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±1.15x10 5 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x10 3 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x10 3 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

Groundwater serves as a vital source of drinking water for millions worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to treated surface water. However, its quality is increasingly compromised by contamination from heavy metals (HMs), which originate from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. These metals pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity even at trace concentrations. This study evaluates the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with the ingestion of groundwater contaminated by heavy metals in the selected study area. Concentrations of key heavy metals including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were determined using standard analytical techniques. Spatial distribution patterns were analyzed to identify contamination hotspots. Health risk assessments were conducted for both children and adults using established models that calculate hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indices (HI). The findings reveal varying degrees of exposure risk across age groups and sampling locations, underscoring the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and sustainable groundwater management strategies. This research contributes valuable data to environmental health science and supports policy development aimed at mitigating heavy metal exposure through ingestion pathways.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Anyi field's seismic volume in order to provide the best structural frameworks for the D5000 reservoirs, which would be utilized to create precise static models. Using fault representations and depth-converted surface maps, the reservoir's structural model was built. There are two main East-West oriented faults that define the reservoir's structural structure. The Amosi growth fault borders it to the north, while the Klin boundary fault borders it to the south. It is structurally an elongated rollover anticline that is oriented east-west. Channels and shorefaces make up the majority of the reservoir. The data was revalidated and quality-checked, and a thorough literature study was carried out. A MADCOW bandpass filter was used to reduce both coherent and random noise in the seismic data. Well-toseismic calibration was then performed utilizing Anyi-001's sonic log. They interpreted the fault and horizon. Checkshots from Anyi-006, from which the time and depth map was constructed, were used to simulate velocity. Amplitude extraction was then used to improve seismic visualization and find characteristics or anomalies associated with reservoir characteristics, including fluid connections, channels, fractures, and changes in porosity. The results of this investigation indicate that the D5000 reservoir has a limited potential for hydrocarbon recovery and accumulation in the Anyifield (Anyi-006) but a high potential in the Okoko field (Okoko-001). In order to maximize gas recovery from this significant reservoir, the results provide a better knowledge of the stratigraphic disposition of the reservoir, which will aid in better interpretation, lower drilling risk, and well-informed economic decisions. Additionally, this study's results confirm that seismic interpretation, velocity modeling, and attribute analysis techniques are trustworthy and efficient means of evaluating the Niger Delta's reservoir features and volumetric analysis

Anaemia remains a significant global health challenge, with conventional iron supplementation frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects and poor patient compliance. This has necessitated the exploration of herbal alternatives with improved safety profiles and better tolerability. This study evaluated the hematinic potential of a polyherbal aqueous extract combining leaves of Justicia carnea, Ipomoea batatas, and Ficus sur using an experimental Wistar rat model of hemolytic anaemia. Thirty-six Wistar rats were subjected to phenylhydrazine hydrochloride-induced hemolytic anaemia (40 mg/kg for seven consecutive days). Following confirmation of anaemia through significant reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume on Day 1, the animals were randomly assigned to six groups: three treatment groups receiving the polyherbal extract at graded doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; a positive control group administered 5 mg/kg folic acid; a negative control receiving no treatment; and a normal control group without induction or treatment. Treatment interventions continued on daily basis for 14 days. Post treatment assessment demonstrated dose-dependent hematological recovery across all measured parameters. The highest dose (100 mg/kg) exhibited remarkable efficacy, producing a 60.15% increase in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, 38.50% elevation in hemoglobin levels, and 55.66% improvement in Pack Cell Volume (PCV), with the performance comparable to the standard folic acid control. Statistical analysis revealed significant inter-group differences in RBC count at Day 7 (p = 0.005) and PCV at Day 14 (p = 0.05).

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and lack of motivation. Antidepressant drugs are not rare to find and they are not addictive however, some people may experience discontinuation (withdrawal-like) symptoms if they stop taking antidepressants suddenly especially SSRIs and SNRIs emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv. It is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of depression. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the
antidepressant potential of I. trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using a 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For antidepressant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group 5 received 25 mg/kg imipramine for both FST and TST. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant increase at 400 mg/kg when compared to control (P < 0.05) for both TST and FST. This study supports its use in the treatment of
depression in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of secondary metabolites.

