FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES,

This is carried out to assess the concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5), in Etsako East Local Government Area. Secondary data collection method was employed for the assessment. Levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5) were extracted biannually from Google Earth Engine using information from Sentinel-5-P satellite data (COPERNISCUS/5SP/NRT/L3_). A comparison of the levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter (PM2.5) was done biannually from the year 2019 to the year 2024 in Etsako East LGA. Results showed that the annual mean concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) ranged from 0.000048mol/m2
to 0.000062mol/m2, the highest and lowest concentrations were found in the first half of 2021, and the first half of 2022 respectively. Particulate matter (PM2.5) ranged from -0.2341 to 0.4357. The highest and lowest concentrations
were found in the first half of 2021, and the second half of 2022 respectively. This
condition as an implication of irritating airways and exacerbating respiratory conditions on the residents. Government should play their role in policy making soas
to enforce a cleaner production process by the cement factory located there. GIS applications should also be employed and used to foster air quality and check for any deviations.

Despite the presence of different variety of chemical fungicides, the search for new antifungal substances against plant pathogens continues because of the negative effect these fungicides has on both the plants and the environment. This study was aimed at assessing the antifungal activities of Moringa oleifera and Olea europaea oil individually and their synergistic combination against selected phytopathogenic fungi. Two fungi were isolated from agricultural soils obtained from different locations. Antifungal activities of Moringa, Olive oil individually and synergistically were performed using the food poisoning method. Penicillium chrysogenum and Mucor circinelloides used in this study were isolated from the agricultural soil. The phytochemical analysis of Moringa oil revealed a cocktail of phytochemicals while Olive oil showed only the presence of terpenoids. From the results, Moringa oil alone demonstrated strong activity against the pathogens with radial growth inhibition ranging from 2.83±0.04mm (Penicillium chrysogenum, 14%) to 5.83±0.10mm (Mucor circinelloides, 6%) this was significantly different from the controls (17.66±0.33mm for Penicillium chrysogenum and 39.16±0.05mm for Mucor circinelloides). For Olive oil alone the radial growth inhibition ranged from 4.90±0.05mm (Penicillium chrysogenum, 14%) to 24±0.30mm (Mucor circinelloides, 2%)
this was significantly different from the controls (17.66±0.33mm for Penicillium chrysogenum and 39.16±0.05mm for Mucor circinelloides). The synergistic combination of Moringa oil and Olive oil gave a result ranging from 0.00±0.00mm (Mucor circinelloides, 14%) to 12.33±0.14mm (Penicillium chrysogenum, 14%) compared to their controls (17.66±0.33mm for Penicillium chrysogenum and 39.16±0.05mm for Mucor circinelloides). The highest percentage mycelial radial growth inhibiton for Moringa oil on day 7 was 89.79% (Mucor circinelloides) and the lowest was 71.70% (Penicillium chrysogenum).

Human hands usually harbor microorganisms both as part of normal flora and
microorganisms contacted from the environment. A prospective study was carried out in the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. This study was aimed at identifying the types of bacteria associated with hands of undergraduate students in the University of Benin and to isolate and determine the hemolysin production of bacteria isolates present on the hands of the students. A total of 6 samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics (citrate, indole, oxidase, catalase, motility, triple sugar ion and coagulase). The bacteria isolates recovered were S. aureus 3(25%), C. jeikeium 1(8.33), S. epidermidis 4(33.33), S. hominids 2(16.67) and Escherichia coli 2(16.67). All isolates of S. aureus, E. coli and S. hominis showed complete hemolysis (Beta hemolysis) while S. epidemidis and C. jeikeium were non hemolytic (Gamma hemolysis). All Gram positive isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, rifampin and septrin. Gram negative bacteria isolates were highly resistant to nalixidic acid, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin

orkplaces have a key role in developing eye disorders, due to the danger of accidents. Bottles holding carbonated beverages are potentially dangerous to the eye. Since beverage bottles may burst with regular handling and without provocation, production rules must be put in place to assist in eliminating defective bottles. The study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of ocular morbidities associated with the brewing company workers. This study employed a prospective cross-sectional study design and was carried out in the Coca-Cola bottling company, Benin City. A total of 90 participants consisting of 65 males (72.2%) and 25 females (27.8%) were enrolled in this study. Majority of the participants were between the ages of 24 and 29 years (28.89%) with a mean ± standard deviation of 31.3 ± 7.58 years. Also, 82.2% of the participants had their education at the tertiary level. Data was collected using questionnaires and eye examination. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, pie charts, mean and standard deviation, and chi-square were used to analyze and summarize the data. Findings from the study revealed that pterygium was the most prevalent ocular morbidity among workers in the brewing industry. Allergic conjunctivitis (11.1%), pinguecula (10.0%), presbyopia (5.6%), cornea opacity (2.2%), foreign body (2.2%), cataract (1.1%) and refractive errors (1.11%), were also prevalent. 62.2% of the participants were aware of activities that pose a risk of injury and packaging was found to be a major risk to eye injury among the participants (20.0%). 61.1% of them owned a personal protective eyewear and xi 47.8% of them who owned a personal protective eyewear owned safety goggles. In conclusion, there was no significant relationship between patients’ ocular assessment and their areas of production (p >0.05). Therefore, it is recommended that workers in the production units receive comprehensive training on the advantages of wearing ocular protective eyewear during their work and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

