Preservative

Food preservation is essential for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of perishable goods. Neem (Azadirachta indica) has gained attention as a natural preservative due to its bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the preservative potential of neem extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) on bell pepper, tomato, and banana over a 14-day storage period. Bacterial populations on fresh and neem-coated fruits were enumerated, characterized, and identified, while physical and sensory attributes were assessed. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria were also determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results showed that ethanolic neem extracts significantly reduced bacterial loads, particularly in bell pepper (5.30±0.13 cfu/cm² by day 14), while aqueous extracts were moderately effective. Coliform and staphylococcal counts declined across all treated fruits, with ethanol-treated bananas exhibiting minimal contamination (0.04±0.00 cfu/cm² by day 9). Salmonella counts also decreased, with ethanol-coated banana samples showing a reduction from 39.80±0.35 to 2.20±0.01 cfu/cm² by day 14. Bacterial isolates identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with control samples exhibiting a higher prevalence of pathogenic strains. Physical and sensory assessments revealed that ethanol-coated fruits retained better texture and color, while control samples deteriorated more rapidly. Antibiotic sensitivity tests indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from ethanol-treated samples was most susceptible, while control samples harbored more resistant strains, suggesting a higher spoilage risk. The findings confirm the antimicrobial potential of neem extracts in reducing bacterial loads and preserving fruit quality, with ethanolic extracts demonstrating superior efficacy. However, further research is needed to optimize extract concentrations, explore additional fruit varieties, and compare neem with synthetic preservatives for commercial applications. This study highlights the potential of neem-based coatings as a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, aligning with global trends in eco-friendly food preservation

This study was conducted to examine the preservatives and pesticide usage in some sawmills in Ovia North East Local Government Area Benin City. This study adopted purposive sampling techniques. Data collection, involved field survey and the field survey involved using questionnaires to collect data in conformity with the objectives. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as, frequency distribution table, mean, and percentages. The majority (98%) of the respondents were male and the age distribution showed a predominance of relatively young workers. Most (63.1%) of the workers were married, and the educational distribution of respondents shows that the largest group has completed senior secondary school (34.5%), Work experience was also diverse, with a substantial number of experienced workers in the industry. Khaya spp (Mahogany), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche), and Lovoa trichilioides (African Walnut) were among the most commonly supplied species. The source of timber supply to the sawmill indicated a higher percentage from natural forests and from another sawmill. While using naturally rot-resistant wood was a common method of treatment, the presence of wood- attacking insects of the order: Isoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera posed challenges to wood preservation. Chemical preservatives like Solignum and Attack were widely used. Pesticides and preservatives are used to protect wood products against these insect attacks, thus extending their lifespan. The method of application of preservatives and pesticides showed that brushing and spraying were the most prevalent methods. Based on the study and results obtained, the following recommendations are suggested: Sawmill operators should explore and adopt environmentally friendly wood preservation methods, such as heat treatment, borate-based preservatives, and naturally rot-resistant wood species. This will help minimize environmental impacts and enhance the industry's eco-friendliness.

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye. KEYWORDS: Dry eye syndrome, Artificial tears, Preservative, TBUT

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire
to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study Showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye