FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a vital legume crop in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its high protein content and adaptability. However, soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that severely limits its early establishment, growth, and overall yield.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of salt stress on the germination and early seedling growth of cowpea to determine its tolerance thresholds during the critical initial growth phase.Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Cowpea seeds were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride ($\text{NaCl}$) solutions, typically ranging from a control ($0\text{ mM}$ or $0\text{ dS m}^{-1}$) to severe salinity levels ($50\text{ mM}$, $100\text{ mM}$, $150\text{ mM}$, and $200\text{ mM}$). Germination parameters, including germination percentage (GP), germination velocity index (GVI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth traits (radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry biomass), were measured over a standard period of 7 to 10 days.Results: The results revealed that salt stress significantly ($P \le 0.05$) inhibited all measured parameters.Germination Rate: High salinity levels ($\ge 150\text{ mM}$) caused a drastic reduction in germination percentage and delayed the onset of germination, as evidenced by a significant increase in MGT.Seedling Vigour: Radicle and plumule lengths were highly sensitive to salinity, showing a progressive decline with increasing $\text{NaCl}$ concentrations. This suppression of early seedling growth is primarily attributed to osmotic stress and the toxic accumulation of $\text{Na}^+$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions, which restrict water uptake and disrupt metabolic processes.Conclusion: While cowpea exhibits moderate tolerance to low salinity levels ($\le 50\text{ mM}$), high salt concentrations severely hinder seed germination and early seedling establishment. These findings underscore the importance of screening for salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes and implementing strategic soil management practices in salinity-prone agricultural zones.

Climate change is a global problem exacerbated by human actions and behaviour. For this reason, it has become essential for individuals to take actions at their level to decrease their environmental footprint and mitigate climate change. This study was carried out to determine the efforts made by individuals residing in Benin City towards climate change mitigation. There were a total of 100 participants in the study who were selected using convenience sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire having a reliability index of 0.819. Collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools in SPSS version 20. The results obtained showed that the participants were mostly female (65%) and aged between 18 - 25 years (76.3%). The awareness on climate change among participants was moderate. However, knowledge on climate mitigation actions was low and implementation of mitigation actions was minimal. The efforts made by individuals were found to have a positive impact on environmental sustainability in their surroundings. The awareness of climate change and mitigation efforts were significantly positively correlated (R = 0.550, p =0.000), similarly the awareness of climate change and efforts towards environmental sustainability were significantly correlated (R = 0.522, p =0.000). Therefore, it was concluded that based on the findings, targeted interventions are necessary to increased knowledge on climate change, mitigation measures and the implementation of climate mitigation plans to ensure environmental sustainability

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental problems limiting seed germination and crop productivity in tropical agriculture. Corchorus olitorius L. (jute) is an important fibre and vegetable crop in Nigeria, yet its early growth is highly sensitive to saline conditions. This study evaluated the physiological response of two jute landraces. Landrace C (from NIHORT) and Landrace D (from Delta State) were treated to different salt concentrations to determine their level of tolerance. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five sodium chloride (NaCl) levels: 5 ppm (control), 200, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 ppm, each replicated three times. Growth parameters observed included germination percentage, shoot height, number of leaves, stem girth, number of branches, internode length, and leaf area. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results showed that salt stress caused a steady decline in all growth parameters. Landrace C had the highest germination rate (90.00 ± 17.32%) and best seedling growth at 200–2000 ppm, recording maximum shoot height (26.83 ± 4.64 cm) and leaf number (34.67 ± 1.70). Landrace D performed poorly, with peak germination at 200 ppm (20.00 ± 0.00%) and no growth beyond 2000 ppm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments and between landraces. Overall, Landrace C exhibited stronger salt tolerance due to better osmotic adjustment and growth stability, making it suitable for cultivation and improvement in saline prone soil.

This study investigated the comparative effects of co-administration of aqueous and methanol fractions of Cleome rutidosperma and Hunteria umbellata on hematopoiesis in L-NAME/STZinduced hypertensive and diabetic male Wistar rats. Hypertension and diabetes are chronic metabolic disorders that frequently coexist and contribute to cardiovascular complications through oxidative stress and hematological alterations. Traditional medicinal plants such as Cleome rutidosperma and Hunteria umbellata have been reported to possess antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties, yet their combined effects on blood cell formation remain underexplored. Hematological indices were evaluated to determine their effects on erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis, and thrombopoiesis. The findings revealed that both extracts produced beneficial effects on altered hematological parameters, with the methanol fraction showing greater hematoprotective efficacy. The methanol fraction significantly improved total lymphocyte, mid- sized cell percentage, and platelet indices, indicating enhanced immune response, erythropoietic stability, and hemostatic balance. These results suggest that the methanol fraction of Cleome rutidosperma and Hunteria umbellata exerts superior restorative effects on hematopoiesis in L- NAME/STZ-induced hypertensive and diabetic rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential in managing hematological disturbances associated with cardiometabolic disorders.