he bacteriological and biochemical quality of fish feeds used by fish farmers in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government area in metropolis were evaluated in this study. A total of twelve (12) samples were assessed from both locations. Questionnaires were administered to the farmers to get their informed consent. Samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory within 1-5 hours after collection, standard microbiological analysis involving total heterotrophic count of the fish feeds, total coliform bacteria count of the fish feeds, Identification of the bacteria most prevalent in the feeds and antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates. The results revealed that the mean value of total heterotrophic bacteria count for fish feeds obtained from Ikpoba-Okha was 1.72±7.02x10 2 cfu/ml while Egor had a mean value of 5.20±2.13x10 2 cfu/ml. The total coliform bacteria count for Ikpoba-Okha was 0.2±0.82x10 2cfu/ml and Egor, 0.78±3.16x10 2cfu/ml. The prevalence of bacteria isolates in fish feeds obtained from both Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas revealed that Escherichia coli was most prevalent with a percentage value of 20.00% while Actinobacter was least prevalent with a percentage value of 2.50%. Salmonella, Klebsiella sp, Citrobacter, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Chromobacterium, Proteus vulgaris and Shigella sp. Were also present. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that all Gram positive bacteria identified in this study was susceptible to gentamycin and ofloxacin, meanwhile all bacteria identified in this study were resistant to ceftriaxone/ceftrazone

Polyherbal teas, also known as herb-herb combinations, have been used in Chinese medicine practice, but scientific evidence of their therapeutic benefit is lacking. This study aims to examine the nutritional composition, characterization of some phytochemical constituents, and hepatoprotective activity of a poly-herbal tea formulation comprised of Moringa olifera, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemon in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed by the method described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The characterization of some phytochemical constituents was analyzed using HPLC. CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity was used for hepatoprotective activity. The proximate composition of poly-herbal formulated tea indicated carbohydrate (64.66 %), protein (19.25 %), fat (6.35 %), moisture content (6.12 %), ash content (0.24 %) and fibre (3.36%). Mineral compositions present include potassium (1356.0 mg/kg), calcium (821.3 mg/kg), magnesium (380.8 mg/kg), phosphorus (331.4 mg/kg), and iron (221.4 mg/kg).nt). Luteolin, Arbutin, Kaempferol, Apigenin and Quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compound, Quinine was the most abundant alkaloid, Diosgenin and Ergocalciferol were the most abundant steroid, Epigattotechin and Catechin were the most abundant tannins in polyherbal formulated tea. The body weight of animals given 10 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 5 mg/kg of the tea extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of tea extract + CCL4 and CCL4 without treatment significantly reduced compare to control (*p<0.05) in CCL4-induced nephrotoxicity. There was liver weight reduction in the animals that were given distilled water, 5 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 10mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (***p<0.001; *p<0.05). ALP, AST and ALT levels in the animals were reduced by 5 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 10 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (**p<0.01; *p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase values were increased, and the molondialdehyde level was reduced by the formulated xv tea extract when compared with CCL4 without treatment (****p<0.0001; ***p<0.001; **p<0.01; *p<0.05). Conclusively polyherbal tea formulation (Moringa olifera, garlic, ginger, turmeric and lemon) possesses hepatoprotective activity

Clays have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, ranging from wound healing to antibacterial applications, owing to their adsorptive and chemical properties that inhibit pathogens and support tissue regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of Okpepe clay, Uzala black clay and the combined effect of both clays on clinical isolates against some clinical isolates. Clay samples were processed into suspensions, physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal content and organic carbon. Uzala black clay had a higher pH (7.85), CEC (25.90 cmol/kg), and organic matter (2.80 %), while OKC was more acidic (pH 6.12) with higher EC and TDS. Antibacterial activity was tested against some clinical isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus spp. using agar well diffusion at concentrations of 100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 %. Uzala black clay demonstrated superior antibacterial activity with larger zones of inhibition and lower MIC values (6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus) compared to Okpekpe clay. Uzala black clay was bactericidal (MBC/MIC ≤ 2) against all isolates, while Okpekpe clay was often bacteriostatic. The clay combination (1:1) showed a remarkable synergistic effect, particularly at 75 % concentration, producing the largest zones of inhibition (42 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Uzala Black Clay is a potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal agent. The combination with Okpekpe Clay results in a significant synergistic enhancement of antibacterial efficacy. Its efficacy against clinical isolates, including those resistant to common antibiotics, highlights its potential as a source for developing new antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant bacteria and its novel antimicrobial strategies

