FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study evaluates heavy metal contamination in soils and earthworms (Aporrectodea longa) across three distinct sites—a botanical garden, an automobile repair workshop, and an industrial zone—to assess site-specific pollution impacts. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). Results revealed stark contrasts: the industrial zone exhibited the highest contamination, with Cd averaging 0.2700 mg/kg in soil (peaking at 0.5250 mg/kg) and 0.01500 mg/kg in earthworms, exceeding regulatory thresholds. The automobile workshop showed elevated Pb (0.02100 mg/kg in soil) linked to vehicular emissions, while the botanical garden had relatively lower metal levels (Zn: 1.370 mg/kg in soil), though earthworms still accumulated significant Fe (3.342 mg/kg) and Cd (0.01450 mg/kg). Earthworm bioaccumulation patterns mirrored soil contamination, with industrial earthworms retaining hazardous Pb (0.03150 mg/kg) and Cd, underscoring their role as bioindicators. The automobile workshop’s earthworms exhibited suppressed metal uptake (Zn: 0.3600 mg/kg vs. soil Zn: 1.661 mg/kg), suggesting behavioral avoidance or toxicity effects. Conversely, botanical garden earthworms demonstrated moderate bioaccumulation despite lower soil pollution, hinting at atmospheric deposition. These findings highlight the industrial zone as a critical hotspot, with Cd posing severe ecological and human health risks due to its carcinogenic potential. The study advocates for urgent remediation in industrial areas, stricter regulation of automotive waste, and expanded use of earthworms in pollution monitoring. By linking land use to metal bioavailability, this research provides actionable insights for urban planning and environmental policy.

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

Door handles are frequently touched surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for bacterial continuation contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, especially in hig-traffic environments such as universities. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from door handles sampled at different faculties within the University of Benin, assesing microbial load and antibiotic resistance patterns. Total bacterial counts(TBC) varied across faculties, with the Faculty of Physical Sciences(FPS) exhibiting the highest count(4.03 = 0.32 * 10 cfu/cm2 ) in 1 week, while the faculty of life sciences(FLC) recorded the highest count(4.50 = 0.25 *10cfu/cm2) in 2 weeks.

Extracts from different parts of the Newbouldia laevis plant (leaves, stem bark and roots bark), have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, nociceptive and anti inflammatory properties. Previous experiments carried out have shown that the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark have anti- inflammatory. But none of these studies have ascertained the IOP reducing effect of the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark of the Newbouldia laevis plant in the eyes which was studied in this investigative work. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis leaves, stems, and roots on physically induced corneo-conjunctival inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits were used for this study and these rabbits were grouped into six ranging from group A through to group F. Each of the six experimental groups was treated with different extract (leaf, stem, or root) of Newbouldia laevis, while the control group was treated with sterile water. From the study, it was found that all three extracts (leaf, stem, and root) were effective in reducing corneal inflammation and increased IOP, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. ANOVA analysis used on the study showed the statical significant values (p < 0.005 was taken to be statistically significant) of the various treatments for corneal inflammation, ranging from group A- C having p values of: 0.002, 0.001,0.265, respectively and induced IOP having p values of: 0.002, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. During the course of this study, the leaf extract was found to be the most potent in the treatment of both the inflammation and induced IOP.

Hypertension and diabetes are associated with metabolic disturbances, including abnormal enzyme activity that can contribute to disease progression. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Simarouba glauca extracts in modulating gamma- glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in hypertensive and diabetic rats. Both hydro- methanol and acetone fractions exhibited a significant ability to restore GGT activity in blood plasma and liver tissue, indicating their dual role in metabolic regulation and hepatoprotection. The acetone fraction demonstrated slightly superior effects, likely due to its distinct phytochemical composition, which may include a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The ability of these extracts to normalize GGT activity suggests they possess antioxidant properties that contribute to enzyme stabilization and liver protection. These findings highlight the potential of Simarouba glauca as a natural therapeutic agent for managing metabolic dysfunctions associated with hypertension and diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise bioactive constituents responsible for these effects and their mechanisms of action

African salad popularly called “Abacha, "Abacha Ncha" or "Abacha and Ugba” contains lots of fresh raw vegetables and other ingredients which can be consumed without cooking. It is widely accessed for it is composed of food ingredients known to be rich in protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of ready-to-eat African salads sold around the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus area, Edo state. Ready-to-eat African salad samples were purchased with and without "ugba" condiment from sellers in the Ugbowo campus area. All samples were serially diluted and inoculated on Nutrient agar, Eosin Methylene blue (EMB) agar and Simmons citrate agar. Bacterial counts from this study ranged from 5.15±0.50 to 9.75 ± 1.06 x 10
4.cfu/g. Pure cultures were obtained and seven different isolates were identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The isolates include Bacillus sp., Salmonella so., Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Micrococcus sp. Bacillus sp. had the highest percentage frequency of 29.41% while Staphylococcus sp. had the lowest percentage frequency of 5.88%. The presence of Salmonella sp. in the ready to eat African salad samples indicates poor hygienic practice during the processing of these foods which can pose a great health risk to consumers.

