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Acenaphthene biodegradation and structural and functional metagenomics of the microbial community of an acenaphthene-enriched animal charcoal polluted soil
(Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2021-02) Salam, Lateef B.; Obayori, Oluwafemi S.; Ilori, Mathew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.
Animal charcoal from skin and hides cottage industries indiscriminately disposed in run offs and drainage channels harbors hazardous constituents that are mutagenic and toxic, and thus require bio-based ecofriendly depuration strategies. A microbial consortium (FN7) from an animal charcoal polluted site enriched with acenaphthene was structurally and functionally characterized via illumina next generation sequencing and annotation of their putative ORFs, and also studied for ability to degrade acenaphthene. Structurally, FN7 metagenome consists of 7 phyla, 13 classes, 38 orders, 49 families, 67 genera, 68 species, and 45 strains, respectively. The dominant phylum, class, order, family, genus, species, and strain in the metagenome are Proteobacteria (48.9%), Actinobacteria (31.8%), Actinomycetales (28.0%), Enterobacteriaceae (18.9%), Paracoccus (12.9%), Bacillus cereus group (13.5%), and Methylobacterium radiotolerans JCM 2831 (22.4%). The microbial consortium in the metagenome degraded 59.68% (29.84 mg l−1) and 89.16% (44.58 mg l−1) of the initial concentration of acenaphthene (50 mg l−1) in 14 and 21 days. Functional annotation of the putative ORFs of the metagenome using KEGG KofamKOALA, NCBI's conserved domain database, BacMet, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene-ANNOTation (ARG-ANNOT) revealed the detection of hydrocarbon-degradation genes including salicylaldehyde dehydrogenase and catechol 1,2 dioxygenase involved in acenaphthene degradation, resistance genes for mercury, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and several others, and antibiotic resistance genes for 15 antibiotic classes such as β-lactam, colistin, aminoglycoside, among others. This study revealed that members of FN7 metagenome are equipped with requisite gene batteries and could be veritable bioresources for in vitro biodegradation as well as on-site bioremediation of animal charcoal polluted sites.
Aerobic Degradation of Di- and Trichlorobenzenes by Two Bacteria isolated from Polluted Tropical Soils.
(Pergamon, 2007-01-01) Adebusoye, Sunday A.; Picardal, Flynn W.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Fuqua, Clay; Grindle, Nathan
Two polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)-degrading bacteria were isolated by traditional enrichment technique from electrical transformer fluid (Askarel)-contaminated soils in Lagos, Nigeria. They were classified and identified as Enterobacter sp. SA-2 and Pseudomonas sp. SA-6 on the basis of 16S rRNA gene analysis, in addition to standard cultural and biochemical techniques. The strains were able to grow extensively on dichloro- and trichlorobenzenes. Although they failed to grow on tetrachlorobenzenes, monochloro- and dichlorobenzoic acids, they were able to utilize all monochlorobiphenyls, and some dichlorobiphenyls as sole sources of carbon and energy. The effect of incubation with axenic cultures on the degradation of 0.9 mM 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 0.44 mM 1,2,3- and 0.43 mM 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene in mineral salts medium was studied. Approximately, 80–90% of these xenobiotics were degraded in 200 h, concomitant with cell increase of up to three orders of magnitude, while generation times ranged significantly (P < 0.05) from 17–32 h. Catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activities were detected in crude cell-free extracts of cultures pre-grown with benzoate, with the latter enzyme exhibiting a slightly higher activity (0.15–0.17 lmol min1 mg of protein1) with catechol, suggesting that the meta-cleavage pathway is the most readily available catabolic route in the SA strains. The wider substrate specificity of these tropical isolates may help in assessing natural detoxification processes and in designing bioremediation and bioaugmentation methods.
Aerobic Degradation of Naphthalene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene and Chrysene Using Indigenous Strains of Bacteria Isolated from a former Industrial Site
(SENRA Academic Publishers, British Columbia, 2013) Nwinyi, Obinna C.; Picardal, Flynn W; An, Thuy T; Amund, Olukayode O.
