School of Biological Sciences

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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.
Open Access
Gari agar as culture media for mycological studies
(International Formulae Group, 2013-06) Okorondu, S. I.; Akujobi, C. O.; Okorondu, J. N.; Okorondu, M. M. O.
Gari agar was prepared by weighing 28 g of Gari, 14 g of agar powder and 8 g of Hibiscus rabdariffa powder to 1 L of sterile water. A conventional media, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was prepared as control according to manufacturer’s procedure. Aliquot of appropriate dilutions of 1 g of agricultural soil was inoculated onto SDA and Gari agar by pour plate technique and spread plate technique. After 2 days and 4 days of inoculation, the growth of moulds was examined. Fungal colonies on Gari agar were very healthy and compared favourably with fungal growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar which is a conventional medium. Gari agar produced healthy moulds as determined by diameter of growth. Furthermore, conventional media (SDA) supported the growth of bacteria while Gari agar inhibited the growth of bacteria and promoted that of fungi. Cassava can be successfully grown in poor soils with low labour requirement, low capital and ease of cultivation. Gari extract agar can now be used successfully for quantitative count of moulds. The result of this study will go a long way in solving the problem of high cost of conventional media used as culture media for mycological studies.
Open Access
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Rivers State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.; Iwuji, C. O
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli 0157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated.Two hundred and forty (240) samples of fresh beef, dung, cabbages and carrots were obtained from three different areas of Port Hartcourt viz: Rumuokoro, Rumuji and Oginigba. Isolates were obtained on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar (SMAC) supplemented with cefixime and potassium tellurite following pre-enrichment on Triptycase Soy Broth supplemented with novobiocin and cefixime and incubated at 37˚C for 24h. Following routine biochemical tests, confirmation was carried out with the Wellcotex E. coli 0157:H7 specific antiserum (Oxoid, Uk). Both E.coli 0157 and E.coli 0157:H7 strains were isolated depending on the sample and sample site. Determination of beta lactamase enzyme production ability of the isolates revealed that most isolates produced Metallo β-lactamase enzyme while none of them produced Extended Spectrum β-lactamase enzyme (ESBL). The antibiotic susceptibility screening revealed that Nitrofurantoin, Ceftazidime, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were effective against the isolates obtained with the isolates being most sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. Due to its public health importance, although the prevalence level was very low, only the presence of one positive sample can serve as a source of a major chain of events. It is therefore very important to develop proper sanitary hygiene within and outside the home, vegetable farms and slaughter houses. The need for proper education of farm workers by the relevant government agencies cannot be overemphasized.
Open Access
Potential production of lipases by pseudomonas and staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil
(U. P., 2012-05-20) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
This study reports on the potential production of lipases by Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil. The lipase activities of Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus species at 37oC and pH 7 were evaluated. Both organisms grew well and produced lipases at the prevailing assay conditions. The lipase activity by Pseudomonas species was significantly higher than that of Staphylococcus species at P< 0.05. Effect of pH on the enzyme activities of the isolates showed that lipase production varied according to the pH of the assay medium. This shows that pH is a determinant factor in lipase production. There were increases in lipase activities with increase in pH up to optimum pH of 7 in both organisms. The lipase activities decrease progressively after this optimum pH till the last pH of exposure (pH 10). At pH 7 and 8, the two organisms had equal lipase activities (0.64 and 0.63 U/ml/min, respectively), after which, the lipase activity of Pseudomonasspecies reduced gradually with increase in pH unlike Staphylococcus species whose lipase activity abruptly decreased with increase in pH. Lipase activities in both organisms were affected differently by varying temperature changes. In Pseudomonas species, there was a steady increase in lipase activity with increase in temperature up to the optimum at temperature of 30 oC (0.67 U/ml/min). The activity decreased slightly at temperature of 35 oC but effect of temperature against the activity was more pronounced at the temperatures of 40 and 45 oC. The lipase activity of Staphylococcus species was also affected by temperature changes. There was a steady increase in the activity up to the optimum at temperature of 35 oC. The activity started decreasing steady with further increase in temperature. In conclusion, the study showed that Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species isolated from palm oil contaminated tropical soil has a great potential for the production of lipases.
Open Access
Protease production capabilities of micrococcus luteus and bacillus species isolated from abattoir environment
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
The study investigated the optimum conditions of temperature, pH, inoculum size and time of incubation on bacterial protease production. Protease producing bacterial species were isolated from abattoir soil and identified as Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus species. The optimum conditions observed for protease production was 37℃ at pH 7, with 1% inoculum in the medium for 24 h of incubation in Micrococcus luteus while in Bacillus species, the optimum conditions observed was 47℃ at pH 9, with 2% inoculum concentration in the medium for 96 h of incubation. Generally, temperature and pH had more effect on the protease activity of Micrococcus luteus while inoculum concentration and time of incubation had more effect on the protease activity of Bacillus species. The study gave evidence that these bacterial isolates could be potentially applied in biotechnological processes.
Open Access
cLead bioaccumulation by pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste
(U. P., 2012) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.
