Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management

Appropriate Weeding Regime and Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis) Density in Enhancing Plantain (Musa paradisiaca var. Agbagba) Growth and Yields in Ido, Oyo State, Nigeria

2026-09-21T12:52:08+00:00

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca var. Agbagba) production is confronted with heavy infestation of weeds competing for growth factors which is commonly managed by Jack Bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis). Thus, the objective of this paper was to determine the appropriate weeding regime and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) density in enhancing plantain (Musa paradisiaca var. Agbagba) growth and yields in Ido, Oyo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained showed that Jack bean density, weeding regime and their interactions significantly affected Dry Weed Biomass Accumulation (DWBA) and plantain Bunch Yield (BY). The DWBA 1,036 kg ha^-1 (27,000 plants ha^-1) and 1,110 kg ha^-1 (18,000 plants ha^-1) were significantly lower than 1,268 kg ha^-1 (No JB). The DWBA as influenced by weeding frequency were in the order 2,181 (no-weeding) ˃ 968 (W₂)˃ 908 (W₃)˃ 818 (W₅)˃ 816 (W₄). The DWBA ranged from 744 (27,000 plants ha^-1×W₄) to 2,626 (No JB-WC). Weeded thrice or more with 18,000 or 27,000 JB caused mean DWBA (847) that were not significantly higher than the minimum. Meanwhile Bunch Yield ranged from 8,286 kg ha^-1 (No jack bean x Weedy check) to 17,913.4 kg ha^-1 (18,000 plants ha^-1 x Weeded four times) with significance difference. Jack bean at 18,000 plants ha^-1 and weeded four times enhanced plantain yields in the study area and thus recommended.

Potential of botanical insecticides such as neem seed oil, garlic extract, Hyptis suaveolens, Calotropis procera, Carica papaya extracts, and Cypermethrin against Pest Management in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

2026-09-21T12:54:46+00:00

There have been an environmental and health concerns associated with excessive use of synthetic insecticide in cucumber production. Consequently, this paper assessed the potential of botanical insecticides such as Azadirachta indica (neem) seed oil, Allium sativum (garlic) extract, Hyptis suaveolens, Calotropis procera, Carica papaya extracts, and Cypermethrin against pest management in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results obtained show that total of 27 insect species from seven orders were found, with Coleoptera being most prevalent. Botanical extracts significantly reduced pest populations, lowered leaf damage, and improved yields compared to the control. Neem seed oil was the most effective botanical, followed by garlic extract, especially at application rates of 8–12 ml. While Cypermethrin provided the highest pest suppression, neem and garlic produced similar boosts in cucumber yield. These effects were consistent over both cropping seasons, attesting to the reliability of botanical treatments. The study concludes that neem seed oil and garlic extract are promising, sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides for cucumber pest management, supporting safer and more environmentally friendly vegetable production in Nigeria. A total of twenty-seven (27) insect species were identified and classified into seven major insect orders, namely Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera, indicating a high diversity of insect fauna associated with cucumber cultivation in the study area. The findings clearly demonstrate that botanical extracts possess significant insecticidal potential and can effectively reduce insect pest populations, minimize foliar damage, and enhance cucumber yield.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activities of Schiff Base derived from Amoxicillin, Salicyldehyde and Aniline and their Metal (II) Complexes of Co (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) ions

2026-09-21T12:59:16+00:00

The study synthesizes, characterizes and evaluates the antibacterial activity of Schiff base derived from amoxicillin salicyldehyde and aniline and their metal (II) complexes using appropriate standard procedures of FTIR, XRD, AAS, melting points, solubility, molar conductance and testing the invitro antibacterial activities of the complexes with four bacterial strains; gram negative; and gram positive. The complexes were formed in good yield and they have various shades of colors and sharp melting points. The IR spectrum of the HL1 displays a new band at 1617.37cm^-1, for υ(HC=N) group of the azomethine stretching vibrations of the ligand, on complexation these band has been shifted to lower frequencies with range of 1613.51–16.28.94. The band appear within the range of 418.57-754.19cm^-1 were assigned to υ(M–O) for compounds for HL1 and all the complexes indicating that the carbocyclic oxygen, and oxygen of β-Lactam group of the ligand are involved in coordination with metal ions. The bands at a range of 612.42–978.91cm^-1were assigned to υ(M–N), indicating that the nitrogen is involved in coordination with metal ions. The electronic spectral data of the complexes suggested an octahedral and tetrahedral geometry for all the complexes. The AAS analysis shows that calculated (theoretical values) of the metal ions in the complexes were in good agreement. The XRD analysis suggests a rhombohedral and faces centered cubic for the entire complex. The molar conductivity indicated that the synthesized complexes are all non-electrolytes and soluble in protic solvent such as methanol and ethanol.

Biodiversity Implications of Non-indigenous Fish Species Introduction into Fish Farms in Nigeria: A Review

2026-09-22T08:08:04+00:00

Non-indigenous fish species (exotic species) are fish that are not natural habitats in an environment, outside of their home range and are often introduced to boost fisheries and aquaculture production, thus increasing available animal protein sources especially in developing countries for food security and recreation, control unwanted pest organisms, research or ornamental purposes which are positive impacts and provides immediate gain in aquaculture industry with good economic return. However, they affect indigenous species negatively either directly or indirectly for instance, they prey on and compete with them for resources like food, habitat, increase disease infestation, decrease water clarity, hybridization with indigenous species resulting to genetic bottleneck, decline in indigenous species population, even gene pool contamination and extinction of some indigenous fish species, ecosystem disruption, and biodiversity loss. Consequently, the objective of this was to make a crucial review of the biodiversity implications of non-indigenous fish species such as carp (Cyprinus carpio), Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Pangasius species introduced into fish farms in Nigeria using Offline and Online library sources such as data bases related in this field of endeavor. The devastating eco-biological consequences of non-indigenous fish species has detrimental effects and might cause decline in the economic returns for stakeholders of the capture fisheries. Thus, the urgent need for biodiversity conservation and proper management strategies of these introduced exotic species.

Chemical Composition, Phytochemical Profile and Corrosion Inhibition Performance of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Colocasia Esculenta (Cocoyam) On Mild Steel in Sulphuric Acid Media

2026-09-22T08:08:14+00:00

Mild steel is extensively used in industrial applications but remains highly susceptible to corrosion in acidic environments. Therefore, this paper investigated the chemical composition, phytochemical profile and Corrosion inhibition performance of ethanolic leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta (Cocoyam) on mild steel in a 0.1 M sulphuric Acid Media using appropriate standard procedures including gravimetric, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), open circuit potential (OCP), and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The results demonstrated a clear concentration-dependent reduction in corrosion rate, with maximum inhibition achieved at 80 mL extract volume. Adsorption of the extract constituents obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and was predominantly physisorptive, as evidenced by decreasing efficiency with rising temperature. SEM micrographs confirmed the formation of a protective surface film, while electrochemical measurements classified the extract as a mixed-type inhibitor with a stronger anodic effect at higher concentrations. The findings establish Colocasia esculenta leaf extract as an effective, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in sulfuric acid media, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional toxic inhibitors for industrial applications.

