Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Assessment and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Bacterial Contaminants on Mobile Phones of Students in the University of Abuja

Jemimah Barwa, Sylvia Chinaza Oti — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mobile phones are in near-constant contact with the hands and face, yet are rarely cleaned or disinfected, making them recognised fomites capable of harbouring and transmitting pathogenic bacteria. Despite growing evidence of mobile phone contamination in various settings, data specific to University of Abuja students combining bacterial isolation, characterisation, and antibiotic susceptibility profiling remain limited, posing a public health concern in a crowded academic environment where such data are needed to inform context-specific interventions. This study therefore assessed the bacterial contaminants present on mobile phones used by students of the University of Abuja, isolated and characterised the recovered organisms, and determined their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Swab samples were collected from the mobile phones of twenty (20) undergraduate students and cultured on Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar. Isolates were identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method, interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Bacterial growth was observed on all 20 (100.0%) sampled phones on both media. Eight Gram-positive isolates were presumptively identified as Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp., while six Gram-negative isolates were presumptively identified as Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp. ., and Shigella sp. Complete resistance (100.0%) was recorded among Gram-positive isolates to ceftazidime, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin, and among Gram-negative isolates to ofloxacin, pefloxacin, and cephalexin. Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic against both groups. These preliminary findings indicate that the sampled mobile phones harboured diverse bacterial populations, including isolates resistant to multiple antibiotic classes, suggesting that personal devices may warrant further attention as a potential contributor to antimicrobial resistance in this setting. The results support integrating mobile phone hygiene into routine public health practice and establish a baseline for future antimicrobial resistance surveillance on personal devices within comparable populations.

Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Spoilage of Tomato Samples Obtained from Kubwa, Iddo and Adelabu Markets in Abuja, Nigeria

Josiah Idama — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food spoilage is an alteration in the sensory qualities of food caused primarily by biological, chemical, and physical factors, resulting in the food becoming unsuitable and unsafe for human consumption. This research was carried out to isolate and identify the fungi associated with tomatoes samples obtained from Kubwa, Iddo and Adelabu markets. Tomato samples were collected from specific market locations in Kubwa, Iddo and Adelabu markets. Potato dextrose agar was prepared in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Spread plate technique was adopted for the culture and isolation of the isolates. The plates were then placed at room temperature and allowed to incubate for a period of 72 hours. The result obtained showed a fungal count range between 1.7 x 10⁵ cfu/ml to 2.5 x 10⁵ cfu/ml, while the fungal species isolated were Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Aspergillus niger had the highest percentage occurrence of 44.4% while the lowest percentage occurrence was observed in Geotrichum candidum (11.1 %.) The result of the pathogenicity test revealed that the fungi inoculated into the healthy tomato, Aspergillus niger had the highest decay diameter of 40 mm while Penicillium chrysogenum had the lowest which was 12 mm. Tomatoes are usually transported using locally woven baskets and sack under conditions that favour the growth of these organisms therefore, good quality control measures and proper storage methods should be adopted by farmers, marketers and consumers during the harvesting, transportation, handling distribution and processing tomatoes.

Comparative Chlrorophyll and Carotenoid Analysis of Six Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties Cultivated in Katsina State

