Concentration

With Nigeria generating over 42 million tonnes of waste annually, improper disposal poses significant risks to soil health, groundwater, and public health. This study examines the contamination levels of heavy metals and the physicochemical properties of soil at a solid waste disposal site in Ovia Northeast, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm) from a dumpsite and a control site, focusing on lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), alongside properties such as pH, bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). Results revealed elevated levels of heavy metals at the dumpsite compared to the control site, particularly in the top 10 cm of soil. For example, Pb concentrations reached 12.31 mg/kg at the dumpsite, nearly three times higher than the 4.24 mg/kg observed at the control. Similarly, copper (Cu) levels at the dumpsite peaked at 74.22 mg/kg, significantly higher than the control site’s 57.47 mg/kg. Physicochemical properties demonstrated a strong influence on metal mobility: soil pH at the dumpsite ranged from 7.12 to 7.62, slightly higher than the control’s 6.86 to 6.12. Organic matter content decreased with depth, from 8.74% at the surface to 3.15% at 40 cm in the dumpsite, compared to 9.07% to 2.54% in the control. EC values were markedly higher
at the dumpsite (252–290 µS/cm) compared to the control (144–168 µS/cm), reflecting leachate infiltration and ion enrichment. The findings underscore the environmental risks posed by heavy metal contamination, including soil degradation, reduced fertility, and potential bioaccumulation in the food chain. Elevated
metal concentrations exceeded WHO permissible limits, necessitating immediate remediation actions. Recommendations include the implementation of sustainable waste management
practices, soil remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate long-term environmental impacts.

Iron regulation is a vital aspect of hematological function, ensuring adequate iron supply for erythropoiesis while preventing oxidative toxicity from excess iron. The Iron Regulatory Protein 1 (IRP1) gene plays a central role in maintaining intracellular iron balance by modulating iron uptake, storage, and utilization. This study evaluated the effect of varying concentrations of aqueous Piper guineense (Uziza) leaf extract on the survival rate and IRP1 gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster, a recognized model for human iron metabolism. The aim was to determine how phytochemicals in Piper guineense, such as alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids, influence iron homeostasis at the molecular level. Adult flies were divided into five groups: a
control group and four treatment groups administered 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 300 mg/ml, and 400 mg/ml of Piper guineense extract through their diet. Survival was monitored over 21 days, and IRP1 expression was analyzed using semi-quantitative PCR. Results showed that the 100 mg/ml group recorded the highest survival rate (80 ± 2.65%) compared to the control (71.33 ±
1.76%), indicating mild protective effects at low doses. Conversely, 200 mg/ml (75.67 ± 3.38%), 300 mg/ml (72.33 ± 2.33%), and 400 mg/ml (73.33 ± 2.03%) exhibited slightly higher but statistically insignificant survival relative to control, suggesting that higher concentrations may induce mild stress or toxicity. Gene expression analysis revealed that IRP1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the 200 mg/ml (1.55±0.05), 300 mg/ml (1.05±0.15), and 400 mg/ml (0.85±0.05) groups compared with control (2.30±0.10) (p < 0.05), while the 100 mg/ml (1.80±0.10) group maintained a relatively higher expression, implying upregulation of iron metabolism at lower doses. These findings demonstrate a dose-dependent effect of Piper guineense, where lower dosage intake enhances iron upregulation and increased survival rate, but increased dosage downregulates IRP1 expression and reduces the survival rate. The study concludes that controlled consumption of Piper guineense may potentially support hematological health, and further research on its molecular mechanisms and safe therapeutic dosage is recommended.

A descriptive survey of 230 University of Benin undergraduates explored social media's impact on mental health. Findings revealed a dual effect: while social media was a source of happiness for many, a majority also reported feeling depressed from its use. Students widely agreed that prolonged use negatively impacts sleep and concentration and that females are more vulnerable to cyberbullying. The study recommends university-led awareness programs and support systems to help students manage these negative effect