Lafia Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
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Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Fly Ash on the Concentration of Heavy Metals around Cement Company of Northern Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed the impact of Coal Fly Ash on the concentration of Heavy metals in water, soil, and vegetables (moringa and spinach) in the environment of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria. The samples collected were digested, and analysed for heavy metals concentration using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The concentrations of heavy metals obtained in water samples were higher than the WHO/SON permissible limit, except for Cu and Zn which are below the standard limits. The average concentration of Pb, Mn, Cd, and Ni in all plant samples was higher than the permissible limit, except Cd in spinach sample. The roots of the spinach accumulate higher concentrations of heavy metals than the leaves and stem, while leaves of moringa accumulate higher than the roots and stem. The concentration of heavy metals in soil sample was below the WHO limit. Comparatively the plants samples have the highest concentrations of heavy metals than the water and soil samples. The coal fly ash from the Cement Company must have contributed to the significant concentration of Heavy metals in the environment making the water and plants from the study area unfit for human and animal consumption.
Comparative Evaluation of the Proximate, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Leafy Vegetables (Bitter, Pumpkin and Spinach Leaves)
Get PDFThe study is aimed at comparative evaluation of the proximate, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of three leafy vegetables (V. amygdalina, Spinacia oleracea and Telfairia occidentalis).The study was carried out using standard analytical procedures. The proximate analysis revealed highest percent moisture (5.08±0.13%), crude protein (19.69±0.87%), carbohydrate (38.31± 1.42 %) and metabolizable energy (244.24±3.82 KJ/100 g) in pumpkin, highest percent ash (15.20± 0.86 %), %) and crude fat contents (8.30±0.18 %) in spinach, while bitter leaf recorded the highest percent crude fibre (20.01 ± 1.20%). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoid, saponin, alkaloid, tannin and phenol which ranged from 8.67±0.11 mg/100 g to 18.98± 0.15mg/100 g, 0.9±0.00 mg/100 g to 1.21± 0.10 mg/100 g, 8.87±0.21 mg/100 g to 11.65±0.68 mg/100 g, 0.81 ± 0.01 to 10.32± 1.2 mg/100 g and 1.36 ±0.01 mg to 4.24±0.01 mg/ 100 g respectively. The antioxidant activities revealed highest percent inhibition (71.20%) in bitter leaf. However, based on the analysis of variance on the results obtained, the study revealed that there were significant differences in most of the analyzed parameters at P ≥ 0.05. Therefore, this study inferred that the nutritional and phytochemical contents of the leafy vegetables samples varied significantly and their consumption in a diet will be responsible for maintaining good health and proper functioning of the body system
Use of Geoelectric Method for Groundwater Assessment in Awe Brine Area, Awe Nasarawa Nigeria
Get PDFA total of Forty-five vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted using Schlumberger electrode configuration to map the groundwater condition in the Awe Brine Field, Nasarawa, Nigeria. The result of the study exhibited significant variations in resistivity across the area, which allowed the generation of iso-resistivity contour maps for four distinct geoelectric layers. The first layer, consisting of a thin top layer of unconsolidated material, displayed resistivity values ranging from 85 Ωm to 2437.8 Ωm. The second layer, composed of shale-sandstone, has a resistivity between 1.2 Ωm to 785 Ωm. The third layer showed resistivity ranging from 1.2 Ωm to 430.5 Ωm. it was observed that a thick layer of sandy clay contained fresh water, with resistivity levels ranging from 27 Ωm to 1825.9 Ωm. The Dar Zarrouk parameters were calculated to evaluate the protective attributes of the aquifers. The analysis revealed that the longitudinal conductance (Sc) ranged from 0.06 to 3.86 S, the longitudinal resistivity (ρL)) ranged from 71.66 to 3830.4 Ωm, and the transverse resistance (TR) ranged between 2.55 and 1102.18 Ω. Based on the resistivity values and thickness of the geoelectric layers, the researchers identified four distinct aquifer zones labelled A, B, C, and D. Notably, the third layer, referred to as the C horizon, displayed significantly lower resistivity and higher salinity compared to the other layers. This layer corresponds to the Awe Formation, renowned for its brine deposits. Consequently, the study suggests that exploring freshwater resources near New Awe is more promising than the Old Awe are
