FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study investigated the bleaching of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkali-fermention facilitated process as a sustainable alternative to conventional clay bleaching process. Crude palm oil samples were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at varying concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M, followed by a controlled fermentation period. This study examined the bleaching efficiency and quality improvement of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkalifermention facilitated process across varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M). Physicochemical analysis of crude palm oil (CPO) bleached using an alkali-fermention facilitated process revealed distinct variations across sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M compared with a reference sample. The pH ranged from 7.00 ± 0.01 – 7.00 ± 0.01 across treatments, showing negligible variation, suggesting stable acidity and effective neutralization during alkali fermentation. Sugar content values were consistent across treatments, ranging from 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/L for 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M NaOH, indicating minimal fermentable carbohydrate alteration during the bleaching process. The Beta-carotene concentration, used as a bleaching efficiency indicator, declined sharply from 200.94 ± 0.10 mg/kg (0.025 M) and 198.09 ± 0.06 mg/kg (0.050 M) to 122.62 ± 0.03 mg/kg (0.075 M), demonstrating a significant pigment degradation and enhanced color lightening at higher alkali concentration. Viscosity increased progressively from 31.30 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.025 M) to 33.70 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.075 M) compared with 37.90 ± 0.07 mPa·s in the reference sample, indicating reduced impurity load and improved oil flow characteristics after bleaching. Protein content remained relatively constant across all treatments (0.006 ± 0.004 %), suggesting limited influence of alkali concentration on nitrogenous material denaturation. The acid value decreased from 36.62 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.025 M) to 33.71 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.075 M) relative to 1.57 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g in the reference oil, indicating significant hydrolysis and removal of free fatty acids under alkali conditions. Cholesterol content ranged narrowly between 0.012 ± 0.004 mg/kg (0.025 M), 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.050 M), and 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.075 M), showing minor but consistent sterol reduction across treatments. Overall, the 0.050 M NaOH concentration achieved optimal bleaching, balancing pigment removal and oil stability while minimizing nutrient loss. The findings confirm that the alkali-fermention facilitated bleaching process offers an effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to conventional refining methods

Food processing methods, particularly mechanical grinding, have been identified as potential sources of heavy metal contamination in daily diets. This study assessed the concentrations and health risks of heavy metals introduced into common Nigerian food items (tomato, pepper,melon, beans, groundnut, white and yellow corn, and crayfish) during grinding with various equipment types including blenders, milling machines, hand-crank grinders, mortars, and grinding stones. Heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Pb) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), and potential health risks were evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) models. Results revealed elevated levels of essential metals such as Fe, Mn, and Zn, with concentrations highest in foods ground with older milling machines and mechanical grinders, reflecting increased leaching due to metallic wear. Toxic metals (Pb and Cd) were mostly below detection limits, indicating minimal immediate toxicity but potential for chronic accumulation. Fe showed the highest EDI (up to 5.35 mg/kg/day in hand-crank grinder samples), while THQ values exceeded 1.0 in several processed beans samples, suggesting possible non-carcinogenic risk upon prolonged exposure.Traditional grinding methods (mortar and pestle) exhibited significantly lower contamination levels compared to mechanical ones. These findings highlight that metal leaching from food processing equipment constitutes a significant but often overlooked route of dietary exposure to heavy metals in Nigeria.

Land use and land cover changes within tertiary educational institutions significantly impact environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and ecological health. This study examined spatiotemporal variations in land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation dynamics of the University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, over a 50-year period from 1975 to 2025. Landsat satellite imagery from the years 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2025 respectively was processed using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and ArcGIS platforms, with classifications categorized into dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, agricultural land, built-up areas, and bare soil. Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification was employed for LULC analysis, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was computed to assess vegetation health. Field surveys documented remaining tree species in the study area. Results revealed catastrophic vegetation decline from 0.841334 km² (97.34%) in 1975 to complete elimination (0%) by 2015-2025. Built-up areas increased dramatically from 0% in 1975 to 0.671581 km² (77.70%) by 2025. Agricultural land fluctuated from 0% to 36.49% (2015) before declining to 16.06% in 2025. Bare soil emerged at 6.24% in 2025, indicating land degradation. NDVI values ranged from - 0.077 to 0.400 across the study period, with maximum values declining from 0.400507 in 2005 to 0.26453 in 2025. Field surveys documented only 16 tree species in 2025, representing severe biodiversity loss compared to historical diversity. These findings revealed complete landscape transformation from a natural ecosystem to an urbanized environment, resulting in total habitat destruction, loss of ecosystem services, hydrological disruption, and biodiversity collapse. It is recommended that campus planning incorporate mandatory green infrastructure, sustainable urban drainage systems, and stringent land-use controls to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainability.

