School of Biological Sciences

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Open Access
Underground water quality of rock mining in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
(2006-06) Obiekezie, S. O.; Okereke, J. N.; Anyalogbu, E.; Okorondu, S. F.; Ezejiofor, T. I. N.
Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of underground water of Crush Rock mining pit in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State Nigeria were carried out to determine the pollution level and the potability of the groundwater due to mining and human activities. The results were compared with standards for water pollution and World Health Organization for drinking water. The results showed that total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity, calcium and sodium, which had concentration ranges of 126-986ppm, 200.18-615.55ppm, 7.8- 30.10ppm and 64-88ppm respectively, were above standards. However, the mean concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) (1.2-3.20ppm) was below the standard. Other parameters measured were found to be within the permissible acceptable standard. Pseudomonas, Chromabacterium, Bacillius, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Citrobacter, and Achromobacter species were identified as the major bacteria isolated from the underground water. The study revealed that the underground water from Crush Rock mining pit in Ishiagu Ebonyi State, Nigeria require some chemical and physical treatment as it is unsafe for human consumption.
Open Access
Bacterial quality of rainwater in selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria
(UP, 2006-06) Okereke, J. N.; Obasi, K. O.; Obiekezie, S. O.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Muitas comunidades rurais do estado de Imo, Nigéria oriental, não têm acesso à água potável, sendo que a á gua da chuva tem sido sua principal fonte. Neste estudo, foram determinados os níveis bacterianos da á gua da chuva em três comunidades, Umunumo, Egbema e Ihiagwa. As amostras foram colhidas direta mente de telhados de zinco, telhados de sapê e telhados de amianto em diferentes períodos de chuva, mês de maio (começo das chuvas), mês de julho (pico das chuvas) e outubro (final das chuvas). A água acumulada de telhados de zinco da comunidade de Umunumo também foi examinada. O nível bacteriano foi alto no começo das chuvas nas amostras coletadas nos telhados de sapê, sendo seu maior valor em Egbema (7,4 x 103 cfu/100 ml). Os níveis de coliformes totais e coliformes fecais ( °6± ² ³«´ µG¶G² ³ ¶G·•² ¸ ¹ ) tiveram picos no começo das chuvas, 10 – 36 cfu/100 ml e 1 – 5 cfu/100 ml, respectivamente. Também nos reservató rios subterrâneos a contagem total de bactérias, coliformes totais e coliformes fecais totais foi muito elevada. As amostras estudadas dos meses de julho (pico) e outubro (final) de todas as comunidades estavam dentro do padrão de qualidade de água potável da OMS. Usando um modelo estatístico (para a = 0.05), a hipó tese nula foi rejeitada para os métodos e o período da coleta, enquanto que o local de coleta foi aceito. Portanto, apenas o período e o método de coleta das águas das chuvas afetam os níveis bacterianos
Open Access
Microbial flora of oil-spilled sites in Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2007-04-16) Okereke, J. N.; Obiekezie, S. O.; Obasi, K. O.
The microbial flora of areas with and without oil spillage within the Egbema oil field in Ohaji/Egbema of Imo State was determined by standard microbiological methods. Preliminary results show moderate biological activities in both environments studied. The average microbial population of the area with oil spillage was 3.08 x 107 cfu/g, while that of the adjoining environment was 3.14 x 107 cfu/g for bacteria. Fungi population was of the order 106. The microorganisms isolated were identified to species level. Majority of the microorganisms were true bacteria. Actinomycete species were also found. In general, species difference between the two environments tended to be considerably significant. Since species and microbial population differences in soils are directly proportional to the availability of carbon source (nutrient), soil acidity, oxygen level and other factors, the significant variation in species and slight difference in microbial population observed are indicative of the effects of oil spillage on microbial flora of a given area.
Open Access
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in a government piggery farm in Owerri, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2008) Akujobi, C. O.; Ogbulie, J. N.; Umeh, S. I.; Abanno, N. U.
The acquisition of antibiotic-resistant commensal Escherichia coli was examined in a cohort of newborn pigs. Faecal samples were collected weekly from young pigs over a 2 month period and screened for E. coli resistant to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 16, 8, 8 and 8mg/l, respectively. E. coli viable counts were also performed on the samples. All the pigs acquired gentamicin-nalidixic acid- and ampicillin-resistant E. coli, while 80% acquired ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli during the study. Sixty-five per cent of samples were resistant to at least one of the four antibiotics. The prevalence of the antibiotics declined significantly with age and time (p<0.05). Total counts and antibiotic resistant counts declined with age (p<0.05), with the rate of decline in antibiotic resistant counts being greater than that for total counts (p<0.05). The cohort pigs rapidly acquired antibiotic-resistant bacteria shortly after birth and the carriage of resistant bacteria was associated with age.
