FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study accessed the microbial analysis of melon seeds purchased from different vendors in New Benin market, Ogida market, Oba market and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected in sterile plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for microbiological assessment following standard procedures. The microbiological assessment was carried out using cultural techniques. Identification of the microbial isolates was done using biochemical methods, phenotypic virulence properties were evaluated for the isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the bacterial counts ranged from 1.96±0.67 to 3.45±1.15x105 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x103 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x103 CFU/g. The bacterial isolated from the melon seed samples were Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus aureus. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp respectively. The antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and levofloxacin but were also resistant to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ampiclox, zinnacef, amoxicillin and rocephin. It was also evident that all isolates were found to have an MAR index greater than 0.2 which means that the isolates were all pathogens of public health importance. The study therefore suggests regular surveillance and checks to monitor local vended foods on sale to ensure effective food safety.

The use of medicinal plants such as Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is widespread, but the therapeutic capability of its essential oil is highly dependent on its chemical profile, or chemotype. Global urbanization introduces specific microenvironmental stresses (e.g., pollution, heat, and soil alteration) that can disrupt plant metabolism, leading to inconsistent oil composition and quality. This study investigated the effect of built-up microenvironments on the chemotype of O. gratissimum essential oil harvested from three distinct Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State, Nigeria: Oredo, Egor, and Ovia North-East. Fresh ocimum. gratissimum leaves were collected from built-up microenvironments in the three selected LGAs. Essential oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method with 99% HPLC-grade hexane, and their chemical compositions were determined using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). GC–MS analysis showed that the essential oil from all three LGAs belonged to a thymol-rich chemotype. However, the concentration of the key active compound, thymol, varied across locations: Egor had the highest thymol content (7.75%), while Oredo was richest in its precursor, o-cymene (12.89%). Ovia North-East exhibited the lowest thymol concentration (5.12%). The presence of high percentages of non-essential oil components (decane and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) was noted as a potential artifact of the extraction process. FTIR analysis further revealed the consistent presence of nitrogen-containing amine functional groups across all samples, suggesting a stress-induced shift in secondary metabolism. The built-up microenvironment significantly influences the chemical profile of O. gratissimum essential oil. The variation in the o-cymene/thymol ratio and the presence of nitrogenous compounds suggest that local environmental stressors (such as pollution or soil conditions) may disrupt the final stages of the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway. These findings highlight the critical need for standardizing growing conditions in pharmacologically driven cultivation to ensure a consistent and high-quality essential oil chemotype.

This study accessed the microbial analysis of melon seeds purchased from different vendors in New Benin market, Ogida market, Oba market and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected in sterile plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for microbiological assessment following standard procedures. The microbiological assessment was carried out using cultural techniques. Identification of the microbial isolates was done using biochemical methods, phenotypic virulence properties were evaluated for the isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the bacterial counts ranged from 1.96±0.67 to 3.45±1.15x105 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x103 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x103 CFU/g. The bacterial isolated from the melon seed samples were Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus aureus. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp respectively. The antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and leofloxacin but were also resistant to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ampiclox, zinnacef, amoxicillin and rocephin. It was also evident that all isolates were found to have an MAR index greater than 0.2 which means that the isolates were all pathogens of public health importance. The study therefore suggests regular surveillance and checks to monitor local vended foods on sale to ensure effective food safety

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the major staple food crops in Africa, overtime the constraints caused by Plant ravaging pathogen such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and other abiotic factors has led to decline in the yield of cassava produced per annum. In this study the effect of incubation period on the antifungal activities of zinc oxide and magnesium chloride nanoparticles against pathogens isolated from diseases cassava plants (Manihot esculenta) were determined. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium chloride (Mgcl) nanoparticles were synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and characterization of the nanoparticles was done using UV-Vis spectrometer; the peak of the absorbance was recorded at 350nm. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles showed a high anti-fungal potency on the test organism at shorter incubation period (24-72 hours). From this study it was observed that as incubation period increases the anti-fungal properties decreases

A groundwater quality assessment was conducted in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, to evaluate the levels of physicochemical parameters within the region. Fifteen (15) borehole water samples were randomly collected and analyzed to determine their physicochemical characteristics. Both statistical and cluster analyses were applied to interpret the data. The dendrogram, a key output of the cluster analysis, illustrated the Euclidean distance at which different elements and clusters merged. Four distinct clusters were identified, with Cluster 1comprising mainly heavy metalsshowing strong correlations and similarities among related parameters. The study examined parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, salinity, and total suspended solids (TSS). Anions including sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, and carbonate were also analyzed, while heavy metals and cations such as sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results indicated that the pH of the groundwater samples ranged between 5.28 and 5.98, suggesting slight acidity. TDS values varied from 5.34 to 6.22 mg/L, while nitrate concentrations ranged from 1.54 to 2.12 mg/Lall within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 10 mg/L. Copper concentrations were found between 0.039 mg/L and 0.086 mg/L, with borehole BH9 recording the highest value and BH15 the lowest. Manganese levels ranged from 0.05 mg/L to 0.35 mg/L, exceeding the WHO guideline of 0.1 mg/L in only one sample (BH8). Overall, the findings suggest that while some boreholes meet WHO standards, othersespecially wellsexceed acceptable limits for certain parameters, rendering them unsuitable for human consumption. The deterioration of groundwater quality in the area is likely attributed to
anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal and sewage discharge.