Acanthamoeba species are free-living protozoa commonly found in water sources and are recognized causes of Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly among contact lens wearers. Reticulated bore-hole water is widely used in many communities, yet data on its contamination with Acanthamoeba and the effectiveness of multipurpose contact lens solutions against these organisms remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence and species distribution of Acanthamoeba in reticulated bore-hole water and evaluated the efficacy of selected multipurpose contact lens solutions in reducing Acanthamoeba counts. A total of 36 reticulated bore-hole water samples were collected and cultured for Acanthamoeba species using standard parasitological techniques. For Acanthamoeba detection, 500ml of water was passed through a 0.45µm cellulose nitrate membrane filter. Prepared non-nutrient agar plates were seeded with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Cultures were incubated at 32ºC for Amoebic growth and examined microscopically. Isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics of trophozoite and cyst stages. The effects of three multipurpose contact lens solutions—FreesolTM, RefreshTM, and FreshlookTM—on Acanthamoeba counts were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Acanthamoeba species were detected in 32 (88.9%) of the water samples, yielding a total of 209 isolates and a mean intensity of 6.53 detections per positive sample. Ten species were identified, with Acanthamoeba royreba showing the highest prevalence (17.7%), followed by A. polyphaga (11.96%), A. lenticulata and A. mauritaniensis (11.0% each). All contact lens solutions significantly reduced Acanthamoeba counts compared with pre-treatment levels (p < 0.05). Freesol achieved the greatest reduction (98 ± 9.5), followed by Refresh (101 ± 12.5), while Freshlook showed the least reduction (170 ± 22.0). None of the solutions completely eliminated Acanthamoeba. This study showed that reticulated bore-hole water harbored a high prevalence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species. Although multipurpose contact lens solutions significantly reduce Acanthamoeba burden, complete elimination was not achieved, highlighting the organism’s resistance and the continued risk of exposure. Strict adherence to proper contact lens hygiene and avoidance of bore-hole water use are essential to reduce the risk of Acanthamoeba infection.

This study investigated the presence of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater collected from selected environmental hotspots within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Wastewater samples were aseptically collected from Ramat Park and Ramat Market, sites characterized by intense commercial activity and poor sanitation. Samples were serially diluted and cultured on selective and differential media including MacConkey and EMB agar. Bacterial isolates were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3 × 10 4 to 9.2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL, indicating high microbial contamination. Predominant isolates included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, and Klebsiella species, suggesting fecal pollution and environmental contamination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (such as Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, and Cefuroxime), while isolates showed greater susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (such as Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin) and aminoglycosides (such as Gentamicin and Streptomycin). These findings indicate the presence of opportunistic pathogens and multidrugresistant bacteria in wastewater environments, posing potential public health risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved wastewater management, environmental sanitation, and continuous microbial surveillance to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance within the community.