Open Access
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women at the outpatient clinic of some governmental hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2009) Akujobi, C. O.; Ogbulie, J. N.; Umeh, S. I.; Abanno, N. U.; Nwachukwu, I. N.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. All pregnant women attending antenatal at Federal Medical Center, Owerri, General Hospital, Okigwe, and Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, between January and April 2006 and who agreed to enter the study were clinically evaluated to exclude signs of urinary tract infection. Samples of 10-15 ml urine were examined for bacteria, pus cells and parasitic ova. The samples were further cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar and colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105 or more of pure isolates were deemed significant. Of the 630 pregnant women, 111 had significant bacteriuria giving a prevalence rate of 17.6%. The highest age specific prevalence was found in the 31-40 year-olds and the lowest in the 41-50 year-olds. Socioeconomic status of the respondents had effect on the prevalence of bacteriuria and also, there was an increase in the prevalence with increase in age of gestation. The dominant isolates were Staphylococcus species and Klebsiella species with most of the isolates obtained in respondents from Owerri and Okigwe study areas.
Open Access
Effect of different organic nutrient supplements on the total heterotrophic counts and diesel oil degradation in diesel polluted soil
(International Formulae Group, 2009-12) Akujobi, C. O.; Njoku, H. O.; Abanno, N.; Okorondu, S. I.; Ogbulie, J. N.
The effect of graded quantities of different organic nutrient supplements on the total heterotrophic counts and diesel oil degradation in diesel-polluted soil was studied. Soil samples were mixed with different volumes of diesel to obtain heavy and moderate pollution, which was subsequently amended with different quantities of organic nutrient supplements. Total heterotrophic counts were determined at two weeks intervals for 16 weeks and the oil and grease content were determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. The result showed a general increase in microbial count with increase in the quantities of supplement. Poultry waste-amended samples had the highest count in all the samples followed by pig waste and cow dung-amended samples. Diesel oil degradation followed the same order with the highest percentage oil degradation obtained in poultry waste-amended samples. It therefore, showed that poultry waste is the best organic waste to be applied in a bio degradation process.
Open Access
Bacteriological assessment of packaged fruit juices consumed in some parts of Anambra, Nigeria
(Academic and Scientific Research Institute Publication, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Onyeneto, T. C.
Bacteriological assessment of eighteen samples of different fruit juices consumed in parts of Anambra State was carried out using standard microbiological procedures. Both total heterotrophic bacteria count and total coliform counts were determined using 0.1ml of each seria11y diluted sample on nutrient and MacConkey agar plates respectively. Total elerolrophic bacteria count was of the order x I 04 cfu/ml while total coliform count was of the order x103 cfu/ml. Frequently isolated microorganisms were Laciobacilius spp, Bacillus spp, SJaphylococcus spp, Psuedomona.s spp and Micrococcus spp. Virtually all the sampled fruits juices had some degree of bacterial contamination
Open Access
Concentrations of heavy metals in some important rivers of Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria
(Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and Development, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.
Analyses of heavy metals in water samples from different rivers of the Owerri zone in Imo State, Nigeria were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Water samples from Rivers Azaraegbelu, Ogochie, Okatankwu and Otamiri were analyzed for lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The concentration of lead was highest in water samples from Azaraegbelu River (0.054 ppm). Arsenic was present in lower concentration in Azaraegbelu, Ogochie and Okatankwu Rivers. Cadmium concentration was 0.511 ppm in Azaraegbelu River, 0.034 ppm in Ogochie River, 0.091 ppm in Okatankwu River and 0.166 ppm in Otamiri River. Concentration of Zinc was higher in Azaraegbelu River (0.288 ppm), while Ogochie River recorded the lowest concentration of 0.098 ppm. Comparatively, Azaraegbelu River recorded the highest concentration values of the heavy metals analyzed.
