Scientia Africana

Integer weighted goal programming model for a multi-product company: a case study in the Nigerian food industry

P. I. Okoroafor — 2024-03-30

Production planning is a complicated task that requires cooperation among multiple functional units in any organization. The management of production companies have several goals or target which they intend to achieve for their company. Henceforth, this research work presents a weighted Goal programming model for the production problem of a Nigerian food manufacturing company. The goals of the work include minimization of the underachievement of the profit goal, minimization of the underachievement of production target of the breads (burger, sardine, banana, hot dog roll, coconut, mixed fruit) and minimization of the overachievement of the machine production time. The data was collected from the production and sales department of the case company. The data included the quantity of each raw material (flour, sugar, salt, milk, nutmeg, water, butter, yeast, preserver, improver) used in producing one unit of each bread type (burger, sardine, banana, hot dog roll, coconut, mixed fruit), profit per unit of bread, time used in producing 1 unit of bread, quantity target of 1 unit of bread. The goals of this work are 8 goals which include profit goal, machine time goal, production goal of burger bread, sardine bread, banana bread, hot dog roll bread, coconut bread, mixed fruit bread. From the results obtained using LINGO optimization software, 6 goals out of 8 target goals were achieved. The achieved goals include production goal of burger, sardine, banana, hot dog roll, coconut, mixed fruit bread while the goals not achieved includes machine time goal and profit goal.

A geophysical assessment for engineering performance of subgrade soils: a case study of the Ago-Iwoye/Ilishan road, South-Western Nigeria

S.T. Olufemi — 2024-03-30

Geophysical application of electrical resistivity method has been employed to differentiate subsurface target of interest from the encompassing strata along the Ago-Iwoye/Ilishan road in South-western Nigeria. However, a geological model which links variation in lithological characteristics of subgrade soils to the engineering performance of the road is yet to be a research subject. This research is a special geotechnical application of geophysics for revealing the subsurface disposition and predicting the stability state of subgrade materials. Field assessment of rock types, and their relationship was followed by electrical resistivity measurement along the road. Schlumberger and dipole – dipole arrays were adopted for fifty-eight (58) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D resistivity imaging involving Dipole-Dipole profiling technique was adopted in the sedimentary segment. Field data were inverted to 2-D resistivity structures inferentially delineated contour colorations using ‘DIPRO for Windows’ software. Geo-electric layers revealed Sedimentary Basin (SB) between Ilishan and Irolu, between Irolu and Ijesha-Ijebu, Transitional Zone (TR) with abrupt contrast along the plane of an unconformity and crystalline Basement Complex (BC) towards Ago-Iwoye. The 2-D resistivity structures across the different geological terrains revealed with 50Ωm - 3289Ωm at SB,233Ωm - 8028Ωm at TZ and 8Ωm - 3009Ωm at BC. From geotechnical view, subgrade materials underlying the SB and TZ segments can be adjudged competent to sand and clayey sand units with minor occurrences of incompetent clay and sandy clay lenses. The occurrence of subsurface discontinuities at the BC end of TZof the road would adversely affect the pavement stability.

Roles of Iot, big data and machine learning in precision agriculture: a systematic review

E. S. Mughele — 2024-03-30

Precision agriculture utilizes information technologies to efficiently manage water and soil resources in agriculture. This technological revolution has been sparked by the big data analytics, machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT)in numerous industries. This game-changing technology has influence on houses, grids, smart cities, and health. Machine learning and data-intensive decision-making have been made possible, which has created new possibilities for efficiency and innovation in various fields. In several fields, the convergence of IoT, big data analytics, and machine learning has opened the way for cutting-edge solutions and enhanced results.The application of machine learning in the agricultural sector can increase production quantity and quality to meet increasing food demand. These advancements are transforming current agrarian approaches and generating new opportunities, despite some limitations. This paper presents a systematic appraisal of the role of IoT, big data analytics, and machine learning in precision agriculture, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

Mycoremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated anoxic ecosystem by Trichoderma species in synergy with Bacillus species

