School of Biological Sciences

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Open Access
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV patients in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
(Esxon, 2012-12-24) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ebe, T.; Adjeroh, L. A.; Mbakwe, O. L.
One hundred (100) HIV seropositive patients were compared with thirty seronegative patients with respect to the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Stool samples were collected and examined for parasites using direct saline/lodine (wet mount preparation), formol-ether concentration method and Modified Acid Fast Stain (AFS), their HIV status was also confirmed with standard diagnostic kit by serological methods. 64% and 23.3% of HIV seropositive and seronegative patients respectively were found to have intestinal. Parasites identified included Gardia lambli, Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Isospora belli, Hookworm and Entamoeba coli among which Entamoeba coli (34.4%) had the highest occurrence in the seropostive patients. Gardia lambli, Hookworms and Isospora belli were not observed in the seronegative patients. Infection was higher in younger age group (21 – 40 years). There was no significant difference in the degree of infection between male and female HIV seropositive patients (P≥0.05). Protozoan parasites (71.9%) had more prevalence than Helminth parasites (28.1%) in both HIV seropositive and seronegative patients. Results of this study recommend that HIV infection increases the risk of acquiring intestinal parasites. Therefore patients with HIV infection should be regularly examined with stool microscopy for early detection and treatment of parasitic infection so as to minimize the chances of these parasites adding to the complications associated HIV cases.
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
Physicochemical and microbial characterization of Somberiro River in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
(INNSPUB, 2012) Mgbemena, I. C.; Okechukwu, I. J.; Onyemekara, N. N.; Nnokwe, J. C.
A total of six water samples collected at three different stations from Somberiro River were analyzed for the physico – chemical and bacteriological parameters. The physico – chemical parameters recorded highest concentration in site A except in conductivity while Phosphate, Potassium and Nitrate were found higher in site C and site B recorded highest in Chloride. Almost all the parameters were within WHO/FEPA limits except color which was 20, 195, 35, and 16co-pt in sites A, B, D and F respectively. Turbidity 72F.T.U was above the EPA/WHO stipulated range in site A Bacteriological analysis of the water samples using standard methods of isolation of bacteria on the different media gave a total of seven genera of bacteria comprising of Staphylocccus aureus, Eschericia coli, Bacillus species, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus roseus, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella species. Nutrient agar gave highest heterotrophic counts ranging from 5.7×106 - 2.22×107 with 19 bacterial isolates. The coliform forming unit per ml (CFU/ml) of bacterial isolates on MCA ranging from 2.9 ×105 - 1.44 ×106 produced a total of 18 isolates and the SSA ranged from 3.35×104 1.56×105giving a total of 12 bacterial isolates. These heterotrophic colonial counts of bacterial isolates in these media were all above EPA permissible limits. Three genera of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella species isolated from this river are all of medical importance. They are coliform bacteria whose presence in water shows faecal contamination. Therefore their presence is an indication that this river is polluted and not good for usage.
Open Access
Microbiological quality of sachet and bottled water produced and marketed around Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina
Three methods of bacteriological analysis of the water samples, namely total viable count, multiple tube (most probable number) method and membrane filtration analysis, were used for this study. The bacterial organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Eschericia coli, Enterobacter spp and Salmonella spp. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts in sachet water sample ranged between 15 and 190 ml-1 and the Geometric Mean total heterotrophic counts varied from the lowest in Divine water (7. 45 ml-1) to the highest in Deogratias pure water (1.95 × 10-2 ml-1). Two brands of bottled water were found to contain total coliform that ranged between 1 and 120 100 ml-1. Geometric mean coliform counts varied from the lowest in Crystal water (4.23, 100 ml-1) to the highest count in Vriis water (2.04 × 10-2, 100 ml-1). These levels particularly those of sachet water samples far exceeded the limits of EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels(MCLs) of <1.0×102 of heterotrophic count in drinking water as stipulated by USEPA. The two groups of water samples (sachet and bottled waters) were found not to be satisfactory. It is therefore recommended that the enforcement agencies in the country (NAFDAC) and the Ministry of Health need to get the producers of packaged water to comply with the national drinking water guidelines while communities on their part should be educated and enlightened on the ill effects of patronizing fake vendors.
