FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Heavy metals are ubiquitous contaminants in the aquatic ecosystems, posing significant threats to fishes and other aquatic fauna which tend to bioaccumulate this toxicant in their muscle. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the bioconcentration of heavy metals in the muscles tissues of fish fauna within Ikpoba River, Benin city. A total number of 26 (13 Clarias garipienus and Tilapia zilli) fishes were collected from Ikpoba River between June to August 2023. Heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr and Co) in the muscles of the fish were estimated using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), while the ratio of heavy metals in the muscles of the fish
relative to water, was estimated using the bioconcentration index. The result showed that Nickel in the muscles of the benthic fish had the highest concentration in the month of June (21.21mg/kg) and lowest in the month of July (14.92mg/kg), while Nickel in the pelagic fish had the highest concentration in August (21.82mg/kg) and lowest in July (12.89mg/kg). Lead and Cadmium were found to be below detectible limit in benthic and pelagic fish muscle tissue across the sampling period. Chromium in the muscle tissue of the benthic fish has the highest in June (10.89mg/kg) and lowest in July (4.85mg/kg), while in pelagic fish, it was found to be highest in August (12.91mg/kg) and lowest in June (6.11mg/kg). The concentration of cobalt in benthic and pelagic fish was found to be highest in the month of August (3.44mg/kg and 12.91mg/kg) and lowest in the month of June (1.93mg/kg and 6.11mg/kg) respectively. These variations therefore signify the level of heavy metal accumulation in their tissues which have impacts on the aquatic ecosystem and human health.

Bacterial and fungal contaminations of borehole water in school hostels is a prevalent issue, particularly in regions where boreholes serve as primary water sources and hygiene practices may be challenging to maintain. This study was aimed at assessing the microbial contamination of water in student’s residential halls in University of Benin, Benin City. The bacterial isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. The percentage distribution and frequency of the isolates were evaluated using statistical method. From the result obtained in this study, the total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.46 log10 cfu/ml to 4.86 log10 cfu/ml, Coliform count ranged from 2.84 to 3.13 log10 cfu/ml and fungal counts ranged from 4.40 to 4.85 log10 cfu/ml. Using the cultural, morphological and biochemical test, the isolates obtained in this study include, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Citrobacter, Enterobacter sp, Bjerkandera sp, Aureobasidium sp, Scedosporium sp, and Mucor
sp. The contamination of borehole water in school hostels by various bacterial and fungal pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Bjerkandera sp, Aureobasidium sp, Scedosporium sp, and Mucor sp, presents serious public health risks. These microorganisms, arising from fecal contamination, soil infiltration, and environmental factors, can cause a range of infections, from gastrointestinal illnesses to skin, respiratory, and systemic diseases.

Plants are the most abundant natural primary source of drugs utilized to treat ailment,s and several plants rich in phytochemicals used as medicine have Nigerian origin. Locally, extracts of plants such as roots, stems, flowers, and fruits are used in the treatment of diseases. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potency of leaves of culinary relevant local Nigerian plants; Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) and Gnetum africanum (Okazi) against selected clinically relevant bacterial and fungal species- Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Candida sp and Trichophyton sp. It also served to assess the phytochemical constituents that contribute to their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. The leaves were obtained, identified, pulverized, and then the leaves extracts were prepared with cold water and methanol. The phytochemical composition of the leaves were determined using standard procedures. The antimicrobial potency was evaluated at concentrations of 2000mg/ml, 1000mg/ml, 500mg/ml and 250mg/ml. Ethanolic extracts proved to be more potent demonstrating broader zones of inhibition and bactericidal activity. Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) aqueous extracts demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity compared to their ethanol counterparts against Gram-negative Klebsiella sp (20.00mm) and fungal Trichophyton sp (15.00mm), while Gnetum africanum (Okazi) aqueous extract was more active against Candida sp (15.00mm). The leaf extracts demonstrated only static activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study further reinforces the basis of the use of traditional plants in the treatment of microbial infections. However, future investigation on the mechanism of action, toxicity level is essential to fully optimize the potential of G. latifolium (Utazi) and G. africanum (Okazi) as therapeutic agents in the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms.