O.N. Akomah-Abadaike — 2024-03-30

Fungi-base remediation is a cheap, effective and ecofriendly procedure for the cleanup of crude oil contaminated ecosystem. The study investigated the reduction of lag in crude oil degradation by Trichoderma in synergy with Bacillus in biofilm mode Sediment samples were collected from Bodo Ogoni River State using random stratified method.at depth 0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm. The experimental setup consists of consortium of 1 % and 50 % crude oil (bonny light) with Trichoderma inoculum alone and/or Trichoderma and Bacillus inoculum for sixty (60) days. Microbiological test, Biochemical test, Physiochemical test (pH, conductivity) salt (nitrate, phosphate, sulphate) metal (lead, nickel, chromium, vanadium, iron) and total petroleum hydrocarbon and polyaromatic hydrocarbon using Gas chromatography flame ionization detector. Trichoderma koningopsis strain (MT111912.1): accession no (ON564694) and Bacillus velezensis strain (ON287164.1) accession no. (ON584354) were molecularly identified. 1 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 33.3 % reduction of PAHs while Trichoderma and Bacillus 1 % crude oil setup recorded 78.8 %. The 50 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 57.5 % reduction of PAHs while Trichoderma and Bacillus 50 % crude oil setup recorded 90.8 %. For TPH 1 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 29.9 % reduction while Trichoderma and Bacillus recorded 71.9 %. The 50 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 49.2 % reduction of while Trichoderma and Bacillus 50 % crude oil setup recorded 85.8 %. The study revealed that Trichoderma species can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon and total petroleum hydrocarbon faster in synergy with Bacillus.

Efficiency of cow horn-powder in the remediation of crude oil impacted soil

N. N. Kpakol — 2024-03-30

Efficiency of Cow-Horn Powder in the Remediation of Crude Oil Impacted Soil was evaluated. Five beds of 40cm by 40cm with depth 30cm, partitioned on 220cm² plot of land in Aluu, Port Harcourt were used for the study. A volume, 0.9 liters of Crude Oil was used to contaminate 4 beds of partitioned soil per 0.18m² and left undisturbed for 14 days. Three of the partitioned contaminated beds (XgCH, YgCH and ZgCH) were thereafter bio-stimulated with 50g, 75g and 100g respectively of Cow Horn-Powder. The 4^th served as negative control and the 5^th, neither stimulated nor contaminated. Soil samples in triplicates, collected from depth 0-25cm from various beds at day zero soil contamination, Biostimulation Week 6 and 8 respectively were homogenized and analyzed for relevant Hydrocarbon indices, Heavy Metals and Physico-chemicals using standard methods. The highest remediation concentrations of the TPH which ranged between 652.11±0.0050 mg/kg and 893.20±0.005 mg/kg and PAH (92.99±0.001 mg/kg and 54.08±0.001 mg/kg) after eight weeks of remediation yielded 59.1% and 42.0% respectively. Degrees of reductions which ranged between 0.10±0.01 and 26.0±0.05 were recorded in the values of the Heavy Metals (Ni, Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe and Cd). Accordingly, significant differences (P≤0.05) were noticed between the values of TPH, PAH and Heavy Metals of the impacted soils and controls. Results suggest that Cow Horn-Powder is potent in remediating Crude Oil impacted Soils.

Isolation and molecular characterization of cellulase-producing bacteria from waste dump site