Four bacterial strains were isolated from a former industrial site contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants for decades. The isolation was done using naphthalene as sole source of carbon and energy during the enrichment. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses of the four isolates (OC1, OC2, OC3, and OC4) assigned the strains to the genus, Enterobacter (OC1) and Pseudomonas (OC2, OC3, and OC4). The degradation and growth behavior of the four isolates was investigated on naphthalene, fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene. All the strains utilized naphthalene, fluoranthene, chrysene but pyrene partially, as sole sources of carbon and energy. The time course studies using relative concentration > 100ppm, >115ppm, > 89ppm and > 12 ppm for naphthalene, fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene respectively, resulted in rapid exponential increases in cell numbers and concomitant disappearance of the test substrates. Naphthalene was degraded between the range of 25 % and 99%, while chrysene degradation ranged between of 35 and 69%, pyrene 4 - 21% and fluoranthene 7 -19 %. Our results suggest that contaminated, former industrial sites contain a capable microbial community that may be used for bioremediation of the site.
Air microflora study of selected offices In Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
(ABSTRACTS OF THE 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, AUGUST 25-28 2019, UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS, 2019-10) Osuolale, O.; Ekpemiata, E.; Odiwe, A.
Introduction Indoor environments are factors that do impact health. Air quality of indoor environments is a main factor affecting human health, well-being and productivity. A main problem of indoor air quality which people hardly pay attention to is the effect of the presence of diseases causing microorganisms. Methods: The indoor air microflora of 40 staff’s office in Elizade University was studied taking into consideration the number of occupants in the offices, gender, age, the number of windows, temperature, relative humidity and pressure, to know the microbial load and the type of organisms present. Isolation of microbes was done using the settle plate method, using Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacterial isolation and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for fungal isolation. The NA and SDA agar plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours for bacteria and 25 ° C for 3 days for fungi. Results: Bacterial counts ranged from 12 cfu/m 3 – Numerous and fungal counts ranged from 1 cfu/m 3 – Numerous. Bacterial isolates were purified from the nutrient agar and further identification of bacteria was done by coagulase test, catalase test and gram staining. While for fungal identification, lactophenol test was done. The CDC MicrobeNet was used to confirm the isolates. The bacteria identified found were Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Micrococcus spp., Rhodotorula spp. and Streptococcus spp., while for fungi Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhodotorula spp. were identified. Conclusion: While it is generally known that indoor microorganism can be potentially a health hazard, there is no agreed upon level of airborne organism that signifies contamination for indoors and no health-based guidelines exist. In absence of guidelines it is recommended that more indoor study need to be done to understand the dynamics of airborne organisms in Nigeria from which health-based guidelines can be developed.
Alkaline extracted cyanide from cassava wastewater and its sole induction of chromosomal aberrations on Allium cepa L. root tips
(Taylor and Francis Online : Environmental Technology, 2021-04) Ogunyemi, Adewale; Abayomi, Akeem A.; Opawale, Rachael O.; Samuel, Titilola A.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Babajide, Alo
Cassava, a staple crop in Nigeria, processed by numerous factories in rural and sub-urban locations is known to contain some level of cyano compounds. Lack of stringent environmental regulations on management of cassava wastewater (CWW) from cassava processing factories had led to its indiscriminate discharge on the environment. CWW samples were obtained from cassava processing factories from selected states (Lagos (A), Oyo (B), Ogun 1 (C1), Ogun 2 (C2) and Cross River (D)) in Nigeria to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of extracted cyanide from the wastewaters. The cyanide was hydrolyzed via chemical degradation utilizing 1.25 M NaOH and subsequently titrated using silver nitrate with p-dimethylaminobenzalrhodamine as indicator. Further, in order to explore the potential toxicity of this pollutant present in the effluent, a battery of short-term biological assay (Allium cepa chromosomal aberration test) was used. Bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of CWW, and after 48 h the root tips were processed for cytological studies by the aceto-orcein squash procedure. The results revealed that cyanide concentrations on re-fluxing were in the range of 1.0 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L. All concentrations induced a number of chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells. The mitotic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration. The cytotoxic effects showed strong concentration dependent root growth inhibition with EC50 values of 30, 20, 37, 43 and 22 % for A, B, C1, C2 and D, after 72 h. The findings thus indicate that alkali treatment is very efficient in degrading the cyanide content of CWW and has shown that the combination of physico-chemical analysis along with the sole toxicity assessment could provide valuable information about the sole toxicity of cyanide as a chemical pollutant present in the cassava effluent.