The hazards that microplastic pollution have incurred ecologically has made it a key environmental concern. This study determined the occurrences of microplastics in the surface water taken from Ikpoba River in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of thirty (N=30) water samples were obtained from the period of August to September 2025. The samples were collected in glass bottles from both upstream and downstream areas of the river and then tested in the laboratory using standard methods. Eight different polymer types were identified from Station 1, 2, and 3 including, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyvincyl Chloride (PVC) materials known for their potential toxic effects. The polymer composition of microplastics was confirmed using the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result showed that microplastics were abundant in station 3, (40.35%) and was relatively low in station 1 (26.07%). The mean and standard error (S.E) indicated low concentrations of microplastics in the upstream (13.00 ± 1.58) and high concentrations in the downstream (20.12 ± 1.70). The findings indicate that microplastics pollution in the Ikpoba River may have potential ecological and human health implications due to long-term exposure and bioaccumulation in the aquatic environment. Consequently, it is important for government agencies and environmental regulators to improve waste management practices, adopt stricter regulations for plastic disposal, and scale up public awareness campaigns to mitigate plastic pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems and human populations.

This study examined the effects of illumination on the vitamin D and secondary metabolite contents of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) under different exposure durations. Fresh samples of the mushroom were subjected to varying illumination periods using both sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Ethanol extracts of the samples were subsequently analyzed for vitamin D and secondary metabolite contents. The results revealed that exposure to sunlight for six hours yielded the highest vitamin D content, indicating this as the optimum illumination period for vitamin D synthesis in P. ostreatus. Conversely, exposure to ultraviolet light showed inconsistent effects, with prolonged exposure leading to denaturation and a decline in vitamin D concentration. The impact of illumination on secondary metabolite constituents varied according to the observed secondary metabolite, light-sensitive compounds such as flavonoids and phenols decreased with extended exposure with flavonoids showing an optimum value display at 6 hours (0.39 mg/g) but decreased slightly to 0.36 mg/g after 8 hours, while saponins and terpenoids increased, possibly due to the softening of tissue cells that enhanced their production. Cardiac glycosides, being more resistant to light, remained relatively stable across treatments, maintaining (0.35 mg/g), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the significance of the effects of exposure of mushroom samples to sunlight and ultraviolet light at different time periods. The study also provides a basis for further research on optimal illumination at different time points to enhance and maximize vitamin D and phytochemical components of Pleurotus ostreatus.

Malnutrition among infants and young children remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria and many developing countries due to dependence on traditional cereal-based complementary foods with low protein, energy and micronutrient contents. This study developed and evaluated nutrient-dense complementary food formulations from locally available soybean, groundnut, and crayfish as affordable alternatives to traditional weaning foods. Three formulations were prepared: Sample A (70:20:10), Sample B (60:30:10), and Sample C (50:40:10), alongside a commercial complementary food as control. The formulations were evaluated for microbiological quality, proximate composition, functional properties, and sensory attributes. Microbiological analysis of raw ingredients showed total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 11.00 ± 2.83 ×10⁵ cfu/g in crayfish to 23.50 ± 7.78 ×10⁵ cfu/g in groundnut, while no Enterobacteriaceae were detected before processing. Following processing, heterotrophic bacterial counts decreased to 0.90 ± 0.28 ×10⁵–1.35 ± 0.35 ×10⁵ cfu/g. Bacterial isolates identified included Staphylococcus aureus (26.67%), Escherichia coli (20.00%), Salmonella spp. (16.67%), Enterobacter sp. (16.67%), Bacillus subtilis (13.33%), and Shigella sp. (6.67%). Proximate analysis revealed low moisture content (2.48–4.46%), crude fat ranging from 29.90–32.97%, and protein values of 15.30–22.53%, with Sample A recording the highest protein content. Functional properties showed acceptable bulk density (1.14–1.29 g/ml), dispersibility (58–70%), and water absorption capacity (0.63–0.92). Sensory evaluation indicated that Sample B had the highest acceptability among the formulated blends, although the control sample recorded superior scores across sensory parameters. This findings indicate that soybean– groundnut–crayfish blends are nutritionally improved, affordable, and culturally acceptable complementary foods with potential to reduce protein-energy malnutrition in Nigeria. Further studies on micronutrient composition, shelf-life stability, and growth performance are recommended.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent environmental toxicant that induces oxidative stress in the testes via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to lipid peroxidation, antioxidant depletion, and impaired spermatogenesis. This study investigated the protective effect of Entandrophragma utili bark extract (EUE) on oxidative stress indices in the testes of CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty (25) male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were divided into five groups (n=5): Group I: Normal control (distilled water) Group II: CCl₄ only (0.5 mL/kg, 1:1 in olive oil, ip., twice weekly) Group III: CCl₄ + Crude extract (400 mg/kgbwt) Group IV: CCl₄ + Ethyl acetate (400 mg/kgbwt) Group V: CCl₄ + Ethanol residue (400 mg/kgbwt) Treatment lasted 28 days. Testes were excised, homogenized, and assayed for reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Entandrophragma utili bark extract exhibits dose-dependent antioxidant protection against CCl₄- induced testicular oxidative damage, possibly via free radical scavenging. It holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorder. CCl₄ intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and reduced GSH levels, confirming severe oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with the crude EUE extract significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these alterations, restoring antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels near to normal and preserving testicular cytoarchitecture. The solvent fractions showed milder, non-significant restorative effects.

