School of Biological Sciences

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Open Access
Analysis of heavy metals concentration in prawn (Macrobrachium Sp) harveted from Gberikoko River, in Sapele Delta State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015-08) Obasi, kalu O.; Enemchukwu, S.; Okereke, J. N.; Ezeji, E. U.; Oparaigbo, M. I.
The concentrations of selected heavy metals: cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury in prawn (Macrobrachium sp) were analyzed. The morphometric records of the prawn samples were taken. The specimens were subsequently weighed and individually pulverised to a uniform particle size. Ten(10)grams of each pulverised sample were put in a 200ml digestion conical flask, 30ml of aqua regia, which constitutes of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and hydroflouric acid in the ratio 1:3:1 was added and placed uprightly for 10-15 minutes. The mixture was heated in a water bath until the whole sample dissolved and a yellow tint of the solution appeared. The solution was filtered using a filter paper into centrifuge tubes and made up to 50ml mark with deionized water. It was transferred into sample vials for analysis. The heavy metal analysis was done according to the standard methods for heavy metal determination using the FS 240 Varian Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Lead had the highest concentration in sample F and the lowest in sample H, with concentrations of 1.75ppm and 1.54ppm respectively. Also, the prawn samples exhibited the highest record of Mercury and lowest mean value of Arsenic with values of 6.9±3.95and0.00±0.00 respectively. For Mercury, the highest concentrations occurred in sample G and lowest in F, with concentrations of 12.6ppm and 4.1ppm respectively. Arsenic showed its highest concentration in sample F and lowest in sample H with concentrations of 0.65ppm and 0.64ppm, respectively, whereas Cadmium wasn’t detected in any of the samples. From the analysis of data, since F > Fcrit and p < 0.05, there is a significant difference in the mean concentrations of the prawn samples from Gberikoko river in Sapele, Delta State Nigeria.
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
Antifungal properties of Musa paradisiaca (Plantain) peel and stalk extracts
(International Formulae Group, 2012-08) Okorondu, I. S.; Akujobi, C. O.; Akujobi, C. O.
Effect of plantain (Musa paradisiaca (L) AAB genomic group) peel and stalk extracts were investigated using percentage inhibition test. Complete inhibition of growth (100%) was observed for Aspergillusniger, Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus stolonifer at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of stalk extract. Peel extract inhibited A. niger 100%, A. oryzae 76.67% and R. stolonifer 56.67% at the same concentration. As concentration reduces, growth inhibition reduces also up to the minimum inhibitory concentration. The results of this work justify that the plant extracts were able to inhibit and kill the growth of spoilage fungi and this implies that the extract in appropriate doses can be used in food preservation and to treat infections caused by this spoilage fungi. The results further justify the claim that Musa paradisiaca (L) stalk and peel extract demonstrated antifungal action in which methanol was seen to be a better solvent for extracting active ingredients from medicinal plants considering the high susceptibility of test organisms to methanol extract than ethanol extract used in this study. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of hydrogen cyanide, tannin, alkaloid, steroid, saponin and flavonoid. The growth inhibition of A. niger, A. oryzae and R. stolonifer by Musa paradisiaca peel and stalk methanol and ethanol extract in this study suggest the presence of antifungal substance in the plant tissue and the possibility of using the extract to control plant pathogens especially where the spoilage fungi used in this study are involved.
Open Access
Antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas on pathogenic bacteria
(International Formulae Group, 2013-02) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Okorondu, J. N.; Anyado-Nwadike, S. O.
This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Different concentrations of the extracts were subjected to these organisms in which Moringa oleifera showed a higher zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus (2.8 cm) while on E. coli (2.4 cm) while Jatropha curcas showed a higher zone of inhibition on E. coli (2.6 cm) while on S. aureus (1.80 cm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Moringa oleifera extract on E. coli and S. aureus were 0.250 mg/ml and 0.125 mg/ml respectively while MIC of Jatropha curcas extract on test organisms was 0.125 mg/ml. The quantitative phytochemical screening in g/kg revealed the presence of flavonoid 36 and 21, alkaloids 92 and 39, tannins 7.4 and 5.6, saponins 115.0 and 53.5, cyanogenic glycosides 8.4 and 14.5 for M. oleifera and J. curcas respectively. The observed antimicrobial properties could be due to the presence of these bioactive compounds and further substantiates the use of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in medicine. The extracts in correct doses can successfully be used in vivo to inhibit and eventually kill the test bacteria used in this study.