Joshua Buah — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sesamum indicum L. is a valuable oil crop and grain. The aim of this study is to analyze the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of six sesame varieties. Three seeds of each accession (Igboho Black, 02M, E8, Exsudan, Kenan 4 and Bogoro Local) were sown in sandy loamy soil at 0-15cm depth in perforated polythene bags, replicated three times, and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Leaf samples were analyzed for pigment concentrations at two weeks interval for fourteen weeks. The data was analyzed using ANOVA at a probability value of p ≤ 0.05. The chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration of each accession increased from seedling to maturity with slight fluctuations. At two weeks, Bogoro Local had the highest total chlorophyll (4.27±2.21mgL^-1) and carotenoid (1.06±1.11 mgL^-1). The total chlorophyll of Bogoro Local (4.27±2.21 mgL^-1) was not significantly different from Kenan 4 (4.16±2.22 mgL^-1), but different from other accessions, while the carotenoid of Bogoro Local (1.06±1.11mgL^-1) was significantly different from the other accessions. At four weeks, Exsudan had the highest total chlorophyll (6.32±2.11mgL^-1) and carotenoid (1.21±2.32mgL^-1), significantly different from other accessions and E8 with the least. At maturity, Exsudan had the highest total chlorophyll (12.87±2.30), followed by 02M (7.28±2.41 mgL^-1) and Igboho Black (7.26±2.10 mgL^-1). The total carotenoid was highest in Exsudan (1.53±0.10 mgL^-1), but not significantly different from Bogoro Local (1.51±0.10 mgL^-1) and Kenan 4 (1.01±0.10 mgL^-1), while Igboho Black had the least (0.88±1.10 mgL^-1). The accessions Exsudan, Bogoro Local and Kenan 4 consistently exhibited higher pigments concentrations, while E8 and Igboho Black had the lowest. These could be linked to genetic variation and environmental influences which is important in understanding the physiological process in sesame leaves for agronomic selection and cultivation.

Cytotoxic Effects of Ethidium Bromide on Onion (Allium cepa) Root Meristem Cells

Joshua Buah, A. A Omotoso, D. A. Animasaun — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is a widely used nucleic acid-intercalating dye with well-documented mutagenic potential, yet its cytogenetic effects on plant model systems remain poorly characterised. This study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of EtBr on Allium cepa root meristem cells using the Allium bioassay. Uniformly graded onion bulbs were exposed for ten days to five graded concentrations of EtBr (2–10 µL of stock solution per 100 mL distilled water) alongside an untreated control, after which root tips were fixed, hydrolysed and stained for microscopic examination. Germination rate was highest in control (4.67±1.80) and progressively decline as EtBr increases with the least observed in 10 µL (0.20±1.80), and the total mean value of roots growth was highest in control (4.67±1.80) while the least was observed in 10 µL (0.20±1.80). The control of the mitotic phase distribution had 14 dividing cells and normal cells in all the phases of 2.80±0.83, with zero abnormal cells, while the number of abnormal cells increases and normal cells declined as EtBr concentration increase, and at 10 µL EtBr (0.00±0.00), there was zero normal cells observed. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) was more pronounced in 10 µL EtBr (42), while in the control and 2 µL EtBr had little to no chromosomal aberrations (2 and 6 respectively). EtBr produced a concentration-dependent decline in both root traits and mitotic phase distribution, indicating suppressed cell proliferation. Chromosomal aberrations, including fragmented chromosomes, multinucleated cells, sticky prophase and metaphase, bridges in anaphase, and abnormalities in metaphase during the various mitotic phases, rose significantly with increasing dosage of EtBr, and the highest concentration tested produced the most pronounced clastogenic damage. These findings confirmed that EtBr is cytotoxic to A. cepa root cells, underscore the environmental risk posed by the handling and release of EtBr as laboratory effluent, and support the continued use of the Allium cepa assay as a sensitive, low-cost bioindicator for chromosome-damaging agents.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils and Vegetable Crops from Agbara Industrial Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria

Festus Adewole Adenekan — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils can affect the quality of crops grown in industrial areas. This study evaluated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in agricultural soils and vegetables from the Agbara Industrial Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional field-based design was used, and samples were collected from selected vegetable farms. The study analysed a total number of forty-five (45) samples, comprising farm soil and three vegetable types: spinach (Spinacia oleracea), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Samples were prepared by acid digestion, using USEPA Method 3050B for soil and wet acid digestion for vegetable samples, and the metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine relationships among the analysed metals, with significance tested at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels. The results showed that soil generally had higher concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr than the vegetables, while Ni was higher in spinach than in soil. Spinach recorded the highest concentrations of Cd (0.752 mg/kg), Ni (3.651 mg/kg), and Pb (0.526 mg/kg). Cd exceeded the reference value of 0.10 mg/kg in all vegetables, while Pb exceeded 0.30 mg/kg in tomato and spinach. Several strong positive correlations were observed among the metals. The findings provide baseline information on heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils and vegetables within the study area.

