FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

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.

Airborne bacteria from refuse dumpsites represent a significant environmental and public health concern, as these microorganisms can disperse widely, contaminate the surrounding air, and serve as potential reservoirs of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant species. This study investigated the isolation and identification of airborne bacterial isolates from selected refuse dumpsites within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and air samples were collected from three major dumpsites—Hall 3, Hall 4, and the Faculty of Life Sciences, using the settle plate method. Results showed that the highest bacterial load recorded at the Hall 3 dumpsite in Week 2 (7.6 ± 0.42 × 10³ cfu/m³) and the lowest at the Faculty of Life Sciences in Week 1 (3.9 ± 0.22 × 10³ cfu/m³). Six bacterial species were identified: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus sp. Among these, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest frequency of occurrence (26.5%), while Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus sp. were the least frequent (10.3% each). The antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that S. aureus and Proteus sp. exhibited the highest susceptibility (77.8%) and the lowest resistance (22.2%), whereas E. coli displayed the lowest susceptibility (33.3%) to tested antibiotics. Ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics, while ampicillin and ampiclox showed the least efficacy.The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices ranged from 0.44 to 0.89, with Klebsiella spp. exhibiting the highest MAR index (0.89), suggesting exposure to environments with high antibiotic selective pressure. The study underscores the need for improved waste management practices, regular sanitation, and environmental monitoring to minimize microbial air pollution and prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.

The discharge of untreated hospital wastewater poses a public health threat due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and residual pharmaceuticals. This study evaluated bacterial isolates from wastewater in four private hospitals in Benin City, Nigeria, for three consecutive weeks. Bacteriological analysis revealed total viable counts ranging from 1.6 × 10³ to 5.6 × 10³ CFU/mL, with the highest at Mount Gilead Hospital. Six bacterial species were identified: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Enterococcus sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. E. coli was the most frequent (27.3%), while Enterococcus sp. was the least (9.1%). Antibiotic testing showed significant resistance, especially to β-lactam antibiotics and cotrimoxazole. Fluoroquinolones and gentamicin were more effective. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance indices ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, with Enterococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showing the highest resistance. The findings highlight the potential of private hospital wastewater to spread antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for improved wastewater treatment and stricter environmental regulations

Rauvolfia vomitoria is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine for the management of hypertension, mental disorders, and various other ailments. However, the safety profile of its leaf extracts, which are commonly used, remains inadequately scientifically validated. This study was designed to investigate the acute toxicity of the methanol leaf extract of R. Vomitoria in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and macerated in 70% methanol. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive constituents. The acute oral toxicity study was carried out according to the OECD Guideline 425 (Up-and-Down Procedure). Twenty adult albino mice were used and administered single oral doses of the extract ranging from 10 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg. The mice were observed for behavioural changes and mortality over 24 hours, followed by a 14-day monitoring period. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. In the acute toxicity test, no mortality was recorded at any of the administered doses, including the limit test dose of 5000 mg/kg. Observed behavioural effects such as scratching, restlessness, and sedation were mild and transient. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the methanol leaf extract was therefore determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The findings indicate that the methanol leaf extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria is practically non-toxic following acute oral administration in mice. This high safety margin provides a scientific basis for the relative safety of its traditional use and supports further investigation into its pharmacological potential. It is recommended that sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies be conducted to fully elucidate its long-term safety profile.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has garnered considerable focus on the antibacterial attributes of natural compounds in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract against several enteric bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. A phytochemical analysis of the Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract was conducted to identify and quantify bioactive compounds that may contribute to its antibacterial properties.This analysis identified secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids,recognised for their antimicrobial properties. These compounds likely contribute significantly to the antibacterial effects observed in the hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy was assessed utilising recognised microbiological methodologies, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC),against a selection of enteric bacterial isolates. The results demonstrated a significant antibacterial effect linked to Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extracts. Their inhibition of bacterial growth was dose-dependent, with ethanolic extracts demonstrating significantly greater efficacy than aqueous extracts

