FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This research focuses on the Multivariate Chemometric Classification of Ocimum gratissimum essential oils obtained from grasslands within three urban local government areas (LGAs) of Benin City Oredo, Egor, and Ovia north-east. The study aimed to determine the chemical variability and structural functional groups of O. gratissimum grown in different grassland environments and to understand how local environmental conditions influence the chemical profiles of the plant’s essential oils. The work involved plant collection, sample preparation, extraction of essential oils, analytical identification, and data interpretation. Fresh leaves of O. gratissimum were collected from uncontaminated bushy sites in the three LGAs, air dried for five days, oven-dried at 45°C for 30 minutes, blended, and stored in airtight brown bottles. Soxhlet extraction using analytical-grade n-hexane served to obtain the essential oils, which were then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). GCMS provided molecular identification and quantification of chemical compounds, while FTIR determined the functional groups present in the essential oils. Chemometric methods were employed to classify similarities and differences in the oils based on their chemical fingerprints across the study areas. A total of over forty compounds were detected across the three samples, with the most dominant being Decane (25.04%), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (17.17%), and Thymol (12.65%), along with other bioactive components such as Caryophyllene, Squalene, Phytol, and several aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, indicating that O. gratissimum from all study sites retains medicinal relevance. Variations in compound concentrations were observed between locations, suggesting environmental or soilbased
influences on secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The FTIR results revealed prominent absorption peaks around 3350 cm⁻¹ (O–H), 2950 cm⁻¹ (C–H), and 1740 cm⁻¹ (C=O), indicating the presence of alcohols, alkanes, and esters common to essential oils
of Ocimum species. The results demonstrated that although the three O. gratissimum populations share core chemical identities, their quantitative differences are significant enough to allow chemometric differentiation

Spondias mombin is a plant used in various medicinal practices and varieties of traditional medicinal practitioners employ it as a raw material in phytomedicine. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity, antioxidant activity and the mineral profiling of the stem bark of Spondias mombin plant. The quantitative estimation of the phytochemical compound and the proximate analysis was done using a well-established method. The phytochemical and proximate analysis of the ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin revealed the presence of metabolites and compounds such as carbohydrate (74.404), crude protein (3.563 ±0.6), flavonoid (16.500µg/ml), saponin (17.868 µg/ml) tannin (26.346 µg/ml), alkaloid (0.8%). Theproximate analysis gave a moisture content of (38.20 ± 1.56) and ash content of (11.46±0.27). Some of the compounds identified in the phytochemical analysis were found to possess anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing properties, protection against allergies, ache and joint
pain reduction etc. The mineral constituents were also evaluated using a well-established method: sodium (0.80), potassium (65.00), calcium (2.100), magnesium (2.460), manganese (72.85), copper (0.200), zinc (0.100), iron (1.500), nitrogen (0.570) and the ascorbic acid was analyzed using a spectrophotometer, which revealed a high vitamin C content of (1664.714). The antimicrobial activity was checked against some selected bacteria and fungi which revealed high antimicrobial activity against the selected test organisms hence Spondias mombin stem bark and its bioactive chemicals are effective in treating various illness and these studies therefore support its traditional medicinal use

Ecological study of seasonal distribution of weeds in oil palm plantation at Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, was carried out during therainyand dry seasons of 2020. Quadrats measuring 10 m2 were laid at random and informationontheweed species were gathered and used to generate diversity indices as well as other ecological statistics. During the dry season the taxa ranged from 27 - 50, individual abundance (376–2821), Dominance_D (0.1819 – 0.4248), Simpson index (0.5752 – 0.962), Shannon Wiener idex(1.469 – 3.468), Evenness index (0.132 - 0.7635), Brillouin (1.437 – 3.268), Menhinickindex(0.7073 – 2.116), Margalef index (3.569 – 6.914), Equitability (0.4301 – 0.9278), Fisher_alpha(4.705 – 8.632), Berger-Parker (0.07979 – 0.6424) and Chao-1 was (27.38 – 50.5). In termsofmost abundant species, density, relative density and importance index value in dry seasonindecreasing order were Poaceae > Selaginellaceae > Arecaceae > Melastomataceae>Bromeliaceae > Asteraceae. Diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae>Fabaceae = Rubiaceae = Malvaceae > Amaranthaceae = Connaraceae > Acanthaceae=Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae = Gentianaceae with 7, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2 species respectively. While in the rainy season taxa ranged from32- 57, individuals (312 – 2178), Dominance, Simpson, Shannon Weiner, Evenness, Brillouin, Menhinick, Margalef and Equitability indices were (0.04491 – 0.4904; 0.5096 – 0.9551; 1.488–3.454; 0.10390 – 586; 1.426 – 3.284; 0.7037 – 2.887; 4.061 – 8.706) respectively. Equitability(0.4182 – 0.866), Fisher_alpha (5.373 – 17.31), Berger-Parker (0.1197 – 0.6944) and Chao-1were(32 – 62.08) respectively. In terms of most abundant species, density, relative densityandabstractimportance value index in rainy season, six weed families namely Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Connaraceae were predominant. Similarly, the most diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae, = Fabaceae, > Rubiaceae, =Malvacee, > Connaraceae = Amaranthaceae, > Acanthaceae = Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae=Gentianaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae with 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2speciesrespectively.The knowledge of weed flora will enable us to know the appropriate methodtoeliminate them from our agricultural farms to reduce competition with our valuable crops