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Responses of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus juveniles to Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Fermented Albizia lebbeck Seed Meal

W. L. Ndirmbita — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rising costs and limited supply of conventional soybean meal have intensified interest in alternative plant-based protein sources for aquafeeds yet the physiological safety of Albizia lebbeck seed meal, a locally available legume by-product, has not been systematically evaluated in African catfish. This study therefore evaluated the effect of fermented A. lebbeck seed meal to replace soybean meal at graded levels on the hematological and serum biochemical profile of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. One hundred and fifty juveniles (mean initial weight 15.20 ± 0.85 g) were fed five isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets containing fermented A. lebbeck seed meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% inclusion in a completely randomized design with three replicates for eight weeks. Blood was analysed for haematological and serum biochemical indices and data were subjected to one-way ANOVA with means separated by LSD (P < 0.05). Hematological analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for haemoglobin, white blood cells, red blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes, while packed cell volume did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The highest haemoglobin (10.00 g/dL) occurred at 75% inclusion, the highest white blood cell count (10.0 × 10⁹/L) at 25% inclusion and the highest red blood cell count (11.40 × 10¹²/L) at 100% inclusion. Biochemical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and glucose with no significant differences in potassium or sodium (P > 0.05). The highest albumin (20.00 g/L) occurred at 0% and 100% inclusion, the highest alanine aminotransferase (27.00 U/L) at 75% inclusion, the highest aspartate aminotransferase (31.00 U/L) at 25% inclusion and the highest glucose (7.10 mmol/L) at 75% inclusion. These findings indicated that fermented A. lebbeck seed meal can fully replace soybean meal in the diets at 75% without adverse hematological or biochemical effects,therefore inclusion at or below 75% is recommended.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Selected Villages around the Sokoto-Rima Basin

Ibrahim Usman — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Groundwater remains an important source of domestic water supply in many rural and semi-urban communities within the region; however, poor sanitation practices, flooding, agricultural activities, and indiscriminate waste disposal increase the risk of microbial contamination and associated waterborne diseases. This study assessed the physicochemical properties and microbiological quality of groundwater in selected villages around the Sokoto-Rima Basin. A total of forty-eight (48) groundwater samples were collected from wells and boreholes across selected villages in Wamakko, Dange Shuni, and Sokoto South Local Government Areas. Physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate, hardness, salinity, and sulphate, were analyzed using standard American Public Health Association (APHA) methods. Microbial analysis was carried out using the spread-plate and Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques for bacterial enumeration and coliform detection. Isolates were identified using cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods. The results revealed variations in physicochemical parameters across sampling locations, with some samples exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) permissible limits, particularly for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and salinity. The microbiological analysis showed the presence of fecal and non-fecal coliforms in several water samples, indicating contamination from environmental and fecal sources. Predominant bacterial isolates included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some groundwater sources around the Sokoto-Rima Basin were microbiologically unsafe for human consumption without appropriate treatment. These findings underscore the need for regular groundwater-quality monitoring, improved sanitation, public-health education, and effective water-treatment measures. The findings represent the sampling period and may not reflect seasonal variation.