Open Access
Assessment of sullage chemical properties treated with activated carbon from selected agrowastes
(Elixir Publishers, 2019) Nduka, Chidimma Adamma; Okereke, Josephath Nwabueze; Chukwudi, Peter
Sullage was treated with selected carbonized Agro-wastes (rice husk, corn cob and coconut husk). The Agro-wastes were first carbonized at 600oC and chemically activated using phosphoric acid (H3PO4). They were then used as adsorbents for the removal of chemical compounds: pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (PO4-), chloride (Cl-) and sulphate (SO4 2-) from sullage using titration and spectrophotometer methods. Initial concentration of the chemical parameters of sullage samples showed COD to be 486.2±87 mg/l; BOD: 175.0±3.1 mg/l; pH: 7.33±0.1; Cl-: 31.0±5.5 mg/l; NO3-: 28.6±24 ppm; PO4-: 7.08±3.2 ppm and SO4 2-:347.08±67.1 ppm. After treatments, COD ranged from 122.2±10 - 190.5±25 mg/l; BOD: 44.0±3.5 – 68.6.0±9.0 mg/l; pH: 7.08±0.1 - 7.18±0.1; Cl-: 17.28 - 21.13 mg/l; NO3-: 0.0 - 12.79 ppm and SO4 2-: 117.7 - 251.7 ppm. There was significant difference (p≤0.05) between the untreated and the treated sullage samples. The efficiency of the individual adsorbents in absorbing the chemical parameters was of this order: ricehusk>corncob>coconut husk. In combination it was, rice husk+corncob+coconuthusk > ricehusk+corncob > corncob+coconuthusk > ricehusk+coconuthusk. High percentage reduction observed of chemical properties revealed that activated carbons from rice husk, corn cob and coconut husk can be used singly or combined for the purification of sullage.
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
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
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
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
Bacteriological quality of water contaminated with faecal wastes from livestock
(Science Publishing Group, 2015) Anyadoh-Nwadike, S. O.; Okereke, J. N.; Odah, R.; Obijekwu, O.; Okorondu, S. I.; Obasi, K. O.
Water is very important to life but when contaminated, it can be deleterious to life. Livestock from various farms produce large amount of faecal wastes. Most cattle farmers move their animals from place to place around Imo State, Nigeria, in search of pasture, these animals defeacate indiscriminately. Again, many farmers indulge in indiscriminate disposal of animal wastes. These faecal wastes can be carried by runoff water into surrounding water sources causing them to become contaminated. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of possible pathogenic bacteria in water contaminated with poultry litters, cow and pig dungs. Faecal samples from poultry, cows and pigs were collected from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) farm in the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria. The contaminated water samples were examined for the prevalence of bacteria. Isolation and characterization of bacteria were done using standard microbiological protocols. Results revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia amylovora, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella typhi. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent isolate followed by Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. The presence of these organisms of public health importance in water contaminated by livestock faeces calls for continuous surveillance of various water sources prone to faecal contamination. Appropriate treatment and disposal methods of these faecal samples as well as appropriate treatment of water source prone to such contaminants should be adopted so as to avert the possible health hazards resulting from use of water from such contaminated sources.
Open Access
Bioaccumulation of lead by Bacillus species isolated from pig waste
(Ficus Publishers, 2012-02-07) Akujobi, C. O.; Odu, N. N.; Okorondu, S. I.