The issue of managing solid waste in cities across Nigeria is becoming increasingly concerning. There has been a significant rise in the amount and variety of solid waste produced on a daily basis in the country, mainly due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and overall economic development. In order to evaluate the impact of solid waste management, a study was conducted using a cross-sectional design, focusing on the Lagos Municipal area.The study found that households primarily disposed of their solid waste in communal skip containers followed by dumpsites and private waste management firms. Additionally, it was discovered that residents expressed a desire to dispose of their waste properly but faced obstacles in doing so. The study's results suggest that it is crucial to address the solid waste management issue in Nigerian cities. This can be done by implementing measures such as educating residents, providing skip containers and dustbins, and enhancing the local authority's policies to ensure effective solid waste management

This study investigated the occupational health risks at an airport, focusing on air pollutant concentrations, their spatiotemporal variation, and the associated respiratory health effects among airport workers (N=129). Air quality monitoring was conducted in four areas (Runway, Parking Lot, Departure area, and Reception) during the morning and afternoon periods for carbon dioxide (CO2 ), coarse particulate matter (PM10 ), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ). The data were analysed via ANOVA and paired samples t tests. A survey collected data on workers' sociodemographic, workrelated risks, and self-reported respiratory symptoms. Environmental monitoring identified PM2.5 as the primary air quality hazard. The highest observed mean PM2.5 concentration (24.1 μg/m3) exceeded the strict WHO 24-hour guideline. Statistical analysis confirmed significant spatial variation in PM2.5, with the Runway and Parking Lot acting as hotspots and a highly significant temporal spike in the afternoon (p=0.001). Coughing was the most prevalent reported symptom (57.4% of workers). Chi-square tests revealed a strong correlation between respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pain) and both smoking and a family history of chronic respiratory issues (p≤0.007 for all). Furthermore, workers demonstrated critical systemic failure in safety protocols, with 83.7% lacking knowledge of the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and 96.9% unaware of routine air quality monitoring. The airport environment presents a substantial and avoidable health risk driven by noncompliant PM2.5 levels and systemic safety management failures. Recommendations include implementing mandatory, hands-on PPE training, establishing a transparent PM2.5 monitoring system in hotspots, and creating an occupational health program to screen and counsel high-risk

Contamination of soils due to spent engine oil is an important environmental issue affecting soil characteristics and plant growth. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of spent engine oil on growth parameters of Saccharum spontaneum L. for potential use in phytoremediation of oil polluted environments. Spent engine oil from a motor service garage was prepared in five concentrations of 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64ml/Kg. Tillers of S. spontaneum were planted in top garden soil and allowed to stabilize for four weeks before treatments were added. A control experiment in four replicates was also set up. The control had a significantly higher number of tillers compared to the different concentration treatment groups. The higher concentrations of 16, 32 and 64ml/Kg of spent engine oil contaminated soil did not produce any tillers at all. Total aliphatic hydrocarbon content was lowest in the control and highest in the 64ml/Kg treatment. Total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon was highest in the 32ml/Kg treatment. Soil chemical parameters did not show a dose dependent response to increase in treatment with spent engine oil. This report demonstrated that lower concentrations of spent engine oil enhanced the number of leaves, plant height and leaf area of S. spontaneum. Results showed that S. spontaneum was tolerant to, and thrived at low concentrations of contamination with spent engine oil but declined in growth and development at high concentrations and for extended periods