Open Access
Comparative evaluation of ethanol production from sweet potato (lpomoea Batalas) and maize (Zea Mays)
(Academic and Scientific Research Institute Publication, 2010) Okereke, J. N.; Okeke, O. A.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Comparative evaluation of ethanol production was carried out with sweet potato (Red and \\'hile Species) and Maize sourced from National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudikc a:1d National Seed Centre (NSC), Umudikc. About 200g (in powered form) of peeled, sliced, drkl; and ground samples of sweet potato, and maize were subjected to complete hydrolysis using /\z.ha ·, 1981 method. The filtrates (hydrolysates) from hydrolysis were later subjected to lcrmentatim1 process using Saccharomyce cerevisiae for 72-96 hours. Distillation was adopted to recover ethanol produced at 78°C. The average volume of ethanol produced from Red Potato, white potato and maize were 28.40ml, 30.00ml and 37.17ml respectively. Ethanol from maize had pl I value nr 3.6; Red potato, 4.0; White, 4.3. Percentage yield of ethanol was in the order: Maizc>White potato> Red potato as their values were 14.72%, 11.93% and I Ll9% respectively. The results showed that maire had the highest sugar content thus, highest percentage yield of ethanol
Open Access
Comparative evaluation of larvicidal potentials of three plant extracts on aedes aegypti
(U. P., 2010) Mgbemena, I. C.
The activities of ethanol extracts of A. indica, O. gratissimium and C. citratus on Ae. aegypti larvae were investigated at 96 hours exposure. Mortalities were observed to increase with concentration (P  0.05).The larvae of Ae. aegypti exhibited differential susceptibility to the extracts of the three plants.. In C. citratrus, mortality was recorded all through the exposure period of 96hours comparing to A. indica and O. gratissimum in which activities ceased at 48 hours. Comparative evaluation of the LC50 of three plant extracts showed significantly high toxicities with A indica showing the greatest toxicity having LC50 at 8.32mg/ml, while on the other hand O. gratissimum and C. citratus had LC50 19.50mg/ml and 34.67mg/ml on Aedes aegypti respectively. There were also variations in the composition of the phytochemicals in the 3 plants with A. indica having highest amount of all the phytohemicals relative to other plants except flavonoids, while glycosides were completely absent in the 3 plants
Open Access
Attitudes and local beliefs towards mosquito insurgence in Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2010) Mgbemena, I. C.; Opara, F. N.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Different attitudes and beliefs towards the presence of mosquitoes in the environment in the three urban centers of Imo State were investigated. Structured questionnaire were randomly distributed and the responses recorded accordingly, among the 461 respondents that participated in the study. The attitudes of killing it / controlling it topped the lists of the responses. Other attitudes are irritating, bad/ very bitter, negative/ concern, hatred / inimical and sleeplessness/ restlessness which could reflect strong attitudes that can induce change in behavior. The various attitudes towards disease treatment rated as very effective (VE), fairly effective (FE), not effective (NE) and aggravate the sickness (AS) may reflect their perception of the seriousness of mosquito – borne diseases. The number that felt that mosquito – borne diseases was mild and not serious will definitely display attitudinal responses saddled with levity particularly towards treatment. Possibly they may not feel inclined to carefully adhere to drug dosage prescription. Differential misconceptions of mosquito and associated diseases reported by the respondents included: malaria is caused by drinking unclean water; hot sun predisposes people to malaria, prolonged malaria brings about yellow fever and mosquitoes carry AIDS virus etc. More enlightenment efforts should focus on the nature and severity of mosquito – borne diseases.
Open Access
Evaluation of groundwater quality in some parts of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P, 2010-06) Okereke, J. N.; Nwigwe, H. C.; Iwuala, M. O. E.
Evaluation of groundwater quality in some parts of Imo State was done, based on analyses of N, Nq to samples from boreholes and springs. Analyses were based on American Public Health Association (APHA) guidelines. The overall average values of total heterotrophic bacteria, total; coliform counts and Escherichia coli counts were 7.2622 x 104 CFU/ml, 12.5 Cr/100m1 and 1.0 CFU/100m1 respectively. The average value of pH was 6.7 while hardness raged between 6.60mg/1 and 16.90mg/1; turbidity, 1.0mg/1-2.90mg/1; chloride, 8.96mg/1-2,1'.00mg/liron (II) ion, 2.6mg/1-3.71 mg/I, and nitrate, 4.88mg/1-6.4mg/1. Heavy metals were within the permissible limits except cadmium which recorded an overall average value of 0.1854pm. The study reveals that groundwater in Imo State, if well handled, remains a safer source Of drinking water supply to the populace
Open Access
Microbial and nutritional qualities of mushroom
(Society of Applied Science, 2011) Okechukwu, R. I; Okereke, J. N.; Onyedineke, N. E.; Obi, R. K.