Impact of Community-Based Water Supply Organizations on Water Service Delivery and Equitable Distribution in Newala District, Mtwara, Tanzania

2026-09-22T08:08:24+00:00

This paper assessed the impact of Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) on water service delivery and equitable water distribution in Newala District, Mtwara Region, Tanzania. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design used 240 household questionnaires, water-source and infrastructure observations, key informant evidence and 123 water-quality samples from eleven monitoring rounds between January 2023 and March 2026. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, standards-compliance checks, GIS interpretation, regression models and structural equation modelling. Borehole production was about 2,850 m3/day or 54 litres per capita per day, but average household distance was 512 m, above the 400 m benchmark. Only 61.5% of major facilities were fully functional and about 47% of samples met all tested water-quality standards, with low pH, localized iron exceedance, intermittent bacteriological contamination and unstable residual chlorine control. CBWSOs collected more than 75% of expected revenue, yet preventive maintenance, technical staffing and treatment-process control were weak. Rural, female-headed and low-income households were more likely to experience inequitable access. The paper concludes that CBWSOs improve rural water service only when community management is backed by technical capacity, transparent financial governance, routine water-quality monitoring and equity-focused district planning.

Growth and yield performance of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) under the influence of Cow Dung, Pig Dung, and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) Fertilizers

2026-09-22T08:08:33+00:00

Natural or organic fertilizers provide soil health by slowly releasing Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) in addition to adding beneficial microbes and organic matter while synthetic NPK provides these elements instantly in concentrated, man-made ratios, hence, the objective of this paper was to compare the growth and yield performances of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) under the influence of cow dung, pig dung, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK: 15:15:15) fertilizer using appropriate standard procedures to assess plant length, number of leaves, stem diameter, number of flowers, and fruit yield. Results indicated that T2 (Pig dung) produced the best growth performance with a mean length of 125.4 cm, while T1 (Control) showed the least growth at 94.66 cm. Similarly, T2 achieved the highest number of leaves (51.00) compared to T1 (33.66). Regarding stem diameter, Pig dung treatments performed best (1.33 cm) while the control recorded the lowest (1.00 cm). In terms of reproductive yield, Pig dung (T2) and NPK (T3) yielded the highest number of flowers (10.67), and Pig dung (T2) produced the highest fruit yield (3.33). ANOVA confirmed significant differences () across all assessed parameters. The study concludes that both organic and inorganic fertilizers positively influence cucumber production; however, pig dung is recommended for optimal growth and yield.

Sustainable Management and Resource Recovery of Produced Water in the Oil and Gas Industry

2026-09-22T11:43:40+00:00

This review paper considers circular economy approaches to sustainable management of produced water in the oil and gas industry, focusing on resource recovery, water reuse, energy recovery, policy framework, innovations and implementation challenges in Nigeria using literature searches conducted acros PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Studies studies published between 2002 and 2026 and addressing produced water management, treatment, reuse, recycling, resource recovery, and circular economy applications were eligible, while non-peer-reviewed and out-of-scope studies were excluded. Following PRISMA-ScR reporting principles, identified records were screened and assessed against the eligibility criteria, and relevant evidence was qualitatively synthesized. Of 1,847 identified records, 87 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings show that produced water can be transformed from a waste stream into a resource through reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. Potentially recoverable resources include water, hydrocarbons, minerals, salts, and thermal energy, while treated water can support agricultural, industrial, oil-field, and livestock applications where appropriate quality standards are met. However, implementation in Nigeria is constrained by inadequate policy frameworks, limited technical capacity, technological dependence, infrastructure deficits, and high treatment costs. The review recommends supportive policies, locally appropriate technologies, capacity building, pilot-scale implementation, and stakeholder collaboration to promote circular produced water management.

Cutting Parameters and Disc-Chipper Performance: A State-Of-The-Art Review and Research Agenda for Tropical Hardwood Processing

2026-09-22T11:46:26+00:00

The objective of this review was to synthesize published evidence on how knife geometry, spout angle, and rotational speed affect disc-chipper throughput, particle-size quality, and specific energy, and to define a research agenda for tropical hardwood processing. Following PRISMA-ScR principles, a structured search of Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science covering 2010 to 2025, supplemented by citation-network and author searches, identified 271 records; 89 duplicates were removed, 140 were excluded at screening, and 22 of 36 full texts assessed for eligibility were excluded, leaving 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria of reporting disc-chipper or directly comparable cutting-rig data linking at least one knife-geometry, spout-angle, or speed parameter to throughput, particle-size quality, cutting force, or power. Because study designs, scales, and outcome metrics were too heterogeneous for meta-analytic pooling, findings were synthesized narratively. The evidence shows clearance angle, not rake angle alone, is the strongest verified determinant of chip length; increasing rake angle from 35 to 65º lowers cutting force and improves surface finish under controlled cutting; and rotational speed governs energy demand and fines generation, with an unvalidated approximately 25 m/s threshold above which undersized chips increase sharply. No included study varied rake angle, spout angle, and rotational speed factorially, and none examined tropical hardwood species. The review concludes that a validated disc-chipper configuration for tropical hardwoods cannot yet be specified, and recommends a controlled multi-factor trial incorporating species such as Milicia excelsa, Tectona grandis, and Triplochiton scleroxylon as the priority for future research.

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on the Risk of Natural Infection of Bulinus globosus by Schistosomes in Aguégués, Dangbo and Sô-Ava Municipalities in Southern Benin

2026-09-22T11:48:53+00:00

Human schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by schistosomes, whose life cycle necessarily involves a freshwater snail as intermediate host. Hence, the objective of this paper was to assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on the risk of natural infection of Bulinus globosus, a tropical freshwater snail species, by schistosomes in Aguégués, Dangbo, and Sô-Ava municipalities, in Southern Benin using appropriate standard methods including parasitological tests. A total of 2,174 Bulinus globosus were collected. Among them, 21.1% were naturally infected by schistosomes. Infection varied significantly by site (χ² = 104.935; p < 0.001). Fishing activities involving nets and traps (IRR = 6.84; P < 0.001), livestock watering (IRR = 1.85; P = 0.001), washing/swimming (IRR = 3.71; P = 0.031), rice farming/market gardening (IRR = 3.90; P < 0.001) were associated with increased infection risk in B. globosus. Human use of freshwater bodies plays an important role in snail infection, highlighting the need for integrated control measures combining community awareness, environmental management of aquatic habitats, and malacological surveillance to sustainably reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

The Role of Remote Sensing in Smart Cities and Urban Planning

2026-09-30T09:40:51+00:00

The objective of this paper was to investigate urban growth, land use changes and high-resolution satellite imagery geospatial data for effective city planning and urban development using appropriate standard methods. 200 respondents in a structured questionnaire, remote sensing and GIS analysis were selected. The findings confirmed that remote sensing significantly contributes to both monitoring urban growth and supporting sustainable development in smart cities. However, it also suggested that awareness and technical capacity-building remain essential to maximize the use of geospatial technologies in urban planning.

