg/kg) on hematopoietic modulation in hypertensiveand diabetic male Wistar rats. Hypertension and diabetes were induced using L-NAMEandStreptozotocin. Rats were divided into seven groups, including normal, untreatedhypertensive/diabetic, and treated groups. Treatments were administered orally for five weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for red and white cell indices, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Inductionofhypertension and diabetes caused elevated monocyte and granulocyte counts, indicating systemic 11 inflammation. Both treatments significantly reduced monocyte levels (p < 0.001), but onlytheplant extract reduced granulocyte percentage (p = 0.003), suggesting stronger anti-inflammatoryaction. Lisinopril/Glibenclamide treatment lowered hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.016), whilethe Sida acuta/Cleome rutidosperma extract maintained normal red cell values, showinghematoprotective effects. The drug combination increased platelet count and size, whereas theplant extract preserved normal platelet balance. The methanol extract of Sida acuta andCleomerutidosperma demonstrated comparable—and in some areas superior—hematopoietic andantiinflammatory effects to Lisinopril/Glibenclamide. Its ability to maintain erythroid and immunebalance suggests potential as a natural adjunct or alternative therapy for managing hypertension–diabetes comorbidity. Keywords: Hypertension, diabetes, Sida acuta, Cleome rutidosperma, Lisinopril/Glibenclamide, L-NAME and Streptozotocin