Water Quality Analysis of some Reservoirs in Kano State, Nigeria

Hauwa Ibrahim Usman, Aisha S. Magaji, Balarabe U. Getso — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Freshwater reservoirs are essential for agricultural production, fisheries, and domestic use in Nigeria, but increasing anthropogenic pressure poses significant threats to their ecological integrity and water quality. This study assessed the spatial and seasonal variability of selected physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal contaminants in Challawa Gorge, Thomas, Tiga, and Wasai reservoirs in Kano, Nigeria. Water samples were analyzed using multi parameter water quality meter and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Wasai recorded the highest electrical conductivity (713–738 µS/cm) and pH (8.82), indicating ionic enrichment. Water temperature was significantly higher during the rainy season compared to the dry season (p < 0.05), while pH was significantly higher during the dry season (8.46±0.26; p < 0.01) Salinity remained within the acceptable limits. Concentrations of cadmium (0.0083-0.1043 mg/L}) and lead (0.096-1.237mg/L) exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) safety thresholds across almost all sites and seasons. Chromium exhibited a significant rainy season peak (p < 0.05), whereas Zinc was significantly higher during the dry season (p < 0.05). The study concludes that heavy metal contamination in Kano’s reservoirs exhibits strong seasonal and spatial variability. Continuous monitoring, runoff control, and stricter industrial discharge regulations are urgently recommended to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Kernel Characterisation of Indigenous Maize Landraces (Zea mays L.) from Niger and Kogi States

Daudu Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an annual grass belonging to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family. The maize Kernels show variations that may arise due to genetic factors, environmental conditions, and genotype × environment interactions. The aim of this study is to characterise selected maize landraces from Niger and Kogi States using their kernel characteristics. In this study, the kernels of maize landraces obtained from Niger and Kogi States were characterised using Standard morphological descriptors; like kernel shape, colour, length, width and 1000 seed weight. The length and weight were taken with the use of vernier caliper and the weight with an electronic weighing scale. The data were subjected to analysis and results revealed the presence of variation in kernels of the maize landraces. Three (3) kernel shapes; flat, round to flat and pointed were observed and the dominant shape was round to flat in ten (10) of the landraces, the kernel colour showed variations; with white kernel colour, closely followed by yellow kernel colour, being dominant. The kernel length among the landraces ranged from 8.05mm (in NG-SHIR-006) to 10.65mm (in NG-GIDA-009), kernel width from 7.50mm (in NG-AGAI-002 and NG-BOSS-007) to 10.75mm (in NG-RAFI-011) and weight of 1000 kernels from 140.14g (in NG-BOSS-007) to 300.96 (in NG-RAFI-011). The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Means (UPGMA) similarity index cluster analysis based on the kernel characteristics grouped the maize landraces into two distinct Clusters at an approximate distance of 6.0. Cluster I comprised 14 landraces while Cluster II consist of only one landrace (NG-BOSS-007). These findings suggest variations in the landraces with NG-BOSS-007 seems to have a high genetic variability among the studied landraces.

Primary Productivity in Man-Made Lakes of Northwestern Nigeria: A Review of Recent Evidence, Environmental Drivers and Research Gaps

Chris Saliu Odeje — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Primary productivity is a fundamental ecological process through which aquatic autotrophs convert inorganic carbon into organic matter and introduce energy into freshwater food webs. Northwestern Nigeria contains numerous man-made lakes and reservoirs that support domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production and fisheries. However, information on primary productivity in these systems remains fragmented, and many investigations have focused on phytoplankton composition and physicochemical characteristics rather than direct measurements of productivity. This review synthesizes evidence published principally between 2016 and 2026 on primary productivity and related environmental conditions in man-made lakes and reservoirs of Northwestern Nigeria, with comparative evidence from other Nigerian and international freshwater systems. Particular attention was given to gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP), phytoplankton composition and abundance, nutrients, light availability, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, seasonality, spatial variation and anthropogenic influences. Direct evidence from Nasarawa Reservoir demonstrates seasonal and spatial variation in GPP and NPP, while studies of Ajiwa, Kalgwai, Kazaure, Zobe and CAAS reservoirs demonstrate substantial variation in phytoplankton communities and environmental conditions. Comparative studies from southern Nigeria further show the importance of depth, reservoir zonation, nutrient availability and light penetration in determining productivity. The review identifies a major research gap: direct measurements of primary productivity remain relatively scarce in Northwestern Nigerian reservoirs. Future investigations should integrate GPP, NPP, respiration, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton biomass, nutrients, underwater light and hydrological characteristics across seasons, depths and reservoir zones. Such integrated studies will improve understanding of reservoir ecosystem functioning and provide a stronger scientific basis for fisheries and water-resource management.