This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of sachet water sold on the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus. Five brands: Uniben Table Water, Faith Mark, Olivia, Uzama, and Notre Dame were sampled in the afternoon (2:00 pm) on campus. The samples were transported to the laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification using standard bacteriological techniques. Phenotypic virulence properties of the isolates were assessed, and antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using the biodisc diffusion method. Uniben Table Water had a bacterial count of 3.2±0.72 x10 4 cfu/mL, Faith Mark 2.0±0.91 x10 4 cfu/mL, Olivia 1.9±0.67 x10 4 cfu/mL, Uzama 3.3±1.51 x10^4 cfu/mL, and Notre Dame 1.1±0.96 x10 4 cfu/mL. The identified bacterial isolates
included Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus letus, and Escherichia coli. Pathogenicity tests indicated that all isolates were pathogenic, testing positive for gelatin liquefaction, DNase, spirit blue, and haemolysin assays. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus letus, and Escherichia coli were sensitive to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin but resistant to pefloxacin, ampiciox, zinnacef, amoxicillin, rocephin, and septrin. The bacterial counts exceeded the limits recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) (1.0 × 10 2 cfu/mL). These findings indicate that periodic bacteriological assessment of sachet water quality is necessary, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should ensure quality assurance and adherence to internationally defined drinking water standards.

Shigella flexneri, a leading cause of bacillary dysentery, induces severe gastrointestinal inflammation, disrupting gut homeostasis. This study evaluates the potential of Lactobacillus
casei as probiotics to enhance immune responses in Wistar albino rats against Shigella flexneri infection. Forty healthy Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, challenged (Shigella flexneri-infected), Probiotic (Lactobacillus casei-treated), Prophylactic (pre-treated with Lactobacillus casei before infection), and Antibiotic (ciprofloxacin-treated). Stool samples were collected from rats prior to induction with shigella flexneri and Lactobacillus casei, after induction with Shigella flexneri, and antibiotic treatment. Approximately 1g of stool was homogenized in 9 mL of sterile PBS using a vortex mixer to ensure thorough dispersion. A tenfold serial dilution was performed by transferring 1 mL of the stool homogenate into 9 mL of sterile PBS, creating dilutions from 10' to 10-6. From the 1 dilution, 0.1 mL was plated onto Nutrient agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24hrs

The study was designed to evaluate the histological effects of aqueous extracts of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and banana (Musa sapientum) bracts on the heart of female Wistar rats. The bracts were extracted with distilled water. Forty-two adult female albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (six rats per group). Group A served as the control, while groups B–D received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of plantain bract extract respectively. Groups E–G received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of banana bract extract respectively. The experiment was conducted for a defined period, after which the rats were sacrificed and their hearts excised for histological examination using standard procedures.The study aims to assess possible histological changes and evaluate the safety and potential biological effects of Musa bract extracts on cardiac tissues

Point-of-sale (POS) machines are widely used for cashless transactions in Nigeria, but frequent handling by multiple users makes their keypads potential fomites for microbial transmission. This research aimed to determine the microbial load, public health risk and antimicrobial resistance patterns present on POS keypads sampled from twenty locations between Five Junction and First East Circular Junction, Benin City. 20 Swab samples were used to swab on the screen or button of the POS machines to collect isolates. The bacterial isolates were identified using morphological, microscopic and biochemical techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted to determine resistance profiles of the bacterial isolates. Analysis of bacterial counts revealed considerable contamination, ranging from 1.5 × 10³ cfu/ml to 6.55 × 10 4cfu/ml. Four bacterial species were identified which were Staphylococcus spp. (34.15 %), Pseudomonas spp. (26.83 %), Aeromonas spp. (24.40 %) and Enterococcus spp. (14.63 %). Antibiogram results demonstrated multidrug resistance, particularly in Pseudomonas sp. which showed resistance to several antibiotics including streptomycin and chloramphenicol. The presence of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria on POS keypads indicates their potential role in the transmission of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance within the community. Nevertheless, further research is needed to establish effective disinfection practices, determine the frequency of contamination and evaluate the impact of hyg

The presence of pesticide residues in aquatic organisms has become a growing public health concern due to the extensive use of agrochemicals and their potential to contaminate water bodies and aquatic food resources. This study focused on the determination of pesticide residues in the African freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium vollenhovenii, obtained from Oba Market. The aim was to assess the levels of pesticide contamination and evaluate potential risks associated with human consumption. Fresh prawn samples were randomly collected from different vendors in the market and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The samples were processed, extracted, and analyzed for selected pesticide residues using standard analytical techniques such as Gas Chromatography (GC) following appropriate extraction and clean-up procedures. The results revealed the presence of various pesticide residues, including organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid compounds, in varying concentrations within the prawn tissues. Some detected residues were found to be within permissible limits established by international regulatory agencies, while others approached or slightly exceeded recommended thresholds. The occurrence of these residues indicates possible environmental contamination of aquatic habitats resulting from agricultural runoff, improper pesticide disposal, and other anthropogenic activities. The study highlights the need for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in aquatic food products sold in local markets to ensure food safety and protect public health. It also emphasizes the importance of implementing stricter regulations and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices to minimize pesticide pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The findings provide useful baseline information for policymakers, environmental agencies, and public health authorities regarding pesticide contamination in seafood consumed in Benin City.