P.N. Nwagala — 2024-03-30

Cellulases are collections of extracellular enzymes and a complex mixture of enzyme proteins with various specificities. Cellulases work together to hydrolyze glycosidic bonds and generate monomers of glucose for fermentation. This investigation aims to isolate and molecularly characterize Bacillus species with cellulolytic ability. Bacillus species were isolated from soil samples retrieved from a dump site and screened for cellulolytic ability on carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) agar. The percentage hydrolysis efficiency of isolates was determined and cellulase produced was quantified using CMC assay method. Biochemical identification was by Analytical Profile Index (API) Kit 50CHB/20E and API web software while molecular characterization employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and blast search analysis. Bacillus megaterium (FSP1) and Bacillus zanthoxyli (FSP4) exhibited their cellulolytic potentials by presenting zones of clearance of about 21 ± 2.08 and 7 ± 1.00 mm on CMCA with hydrolysis efficiency of 250 and 600 % respectively. Quantification of crude cellulase revealed cellulase activity of 85 and 74μmol/ml for both bacteria species. Biochemically, the cellulolytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus megaterium (FSP1) and Bacillus zanthoxyli (FSP4) while molecularly, they were identified as Bacillus megaterium 14581 (FSP1) and Bacillus zanthoxyli 1433 (FSP4) with Reference Sequence (RefSeq) accession numbers NR_116873 and NR_164882, and showing maximum sequence similarity of 99 and 96 % respectively. Results obtained from this investigation, suggests that both bacteria species characterised, possesses good cellulolytic ability and hence can be utilized for the production of the enzyme cellulase which has a wide range of industrial application.

Phytochemical investigation of methanolic leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruriusing fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A. A. Ahuchaogu — 2024-03-30

Medicinal plants have been used for millennia to treat a wide variety of ailments and promote health and well-being.This study analyzed the chemical composition of methanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus niruri using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). FTIR identified functional groups including methyl (2922 cm^-1), hydroxyl (2858 cm^-1), carbonyl (1707 cm^-1), alkyl (1452 cm-1), and ester (1031 cm^-1) while GCMS detected 15 compounds with the most abundant being octadecanoic acid (23.84%) and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (18.25%). Other relatively abundant compounds included 12,15-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (5.38%) and tetradecanoic acid (3.88%). Many of the identified compounds are fatty acids and derivatives documented to have hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties aligning with P. niruri's reported effects. However, further isolation, testing, and clinical evidence are still needed to fully elucidate therapeutic mechanisms and develop standardized extracts or derivatives as botanical therapies.

Biostimulation potentials of spent milled maize and cowblood on a crude oil polluted soil

Obemeata E. Oriakpono — 2024-03-30

This study was carried out to investigate the biostimulation effect of the application of spent milled maize and cow blood to crude oil polluted soil. The treatment groups were; Control (0 L crude oil (CO) + 0 kg spent milled maize (SMM)), group 1 (1 L CO + 1 kg SMM + 1 L cow blood), group 2 (2 L CO + 2 kg SMM) and group 3 (5 L CO + 5 kg SMM). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design A total of four treatment combinations were applied and replicated 3 times giving a total of 48 plots.The physicochemical properties and bacterial load of the soil were determined before pollution, two weeks after pollution, four weeks and eight weeks after remediation. The results for physicochemical properties of soil indicates a decrease in total organic carbon and nitrogen while there was an increase in the levels of cation exchange capacity, phosphorus and electrical conductivity after crude oil pollution. The mean levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon reduced after the pollution. The application of the spent milled maize and cow bloodwere observed to improve the physicochemical properties of soil. There was also an increased bacterial count for the treated groups compared to the control; the values ranged from 1.3 x 10³cfu/g to 1.24 x 10⁸cfu/g. The identified bacteria were Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Proteus, Clostridium and Nocardia species.Generally, this study has revealed that spent milled maize and cow blood are effective in the restoration of crude oil polluted soil.

Effect of storage on the proximate composition of Moringa oleifera seed used in water purification

C. A. Onu — 2024-03-30

This study was conducted to determine the effect of storage time and mode of storage on the proximate composition of Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds used in water purification. MO seeds were stored for a period of 150days in various forms, namely Winged seed in bottles (WS_BO), Winged seed in cellophane bags (WS_CB), Seed pod in baskets (SP_BA), Shelled seed in bottles(SS_BO), Shelled seed in baskets (SS_BA) and Winged seed in baskets (WS_BA). Proximate analyses were carried out at 30-day intervals to monitor the bio-composition and hence the health status of the stored seed as storage time increased. Results show that the storage time for MO seeds had significant effects on the proximate properties, unlike the mode of storage. The increase in moisture content was attributed to ambient moisture content due to the rainy season. Carbohydrates and Fibre contents generally increased as storage time progressed, while minimal reductions in lipid content, 0.43%-2.25%, were observed. The ash content persistently decreased until 120 days of storage but increased afterwards. This study has shown that storage time and not storage mode has a significant effect on MO seed stored for a period of 150 days.