Genotype-dependent growth and reproductive responses of Bambara groundnut to foliar-applied Moringa oleifera-mediated silver nanoparticle suspensions

Dangana Mohammed Chata — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bambara groundnut remains largely unexplored in studies of foliar-applied biogenic silver nanoparticle formulations, particularly with respect to genotype-specific responses. We evaluated three Bambara groundnut genotypes (MOK 01, MOK 02 and PTG 01) exposed to 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg L⁻¹ of Moringa oleifera-mediated silver nanoparticle (AgNP) suspension in a 3 × 4 factorial randomised complete block design with four replications. Vegetative, phenological and reproductive traits were analysed at the pot level using factorial models that included block, genotype, concentration and genotype × concentration interaction. Responses differed markedly among genotypes and traits. MOK 02 plant height increased from 18.75 ± 1.50 cm in the control to 28.50 ± 5.80 cm at 20 mg L⁻¹, whereas PTG 01 recorded its lowest height (17.75 ± 1.89 cm) and leaf number (27.50 ± 1.73) at 60 mg L⁻¹. Pod production increased at 40–60 mg L⁻¹ in MOK 02 and PTG 01, while MOK 01 pod width declined significantly from 9.60 ± 0.87 mm in the control to 7.07 ± 0.13 mm at 20 mg L⁻¹. Days to 50% flowering and seeds per pod were not significantly affected by concentration. Principal component analysis of nine directly measured traits explained 74.6% of total variation in the first two components and separated trait responses primarily along plant-size, leaflet, pod-dimension and pod-number gradients. Overall, the treatment produced non-linear, genotype-dependent responses rather than a uniform stimulatory effect. These findings support further mechanistic and multi-environment evaluation, but do not justify a general concentration recommendation or attribution of the response to the nanoparticle fraction alone.

Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Antitrypanosomal Efficacy of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Ocimum sanctum L. and Grewia mollis Against Trypanosoma brucei

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

African trypanosomiasis, a profoundly neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma, persists as a critical public health and economic challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent progress towards disease elimination, significant concerns regarding emerging drug resistance and the severe limitations of current chemotherapies remain. This comparative study systematically examined the phytochemical composition and the in vitro antitrypanosomal effects of methanolic leaf extracts derived from Ocimum sanctum L. (holy basil) and Grewia mollis (Malvaceae), two plants with established and widespread ethnomedicinal use in Nigeria. Fresh leaves were botanically authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and subsequently extracted using methanol. Qualitative phytochemical screening successfully identified shared bioactive constituents including flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides, and carbohydrates. Notably, alkaloids were detected only in G. mollis, while anthraquinones were absent in both extracts. Motility inhibition assays conducted against bloodstream forms of T. brucei brucei across a concentration range of 31.25–500 µg/mL revealed pronounced concentration- and time-dependent trypanocidal activity for both extracts. The G. mollis extract achieved faster complete parasite immobilisation (30 minutes at 250–500 µg/mL; 45 minutes at lower doses) than O. sanctum (40 minutes at higher doses, with slower progression at lower concentrations). Diminazene aceturate (positive control) caused immediate parasite death, while the phosphate-buffered saline (negative control) sustained vigorous motility throughout the observation period. These compelling results scientifically validate the traditional medicinal applications of both plants and attribute their antitrypanosomal effects to synergistic phytochemical interactions, likely involving membrane disruption and the induction of severe oxidative stress. Furthermore, the findings highlight G. mollis as a particularly promising candidate for drug discovery amid growing resistance threats, underscoring the necessity for future bioassay-guided fractionation and comprehensive in vivo efficacy studies.

