FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, constitute a significant public health concern affecting visual well-being of individuals as well as the academic performance of pupils. Uncorrected refractive error, the second most common cause of preventable blindness globally places a heavy burden on individuals and the society. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of refractive errors among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area (LGA). The study was carried out for a period of three month. A stratified random sampling method was used where students from the selected schools within Egor LGA were selected for the study. The sample size was 400 with a number of 151 females and 249 males. Data was collected using a well structured self-administered questionnaires. This questionnaire included demographic information and was further divided into three sections. The data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) was used to
summarize the variables. Continuous variables was expressed as the mean ± standard deviation for those that displayed normal distribution. A total of 400 students participated in the study between the ages of 11 to 19years (mean age 16.07± 1.320). Majority of the participants was male (249) while the remaining where females (151). The results showed that those who had good knowledge about refractive errors was about 52.3% while those who had good attitudes to refractive errors was 44% and who with good practice of refractive errors was just 17.5% of the
respondents. In conclusion, the knowledge about refractive error was fair, attitude towards refractive error was good but the practices towards refractive error was poor.

The quality of aquatic environments is an important contributor to good environmental health. This study assessed the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments from Ossiomo River, Edo State in order to ascertain the status and degree of contamination. Nine sediment samples were collected using an Eckman Grab from Ossiomo River from November 2021 to January 2022. Samples collected were air-dried, crushed and sieved through a 2mm sieve, pre-treated using standard methods before determining the heavy metal concentrations in Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer according to the method of the Association of Analytical Chemists. The average mean concentration of heavy metals in sediments from Ossiomo river were1137±760.55 for Fe, 6.83±1.24 for Cu, 28.94±11.93 for Zn, 0.14±0.06 for Cd, 5.80±5.27 for Pb, 9.02±3.80 for Mn, 4.30±1.04 mg/kg for Cr respectively while total hydrocarbon content had an average mean value of 826.80±457.27 mg/kg. The result showed that the concentration of heavy metal were in the following decreasing order: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu> Pb> Cr>Cd. The composition of
computed Enrichment factor (EF) indicated that there is a moderate enrichment for Fe and Zn, a significant enrichment for Fe, Cr, Cd and a very high enrichment for Pb. Geo accumulation index (Igeo)
showed that sediments from Ossiomo River indicates Cu and Mn were practically unpolluted, Cr and Cd were moderately to heavily polluted, Pb was heavily polluted and extremely polluted. The contamination factor showed a moderate contamination exist for Cu and Mn across the sampled stations from Ossiomo River, a very high contamination exist for Cr, Cd, and Pb across the three sample stations. The contamination degree (CD) showed that a very high degree of contamination(CD ≥ 24) exists across all the three sample stations. Pollution load Index (PLI) showed that Ossiomo river is polluted (PLI>1) by metals. Potential ecological risk index (PERI) showed slight pollution degree of Cu, Zn, and Mn, a medium pollution degree of Cr, a strong pollution degree and a very strong pollution degree of Pb while Cd exhibited an extremely strong pollution degree. The risk level or risk degree for Ossiomo River indicated an extremely strong risk degree or level Dacross the sediments across the stretch of Ossiomo River. The potential ecological risk showed that station1and 3 indicates considerable ecological risk (300<RI≤600), while station 2 indicates a very high ecological risk (RI>600). The heavy metals content exhibited a positive and significant correlation. Therefore the pollution by heavy metals in sediments from Ossiomo River should not be ignored.

