School of Biological Sciences

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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
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
Toxicity of binary mixtures of phenol, zinc and cadmium to yeast strains isolated from hydrocarbon impacted soil
(U. P., 2020-04-23) Nlemolisa, O. R.; Nwanyanwu, C. E.; Akujuobi, C. O.; Ihenetu, F. C.; Nwokorie, R. C.; Obasi, C. C.; Kemka, N. U.; Uzoho, K. H.; Nwoke, M. C.
Toxicity of zinc, cadmium and phenol and their binary mixtures were determined based on inhibition of dehydrogenase activities of yeasts strains isolated from hydrocarbon impacted soil. The yeasts isolated from the hydrocarbon impacted soil were identified as Saprochaete sp. and Cryptococcus sp. The toxicity of chemicals and their mixtures were evaluated in the concentration range of 0 - 16 mM for phenol, 0 - 5 mM for zinc and 0 - 0.4 mM for cadmium. The binary mixture ratios were evaluated. The toxicity thresholds (IC50) were estimated using 3-parameter logistic dose-response model. The IC50 shows that cadmium has the highest toxic effect on the yeasts with IC50 value of 0.075 mM for Saprochaete sp. and 0.09 mM for Cryptococcus sp. The binary toxicity of the mixtures on the enzyme activity of the yeasts was evaluated with toxic index (TI) model. Modulation of the toxic interactions by the components of the mixtures through synergistic, additive and antagonistic interactions on the heavy metals and phenol were possible against the dehydrogenase activity of the yeasts. However, the toxic effects of phenol and heavy metals would depend on their relative amount present in the environment.
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
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
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
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
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
Extraction of bioethanol from pretreated sawdust
(U. P., 2020-06) Ajah, Chinonye Peace; Akujobi, Campbell; Wesley, Braide
In this study, optimization of brix conversion of wood shavings by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. Wood shavings were collected from timber shade at Naze, Owerri Imo state. Chemical pretreatment and hydrolysis was evaluated. Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used as the isolate for fermentation. A five factor box behnken design was used. The effect of incubation temperature(30-40oC), inoculum size(0.85),incubation time (72-120hours), wood concentration( 10-20g), and NaOH concentration (3.5-4.5%) were studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Brix concentration was used as a response in the resulting experimental design. The statistical analysis of the constructed model developed by RSM suggested that linear effects of NaOH concentration and wood concentration were both significant (p<0.05) for biomass converted. The optimum conditions for the conversion of brix are wood concentration of 15.66g, NaOH concentration of 4.47%, inoculum size of 0.85, incubation time of 72hours and incubation temperature of 40oC. Ethanol yield obtained was 1.68-2.25%. At these conditions, the isolate used was able to convert 60.97% of the brix in the wood extract to ethanol.
Open Access
Parametric optimization of synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Mangifera indica and Prunus dulcis extracts and their antibacterial activity
(University of Oradea Publishing House, 2020) Akujobi, Campbell Onyeka; Anuforo, Henry Uzoma; Okereke, Josephat Nwabueze; Ibeh, Chinyere; Agbo, Chioma Joy
Optimization of process parameters is crucial to the deployment of nanotechnology as a competitive source of novel materials to many fields. The present study has lent credence to the simplicity, environmental friendly, cost effective and quick potentials of using plant extracts as source of capping and stabilization agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Aqueous leaf extracts of Mangifera indica and Prunus dulcis were used in synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The study was designed with Box Behnken Design (Minitab® 17) to optimize temperature (25 – 35°C), pH (6 – 8) and time of reaction (6 – 24hours). Fifteen runs were obtained for each sample which determined the value of each parameter used for the synthesis. Results obtained were subjected to Response Optimizer (Minitab® 17) which predicted optimum conditions for synthesis of silver nanoparticles as 25°C at pH 8 and 10.24 hours with predicted maximum yield of 2.53 for Prunus dulcis. However, the actual yield of silver nanoparticles under these conditions was 2.64. For Mangifera indica leaf extract, the predicted optimum conditions were 31.4°C at pH of 8.0 and 9.39 hours with predicted maximum yield of 2.55. Nevertheless, the actual yield under the optimum conditions was 2.61. Results show that Prunus dulcis extract has relatively higher potential yield for silver nanoparticles than Mangifera indica extracts. UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed that the absorbance for synthesized silver nanoparticles using both plant extracts peaked between 400 – 430nm. Silver nanoparticles from both plants showed activity against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, though B. subtilis was more sensitive. However, silver nanoparticle from Prunus dulcis was less effective against the bacteria.
Open Access
Level of heavy metals in soil samples from farmlands along highways in parts of Owerri, Nigeria
(U. P., 2019-07) Okereke, J. N.; Nduka, J. N.; Ukaoma, A. A.; Ogidi, I. O.
The research was designed to ascertain the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd) in soil samples from farmlands along highways in parts of Owerri. Soil samples were collected from cassava farms along three major roads with high traffic density and a rural road that served as control location, for possible heavy metals contamination due to vehicular emission. Standard laboratory procedures were adopted to determine the concentration of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Contamination factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index were mathematically calculated. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of metals in soil samples in mg/kg ranged from 3.00 – 6.31 for Cu; Pb, 0.09 – 4.00; Zn, 3.97 – 8.59; Ni, 0.001 – 0.96; and Cd, 0.31 – 0.79. These metals showed decrease in concentrations with increase in distance away from the highway. The values of contamination factor (CF) were low except for Cd and Pollution Load Index (PLI) for all soil studied showed no sign of pollution. There was no correlation between traffic density and concentration of heavy metal in soil except for Cd (Rs= 0.800). The overall results showed evidence of some heavy metal pollution on the soils with possible cumulative effect over time.