Harnessing Biofertilizers and Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture

A Jalo — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agricultural systems are increasingly affected by soil degradation, declining fertility, crop pests, diseases and climate-related stresses. Conventional farming has relied extensively on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but excessive use can contribute to environmental contamination, disruption of beneficial organisms, resistance development and food-safety concerns. Biological inputs provide an alternative or complementary strategy for improving crop production while reducing unnecessary dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that improve nutrient availability through processes such as biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium and zinc mobilization, sulfur transformation and production of plant-growth-promoting compounds. Biopesticides include microbial agents, plant extracts, biochemical substances, pheromones, insect growth regulators and plant-incorporated protectants. These products can suppress pests through competition, antibiosis, parasitism, infection, feeding deterrence, reproductive disruption or interference with insect development. The review shows that biological agricultural inputs are expanding globally and have considerable potential in Africa. Nigeria possesses substantial agricultural land, biodiversity and scientific capacity that could support locally adapted biological products. Nevertheless, adoption is constrained by inconsistent product quality, storage problems, limited farmer knowledge, regulatory challenges, variable field performance and the relatively slow action of some biopesticides. Biofertilizers and biopesticides should therefore be integrated with other sustainable practices rather than treated as universal replacements for synthetic inputs. Future progress will depend on improved microbial strains, stable formulations, rigorous field validation, quality assurance, farmer training, supportive regulation and carefully evaluated nanobiotechnology. Such integration could improve soil health, crop productivity, environmental protection and food security.

Assessment of Potentially Toxic Element Accumulation and Pollution Indices in Soils Surrounding a Cement Manufacturing Facility in Obajana, Nigeria

Saadatu Abdulsalam — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cement production can release dust and mineral elements into the surrounding environment, potentially affecting the quality of nearby soils. This study assessed the concentrations and contamination levels of Zn, Ca, Ba, Ni and Ti in soils around a cement manufacturing facility in Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from four locations around the facility and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma oplical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of Zn, Ca, Ba, Ni and Ti ranged from 194.33–286.28, 22,526.41–25,043.99, 114.16–159.30, 24.43–27.31 and 287.76–330.73 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Ba, and Ni were below their respective guideline values, however, specific guideline values were not available for Ca and Ti. The extent of contamination was further assessed using enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Nickel showed no enrichment, Zn was in the range of minor to moderate enrichment while Ba and Ca showed low enrichment, suggesting contributions from both natural and human activities. The CF values indicated low to considerable contamination, and the PLI values (1.88–2.88) showed that the soils were affected by varying degrees of contamination. The Igeo values indicated moderate contamination by Zn and Ca. Overall, the findings suggest that activities associated with the cement manufacturing facility may be contributing to the enrichment of some elements in the surrounding soils. Regular monitoring of soil quality is therefore recommended to assess changes in elemental concentrations over time.