Effect of ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of organically cultivated Pleurotusostreatus on the haematological indices of high sucrose- high fat diet-streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

P.N. Okoroh — 2024-03-28

The effect of ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of organically cultivated Pleurotusostreatus on the haematologicalindicesof HS-HFD-Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats was determined using standard methods. The pharmacological model was 20% High Sucrose (HS) + 20% High Fat Diet (HFD) + 35mg/kg body weight (via intraperitoneal) Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model, with the fruiting body ethanol extracts administered orally at 50, 150 and 300mg/kgb.w.The level of RBC indices, (count, Hb, HCT, MCH, MCHC and MCV in all the groups treated with ethanol extracts of P.ostreatus, the reference group and the control group were significantly(p< 0.05) higher compared to the diabetic control group while the WBC,PLT, MPV, PDW , PCTRDW-CV and RDW-SD levels in the P.ostreatus ethanol extract groups, metformin reference treatment group and the normal control were significantly ((p< 0.05) lower compared to the diabetic control groupafter the 3rd, 6th and 9th week of treatment respectively.The results of the study revealed that the RBC , hemoglobin, HCT, MCH, MCHC and MCV levels were significantly raised within normal ranges by the extract in a time and dose dependent manner in the treated diabetic rats. The extracts also showed positive effects on WBC, PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, RDW-CV and RDW-SD levels by lowering them towards the normal ranges, time and dose dependently. These results therefore suggest that ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of organically cultivated Pleurotusostreatus may be employed in the management of anaemia, prevent bleeding or disorder of platelet function and improve immune function in diabetics.

Development of an iot-based humidity, temperature, and air quality monitoring system

I.D. Ukadike — 2024-03-30

Monitoring the environment has become of great importance as it helps individuals keep tabs on their environment. Air pollution is very dangerous to human health and it is known to cause deadly health conditions. This research presents an IoT-based design that will effectively monitor the humidity, temperature, and air quality of a given environment. NodeMCU humidity, temperature, and gas sensors were deployed in the design of the system. The output interface was designed using the Blynk IoT platform. The system was tested in two stages using application of gas pollutants and heat on one hand, whilereadings were taken from a cool evening and sunny afternoon on the other hand. After testing all the functions of the system under various conditions, it revealed 76% humidity, 26.8^oC temperature, and 461ppm on the application of gaseous air pollutants, 43.1% humidity, 45.6^OC temperature, and 199ppm of air quality on the application of heat, 51.1 humidity, 20.4% temperature, 198ppm of air quality on a cool evening and 70.7% humidity, 29.5^OC of temperature and 206ppm of air quality on a sunny afternoon. The system showed improved performance in terms of monitoring of humidity, temperature and air quality and can be deployed suitably in homes, schools, and industries.

Exploration of the catabolic plasmid genes profile of crude oil degrading bacteria isolated from aged oil contaminated soils of Anambra State

M. C., Ifediegwu — 2024-03-30

This study was undertaken to explore the catabolic plasmid genes profile and molecular identification of crude oil degrading bacteria isolated from aged oil contaminated soils of Anambra State. Enrichment technique, turbidometric test, plasmid profiling and curing tests, biodegradation capability testing as well asmolecular identification method were carried out using standard procedures.A total of sixty (60) bacterial isolates were encountered in the four different soil samples. Of the total bacterial isolates, 22 strains demonstrated high crude oil degrading potentials (A600nm > 0.3). The plasmid DNA was present in 8 out of the 22 bacterial strains such that bacteria strains G2, H4, and K4 had one plasmid each with molecular weight of 9416 base pairs while bacteria strains C3, D1, J3 and L2 had two plasmids each with molecular weight of 2111 base pairs. The bacterial strains C1 and J3 recorded the highest growths on the solid media after the plasmid removal. The isolates belong to various species which are Bacillus cereus C12 (100 % similarity), Pseudomonas aeruginosa KAVK01 (100% similarity), Bacillus licheniformis 126 (96 % similarity), Ochrobacteriumintermedium E85b (97% similarity), Bacillus subtillis SDDlas (100 % similarity), Bacillus subtillis LK4.5 (97 % similarity),Enterobacter cloacae GEBRI III (97 % similarity) and Bacillus cereus So24 (100 % similarity). Therefore, plasmid-borne Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ochrobacteriumintermediumare recommended for use in bioremediation because of their resilience to the crude oil contaminant and degradation capacities.

