FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

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.

Food safety remains a critical public health concern globally, with dairy products repeatedly implicated in food-borne illness outbreaks. This study aimed to detect enteric pathogens in dairy products sold in Benin City, Edo State. Dairy product samples comprising of branded (Hollandia, Nana, Cedaa, and Super Yogo) and locally processed (Nono milk, Kindoromo, Wara, and Maishanu) products were purchased for this study. Enumeration and isolation of bacteria was done using serial dilution and pour plate techniques on selective agar. Bacterial isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The pH and total titratable acidity of samples were determined using a pH meter and acid/base titration method respectively, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacteria count of the samples ranged from 4.8±0.26 to 8.6±0.26 ×10⁸ CFU/ml, while colony counts on MacConkey agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, and Eosin methylene blue agar ranged from 0.80±0.485 to 6.67±1.53 ×10⁷ CFU/ml; 1.13±0.31 to 6.87±0.61 ×10⁴ CFU/ml and 5.07±0.64 to 7.0±0.40 ×10³ CFU/ml respectively. Six bacterial isolates were identified in this study, which include: Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli 2 , Salmonella sp.1 , Salmonella sp.2 , Enterobacter aerogenes and Serratia marcescens with Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli2 , Salmonella sp 1 and Salmonella sp 2. having the highest frequency of occurrence of 33.33% each. The pH values of dairy samples ranged from 3.82±0.01 to 6.96±0.03, while total titratable acidity ranged from 0.17±0.02 to 1.86±0.02 mg/l. Most isolates were resistant to antibiotics used, with resistance indices ranging from 0.1 to 0.8, with Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella sp.2 recording the highest resistance index of 0.8, indicating multidrug resistance pattern. This study revealed that dairy products (especially in locally processed dairy products) sold in Benin City showed the enteric bacteria which may possibly be pathogenic with high multidrug resistance profiles, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, enforcement of pasteurization standards, and stringent microbiological monitoring in the dairy value chain.

Medicinal plants have been an integral part of human healthcare since ancient times, serving as the foundation of traditional medicine systems across the world. The increasing global prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its associated cardiovascular risks has intensified the search for safer, plant-based therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on serum lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats after 28 days of daily oral administration. Fresh leaves of S. jollyanum were collected; authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each: a control group and three treatment groups administered 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract. At the end of the experimental period, serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard biochemical methods. Results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in all treated groups compared to the control. Cholesterol decreased from 248.26 ± 62.65 mg/dL in the control to 74.67 ± 4.91 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, while triglycerides dropped from 169.91 ± 39.80 mg/dL to 85.35 ± 7.62 mg/dL. LDL concentrations also declined markedly, from 171.57 ± 57.45 mg/dL in the control to −7.82 ± 13.31 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, indicating enhanced lipid clearance and inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Conversely, HDL levels increased significantly at the highest dose (70.94 ± 7.82 mg/dL), suggesting improved reverse cholesterol transport. These biochemical changes reflect a strong lipid-lowering and cardioprotective effect of the extract. The hypolipidaemic activity of S. jollyanum is attributed to its phytochemical constituents particularly flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, which may act synergistically to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, enhance bile acid excretion, and strengthen antioxidant defenses. The findings align with previous reports validating the plant’s traditional use for detoxification and metabolic regulation. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum demonstrates potent lipid-regulating and cardioprotective potential without apparent toxicity, supporting its ethnomedicinal use as a safe, natural remedy for managing dyslipidaemia and related cardiovascular disorder.

Indoor air quality is an important determinant of public health, particularly in food-handling environments where airborne microorganisms can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to potential disease transmission. This study was conducted to isolate and identify airborne bacterial species from private eateries within the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in two selected eateries, University Buka and Home and Away. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and airborne bacterial samples were collected over a three-week period using the settle plate method. Sterile nutrient agar plates were exposed for 15 minutes at a height of approximately 1 meter above the ground to allow the natural settling of airborne bacteria. The plates were then incubated and analyzed for total bacterial load, followed by morphological, Gram staining, and biochemical characterization to identify the bacterial species present. The results showed that the mean bacterial load ranged from 0.7 ± 0.04 × 10² CFU/m³ at Home and Away in Week 3 (the lowest) to 3.22 ± 0.5 × 10² CFU/m³ at University Buka in Week 1 (the highest). Six bacterial species were isolated and identified: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these, S. aureus was the most frequently occurring species (26.8%), followed by Bacillus spp. (21.4%) and S. epidermidis (17.9%), while E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and P. aeruginosa had lower frequencies. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed widespread multidrug resistance among the isolates. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated the highest resistance (88.9%) with a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index of 0.89, followed by E. coli (0.78), S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa (0.67 each), S. aureus (0.56), and Bacillus spp. (0.44). Ofloxacin (OFL) and gentamicin (GEN) were the most effective antibiotics, while ampicillin (AMP), ampiclox (AMPX), and clarithromycin (CLT) were the least effective across most isolates. The public health assessment based on bacterial load classification revealed that University Buka consistently recorded high contamination levels (H) in all three weeks, while Home and Away maintained low levels (L). The presence of antibiotic-resistant athogens such as S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., and P. aeruginosa in indoor air poses significant health risks, particularly to food handlers and consumers. This study highlights the presence of potentially pathogenic and multidrug-resistant airborne bacteria in private eateries within UNIBEN, emphasizing the need for improved ventilation, regular disinfection, and strict adherence to hygiene practices to safeguard public health.