Algal Biodiversity as a Sentinel of Freshwater Ecosystem Health

Aisha Balarabe Hamza, Sunusi Bataiya Buhari, Afiya Hamisu — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most biologically productive yet ecologically vulnerable habitats on Earth, facing escalating pressures from nutrient enrichment, climate change, industrial pollution, and expanding urbanization. Algae encompassing a phylogenetically diverse assemblage ranging from unicellular phytoplankton and benthic diatoms to filamentous green algae and colonial cyanobacteria serve simultaneously as foundational primary producers and sensitive environmental recorders. Their rapid, measurable responses to physicochemical perturbations make them unrivalled bioindicators for the integrated assessment of aquatic ecosystem integrity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, structural diversity, ecological functions, and environmental sensitivity of freshwater algae, contextualized within a comprehensive framework for water quality monitoring. The principal drivers of algal community change including eutrophication, climate-induced thermal stratification, organic and metal pollution, and hydromorphological modifications was examined and discusses how shifts in assemblage composition, diversity indices, and functional traits reflect these stressors. A systematic evaluation of assessment methodologies is presented, and transformative emerging approaches including environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, satellite and drone-based remote sensing, and machine-learning-assisted predictive modeling are highlighted for their capacity to overcome the taxonomic, spatial, and temporal limitations of conventional morphology-based assessment. Special focus is directed to harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly cyanobacterial blooms, and their compounding role as co-stressors alongside climate warming. The review concludes by identifying critical research gaps and advocating for the integration of molecular tools, standardized protocols, expanded genomic reference databases, and artificial intelligence into global algal biomonitoring frameworks.

Anti-Hyperglycaemic and Antioxidant Properties of Azanza Garckeana Aqueous Leaf Extract

Maryam Ibrahim, Siddiq Ali Idoko, Ibrahim Ganiyu Aderounmu — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Azanza garckeana is an African medicinal plant traditionally used for the management of diabetes among others. The study was conducted to investigate the in vitro anti-hyperglycaemic activity using α-amylase and glucosidase inhibition assays and in vivo using type II model diabetic rats while DPPH and FRAP were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of A. garckeana aqueous leaf extract (AGALE). Acarbose and vitamin C were used as the standard drugs for the hyperglycaemic assay and antioxidant assay respectively. For the in vitro studies, the extract exhibited alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of 2.2±0.02 mg/mL and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory of 2.3±0.03 mg/mL showing a higher IC₅₀ value than the control drug acarbose. The DPPH scavenging activity was found to have IC₅₀ values of 1.4±0.07 mg/mL and 3.2±0.08 mg/mL for FRAP both higher than the control. For the in vivo studies, twenty rats (20) were grouped into four (4), comprising of five (5) rats each. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Group A was normal control, Group B Diabetic control, Group C Diabetic rats given 150 mg/kg b.w. and Group D Diabetic rats given 100 mg/kg b.w. AGALE. Blood glucose levels (BGLs) were recorded weekly; it was observed that the oral administration of AGALE extract exhibited a noteworthy decline in blood glucose levels. The dosage of 150 mg/kg resulted in a more considerable reduction (P<0.05) in blood glucose levels starting from the second week. When compared to the untreated diabetic rats that had a continous increase in the BGL, the treated groups showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in BGLs. The present study demonstrated that AGALE exerted potent anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity and exhibited appreciable inhibition against alpha amylase and glucosidase hence its use in the management of diabetes mellitus may be justified.

Fungi Associated with Postharvest Spoilage of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Their Pathogenicity in Dutse, Northwestern Nigeria

Hassan Bashir Mukhtar, Mahmud Ahmed — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Postharvest fungal spoilage reduces the quality and marketability of potato tubers. This study investigated fungi associated with spoiled Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers obtained from markets in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria, and assessed the pathogenicity of the recovered isolates on healthy tubers. Ten spoiled tubers were collected from five sellers/shops at Dutse Ultra-Modern Market and Investment (Yan Tifa) Market, each seller/shop being treated as one sampling unit (sample groups A–E). Rotten tissues were processed by serial dilution (10⁻¹ and 10⁻²) and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), followed by purification and morphology-based identification using cultural characteristics and lactophenol cotton blue microscopy. Five fungal taxa were morphologically identified: Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus and Mucor racemosus. Thirty-one isolates were recovered, and the percentages reported below are relative frequencies among these 31 isolates rather than the proportion of tubers infected. R. stolonifer was the most frequent (10; 32.3%), followed by A. niger (7; 22.6%), F. oxysporum (6; 19.4%), A. flavus (4; 12.9%) and M. racemosus (4; 12.9%). In the pathogenicity assay, a single representative isolate of each taxon was inoculated into five healthy tubers, and all five taxa produced visible rot. The mean rot diameters recorded after 10 days were 32 mm for R. stolonifer, 25 mm for A. niger, 20 mm for A. flavus, 16 mm for F. oxysporum and 14 mm for M. racemosus. The findings indicate that several fungi were associated with potato spoilage in the sampled Dutse markets and that each of the five taxa was able to initiate rot in healthy tubers under the assay conditions. Because measures of variation and inferential statistics were not available, the differences in mean rot diameter are reported descriptively and not as an established ranking of virulence. Improved handling, protection from tuber injury, segregation of decayed tubers and suitable storage conditions are recommended. Molecular identification and fully replicated, statistically analysed pathogenicity experiments would strengthen future studies.