Preliminary studies on parasites in faecal samples scavenged from open markets in parts of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

O.N. Adekunle — 2024-03-30

Parasites are a global health problem that endanger the total well-being of humans and animals. This survey was conducted to assess parasites in faecal samples sourced from two open markets (Olabisi Onabanjo Market and Oke-Aje Market) in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 121 samples were obtained and examined for parasites using the sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin method. The collected data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the prevalence of parasites was calculated. Chi square was used to assess the relationship between the location of markets in the study area and the parasites detected in them, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results revealed that out of 121 faecal samples scavenged, 65(53.7%) were from Oke-Aje market, with faeces from humans 34(28.1%) being the most common. Overall, 74 (61.2%) samples were positive for parasites, with 44 (67.7%) being from Oke-Aje Market. Of the ten (10) parasites detected, Eimeria spp. 20(16.5%) had the highest prevalence with 11(19.6%) isolated from Oke-Aje Market. The least common parasite was Entamoeba histolytica with a prevalence of 1(1.5%). There was no significant relationship between the parasites found in the faecal samples collected and the Market locations (p>0.05). In conclusion, traders should endeavor to engage in daily sanitation in or around the environment of their marketplaces as faeces found in their surroundings could be parasite-infected.

Nodal influence on Nauclea diderrichii (De Willd and T. Durand) merill juvenile stem cutting

A. A. Oyedeji — 2024-03-30

The experiment investigated effect of number of nodes on shooting and rooting ability of Nauclea diderrichii juvenile cuttings. The cuttings were approximately cut into one node cuttings (T₁), two nodes’ cuttings (T₂), three nodes’ cuttings (T₃) and four nodes’ cuttings (T₄) experiment treatments. Five cuttings each of the treatment were set in planting trays and replicated four times making eighty (80) cuttings in total. It was arranged under a humid propagator chamber in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and assessed variables such as survival rate, the number of leaves, root and shoot, the longest shoot and root length.The result showed that nodal cuttings in treatment T₄, had the best performance (4.50) in the survival rate while the least mean survival rate is T₁ with 2.75. It was also observed from the experiment that T₄ (four nodes’ cuttings) had the highest performance in the number of root and shoot, the number of leaves, the longest shoot and root length while T₁ (one node cuttings) had the least performance in the number of root and shoot, the number of leaves, longest shoot and root length. This means that the more the nodes, the better the cutting performance. The ANOVA showed that the treatments are significantly differentat 0.05% probability level. It is therefore recommended that to have an optimum performance in survival rate, the number of root and shoot, the number of leaves, longest shoot and root length for its sustainablemass production N. diderrichii, four nodal cuttings should be used.

Isolation and molecular characterization of microorganisms with biofertilizer potential

G. A. Uzah — 2024-03-30

Biofertilizers are microbial-agro products containing mixed culture of microorganisms that promote plant growth, yield, soil quality and disease control. This study aimed to isolate, identify and screen microorganisms with biofertilizer potentials for application in farms. Soil samples were collected from farmland and waste-dump soils around University of Port Harcourt. The various microorganisms were isolated and estimated using nutrient agar, potato dextrose agar, cetrimide agar and Ashby’s agar. The microorganisms were screened for biofertilizer potentials based on nitrogen fixation, potassium and phosphate solubilization using Pikovskaya media. The results obtained from this study showed that thefarmland soil sample had a total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts of 5.045±0.02 and 4.220±0.02 Log₁₀Cfu/gwhile the corresponding values in the waste-dump soil was 4.890±0.30 and 3.505±0.30 Log₁₀Cfu/g respectively. After screening, the microorganisms with biofertilizer potentials were identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azotobacter chroococcum. Findings from this study have demonstrated that the microorganisms isolated from the farmland soil were more adept at nitrogen fixation and solubilizing insoluble potassium and phosphate compounds than their counterparts in waste-dump soil. These microorganisms have shown potentials to improve soil fertility and crop productivity in a sustainable way.