This study evaluated the chemistry and biological consequences of heavy metal contamination of water from River Nun at Onuebum town, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The pH of the water, acidity, alkalinity, turbidity, sulphides, total nitrogen and total hydrocarbon content in the river water were identified. The toxicity of the water itself and that of the heavy metals in the river water were investigated using rats. Sixty rats divided into twelve groups of five rats each were used. Group A, the control rats, received distilled water only (42.86 ml/rat/day by gavage). Group B received the boiled river water. Group C received the unboiled river water. Group D received a solution of the salts of all the metal ions identified in the river water (1.24 mg Fe, 0.018 mg Cu, 0.001 mg Hg, 0.001 mg Cd, 0.001 mg Pb, 0.001mg Mn, 0.001 mg Cr/L of distilled water). Group E received a solution containing 1.24 mg Fe/L. Group F received a solution containing 0.018 mg Cu/L. Group G received a solution containing 1.24 mg Fe/L and 0.001 mg Hg/L in distilled water. Group H received a solution containing 0.001 mg Hg/L. Group I received a solution containing 0.001 mg Cr/L. Group J received a solution containing 0.001 mg Cd/L. Group K received a solution containing 0.001 mg Mn/L. Group L received a solution containing 0.001 mg Pb/L. Each rat received 42.86 ml/kg bd wt. of the appropriate solution by gavage daily, 7 days a week for 3 months. After an exposure duration of three months, there were significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in serum urea, creatinine, chloride, LDH, total and direct bilirubin levels of the groups H (mercury only), J (cadmium only) and L (lead only) rats compared to the rats in the control and the other eight groups. There were significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in liver GGT, LDH, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, and total protein levels of groups H (mercury only), J (cadmium only) and L (lead only) rats as compared to the control and other eight groups. There were significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in kidney sodium, chloride, urea and creatinine levels of groups H (mercury only), J (cadmium only) and L(lead only) rats as compared to the rats in the control and other eight groups. There was also significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the group G when compared to control in terms of serum AST, ALT, Na+ and cholesterol levels. However, these increases were not as profound as those observed for mercury when administered singly. The adverse effects, evidenced by changes in these parameters in the test rats relative to the control group, was not observed in the groups (B and C) that consumed the river water directly. The results obtained here show that heavy metals antagonize the effects of each other when administered concurrently, a pattern of behavior which would not be evident when each is examined inisolation. The findings also show that the River Nun water, although containing several toxic
elements, may be fairly safe for human consumption.

Given the widespread global use of hair dyes, which contain chemicals like aromatic amines and oxidative agents, understanding their toxic potential is a critical component of assessing human safety. Drosophila melanogaster served as a model organism due to its well-characterized genome, conserved neurological pathways, and ease of genetic tractability. The flies were exposed to three treatment concentrations of the hair dye (0.05%, 0.5%, and 2.0%). The study assessed overall survival rates and observed climbing ability of the flies using the negative geotaxis assay. Flies were exposed to various concentrations of the dye through dietary administration, and survival was monitored over a 7-day period for the pilot study and a 5-day period for the main study. The relative expression of several key genes including Spitz(Spi), Wingless(Wnt), Eiger(egr), Forkhead box(FOXO), Hedgehog(HH), and Kelch-like ECH-associate protein 1(Keap1) was analyzed. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent response of the organism. The locomotor behavior analysis showed declining climbing ability of the flies at increasing concentrations. The Spi gene, associated with the EGFR pathway, showed a significant increase at the highest (2.0%) concentration. Wnt gene was significantly decreased at the 0.5% and 2.0% concentrations while Eiger gene was increased. The transcription factor FOXO was decreased while the signaling gene HH was significantly increased at high concentrations, indicating the activation of stress-induced and developmental response mechanisms. Conversely, the stress regulator Keap1, involved in the Nrf2 pathway was decreased at the 0.5% and 2.0% concentrations. These findings collectively establish that exposure to the hair dye induces significant neurotoxicity and disturbs fundamental regulatory mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting the need for accurate toxicological evaluation of these cosmetic products.

Bryophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as “Miracle Leaf,” has long been employed in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections and various oxidative stress-related ailments. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of B. pinnatum. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethanol and distilled water. The extraction yields were determined, revealing a higher yield for the aqueous extract (18.3%) compared to the ethanol extract (14.3%). Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and anthraquinones in both extracts. Quantitative analysis showed that the ethanol extract contained higher concentrations of flavonoids (31.63 mg/g), phenolics (37.06 mg/g), and alkaloids (21.06 mg/g), whereas the aqueous extract exhibited elevated saponin content (31.57 mg/g). The antioxidant potential of the extracts was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The ethanol extract demonstrated superior free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 63.11 µg/mL) and reducing power (345.5 µmol Fe²⁺/g) compared to the aqueous extract, correlating with its higher phenolic and flavonoid contents. ntimicrobial activity was evaluated against clinically relevant pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration/minimum fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) methods. Both extracts displayed dose-dependent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, with Gram-positive bacteria being more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi showing the least sensitivity. Notably, the ethanol extract exhibited greater potency, requiring lower concentrations to inhibit and kill test organisms. These findings collectively validate the ethnomedicinal use of B. pinnatum and highlight the influence of extraction solvent on bioactivity. The study underscores the potential of the ethanol leaf extract as a promising source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, warranting further pharmacological and mechanistic investigations for therapeutic development

