FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

This study investigated the effect of water soluble fractions of crude oil on the growthofMonoraphidium contortum and Dimorphococcus lunatus over a 14 day period. The test algaewere grown in concentrations of CHU 10 nutrient media mixed with varying concentrationsof WSF of crude oil (5%,10%, 25%, 50%, 75% 100%) which were prepared in triplicates. The growth response was measured using a visible spectrophotometer at two day intervalsover a 14 day period. Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, and TDS) were assessedonday14 of the experiment and were compared to the stock concentration before exposure tothetest microalgae. The results showed that there was growth stimulation for all concentrationsof 0%, 5%,10%, 25%, 50%,75%, and 100% from day 0 to day 2, and a lag phase fromday2to day 4 for 10% and 100%. The highest growth was recorded at 5% concentration onday14with an absorbance value of 0.035, followed closely by 100%, 50%, and 75%concentrations, while 10% WSF showed the least growth on day 14 with an absorbance value of 0.02. Statistically, the growth response of the microalgae to the WSF concentrations did not differsignificantly (p > 0.005). Generally the percentage yield was higher in M.contortumcompared to D.lunatus. The physicochemical properties of Dimorphococcus lunatus and Monoraphidiumcontortumshowed that when the quantity of WSF was reduced, both TDS and electrical conductivityrose. On the other hand, the pH revealed that it was somewhat more alkaline witha lowerWSF concentration, suggesting acidity with a higher WSF. To summarize, Dimorphococcuslunatus exhibited a strong inhibitory reaction, and Monoraphidium contortumis better suitedfor bioremediation of crude oil in contaminated water.

Fungi plays a significant role in the deterioration of pepper. Pepper is a widely used and valued spice and is susceptible to fungal contamination, factors such as temperature, and storage conditions can influence the fungal load of stored pepper. This study shows the fungal dynamics of pepper (Capsicum annum and Capsicum chinense) when stored in room temperature, 15⁰C and alternations between 15 ⁰C and room temperature. In this research, healthy pepper samples (cayenne pepper and scotch bonnet pepper) were purchased from the market and stored in room temperature which was properly ventilated, they were also stored in at 15 ⁰C, and also alternated in 15 ⁰C and room temperature. They were monitored for 14 days and the observations recorded. Results revealed that lower temperature (15 ⁰C) had a higher amount of unaffected peppers and room temperature also had a lesser impact of spoilage than alternating temperatures. It highlights the importance of maintaining consistent temperature condition for long-term food preservation, it emphasizes the significance of implementing effective storage strategies to minimize fungal contamination in pepper. Ultimately, this study aids in enhancing optimal temperatures for maintaining the quality of stored pepper.

Diarrhea is a common medical condition that is characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements and increased liquidity of stool (Gidudu et al., 2011). Diarrhea is responsible for 2.5 million fatalities worldwide per year. It is responsible for one out of every nine deaths in children globally. When combined with other illnesses, diarrhea is considerably more lethal; the death rate is many times that of the rate without other complications.

Nanoparticles are particles of matter ranging from 1-100nm in diameter. In this study, nontoxic, cost-effective and eco-friendly Ag, Au and Ag - Au composite NPs were synthesized using the culture biomass of Arspergillus carbonarius and the application of the NPs in the biosynthesized NPs were utilized in the remediation of waste petroleum products. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS/5.85) rDNA techniques were used to characterize Arspergillus carbonarius. The bioreduction properties of the Ag+ and Au+ NPs were monitored by UvV is spectrophotometry. The NPs obtained were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR (Fourier Transfer Spectroscopy) methods. The intensity of the NPs peak revealed hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups
formed by the capping of the carboxylic acid moieties. The XRD peaks were compared with the Joint committee on Powered Diffraction Standard (JCPDS) card as a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal lattice structure. The Morphological structure of the Synthesized NPs revealed pores strands formed on the perisplasmic surface of the mycelia of the A. Cabonarius. The Ag, Au and AgAu exhibited potential bioremediation activity in waste engine oil cleanup. Thus, the NPs can be utilized as potential agent for remediation of petroleum products.

Studies on the morphology and cytology of two species, Aspilia africana and Spilanthes costata B. family Asteraceae, were conducted. The departmental botanical garden served as the source for the many specimens used.
The following was done cytological study, which includes mitosis and meiosis; tests showed that it was not possible to successfully confirm the chromosomal numbers of the two specimens. Epidermal morphology results showed that both specimens had anomocytic stomata and were amphistomatic. The average specimen height, as well as the average length and breadth of the leads, were determined and reported. Fertility in pollen was noticed

In the realm of nanotechnology, the utilization of nanoparticles has surged across diverse industries, ranging from electronics to medicine. Among these nanoparticles, aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3– NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, concerns regarding their potential toxicity have prompted extensive research into identifying strategies to mitigate their adverse effects. This study aimed to i vestigate the effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles on testis and epididymis of male wistar rat. The effects were investigated using hormonal assay, and standard methods to determine oxidative stress markers. In the current investigation, male wistar rats were given intraperitoneal doses of (Al2O3) 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg body weight over a period of seven (7) days. The result obtained showed the detrimental impact of Al2O3– NPs on reproductive health. It suggests that these harmful effects are closely linked to the nanoparticles' chemical composition, size, dosage, and duration of exposure. Specifically, the study highlights that Al2O3– NPs can disrupt the production of sex hormones, leading to adverse effects on sperm quality and potentially resulting in infertility. Given the harmful
effects of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, the use of antioxidants is proposed as a measure to reduce potential risks associated with Al2O3– NP toxicity on the testis and epididymis of male wistar rats.