Alkaloid extracts from Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) inhibit phosphodiesterase‐5, arginase activities and oxidative stress in rats penile tissue
(Wiley, 2019-04-11) Omojokun, Olasunkanmi S.; Famurewa, Akindele J.; Jaiyeoba, Oluwademilade A.; Oboh, Ganiyu; Agbebi, Oluwaseun J.
The erectogenic potential of alkaloids extracted from Bitter leaf (Vernonia amyg‐ dalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) was investigated in this study. Fresh leaves obtained from Bitter leaf and Black night shade were air‐dried, pulverized, and extracted for alkaloids. The inhibitory potential of the alkaloid extracts on arginase and phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) activities in rats penile tissue was determined in vitro. The antioxidant properties were also evaluated and the constituent alkaloids quantified using GC‐MS. The alkaloid extracts inhibited arginase (0–30.51 μg/ml) and PDE‐5 (0–133.69 μg/ml) activities in a concentration‐dependent pattern. Similarly, the alkaloid extracts inhibited Fe2+‐induced lipid peroxidation in rats penile tissues, scavenged DPPH, OH, and NO radicals as a function of concentration. GC‐MS char‐ acterization revealed over 20 alkaloid compounds. The inhibition of PDE‐5‐, argin‐ ase‐, pro‐oxidant‐induced lipid peroxidative‐, and free radicals‐scavenging activities by the alkaloids is suggestive of putative mechanisms underlying their therapeutic use for managing erectile dysfunction in folklore medicine. Practical applications Alkaloids extracted from Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) were characterized and investigated by standard procedures for inhibi‐ tory action against key erectile dysfunction‐linked enzymes and antioxidant activity. The alkaloids inhibited erectile dysfunction‐linked enzymes (arginase and PDE‐5) and showed considerable antioxidant activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. In view of this, we suggest the application of these results in the development of erec‐ tile dysfunction drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, with probable minimal or no adverse effect.
Alterations of Na+/K+-ATPase, cholinergic and antioxidant enzymes activity by protocatechuic acid in cadmium-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in Wistar rats
(Elsevier, 2016-07-13) Adefegha, Stephen A.; Oboha, Ganiyu; Omojokuna, Olasunkanmi S.; Adefegha, Omowunmi M.
Background: This study assessed the possible protective mechanisms of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: Male wistar strain rats weighing between 150–160 g were purchased and acclimatized for two weeks. The rats were divided into seven groups of seven each; NC group received normal saline, CAD group received 6 mg/kg of Cd-solution, CAD + PSG group received Cd-solution and prostigmine (5 mg/kg), CAD + PCA-10 and CAD + PCA-20 groups received Cd-solution and PCA (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) respectively, PCA-10 and PCA-20 groups received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg PCA each. Animals were administered normal saline, Cd and PCA daily by oral gavage for 21 days. After which the animals were sacrificed, the brain excised, homogenized and centrifuged. The activities of enzymes (Na+/K+-ATPase, cholinesterases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and levels of oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione) linked to neurodegeneration were subsequently assessed. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the enzyme activities and levels of oxidative stress markers were observed in CAD group when compared to the NC group. However, the activities of the enzymes were reversed in CAD + PSG and CAD + PCA groups. Conclusions: PCA may protect against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity by altering the activities of Na+/K+- ATPase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
Annotating unknown species of urban microorganisms on a global scale unveils novel functional diversity and local environment association
(Elsevier: Environmental Research, 2021-09) Wu, Jun; Danko, David; Osuolale, Olayinka O.; et, al