Carbon Sequestration Potentials of Neem Plant (Azadirachta Indica A. Juss.) Along Lokoja-Okene Road for Climate Change Resilience in Kogi State, Nigeria

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, climate change influenced by increased emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has generated serious environmental concerns globally. It is against this backdrop, that this study was carried out to evaluate the carbon sequestration potentials of Azadirachta indica along Lokoja-Okene road, Kogi State, Nigeria. Bark, wood, and leaf samples were collected from three different locations namely; Irepeni, Irapana and Osara along Lokoja- Okene highway. The plant tissues were collected at distances of 0, 20, 40, and 100 m from the road. Carbon content was determined using the Walkley and Black wet oxidation method. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical software and tools. The result revealed that the highest percentage carbon content across all locations were recorded in the bark (62.27 ± 2.88, 58.13±2.82 and 60.08 ± 2.68 for Irepeni, Irapana and Osara respectively). While, the lowest percentage carbon content were recorded in the leaves (28.24±2.89, 25.98±2.89 and 40.53±3.01 for Irepeni, Irapana and Osara respectively). Also, carbon content was influenced by distance from the road, with the highest and lowest percentage carbon content generally recorded at 0 and 100 m respectively, within plant tissues and across the study locations. Tree height showed a negative correlation with percentage carbon content in bark (-0.423) and wood (-0.379), while DBH showed a positive correlation with bark and wood with correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.809 and 0.747 respectively. The study concludes that A. indica has appreciable carbon storage potential when compared to other studied tree species and can contribute to roadside vegetation management and climate change mitigation. It was however recommended that A. indica should be massively cultivated close to the roadside so as to capture more carbon and to serve as a buffer between carbon pollution and other edible crops in an agroforestry system.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Oral Candidiasis among Patients Attending Selected Health Facilities in North-East Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Auwal Magaji — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Oral candidiasis remains a common opportunistic fungal infection worldwide. Despite its public health relevance, data on its prevalence and risk factors in the general population of North-eastern Nigeria are limited. This study assessed the prevalence of oral candidiasis and identified associated demographic, behavioral, and oral health determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 participants. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and determinants of the infection using structured questionnaires. Oral examination and laboratory confirmation were performed to identify oral candidiasis cases. Associations were assessed using Chi-square and logistic regression analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of oral candidiasis was 10.07% (43/427). Prevalence was significantly higher among females (7.49%, p = 0.000), adolescents aged 11–19 years (7.26%, p = 0.000), and rural residents (4.45%, p = 0.012). Significant risk factors identified included rural residence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.18–4.28), brushing less than twice daily (AOR = 9.68, 95% CI: 2.04–46.03), irregular toothbrush replacement (AOR = 5.83, 95% CI: 1.91–17.89), and lack of flossing (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10–0.50). Oral candidiasis remains a significant health concern, particularly among females, adolescents, and rural residents. Modifiable factors such as poor oral hygiene practices and infrequent toothbrush replacement were strongly associated with the infection. Public health interventions focusing on oral health education, regular dental care, and antibiotic stewardship are essential to reduce the burden of oral candidiasis in North-east Nigeria.