Effects of Reduced Doses of Lamda-cyhalothrin on Golden Melon (Cucumis Melo L.), With Particular Emphasis on Insect-Pest Populations and Beneficial Arthropods in Wukari, Nigeria

2026-09-30T09:41:05+00:00

This study evaluated the effects of reduced doses of Lamda-cyhalothrin on Golden melon (C. melo), with particular emphasis on insect-pest populations and beneficial arthropods in Wukari, Nigeria. Data were collected on leaf injury, severity of leaf damage, marketable fruit yield, populations of key arthropods, and the relationships among pest abundance, crop damage, and yield was computed after variance analysis. The recommended dose significantly reduced the proportion of injured leaves (2.40±0.35%) and severity of leaf injury (1.77±0.19%), resulting in the highest number (34,583.33±908.10 fruits ha⁻¹) and weight (13,479.17±552.38 kg ha⁻¹) of marketable fruits compared with the untreated control, which recorded the highest leaf injury (48.37±0.93%), greatest injury severity (76.47±1.47%), and the lowest marketable fruit yield (5,208.33±551.20 fruits ha⁻¹; 4,123.08±425.29 kg ha⁻¹). Correlation analysis showed that leaf beetle populations were positively associated with leaf injury (r = 0.891–0.928) but negatively associated with both the number (r = –0.974) and weight (r = –0.914) of marketable fruits. Insecticide cost was reduced from ₦54,000/ha under the full recommended dose to ₦27,000/ha and ₦13,500/ha under ½ and ¼ RD, respectively. The results further show that the reduced doses favour the conservation beneficial arthropods, spiders and predatory ants, in particular. We thus conclude that, ½ RD in particular, represents a promising strategy for integrating economic and ecological sustainability into Golden melon production.

Enhancement of Catabolic Potential in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae through Transformation with Plasmids from Hydrocarbon-Degrading Microorganisms Isolated from Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil obtained from Edo State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T09:41:18+00:00

Crude oil contamination represents a significant environmental hazard, and microbial biodegradation offers one of the most effective and eco-friendly remediation approaches. Hence, the objective of this paper was to enhance the catabolic potential in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae through transformation with plasmids from hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil obtained from Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Bacterial isolates identified as Micrococcus spp. (1 and 2), Bacillus spp., and Enterobacter spp., alongside fungal isolates identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., and Fusarium oxysporum, were screened for degradative plasmids. Plasmid profiling revealed that Micrococcus spp. (1) harbored four plasmids (14,608, 9,864, 7,468, and 3,468 bp), while Micrococcus spp. (2) carried three plasmids (4,853, 3,468, and 1,923 bp). Bacillus spp. possessed a single plasmid (4,113 bp), whereas no plasmid was detected in Enterobacter spp. Among the fungal isolates, only Fusarium oxysporum harbored a detectable plasmid (14,608 bp). Low-competency strains of E. coli and S. cerevisiae, obtained from uncontaminated garden soil, were transformed with the extracted catabolic plasmids. Post-transformation profiling showed a marked increase in plasmid content in E. coli, from 14,721 and 9,673 bp to 14,721, 9,673, 7,451, and 3,493 bp, while S. cerevisiae showed a modest increase, from 9,575 bp to 14,825 and 7,501 bp, confirming successful uptake of the degradative plasmids in both hosts. These findings demonstrate that catabolic plasmid transformation enhances the genetic degradative capacity of E. coli toward crude oil hydrocarbons and establish a foundation for future quantitative biodegradation assays and molecular characterization of the genes involved.

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Constituents, and Mineral Content of Date (Phoenix Dactylifera L) Fruits Obtained from New Benin Market, Benin City, Nigeria

2026-09-30T09:41:26+00:00

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit is widely consumed, yet data on its nutritional, phytochemical, and mineral composition remain limited. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, and mineral content of Date (Phoenix dactylifera L) fruits obtained from New Benin Market, Benin City, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results of proximate analysis showed that Nitrogen-Free Extract (65.56 ± 9.40%) was the highest component, followed by crude fat (18.92 ± 9.00%), moisture (7.20 ± 0.60%), crude protein (4.00 ± 0.70%), ash (2.40 ± 0.90%), and crude fiber (2.00 ± 0.50%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, with flavonoids in high concentration. Tannins and steroids were not detected. Mineral analysis showed phosphorus had the highest concentration (2,852.00 mg/kg), followed by magnesium (56.00 mg/kg), zinc (35.00 mg/kg), manganese (6.50 mg/kg), lead (2.50 mg/kg), and copper (1.00 mg/kg). The results indicate that P. dactylifera fruit is nutritionally rich and contains bioactive phytochemicals and essential minerals. However, the detection of lead highlights the need for observation of heavy metals for food safety. The findings support the nutritional value of dates while emphasizing the importance of quality control for consumption as a functional food in Nigeria.

Poultry Egg Marketing in Ede South and Ede North Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T09:47:02+00:00

The objective of this paper was to examine the economic analysis of Poultry egg marketing among the marketers, identify the challenges facing poultry egg marketers, and determine the profitability of poultry-egg marketers in Ede South and Ede North Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods including a well-structured questionnaire. The findings showed that 80% and 20% of the respondents were females and males respectively. 50% marketers were between the age of 41 and 50 years. Majority of the marketers attained education up to tertiary level and with vocational skills acquired. The Gini coefficient of 0.4770 obtained in the study indicates a moderately competitive and inequality of income was moderate among the marketers. The gross profit margin was N2,319,600, while the net profit margin was N2,074,900 per annum. The major constraints facing the poultry egg marketing in the study areas were inadequate capital, high cost of transportation as a result of bad roads, price fluctuations and poor storage facility. Therefore, if the identified constraints encountered by the marketers were addressed, it will lead to increase in their income and also improve their welfares.

Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase for Detection of Bacterial Genes that Encodes and Codes Beta-Lactamase Enzymes in Patient with Urinary Tract Infection in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T10:52:46+00:00

The objective of this paper was a Phenotypic and molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) for Detection of bacterial genes that encodes (blaTEM) and codes (blaSHV) beta lactamase enzymes in patient with urinary tract infection in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Okada, and Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique and extended spectrum beta-lactamase production was detected by combined disc method. In order to spot β-lactamase genes, polymerase chain reaction was conducted. The results for blaSHV and blaTEM gene were analyzed through agarose gel electrophoresis. The prevalence of ESBL production was 76.19% E coli and 88.88% K. pneumoniae. The findings reveal a high prevalence of the blaTEM, blaSHV gene among the isolates from UTIs. This underscores the necessity for routine screening for resistance genes and the use of molecular diagnostic techniques in clinical microbiology. This study has contributed to knowledge by providing data on the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria in Okada, Edo State, and also managing the empirical antibiotics practice, one can reduce the risk of ESBL and MBL producers.

Risk Perception, Barriers, and Facilitators of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Among Adolescent Girls in Offa Metropolis, Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T10:52:52+00:00

Menstrual health and hygiene are key determinants of physical health, psychological well-being, and educational attainment for adolescent girls. However, the health risks arising from poor menstrual hygiene and the socio-cultural and structural barriers that prevent proper menstrual management remain poorly documented in many semi-urban settings. As a result, the objective of this paper was to evaluate risk perception, barriers, and facilitators of menstrual health and hygiene among adolescent girls in Offa Metropolis, Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures. This study assessed the prevalence of infection-related menstrual risk symptoms and evaluated the key barriers and facilitators of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Offa metropolis, Nigeria. Utilizing a community-based cross-sectional research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 355 female adolescents aged 10-19 years selected via purposive and stratified random sampling. Bivariate chi-square tests were employed to identify socio-demographic determinants of risk levels. The results revealed a high prevalence of infection-related clinical symptoms during menstruation, with 50.1% (n = 178) of the respondents categorized as being at high risk for reproductive and urinary tract infections. Specific reported symptoms included persistent lower abdominal pain (54.9%), pelvic tenderness (41.4%), persistent pelvic pain (39.2%), itching around pad areas (35.5%), and abnormal vaginal discharge (35.2%). High-risk status was significantly associated with coming from non-nuclear family structures (p = 0.009), low paternal educational attainment (p = 0.003), and low maternal educational attainment (p = 0.012). Major barriers identified by the respondents included a lack of formal menstrual health education (83.4%), limited access to affordable menstrual products (82.8%), and inadequate school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure (81.7%). Conversely, access to clean, private sanitation facilities (91.3%) and supportive school environments (91.0%) were highlighted as critical facilitators. This study underscores that while menstrual awareness may be basic, systemic period poverty, cultural silence, and infrastructural deficits perpetuate severe biological risks. Collaborative policy interventions focusing on school-based WASH upgrades, product subsidization, and parental counseling are urgently required.

Public Perception, Service Quality and Household Satisfaction with Private Waste Operators in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

2026-09-30T10:52:55+00:00

This study assessed public perception, service quality, and household satisfaction with private waste operators in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria, using various standard methods, including structured household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews administered to 428 respondents across four Local Government Areas. Results showed that only 15.4% of households received service from licensed private operators, while 35.0% depended on informal collectors and 22.2% received no service at all. Over 65% of households rated waste services as poor or very poor, and 78.7% expressed dissatisfaction with the system. Awareness of private operators was low (32.0%), as was willingness to pay more for improved service (6.3%). Regulatory oversight was similarly weak, with 89.2% of respondents reporting little or no monitoring and 93.5% rating enforcement as ineffective. The study established a clear relationship between service gaps, low public trust, poor payment compliance, and continued reliance on informal waste disposal. Stronger regulation, improved service reliability, and targeted public engagement are recommended to strengthen accountability and improve waste management outcomes in the study area.

Air Quality and Public Health Safety Monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Refilling Plants in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T10:53:10+00:00

Air pollution has been identified as a significant health and environmental problem of great concern in most developing countries. The increasing growth of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling plants in the Port Harcourt Metropolis has raised significant environmental and public safety concerns. Consequently, the objective of this paper was air quality and public health safety monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling plants in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods includingmulti-gas detector instruments and Exceedance Index and Air Pollution Index evaluations. Data obtained reveals that the concentrations of principal air pollutants in the vicinity of the selected plants exceeded permissible regulatory safety standards. 8-hour mean SO₂ ranged from 1.34 to 1.39ppm, 8-hour mean NO₂ ranged from 0.74 to 2.75ppm, 8-hour mean CO ranged from 20.91 to 38.93ppm, 8-hour mean PM₁₀ ranged from 16.41 to 28.06µg/m³, 8-hour mean PM_2.5ranged from 12.72 to 24.34µg/m³. This hazardous air pollution is highly aggravated by the LPG plants’ reliance on petrol and diesel generators due to inadequate supply of public electricity. Ultimately, this atmospheric degradation poses severe threats to human health and the environment. Long-time exposure could exacerbate cases of respiratory and cardiovascular problems among the exposed population. To palliate these risks, urgent policy interventions are required from government agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve air quality in LPG plants in Port Harcourt Metropolis and safeguard public health.

Levels and Human Health Risk Assessment of Selected Furans and Dioxins in Chicken, Cow, Dog and Pork Meat Grilled with Charcoal commonly Consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2026-09-30T10:53:39+00:00

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are toxic persistent organic pollutants of global environmental and public health significance. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess the levels and associated human health risks of PCDDs and PCDFs in charcoal-grilled chicken, pork, dog, and cow meats commonly consumed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, using appropriate standard procedures, including Gas Chromatography coupled to an Agilent 5973 Mass Selective Detector. Data obtained revealed that all seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F congeners were detected across all meat samples analyzed. Pork meat suya recorded the highest total PCDD/F concentration of 53.02 pg/g and the highest TEQ value of 8.05 pg/g, while chicken meat suya recorded the lowest total concentration of 27.30 pg/g despite a TEQ value of 5.36 pg/g. Cow meat suya recorded the lowest TEQ value of 2.87 pg/g, while dog meat suya recorded intermediate values of 31.29 pg/g total concentration and 4.64 pg/g TEQ. The observed contamination pattern is consistent with the lipophilic nature of PCDD/Fs and differences in fat composition among meat types. The findings confirm that charcoal grilling contributes significantly to the formation and surface deposition of dioxins and furans on meat through incomplete combustion and smoke generation. These results raise important concerns regarding potential dietary exposure to persistent toxic pollutants through regular consumption of charcoal-grilled suya and highlight the need for food safety surveillance and improved grilling practices in Port Harcourt.