Heavy metals, such as lead, copper, cadmium, chromium and mercury are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. Living organisms are exposed in nature to lead commonly in their ionized forms, which at different concentrations affect microbial population. Microorganisms are known to interact with heavy metals through a number of mechanisms including intracellular accumulation. Bacillus 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, Bacillus species isolated from pig waste shows a promise for its use in bioremediation of lead polluted environments. 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
Bioelectricity production and treatment of Abattoir wastewater in a ferricyanide catholyte H-type microbial fuel cell
(Society for Advancement of Sciences, 2016) Egbadon, E. O.; Nweke, C. O.; Akujobi, C. O.; Braide, W.; Akaluka, C. K.; Adeleye, S. A.
Dual-chamber Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) were constructed using non-reactive polyacrylic containers of 1100ml with a working volume of 1000ml. 1000ml of the abattoir wastewater was fed into the anode chamber while equal volume 100mM Potassium Ferricyanide solution was fed into the cathode chamber. An Agar-salt Bridge (2% Agar and 1% NaCl) with dimension 10cm×3cm (length and radius) served as Proton Exchange Membrane. Rod-shaped carbon electrodes of length and diameter 12 cm × 1.2 cm were used. The Open circuit voltage, current, power density and physicochemical parameters were monitored. An initial Open circuit voltage of 459 mV, Current of 0.22 mA, and Power density of 22.10mW/m2 were recorded, which increased to give maximum Open Circuit Voltages of 736 mV, Current of 0.46mA, and Power density of 66.43mW/m2.The results also shows a 56.09%, 92.31%, 56.27%, 89.92%, 73.29% and 75.46% decrease for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Organic Carbon, Total Soluble solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, and Nitrate-Nitrogen respectively, while a -3.58%, -3.51%, -4.21%, -228.76%, -226.07% and -226.16% increase was observed for Phosphates, Phosphorus, Orthophosphates, Ammonia, Ammonium Nitrogen and Ammonium respectively. The bacterial isolates identified were Bacillus species, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Open Access
Biosorption of Cd and Pb in textile effluent using musasapientum (Banana) peels
(U. P., 2016-06) Okereke, J. N.; Ogidi, O. I.; Obasi, K. O.
Abstract: The efficacy of using Musasapientum (banana) peels was tested for the removal of Cd and Pbusing batch experiments from textile industrial effluent. Standard spectophotometric techniques using AAS were adopted to assess the concentrations of the heavy metals before and after treatment of effluent with the biosorbent (banana peels). Metal sorption increased proportionally with the equilibrium metal concentration. The adsorption capacity of banana peels on the metal ions was of the order: Cd >Pb, with percentage removal of metal ions as 99.93% for Cd and 99.64% for Pb. Biosorption equilibrium isotherms were plotted for metal uptake capacity (q) against residual metal concentration (Cf) in the sample and mathematically expressed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The values of separation factor were between zero and one, indicating favorable sorption for the two metals (Cd and Pb) on the biosorbent. Peels of M. sapientum showed comparable biosorption capacity for Cadmium and Lead with other types of biosorbent materials found in literature and are cost effective, economical and eco-friendly in removal of these heavy metals from textile effluent sample.
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
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 study of effects of electrode materials and catholyte on simultaneous generation of bioelectricity and waste water treatment
(Science Publishing Group, 2017-01-24) Anuforo, Henry Uzoma; Ogbulie, Tochukwu Ekwutosi; Akujobi, Campbell Onyeka
Improvement of the parameters which limit the harvest of energy in microbial fuel cell (MFC) is paramount to increase its output and promote commercial application of the technology. Six dual chamber MFCs with either potassium permanganate or potassium ferricyanide as electron acceptor and various combinations of carbon and copper rods as electrodes produced maximum open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.97V, 1.23V, 1.34V, 0.75V, 1.03V and 0.63V. The power density (at Rext = 1000Ω), which increased with decreasing external resistance until 200Ω beyond which it decreased, peaked at 79.27mW/m2 (105.7mA/m2), 156.32mW/m2 (148.4mA/m2), 92.29mW/m2 (114.0mA/m2), 60.94mW/m2 (92.6mA/m2), 39.94mW/m2(75.0mA/m2) and 14.21mW/m2(44.70mA/m2) for the MFCs. Similarly, coulombic efficiency (CE) were 69%, 84%, 74%, 76%,72% and 5.10%, while COD removal were 65%, 51%, 47%, 83%, 48% and 49%. Above results indicated that potassium permanganate outperformed potassium ferricyanide, while use of carbon as both electrodes was better than other blends copper and/or carbon used in the study. Lactobacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Aeromonas spp., Micrococcus lyteus, Corynebacterium spp.,Cladosporium, Aspergillus versicolour, Candida albicans, A. flavus, Aspergillus nidulans, Trichoderma spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus were microorganisms isolated from the piggery wastewater. Further studies using cheaper, more sustainable materials with better effects on the setup are necessary.