In urban ecosystems, microbes play a key role in maintaining major ecological functions that directly support human health and city life. However, the knowledge about the species composition and functions involved in urban environments is still limited, which is largely due to the lack of reference genomes in metagenomic studies comprises more than half of unclassified reads. Here we uncovered 732 novel bacterial species from 4728 samples collected from various common surface with the matching materials in the mass transit system across 60 cities by the MetaSUB Consortium. The number of novel species is significantly and positively correlated with the city population, and more novel species can be identified in the skin-associated samples. The in-depth analysis of the new gene catalog showed that the functional terms have a significant geographical distinguishability. Moreover, we revealed that more biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can be found in novel species. The cooccurrence relationship between BGCs and genera and the geographical specificity of BGCs can also provide us more information for the synthesis pathways of natural products. Expanded the known urban microbiome diversity and suggested additional mechanisms for taxonomic and functional characterization of the urban microbiome. Considering the great impact of urban microbiomes on human life, our study can also facilitate the microbial interaction analysis between human and urban environment.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Fitness Machines in Selected Fitness Centers at Akure and Elizade University in Ondo State Nigeria
(Science domain, 2019-03-14) Fadare, Olalekan S; Durojaye, Bilikis O
Aim: This study seeks to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from surfaces of fitness machines at fitness center located at Elizade University and Akure town. Methods: Samples were collected from the different site of gym equipment including thread mill (handle, floor), bicep bench (handle), bike (handle, paddle), cruncher (handle, elbow) using sterile swab stick moistened with sterile buffered physiological solution. The swab sticks were immediately transferred to the laboratory for analysis. Standard microbiological techniques were used to identify the bacterial isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates was determined by using standard antibiotics discs. Results: Out of the 31 isolates identified, Staphylococcus aureus 12(38.7%) was the predominant bacteria followed by Bacillus spp. 11(35.5%), Klebsiella spp. 4(12.9%), E. coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2(6.45%) and Enterococcus spp. 1(3.23%). The susceptibility profile showed that all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin (AM) and Augmentin (AU), Staphylococcus spp. isolated from different surfaces shows different susceptibility pattern to the used antibiotics, while Bacillus spp. Klebsiella spp. and E. coli also confer resistance to more than one commonly used antibiotic. Conclusion: The results showed the occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in which their presence on the equipment surfaces could easily be transmitted between users and to the environment generally. The spread of these potential pathogenic microorganisms in the fitness center can be prevented through frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer as well as daily cleaning of equipment surfaces before and after activities with disinfectants.
Anticholinesterase and Antioxidative Properties of Aqueous Extract of Cola acuminata Seed In Vitro
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014-11-18) Oboh, Ganiyu; Akinyemi, Ayodele J.; Omojokun, Olasunkanmi S.; Oyeleye, Idowu S.
Background. Cola acuminata seed, a commonly used stimulant in Nigeria, has been reportedly used for the management of neurodegenerative diseases in folklore without scientific basis. This study sought to investigate the anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from C. acuminata seed in vitro. Methodology. The aqueous extract of C. acuminata seed was prepared (w/v) and its effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase activities, as well as some prooxidant (FeSO4, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and quinolinic acid (QA)) induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain in vitro, was investigated. Results. The results revealed that C. acuminata seed extract inhibited AChE (IC50 = 14.6 μg/mL) and BChE (IC50 = 96.2 μg/mL) activities in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, incubation of rat’s brain homogenates with some prooxidants caused a significant increase in the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) content and inhibited MDA production dose-dependently and also exhibited further antioxidant properties as typified by their high radicals scavenging and Fe2+ chelating abilities. Conclusion. Inhibition of AChE and BChE activities has been the primary treatment method for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, one possible mechanism through which the seed exerts its neuroprotective properties is by inhibiting cholinesterase activities as well as preventing oxidative-stress-induced neurodegeneration. However, this is a preliminary study with possible physiological implications.
Arsenicosis in bladder pathology and schistosomiasis in Eggua, Nigeria
(Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2018-06-02) Bakare, Shukurat O. Bakarea; Adebayo, Adewale S.; Awobode, Henrietta O.; Onile, O.S.; Agunloyeb, Atinuke M.; Isokpehic, Raphael D.; Anumudu, Chiaka I.