Food and Feeding Habits of Tympanotonus fuscatus (Periwinkle) in the Mangrove Region of Akassa Creek, Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T09:53:23+00:00

Tympanotonus fuscatus is a dominant potamidid gastropod in Niger Delta mangroves, playing a critical role in nutrient cycling and detrital processing. Understanding its diet is important for assessing its fishery potential and ecological role. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the food and feeding habits of Tympanotonus fuscatus (Periwinkle) in the mangrove region of Akassa Creek, Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures after handpicking the visible periwinkles samples at low tide. The guts were slit opened and stomach analyzed for the feeding habit. A total of 350 guts were analyzed. Four major food categories were recorded: detritus, mangrove fragments, benthic diatoms, and inorganic matter. Detritus was the most dominant item (60.8% by points, 97.3% by occurrence), followed by benthic diatoms (21.6% by points, 75.4% by occurrence) mangrove leaf fragments (13.4% by points, 55.2%), and sand/mud (4.2% by points, 42.1% by occurrence). This feeding pattern position the species at an important position in the mangrove detrital food web, aiding energy transfer through the tropic levels. The researcher therefore recommend that mangrove conservation should be prioritized, as litters loss inputs may directly affect fishery yield and periwinkle food supply.

Engineered Nanoparticles for Remediation of Acidic Soils and Enhancement of Sustainable Plant Growth: A Review on Advances, Mechanisms, and Future Directions

2026-09-30T10:56:15+00:00

The objective of this paper was to systematic review the advances, mechanisms, and future directions of engineered nanoparticles for remediation of acidic soils and enhancement of sustainable plant growth using literature search conducted across online library sources. Soil acidity is a major problem to world-wide crop productivity. Low pH reduces nutrient availability, induces aluminium and manganese toxicity, and inhibits root development, leading to important yield losses. Conventional amendments such as agricultural lime are characterized by slow reactivity and poor distribution, resulting in low nutrient use efficiency. Nanotechnology presents a promising alternative through engineered nanoparticle-based soil amendments that enable targeted and rapid pH regulation. This review examines the role of nanoparticles in mitigating soil acidity and promoting plant growth. Key chemical mechanisms discussed include proton adsorption, pH buffering, controlled ion release, and microbial-mediated alkalization. The review further explores nanoparticle interactions with soil colloids and the rhizosphere, highlighting their capacity to detoxify aluminium (Al ³⁺), enhance nutrient bioavailability, and modulate microbial communities. Finally, the benefits of nano-enabled amendments are evaluated against potential environmental risks, scalability challenges, and regulatory frameworks. This review paper concludes with a roadmap for the sustainable deployment of nanotechnology for acidic soil management and food security.

Assessment of Arable Crop Farmers Knowledge and Constraints to Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Oyo State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T12:45:43+00:00

Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet the sector is highly susceptible to climate change and its associated risks. Hence, the objectives of this paper were to assess the knowledge level of arable crop farmers and identifies the constraints limiting their adaptive capacity to climate change in Oyo state, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. A multi‑stage sampling technique was employed to select 165 respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 96.8% of the respondents having knowledge that change in weather mean that climate is changing while only 28.5% identified presence of little rain as climate change. Farmers also demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge (mean score 5.6/9), with the maximum and minimum score of 9 and 2 respectively and standard deviation of 1.76. However, land tenure challenges, government policies, limited access to credit facilities, high costs of adaptation, and inadequate climate information are some of the constraints associated with adaptive capacity to climate change. The findings therefore recommended the need to integrate indigenous and scientific knowledge systems, provision of affordable, accessible credit facilities, and strengthen extension services to enhance resilience of arable crop farmers to climate change.

Physicochemical and Antioxidant Quality of Domestic and Foreign Red Wines Commonly Marketed in South-West, Nigeria

2026-09-30T12:45:55+00:00

The objective of this study is to investigate selected physicochemical and antioxidant quality of domestic and foreign red wines commonly marketed in South-West Nigeria, using appropriate standard procedures. The physicochemical and antioxidant parameters, including pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total acidity (TA), alcohol by volume (ABV), and vitamin C. The data obtained show that the pH values ranged from 3.22 to 3.56, with sample F1 exhibiting the highest pH, while lower pH values in other samples suggested increased acidity and sour taste. The TTA and TA values obtained for both domestic and foreign wines indicated comparable acidity profiles. Vitamin C concentrations ranged from 4.20 ± to 6.34 ± 0.7 mg/L, respectively, and all samples contained adequate levels. The domestic wines showed slightly higher alcohol content value (up to 5.90 ± 0.14 % v/v) than the foreign wines. Overall, the physicochemical properties of both domestic and foreign red wines fell within acceptable and comparable ranges. The study concludes that Nigerian domestic red wines were comparable in quality and suitable alternatives to imported red wines.

Orphenadrine and Diclofenac Combination Reversed Formalin-Induced Nociception and Altered Exploratory Behaviour in Experimental mice

2026-09-30T12:44:30+00:00

Pain is mediated via central and peripheral mechanims that elicit behavioural deficits leading to anxiety. Orphenadrine and diclofenac are pharmacological agents frequently used to manage pain. This study evaluated the effects of their combination on formalin-induced pain and anxiety in mice. Mice (19 – 23 g) were randomly alloted to groups and treated as follows: I, control (10 mL/kg, po), II: orphenadrine (25 mg/kg, po), III: diclofenac (50 mg/kg, ip) and IV : orphenadrine (25 mg/kg, po) + diclofenac (50 mg/kg, ip). One hour after (30 minutes for diclofenac), 0.01 mL of 1 % formalin was injected into the hind paw, and the time to lick the paw was recorded within a 30-minute period (first 5 and last 15 minutes). The animals were subjected to the hole board (HB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) assays for anxiety-like behaviour before and 24 h after the paw licking assay. The combination reduced the paw licking time during the first 5 minutes from 84.9±4.04 s in control to 32.5±8.2 s, p<0.05. Similarly, the paw licking time was significantly reduced in the last 15 minutes (110.7±15.9 vs 1.3±1.3 s, p<0.001. In the HB assay, the combination reduced the number of “head dips” (7.8±03) compared with both the control (14.6±1.6, p<0.05) and pre-treated groups (12.3±0.2, p<0.01). In the EPM, there were no significant differences in the number of arm entries and time spent between the combination and control group (p>0.05). The combination produced synergistic anti-nociceptive effect in the formalin-induced pain but paradoxically reduced exploratory behaviour.

