Vol 16, No 2 , 2015-1, African Scientist

This study assessed the toxicity of water-soluble fractions of petrol on Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus. Water soluble fractions of petrol were prepared into various concentrations as follows: 0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. These treatments were inoculated with 5 mL of the test microalgae and read at 750 nm at two-day intervals for 14 days using a UV/VIS Spectrophotometer.

Therapeutic reactivation of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) can alleviate clinical complications associated with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a severe monogenic disorder that is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria utilize the stem bark of Theobroma cacao as a haematinic for SCA patients, but its potential to induce HbF remains uncertain.

The phenological study provides a detailed comparison of life cycles of six species of Euphorbia with a view to enhancing the knowledge of the taxonomic status of the genus. Growth and developmental stages were investigated using pot experiments. Description of six principal growth stages was done and these include leaf development, shoot development, flowering emergence, fruit development, seed ripening and seed dispersal. All the investigations were carried out for 77 days under the same experimental conditions.

This study presents an assessment of the influence of urban runoff on fish fauna in the Ikpoba River, Nigeria, focusing on heavy metal contamination and gill pathology in benthic (Clarias gariepinus) and pelagic (Oreochromis niloticus) fish species. Samples of water, sediment, and fish gills were collected from June to August 2023. Heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, and Cd) were analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and gill pathology was evaluated through histopathological examination.

The surge in human exposure to heavy metals, driven by their widespread industrial use, demands a thorough examination of their toxicity. This study focuses on heavy metal contamination in canned fish sold in Benin City, with an emphasis on Atlantic bluefin tuna, Atlantic mackerel, and European pilchard. Six brands of canned fish were purchased from selected markets in Benin City, Nigeria, and the heavy metal levels were assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) instrumentation.

The fermented and non-fermented seed powder of Vitis vinifera, a herbaceous plant with numerous biological activities was investigated in this study. The pH, in vitro antimicrobial assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, phytochemical, proximate compositions were screened, while the active compounds of the fermented sample were further evaluated by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A decline in pH from 6.2 to 3.6 was recorded during fermentation for 14 days.

This research investigates the impact of atrazine, a widely used herbicide, on the reproductive capabilities of adult Clarias gariepinus, a freshwater catfish of ecological and economic significance. Twelve months old specimens of C. gariepinus comprising of twenty (20) males and twenty (20) females with mean average weight of 1024 ± 88.4g and 1100 ± 97.4g respectively and mean total length of 52.8 ± 2.3cm and 52.7 ± 1.1cm respectively, were exposed to exposed to four different sub-lethal concentrations of atrazine (40µg/L, 60µg/L, 80µg/L, and 100µg/L) in a semi-static renewal assay.

Open dumpsites provide ample and stable food sources for most animals, but they also make them more susceptible to illnesses and pollutants. Amphibians are typically drawn to these areas because of the abundance of prey and relative moisture. However, the ongoing burning at the dumpsite may jeopardize any creature that lives in this ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to assess amphibian diversity and parasite infections at an open dumpsite and its host town, Otofure, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

Diabetes mellitus is an escalating global health concern, especially in low and middle-income countries. Handgrip strength (HGS), a measure of muscle strength, emerges as a potential non-invasive and affordable screening tool for diabetes, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and blood glucose regulation in non-diabetic young adults and to provide valuable insights into the potential of HGS as a preventive and affordable approach to managing diabetes.

Hospital kitchen equipment are the materials used in the kitchen in carrying out food preparation effectively in hospitals. This study aimed to analyse the surfaces of some hospital kitchen equipment for microbial quality. Samples were collected before and after food preparation from surfaces of tables, sinks, gas cookers and freezer handle of three major hospital kitchens in Benin City, Nigeria. The samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to standard microbiological analysis.