Ekpoma rice is a native rice grown in Esan Land and it is believed to be rich in fibre, carbohydrate, protein, crude fat, and favorable nutritional content. Ekpoma rice is an important source of carbohydrate. The rice flour was stored for 0-3 months to investigate possible storage changes in the nutritional content of the rice flour. The proximate, mineral analysis and amino-acid profile was done using standard methods such as AOAC methods. Kjeldahl procedure was used to determine the crude protein in the rice. Determination of the minerals was carried out using Nitric-perchloric acid digestion and the amino-acid analysis was carried out using an amino-acid analyzer. Results show it contains (81.65-82.52%) carbohydrate, (5.53-5.89%) protein, (0.75-1%) crude fat, (0.08-0.47%) crude fibre, (0.31 0.67%), ash content, (9.60-11.00%) moisture content and (932.00-948%), nitrogen. Mineral analysis shows it is rich in phosphorus(P), potassium(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The amino-acid analysis shows that it is rich in both essential and non-essential amino-acids. The essential amino-acids includes lysine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, methionine, methylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The nutritional content of Ekpoma rice bran is comparable rich bran, therefore, it can be consumed by individuals with or without health issues.

Over the years, space exploration has witnessed so many challenges especially in area of life support system which has hindered manned space craft for long space exploration. One of the major limiting factors in space life support systems is gravitational force. Plants are a vital component of life support systems in space exploration because they provide essential components for humans’ long-term extraterrestrial survival. They can be used in bio-regenerative life support systems (BLSS) as sources of food and oxygen, for the absorption of CO2, and for the recycling of waste during space missions, they can also improve the atmosphere in enclosed spaces, as well as lowering the risk of mental health for astronauts. Clinorotation, a technique that simulates microgravity conditions, has gained significant interest in plant research due to its potential implications for space agriculture and understanding terrestrial plant growth responses and biological life support systems. The design involved subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation conditions within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in multiple replicates, with conventional germination conditions serving as the control group. The clinorotation apparatus, designed to simulate microgravity
conditions, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seeds, removing the effects of gravitational forces. Germination parameters, including germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, and other associated growth metrics, were meticulously measured and analyzed. Additionally, various physiological parameters, such as root and shoot lengths, were assessed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the maize seed’s germination under clinorotation stress. The results demonstrated significant variations in germination parameters between the clinorotation-exposed and control groups. The clinorotated maize seeds exhibited faster germination initiation, increased germination percentage, and altered germination rates compared to their terrestrial counterparts. The findings from this study provide crucial insights into the effects of microgravity simulation on maize germination and early growth stages. Understanding these responses is essential for the successful cultivation of crops during prolonged space missions and the establishment of extraterrestrial habitats.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that causes oxidative stress (Almohawes and
Alruhaimi, 2019). Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, oxidative stress and
increased Malondialdehyde level. It doesn’t have a cure cannot be treated but it was discovered
that a plamt known as adansonia digitata commonly referred to as African Baobab. The leaves
of this tree serve as a primary source of food and traditional medicine for numerous African
populations, and they are consumed either fresh or in a dried form (Besco et al., 2007). The plant
have effects on asthma due to its renowned for its pharmacological properties including antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study aims at providing valuable insights into the
therapeutic potential of adansonia digitata in managing asthma by its modulation of
Malondialdehyde levels and contribute to supporting the use of natural products for management
of asthma.

The search for extraterrestrial life has been of major concern to scientists as they try to seek for ways by which humans and other living organisms can survive in outer space and beyond. Therefore, studying the effects the space environment could have on living systems and, most likely, finding solutions to these problems has been of great concern to scientists. Microgravity, or the condition of almost zero-gravity, can have profound effects on living systems, including plants and humans. The study design involves subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation condition within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in several replicates, with conventional conditions serving as the control group. The clinostat stimulated micro gravity condition, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seed, removing the effect of gravitational force. The effects of microgravity on plants include changes in growth and morphology, changes in nutrient uptake, changes in response to light and changes in gene expression, while the effects on humans include changes in bone density, muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, cardiovascular changes and immune systems changes. Several plants can be used for space explorations. Maize plant can survive in a microgravity environment and can serve as a food source (providing good protein and sugar content), and provide oxygen which can be used by astronauts for long space exploration. The effect of microgravity can could impair the growth and development of the plant, but the use of stimulators like IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), SNP (sodium nitroprusside) will significantly reduce the effects of microgravity environment on zea mays during long space exploration. Understanding these effects is important for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate their negative effects and ensure the safety and health of astronauts in space