Implications of Land Use and Land Cover Change for Ecosystem Service Values in Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve, South-Western Uganda (1990-2025)

2026-09-30T12:45:17+00:00

Tropical forests provide biodiversity, climate regulation, hydrological functions and livelihood benefits, yet land conversion weakens these services. This study assessed the implications of land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics for ecosystem service values (ESVs) in Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve, south-western Uganda, from 1990 to 2025. Landsat imagery was classified by maximum likelihood classification, and archived class-area tabulations were standardized to the National Forestry Authority reserve extent of 39,464 ha before benefit-transfer valuation and statistical analysis. Dense forest and wetland cover declined by 41.9% and 31.9%, respectively, while degraded forest, farmland and built-up area increased by 126.3%, 225.4% and 574.6%. Total ESV averaged US$156.6 ± 16.0 million yr⁻¹ and declined from US$175.3 million yr⁻¹ in 1990 to US$135.7 million yr⁻¹ in 2025, a 22.6% loss. ESV was positively associated with dense forest and wetland area (r=0.999 for each; P<0.001) and negatively associated with farmland (r=-0.995; P<0.001) and built-up area (r=-0.915; P=0.029). Total ESV declined monotonically (Mann-Kendall τ=-1.00; exact P=0.017), and all sensitivity coefficients were below unity. Human-dominated land uses therefore did not compensate for losses of forest and wetland services. Protecting intact habitats, restoring degraded areas, strengthening community stewardship and integrating ESV evidence into land-use planning are recommended. This standardized reserve-specific time series provides an internally consistent basis for conservation prioritization and ecosystem-service monitoring in the Albertine Rift.

Integrating Safety Culture and Accountability into Industrial Safety Training as a Framework for Improving Safety Performance in Ghana

2026-09-30T12:46:07+00:00

Effective industrial safety training requires more than the transmission of technical knowledge; it must also address the organizational conditions that influence the application of safety practices. This paper develops an integrated framework for incorporating safety culture and accountability into industrial safety training in Ghana. A document-based research design was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, relevant books, and occupational safety guidance, particularly the Occupational Safety and Health Administration training-development framework. Documentary evidence was reviewed to identify safety-training challenges, relevant safety-culture dimensions, and accountability requirements that informed development of the proposed programme. The evidence identified inadequate management support, limited financial resources, insufficient training infrastructure and materials, shortages of skilled trainers, and weak alignment between training and workplace needs as important implementation constraints. In response, the study developed a structured framework comprising needs assessment, learning objectives, adult-learning principles, course design, and evaluation, operationalized through four interconnected modules: leadership commitment and accountability; employee involvement and accountability; risk reporting and accountability; and safety communication and accountability. The framework integrates technical safety learning with leadership behaviour, employee participation, hazard and near-miss reporting, open communication, and shared responsibility for safety. Its contribution is a contextually informed training structure that connects safety knowledge with the organizational conditions required for its application. Because the study was document-based, the framework has not been empirically validated; future implementation studies should evaluate changes in safety knowledge, behaviour, reporting, communication, and safety performance.

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Locally Consumed Wheat Products in Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T12:46:12+00:00

Whole wheat and semolina flours are cooked in smooth dough and consumed with soups in different West African countries such as Nigeria. With increasing research associating the etiology of diseases with consumption of gluten in wheat, there is a need to characterize locally consumed wheat and semolina flours. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to quantify the levels of wet gluten, dry gluten, protein, total carbohydrate and resistant starch of three locally consumed wheat products obtained locally from a market in Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Using appropriate standard methods, the wet and dry gluten content were determined using the hand washing method while total proteins were analysed using the micro-kjedahl method and resistant starch were determined by enzymatic method. The dry gluten content was significantly (p<0.05) higher in whole wheat than in the semolina flour. The total carbohydrate values were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the semolina flours than whole wheat flour. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in resistant starch content in the samples. Overall, the findings suggest that whole wheat may offer only limited nutritional or functional advantages over semolina under the conditions examined.

Enhancing the Geotechnical Properties of Laterite Soil using Crushed Concrete from Construction and Demolition Waste in Edo State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T12:46:16+00:00

Due to the growing rise of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) in the construction sector, there is a need to properly dispose of and manage this waste. One way to manage this waste, is its use as a soil stabilizer. However, there is a noticeable geographical gap in research within Nigeria, where areas with weak soils are common and large volumes of CDW are often wasted. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the enhancement of the geotechnical properties of laterite soil, by stabilizing with crushed concrete (CC) generated from construction and demolition waste, through the use of appropriate standard tests such as; atterberg limits, compaction and california bearing ratio (CBR) test. The results indicate that increasing CC content leads to a reduction in liquid limit and plasticity index, which enhances soil workability. Notably, the maximum dry density improved from 1.85 g/cm³ to 1.92 g/cm³ at 12% CC, while optimum moisture content decreased, signifying better compaction efficiency. Furthermore, CBR values increased significantly, highlighting enhanced bearing strength and moisture stability. These findings demonstrate that CC can serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional soil stabilizers, improving soil performance while promoting environmentally friendly construction practices. This study underlines the potential for utilizing CDW effectively in developing regions, though further research is necessary to assess the long-term durability of the results in real field conditions.

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from used Clothes Collected from Different Sources in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

2026-09-30T12:46:21+00:00

Social and religious traditions believe that new clothing is used in special occasions. These clothing are rather expensive and there is high demand for cheap second-hand clothing in comparison with new clothing. This study was conducted to isolate, identify and Characterize Staphylococcus aureus from used clothes collected from different source in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results show that the bacteria count of samples from vocalizer had the highest count of 9.0 x10³ cfu/ml. Followed by wheel barrow pushers 8.0 x10³ cfu/ml. Compared to used clothes sellers (1.0 x10³ cfu/ml). Total Staphylococcus aureus counts on used clothes of wheel barrow pushers range from 1.0 – 9.0 x 10³ cfu/ml, vocalizers (1.0 – 6.0 x 10³ cfu/ml), Compared to mechanic workshop personnel (1.0 – 2.0 x 10³ cfu/ml). The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on used clothes was 12 (30%), while for Methicillin Resistance S. aureus was 1(2.5%). Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from the different sources of used clothes were resistant to antibiotics in this order: Ciprofloxacin (25 %), Gentamicin (33.3 %), Nitrofurantoin (33.3 %), Ofloxacin (41.7 %), Ceftazimidime (41.7 %), Zinnacef (58.3 %), Ampicillin (66.7 %) and Amoxicillin (83.3 %). While their sensitivity was seen as follows: Ciprofloxacin (75 %), Gentamicin (66.7 %), Nitrofurantoin (66.7 %), Ofloxacin (58.3 %), Ceftazimidime (58.3 %), Zinnacef (41.7 %), Ampicillin (33.3 %) and Amoxicillin (16.7 %). Also, the agarose gel electrophoresis of the PCR products of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene fragments with band size of 1500pb confirming positive amplification of 99% identical to Staphylococcus aureus strain AR_0473 chromosome and complete genome with plasmid genes respectively. The results suggest that consumers of second-hand clothing should approach second hand clothes with caution, thus preventing infections and the spread of this organism.