Open Access
Concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury in the soft tissue of periwinkle (Tympanotonus Fuscata Var. Radula) in Eagle Island River, Rivers State, Nigeria
(Centre of Professional Research, 2015-10) Obasi, K. O.; Chinedu, K.; Okereke, J. N.; Udebuani, A. C.; Ezeji, E. U.; Anyadoh, S. N.
The concentrations of some heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in the soft tissues of periwinkle Tympanotonos fuscatus var. radula obtained from Eagle Island River in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were studied. It was an analytical study in which an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (series 240 varian) was used to establish the concentrations of the metals. The mean concentration of metals recorded were Hg (2.10ppm), Cd (0.067ppm), Pb (2.00ppm) and As (1.26ppm). There was no significant relationship (at α0.05) between the concentrations of the heavy metals in the sampled organisms. Considering the neurotoxic effects of some heavy metals, it becomes imperative to regularly monitor heavy metal concentrations in sea foods in order to ensure the safety of such food for public consumption
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
Effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens
(Academic Journals, 2016-04) Ezeji, Ethelbert Uchechukwu; Udebuani, Angela Chika; Okereke, Josephath; Anyadoh-Nwadike, Sylvia; Onwurah, Ikechukwu. N. E.; Obasi, Kalu
The effect of dichlorvos on reproductive performance of laying hens was studied. Seven weeks old pullets with an average weight of 557.5 ± 9.5 g were divided into four groups and fed ad libitum with commercial poultry feeds contaminated with 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04% dichlorvos (w/v). The group without dichlorvos served as the control. Exposure to dichlorvos was continued until nine weeks after the hens started laying eggs. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in feed intake between the control group and those exposed to dichlorvos. Egg laying was delayed in the hens exposed to the pesticide by as much as eighteen weeks. The ages of the hens at first egg lay were 18 weeks for the control, 23 weeks for hens fed on 0.01 and 0.02% contaminated diet and 36 weeks for those fed on 0.04% contaminated diet. The average daily egg production was reduced from 5 eggs in the control group to 1 egg in 0.04% contaminated group. The protein contents of the egg (yolk and egg-white) and cholesterol level of the egg yolk were lowered in birds exposed to dichlorvos. There was no significant difference in the weight of eggs between the control and those exposed to pesticide. Results of this study suggest that exposure of laying hens to dichlorvos could affect their reproductive success.
Open Access
Effect of dichlorvos on the fertility of adult male albino rats
(Science Publication, 2015) Ezeji, Ethelbert Uchechukwu; Ogueri, Oluchi Dominica; Udebuani, Angela Chika; Okereke, Josephath N; Obasi, Kalu O
Continuous use of pesticides could have adverse effects on the reproductive functions of humans and non-target organisms. This study was carried out to examine the effect of dichlorvos on the reproductive parameters of adult male albino rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar albino rats weighing between 130 – 225g were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Three groups were given water contaminated with 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05% dichlorvos (DDVP) respectively. The control group was given distilled water without dichlorvos. All the animals were maintained on commercial animal feed (growers mash) throughout the period of the experiment which lasted for 28 days. There were significant reductions (p<0.05) in testosterone levels in rats exposed to dichlorvos. Testicular weight (testis and epididymis) and sperm count were significantly lowered in rats exposed to dichlorvos. Histological examination of the testes revealed levels of distortions in the cells of the seminiferous tubules as well as hypertrophy of the spermatogonia cells. These results show that dichlorvos has adverse effects in the reproductive functions of male albino rats.