Background: Chronic schistosomiasis and arsenic exposure through drinking water are some of the risk factors for bladder cancer. To determine the association of schistosomiasis and arsenicosis with bladder pathologies, 122 individuals from Eggua in southwest Nigeria were recruited for this study. Methods: Prevalence of schistosomiasis was determined by urine microscopy and PCR. Total urinary arsenic concentration and arsenic levels in three different water sources in the community were assessed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Bladder pathologies were investigated by ultrasonography. The data collected were evaluated with chi-square (χ2) and ANOVA tests to examine the relationships among demographic factors, infection, bladder pathologies and urinary arsenic concentrations. Results: The prevalence and mean intensity of schistosomiasis were 21.3% and 20.7 eggs/10 mL urine, respectively. Arsenic concentration in two of the water sources, River Yewa (0.46 mg/L) and borehole (0.52 mg/L), were above the WHO standard (0.01 mg/L); and the mean concentration in urine samples, 1.17 mg/L, was also above the WHO standard (0.2 mg/L). There was no evidence of an association between bladder pathology and arsenicosis, or between schistosomiasis associated-bladder pathology and arsenicosis (p=0.66). Conclusions: Arsenicosis is a public health concern in the study population. At the moment no clear roles are envisaged for it in the development of bladder pathologies or urinary schistosomiasis-associated bladder pathologies in Eggua.
Assessing knowledge and practice of cholera prevention and management procedures among primary health care workers in a Southwestern State, Nigeria
(Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci, 2019) Abbas, G.; Obembe, T.A .; Bankole, O.T.; Ajayi, I.O.
Introduction: Cholera outbreaks in Nigeria have been characterized by unusually high mortality (CFR>1%), indicating that systems presently in place for prevention, detection and management of cholera are weak. Given that inadequate health worker performance has been a problem in resource-limited settings and poor health worker knowledge has been implicated in poor health status in developing nations, it is imperative that the knowledge of primary health care (PHC) workers on cholera prevention and management procedures be assessed from time to time. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data collected from 286 PHC workers across four local government areas of Oyo State. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire with sections eliciting responses to questions on general knowledge of cholera, prevention methods, knowledge and practice of safety procedures among health workers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to present the data and test for statistical associations between categorical variables at 5% level of significance respectively. Results: Nurses (35.05%) constitute the highest proportion of health workers compared to doctors (8.7%). The mean age of respondents was 38.02 ± 9.48 years with the majority of respondents between 30-49 years. Majority (83.6%) do not know the cholera alert threshold. Overall, 45.1% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cholera prevention and management measures. Very few (28.0%) of the respondents had undergone any form of training on cholera outbreak in the past year. More workers aged 40 - 49years knew the cholera alert threshold compared to other age groups (p=0.033). Conclusion: Results from this study show that health workers at the primary level in Oyo State still lack adequate knowledge of general cholera prevention and management procedures. More training and re-training of health workers with regards to management of cholera is desirable to reduce the mortality rates within the selected area
Assessment of bacterial degradation of lignocellulosic residues (sawdust) in a tropical estuarine microcosm using improvised floating raft equipment
(Elsevier, 2015-10-01) Buraimoh, Olanike M.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Michel Jr, Frederick C.; Grewal, Sukhbir K.
In situ and laboratory studies were carried out to determine the ability of bacterial strains isolated from a tropical lagoon to degrade lignin and carbohydrate components of sawdust, with a view to abating the impact of sawdust pollution on these ecosystem. A floating raft system was designed and fabricated to carry out the in situ biodegradation studies over a period of 24 weeks. Nine bacterial strains identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as species of Streptomyces, Bacillus and Paenibacillus isolated from the lagoon were used as seed organisms. In the in situ study, 59.2% of sawdust was depleted at the rate of 1.175 x 10-4 gd-1 cm-3 by the bacterial isolates, whereas the lignin component of the sawdust decreased by up to 82.5% at the rate of 1.80 x 10-5 gd-1 cm-3. The maximum decrease in carbohydrate content was 85% at the rate of 2.192 x 10-7 gd-1 cm-3. In a similar experiment under laboratory conditions, total weight losses ranging from 26 to 51% in the wood residues were observed.
Assessment of laboratory capacity of public secondary health facilities in performing assay of selected epidemic-prone diseases in Oyo State, Nigeria
(Elsevier, 2019-07-08) Bankole, Oluwayomi T.; Ajayi, IkeOluwapo O.