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
Distribution and occurrence of mosquito species in the Municipal Areas of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2012) Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina; Ebe, Tochi
A study of the ecology of drainage breeding mosquito vectors was conducted in the three urban centers (Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe) of Imo State, Nigeria. Four drainage sites located around markets, residential, stream and hotel premises 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,474(50.74%) followed by Aedes aegypti 1814 (20.57%), An .gambiae 945(10.71%), Cx. tigripes 484 (5.48%) Ae. vittatus 420 (4.76%), Cx. horridus 264 (02.99%), Cx. cinereus 261 (2.96%), Cx. annuliorus 159 (1.88%). Of all sites sampled, market drainages had the highest abundance of mosquitoes which was significantly higher than (ANOVA, P≤ 0.05) those found in the residential, streams and hotel premises. Residential drainages recorded the second highest density followed by stream/vegetation drainages and hotel drainages which had the least. The abundance and distribution of mosquitoes in Owerri (130.06) the State Capital was significantly higher (ANOVA, P≤ 0.05) than those for Orlu (93.44) and Okigwe (52.13). The mosquito species identified in this study are of public health importance and there is an urgent need to desilt and clean up these drainages for free flow of water. This will not only rid these species of breeding sites but also free the State of the diseases associated with these organisms.
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.
Open Access
Asymptomatic malaria among students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016-09-05) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ezea, C. O.; Ebe, T. E.; Nwachukwu, A. A.; Nwannah, A. L.
The study aimed at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among students of Federal University of Technology Owerri, was carried out between July and September 2015. Blood samples of 160 students who lived both in school hostels and off campus residents were examined using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. A total of 40 students (25%) were infected with Plasmodium falciparium, with an overall asymptomatic case of 11.25%. Students of age 16-22 years had the highest prevalence of 28.28%, with an asymptomatic case of 46.43%, age group 23-29 years had a prevalence of 19.67%, with an asymptomatic case of 41.67%. It was observed that male students had the higher prevalence of 26.15%, with an asymptomatic case of 47.06%, while that of the females was 24.21%, with an asymptomatic case of 43.48%. On the relationship of malaria parasites and genotype, students with genotype ‘AA’ had an infection rate of 27.69%, with an asymptomatic case of 47.22% and students with genotype ‘AS’ had a prevalence of 13.33% with an asymptomatic case of 25%. The result shows that students with blood group O had highest prevalence of 60%, with an asymptomatic case of 61.1%. Blood group A has a prevalence of 27.5% with an asymptomatic case of 27.8%, and Blood group B has a prevalence of 12.5%, with an asymptomatic case of 11.1%, while blood group AB which was 5.62% of the study population had no case of prevalence. Asymptomatic malaria is prevalent in this community as reflected in this study; this could impact negatively on the health of the population. More efforts are needed to encourage public enlightenment on malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Open Access
Phytochemical characterization and insecticidal property of Jatropha plant
(Global Journals Inc. (USA), 2016) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ebe, T. E.; Ezea, C. O.; Irokanjo, C. E.; Okechukwu, R. I.
Phytochemical analysis on the pulverized leaf sample of Jatropha curcas as well as the insecticidal activity of the ethanolic leaf extract on Callosobruchus maculatus was carried out. The study investigated the mortality rate as a result of treatment of grains with the leaf extract at different dilutions of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mg/ml. These were tested against C. maculatus by treating 20g of bean sample with the extract and then infesting each in a plastic container with 20 adults of the insect and the untreated grains were used as the control. The plant extract resulted in a significant increase (P<0.001) in adult mortality at the end of 96 hours but there was no significance difference (P=0.084) after 24 hours. The result had a general dose-response characteristic. There was also significant variation in the phytochemical composition of the plant leaf. Compaared to other phytochemicals, the concentration of saponin and tannin were higher in the plant leaf.
Open Access
Bacterialogical and parasitological assessment of fresh meat marketed in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015) Mgbemena, I. C.; Ebe, T.; Nnadozie, A. I.; Iloanya, U. C.
