FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of diesel on the growth and morphology of Eichhornia crassipes. Samples of Eichhornia crassipes were collected from Ologbo pond, Edo State, Nigeria. Diesel was purchased at the Faculty of Agriculture Cooperative gas station, University of Benin, Benin city. The plants were then exposed to different concentration of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% (v/v ) and 0% control. Parameters used in the study include plant height, root length, stolon length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, stolon girth, leaf diameter and determination of fresh and dry weight. Using three replicates per treatment, the plants were exposed to all concentration for 8 days. The results showed that all morphological parameters had a low mean value as compared to control, which shows that diesel was dentrimental to the plant. The effects were concentration dependent. The leaves of the test plants also showed changes in morphology. Chlorotic and necrotic lesions were noticed on the adaxial and abaxial surface. Further research should be carried to better understand the effects of diesel on E. crassipes and other aquatic macrophytes. Also adequate measures should be put in place to avoid pollution of the environment with diesel. Early response should be ensured in the case of diesel oil spillage in order to reduce the duration of exposure of ecosystems to oil pollution.

Fruits are consumed by humans as a source of nutrients which also harbour microorganisms. If not checked can lead to food spoilage. This study was aimed at investigating fungal load in
mixed fruit salads sold in Benin City metropolis. Samples of mixed fruit salads were
purchased from New Benin, Ring road, Uselu and Ugbowo areas all in Benin metropolis Edo
State and transported to the laboratory for investigation. The fruits were store at room
temperature (28+2
oC) and refrigeration temperature (4+2
oC) as control. Samples were stored
for 10 d and Fungal analysis was conducted periodically after every 2h. Samples were
cultured on potato dextrose agar medium. Changes in pH during storage was determined. Results revealed total heterotrophic fungal counts of samples stored at room temperature, (RT)
ranging from 3.50 ± 1.50 x 10
1 cfu/g (CONTROL) - 17.00 ± 1.00 x 10
1 cfu/g (UGBOWO). Samples kept under refrigeration/cool temperature, CT, (4
oC), revealed the total heterotrophic
fungal count to range from 0.50 ± 0.50 x 10
1 cfu/g (CONTROL) - 8.50 ± 0.50 x 10
1 cfu/g
(RINGROAD). The identified fungi isolates were Rhizopus spp, Penicillium spp, Aspergillus
niger and Fusanum spp. The isolate with highest frequency of occurrence was Rhizopus spp
(40%) while the lowest was Fusarium spp (10%). The presence of these fungi in the
investigated fruit salads suggests the need for stricter hygiene and quality measures and
practices to be adopted by fruit salad vendors, and enforced by relevant authority to prevent
transmission of diseases and illnesses by potentially pathogenic fungi.

immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is found mainly in temperate climates and is often isolated from pigeon droppings. It is the causative agent of Cryptococcosis and is believed to arise after inhalation of yeast cells or basidiospores from environmental sources. For the purpose of this research, two strains of Cryptococcus neoformans; one clinical FBC and one environmental NBM5 were selected and confirmed using urease medium, based on their melanin production on Niger seed agar and ability to grow at 37oC. An antifungal susceptibility test was carried out on the clinical and the environmental isolates using Fluconazole as the antibiotic agent. Fluconazole is an antifungal therapeutic agent used in the treatment of Cryptococcosis. Responses of both isolates to Fluconazole showed similar results. Both isolates were also subjected to environmental stressors using sodium nitrate (NaNO2) to induce nitrosative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress. The response of both isolates to this environmental stressors were similar. The selected isolates; clinical isolates FBC and environmental isolates NBM5 were determined to be of the same mating types based on their responses to antifungal susceptibility test and environmental tressors. DNA was isolated from both strains for detailed genetic analysis in the near future. This study provides new insights into how the mating type can greatly influence responses of Cryptococcus neoformans to genetic and environmental factors. Thus, serve as a possible instrument for further study of the genetics of C. neoformans.