This study scientifically validated the traditional therapeutic use of Allium sativum by comparing the extraction yield, phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts. Although the aqueousss extract
produced a higher yield (22.87%) than the ethanol extract (14%), biological activity was greater in the ethanol extract, highlighting the importance of solvent polarity in selectively extracting bioactive compounds. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal isolates, with greater susceptibility observed in Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans; however, the ethanol extract demonstrated superior efficacy, supported by lower Minimun Inhibitory Concentrattion(MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration(MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration(MFC) values.
Antioxidant assays 2,2 – diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power(FRAP) revealed significant activity in both extracts, with the ethanol extract exhibiting higher ssradical scavenging ability and reducing power than the aqueous extract. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites, particularly phenolics and flavonoids, which were more abundant in the ethanol extract and strongly associated with enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Overall, despite its lower extraction yield, the ethanol extract of A. sativum showed greater biological
potency, providing strong scientific support for the medicinal use of garlic and its potential application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major global health concern, particularly in bacterial pathogens associated with urine from asymptomatic students. This study investigated bacteria isolates from urine samples of healthy students, focusing on their prevalence, virulence characteristics and antibiotic resistance. Thirty-five (35) isolates were obtained and identified using selective media and biochemical tests, while virulence factors including haemolysis, capsule formation, serum resistance and gelatinase production were assessed by standard laboratory methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc
diffusion method. Results showed that Escherichia coli as the most prevalent bacteria 6 (26 %), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 3 (17 %), Streptococcus sp. 4 (13 %), Salmonella sp.3 (12 %) while Micrococcus sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis 2 (8 %) respectively. All isolates exhibited haemolytic activity, predominantly β-
haemolysin, except Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis. All isolates except Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis produced capsule. Serum resistance assays revealed that E. coli, Streptococcus sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonasaeruginosa and Micrococcus sp. were resistant, while S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella sp. were sensitive. Gelatinase activity was confirmed in E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella sp., but absent in Streptococcus sp. Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Micrococcus sp. Antibiotic testing showed the bacteria
isolates were not resistant to levofloxacin and gentamycin, while resistance was observed against other antibiotics tested. The pathogenic potential of bacterial isolates recovered from healthy individuals emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance to prevent dissemination.