Plants are the most abundant natural primary source of drugs utilized to treat ailment,s and several plants rich in phytochemicals used as medicine have Nigerian origin. Locally, extracts of plants such as roots, stems, flowers, and fruits are used in the treatment of diseases. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potency of leaves of culinary relevant local Nigerian plants; Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) and Gnetum africanum (Okazi) against selected clinically relevant bacterial and fungal species- Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Candida sp and Trichophyton sp. It also served to assess the phytochemical constituents that contribute to their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. The leaves were obtained, identified, pulverized, and then the leaves extracts were prepared with cold water and methanol. The phytochemical composition of the leaves were determined using standard procedures. The antimicrobial potency was evaluated at concentrations of 2000mg/ml, 1000mg/ml, 500mg/ml and 250mg/ml. Ethanolic extracts proved to be more potent demonstrating broader zones of inhibition and bactericidal activity. Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) aqueous extracts demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity compared to their ethanol counterparts against Gram-negative Klebsiella sp (20.00mm) and fungal Trichophyton sp (15.00mm), while Gnetum africanum (Okazi) aqueous extract was more active against Candida sp (15.00mm). The leaf extracts demonstrated only static activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study further reinforces the basis of the use of traditional plants in the treatment of microbial infections. However, future investigation on the mechanism of action, toxicity level is essential to fully optimize the potential of G. latifolium (Utazi) and G. africanum (Okazi) as therapeutic agents in the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms.

Ferruginous soils present challenges for plant growth due to their elevated iron levels, which can cause iron toxicity and negatively impact crop productivity. Copper nanoparticles demonstrate potential in mitigating iron toxicity in plants. This research studied maize plants polluted with different copper nanoparticle concentrations in ferruginous soils with elevated iron. The aim was to ascertain maize tolerance to various iron stress levels and its resultant yield. The results indicated improved maize growth with copper nanoparticles, significantly at 35% and 100% concentration in the early and late development phases. This infers a dose- dependent relationship between nanoparticle concentration and maize growth, with higher concentrations conveying increased maize sensitivity to excessive iron levels. The dynamic response of maize to nanoparticles over time emphasizes the need for exposure duration. In week 2, plants polluted with a 35% Cu nanoparticle concentration in soils alleviated at 4 ESV portrayed smaller leaf areas in contrast to those in 2.5 ESV soils. This infers that higher contamination may hamper the nanoparticles' positive leaf area effects. The complex impact of copper nanoparticles on maize morphology was influenced by a combination of factors including concentration, soil contamination, and specific parameters. Plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and sheath length were modified by treatment, while blocks substantially affected plant height, leaf length, and sheath length. Copper nanoparticles demonstrate the potential to improve maize resilience in ferruginous soils, presenting a viable sustainable agriculture solutions in iron-rich environments.

ir pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a growing environmental and public health concern in urban areas. This study aimed to compare outdoor PM2.5 concentrations during the daytime and nighttime in Benin City, Nigeria. PM2.5 data were collected from three distinct locations (Ugbowo, Sapele Road, and Etete) between October to December 2024 using PurpleAir sensors, with measurements taken six times daily at intervals of 5 hours. Statistical analysis, including paired T-test and ANOVA, was conducted to assess variations between day and night as well as across location and time. Results revealed significantly higher PM2.5 levels during the daytime, with concentrations peaking in December (170.83 µg/m³). The lowest concentration during the day was recorded in the month of October (93.67µg/m³,) while the highest concentration was in the month of December (183.33 µg/m³) at Etete. At night, the least concentration was at Sapele road in the month of October (80.09 µg/m³) with the highest in December (158.32) at Etete. A significant difference (p =1.346e-15) was recorded between the concentrations of daytime and night time PM2.5. A statistical significant difference was tested across locations (p = 0.0088) and months (p = 2e-16). The recorded concentrations far exceed WHO guidelines for PM2.5 concentrations, suggesting a possible health risk for the inhabitants of those locations. Immediate interventions are recommended, including stricter emission regulations, better urban planning, and public awareness campaigns, to mitigate the effects of air pollution and improve public health.