Resistance to Azole Drugs by Fungal Species Isolated from Date Palm Samples within Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFFungal species infecting fruits are developing resistance to some antifungals. The study determined prevalent fungi in date palm fruits and their resistance to azole antifungals. Dried date palm fruit samples were collected from Modern Market, Old Market, Alhamis Market, Koro Market and Tomato Market in Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria and fungi isolated from them. Antifungal susceptibility test as a zone of inhibition of fungal mycelial growth were recorded for terbinafine, clotrimazole, nystatin, metronidazole and fluconazole. Dates from the old market had the highest contamination with 6.0×103 ± 4.2 cfu/g, while samples from Koro market with 2.5×103 ± 1.7 cfu/g were the least contaminated. A total of 84 fungi were isolated, Aspergillus niger was the most predominant species while Aspergillus versicolor was the least predominant. Terbinafine was the most effective azole against the fungal species isolated with a zone of inhibition of 43 mm in diameter, while fluconazole was the least effective with the zone of inhibition of 0 mm. The organism most susceptible to the antifungal drugs was Aspergillus niger, while Penicillium chrysogenum was the most resistant. Results of this study indicated that, date palm fruits around the Lafia markets were more susceptible to Aspergillus niger contamination than other fungal species, and Terbinafine was the best azole antifungal drug. The study recommends that further research should be carried out with respect to the resistance developed against azoles by the fungal species
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B and C Virus infection Among Inmates in a Correctional Service, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Get PDFHepatitis infection has remained a reoccurring public health challenge. The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus infection among inmates in Lafia correctional service, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was assessed. Blood samples of 120 inmates were screened using the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid test Dip-strip and HCVAb plus rapid test strip. Socio-demographic and risk factors were analyzed using Fishers exact test binary logistics regression (p ≤ 0.05). Inmates were 29.16 % HBV and 8.3% HCV seropositive. Male inmates were 30% HBV and 8.18% HCV and females were 20% HBV and 10% HCV seropositive. Inmates ≥ 40 years and married inmates are more likely to be infected with HBV and HCV infections. Illicit drug use and incarceration above 5 years were risk factors significant for HBV and HCV prevalence. The high seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among inmates needs prompt sensitization, screening and vaccination programmes
Pre-Foundation Investigation Using Electrical Resistivity Method: A Case Study of Proposed Phase II, Faculty of Law Building, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
Get PDFThe proposed Phase II, Faculty of Law Building, was investigated to determine the competence of the sub-soil for building construction. The Electrical Resistivity method was employed for the geophysical investigation. The 2-D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques were adopted using the dipole-dipole electrode and Schlumberger arrays respectively. Using an electrode spacing (a) of 5 m and expansion factor (n) varying from 1 – 5, electrical resistivity measurements were taken along two traverses having South – North (SN) and East – West (EW) orientations respectively. Thirteen VES stations were occupied within the study area with half-current electrode spacing (AB/2) ranging from 1 – 65 m. The interpretation of the geophysical data was carried out using DIPRO software. The 2D ERI showed that the sub-soil along traverse 1 and northern part of traverse 2 has high resistivity values (>900 Ωm) at 4.5 m depth. The geoelctric sections identified three geologic layers comprising topsoil, weathered layer and fresh basement. The electrical resistivity results revealed that the sub-soils on or within the proposed site are found to be fairly competent for engineering structure
A Comparative Study of the Role of Constant and Logistic Recruitment Rates in Epidemiological Models
Get PDFIn this paper, we present three mathematical models of epidemiology. In each of the models, we present a scenario where constant and logistic recruitment rate are incorporated in each case. It was observed in Case I that, the reproduction number of the model with logistic recruitment rate is less than the reproduction number from the model with constant recruitment rate. Further, in Case II, the reproduction number from the model with both constant and logistic recruitment rates are the same. Finally, in Case III, it was observed that the human reproduction number from the model with logistic recruitment rate is higher than the human reproduction number from the model with constant recruitment rate.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Acute Toxicity Study of Methanol leaf extracts of Musanga cercropioides