Living organisms are exposed in nature to lead commonly in their ionized forms, which at different concentrations affect microbial population. This can have significant impact given that many microorganisms are essential parts of the decomposing food chain. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces, can cause serious problems to all organisms. Microorganisms are known to interact with heavy metals through a number of mechanisms including intracellular accumulation. Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste was exposed to different concentrations of lead solution within 24 hours. The percentage log survival / growth rate in the different concentrations of lead was determined periodically. Bioaccumulation of lead by the test isolate was determined in the graded lead concentrations (0, 1.10, 100. 500 μg/ml). The result showed that the growth of the isolate was progressively inhibited by lead in a dose dependent fashion. The isolate showed a potential to survive lead intoxication and accumulated the toxicant. Therefore, Pseudomonas species isolated from pig waste shows a promise for its use in bioremediation of lead polluted environments and can be used remedy the toxic effect of heavy metals on plants. This can be applied as organic manure together with the microorganism in heavy metal-polluted site to prevent heavy metal toxicity and to enhance the growth of plants.
Open Access
Simultaneous generation of bioelectricity and treatment of swine wastewater in a microbial fuel cell
(SciPress Ltd, 2016-05-11) Egbadon, Emmanuel O.; Akujobi, Campbell O.; Nweke, Chris O.; Braide, Wesley; Akaluka, Cynthia K.; Adeleye, Samuel A.
This study aimed at the simultaneous treatment of wastewater obtained from swine and generation of bioenergy in form of electricity from the energy stored in the organic component of the wastewater. The Open circuit voltage, current, power density and microbiological and physicochemical parameters were monitored. An initial Open circuit voltage of 516mV, Current of 0.29mA, and Power density of 32.74mW/m2 were recorded, which increased to give maximum Open Circuit Voltages of 836mV, Current of 0.49mA, and Power density of 88.45mW/m2. The results revealed that The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Organic carbon, Total Soluble solids (TSS), Ammonia, Ammonium and Ammonium-Nitrogen all showed percentage decrease of 85.92%, 51.74%, 78.16%, 98.87%, 55.87%, 55.79% and 55.90% respectively while parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Phosphates, Phosphorus and Orthophosphates however increased after treatment to give a percentage increase of -273.60%, -131.65%, -134.85%, -168.77%, -159.26%, and -157.03% respectively. Bacteria isolates identified at the biofilms on the anode were Corynebacterium specie, Bacillus specie, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus faecalis. The results from this study further exacerbate the Bioelectricity production as well as wastewater treatment potentials of the Microbial Fuel Cell technology.
Open Access
Pattern of distribution and concentration of selected heavy metals in farmlands near roadsides in Owerri, Nigeria
(University of Oradea Publishing House, 2020) Anuforo, Henry Uzoma; Akujobi, Campbell Onyeka; Umeh, Paschaline Kenechi; Ejimadu, Paschaline Ifunanya
Vehicular traffic has been implicated in increasing heavy metals concentrations in nearby soils. Notably, severe environmental and health challenges have been associated with elevated concentrations of these heavy metals, hence the need to monitor them in adjoining farmlands to forestall entry into food chains. The distribution patterns of Pb, Cd, Mn and Cu on Owerri Onitsha and Owerri-Aba expressways were studied. Soil and Panicum maximum leaf samples were collected at 3 locations on each road at 5m, 10m and 15m away from the roadsides. Samples were processed and analysis for heavy metal concentrations was done with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results obtained indicated the presence of all the selected heavy metals at almost all the locations and points studied. The order for heavy metals in samples from Owerri-Aba expressway was Pb>Cu>Cd>Mn, while that of Owerri-Onitsha was Mn>Pb>Cu>Cd. Although the concentrations generally fluctuated with increasing distance away from the roadsides at most locations, in some grass samples it increased with distance. There was also a decline in their concentrations with increasing distance away from the road for some soil samples. Owerri-Onitsha expressway gave higher concentrations of heavy metals in both samples than Owerri-Aba expressway. Meanwhile, the concentrations of Mn and Cu in plant extracts were generally below the maximum allowable levels while Pb and Cd far exceeded it. Similarly, their concentrations in soil samples were below the EU limits except Cd. Results of metal bioaccumulation factor revealed that Panicum maximum moderately bioaccumulated most heavy metals from the soil. There was weak or no correlation between heavy metal contents of soil and P. maximum samples. Atmospheric deposition also contributed to the heavy metals in plant samples. Since some heavy metals studied exceeded their recommended limits, it is advisable to discourage farming activities upto 15m from the roadsides, especially on sloped roadsides.
Open Access
Protein and chlorophyll contents of solanum melongena on diesel oil polluted soil amended with nutrient supplements
(Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011-09-10) Akujobi, C. O.; Onyeagba, R. A.; Nwaugo, V. O.; Odu, N. N.
The study investigated the remediation effect of nutrient amendments of diesel oil polluted soil on protein and chlorophyll contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Soil samples were polluted and amended separately with different weights of poultry waste, pig waste, cow dung and inorganic fertilizer. Soil samples were also polluted with diesel oil without amendment to achieve 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% pollution. Samples were analyzed at two weeks interval for sixteen weeks. The plant protein and chlorophyll were affected adversely by the diesel oil pollution and the higher the level of pollution, the more the effect. The nutrient amendments were able to remedy the effect of the diesel oil pollution. The remediation effect was nutrient weight dependent and the best remediation effect was observed in poultry waste amended samples. This study has shown that diesel oil contaminated soil may have adverse effect on the protein and chlorophyll contents of plants, but this can be remedied by addition of organic nutrient supplements especially poultry waste.
Open Access
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
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.