Heavy metal content was determined by analyzing water samples taken from Ebira camp, Akoko Edo Local Government, Edo state. In all, ten samples were taken at ten distinct Ebira camp sampling sites. With the aid of the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), the samples were
examined and tested for five distinct heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni). The average concentrations of these heavy metals are 1.0384, 0.5362, 0.2975, 0.0376, and 0.0244 mg/l for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni, respectively. The acquired results
were compared to the 2011 WHO standard, which corresponds to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni values of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. With the exception of iron, which has a mean iron content higher than the WHO guideline, the results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the area was generally lower than levels permitted by the WHO. The possibility exists that an excessive amount of iron in the groundwater could promote the growth of bacteria responsible for the foul smell. Geospatial analysis of the gathered data was done using geographic information system (GIS) software. Maps showing pollution concentrations and patterns of spatial distribution were produced using spatial interpolation techniques (kringing or inverse distance weighting).
According to the heavy metals' spatial distribution map, manganese (Mn) levels varied greatly throughout the region, with the eastern and northeastern regions exhibiting the highest values. According to the nickel concentration map, the region's southwest is where the concentration of
nickel increases most unevenly. The zinc content of the water rose non-uniformly from the community center to the boundary, according to the spatial distribution map of zinc. The spatial distribution map of copper reveals that the amount of copper in groundwater rose unevenly from
the region's center to its borders, with the community's center having the lowest level of copper and the region's northeastern regions having the highest copper value. The spatial distribution map of iron indicates that there was also a non-uniform increase in the iron content of the water.
Anthropogenic factors, such as factories or industries, agricultural practices, or geogenic processes, such as variations in the composition of the underlying rock or soil, are to blame for the irregularities in the geographical distribution maps. It may also be connected to the metallic ion
concentration and volume at each site. The groundwater in the study area, is generally less contaminated by heavy metal pollution, with little to no contamination index.Heavy metal content was determined by analyzing water samples taken from Ebira camp, Akoko Edo Local Government, Edo state. In all, ten samples were taken at ten distinct Ebira camp sampling sites. With the aid of the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), the samples were examined and tested for five distinct heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese
(Mn), and nickel (Ni). The average concentrations of these heavy metals are 1.0384, 0.5362, 0.2975, 0.0376, and 0.0244 mg/l for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni, respectively. The acquired results were compared to the 2011 WHO standard, which corresponds to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni values
of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. With the exception of iron, which has a mean iron content higher than the WHO guideline, the results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the
area was generally lower than levels permitted by the WHO. The possibility exists that an excessive amount of iron in the groundwater could promote the growth of bacteria responsible for the foul smell. Geospatial analysis of the gathered data was done using geographic information system (GIS) software. Maps showing pollution concentrations and patterns of spatial distribution were produced using spatial interpolation techniques (kringing or inverse distance weighting).
According to the heavy metals' spatial distribution map, manganese (Mn) levels varied greatly throughout the region, with the eastern and northeastern regions exhibiting the highest values. According to the nickel concentration map, the region's southwest is where the concentration of
nickel increases most unevenly. The zinc content of the water rose non-uniformly from the community center to the boundary, according to the spatial distribution map of zinc. The spatial distribution map of copper reveals that the amount of copper in groundwater rose unevenly from
the region's center to its borders, with the community's center having the lowest level of copper and the region's northeastern regions having the highest copper value. The spatial distribution map of iron indicates that there was also a non-uniform increase in the iron content of the water. Anthropogenic factors, such as factories or industries, agricultural practices, or geogenic processes, such as variations in the composition of the underlying rock or soil, are to blame for the irregularities in the geographical distribution maps. It may also be connected to the metallic ion concentration and volume at each site. The groundwater in the study area, is generally less contaminated by heavy metal pollution, with little to no contamination index.

This present study focused on isolation and identification of bacteria isolated from urine sample of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City. A total of fifteen (15) urine samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. The total bacteria count ranged from 6.2 × 10 5 CFU/ml - 8.0 × 10
5 CFU/ml. Bacterial species isolated includes Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis. E. coli was the most predominant isolate accounting for about (55%) followed by S. aureus (25%), S. saprohyticus (15%) and P. mirabilis (5%). The antibiotic susceptibility to antibacterial agent revealed that of S. aureus all the isolates were (100%) resistant to Zinnacef and Cephalexin while they were (100%) sensitive to ciprofloxacin. S. saprohyticus 15(100%) were resistant to cephalexin and (100%) sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli and P. mirabilis susceptibility test revealed that 5(5%) of P. mirabilis showed resistance to Cephalexin and Septrin and was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin. however, 55(100%) of E. coli were resistant to cephalexin, moderate sensitivity to septrin and (100%) sensitivity to
ciprofloxacin. The isolates were also tested for their ability to produce gelatinize. All bacterial isolates produced gelatinize. The ability of the bacterial isolates obtained to produce gelatinize is of a serious medical importance as this may have contributed to the multi-drug resistance of the isolates and as such, further research should be carried out to discover new antibiotics effective against these organisms.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected tuber-based media on the vegetative growth of the fungus Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex Fr.) Sing. Pure culture of V. volvacea was gotten from the African Centre for Mushroom Research and Technology Innovations, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The pure culture was expanded aseptically on potato dextrose agar and stored until utilized. This evaluation was carried out by puncturing the pure culture with already sterilized cork borer then the inoculum was collected with an already sterilized loop and inoculated at the center of the formulated culture. The culture media were subjected to different orientations. This procedure was carried out for the five replicates of each formulated medium after which they were taken to the incubation room. The growth biometry was taken after 24 hours for 6 days. Potato dextrose agar recorded the highest mycelia growth on the different plate orientations while cocoyam dextrose agar and white yam dextrose agar recorded the lowest mycelia growth on plates with an upward orientation and plates with a downward orientation respectively. From this study it has been observed that the vegetative growth of Volvariella volvacea is influenced by the plate orientation and the tuber used to prepare the culture media. This study has shown that sweet potato and water yam can be considered as viable alternatives for potato in the preparation of culture media for the fungus. Key words: Fungi, Plate orientation, Vegetative growth.