Occurrence of haemoparasites in cattle from three selected abattoirs in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.

C. O. Ezenwaka — 2024-03-30

Haemoparasites infestation in cattle cause significant economic loss due to morbidity and mortality and pose a major threat to food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This research aimed at determining the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle from three selected abattoirs in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected via jugular vein ligation into an Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) bottle and examined for haemoparasites using standard laboratory techniques, after consent was obtained from cattle owners. Blood parasites detected were identified using keys. An overall prevalence of 21.31% was recorded; with 13 out of 61 samples examined being infected. Thirteen (13) male cattle were examined, out of which 4(30.77%) were infected; while, 9(18.75%) out of the 48 female cattle examined were infected. Although the males recorded a higher prevalence of infection than the females, the difference in prevalence between the sexes was not significant (P>0.05). Two tick-borne haemoparasites, namely Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. were recorded. Babesia sp. was found in 6(9.84%) while 11(18.03%) of Theileria were recorded (P<0.05). Abattoir-based prevalence indicated that of the 27 cattle examined in Aluu abattoir, 4(14.81%) were infected. Out of the 15 cattle examined in Choba abattoir, 3(20.00%) were infected; while of the 19 samples examined in Rumuosi abattoir, 6(31.58%) were infected. There was no significant association between the prevalence of infection and abattoirs sampled (P>0.05). High prevalence of haemoparasites indicates a potential risk of zoonosis among the population. Advanced studies on the disease’s epidemiology are needed for effective investigation and control strategies.

Assessment of virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical and non-clinical sources in port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abeni Barira Azeez — 2024-03-30

Escherichia coli commonly occurs as a normal flora found in a variety of gastrointestinal tracts. However, certain strains acquire virulence characteristics. Potentially pathogenic species have also been isolated in non-clinical environments.This often raises concerns on the role these environments play in transmission. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of virulence traits in Escherichia coli isolated from non-clinical and clinical sources in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Two hundred samples from clinical (urine and stool) and non-clinical (soil and poultry) sources were analyzed. 8 isolation, purification and identification of E. coli isolates were performed using standard bacteriological and biochemical tests. Out of the 200 samples collected, 98 isolates (49%) were confirmed as E. coli. Confirmed E. coli isolates were then tested for virulence using standard phenotypic tests (protease, colicin, congo red, hemolysin, haemagglutination, adhesin and mannose resistant/sensitive haemagglutination). E. coli strains from clinical samples displayed a number of virulence traits ranging frombiofilm producing capabilities (53%), congo red binding propensity (24%), colicin (34%), protease (15%) and hemolysin production (4%) compared to their non-clinical counterpart. All samples were negative for haemagglutination. The total virulence prevalence of E. coli was 81%. Clinical samples possessed more virulence traits (71%) than samples from non-clinical sources (29%), with urine having a higher occurrence among the clinical samples (36%). There is need for an in-depth study on virulence attributes of E. coli and ways to control these factors to minimize the rate of spread and the degree of infections.

Evaluation of antiplasmodial effects of black seeds, fenugreek and coriander seeds in albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.