Laundry wastewater, a category of greywater, contains various chemical constituents such as soap, suspended solids, oils, perfumes, and other pollutants at high concentrations. This study investigated the prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates obtained from laundrywastewater to highlight their potential health risks. Samples were collected from residential and industrial laundry facilities, and the microbial isolates were analyzed using biochemical, molecular, and phenotypic methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts were recorded as 82.25 ± 4.7 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater V and 94.50 ± 6.1 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater W. Twenty-five bacterial isolates which include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. were characterized. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus [11/25 (44.0%)], followed by Escherichia coli [7/25 (28.0%)], Pseudomonas spp. [4/25 (16.0%)], and Staphylococcus spp. [3/25 (12.0%)]. Virulence
factors such as DNase activity, lipase activity, and hemolytic activity were assessed. DNase activity was observed in 40% of the isolates, lipase activity in 52%, and hemolytic activity in 92%. Among Staphylococcus aureus isolates, DNase activity was 45.5%, lipase activity was 54.5%, and hemolytic activity was 100%. Similarly, hemolytic activity was prevalent in all Escherichia coli isolates (100%) and 75% of Pseudomonas spp. isolates. This study highlights the high prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates from laundry wastewater and underscores its potential as a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms. Untreated discharge of such wastewater poses serious public health and environmental risks. Therefore, it emphasizes the need for enhanced wastewater treatment systems and further research on the ecological and epidemiological implications of virulence factors in laundry effluents.

This study evaluated the operational and health risk factors associated with municipal solid waste scavenging in two privately-operated municipal Solid waste dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State. Awell- structured questionnaire was administered to 100 randomly selected scavengers; the questionnaire covered demographics, personal details, and information on the types and frequencies of health hazards encountered by waste scavengers, providing insights into the challenges they face. The findings revealed significant health risks including injuries, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal illnesses, highlighting the need for interventions to improve the safety and well-being of the scavenging operations. Furthermore, they also face several operational risks due largely to the lack of use of personal protection equipment, resulting in cuts, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal illnesses, with a notable proportion experiencing frequent headaches and a high prevalence of malaria. We recommend that the operators of the dumpsites should be regulated by the Edo State Waste Management Board, with strict guidelines and punitive measures put in place for lack of compliance. On the part of the dumpsite operators, they should provide all necessary personal protection equipment and enforce their use as a standard operating procedure. Furthermore, first aid equipment for staff, drinking water and bathrooms with soap and water for their sanitation should be provided.

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, mercury and oxidative stress status of tomatoes sold in local markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Fresh tomatoes samples were brought from Uselu and Ikpoba hill market in Benin City. The samples were oven-dried at 105°C for 24 hour and grinded to powder. The powdered samples were dissolved in deionized water, filter through whatman filter paper and the volume was made up to 25 ml using 10 ml of 98% nitric acid. The resulting solution was analysed for the presences of heavy metal using using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Perkin Elmer model 2130). The results showed that the nickel concentration present fresh tomatoes samples obtained from the two markets ranged from 0.13 mg/kg to 0.16 mg/kg, while the cadmium concentration ranged from 0.11 mg/kg to 0.13 mg/kg. However when compared to W.H.O standard the heavy metal concentration were slightly above the recommended value of 0.10 mg/kg. Also oxidative stress analysis showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) value ranged from 3.02 U/g to 3.48 U/g, Catalase (CAT) value ranged from 0.08 U/g to 0.10 U/g , Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) value ranged from 4.96 U/g to 5.73 U/g, while Malondialdehyde (MDA) value ranged from 0.50 U/g to 0.64 U/g respectively. These findings were indicative of environmental pollution due to industrial and vehicular emissions and also the mode of handing and processing of the samples. Although the heavy metals detected in this study are not beneficial to man and plant, low concentration can prove detrimental to health.

Amphibians play vital roles in our ecosystem as both predator and prey, contributing to insect population control and serving as a bio-indicator of the environmental health. This study was done to examine the food and feeding habits of anurans (Sclerophyrs maculata, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and Ptychadena pumilio) around the Faculty of Life Science towards the Department of Anatomy at the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 62 specimen were captured and analyzed using the stomach-flushing method to obtain the stomach content and the prey items were identified. The result revealed that the anurans mainly consumed insects in the Order Hymenoptera, which was the most abundant and frequently occurring prey item (73.43%). Sclerophyrs maculata had the highest dietary diversity, while H. occipitalis showed a preference for Araneae (spiders) and Ptychadena pumilio showed the lowest prey diversity probably due to the number of specimens captured. This study provides insight into the adaptability of these species to their environment, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding habits and the factors influencing their diet. The high consumption of hymenoptera suggests that crawling insects are a readily available and preferred type of food. The presence of empty stomach might indicate low availability of food or fast digestion rate.