Aquifer Vulnerability and Groundwater Quality in Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria

2026-10-02T08:28:29+00:00

The objective of this paper was to investigate the aquifer vulnerability and groundwater quality in Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria using integrated geoelectrical and hydrogeochemical methods. Twelve (12) Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) using the Schlumberger array and five (5) 2D dipole–dipole profiles were carried out to delineate the subsurface layers, aquifer units, and protective capacity of the area, while eight (8) water samples collected from surface water, hand-dug wells, and boreholes were analyzed to obtain hydrogeochemical parameters such as pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, total acidity (TA), total dissolved solids (TDS), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and heavy metals (such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni)). The inverted VES and 2D dipole models delineate the geoelectric layers, namely the lateritic topsoil with resistivity values 146 to 2907 Ωm and thickness 0.5 to 1.6 m, the clay/clayey sand horizon with resistivity 39–168 Ωm and thickness 1.5–3.5 m, the fine to coarse sands with resistivity 102–1229 Ωm and thickness 10–22 m, and the deeper sandstones with high resistivities >2000 Ωm. The water quality index (WQI) of water samples 1–8 was 7486.92; 10990.31; 9962.62; 209.99; 92.86; 328.80; 8.93; and 4.46, respectively. The results of the study will provide government agencies, water managers, and engineers with useful references for protective capacity, GOD, and GLSI maps of the study area when managing waste sites, protecting water resources, and identifying safe groundwater zones to avoid areas with high contamination.

Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices and Implications for Biodiversity Conservation Among Farmers in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

2026-10-02T08:28:25+00:00

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers a pathway for improving farm productivity and resilience while supporting ecological sustainability. This study assessed farmers’ adoption of CSA practices and their perceived implications for biodiversity conservation in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure selected 140 farmers, of whom 128 provided usable responses. Data obtained through a structured interview schedule were analyzed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean scores and a Poisson regression model. Respondents had a mean age of 44 years, and 92.2% cultivated 1–5 ha, confirming the predominance of smallholder farming. Crop diversification (75.0%), home gardening (55.5%) and improved fallow (41.4%) were the most widely adopted practices, whereas specialized agroforestry practices recorded comparatively low adoption. Low input cost (88.3%), climate resilience (80.5%) and extension advice (72.7%) were the principal motivations, while inadequate knowledge (60.2%) was the leading constraint. Age, education and farm size positively influenced the number of CSA practices adopted (p < 0.05). Perceived biodiversity outcomes recorded weighted mean scores of 3.2–3.6 on a five-point scale, indicating improvements in vegetation cover, wildlife occurrence and pollinator presence. Strengthening practical extension education and access to affordable CSA options could expand adoption and reinforce biodiversity-friendly farming in the area.

Effect of Hydro, Osmo and Halo Priming on Seed Germination and Vigour of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Samaru, Northern Guinea Savannah Ecology of Nigeria

2026-10-02T08:28:41+00:00

Rice is globally one of the most important nutritional components for many people; it has been a breeding subject for several quality and quantity parameters. However erratic seed germination and vigour have been found to be reduced across varieties as a result of recent advances in climate change. Priming has been shown to improve seed germination and vigour of different crops. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to assess the Effect of Hydro, Osmo and Halo Priming on Seed Germination and Vigour of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Samaru, Northern Guinea Savannah Ecology of Nigeria using appropriate standard methods to collect data on Germination index, first day count, Germination percentage, Shoot length, Root length, Fresh weight, and dry weight. The obtained results showed hydro priming increased germination and vigour of rice seed. Osmo-priming with PEG and halo priming with ZnSO₄ reduced seed germination but increased the vigour of rice seed.

Building Environmental Epidemiology Research Capacity in Nigeria: Development and Evaluation of a Short Course

2026-10-02T08:29:03+00:00

Environmental epidemiology research capacity in Nigeria remains limited despite a substantial and growing environmental disease burden, prompting the Nigerian Environmental Epidemiology Accelerated Research (NEEAR) Program to develop and deliver a short course to bridge skills gap among early-career researchers. This study describes the development and evaluation of that course using a pre–post educational intervention design. Thirty Nigerian researchers were enrolled in a three-session hybrid course co-developed by faculty from Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research; knowledge was assessed via pre- and post-session quizzes analysed using a Bayesian binomial proportional modelling approach, while satisfaction and longer-term outcomes were assessed through post-course and one-year follow-up evaluations. Twenty-nine participants completed the course, and post-test accuracy exceeded pre-test accuracy across all 10 assessed topics, with the largest gain observed for case–control studies (posterior mean difference = 0.305; 95% credible interval: 0.074–0.517); topics with high baseline accuracy showed ceiling effects. Overall, 97% of participants strongly agreed the course expanded their knowledge, and at one-year follow-up (n = 21/29; 72% response rate) participants reported new collaborations, publications, grant activity, and membership of international professional associations. These findings indicate that the NEEAR short course produced measurable knowledge gains alongside high satisfaction and sustained professional impact, supporting targeted, short-format training as a scalable strategy for strengthening environmental health research capacity in Nigeria and the wider sub-Saharan African context.

Antibiotic Resistance in the One Health Era: Integrating Current Knowledge, Emerging Advances, and Future Priorities. A Review

2026-10-02T08:36:37+00:00

This study conducted a scoping review to integrate current knowledge, emerging advances, and future priorities for addressing antibiotic resistance within the One Health framework. Academic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2026, with an emphasis on capturing recent developments in antibiotic resistance research and emerging One Health strategies. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria out of the 85 identified records. Information synthesized from these study sources revealed that antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious global public health threats of the twenty-first century, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization worldwide. The findings demonstrated that the rapid emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria among humans, animals, and environmental reservoirs, which are largely promoted by the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, livestock production, agriculture, and environmental practices, have reduced the therapeutic effectiveness of many conventional antibiotics. Although research on antibiotic resistance has grown substantially, evidence remains largely fragmented across individual studies, making it difficult to integrate current knowledge into a coherent understanding of the problem. This review therefore holistically examined antibiotic resistance within an integrated One Health framework to identify research gaps and propose future directions for antibiotic resistance control, including enhancing surveillance, especially in low- and middle-income countries where monitoring capacity remains limited.

