FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Maintaining steady blood glucose levels is essential for metabolic balance and overall health. This study explores the potential of bitter kola, a rich source of bioactive compounds, to regulate blood sugar levels. Despite the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, research on the acute and sub-acute impacts of bitter kola on blood glucose levels remains limited. The research utilizes various approaches, including testing for acute toxicity, evaluating normal blood sugar levels, and conducting anti-diabetic experiments on rats. It found that administering ethanol extracts of bitter kola at doses up to 5000 mg/kg is safe and can lower blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats, indicating its potential in managing hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, comparable to the standard drug Glibenclamide. Moreover, the extract illustrated possible liver protection abilities and showed a positive influence on lipid levels, notably lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. Crucially, it didn't negatively affect kidney tissue, indicating its safety. These results emphasize the potential of bitter kola as a natural dietary approach in managing diabetes, providing optimism for better blood sugar control and overall health.

Solvent- impregnated sorbent extraction of tantalum is reported. Tantalum was effectively extracted with 3500C carbonized and activated with 0.5 M hydrofluoric acid and impregnated with methyl isobutyl ketone from hydrofluoric acid leached tantalite ore. The transport study of tantalum ions through a supported solvent-impregnated based sorbent (coconut shell) has been carried out using a design expert (RSM). Factors affecting extraction of tantalum was studied via pH, temperature and contact time is discussed. The final extracts of tantalum complex were directly inserted after color development in the spectrophotometer for absorbance measurement which enhances the sensitivity. It was observed that at a pH of 1, a temperature of 28oC and at a contact time of 5 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was decreased to 53.37% and it was observed that at a pH of 1, an increased temperature of 68oC and at a contact time of 30 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was increased to 91.55%. The sorbent under study can therefore be used as alternative in order to reduce the high cost of conventional adsorbent used in extraction management.

Air pollution is a growing concern in Nigeria, with significant implications for public health and the environment. This study provides a comparative assessment of air quality in Kano and Bayelsa states from 2019 to 2024 using Sentinel-5P satellite data. The study focuses on key pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and aerosols, to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in air quality between the most populated (Kano) and least populated (Bayelsa) states in Nigeria. The research utilizes remote sensing techniques, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, and statistical methods to analyze pollutant concentrations and identify trends over the study period. Results indicate that air pollution levels in Kano are primarily influenced by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal dust storms, leading to high NO₂ and aerosol concentrations. In contrast, Bayelsa's air quality is significantly impacted by gas flaring and petroleum-related activities, with elevated CO levels being a major concern. Statistical analysis reveals notable differences in pollutant concentrations between the two states, showing that Kano state consistently has higher Aerosol and NO2 levels than Bayelsa state, and Bayelsa state consistently has higher
CO concentrations than Kano state. These results emphasize the role of population density and industrialization in shaping air quality patterns. The study also highlights the influence of population on air pollution, showing that while high population density in Kano contributes to increased emissions, Bayelsa's lower population does not necessarily translate to better air quality due to intensive industrial activities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted air quality management strategies tailored to the unique pollution sources in each state.
Policies should focus on enhancing emission regulations for industries in Bayelsa and implementing stricter vehicular emission controls in Kano. Expanding air quality monitoring infrastructure and promoting clean energy alternatives are also recommended to mitigate pollution impacts. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of regional air quality variations in Nigeria, providing valuable insights for policymakers and environmental health practitioners.

