FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Herbs are useful in the management of diseases due to the reduced level of toxicity and antioxidant capacity as reported from folklore uses. Toxins harmful effect have been proven to be dose-dependent in relation to drug effects. Tetracarpidium conophorum belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, with several therapeutic benefits (anti-diarrhea, constipation, antimicrobial, pain ). This study investigated the acute toxicity of T. conophorum seeds aqueous extract using standard procedure. Graded doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of T. conophorum seeds aqueous extract, the standard drug (2 mg/kg diazepam orally) and the negative control were administered at a single dose to evaluate the antioxidant activities using standard protocol. The result of the acute toxicity revealed no abnormal physical signs and recorded no mortality across the doses. The aqueous extract of T. conophorum seed at 25 and 50 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in the level of Malondialdehyde compared to the untreated control (distilled water) (p<0.05). The results obtained from catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase assays showed a significant increase in their scavenging capacity against free radicals. In conclusion, no adverse effect was observed with no mortality. This study scientifically validate the in-vivo scavenging property and acute untowards effect of T. conophorum.

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.

In the periodic table of elements, between zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg), lies the naturally occurring metal cadium (Cd), which exhibits chemical properties akin to zinc (Zn). It is an element with supple, ductile, silvery white with bluish undertones, glossy, and electro positive characteristics. Cadmium has a melting point is 321 °C, boiling point is 765 °C, atomic number is 48, and atomic mass is 112. It has no taste or smell and is extremely toxic. Eight stable isotopes make up this metal: 106 Cd, 108 Cd, 110 Cd, 111 Cd, 112 Cd, 113 Cd, 114 Cd, and 116 Cd. 112 Cad and 114 Cad are the most prevalent isotopes (Adriano 2001). It typically appears as a divalent caption that has been complicated by additional elements (e.g., CdCl2). Since Cd is typically found as an impurity in deposits of zinc (Zn) or lead (Pb), it is primarily produced as a by-product of the smelting of these metals. Cd is present in the earth's crust at a rate of about 0.1 parts per million (Hans 1999).

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health disease. Early diagnosis can, however, improve outcomes in infected patients. Infections can be acute with a propensity to evolve into chronic diseases and their attendant life-threatening complications. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV among University of Benin students and associated risk factors. Research methodology involved collection of blood sample from 93 students aged 16 to 59 years from different student using the systematic sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Ethical Review Board, blood samples were collected from students and stored in a 5ml EDTA bottle. HBsAg was tested using the HBsAg rapid test kit. The test was carried out and interpreted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The questionnaire includes both closed and open-ended questions and will be sectionalized into socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors associated with HBV infection and vaccination history students
and using systematic sampling technique. HBsAg was tested using the HBsAg test kit. Of the 328 students that were screened, 2 (0.6%) were positive. Study shows an apparent very low prevalence of University of Benin. The result of this research shows an apparent hesitancy towards vaccination and of a sharp instinct to not share sharp objects. Though it is lower than the countries recorded prevalence level, routine vaccination program and public enlightenment should be strengthened for further control of HBV.

This project investigates the assessment of fecal waste management in rural community of Ekosodin, located in Benin City, Nigeria and its implications on local water sources. The rapid population growth and inadequate waste management
systems in rural areas have led to serious environmental challenges, especially concerning the management of fecal waste. This study explores the current waste management practices in the area, including open defecation, the use of pit latrines
and the challenges faced by residents in waste disposal. Data collection for this assessment involves field surveys and interviews with local residents to understand the extent of the problem. Additionally, water samples from key local sources such as
boreholes and reservoirs are tested for contamination levels, with a particular focus on fecal coliforms and physio-chemical parameters to evaluate the direct impact of fecal waste on water quality. The study also examines the relationship between poor waste management practices and the prevalence of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid, which are common in rural communities with inadequate sanitation systems. The findings from this research highlight critical gaps in sanitation
infrastructure and the urgent need for intervention. The research advocates for the development of policies that encourage the provision of affordable, hygienic sanitation facilities in rural communities to ensure both environmental sustainability
and health of residents. In conclusion, the implication of inadequate fecal waste management in Ekosodin are far-reaching, affecting not only water quality but also overall public health and environmental integrity. Effective management of fecal
waste is crucial for safeguarding water resources and preventing the spread of IX waterborne diseases, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for rural communities like Ekosodin.

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is still a global challenge to date. The major process for malaria parasite survival within red blood cells is the detoxification of heme, a toxic byproduct released from hemoglobin digestion, into a crystalline pigment called hemozoin. Agents which inhibit this process can be used to curb the parasitic development. The discovery of such agents can be done using the β-hematin inhibition assay, in-vitro studies using hemin, otherwise known as synthetic heme. The ability for hemin to polymerize into β-hematin provides the assay the characteristic capacity to be used as a means to study the inhibition of hemozoin formation (β-hematin). This study seeks to compare the β- hematin inhibitory potential of the methanol stembarks of Annickia affinis and Annickia chlorantha. Annickia affinis and Annickia chlorantha stembark extracts were observed to possess notable capability in inhibiting β-hematin formation with A. chlorantha performing better at inhibiting β-hematin formation than A. affinis

Anthill soils play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture practice as a source of locally available source of fertilizer which is essential in plant growth and development, and as such improve soil fertility. However, the pathogenicity of anthill soils have not been fully looked at. The aim of this study is to know the pathogenicity status of the antihill soil. Soil samples were collected from four different anthills from two locations (Institutional and residential areas in a sterile container) and their corresponding adjacent soils (control). The analysis carried out were bacterial count after aliquots of serially diluted soil were plated, cultural characteristics by culturing isolates, afterwards sub culturing. Colony count was done alongside phenotypic identification to know the (size, shape, elevation and margin). Morphological identification (Gram Staining) was done to differentiate, positive from negative. Biochemical and pathogenicity test were carried out using (protease and lipase) test. Bacteria such as E. coli, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, serratia sp, Enterobacter claocae, staphylococcus sp and Salmonella sp were found. It is therefore recommended that for effective utilization of anthill soils for agricultural crop production, further studies should be carried to better understand the premise that anthill soil maybe dangerous rather than beneficial in the long run

Solvent- impregnated sorbent extraction of tantalum is reported. Tantalum was effectively extracted with 3500C carbonized and activated with 0.5 M hydrofluoric acid and impregnated with methyl isobutyl ketone from hydrofluoric acid leached tantalite ore. The transport study of tantalum ions through a supported solvent-impregnated based sorbent (coconut shell) has been carried out using a design expert (RSM). Factors affecting extraction of tantalum was studied via pH, temperature and contact time is discussed. The final extracts of tantalum complex were directly inserted after colour development in the spectrophotometer for absorbance measurement which enhances the sensitivity. It was observed that at a pH of 1, a temperature of 28oC and at a contact time of 5 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was decreased to 53.37% and it was observed that at a pH of 1, an increased temperature of 68oC and at a contact time of 30 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was increased to 91.55%. the sorbent under study can therefore be used as alternative in order to reduce the high cost of conventional adsorbent used in extraction management.