In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Solarium nigrum (Sn) leaf on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) after histamine challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs was investigated. Three weeks old, male guinea pigs (25 of them) were divided into five groups consisting of five pigs each were used. All animals were allowed access to standard animal feed and water. In addition animals were pre-sensitized with ovalbumin, and then exposed to 2% histamine aerosol after an overnight fast. The pre convulsion time was recorded. Animals in groups 2, 3, 4, were administered ethanol extract of Solanum nigrum leaf at the respective doses of 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight while animals in group 5. received 25mg/kgbw of the reference drug aminophylline. Animals were again subjected to histamine aerosol after drug administration and the pre-convulsion was again recorded. All animals were sacrificed three days after the last challenge and their lungs were excised. Result obtained indicates that sensitization with ovalbumin and exposure to histamine aerosol caused the increase in the lipid peroxidation in bronchial alveolar tissue, lung and plasma cells respectively. Treatment with ethanol extract of Solanum nigrum (Sn) leaf showed a decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to that of the control

This research study was carried out to evaluate the fat soluble vitamin contents (vitamin A, D, E and K) in solvent extracted melon seed oil and to determine the Amino acid profile of whole melon seed flour over a period of time. Results on fat soluble vitamins shows that, vitamin A had the highest value, followed by vitamin E, K and vitamin D had the lowest value of the fat soluble vitamin content and they were all relatively stable from month 0 to month 1. Result on whole melon seed flour shows that, it contains eleven essential amino acids and seven non-essential amino acids. Therefore solvent extracted melon seed oil
contains fat soluble vitamins and whole melon seed flour contains the basic essential amino acids.

Over the years, studies has been carried out on the effects of various plants on intraocular pressure and blood pressure. However, the numerous benefits Dennettia tripetala on the eye are still unfolding. The work below is the effect of graded doses of pepper fruit extract on intraocular pressure and blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of pepper fruit aqueous extract on intraocular pressure and blood pressure using normotensive patients. 60 subjects was be used within the age of 18 – 35years, for the experiment. Intraocular pressure and blood pressure was measured using the Perkins tonometer and Mercury sphygmomanometer before ingestion and at 30 minutes interval for 180 minutes for group A, B and C.The measurement was carried out three times and the average is taken. 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg and 100mg/kg body weight of Dennettia tripetala doses was given to group A, B and C respectively, while group D will be given 500ml of pure water, intraocular pressure and blood pressure was measured at 30 minutes interval for 180 minutes. The data obtained from this study was analysed using repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) as processed by the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 22.0. The result obtained from this study will enlighten optometrist on the effect of Dennettia tripetala on intraocular pressure and blood pressure

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that includes synthesis and development of various nano-materials. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of incubation period on the antimicrobial activities of magnesium chloride nanoparticles on bacteria isolated from a diseased Manihot esculenta leaf. Three bacteria were isolated from the diseased Manihot esculenta leaf obtained from three different farms. The antibacterial activities of Moringa oleifera and aqueous extract were performed using agar well diffusion method. From the results, no activity was recorded against the test isolates (0.00+0.00 cm) but this was significantly different from the control which showed zone of inhibition ranging from 2.60+ 0.10 cm for Enterobacter Ludwigii GM7 to 3.20+0.10cm for Erwinia spp after incubation periods of 24hrs and 48hrs respectively. The result of this study reveals that magnesium chloride nanoparticles (at all concentrations) had no effect on the pathogens. Further studies should be however conducted to unravel the reasons behind this resistance by the test isolates against synthesized MgONp.