FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

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

Light intensity is a critical environmental factor that profoundly influences plant architecture and development, often by modulating internal phytohormone levels. Specifically, the regulation of auxin biosynthesis and signaling is central to understanding how plants adapt their growth in varying light conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of key auxin biosynthesis-related genes in Trichosanthes cucumerina plants cultivated under contrasting open field and shaded field conditions within a lowland rainforest environment. This research utilized three distinct data types, morphological, anatomical, and molecular. Morphological data, including vine length, number of leaves, stem circumference, were collected through direct field measurements throughout the growth period. Anatomical data were generated by preparing and microscopically examining cross-sections of stem and root tissues to assess cellular integrity and vascular bundle differentiation. Molecular data were generated via Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analysis, which provided relative gene expression levels for auxin biosynthesis genes (e.g., YUCCA and TAA1) from extracted plant RNA. Morphological and molecular data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests or 2⁻ΔΔCₜ) method, to determine significant differences between the two growth environments

Nine tomato genotypes collected from Nigerian Institute of Horticulture and National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan, were cultivated and screened for resistance to Oidium neolycopersici. The pathogen was cultured in the laboratory in potato dextrose agar as culture medium and re-inoculated to the leaves and root area of the screenhouse tomatoes. During the course of the experiment, there were expectations to find a resistant variety which will serve as a potential tool for cultivating resistant varieties of tomato. However, all accessions of tomatoes inoculated with the pathogen were evaluated and found to be susceptible to the pathogen. The pathogen totally colonised the plants, caused necrosis of the leaves,
prevented flowering and fruiting, and ultimately caused the death of all tomato plants observed in this study. The study showed that powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici) poses significant threat to greenhouse tomatoes, as well as tomatoes grown in the field.

Energy drinks are popular for their energy-boosting effects, yet concerns about their composition and safety persist. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral, sugar, and heavy metal content of Blue Bullet energy drink, focusing on its impact on energy metabolism, mineral homeostasis, and toxicological risks. Triplicate samples of the drink was prepared for the qualitative analyses were conducted to detect the presence of carbohydrates, phosphates, and acidity and quantitative tests which included Benedict’s and Fehling’s solutions for sugar content, spectrophotometric analysis for minerals, and toxicological screening for heavy metals. Qualitative analyses confirmed significant carbohydrate presence, trace phosphates, and an acidic pH typical of energy drinks. Quantitative screening revealed carbohydrates (12 ± 3 μg/L), alcohol (16 ± 2 μg/L), phosphate (368 ± 1 μg/L), and CO2 (78 ± 11 μg/L). Mineral analysis identified calcium (24.47 ± 0.15 mg/kg), iron (0.93 ± 0.03 mg/kg), potassium (0.30 ± 0.00 mg/kg), magnesium (1.17 ± 0.03 mg/kg), and phosphorus (1.667 ± 0.002 mg/kg), all within FDA and WHO safety limits. Trace metals such as chromium (0.047 ± 0.004 mg/kg), manganese (0.047 ± 0.012 mg/kg), and zinc (0.083 ± 0.003 mg/kg) were present at safe levels. Toxicological screening showed arsenic (0.955 ± 0.004 μg/kg) and mercury (0.070 ± 0.001 μg/kg) below safety thresholds, with no detectable lead, cadmium, or copper. These findings highlight that Blue Bullet provides essential nutrients and adheres to safety standards, though regular quality control is recommended for consumer safety..