FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study explores the harmful effects of lead acetate exposure on the kidneys, liver, and blood in Wistar rats, aiming to shed light on potential risks to human health from this common environmental toxin. Over a four-week period, adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups administered varying doses of lead acetate (low, medium, and high) via oral gavage. Weekly assessments included hematological analyses such as complete blood counts, measurements of inflammatory markers like TNF-α in liver and kidney tissues, and oxidative stress evaluations through assays for key enzymes and antioxidants. Results revealed dose- dependent disruptions, with treated groups showing significant reductions in hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts, alongside elevated neutrophil and lymphocyte levels indicative of immune stress. In the liver and kidneys, heightened TNF-α concentrations pointed to progressive inflammation, while oxidative stress markers demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant defenses, particularly in higher-dose groups by week four. These findings underscore lead acetate's capacity to induce organ damage through oxidative and inflammatory pathways, highlighting the need for stricter controls on lead exposure in industrial and everyday settings to prevent similar toxicities in humans.

Door handles in public spaces serve as potential reservoirs for microbial contamination, posing risks for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial contaminants on door handles of selected banks within the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was conducted across five banks within the university campus, selected due to their high patronage, which increases the likelihood of microbial contamination. Sterile swab samples were collected from both entrance and interior door handles of each bank over a two-week period, during peak business hours (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM). The collected swabs were transferred into sterile peptone water and transported to the microbiology laboratory within one hour for bacterial analysis. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) was determined using standard culture techniques, with counts ranging from 2.03 ± 0.03 × 10⁴ CFU/ml (Bank D) to 4.72 ± 0.31 × 10⁴ CFU/ml (Bank E). Biochemical and morphological characterization of isolates identified seven bacterial species, including Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella sp. The frequency of occurrence varied, with Escherichia coli having the highest prevalence (28%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. (20%), while Pseudomonas sp. had the lowest occurrence (12%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing against ten commonly used antibiotics revealed varying resistance patterns among isolates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, with the highest recorded for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp. The results highlight significant bacterial contamination on frequently touched surfaces, emphasizing the need for regular disinfection and improved hygiene practices in high-contact public spaces.

Plants continue to play a vital role in healthcare, with around 11% of the World Health Organization's essential medicines derived from botanical sources. Combining two or more herbs can provide various health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyherbal-formulated teas comprising Anthocleista djalonensis, Musa paradisiaca, Curcuma longa, Mucuna pruriens, and Thespesia garckeana on haematological indices in Wistar rats with hyperlipidaemia induced by an atherogenic diet. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 as the cholesterol control, groups 3 and 4 received polyherbal tea at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, and group 5 was treated with atorvastatin (5 mg/kg). Hyperlipidaemia was induced in groups 2 to 5 by administering 10 mg/kg of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Treatments and the cholesterol diet were given orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected and analysed using a haematology autoanalyzer. The polyherbal-formulated tea at both 20 and 40 mg/kg doses significantly reduced platelet counts compared to the cholesterol control group (p < 0.01), while other haematological parameters remained unaffected (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the polyherbal tea may have antiplatelet and cardioprotective properties.

This study examined the effects of vinegar on the growth of two freshwater microalgae: Scenedesmus sp. and Chlamydomonas sp.. The experiment was setup in triplicates of different concentrations of vinegar ( 0% (control), 1%, 5%,10%,15%,20% and 25%) in a culture media and monitored for 14 days. The samples were analyzed every two days to monitor growth using a visible spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 750nm as well as other physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen. The results were analyzed using statistical two way analysis of variance ANOVA repeated measures, paired t-test, microsoft excel and descriptive statistics. The result showed that the growth of Scenedesmus sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. were affected by the different concentrations of vinegar with a significant difference (p<0.05) across all parameters. The control (0% vinegar) recorded the highest growth, yield and dissolved oxygen while the 10%vinegar concentration produced the lowest values, indicating that increasing acidity inhibited algal growth and photosynthetic activity. The comparative percentage yield between both species showed no significant difference (p>0.05), suggesting comparable productivity under mild acidity

This study investigated the effect of scarification pre-treatments on the germination of Omphalocarpum elatum, Khaya anthotheca, and Albizia coriacea seeds. These tropical species are ecologically and economically significant but face regeneration challenges due to seed dormancy and hard seed coats that prevent water absorption and gas exchange. The research aimed to evaluate whether scarification pre-treatments could enhance their germination and overcome dormancy. The experiment was conducted at the Screen-House of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin. Four seeds were planted per pot, and each species had fifteen pots, making a total of forty-five pots for the entire study. The parameters recorded were the number of seeds planted and the percentage of germination, and observations were made daily for thirty days. The results showed that no germination occurred in any of the species throughout the observation period, as the number of germinated seeds for all species was zero, resulting in a 0% germination rate. This complete lack of germination may have been caused by several factors such as delay in seed planting after procurement, harsh scarification procedures like acid treatment, the potency or viability of the seeds (dead or alive), unfavorable environmental conditions, and the nature of seed collection whether from trees or fallen fruits. The study concludes that proper seed handling, immediate planting after harvest, the use of mild scarification methods, and seed viability testing are essential for improving germination outcomes. Although no germination was recorded, the findings provide valuable baseline information for future research aimed at enhancing propagation techniques and promoting the conservation and restoration of tropical forest sp