Fufu is a starchy dish made from ingredients such as cassava, yam, or plantain. Fufu plays a significant role in African cuisine and cultural traditions, often served alongside various soups, stews, and sauces. The aim of this study was to carry out the comparative analysis of the bacterial load associated with dry and wet fufu sold in Benin City. Six (6) different samples were collected from Fag coop supermarket in University of Benin, Benin City. Three dry Fufu samples and three wet Fufu samples were obtained. Serial dilution was carried out using the dilution of 10 3,10 4 and 10
5 for Nutrient agar, Salmonella and Shigella agar (SSA) and De Man, Rugose and Sharpe agar(MRS) agar media were used. The bacterial isolation of fufu samples was carried out on the three agar mediums using the pour plate method. Cultural, morphological and biochemical test were employed for the identification of the isolates. Biochemical tests carried out include urease test, citrate utilization test, hydrogen sulphone test, indole test, oxidase test, catalase test and sugar fermentation test. Using disc diffusion methods, antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out for the bacterial isolates. In this study, species of Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella and
Pseudomonas were among the various bacterial genera isolated of which Salmonella is pathogenic. Lactobacillus sp tested Pseudomonas s p tested negative for all sugar fermentation tests whil Bacillus subtitlis and Lactobacillus sp tested positive for all sugar fermentation tests. The antibacterial activity test with Gram negative and Gram positive antibiotic discs as well as chitosan was evaluated. It was observed that chitosan had inhibitory effect on all the microorganisms isolated from the dry and wet fufu samples with zones of inhibition ranging from 6mm (at 25mg/ml) to 48mm (at 100mg/ml). The zone of inhibition for Corynebacteriun sp ranged from 16mm- 36mm. The evaluated antibiotic resistance in the isolated bacteria shows the need for more usage of antibiotic in the industrial production of fufu to help minimize the chances of fufu being contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms The consumption of wet fufu and dry fufu is not advised since Salmonella spp (causative organism of Salmonellosis) was isolated from sample 2 o wet fufu and sample 1 of dried fufu. Proper hygienic practices should be carried out to avoid the
contamination of fufu with pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella spp.

This study examines the microbiological risks associated with several borehole water samples found in selected Secondary Schools in Ugbowo axis. There were four Schools where borehole water samples (n=4) were taken. For both psychochemical and microbiological studies, samples were taken to the lab. Physical-chemical investigations were performed to measure the concentrations of phosphate, nitrate, and sulfate as well as pH, suspended particles, salinity, total hardness, electrical conductivity, and turbidity. To identify the bacteria isolates found in the school water samples, bacterial examinations were carried out. Additionally, biochemical tests such those for catalase, indole, oxidase, citrate, KOH, and sugar mentation were carried out. Utilizing the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the various isolates was examined. Results from the study revealed the range values of physicochemical parameters as, The physicochemical properties of the water samples frequently ranged in temperature between 25.40 and 25.70°C. They had turbidities that varied between 0.50 and 1.95 nephelometric units (NTU). The pH range of borehole water samples is 6.06 to 7.66. The ranges for electrical conductivity, salinity, and the amount of suspended particles were 13 to 61 S/cm, 6.33 to 30.00 g/kg, and 0.24 to 0.85 mg/ml, respectively. The bulk of heavy metals were not detectable, which is why the result was 0.00 Biochemical test results revealed the presence of bacteria such as. Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella oxytocic, The results obtained for the antimicrobial test revealed that zone of inhibition exhibited by Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin, Colistin and Tetracycline ranged from 7mm-13mm ( partial resistance was also observed), only partial resistance in Erythromycin, 4mm-5mm, Nil, 5mm-10mm, Nil and 3mm respectively. In order to x prevent water-borne illnesses that could endanger humans, it is crucial to conduct more research
on the microbiological safety of surface water bodies. xi