Coliform bacteria contamination in river water is a significant public health concern, as it often indicates the presence of fecal pollution, which may harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Coliform bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, are commonly used as indicator organisms for water quality assessment due to their presence in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and, therefore, in their waste. This study was aimed at assessing the physicochemical and coliform bacteria in Ikpoba river in Benin City, Edo state. The physicochemical result obtained in this study showed that pH was at 5.0, as against the WHO limit of 6.5-8.5 thus making the water dangerous for consumption by humans and aquatic lives. The electronic conductivity of the water was recorded at 62, against the WHO limit of 1500, this was below the permissible limit. turbidity was at 6.37. Copper, zinc, chromium and cadmium result in this study were 8.73, 26.45, 3.95, 0.042 respectively. The coliform bacteria count obtained in this study showed that the bacteria count ranged at 4.7 X 10 4± 2.00 cfu/ml -7.7 X 10 4± 1.00 cfu/ml for all sections of the river. Using the standard microbial method which include cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolates obtained in this study were Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp, Enterobacter sp, Serratia sp and Klebsiella sp. The presence of coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Klebsiella in river water can have serious health and ecological effects. The presence of coliform bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Klebsiella, along with heavy metals in river water, poses a multifaceted threat to both human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Indoor air quality in healthcare environments is an important determinant of patient safety and occupational health. Airborne fungi are among the major biological contaminants in hospitals and primary health centers, where they can cause allergic reactions, opportunistic infections, and surface deterioration. This study was designed to evaluate the airborne fungal load and diversity in selected Primary Health Centers (PHCs) within Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Air samples were collected weekly for three weeks from Uselu, Evbotubu, and Evhuogida PHCs using the settle plate technique. Fungal colonies were enumerated as colonyforming units per cubic meter (CFU/m³), and isolates were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using standard disc diffusion methods. Results revealed that fungal load ranged from 2.4 ×10² to 3.5 ×10² CFU/m³, with Uselu PHC recording the highest mean load (3.33 ×10² CFU/m³) and Evbotubu PHC the lowest (2.45 ×10² CFU/m³). Four fungal genera Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp. and Fusarium sp. were identified, with Aspergillus sp (38%) being the most predominant. Alternaria sp. was the least frequent. Antifungal screening showed that Aspergillus sp. was most sensitive to ketoconazole and amphotericin B, while Penicillium sp. showed resistance to fluconazole and ketoconazole. The findings highlight that primary health centers in Egor LGA harbor airborne fungal contaminants, with variations linked to environmental and infrastructural factors. Regular environmental monitoring, adequate ventilation, and periodic sanitation are recommended to reduce potential exposure to pathogenic fungi within healthcare environments.

Background: Contact lenses are widely used for vision correction and cosmetic enhancement; however, improper use and poor hygiene practices can lead to complications Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and user behavior is crucial in reducing adverse effects and promoting eye health. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate contact lens-related complications among wearers at the University of Benin, assess their knowledge and hygiene practices, and examine the relationship between demographic factors and complication occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 140 contact lens wearers. Data collected included demographic information, duration of wear, knowledge and hygiene practices, and prevalence of complications. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to identify associations between variables. Results: The study revealed that 50% of respondents experienced dryness, while 42.9% reported red or irritated eyes. A significant proportion (71.4%) had never received formal education on proper contact lens care. Inferential analysis indicated a strong association between hygiene practices and the occurrence of complications, with behaviors such as sleeping with lenses and failing to wash hands before handling them identified as significant risk factors. Despite complications, 75% of wearers did not seek medical advice. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding proper contact lens hygiene. Eye care professionals, institutions, and public health agencies should implement targeted interventions to improve compliance with best practices and reduce complications. Regular eye check-ups and stricter regulations on contact lens distribution are recommended to enhance ocular health among wearers. KEYWORDS: Contact lenses, complications, hygiene practices, eye care, ocular health.