The microbial and nutrient quality of two species, oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatlis.) and wood ear mushroom (Auricularia polytrida) were investigated. The bacteria isolates belong to three genera, Mucor spp. Wood ear mushroom had more microbial load than oyster mushroom. The proximate and mineral composition of the two varieties of' mushroom were also analyzed and there were no significant differences (P>O. 05). Calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were appreciably high in the two varieties while magnesium and copper were low. Carbohydrate, crude fibre and protein were also high. This makes them healthy valuable nutritional supplement for animals and humans. The findings also showed that the mushroom may be contaminated in farms and markets. Adequate sanitary measures and health education must be emphasized among other recommendations to safeguard the public health. The cultivation and consumption of mushroom by individuals/farmers will help in solving food security
Open Access
Bacterial contamination of some edible shellfish harvested from Kalarugbani Creek, River State, Nigeria
(Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and Development, 2011) Odu, N. N.; Njoku, H. O.; Igwiloh, N. J. P.; Akujobi, C. O.
The bacteriological quality of raw shucked oyster (RSO), raw extracted periwinkle (REP), overlying water (OLW) and mud flat samples (MFS) obtained from Kalarugbani Creek in Rivers State was investigated. The parameters investigated were the total viable count (TVC), salmonella-Shigella counts (SSC), total faecal coliforms (TFC) and total coliform counts (TCC). There were variations in the values of these parameters analyzed, which were sample dependent. Of all the samples analyzed, RSO had the highest microbial counts except for TFC and TCC in which periwinkle has higher counts. Statistical analysis of the mean total viable counts showed high significant differences among the four samples across various months at (p≤0.05). The microbial counts were lower in the wet season and higher in the dry season. Correlation analysis of the seasonal variations of the total viable count for the various samples showed a very weak correlation between the two seasons for MFS and OLW (r= 0.499 and r= 0.515, respectively), while those of REP and RSO were strongly correlated between the two seasons (r= 0.69 and r= 0.607, respectively). The microbial counts obtained from this study were found to be higher than the specified standard limits (1x105 cfu/g) for bacteria by International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Foods (ICMSF) and United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The results of this study show the presence of organisms of public health concern and highlight the need for maintenance of quality standards in the processing of these shellfish. The data obtained will be useful for the development of food safety schemes and policies.
Open Access
Effect of nutrient amendments of diesel oil polluted soil on plant growt parameters
(Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011-07) Akujobi, C. O; Onyeagba, R. A; Nwaugo, V. O; Odu, N. N
The study investigated the effect of nutrient amendments of diesel oil polluted soil on plant height,leaf area and leaf numbers of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Soil samples were polluted and amended separately with different weights of poultry waste, pig waste, cow dung and inorganic fertilizer. Soil sampleswere also polluted with diesel oil without amendment to achieve 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% pollution. Samples were analyzed at two weeks interval for sixteen weeks. The plant growth parameters were affected adversely by the diesel oil pollution and the higher the level of pollution, the more the effect. The nutrient amendments were ableto remedy the effect of the diesel oil pollution. The remediation effect was nutrient weight dependent and the best remediation effect was observed in poultry waste amended samples. This study has shown that diesel oil contaminated soil may have adverse effect on plants, but this can be remedied by addition of organic nutrient supplements especially poultry waste.
Open Access
Protein and chlorophyll contents of solanum melongena on diesel oil polluted soil amended with nutrient supplements
(Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011-09-10) Akujobi, C. O.; Onyeagba, R. A.; Nwaugo, V. O.; Odu, N. N.
The study investigated the remediation effect of nutrient amendments of diesel oil polluted soil on protein and chlorophyll contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Soil samples were polluted and amended separately with different weights of poultry waste, pig waste, cow dung and inorganic fertilizer. Soil samples were also polluted with diesel oil without amendment to achieve 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% pollution. Samples were analyzed at two weeks interval for sixteen weeks. The plant protein and chlorophyll were affected adversely by the diesel oil pollution and the higher the level of pollution, the more the effect. The nutrient amendments were able to remedy the effect of the diesel oil pollution. The remediation effect was nutrient weight dependent and the best remediation effect was observed in poultry waste amended samples. This study has shown that diesel oil contaminated soil may have adverse effect on the protein and chlorophyll contents of plants, but this can be remedied by addition of organic nutrient supplements especially poultry waste.
Open Access
Protease production capabilities of micrococcus luteus and bacillus species isolated from abattoir environment
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
The study investigated the optimum conditions of temperature, pH, inoculum size and time of incubation on bacterial protease production. Protease producing bacterial species were isolated from abattoir soil and identified as Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus species. The optimum conditions observed for protease production was 37℃ at pH 7, with 1% inoculum in the medium for 24 h of incubation in Micrococcus luteus while in Bacillus species, the optimum conditions observed was 47℃ at pH 9, with 2% inoculum concentration in the medium for 96 h of incubation. Generally, temperature and pH had more effect on the protease activity of Micrococcus luteus while inoculum concentration and time of incubation had more effect on the protease activity of Bacillus species. The study gave evidence that these bacterial isolates could be potentially applied in biotechnological processes.