The impact of dietary fats on cardiovascular health is of growing concern, particularly in regions where red palm oil is a staple cooking fat. This study investigates the effect of frying an egg with red palm oil on egg cholesterol levels and its influence on the lipid profile and heart histology of Wistar rats. Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into four dietary groups fried egg with red oil, raw cholesterol, positive control, and negative control. After 42 days, lipid profile analysis on some lipid (total cholesterol and triglyceride) revealed that the fried egg with red oil group had a total cholesterol level of (251.90 ± 2.64 mg/dL), which was significantly lower than the raw cholesterol group (307.63 ± 7.74 mg/dL). Triglyceride levels also varied, with the fried egg group showing (554.19 ± 9.16 mg/dL), compared to (577.09 ± 9.53 mg/dL) in the raw cholesterol group. Histological analysis of the heart tissues showed vascular stenosis and
perivascular infiltration in the fried egg with red oil group, while the raw cholesterol group exhibited mild perivascular fibroblast mobilization. These results indicate that frying eggs in red
palm oil alters lipid metabolism and affects cardiovascular health, potentially modifying cholesterol bioavailability. The study highlights the significance of cooking methods in influencing dietary cholesterol impact and underscores the need for further research on the longterm effects of palm oil consumption on heart health.

In vitro antioxidant activities were carried out on the ethanol extracts of the stem bark of Anthocleista Djalonensis, The methods used were standard procedures for assessment of its antioxidant properties using DPPH scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, thiobarbituricacid reactive assay, superoxide scavenging activity and ferric reducing-antioxidants power with their standard as Ascorbic acid. The stem washed clean of sand after which it was air-dried at room temperature and ground into fine powder. The powdered sample (168g) was extracted with 4.9L of Ethanol by maceration for 72 hrs with regular stirring, The mixture was filtered using muslin cloth and concentrated using rotary evaporator and subjected to freeze drying to obtain powdered form. The result of 1,1-diphenol-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract shows that the scavenging activity of DPPH was significantly higher (P>0.05) than the standard used(Ascorbic acid),it possesses Antioxidant activities. In the Thiobarbituricacid reactive substance (TBARs) assay, ethanol extract of A.djalonensis observed to be at bar with the standard used(Ascorbic acid). Although it was highest in the standard used. Since the A.djalonensis has been suspected to have antioxidant activities which helps in relieving stress and reducing organic species that enhances damage to the systems of the body, hence the experiment. In conclusion, from the results gotten A.djalonensis possesses good antioxidant properties, since it can be found naturally, it's use should be encouraged to help scavenge radicals and manage stress.

The worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance (AMR) has warranted the exploration of medicinal plants as alternate sources of antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial and phytochemical qualities of Pueraria phaseoloides (Tropical Kudzu) cold and hot water extracts were assessed in this study. The agar well diffusion method was used to test the extracts' antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. To evaluate potency, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were calculated. Through phytochemical screening, both extracts were found to contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids. The hot water extract showed the largest zones of inhibition and the lowest MIC values against P. aeruginosa and E. coli, indicating higher antibacterial activity than the cold water extract. At the tested concentrations, both extracts demonstrated bacteriostatic effects. The results show that the extraction temperature has a major impact on the release of the active ingredients that give antimicrobial activity. This study supports Pueraria phaseoloides' potential development as a natural source of antimicrobial agents and offers scientific support for its traditional use.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus on blood glucose, body weight and liver, kidney and pancreas reduced glutathione levels on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the animals (diabetic control and diabetic treated), by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (45mg/body weight), while the control groups received equal volume of the citrate buffer (pH 4.5) solution intraperitoneally. Streptozotocin treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in the diabetic rats compared to the normal rats. The normal treated and diabetic treated rats were given Cymbopogon citratus extract for 21 days (400mg/body weight). The pancreas, livers, and kidneys of the rats were excised and biochemical assay of reduced glutathione was determined. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the normal treated rats when compared with the normal control rats at the end of the 21 days treatment period. Levels of blood glucose in the diabetic rats were significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the normal control rats. However, levels of blood glucose in the diabetic treated rats were not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared to the diabetic control rats. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight in the diabetic rats when compared to the normal control rats. There was no significant % weight (p>0.05) gain in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats and also there was a non- significant (p>0.05) decrease in weight in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats. In the liver and the pancreas, the results for reduced glutathione concentration showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats, in the diabetic control rats when compared to the normal control rats and in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats. In thekidney, there was no significant difference observed (p>0.05) when the normal treated rats were compared with the normal control rats and when the diabetic treated rats were compared with thenormal control rats. However, when the diabetic treated rats were compared with the diabeticcontrol rats, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Cymbopogon citratus does have somehypoglycemic and antioxidant properties but further research is needed to ascertain these claims.