This study assessed the capacity of public secondary facility-based laboratories in conducting diagnostic tests for selected epidemic-prone diseases in Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 secondary facility-based laboratories in Oyo State. Capacity was assessed on a 100-point scale in which scores were rated low (≤49%), fair (50–79%) and good (≥80%). Diagnostic testing capacity for bacterial meningitis, cholera, and measles was “low” in all the laboratories. The reasons reported for laboratories not conducting diagnostic tests for the selected diseases included inadequate instruments, unavailable reagents, and clinicians' failure to request those diagnostic tests. Laboratory capacity to perform diagnostic tests for the selected diseases was low in Oyo State secondary hospitals. There is a need for the provision of modern instruments and reagents, as well as clinician laboratorian quality assurance programs, to improve diagnostic services relating to the selected diseases.
Assessment of Mitigation Measures in Preventing Bacterial Infections in Selected Public Health Centres in Akure, Ondo State
(Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2019-05-10) Omoya, F. O.; Momoh, A. O.; Ajayi, K. O.
Introduction: Hospital acquired infection (or nosocomial) is an infection whose development is favored by hospital environment. They are usually acquired by either a patient during a hospital visit (or when hospitalized), hospital staff or patients’ relatives that visit when the patient is on admission in the hospital. Nosocomial infections can cause severe pneumonia and infection of the urinary tract, wounds, blood stream and other parts of the body. Nosocomial infections are commonly encountered in Africa and in Nigeria in particular. Factors such as hospital hygiene / cleanliness, personal hygiene of patients, overcrowding hospital wards and illiteracy increases the risk of nosocomial infection. Methods: The assessment of mitigation measures put in place to reduce bacteria present in surfaces of facilities (pillow, bed sheets, door handles, toilet seats and the floor) in wards of selected basic health centres (Arakale, Aule, Ayedun, Isolo, Oba-Ile and Orita-Obele) in Akure was evaluated using both questionnaire and on-sight assessment techniques Results: The results showed that there was a direct relationship between the hand washing or sanitizer used and the bacterial load present in the various surfaces examined. Conclusion: Therefore, adequate ward hygiene in these health centres is necessary to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections for both patients and visitors.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness ofWeather Information Dissemination among Farmers and Policy Makers
(Sustainability, 2022-03-27) Sansa-Otim, Julianne; Nsabagwa, Mary; Osuolale, Olayinka O.; et, al
The changing environment, climate, and the increasing manifestation of disasters, has generated an increased demand for accurate and timely weather information. This information is provided by the National meteorological authorities (NMAs) through different dissemination channels e.g., using radios, Televisions, emails among others. The use of ICTs to provide weather information is recently gaining popularity. A study was conducted in three countries, namely Nigeria, Uganda, and South Sudan to assess the efficiency of an ICT tool, known as “Weather Information Dissemination System”. The study involved 254 participants (Uganda: 71; South Sudan: 133; and Nigeria: 50). The collected primary data were first quality controlled and organized thematically for detailed analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to provide quantitative analysis as well as content scrutinized for qualitative analysis. The results showed that there is a need for timely weather information to plan farming activities such as planting and application of fertilizers and pesticides as well as to manage flood and drought by the water sector and disaster management. Results further showed that the majority of the respondents have access to the technology needed to access weather and climate information. The respondents who received weather information from NMAs noted that the forecast was good. However, they further noted that there is more room for improvement especially with making the forecasts location-specific, ensuring mobile access is adequate in all regions, provision of weather information by SMS (in countries where this service is currently unavailable) and improved timing of the weather information. Finally, uncertainty about the accuracy of weather information and the weather information not meeting specific needs are key barriers to people’s willingness to pay for it (Uganda: 33.3%; South Sudan: 46.1%; and Nigeria: 33.3%). Improved collaborations between the NMAs, ICT service providers, policymakers and farmers will facilitate an effective approach to weather information access and dissemination. Innovative sensitization approaches through the media houses will enable better understanding of weather products and utilization, and access to enabling ICTs would increase access to weather forecasts
Assessment of the Physicochemical Qualities and Prevalence of Escherichia coli and Vibrios in the Final Effluents of Two Wastewater Treatment Plants in South Africa: Ecological and Public Health Implications
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2015-10-23) Osuolale, Olayinka; Okoh, Anthony
The final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated for their physicochemical and microbiological qualities over a period of 12 months. The physicochemical parameters assessed ranged as follows both plants. The ranges of values for the physicochemical are: pH (3.9–8.6), total dissolved solids (86.50–336.3 mg/L), electrical conductivity (13.57–52.50 mS/m), temperature (13–28 °C), nitrate (0–21.73 mg/L), nitrite (0.01–0.60 mg/L), orthophosphate (1.29–20.57 mg/L), turbidity (4.02–43.20 NTU), free chlorine (0.05–7.18 mg/L), dissolve oxygen (3.91–9.60 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (0.1–9.0 mg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (4.67–211 mg/L). The microbiological assessment for both WWTPs revealed the presence of E. coli in counts ranging between 0 and 1.86 × 104 CFU/100 mL and Vibrio counts ranging between 0 and 9.93 × 103 CFU/100 mL. We conclude that these WWTPs are important point sources of pollution in surface water with potential public health and ecological risks.
