FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study assessed the physiochemical and heavy metal properties of gully erosion site in Evbhomore Community, Benin City, Edo State. Water and soil samples were collected into sterile plastic container to avoid additional contamination before taken to the laboratory for physicochemical and heavy metal analysis following standard procedures. Physicochemical characteristics of soils samples showed that clay ranged from 24.00 ± 1.92 - 36.00 ± 2.96 %, silt (24.00 ± 1.92 - 33.00 ± 2.83 %), sand (33.00 ± 2.83 - 51.00 ± 3.89 %). pH ranged from 6.70 ± 0.50 - 7.88 ± 0.93, organic matter (0.91 ± 0.37 - 2.00 ± 1.00 %), organic carbon (0.51 ± 0.25 - 0.89 ± 0.37 %) and total nitrogen (0.01 ± 0.00 - 0.05 ± 0.00 %). Electrical conductivity ranged from 4.12 ± 1.45 - 4.81 ± 0.36 µS/cm, available phosphorus (150.00 ± 5.00 - 180.00 ± 5.74 mg/kg) and total exchangeable bases (1.60 ± 0.42 - 1.99 ± 0.69 cmol/kg). In soil samples, cadmium values ranged from 0.16±0.13 - 0.30±0.13mg/kg, Lead (1.26 ± 0.33 - 3.50 ± 0.51mg/kg), Zinc (25.12 ± 2.82 - 79.02 ± 3.29 mg/kg), Copper (27.89 ± 2.49 - 63.08 ± 3.68 mg/kg), Iron (191.16 ± 5.07 - 212.16 ± 5.92 mg/kg) and Manganese (10.80 ± 0.49 - 18.00 ± 0.81 mg/kg). Soil and land cover contributed 12% and 6% respectively to gully erosion in the study area. The occurrence of soil erosion risk in the study area has also been on the increase and is not limited to a particular area but all part causing serious land degradation affecting a wide variety of soils prone to crusting and/or piping. The widths and depths of gully erosion increased with the increase in slope gradient and decrease with increase in percentage of vegetation cover, especially during the rainy season and confirm that soil erosion in the study area has altered vegetation cover, ground slope, slope length and shape. There is therefore the need for protective strategies and measures for sensitive management of the environment to reduce erosion rates and increasing water conservation

Snail-borne parasitic infections remain a major public health concern in tropical regions, where freshwater snails serve as intermediate hosts for several trematode parasites. This study investigated the prevalence of parasitic infection in Melanoides tuberculata from Iguedo Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to determine the extent of parasitic infection and highlight its public health implications. Snails were collected from Iguedo River in May and July, 2025. A total of 123 M. tuberculata were collected and examined for trematode infection using both cercarial shedding and visceral dissection methods. Out of the 123 snails examined, four were infected with an overall infection prevalence of 3.25%. Infection was only recorded in May. The larval stages of trematode parasites recovered were rediae and three cercaria types including Cercariaeum, Echinostome and Gymnocephalous cercariae. The cerceriae recovered from the infected snails were released after slight pressure was applied on the rediae mounted on the microscope slide. This study recorded a low prevalence of trematode infection among M. tuberculata in Iguedo River, an indication of low level of active transmission during the study period in the area. However, given the high level of human contact with the river for bathing, washing, and fishing, there is the possibility of potential risk for transmission of snailborne parasitic diseases. Therefore, the need for continuous surveillance, environmental management, and health education on safe water use cannot be overemphasized to minimize the risk of infection and safeguard community health.

The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles has garnered substantial interest in recent years due to their promising applications in environmental remediation. This study presents the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and calcium oxide-copper oxide binary nanoparticles utilizing onion (Allium cepa) peel extract for photocatalytic degradation of petroleum wastewater. CuO, and CaO – CuO nanoparticles were synthesized in this study following already established methods as reported in journals. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was performed employing various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanoparticles was systematically assessed for the degradation of petroleum wastewater under sunlight irradiation. Results indicated that the calcium oxide-copper oxide binary nanoparticles demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the copper oxide nanoparticles, achieving a degradation efficiency of 95.76 %. This superior photocatalytic performance of the binary nanoparticles can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the p-n heterojunction between calcium oxide and copper oxide, which enhances spatial separation of photogenerated electron – hole pairs, thus improving the photodegradation of the wastewater. The green synthesis methodology employed in this study represents a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach for the production of metal oxide nanoparticles intended for environmental applications