This study integrates sedimentological and foraminifera analyses of five (5) ditch-cutting samples obtained at 60 ft intervals from depths 11,550 ft to 11,790 ft in the MF-3 Well, located within the Niger Delta Basin. The investigation aimed to study the sedimentology and foraminifera abundance patterns in the well and objectively interpret the lithologic characteristics, foraminifera diversity and abundance, age and depositional environments of the studied interval. Standard sedimentological and micropaleontological techniques were employed to process and examine the samples. Sedimentologic characteristics were determined based on textural parameters such as grain size, lithology, lithofacies, color, angularity, roundness and sorting . Each 20 g sample was soaked, washed, sieved, dried, and examined under a binocular stereo microscope for foraminifera identification and quantitative assessment. The sedimentological analysis revealed intercalating shalysand lithofacies, one (1) lithofacie unit . One (1) hydrocarbon play element (reservoir rock) was delinated in the well section. The associated minerals delineated in the well includes Iron oxide (heamatite), mica, quartz, feldspar, and tourmaline. The shaly sands are fine to medium-grained, moderately sorted, and quartz-rich, organic indicating marine incursions. The foraminifera analysis recovered the following species Hanzawaia strattonii, Ammonia beccarii, Haplophragmoides narivaensis, Cibicorbisinflata, Bolivina scalprata miocenica, Heterolepa pseudungeriana, Spirosigmoilina oligocaenica, Bathysiphon sp, Florilus costiferum (Nonion 4 sp), Trochammina sp, Epistominella vitrea, Valvulineria sp and Uvigerina subperegrina. A Middle to Late Miocene age and paralic to open shallow-marine (inner neritic) paleoenvironments of deposition was assigned to the studied well section

This study investigated the hydrogeological evaluation of borehole water contamination near a
solid waste dumpsite in Iyowa, Benin City, Nigeria. The aim was to assess how dumpsite
leachate affects groundwater quality by examining physicochemical, microbiological, and heavy
metal parameters. Five borehole samples were collected at varying elevations and distances
around the dumpsite (coordinates: 6°27′29″N–6°27′44″N, 5°36′10″E–5°36′37″E) using GPS
mapping and WHO-recommended sampling procedures. Laboratory analyses covered pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, and selected metals (Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn) determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
(AAS), alongside microbial tests for total coliforms and E. coli. The results (Tables 4.1–4.3, Figures 1–2) showed acidic groundwater (pH 5.19–6.14) below WHO limits (6.5–8.5), with low
alkalinity (4–6 mg/L) and elevated metal concentrations: Pb (0.106–0.428 mg/L), Fe (2.98–7.51
mg/L), and Cr (0.37–3.87 mg/L), all exceeding the permissible limits of 0.01, 0.3, and 0.05 mg/L
respectively. Potassium spiked at 55.8 mg/L in the borehole closest to the dumpsite (Sample 2), indicating direct leachate influence. Microbial tests showed absence of coliforms and E. coli, but
minor heterotrophic bacteria (1 CFU/mL). Overall, the acidic and metal-enriched groundwater
reveals significant leachate intrusion linked to dumpsite proximity, making the borehole water
unsafe for domestic consumption without treatment. The findings highlight the need for
controlled waste disposal, borehole siting regulation, and continuous groundwater monitoring in
Iyowa