Open Access
cLead bioaccumulation by pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste
(U. P., 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
Living organisms are exposed in nature to lead commonly in their ionized forms, which at different concentrations affect microbial population. This can have significant impact given that many microorganisms are essential parts of the decomposing food chain. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. Microorganisms are known to interact with heavy metals through a number of mechanisms including intracellular accumulation. Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste was exposed to different concentrations of lead solution within 24 hours. The percentage log survival / growth rate in the different concentrations of lead was determined periodically. Bioaccumulation of lead by the test isolate was determined in the graded lead concentrations (0, 1.10, 100. 500 μg/ml). The result showed that the growth of the isolate was progressively inhibited by lead in a dose dependent fashion. The isolate showed a potential to survive lead intoxication and accumulated the toxicant. Therefore, Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste shows a promise for its use in bioremediation of lead polluted environments and can be used remedy the toxic effect of heavy metals on plants. This can be applied as organic manure together with the microorganism in heavy metal-polluted site to prevent heavy metal toxicity and to enhance the growth of plants.
Open Access
Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of leaf extracts of terminalia catappa
(Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2012) Opara, F. N.; Anuforo, H. U.; Okechukwu, R. I.; Mgbemena, I. C.; Akujobi, C. O.; Adjero, A.
Various parts of Terminalia catappa, the Indian almond, are claimed useful in trado-medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and some other ailments. The development of resistance to the antibiotics in current clinical use is a big concern. In view of this, the phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of the leaf extracts of Terminalia catappa were evaluated using ethanol and hot water as solvents to determine the active components, antibacterial potency of the leaf extracts and the minimum effective concentration so as to reduce harm. Cold maceration method was adopted in extracting the active principle, having pulverized the leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenes. Antibacterial screening with 24hours cultures of clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi, and type cultures of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using agar-cup diffusion method indicated that P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive while S. typhi the least; ethanolic extract was relatively more active than water extract. Minimum bactericidal concentration test showed that ethanolic extract exerted bactericidal effect at 62.5mg/ml on S.aureus, but was static on the rest test microorganisms at the said concentration. Water extract exhibited bactericidal activity at 125mg/ml on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, but was static on E. coli and inactive on S. typhi. From the activity obtained, S.aureus and P.aeruginosa were more sensitive to ethanolic extract than water extract. The concentration should be higher than applied in this study to probably achieve marked activity. The results obtained suggest that T. catappa can be used in the treatment of ailments caused by the test microorganisms, and thus lends credence to the application of the plant in traditional medicine as remedy for various infections.
Open Access
Seasonal variation and relative abundance of drainage breeding mosquito species in Imo State, Nigeria
(INNSPUB, 2012) Mgbemena, I. C.; Adjeroh, L. A.; Opara, F. N.; Ezeagwuna, D.; Ebe, T.
An ecological study of drainage - breeding mosquito vectors was conducted in the three urban centers (Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe) of Imo State, Nigeria. Twelve drainage sites located around markets, residence, streams and hotels were selected in each urban centre. Dipping method of sampling was employed and a total of 8,820 mosquitoes comprising eight species namely; Aedes aegypti, Aedes vittatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tigripes, Culex horridus, Culex cinereus, Culex annuliorus and Anopheles gambiae were encountered; in Owerri and Orlu with Cx. cinereus being completely absent in Okigwe. Cx. quinquefasciatus was predominantly present in all drainage sites with the highest occurrence of (372.83) followed by Aedes aegypti (151.17), An .gambiae (78.75), Cx. tigripes (40.25) Ae. vittatus (35.00), Cx. horridus( 22.00), Cx.cinereus( 21.75), Cx. annuliorus (13.25). Of all sites sampled, market drainages had the highest abundance of mosquitoes which was significantly higher than (ANOVA, P 0.05) the residential, stream and hotel drainages. Residential drainages recorded second highest density followed by stream and hotel drainages had the least. The abundance of mosquitoes in Owerri (130.06) the State Capital was significantly higher (ANOVA, P 0.05) than in Orlu (93.44) and Okigwe (52.13). Result of the Pearson correlation (2 - tailed) analysis showed significant correlation between mosquito abundance and rainfall in the three urban centers of Imo State with highest abundance in June. This work has actually provided information on 8 species associated with drains in the State together with the seasonality of these arsenals. During dry months, Culex species were found to be dominant while in rains Aedes and Anopheles. Possibly, effective larviciding against these various species could be targeted in these months.