Security is needed more and becoming more important in today's world. Sometimes, physical security and access control is not always the best solution, especially in instances with large crowd or systems that requires round-the-clock security. For this reason, an Arduino-based access control system using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) was created to provide security and access control to buildings and physical spaces, and this eliminated the need for physical security at all times. The device makes use of RFID technology and Arduino to complete its work. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a communication technology commonly known as electronic tags. Radio transmissions can identify targets and transfer data without direct communication. Advancements in radio frequency recognition technology have led to its widespread usage in identity documents, defense, and industrial control. When the RFID scanner recognizes a tag, it checks its UID to the stored database to ensure accuracy. Access is granted if the captured user's UID matches a previously saved UID; otherwise, access is denied.

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus known for posing significant health risks in humans and animals. This study investigates the epistatic effect of double mutations induced by sodium azide and potassium chlorate in A. flavus. The mutants were generated were generated in culture media containing the mutagens and their epistatic interactions were observed along with their nutrient
utilization and growth rates. The results of mutation resulted in significant changes in the growth rate and morphology of the mutants, compared to the wild type. The epistatic interactions between the mutations revealed both synergistic and antagonistic effects on various traits. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying aflatoxin production and
fungal development in A. flavus, with implications for developing novel strategies to control aflatoxin contamination.

The over use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control, contaminates natural ecosystem and its inhabitants. Botanical resources are promising alternatives for pests and vector control due to their environmental compatibility, high biodegradability, target specificity, and zero resistance culture. Therefore this study investigated the larvicidal potency of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cocos nucifera fiber (CNF), Ananas comosus peels (ACP) and their synergy of 1:1 mixture against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Qualitative phytochemistry of both plants were examined. Cx. quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae were subjected to different concentrations of 500ppm, 750ppm and 1000ppm for 24, 48 and 72hrs exposure time. Data was analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Phytochemical constituents revealed alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and steroids present in equal strength in ethanolic CNF and ACP, Presence of flavonoids and Glycosides were both common in aqueous CNF and ACP. At 1000ppm (ECNF) extracts and (EACP) showed percentage mortality of 46.67% and 33.33% after 72hrs. Synergistic ethanoic extracts showed 53.33% mortality and 30% for the aqueous extracts under same conditions. The ethanolic combination of CNF and ACP recorded the lowest LC50; 983.99ppm and LC90; 1703.40ppm. While ethanolic ACP had the highest LC50; 8676.96ppm, aqueous ACP had highest LC90; 272866.3ppm respectively. There was significant mortality P<0.05 at 48 and 72hrs in (ECNF) and (EACP). The ethanolic synergistic extracts showed highest significant mortality P<0.05 at 48hrs of exposure. Results of synergistic CNF and ACP showed fair mortality on Culex
quinquefasciatus larvae.

Botanical insecticides may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetics in future, as the yare relatively safe and readily available in many parts of the world. This study investigated the efficacy of Chrysophyllum albidum extracts (Leaf and Bark stem) on Culex species larvae. The extracts were tested on laboratory bred Culex sp. larvae at different concentrations (500, 750and1000ppm) at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Data was analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). Increasing mortalities was observed with increase in concentration and time of exposure. Highest mortalities of Chrysophyllum albidum bark per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 3.3%; 48 h = 10.0%; 72h=13%). Highest mortalities of C. albidum leaf per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 10%; 48 h = 16.7 %; 72 h = 23.3%). LC50andLC90 values at 72 hrs were 6332.262 ppm and 58278.321 ppm respectively for Chrysophyllum albidum bark, 4672.394 ppm and 46866.555 for the leaf and 4265.617ppmand 42292.050forboth the leaf and bark. The phytochemicals screening of ethanoic extract of Chrysophyllumalbidum from both the leaves and bark revealed the presence of carbohydrate, saponins, tannins, phenol, steroid and alkaloids in Chrysophyllum albidum and the absence of phenol in leaves. The findings of the present investigation revealed that the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum showed larvicidal activity against Culex sp. Chemicals derived from plants offer promise in future mosquito control