Water is a vital resource for all known living organisms, as there is no life without it. The Earth’s surface is 71% water and fresh water comprises 3% of the total amount water on the Earth’s surface. The aim of the present study was to determine the physicochemical parameters and isolation of Fungi from reservoir Water in different communities in Benin City. Water samples were collected from Adolor, BDPA, Ekosodin, Isihor, Osasogie, Uniben and Uwasota all in Benin City, Edo State. The samples were then taken to the laboratory and cultured on potato dextrose agar using the pour plate technique. The pure culture of fungal isolates were identified phenotypically. The isolates antifungal susceptibility profiles were determined
The results for physiochemical analysis of the reservoir water sample showed that the pH values were within the range of 7.59 – 6.63, electrical Conductivity ranged from 13 - 159 µS/cm. The temperature range gotten from this study is 25.3 – 29.4 oC. Total suspended solid varied from 0.59 – 0.98 g/l. Biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 0.02 – 0.07. The alkalinity ranged from 0.12 to 0.5 g/l. Manganese was present in the ranged from 0.01 to 0.15 mg/l. The total fungal count was shown a ranged of 0.025 x 103 - 2.3 x 103 cfu/ml. The highest fungal count was found in Ekosodin, having a value of 2.3 x 103 cfu/ml while the lowest was from Osasogie, value of 0.025 x 103 cfu/ml. The identified fungal isolates from the various samples of water were Penicilium chrysogenum, Yeast, Rhizopus stolonifera, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergilus niger. The isolate with the lowest percentage distribution was Penicilium chrysogenum, asides Penicilium chrysogenum the rest of the isolates were found in all the sampled locations. The pathogenicity result showed all isolates were positive to Gamma Haemolysis and Lipase production. All isolates showed susceptibility to Nystatin but showed varying resistance to Vericonazole with penicillin showing the highest susceptibility. Recent discoveries on fungi requiring special attention include the presence of opportunistic and emerging pathogens in water sources.

Microplastics have become an emerging pollutant of concern in aquatic environments due to their persistence, potential toxicity, and ability to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. However, limited information exists on the extent of microplastics contamination in Nigerian freshwater systems, especially in the Ovia River. This study aims to assess microplastics contamination in surface water and some fish species (Notoptera's afar and Heterotriches BI dorsalis) of the Ovia River in Benin City, Nigeria, with the goal of determining pollution levels, potential sources, and associated health risks. Data were generated through the collection of water and fish samples from four stations along the river from January to June, 2024. Physicochemical parameters of the water were measured using standard procedures, and microplastics were extracted from both water and fish digestive tracts using density separation and wet peroxide oxidation methods. Polymer types were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while elemental composition was analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Particle size distribution was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and ImageJ software was used for image analysis. Pollution indices such as Water Quality Index (WQI), Contamination Factor (CF), and Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Risk Indices (CDI, HQ, HI, CR) were also applied. The analysis of physicochemical parameters in the Ovia River revealed generally acceptable
levels with no significant differences (P > 0.05) across the study stations, except for copper, chromium, and manganese which showed significant variation (P < 0.05). Heavy metal concentrations were ranked: Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu >Mn > Ni > Pb, while arsenic and vanadium were below detection limits. Water Quality Index (WQI) and Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) classified Station 1 as having good water quality, while others were rated poor. Health risk assessment using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) identified iron as the most prominent exposure risk. SEM revealed spatial variation in microplastic particle sizes in both water and fish, with the
highest mean sizes observed in station 2 and in Notoptera's afar respectively. Polymer analysis identified polyvinyl alcohol and nylon as the dominant microplastics in surface water, while LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) and polypropylene were most prevalent in fish samples. However, Heterotriches BI dorsalis exhibited a more diverse and complex microplastics polymer profile, indicating greater ingestion and exposure compared to Notoptera's afar. The xxii elemental composition in water and fish samples identified Cl, N, Na, C, Ca, Mg, Si, P, K, Al, Fe, S, Ti, Ag, and Mn as additives to microplastics with high intensity peaks of chlorine and carbon. Overall, the Ovia River ecosystem is moderately polluted with microplastics, and there is evidence of bioaccumulation in fish, necessitating urgent environmental management strategies. xxiv