Background: N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-quinone or 6PPD-Q), a pervasive transformation product of tire-wear antioxidants, has been identified as a highly toxic contaminant in urban stormwater runoff, responsible for acute mortality in sensitive salmonid fish. However, its sublethal, chronic, and mechanistic toxicity on non-salmonid freshwater species, such as the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), remains less understood. Objective: This study investigates the toxic effects of 6PPD-Q on the antioxidant defense system—specifically glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—in Clarias gariepinus under sub-chronic exposure. Methodology: Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were exposed to environmentally relevant and higher concentrations of 6PPD-Q [0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 g/L] for a period of 28 days under controlled conditions. Liver tissues were analyzed for GSH levels, GPx activity, and SOD activity at 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure.
Results: 6PPD-Q exposure induced significant dose- and time-dependent oxidative stress in C. gariepinus. Initial exposure (days 7–14) resulted in a compensatory increase in SOD and GPx activities and GSH levels. However, prolonged exposure (day 28) to higher concentrations (1.0–5.0 g/L) led to a significant decrease in GSH levels and inhibited GPx and SOD activities, indicating an overwhelming of the antioxidant defense system. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that 6PPD-Q is highly toxic to Clarias gariepinus, inducing severe oxidative stress that disrupts key detoxification pathways. The inhibition of GSH, GPx, and SOD suggest that 6PPD-Q can trigger severe hepatic cellular damage and long-term health risks in this species, necessitating tighter monitoring of tire-derived pollutants in freshwater ecosystems.

A study on the effect of brewery effluent on two microalgae Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros gracilis was carried out for fourteen (14) days. The experiment was done in triplicate using concentrations 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of brewery effluent. Growth responses were measured using a visible spectrophotometer at 750nm and some physicochemical parameters were analyzed before and after the experiment using standard methods. Descriptive statistics, inferential (one way analysis of variance) ANOVA repeated measures, paired t-test and Tukey test were done using Microsoft excel 2010 and statistical package for social sciences SPSS20. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the growth
response of both microalgae. Different concentrations of brewery effluent affected the growth of Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros gracilis. Higher concentrations (20%, 25% and 30%) had more stimulatory effect than lower concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) when Thalassiosira sp. was used. Chaetoceros gracilis grew best in lower concentrations of 10%, 15% and 20%. A decrease in temperature was observed in all treatments while TOC and COD decreased at lower
concentrations of brewery effluent then remained constant at higher concentrations

The need for an alternative to inorganic fertilizer is on the increase owing to the drawbacks associated with inorganic fertilizers. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the bacteriological profile of digestates from different waste streams and the ability of the isolates to promote the growth of plants. Standard bacteriological methods were used to analyze digestates from different waste streams. Total heterotrophic bacterial count was obtained using pour plate method. The cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics of the bacterial isolates were evaluated using standard differential media along with appropriate reagents. Plant growth promoting capacity of the isolates were evaluated using standard protocols for nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid and ammonia production. The results obtained from this study revealed that the total heterotrophic bacterial count (Log10 cfu/g) of digestate from different waste streams had values, which ranged from 4.91±0.02 for cattle rumen digestate to 4.41±0.03 for a combination of cattle rumen fruit and food waste digestate. The cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics of bacterial isolates revealed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus. The distribution of bacterial isolates in the different waste streams revealed that E. coli was present in all digestates obtained from different waste streams. All bacterial isolates were found to possess plant growth promoting properties with 100 % capacity for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. While 66.7 % of the isolates had the ability to produce ammonia and indole acetic acid. The phosphate solubilization index of the isolates revealed that E. coli (5.97) and P. aeruginosa (5.76) had the highest solarization index amongst all tested bacteria in the study

The control of infectious diseases is badly endangered by the rise in the number of micro organisms that are resistant to antimicrobial agents. This is because infections caused by resistant microorganisms often fail to respond to conventional treatment, resulting in prolonged illness and greater risk of death. The antibiotics susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates obtained from University of Benin Teaching Hospital was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. The bacteria isolates obtained were S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis, E. coli andK. pneumonia. All test isolates were susceptible to Levofloxacin and Chloramphenicol. Corynebacterium jeikeium showed resistance to Streptomycin and Amoxicillin, K. pneumonia showed resistance to Norfloxacin. All S. epidermidis, showed no resistance to any of the antibiotics tested likewise E. coli and S. aureus. The multiple antibiotics resistance index of bacteria isolates revealed Corynebacterium jeikeium had an index of 0.2 which is the limit, K. pneumonia had an index of 0.1 and other were zero indicating these isolates do not pose threat to public health as they are not multidrug resistant and as such, plasmid curing was not carried out on these bacteria isolates.