This study investigated the levels of nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) contamination in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill and Oba Market in Benin City, as well as their oxidative stress status. The concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Hg in tomatoes were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), while the oxidative stress status was assessed by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of lipid peroxidation. The results showed that tomatoes from both locations were contaminated with varying levels of Ni, Cd, with higher concentrations observed in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill compared to Oba Market. Specifically, the mean concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Hg in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill were Ni [0.05±0.02_] mg/kg, Cd (0 .01±0.009)mg/kg, and Hg[ ND], respectively, while in tomatoes from Oba Market, the concentrations were NI [ 0.06±0,02mg/kg,] Cd[0] mg/kg, and [Hg] ND, respectively. Additionally, tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill exhibited higher levels of lipid peroxidation and lower activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), compared to Oba Market. The activities of SOD, CAT, and POD in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill were SOD [3.017±0.22], CAT [0.07±0.007], and MDA [0.49-0.06] U/mg protein, respectively, while in tomatoes from Oba Market, the activities were [3.17±0.22], [0.14±0.01], and [4.84±02.8] U/mg protein, respectively. the levels of lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), were higher in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill compared to Oba Market, with values of [9.00E-18] nmol/mg protein and [3.00E-22] nmol/mg protein, respectively. Despite the higher levels of heavy metal contamination and oxidative stress in tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill, the concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Hg in tomatoes from both locations were below the maximum allowable limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), suggesting that tomatoes from Ikpoba Hill and Oba Market are generally safe for consumption in terms of heavy metal contamination

This study assessed the health risk assessment of surface water from Orhionmwon River, Southern Nigeria. A total of 18 water samples were collected at each location from May 2025 to July 2025. From upstream to downstream, water samples were taken from three locations in accordance with normal guidelines. While certain heavy metals were identified using the method of the association of analytical chemistry, the physicochemical properties of surface water were analysed using normal laboratory procedures. The average mean concentration of physicochemical and heavy metal properties in surface water were 30.12±0.20 (temperature), 6.97±0.13 (pH), 20.00±1.20 (EC), 9.89±0.51 (TDS), 4.50±0.17 (TSS), 14.39±0.48 (TS), 6.38±0.27 (turbidity), 5.76±0.59 (alkalinity), 4.84±0.32 (DO), 3.71±0.08 (BOD), 33.78±11.04 (COD), 6.61±0.78 (chloride), 7.61±2.34 (NO3), 0.47±0.25 (PO4), 1.84±0.19
(SO4), 6.92±0.31 (hardness), 1.80±0.16 (Ca), 0.63±0.10 (Mg), 0.87±0.06 (Na), 1.50±0.08 (K), 1.24±0.08 (Fe), 0.11±0.01 (Cu), 0.61±0.08 (Zn), 0.06±0.01 (Pb), 0.28±0.08 (Mn), 0.05±0.01
(Cr) and 3.96±0.15 (THC) respectively. Cadmium was not detected in the surface water from Orhionmwon River. The summative water quality index (WQI) for the three sampled stations were classified Grade E indicating that the water from Orhionmwon River is unsuitable for drinking (>100). The comprehensive pollution index across the sampled stations were classified as slightly polluted. Non-carcinogenic target hazard quotients (THQs) for oral exposure for the heavy metals were < 1.0 except for THC across the sampled stations, which suggests that consumers of water from these locations may be at high risk of non- carcinogenic illnesses associated with THC contaminants. The hazard index (HI) values for oral exposure shows that (HI > 1) which indicates that the consumption of the water predisposes them to potential health risk. The result for the integrated carcinogenic risk (ICR) values classified the surface water from Orhionmwon River as Grade VI (high risk – 10 -3) which calls for immediate attention and adequate action and should be further investigated for heavy metals such as lead and chromium

The discharge of untreated abattoir effluents into the environment poses significant public health risks, particularly due to the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to isolate and characterize MDR bacteria from soil samples contaminated with abattoir effluents in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected fromfive abattoirsEkehuan, Santana Market, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Oluku, and Ikpoba—at a depthof5–10 cm and analyzed microbiologically. The highest bacterial load was recorded at UNIBEN abattoir (5.56 log₁₀ CFU/mL), while Ekehuan had the lowest (3.96 log₁₀ CFU/mL). Morphological and biochemical identification revealed Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella sp., and Klebsiella sp. as the predominant isolates. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent (23.33%), followed by Bacillus sp. (21.05%) and Staphylococcus sp. (16.34%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed high resistance levels, with Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus having a multiple-resistant index of 0.4 while Pseudomonas sp and E coli exhibit the highest resistant indexof0.6 respectively. The presence of MDR bacteria in abattoir effluents highlights the need for improved wastewater management and antimicrobial resistance monitoring to mitigate environmental and public health risks