Malaria is an acute, life-threatening parasitic infection caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, posing a significant global health threat. The most virulent form that infects humans is Plasmodium falciparum. Current first-line treatments involve Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), but the increasing prevalence of antimalarial drug resistance constitutes a major impediment to global malaria control initiatives. Historically, traditional knowledge of indigenous plants has guided the discovery of effective antimalarials, such as quinine and artemisinin, underscoring the urgent need to explore plant-based medicines for alternative therapeutic strategies. Persea americana (avocado), a commercially valuable fruit tree, is used traditionally for malaria treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the methanolic extract of Persea americana seed for its antimalarial activity and acute toxicity level. The overall objective was to scientifically validate the plant’s use for anti-malarial therapy and suggest it as a promising source for new antimalarial compounds. Acute toxicity was assessed in six male Wistar strain mice (6–8 weeks old) using the limit test dose up and down procedure of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. Antimalarial activity was tested using the Peter’s 4-day Suppressive test in 20 male Wistar strain mice inoculated intraperitoneally with Chloroquine Sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 infected red blood cells. Extract doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.wt. were administered orally and daily for four days. Control groups received normal saline vehicle, chloroquine (25 mg/kg b.wt.), or lithium chloride (10 mg/kg b.wt.). In the acute toxicity study (OECD guideline 423), following the administration of 2000 mg/kg b.wt. of the Persea americana seed methanol extract, no mice death was recorded, and no other signs of toxicity were observed during the 14-day period. Therefore, the extract was deemed safe for administration at 2000 mg/kg b.wt.. The findings suggest that the Persea americana seed methanol extract has a low acute toxicity profile, as demonstrated by the safety of administering 2000 mg/kg b.wt. in mice. The antimalarial activity of Persea americana recorded decrease in % Parasitemia in mice and the most significant decrease in the highest dose administered. This validates the traditional use of the plant sample and highlight the Persea americana seed as a promising resource for discovering new antimalarial compounds

This study assessed the physicochemical properties of water collected from the bottom of aquaculture tanks at the TETFund Centre for Aquaculture and Food Technology, University of Benin. The objective was to evaluate the suitability of the water for aquaculture and identify parameters that could affect fish growth and survival. Water samples were collected from Tank 5 and Tank 6 and analysed for twenty key physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), hardness, chloride, alkalinity, phosphate, nitrate, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, and selected heavy metals (iron, lead, zinc, chromium, and cadmium). The results were compared with Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) permissible limits for aquaculture water quality. Findings revealed that parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, hardness, chloride, phosphate, and nitrate were within acceptable limits, indicating general water suitability for aquaculture. However, DO, BOD, turbidity, ammonium, iron, and lead exceeded permissible thresholds, suggesting organic pollution, oxygen depletion, and possible metal contamination. These deviations are likely caused by inadequate aeration, accumulation of feed residues, and sediment deposition at the tank bottom. The study concludes that although the tanks provide a controlled environment conducive to fish culture, poor water circulation and organic waste buildup pose challenges to optimal production. It recommends regular water renewal, installation of aeration systems, and continuous monitoring of physicochemical parameters to maintain sustainable and productive aquaculture operations.

This study investigated the microbial source tracking of faecal bacterial pathogens in Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Water samples collected from different locations were analyzed using standard cultural, morphological, Gram staining, and biochemical techniques. The isolates identified were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli and other Gram-negative rods indicated fecal contamination while S. aureus reflected anthropogenic input from human activities. Biochemical results confirmed the pathogenic potential of the isolates. The detection of these organisms demonstrates that Ogba River is contaminated with both human and animal wastes, posing serious public health risks. The result highlights the effectiveness of microbial source tracking in identifying contamination origins and emphasizes the need for regular water quality monitoring, improved sanitation, and proper waste management to prevent disease outbreaks and protect community health.

This study assessed the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of sediments from the Orhionmwon River, Edo State. The result of the average mean concentration of the physicochemical and microbial parameter are 5.03 ± 0.20( PH), 43.67 ± 10.44 µS/cm, 1212.61 ± 165.52 mg/kg (calcium), 287.33 ± 93.92 mg/kg (Magnesium), 297.91 ± 81.39 mg/kg, (Potassium) 161.62 ± 32.71 mg/kg (sodium), 0.05 ± 0.01 (Nitrogen), 0.51- 0.16 (TOC), 92.18 ± 2.39(sand), 5.94- 2.38(clay), 1.88 - 0.03(slit), 27.24 ± 10.41(THC), 4.00 ± 1.01 (THC), 1.52 ±0.31(THF), 73.11 ± 11.39( E.coil), and 187.78 - 36.46 (coliform) respectively . Sand and slit showed no significant difference (p>0.05), why pH, EC, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrogen, TOC, clay, THC, THB, THF, E.coli and coliform respectively exhibit a significant difference (p <0.05) across the three sampling stations . The study concluded that the microbial parameters in the sediments were very high. The findings highlight both natural geological influence and serious human impact, posing a clear public health risk. It recommends regular sediment monitoring and urgent improvements in waste management to protect both the environment and community health.

This study investigates the presence and abundance of microplastic contamination in a commercially important fish species, Mormyrus rume from Ikpoba River Benin City. A total of sixteen samples of Mormyrus rume (n=16) were collected from three designated stations along the river with the help of artisanal fishermen. The fish samples were then dissected for Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) removal. The Gastrointestinal Tract was digested for microplastic extraction and density gradient techniques were used to isolate microplastic. The polymer composition of microplastic was confirmed using Attenuated Total Reflectance- Fourier Transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The result showed that samples from station 3 had the highest microplastic contamination, with an abundance of 40.53% while samples from station 1 had the least with an abundance of 26.63%. A total of eight plastic polymers were identified, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polymer count was recorded in an increasing order of PET>PP>PA>PE>PS>PU>PC>PVC across all the stations. This study confirms the presence and abundance of microplastics in fish samples and indicate that fish from the river may pose human health risks to consumers due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The findings emphasize the need for better waste management practices, public awareness and improved urban drainage systems.