The bacteriological and parasitological assessment of some fresh meat marketed in Owerri, South – eastern, Nigeria was carried out using standard bacteriological and parasitological methods. The meat samples used for the study were flesh, towel, intestine and liver from goat, pork and chicken. There was no fungal and Salmonella - Shigella counts in all the samples. The presence of Staphylococcus count was obtained in fresh goat meat and the viable bacterial counts ranged from 5.0× 105cfi/ml to 8.0× 106 cfu/ml while the total coliform counts ranged from 1.0× 105(cfu/ml to 4.0×106cfu/ml. The bacterial isolates obtained were: Staphylococcus aereus, Micrococcus species, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Corynebacterium species, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Bacillus species and Escherichia coli with Micrococcus species showing the highest occurrence. Among the parasites identified, Taenia spp had the highest occurrence. These organisms are known to be of public health importance and therefore, there is need for proper hygienic practices to be observed by the butchers in addition to beefing up the activities of Consumers Protection Council (CPC) to ensure the safety of meat available for public consumption.
Open Access
Sampling of adult mosquito using human bait method, spray-sheet method and the CDC light trap
(Global Institute of Research & Education, 2015) Mgbemena, I. C.; Adjeroh, L. A.; Ebe, T.
Mosquito sampling in the Alulu-Nike community in Enugu East Local Goverment Area of Enugu state was performed using the human bait method, the CDC-light trap method and the spray sheet collections. The CDC-Light trap placed outdoor and the Spray sheet collection spread with a residual deltamethrin formulation were compared with the Human landing catch in the five locations. A total of 275 mosquitoes were collected and identified and they comprised of the three mosquito genera: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex, and seven species (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes africanus, Aedes taylori, Aedes luteocephalus, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus). Specifically, the occurrence of the species encountered included Aedes aegypti 63, Aedes albopictus 29, Aedes taylori 2, Aedes africanus 33, Aedes luteocephalus19, Anopheles gambiae 27, and Culex quinquefasciatus 102 with means of 156.0 mosquitoes for human bait catch, 103.0 mosquitoes for Spray sheet method and 16.0 mosquitoes for the CDC-light trap method. Among the studied locations, Umuogbe showed the highest mosquito abundance (80.00) compared to other areas, Umuchuba also have more mosquito abundance (65.00) which was significantly different from that of Enugwu (54.00 mosquitoes) and Negbune (45.00 mosquitoes), the least mosquito populated area according to this research was Amabo which collected only (34.00) mosquitoes. The Human landing catch showed a more efficient and reliable collection for mosquitoes than others but for ethical reasons spray sheet method should be used as in carrying out surveillance in this community because it demonstrated a good correlation with the human landing catch. A standardized evaluation of more promising methods for capturing host-seeking mosquitoes should also be considered in this community.
Open Access
Germicidal activities of some selected disinfectants on staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli
(Medwin Publishers, 2020-06-16) Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina
The germicidal efficacy of four common disinfectants used for different purposes was tested against two common pathogens namely Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The disinfectants (Dettol, Jik, Izal and Purit) were diluted with sterile distilled water to achieve different concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25%) and they were tested on the two organisms using Agar well diffusion method. The plates were allowed to incubate for 24 hours at 37℃.The germicidal efficiency of the disinfectants was evaluated by measuring the zone of inhibition of each disinfectant based on their varying concentrations. Dettol was observed to have the highest inhibition at 100% concentration and was more germicidal on E. coli than S. aureus with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of 1:16 dilution against the two test organisms. This was closely followed by Jik which also showed more inhibitory activity against E. coli at the initial concentration recording the second highest inhibition rate compared to other disinfectants, but its efficacy decreased as the concentration dropped. Jik exhibited MIC value of 1:8 and 1:2 dilutions for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. Purit showed more inhibitory activity on S. aureus with 3.8mm zone of inhibition as against 1.3mm at 100% concentration, recording MIC value of 1:8 dilution on S. aureus and 1:16 dilution for E. coli. The disinfectant Izal was observed to be the lowest as it did not inhibit the growth of any of the organisms, indicating resistance of the organisms to the disinfectant at all concentrations. All the disinfectants apart from Izal inhibited the two test isolates. Only Dettol proved to be best among them. Therefore, Dettol is encouraged to be used in homes to prevent pathogenic infection.