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of varying light intensities on the growth and development of Zea mays (maize), a staple crop of global importance. The experiment evaluated key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, fresh weight, dry weight, and root development under three distinct light intensity levels: high,
medium, and low. The results indicated that high light intensity promotes superior growth, as evidenced by greater biomass accumulation, increased leaf area, taller plants, and higher fresh and dry weights. Conversely, low light intensity results in reduced growth rates but induces an adaptive increase in chlorophyll content to maximize light absorption. Root development was
also significantly influenced, with high light intensity supporting robust root systems and low light leading to underdeveloped roots. This study highlights the critical role of light intensity in regulating photosynthesis and overall plant productivity. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing agricultural practices to enhance maize yield, particularly in environments where
natural light is insufficient or inconsistent. Recommendations are made for strategic light management to ensure optimal maize growth in both traditional and controlled cultivation systems.

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health challenge in many urban communities, with contaminated water sources posing significant health risks to residents. This study assessed the human health risks associated with household drinking water quality and hygiene practices among residents of BDPA Community, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State. A mixed-methods approach combined structured questionnaire surveys of 100 households with physicochemical and microbiological analyses of 30 water samples from borehole, sachet, and bottled water sources. Parameters examined included pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total heterotrophic bacterial counts, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli.The study revealed a predominantly young, educated population demonstrating high personal hygiene awareness, yet significant environmental sanitation deficits persisted, with over half of households located near waste dumps or open sewage systems. Borehole water exhibited the highest contamination risk, recording mean heterotrophic bacterial counts of 58.3 colony forming units per milliliter and total coliform counts of 12.3 colony forming units per milliliter, exceeding acceptable safety standards. Sachet water showed moderate contamination with intermittent coliform presence, while bottled water remained consistently safe. Escherichia coli was absent in all samples. A critical behavioral gap emerged as 64% of residents consumed borehole water without treatment, correlating with 24% self-reported water-related illnesses, predominantly typhoid fever. Poor local sanitation infrastructure enables contaminant infiltration into untreated water sources, creating tangible public health threats. Municipal authorities must enforce Nigerian water quality standards and improve community sanitation infrastructure. Public health campaigns should urgently encourage residents, particularly borehole users, to consistently boil or chlorinate drinking water before consumption to prevent disease outbreaks

A study on the effect of ampicillin on microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis was carried out. The experiment was carried out for 14 days using concentration at 0mg/l (control), 10mg/l, 20mg/l, 40mg/l, 60mg/l, 80mg/l, 100mg/l of ampicillin, affected the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis. Samples were analysed throughout the experiment for physiochemical parameters using standard methods. The result showed that the different concentration of ampicillin affect the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis and was inhibited at 10mg/l, 20mg/l, and 40mg/l treatment. The pH value at the beginning of all the experiment for all the treatment were unstable and around 8.16 and 6.68 but increased gradually at the end of experiment across all treatment. There was significant difference in the growth of the microalgae to the ampicillin concentration

Standard analytical methods were utilized to investigate the nutritional composition and phytochemical content of Lantana camara Linn. leaves in order to uncover the plant's potential bioactive compounds and nutritional profile.. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Lantana camara Linn. leaves revealed the presence of various compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, coumarins, and proteins, with tannins being particularly abundant. However, phenols, anthraquinones, emodins, and anthocyanins were not detected. The composition of the ethanol extract showed variations, with flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, coumarins, and proteins present in moderate amounts, while phenols, anthraquinones, emodins, and anthocyanins were still absent. The medicinal properties of Lantana camara Linn. are influenced by the presence and levels of these secondary metabolites. Proximate analysis revealed that Lantana camara Linn. leaves are rich in carbohydrates (26.59± 1.86%), have a high moisture content (18.00 ± 1.63%), crude protein (18.41 ± 0.02%), crude fats (17.33 ± 0.14%), crude fiber (10.00 ± 0.82%), and ash (9.67 ± 0.27%). The significant presence
of carbohydrates, protein, crude lipids, and fiber in the leaves may contribute to their nutritional value

This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of a bi-herbal aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic untreated control, a group treated with glibenclamide (10mg/kg), and three groups treated with the bi-herbal extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were monitored. The results showed that the bi-herbal extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in a manner comparable to glibenclamide. Furthermore, the extract significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced dyslipidemia, as evidenced by reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in the treated groups compared to the untreated diabetic control. The study concludes that the bi-herbal extract possesses significant antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties, validating its traditional use in diabetes management.