This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical effect of imidacloprid (Imidacloprid 200G /L SL exposure on Clariasgariepinus juveniles. Four (4) weeks old C. gariepinus juveniles werepurchased at the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experimental fishes were kept and used for twenty-eight (28) days in a static renewal bioassay. At the end of the 28 days exposure, juvenile samples were prepared for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. This study investigated the effects of imidacloprid on Clariasgariepinus and examined Albumin function in the liver and muscle. Albumin constitutes a major part of the proteins in the body. Functions of albumin includes distribution of extra cellular fluid, regulation of osmotic pressure ,acts as transport agent for hormones,lipids and vitamins. Increased levels are found in dehydration and decreased levels are found in liver disease, malnutrition and kidney disorders. Standard physicochemical analyses of the experimental water yielded the following parameters: temperature 28 °C, pH 5.74, electrical conductivity 32 µS/cm, total dissolved solids 16 mg/L, turbidity 2 NTU, dissolved oxygen 6.6 mg/L, biological oxygen demand 2.7 mg/L, hardness 18 mg/L, alkalinity 8 mg/L, and chloride 14.12 mg/L. Fish were exposed to imidacloprid at three concentrations—5 µg/L (Concentration A), 10 µg/L (Concentration B), and 15 µg/L (Concentration C)—with an unexposed group serving as the control (Concentration D). These results suggest that imidacloprid exposure led to changes in albumin levels. At lower concentrations imidacloprid may affect albumin synthesis and at higher concentrations there was a significant increase in albumin levels. Increase in Clariasgariepinus, potentially serving as a protective mechanism against pesticide-induced oxidative damage. The research work shows the importance of antioxidant responses in aquatic environments on their exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and teaches the management of contaminated aquatic systems 

Contamination from various pollutants has been a major threat to water bodies, resulting in the accumulation of minerals. This study evaluated and compared the concentration and distribution of minerals (Na, Mg, Ca, K, P) in two fish species (Parachanna obscura and Malapterurus electricus). Samples from both species were taken, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. The results were then presented in mean ± standard deviation format. The mean concentration of sodium in Parachanna obscura was 1.75 ± 0.29 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 0.90 ± 0.19, the mean concentration in Parachanna obscura was 18.65 ± 5.63 while that of
Malapterurus electricus was10.81 ± 2.42, the mean concentration of Phosphorus in Parachanna obscura was 9.76 ± 2.02 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 8.16 ± 1.66. In Parachanna obscura, magnesium mean concentration was 9.35 ± 2.24 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 6.45 ±1.52 and lastly, the mean value of concentration of calcium in both species were 1.88 ± 0.62 and 1.18 ± 0.22 respectively. From the result, Parachanna obscura showed higher mean concentration across all measured minerals thereby indicating a greater nutritional benefit from it. This finding provides valuable insights into nutritional planning, dietary choices and fish consumption. There is need for further research to explore seasonal/environmental factors that may influence mineral levels in the species as well as the reduction of environmental pollution and preserve public health.

Alstonia boonei De wild is a plant belonging to the Aponcyanacea family. Its leaves, root bark and stem bark parts have various traditional uses in parts of West Africa for the management of some ailments such as: Malaria, hypertension and cancer. The nutritional composition and phytochemical content of the leaf of Alstonia boonei De wild were explored under standard analytical methods in order to ingress the numerous potential of the plant. The qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei De wild, leaves showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, cardiac glycosides, coumerins, phlobatannins and protein; with saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenol highly present. Flavanoids, terpenoids, emotins, anthraquinones and anthocyanins were seen to be absent. Variation of this composition was observed in the ethanol extract which showed that saponins, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, protein and anthocyanins were seen to be present in moderate proportion, whereas flavonoids, phlobatannins,coumerin, emotins and anthraquinones were seen to be absent, while cardiac glycosides was highly present. The medicinal value of Alstonia boonei De wild is influenced by the presence and levels of these secondary metabolites. The proximate analysis revealed that Alstonia boonei leaves are rich in carbohydrates (57.45 ± 1.38%), have a moderate content of Ash (3.67± 0.16%), crude protein (8.05 ± 00.05%), crude fats (9.50 ± 0.24%), and crude fibre (11.00 ± 0.47%); but a moderate content of moisture (10.30 ± 0.27%). The presence of high carbohydrates, protein, crude fats and fibre contents of the leaves may be responsible for their nutritive values