Open Access
Evaluation of toxicological effects ethanol extracts of mimosa pudica in adult male albino rats
(U. P., 2018) Ugenyi, Assumpta U.; Ozoh, Pactrick. O.; Ukwandu, N. C.; Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa C.; Okorie, Chioma C.; Onyeocha, Ignatius O.
This study evaluated the in vivo toxicity effect of ethanolic extracts of Mimosa pudica in adult male albino rats. Acute toxicity test was carried out with Lorke′s method. Fifteen male rats weighing 130-160 g were used for the sub-chronic study. The rats were divided into three groups 1-3 (n=5), Group 3 served as control, Groups 1 and 2 received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight doses of the extracts respectively. Acute toxicity test carried out showed that the leaf extracts of M. pudica at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg produced treatment- related signs of toxicity and mortality in the test animals. The LD50 of this plant extract was 3808 kg/mg which is less than 5000 kg/kg. Sub-chronic oral toxicity study, the administration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of M. pudica extracts per body weight revealed significant increase (p ˂0.05) in the mean body weight, no significant difference (p˃0.05) for liver and renal function, oxidative stress and cardiac function, heamatological parameters, relative organ weight of the rats compared to the control groups. Biochemical parameters significantly increased (p˂0.05) in a dose dependent manner while haematological parameters significantly decreased (p˃0.05). Mild infiltration of the inflammatory cells and necrosis of the organs were observed. The use of leaf extracts of M. pudica is safe but intake of high doses and prolonged use may cause organ toxicity.
Open Access
Study on the effects of hydraulic dredging and disposal operations on water quality of Nworie River, South-Eastern Nigeria
(Science Publishing Group, 2017-03-11) Udensi, Justina Ugochi; Ogbulie, Ekwutosi Tochukwu; Emeka-Nwabunnia, Ijeoma; Chikezie, Nkeiruka Uche; Godson, Ugochukwu Mmasi; Nwaku, Awurum Ivy; Mgbemena, Ifeyinwa Celestina
A study was done to ascertain the effect of hydraulic dredging and spoils disposal on the physicochemical parameters of Nworie River. The study was carried out from July 2010 to January, 2012. Water samples were collected prior to, during and monitored several months after dredging. The samples were collected from 5 stations: station 1 was the dredging point, stations 2 and 3 were 250m and 500m upstream of the point, while and stations 4 and 5 were 250m and 500m downstream of it respectively. The physicochemical parameters of the water were analysed prior to dredging and most of the values obtained were within acceptable limit of established water standards. The pH was within the range of 6.5-7.8, Temperature 27.6-29.9°C, Conductivity 34-196µs/cm, Turbidity 0-76NTU, TDS 22.1-127.4 mg/l, TSS 9-51 mg/l, Nitrate 1.2- 33.6mg/l, Phosphate 0.2-3.7mg/l, Sulphate 0- 33 mg/l, Dissolved Oxygen 4.3-9.4 mg/L and BOD5 2.5 - 7.9 mg/l. During the dredging, the water physicochemistry changed: pH values decreased drastically to 4.6, DO to 1.3mg/l, Nitrate to 1.2 mg/l. Temperature increased to 30. 2°C, Turbidity 620NTU, TSS 349mg/L, Conductivity 498µs/cm, TDS 249 mg/l, BOD5 19.1mg/l, Sulphate 33mg/l and Phosphate was 0.92mg/l. Three months after the dredging, the values for the parameters returned to their pre-dredging concentrations, however during rainy season, as the leachates and silts from the spoils were washed into the river, this prolonged the recovery of the river system to 9 months. This implies that the effect of dredging on the river is of short term but the disposal of the excavated materials at the river bank compounded and prolonged these impacts.
Open Access
Knowledge, attitude and practice of malaria control among FUTO students
(Medwin Publishers, 2020-04-23) Mgbemena, I. C.; Nzenwa, D. C.; Nwannah, A. L.