Plants have shown immense contribution to man’s nutrition as they are also used for medicinal purposes. There is a need to develop alternative antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases, microorganisms are rapidly developing resistance to the available once. Hence, the leaf of Dacryodes edulis (African pear) was analyzed for its phytochemical and anti-bacterial properties on clinical bacteria isolates Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp. and Escherichia coli. Samples of leaf were obtained from Okhoro community in- Benin metropolis, dried, blended into powder and macerated using sterile distilled water and methanol as solvent. Antibacterial assay was carried out via Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Findings from this research showed that Dacryodes edulis leaf aqueous extract was active against Klebsiella sp. with a mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 8.00±0.00mm across all concentrations (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml). Proteus sp. and E. coli had mean ZOI of 8 ±0.70mm at 12.5µg/ml and at 100µg/ml the ZOI was 10 ±0.28mm and 12 ±0.14mm respectively. Methanol extract was only active to Proteus sp and Klebsiella sp with a mean ZOI of 8 ±0.00mm at 12.5µg/ml and 25µg/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous extract against all isolates is 12.5µg/ml and it was bactericidal to only E.coli at a concentration of 50µg/ml. Methanolic extract had a MIC of less than 12.5µg/ml for Proteus sp and 12.5µg/ml for Klebsiella sp. The MBC was 12.5 and 50 µg/ml for Proteus sp and Klebsiella sp respectively. All test organisms were resistant to all standard antibiotics used. They were susceptible to gentamycin which serves a control. Despite the fact that the extract was able to inhibit the growth of the organisms, the isolates are regarded as resistant to the extract because their ZOI were less than the standard value of resistance which is 14. Phytochemical screening reveals that phenol, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, alkaloid and steroids were present in aqueous and methanol extract of the leaves .More work should be done to test the presence of active metabolites to determine its antibacterial activity.

Abacteriological evaluation of Garri, a cassava product, one of the most popular foods derived from cassava fermentation, is a staple Nigerian food, its raw product Cassava (Mamihot esculenta Crantz), is a dicotyledonous perennial plant. It was conducted in five major markets in Benin City, Edo State. The aim and objectives of this study was to isolate bacteria from garri sold at different markets in Benin City, in order to determine the bacterial count of the garri samples, determine the species of bacteria resent in the garri samples and gain insights into the susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Methodology utilized in this research study include: isolation of bacteria utilizing nutrient agar, a total of six isolates (bacteria) with a sample size of five (Olukwu, Uselu, ingRoad, NewBenin, and Mami ) were examined. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from (7.00- 7.91±2.0 log10cfu/g) in the five different markets and the pour plate method was employed in achieving the colony count in the Garri
samples. The primary bacteria strains identified after observing the cultural, morphological and biochemical test results, included Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli., Streptococcus sp., Micrococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. These bacterial strains were prevalent in Garri samples from all five markets, indicating potential contamination during processing or handling. The bacteria obtained from this study were all susceptible to the antibiotic, perfloxacin, but resistant to the others, namely, amoxicillin, rocephin, ciprofloxacin, ampiclox, zinnacef, erythromycin and gentamicin. The high occurrence of bacteria in Garri across these markets could be attributed to suboptimal sanitation conditions, processing techniques, materials used, and inadequate waste management practices. It is recommended that producers and retailers in Benin implement rigorous hygiene measures in preparation and packaging to ensure food safety and the protection of consumers.

Herbal medicine has a long history as part of traditional healthcare systems. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant, has shown promise due to its phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the antidiarrheal efficacy of Sphenocentrum jollyanum leaf aqueous extract (SJLAE) in animal models. Fresh leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum were collected and processed by air-drying and aqueous extraction. The crude aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. Twenty Swiss albino mice were acclimatized and divided into control and experimental groups. Diarrhea was induced using castor oil and magnesium sulfate. The mice received different doses of SJLAE, with loperamide used as a standard reference drug. Defecation frequency, stool weight, and diarrhea onset were monitored for six hours. SJLAE administration significantly delayed stool onset and reduced the total number of stools, the number of diarrhea episodes, and stool weight in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group. The results suggest that SJLAE's antidiarrheal effects may involve mechanisms such as inhibiting intestinal motility, reducing fluid secretion, and potentially through anti-inflammatory or antioxidant pathways. These findings support the potential of Sphenocentrum jollyanum as a source for further research and development of plant-based diarrhea treatments.