This study was aimed at determining fungal contaminants in Fried bean cake sold in four Local Government Area across Benin metropolis. A total of twelve (12) samples were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. The fungal population was isolated and identified based on its cultural and morphological characteristics. The fungi isolated were Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor mucedo, Aspergillus flavus, Saccharomyces sp. and Fusarium oxysporium. The mean fungal count ranged from 3.7 ×10 4cfu/g to 1.3 ×10 4 cfu/g and the prevalence of these fungal isolates ranged from 33.33% to 8.33%. Though the sample does not exceed the mean microbial count recommended standard of 10 5 cfu/g for ready-to-eat foods and the total fungal count of 10⁴ cfu/g for food. There might have been hygienic problems either in the processing, handling and distribution of the food. It is therefore encouraged that proper hygienic procedures are followed in the processing and handling of food to prevent the spread of microorganisms and its toxins that are of public health importance

A pterygium is a wing shaped hyperplastic and fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva encroaching onto the cornea. Cell apoptosis and cell proliferation processes are strongly associated with the development and progression of pterygium. Esthetic concerns, irregular astigmatism, decreased vision and blindness are important issues associated with this condition if left untreated. Commercial motorcyclists in Benin City, Nigeria, have been found to have a high prevalence of pterygium. There has been a dearth of information about pterygium prevalence among commercial bus drivers in Benin Metropolis. This research paper seeks to highlight the prevalence, severity and pattern distribution of pterygium among this group. A total of one hundred and twenty two (122) commercial bus drivers with one to five years driving experience in Benin Metropolis was included in the study. A questionnaire which was divided into two parts A and B was administered to the subjects. Visual acuity was measured using the Snellen's literate and Tumbling letter "E' chart under standard testing conditions in order to determine the level of vision and for legal purposes. Penlight was used for external examination to determine the position and extent of pterygium

This study investigates the isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus sp.Isolated Trace Minerals to evaluate their capacity for bacteriocin production.Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially those of the Lactobacillus sp, are well known for producing antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins. These natural peptides effectively inhibit the growth of harmful and spoilage microorganisms. Probiotic supplements such as Trace Minerals contain diverse Lactobacillus strains with strong bacteriocin-producing potential, making them valuable for both health and industrial applications.The isolates morphological and biochemical Properties was perform to confirm their identity to be Lactobacillus sp. Bacteriocin synthesis was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique to determine antimicrobial activity against selected test organisms. The influence of hydrogen peroxide neutralization and proteolytic enzyme treatment was examined to confirm the stability and proteinaceous nature of the produced bacteriocin. In addition, high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to characterize the molecular structure of the compound identified in the bacteriocin. This study isolated and identified Lactobacillus species from Trace Mineral probiotics to assess their bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. The isolates were cultured in MRS media under anaerobic conditions and confirmed through biochemical tests. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, while enzyme and hydrogen peroxide treatments verified the protein nature of the bacteriocin. HPLC analysis confirmed the purity and presence of active bacteriocin fractions. The isolates displayed typical Lactobacillus characteristics and showed strong inhibitory effects against E.coli, supporting their potential as natural antimicrobial agents.This study confirms that Lactobacillus sp from Trace Mineral probiotics produce effective bacteriocins with strong activity against E.coli. The results verified the protein nature and purity of the compound, indicating its potential as a natural and safe antimicrobial agent for health and industrial use.

Nature has provided humans with medicine, shelter, food, clothing, fragrances, and transportation throughout history. The D3 organic® supplement's antidepressant and anxiolytic properties are assessed. Antidepressants and anxiolytics were tested in the forced swim, tail suspension, and elevated plus maze. Twenty-five 20–30 gram mice were divided into five groups of five. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg distilled water, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg D3 organic® supplement extract, and Group 5 received 20 mg/kg oral fluoxetine. After receiving D3 and fluoxetine, mice were placed in an unbreakable transparent cylinder filled with water at 25°C for one hour. Animal immobility was measured after 5 minutes of swimming. Twenty 20–30 gram mice were randomly assigned to five four-animal groups. Group 1 received distilled water (10 ml/kg), groups 2–4 D3 organic® supplement extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and group 5 diazepam. The animals spent five minutes in the central maze an hour after receiving D3 organic® supplement extracts and diazepam. The number of entries and open arms time were recorded. In the forced swimming and tail suspension test, D3 organic® supplement extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) reduced immobility time compared to the control (p<0.05). Diazepam (10 mg/kg) and D3 organic® supplement extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased time spent and percentage time spent in the open arm compared to the control (p<0.05). D3 Organic® Supplement has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

This study assessed heavy metal contamination and associated health risks in soils around a sand mining site in Ikpeshi, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at varying distances from the mine and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co. Results showed that most metals were below U.S. EPA limits, except Cobalt (Co). Pollution indices indicated low contamination levels overall, though Cadmium (Cd) showed moderate contamination linked to mining activities. The ecological risk index (RI = 79.11) revealed low ecological threat. Health risk assessment found negligible non-carcinogenic effects, while the Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) from Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr was within the U.S. EPA acceptable range (10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴) for both adults and children. However, Cd and Cr contributed most to potential cancer risk. Continuous monitoring and stricter mining regulations are recommended to prevent future health hazards.