The study was carried out to determine the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. against microorganisms responsible for disease or spoilage of potato. Diseased/spoilt potato tubers were obtained from open markets in Benin City. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for isolation of bacteria and fungi from diseased/spoilt potato tubers. Bacteria and fungi were enumerated using pour plate method. Cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics were employed for identification of the isolates. Pathogenicity tests were used to evaluate the involvement of the isolates in the spoilage or disease of potato tubers. Biocontrol or antagonistic activity was carried out for the spoilage-causing microbes which were Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. using Potato dextrose agar and Mueller Hinton agar. The results revealed that the heterotrophic bacterial counts for spoilt/diseased potato ranged from log10 3.65±0.41 cfu/g (Uselu market) to log10 4.02±0.25 cfu/g (Aduwawa Market), while the fungal counts ranged from log10 3.57±0.30 cfu/g (Aduwawa market) to log10 3.85±0.10 cfu/g (Uselu market). The cultural morphological and biochemical characteristics of bacterial isolates from spoilt potato revealed their identity as; Erwinia sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus while the fungal isolates from spoilt potato were Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp. and Penicillium sp.. The pathogenicity or spoilage test of isolated microorganisms from spoilt to healthy potato tubers showed that only Erwinia sp. and Aspergillus sp. were found to induce disease or spoilage condition in potato tubers. The in vitro antagonism (percentage inhibition) of Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma viridia on growth of Aspergillus sp. and Erwinia sp. showed that Trichoderma viridia had more biocontrol effect on growth of Aspergillus (50%) and Erwinia (47%) after 5 days of culture on growth media. In conclusion, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. exhibited significant antagonistic activity against potato soft rot pathogens. The study identifies Erwinia sp. and Aspergillus sp. as key contributors to potato spoilage. Trichoderma viride demonstrates a notable biocontrol effect, inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus sp. and Erwinia sp.. These findings reveals the potential of Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. as promising biocontrol agents for mitigating potato soft rot, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for potato cultivation and storage.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia causes damage to important tissues and organs (heart, liver, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark and its fractions on some biochemical status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Crude ethanol extract prepared from pulverised stem bark of the plant was fractionated using analytical grade solvents (n-hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol). Adult male rats (Wistar strain, n = 56) weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned to eight groups (7 rats/group): control, diabetic, metformin, extract, and hydroethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. With the exception of control group, DM was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). This was followed by treatment (daily) with either metformin, ethanol extract or fractions of C. albidum stem bark for 14 days. At the expiration of the treatment period, plasma/tissue samples obtained from the rats were used for biochemical analyses. Blood glucose concentration and body weight were monitored on weekly basis. Indices of liver and kidney function; oxidative status in selected tissues (plasma, liver, kidney, pancreas), lipid peroxidation index and haematological parameters were measured. The results obtained showed that induction of DM with STZ significantly increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, organ weights (liver, kidney), malondialdehyde (MDA), indices of liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and some haematological parameters (white blood cell, lymphocyte, granulocyte, mid-cell), but it decreased the activities/levels of hepatic/renal/pancreatic antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], body weight, pancreas weight, plasma total protein, albumin, and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃⁻), high-density lipoprotein holesterol (HDL-C), platelet count, and red blood cell indices when compared to control (p < 0.05). However, treatment with C. albidum stem bark extract/fractions markedly reduced FBG level, organ weights (liver, kidney), and MDA, but it enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and pancreas weight (p < 0.05). Similarly, extract/fractions treatment improved lipid profile and haematological parameters, while restoring indices of liver and kidney function. The results were comparable to those of metformin (standard drug). Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues of diabetic untreated rats showed cell reduction of the islet of Langerhans and pancreatic acini, congestion of the central vein, as well as loss of normal hepatocytic architecture, indicating severe pancreatic and liver damage. However, treatment with C. albidum extract/fractions revealed improvement in liver/pancreas histology. Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues further supported the biochemical findings. The results obtained in this study have shown that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark and its fractions can markedly reduce typical derangements associated with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus (that is, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and oxidative stress.

The antibacterial activities of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) against some Gram positive isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus and interococcus faecalis were assayed using ethanol extract. The agar-well and paper disc diffusion method were used to determine the inhibitory effect of the thyme leaves on the tested microorganism. The extract produced different zone of inhibition on the tested organism. The ethanol extract had the highest antibacterial effect against interococcus faecalis (21.6±3.51 mm) at 100% and Staphylococcus aureus has the lowest zone of inhibition (21.3±3.2l mm) at 100%, while at 75% Enterococcus faecalis had the highest zone of inhibition (l 7±2.64 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus has the lowest zone of inhibition (12.3±2.5l mm), while at 62% Enterococcus faecalis showed the highest zone of inhibition (12±3.46 mm) while Staphylococcus aureus has the lowest zone of inhibition (11.3±1.52 mm). The ethanol extract had the highest antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (20.6±4.04 mm) at 87% and Enterococcus faecalis has the lowest zone of inhibition (20.3±1.52 mm) at 87% while at 50% Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest zone of inhibition (6.33±1.15 mm) while Enterococcus faecalis has the lowest zone of inhibition (5±0 mm). Among these isolates, Enterococcus faecalis were highly sensitive to the thyme oil at different percentage (100%, 75%, 62%) while Staphylococcus aureus were little more sensitive to the thyme oil at 87% and 50% using the same solvent (ethanol). The increase in multidrug resistant strains of pathogenic microorganism has led to extensive phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Thymus vulgaris as an important source of medicinal substances which possess antibacterial properties and their effective medicinal application, as well as use in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth
parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua
Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by
exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards
were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean
intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode
species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in
the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine
and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most
prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp.
(43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded
infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported
in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites
reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from
Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as
well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered
due to the short duration of this study