G.C. Francis — 2024-03-30

Malaria remains a disease of public concern according to reports by the World Health Organization which recommends diverse therapeutic approach including the use of plant derived products to combat drug resistance in malaria treated individuals. This study therefore, evaluates the antiplasmodial effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and their effects on packed cell volume and weight of experimental mice. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis to establish the presence of antimalarial constituents. The plant extracts were screened for curative activities at dosages of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg, in mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei from donor mice. Chloroquine (6mg/kg body weight) was used as standard control drug. A 4-day curative assay was used to evaluate the antimalarial potentials of the plant extracts. Comparison between treated samples were analyzed using single factor analysis of variance at 95% confidence interval and 5% significance level (P<0.05). The results obtained from this study revealed significant suppression rate at 50mg/kg for Nigella sativa (67.0%), 200mg/kg for Trigonella foenum-graecum (68.3%), and 200mg/kg for Coriandrum sativum (66.7%). Chloroquine (6mg/kg) showed a higher inhibitory performance at 86.6% on day 7 post treatment compared to the plant extracts. The packed cell volume increased in groups treated with chloroquine compared to the extract treated group while the weight of mice increased in all extract groups significantly compared to the chloroquine treated group. The results of the study were statistically significant at P<0.05.

Effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of Rhizophora racemosa g. Mayer grown in garden soil

D. Ossai — 2024-03-30

This study investigated the effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of mangrove seedlings Rhizophora racemose G. Mayer grown in garden soil. The aim was to discover means of improving mangrove nursery growth and survival in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Rhizophora racemose was planted in garden soil amended with four different treatments: C (Garden soil only), PC (Garden soil + Charcoal), PCSEO (Garden soil + Charcoal + 6% Spent engine oil), and SSEO (Garden soil + 6% Spent engine oil), with three replicates each and randomized complete block design was adopted for the study. The effect of these treatments was monitored biweekly on some growth indices – plant height, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves and stem girth, except for root length, number of roots, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content of R. racemosa which were obtained at 18th week after planting. The study revealed that PC treatment had the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant girth, root length when compared to other treatments (C, PCSEO and SSEO) while SSEO recorded the least values. Among the treatments, there were significant differences in the plant height, fresh weight and root length of R. racemosa at P = 0.05. The garden soil amended with charcoal improved the performance of R. racemosa than in spent engine oil alone (PC > PCSEO > SSEO). This could be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in spent engine oil. Again, the charcoal amended soil had higher values for growth indices when compared with the control (C) treatment. This suggest that charcoal has the potency of improving garden soil fertility, plant survival and productivity. Therefore, charcoal could be beneficial in environmental conservation, restoration of endangered forest especially the mangroves in the Niger Delta polluted with crude oil. The study recommends that, charcoal should be incorporated in reforestation and afforestation approaches of mangrove forests.

Genotoxicand biomarker response of mussel gill cells, haemocyte and A549 human lung cells to radiation from X-rays

Obemeata Emmanuel Oriakpono — 2024-03-30

A comparative study on the genotoxic effect of radiation from X-rays of different levels on Mussel gill cells, haemocyte and human lung cell A549 using the comet assay was carried out. The results revealed an increasing DNA damage with increasing doses of X-ray, single strand breaks and alkali labile sites in the haemocyte of the control had a mean value of 5.92 ± 1.27 while the highest treatment group 15Gray (Gy) had a mean value of 78.65 ± 4.36,withsignificant differences (P <0.05), A mean value of 21.10 ± 13.10 was recorded for Mussel gill cells in the control group while the highest treatment group 15 Gray (Gy) had 85.55 ± 1.43. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P <0.05) for univariate tests of the control group and the treatment groups. The A549 human lung cells had a minimal damage in the control group 2.30 ± 0.30 while the highest exposed group had a mean value from the median % tail intensity of 43.10 ± 2.81. Pair wise comparison of gills cells, haemocytes from mussels and A549 human lung cells exposed to 15 Gy of X-rays shows that the highest damaging effect was observed on the gill cells followed by the haemocytes with the least damaging effect on the A549 human lung cells exposed to the same dose rate of X-rays with significant differences (P <0.05) between them.This study revealed that A549 human lung cells were more resistant to DNA damage induced by the X-rays when compared to mussel gill and haemocyte cells and also indicates that mussel gill cells and haemocytes can serve as biomarkers of genotoxicity of radiation exposure using the comet assay.