Get PDFMusanga cercropioides is a plant that is used to treat a variety of ailments in many African countries. However, just a few studies have been conducted to assess the toxicity of the various sections of this plant. The goal of this study was to determine the toxicity profile of Musanga cercropioides methanol leaf extract in albino rats. Lorke\u27s approach was used to conduct an acute toxicity study. In the first phase, nine (9) albino rats were randomly divided into three (3) groups of three (3) animals each. Each of the animals were orally administered 10,100 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract. In the second phase, twelve (12) animals were used, which were divided into four groups of three (3) animals each. The first three groups received single doses of 1500, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg, respectively, while the fourth group which served as a control was given distilled water orally. After observation for 14 days, no signs of mortality were identified. The maximum dose supplied (5000 mg/kg body weight) did not affect the test animals\u27 mortality or general behavior. When the treated groups were compared to the control groups, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in biochemical markers, body weight, or relative organ weights of liver, kidney, heart, and spleen. These findings show that oral administration of Musanga cercropioides methanol leaf extract is safe at a dose of up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar albino rats.
Isolation and Characterization of Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria from Millet Rhizosphere in Lafia metropolis
Get PDFPhosphorus is an essential, but often unavailable nutrient for plant growth in the soil due to its low solubility. Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) convert insoluble forms of phosphorus into soluble forms that can be taken up by plants. The study aimed to isolate and characterize PSB from the rhizosphere of millet plants in Lafia, and to evaluate their potential for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. Soil samples were collected from four different locations and plated on Pikovskaya\u27s agar medium. PSB colonies were identified based on their ability to produce clear zones around them. The PSB isolates were further characterized by morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. The phosphate solubilizing activity and plant growth-promoting traits of the PSB isolates were also assessed. The PSB isolates were tested for their effect on the growth of millet seedlings in pots. The results showed that 16 PSB isolates belonging to four genera (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella) were obtained from the soil samples. The PSB isolates exhibited varying degrees of phosphate solubilizing activity, ranging from 11.2 to 81.6 mg/L. The PSB isolates also showed positive results for the production of indole acetic acid, ammonia, hydrogen-cyanide, and siderophore. The PSB inoculation significantly increased the shoot and root lengths, and fresh and dry weight of the millet seedlings. The study concluded that the PSB isolates from the millet rhizosphere in Lafia could enhance soil phosphorus availability and millet growth. The study recommended further research on the field application and optimization of the PSB inoculation
The Effect of Post-treatment with Yellow Bitter Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) on the Antioxidant Status of Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Get PDFThis study assesses the effects of supplemented diet of Discorea dumenturom on antioxidant status of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-five adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups each containing five rats, group two to five were subjected to high fat diet for four weeks and was thereafter induced with STZ intraperitoneally (45mg/kg body weight) resulting to type 2 diabetes. The body weight, glucose concentration and the activities the antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione S-transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione concentration in the kidney, heart and liver were assessed. The Post-treatment with 10% and 20% Yellow Bitter Yam significantly reduced glucose and an healthy reduction in weight in treated groups compared to diabetic controls. In diabetic kidneys, GSH and GST were similar to controls, while GPX, CAT, and MDA decreased. Diabetic hearts showed increased CAT, GSH, and MDA, regulated in the treated group. In diabetic livers, GPx, GST, and MDA were consistent across groups, but GSH and CAT significantly (p>0.05) decreased in post-treated groups. The study suggests Dioscorea dumetorum supplementation regulates antioxidant enzymes, indicating potential hypoglycemic and antioxidative effects, particularly in kidney, heart, and liver enzyme activities associated with Type 2 diabetes.