A compact disc, sometimes referred to as a CD, is an optical digital mediumthat canholdvarious types of data, including documents, audio, photos, and video. Understandingthebacterial load in stored CD plates is crucial to ensuring the longevity and integrity of CDs. Thisstudy determined the impact of temperature and relative humidity on bacteria load of storedCDplates at different locations (laboratory, lecture theatre and office). Thirty-six (36) CDplateswere purchased and positioned at these different locations (as opened, closed with perforationsand burnt with short video clips and opened). Temperature and relative humidity were monitoredwith thermometer and hygrometer, while bacterial count and identification were basedonstandard procedures for four weeks. Results obtained showed a fluctuation in temperature everyweek, but generally within the range of room temperature (30°C - 37°C) conversely, relativehumidity increased weekly in the studied locations. Bacteria counts of all CDplates studiedincreased with increase in humidity with time. Bacteria isolated from studied CDplates wereBacillus mycoides, Pseudomonads aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescans. Conclusively, relative humidity had a positivecorrelation with bacteria load of the studies CD plate, while temperature had little effect onbacterial counts.

The study investigates the impact of the aqueous-methanol extract of Azanza garckeana on
histological parameters in Wistar albino rats. Azanza garckeana, commonly known as African
wild loquat, is recognized for its medicinal properties. The project aims to explore its potential
effects on the microscopic structure of tissues in rats, focusing on organs such as the liver, kidney, and heart. The research methodology involves the extraction of bioactive compounds
from Azanza garckeana using a mixture of water and methanol, followed by administration to
the experimental group of rats. Histological analyses are conducted to assess any alterations in
tissue architecture, cellular morphology, and pathological changes compared to the control group. Histopathological findings from this study revealed no alteration in the organs; liver, kidney, heart, colon and testis of male Wistar albino rats administered aqueous-methanol root extract of
Azanza garckeana. These findings indicate that the plant extract did not compromise the cellular
integrity nor inflict damage to these organs. The findings provide insights into the potential
therapeutic or adverse effects of Azanza garckeana extract on organ health, contributing to our
understanding of its pharmacological properties. This investigation holds significance in the field
of biochemistry by elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying the effects of natural
products on histological parameters, which could pave the way for further exploration of Azanza
garckeana as a potential source of novel pharmaceutical agents

ABSTRACT
Pesticides are chemicals widely used in agriculture to control diseases and to help increase crop
yield. Pesticides in particular insecticides can be very beneficial but have also been found to have
harmful side effects on non-target insects. The effects of pesticides are not simply linear but
complex through their interactions with a large variety of biotic and abiotic factors. Pesticides is
a general word that describes numerous groups of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, garden
chemicals, household disinfectant sand rodents that are operated to both destroy and protect from
pests. Rhizobacteria are root associated bacteria that can have detrimental, neutral or beneficial
effect on plant grow. Nitrogen fixation is one of the beneficial processes performed by
rhizobacteria. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were first identified by Kloepper and
Schroth et al., (1978) to be soil bacteria that colonize the roots of plants following inoculation
onto seed and that enhance plant growth. Pesticides that persist in soil may have a long-lasting
impact on Rhizobial survival and function. The soil was sprayed with the combination of the
chemicals (Haloxyfop R Methyl Ester and Dichlovos) after they were diluted. Soil samples were
obtained from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), life science land and were wrapped in a clean
sterile polythene bag and labelled control and mixture of both chemicals. The materials for the
experiment were sterilized, the differential agars were prepared and the soil samples were diluted.
Distinct colonies were identified after growth were observed on the nutrient agar, these were
restreaked on a freshly prepared agar to obtain the pure culture and incubated at 37°C for 24
hours. Growth on Bacillus cereus agar and Eosin methylene blue agar were observed by colony
forms, colours and spore morphology. Using the nitrogen free medium, pure cultures were
inoculated and incubated at 28°C for 1-7 days and growth on these plates confirms the ability to
fix nitrogen. The results showed a gradual increase in the microbial count across 28 days (from
3.8×104 ± 707.11 to 4.9×104 ± 4949.75). Also there was little or no effect on plant growth
promoting rhizobacterial activities of isolated microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Chemicals that have little or no effects on the plant
growth promoting rhizobacterial abilities of microorganisms should be used on farmlands.