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
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
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
Efficiency of water-purifying devices used in homes and industries
(U. P., 2013-12-28) Okereke, J. N.; Nnoli, M. C.; Okereke, C. B. N.; Ahumibe, N. C.
The use of water-purifying devices are gaining popularity, as many homes and industries are using them to treat water for dinking. However, most of the users do not know much about the performance/efficiency of these devices, hence this investigation. Efficiency of water-purifying devices were evaluated to determine their efficiencies in treating water consumed by people. Raw water samples from groundwater source, borehole (a major source of drinking water) in Owerri, Nigeria were treated using commonly used water treatment devices: resin ion-exchanger, sand-bed filter, activated carbon filter, micron filter, reverse osmosis membrane filter, ozonator, and UV-sterilizer. The resulting purified water samples were labeled, and each were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses using APHA (2006) water analysis method. Raw water (control) sample had pH value of 6.7 while the pH values of treated water samples fell within 6.9 – 7.1. Turbidity value of control sample was 6.0 NTU with other samples recording 4.0 NTU and below. Total heterotophic bacteria count and total coliforms counts of the raw water sample were 4.0 x 102 CFU/ml and 2.2 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively, but were below 2.5 x 102 CFU/ml and 1.9 x 102 CFU/100ml respectively in some of the treated samples, and nil in others. The overall efficiency of the treatment devices were of the order: Reverse osmosis membrane filter (76.25%) > UV-sterilizer (72.24%) > micron filter (65.85%) > Ozonator (62.97%) > Activated carbon filter (51.86%) > Resin ion-exchanger (46.67%) > Sand-bed filter (43.55%). This implies that not all water treatment devices used in homes and indutries are efficient enough to yield qualitative drinking water for unsuspecting users.
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.
Open Access
Effects of anthropogenic activities on soil carbon storage and compactness in coastal plain soil of tropical urban area
(U. P., 2015-11) Udebuani, A. C.; Obasi, K. O.; Ezeji, E. U.; Okereke, J. N.; Anyado, S. O.; Dike-Ndudim, J. N.; Enekwu, E. C.
The study on the impact of anthropogenic activities of a tropical urban soil; effects of different land use on bulk density, relative bulk density and their capacity to store carbon were investigated using several key soil physical and chemical properties such as ammonium acetate methods used for determination of cation exchange capacity. Results obtained showed the soil textural class to be sandy in all the land used area. Moisture content and porosity were highest in the automobile servicing area. Bulk density (1.50g/cm3) and relative bulk density (0.82g/cm3) were highest in soil samples from commercial area. Automobile servicing area had the lowest soil pH (5.1), compared to other land use areas, which had it pH ranging from 6.2 – 7.5. The highest value of exchangeable base was obtained also from automobile servicing area compared to other anthropogenic active areas. There is a considerable variation in the total carbon storage from different land uses with the highest carbon storage obtained from automobile servicing area (570.5 g/cm3), this is followed by soil samples from commercial areas (370.0 g/cm3). The lowest value of carbon storage was obtained from institutional area. The major effect of anthropogenic activity is on soil organic matter (OM); therefore, the degree of compactness was as a result of the impact on organic matter. Result of this present investigation shows that anthropogenic activities in urban environment affect the compactness and carbon storage of soil.
Open Access
Physico-chemical and bacteriological assessement of Oyibo River in Ehime Mbano, Imo State
(U. P., 2015) Okereke, J. N.; Okanume, J. N.; Okereke, C. B. N.
The physico-chemical and bacteriological assessement of Oyibo river, Ehime Mbano, was carried out between 2011 and 2012. Considering the communities that make use of this river for different purposes, water samples were collected from four different sampling points along the river and subjected to physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses. Pour plate method was adopted to determine total heterotrophic bacteria, and membrane filtration technique, for total coliforms and E. coli counts. Standard procedures for water analysis by APHA were adopted for the determination of physical and chemical parameters. Atomic Absorption Spectrophptometer (AAS) was used to analyze for heavy metals. The average values of total heterotrophic bacteria were 5.8 x 103 cfu/ml and 1.51 x 103 cfu/ml for rainy and dry seasons respectively. Average values for total coliforms and E. coli counts were 33.75 cfu/100ml and 6 cfu/100ml for rainy season, and 17.38 cfu/100ml and 4 cfu/100ml for dry season. Bacterial isolates included E. coli, Salmonella spp, Lactobacilli spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Proteus spp, and Pseudomonas spp. In all the water samples, the pH values ranged from 6.04– 6.52. Average values of total hardness for rainy and dry seasons were 5.90mg/l and 5. 43mg/l respectively. The concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, chloride, and sulphate ranged from 0.00 16.40mg/l; 0.01– 1.24mg/l; 0.13– 0.35mg/l; 0.00– 15.95mg/l respectively. Average COD, BOD and DO values were 5.63mg/l, 2.07mg/l, and 3.17mg/l in dry season, and 9.24mg/l, 1.77mg/l, and 4.26mg/l in rainy season. The values of heavy metals during the rains were within the range of 0.0008ppm– 1.5605ppm, but 0.0001ppm– 0.0339ppm, in dry season. There were no significant differences in some bacteriological and chemical properties with season, but the physical parameters such as depth, flow rate, pH, and turbidity were, at p ˂ 0.05. The study revealed that Oyibo River is not safe for drinking (inasmuch as it serves as source of drinking water for some communities), unless subjected to appropriate treatment.