This study to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of malaria control among students of Federal University of Technology of Owerri living in and outside the campus, was carried out between July and September 2018. A total of 160 students were randomly sampled with the use of structured questionnaires as well as giemsa stained thin and thick films to determine the prevalence of malaria. Among this number, 25% (40/160) of the students were infected with Plasmodium falciparium. The highest prevalence of 52% (13/25) was recorded among students living in the school hostel. Based on the questionnaire analysis, 96.25% of the students indicated mosquito bite as the cause of malaria, while 3.13% of them said malaria is caused by too much consumption of oil. There is a great disparity on the knowledge of the method of diagnosis with a total of 29.38% of the students preferring self-diagnosis, 17.5% stated microscopy, 11.88% RDT, while a greater percentage of them 41.25% do not have idea about any method of diagnosis. For control measures, 46.9% of the students do not practice any control measure against malaria. A whopping 56.9% of the students’ population takes antimalarial only when they are diagnosed. Some of the students do not fancy the relevance of going for laboratory diagnosis. Based on that, a total of 29.38% of the students rated that it is “barely important” going to laboratory, while 10.63% rated “not important”, although a good number (60%) believes on the importance of going for laboratory diagnosis by rating “very importance”. However, there seems to be a high level of knowledge about the cause of malaria among the students but the attendant knowledge of diagnosis and practice of control measures are lacking, as a result, this could impact negatively on the health of the students. Greater awareness is needed in order to improve knowledge on the importance of laboratory diagnosis and malaria control which can take care of their attitudes towards malaria. Attitude basically is always influenced by beliefs and existing bodies of knowledge.
Open Access
Hydrocarbon degradation potential by soil bacteria using vapour-phase and spectrophotometric methods
(U. P., 2020) Azuwike, C. O.; Ahumibe, N. C.; Mgbemena, I. C.; Nwanaforo, M.; Braide, W.
Crude and refined oil contamination is inevitable is oil producing communities. The attendant effects of environmental degradation and low crop yield had remain a burden to mankind. Soils from oil polluted areas were assessed microbiologically using vapour phase and spectrophotometric methods. This study assessed bacteria with capabilities of utilizing diesel, toluene and kerosene as sole source of carbon for growth. Culturing and sub-culturing was done in nutrient agar and Bushnell Haas Agar (BHA).Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus fecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant microorganisms isolated from the samples locations. The standard plate counts for each source of sample include FA1 (2.80 × 106), FA2 (1.50 ×106), MW1 (3.80 × 106), MW2 (1.7 × 106), FS1 (1.22 × 107), and FS2 (1.30 × 103). Spectrophotometric reading showed visible growth/turbidity in tubes labeled MW1bT, MW1bK, MW1bdD, FS2bD, and FS2bT. The growth of bacteria was observed from visible increase of turbidity and was enumerate by CFU/ml. Among isolates, Bacillus subtilis exhibited relatively higher ability to grow on the three hydrocarbons. Microorganisms have metabolic capabilities to utilize the carbon compounds and degrade them to innocuous by-products. These abilities can be targeted for bioremediation purposes.
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
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
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
Prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity profile of urinary tract infection pathogens among pregnant and non pregnant women
(International Formulae Group, 2013-08) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Nnadi, C. B.; Anyado-Nwadike, S. O.; Okorondu, M. M. O.
The prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity profile of urinary tract infection isolates from 100 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Owerri General Hospital, Nigeria was assessed. The prevalence of UTI isolates from the pregnant women was compared with that in non-pregnant women. The organisms isolated include: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp and Streptococcus spp. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates were also determined using disk diffusion test. One hundred (100) women were tested; 40% had bacteriuria as against 31% in non-pregnant women. The most sensitive isolate was E. coli, while the least was Streptococcus spp. The most effective antibiotics were Gentamycin, Tarivid and Ciprofloxacin, while the least occurred with Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin, Septrin, Ampiclox. Improvement on personal hygiene and diagnostic screening and treatment will help to reduce the prevalence of bacteriuria in pregnancy. There is also the need for regular antibiotic survey as this will ensure up to date information on the usefulness of the various antibiotics to treat infection thereby avoiding drug resistance as a result of continuous usage of drugs that are not sensitive to some microorganisms.