This study investigated the anticoagulant activity of a heparin-like compound extracted from crude palm oil and compared its biochemical effects with standard sodium heparin and EDTA using bovine blood samples stored for seven days. Fresh bovine blood (50 mL) was collected into pre￾dosed containers with each anticoagulant, centrifuged to obtain plasma, and analyzed on days 1, 3, and 7 respectively using standard spectrophotometric methods: Reitman-Frankel for transaminases, King-Armstrong for ALP, biuret for total protein, BCG for albumin, and Jendrassik￾Grof for bilirubin. The plant-derived isolate was obtained through alkaline saponification, ethanol precipitation, and chloroform bleaching, and its anticoagulant concentration was determined as 0.0006 mg/mL using Howell’s clotting time assay, showing potency comparable to heparin (0.002 mg/mL). Enzymatic analysis revealed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values ranged from 259.00 xiv ± 1.07 – 252.50 ± 0.50 IU/L for the isolate, 254.20 ± 0.67 – 249.40 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 234.00 ± 0.51 – 229.80 ± 0.45 IU/L for EDTA. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ranged from 78.93 ± 0.04 – 76.00 ± 0.30 IU/L for the isolate, 95.92 ± 0.10 – 91.80 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 80.30 ± 0.24 – 75.60 ± 0.67 IU/L for EDTA. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ranged from 85.78 ± 0.20 – 92.20 ± 0.44 IU/L for the isolate, 70.40 ± 0.68 – 280.40 ± 0.34 IU/L for heparin, and 67.50 ± 0.51 – 250.30 ± 0.32 IU/L for EDTA. Total protein ranged from 5.90 ± 0.10 – 5.60 ± 0.10 g/dL for the isolate, 5.60 ± 0.10 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.10 ± 0.10 – 4.90 ± 0.12 g/dL for EDTA. Albumin levels were 5.89 ± 0.08 – 5.56 ± 0.11 g/dL for the isolate, 5.56 ± 0.11 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.40 ± 0.14 – 5.20 ± 0.10 g/dL for EDTA, while globulin ranged from 4.00 ± 0.10 – 3.80 ± 0.09 g/dL for the isolate, 3.80 ± 0.09 – 3.60 ± 0.12 g/dL for heparin, and 3.50 ± 0.08 – 3.20 ± 0.11 g/dL for EDTA. Conjugated bilirubin ranged from 1.392 ± 0.01 – 1.280 ± 0.02 mg/dL (isolate), 1.222 ± 0.02 – 1.100 ± 0.03 mg/dL (heparin), and 0.952 ± 0.01 – 0.900 ± 0.02 mg/dL (EDTA). The plant-derived heparin-like isolate showed effective anticoagulant activity, however, improvements in sample handling are required for better results

This study was designed to assess the presence and levels of selected heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microbes in bank note dust as well as their potential health risks. Two commercial banks (Location A, Ekehuan Road, located in Oredo Local Government Area, and Location B, Ugbowo, University of Benin Campus in Ovia North-East Local Government Area) were selected within Benin City metropolis and banknote dust from the counting rooms were collected. The samples were extracted using wet digestion for heavy metals concentrations and solvent (hexane) extraction for the PAHs. The extracted samples were cleaned up and the concentrations determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, AAS (Buck Scientific, VGP210) and gas chromatograph fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) were used to determine heavy metals and PAHs respectively. Particle size determination was carried out by using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques based onBrownian movement principles. Results obtained revealed that the sizes of the dust particles were in the range of 36.57 nm and 48.48 nm which the nano range (0-100 nm). The results of heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of iron was the highest value for both locations A (2,055 ± 70.06 mg/kg) and B (1,934.53 ± 68.64 mg/kg). This result is below standard (10,000 mg/kg) set by WHO/USEPA. While cadmium was the lowest concentration of 1.82 ± 0.30 mg/kg and 0.95 ± 0.15 mg/kg for locations A and B respectively, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.8 mg/kg for cadmium as set by WHO. Copper for locations A and B were found to be 56.06 ± 2.53 mg/kg and 50.56 ± 4.42 mg/kg respectively exceeding limit of 36.0 mg/kg standard set by WHO. The concentrations of the heavy metals were found to follow the order: Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cr ˃ Cu ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location A and Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cu ˃ Cr ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location B with location A having higher concentration of Cr than location B. PAHs results revealed that all 16 EPA priority PAHs as specified by WHO/USEPA were detected in the banknote dust samples from the two locations. Location A had the highest PAHs summation of 4.278 µg/kg with pyrene alone contributing 3.084 µg/kg, while for location B, phenanthrene was the highest with a value of 1.167 µg/kg. The diagnostic ratio suggests multi-sources ranging from petrogenic to pyrogenic, traffic to non-traffic emissions, coal and wood combustion. Microbial analysis revealed significant loads of bacteria with 1.2 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu obtained from locations A and B respectively while the fungi load was found to be x 2.0 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu for locations A and B respectively. The bacteria identified was streptococcus spp while the fungi were aspergillus and penicillium. This study clearly indicated the potential health risk faced by bank staff especially those in the cash processing units due to long exposure to banknote dust and it is recommended that regulatory bodies monitor human exposure to these pollutants and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) be made available to staff working in these sections of the banks.