Thermal and Computational Fluid Dynamics of Different Reynolds Number and Angles of Air Flow Through Vertically Narrow Plates

2026-10-02T08:51:14+00:00

Natural convection flow in a vertical channel with internal objects occurs in several technological applications, particularly in heat dissipation from electronic circuits, refrigerators, heat exchangers, nuclear reactor fuel elements, dry cooling towers, and home ventilation. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to investigate the thermal and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of different Reynolds numbers (2×10⁶ & 4×10⁶) and different angles (0°, 30°, 45° and 60°) of air flow through vertically narrow plates. The numerical solution was obtained by solving the full three-dimensional form of the governing equations. The results revealed that the heat transfer rate increased as the Reynolds Number increased, and the highest heat transfer rate was reached at an angle of 0° with copper. Additionally, thermal analysis results for copper, aluminum, and steel showed that copper had the highest heat flux at 1,195,100W/m². Copper exhibited a superior thermal performance owing to its high thermal conductivity, while steel had the lowest heat dissipation capability. The findings provide useful design insights for thermal systems utilizing inclined plate configurations, such as the optimization of inclined narrowed plates for passive cooling applications.

Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Surface Functional Chemistry of Biochar Derived from Chrysophyllum Albidum (African Star Apple) Shells Collected from a Dumpsite in Ogbo Town, Ahoada East, Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-10-02T08:57:37+00:00

Consequently, the objective of this paper was to investigate Influence of pyrolysis temperature on the surface functional chemistry of biochar derived from Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) shells collected from a dumpsite in Ogbo Town, Ahoada East, Rivers State, Nigeria. Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTA). FTIR results showed a progressive reduction in hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aliphatic functional groups with increasing temperature, accompanied by the development of aromatic carbon structures. XRD analysis revealed the gradual loss of cellulose crystallinity and the formation of predominantly amorphous turbostratic carbon, together with significant mineral phase transformations. Thermal analysis demonstrated that increasing pyrolysis temperature enhanced carbonization, reduced volatile matter, and improved thermal stability. The decomposition of hemicellulose promoted pore development, cellulose degradation increased carbon enrichment, and lignin transformation contributed to the formation of stable aromatic carbon networks. Biochars produced at 700–800 °C exhibited the highest degree of carbon maturity, structural stability, and resistance to thermal degradation, whereas lower-temperature biochars retained more surface functional groups. These findings demonstrate that pyrolysis temperature is a key factor in tailoring Chrysophyllum albidum shell biochar for environmental remediation, adsorption, catalytic, and other advanced applications.

Development of an Integrated Optimal-Control Framework for the Joint Management of Multi-Class Water Pollutants Consisting of Heavy Metals, Organic Compounds, Microplastics and Pathogens

2026-10-05T08:36:49+00:00

Heavy metals, organic compounds, microplastics and pathogens may occur together in aquatic systems, reinforce one another, or produce counter-intuitive management outcomes when one class is controlled in isolation. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to develop an integrated optimal-control model for the joint management of multi-class water pollutants consisting of heavy metals, organic compounds, microplastics and pathogens. The pollutant classes were represented as a coupled system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations incorporating input, natural decay, control effort and cross-pollutant interaction terms. Positivity of solutions was established, the trivial equilibrium was analysed through the associated interaction matrix, and stabilisation thresholds were examined using eigenvalue-based sensitivity analysis. A quadratic performance index balanced pollutant burden against intervention cost, and Pontryagin's Maximum Principle was applied to derive bounded time-dependent control laws that were computed numerically. Baseline conditions were unstable (dominant eigenvalue, 0.097), heavy-metal and organic-pollutant controls were the strongest single levers, and no single intervention stabilised the coupled system. Coordinated control of all four pollutant classes at a uniform scaling factor of 6.72 was required to shift the dominant eigenvalue below zero, while time-varying optimal control reduced the combined pollutant burden and intervention cost by about 47% relative to constant joint intervention. The framework provides a decision-support basis for prioritising integrated water-quality interventions under budget and ecological constraints, and local parameter estimation and field validation are recommended.

Effects of Selected Growth Stimulators Vitamin, Abscisic Substances and Indole-3-Butyric Acid of Varying Concentrations on Early Germination Stage and Biochemical Response of Brown Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Seeds Under Simulated Microgravity Environment

2026-10-05T08:36:57+00:00

Microgravity is an exceptional attribute in space, and as space agriculture is gaining fast recognition worldwide, it is important to study its effects on plants’ growth. Because of changes in earth’s landscape, climate and components, there is need to explore other suitable home apart from earth. If this will be achievable, growing plants in space that would thrive despite microgravity effects is very paramount. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to depict the effects of selected growth stimulators Vitamin C (VIT C), Abscisic substances (ABS) and Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) of different concentrations; 500ppm and 1000ppm, on the early germination stage and biochemical response of brown bean seeds under simulated microgravity conditions using a 2D clinostat. Growth indices, including germination rate, shoot and root length, leaf number, and biomass, were observed and recorded after a period of 120 hours. Biochemical parameters assessed included reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), lipid peroxidation, and total protein content. Viable brown bean seeds were used in the experiment and primed with the growth stimulators. The results revealed that bean seeds subjected to VIT C and ABS growth stimulators showed higher and better germination signs under microgravity than the bean seeds subjected to IBA. After observation and comparison, the chemo-primed bean seeds subjected to microgravity conditions germinated better than the chemo-primed bean seeds in normal earth gravity conditions.

In-Vivo Effects of Oral Exposure to Diethyl Phthalate on Behavioural Pattern, Haematological Parameters, Biochemical Profile, and Semen Quality in Male Albino Rats

2026-10-05T08:37:06+00:00

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are industrial chemicals used as plastic additives to improve the strength and flexibility of plastics. They are widely used in plastic products and food packaging materials, from which they can migrate into food and pose health risks. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to assess the in-vivo effects of oral exposure to diethyl phthalate on behavioural pattern, haematological parameters, biochemical profile, and semen quality in male albino rats using appropriate standard methods including Weekly body weight, haematological parameters, and semen quality and compared with those of the control group. Data obtained show that significant decreases were observed in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin, and red blood cell count in Group 3 rats, while no significant differences were observed in the other groups. There were also no significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Among the white blood cell components, a significant increase was observed in eosinophils, while the other components showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Significant increases in sperm abnormalities were also observed in the exposed groups compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Diethyl phthalate demonstrated toxic effects on the semen quality of male rats exposed to the toxicant. The findings indicate that exposure to phthalates may have adverse effects on semen quality. Relevant government agencies should encourage and enforce regular inspection and testing of food packaging materials and consumer products for phthalate phthalates.