Bacteria with dual resistance to elevated concentrations of heavy metals and antibiotics in Nigerian Contaminated Systems.
(Springer Netherlands, 2010-09-01) Oyetibo, Ganiyu O.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Adebusoye, Sunday A.; Obayori, Oluwafemi S.; Amund, Olukayode O.
Samples of soil, water, and sediments from industrial estates in Lagos were collected and analyzed for heavy metals and physicochemical composition. Bacteria that are resistant to elevated concentrations of metals (Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cr6+, and Hg2+) were isolated from the samples, and they were further screened for antibiotic sensitivity. The minimum tolerance concentrations (MTCs) of the isolates with dual resistance to the metals were determined. The physicochemistry of all the samples indicated were heavily polluted. Twenty-two of the 270 bacterial strains isolated showed dual resistances to antibiotics and heavy metals. The MTCs of isolates to the metals were 14 mM for Cd2+, 15 mM for Co2+ and Ni2+, 17 mM for Cr6+, and 10 mM for Hg2+. Five strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinomyces turicensis, Acinetobacter junni, Nocardia sp., and Micrococcus sp.) resisted all the 18 antibiotics tested. Whereas Rhodococcus sp. and Micrococcus sp. resisted 15 mM Ni2+, P. aeruginosa resisted 10 mM Co2+. To our knowledge, there has not been any report of bacterial strains resisting such high doses of metals coupled with wide range of antibiotics. Therefore, dual expressions of antibiotics and heavy-metal resistance make the isolates, potential seeds for decommissioning of sites polluted with industrial effluents rich in heavy metals, since the bacteria will be able to withstand in situ antibiosis that may prevail in such ecosystems.
BENISEEDS (Sesamum indicum Linn.) PREPARATION TREATMENTS THAT AFFECT PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND MINERAL VALUES
(Science Journal Publication, 2012) Momoh, Abdul O.; Adebolu, T. T.; Ogundare, A. O.
Beniseeds, also called sesame seed can be prepared in different ways to alter its nutritive and medicinal value. Here, beniseeds were prepared by roasting, boiling, and open fermentation. The proximate analysis compositon, mineral content, and phytochemical quantities varied by preparation treatment relative to the untreated fresh seeds. Open fermentation best decreased anti-nutrient and alkaloid quantities while simultaneously increasing the extractable protein content. These results provide a nutritional data base for a local seed stock and quantitatively demonstrate how preparative techniques can be applied to increase the human consumption value of beniseeds as well as its medicinal properties.
The bio-corrosive nature of injection water sources used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
(National Institute of Ecology, 2013) Okoro, Chuma C.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Samuel, O. B.
The bio-corrosive nature of injection water used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry from different sources such as seawater, produced water, brackish water, fresh and underground water were investigated with special emphasis on some of their components which enhance corrosion such as microbial activity, dissolved oxygen and presence of dissolved substances such as chlorides, sulfates and ammonia. Our investigation reveals that seawater, produced water and brackish water had higher salinity, conductivity, concentrations of dissolved oxygen, TDS, sulfate, organic nutrients, sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB), acid producing bacteria (APB) and higher corrosion rates (0.24-0.56 mm yr-1) than fresh and underground water whose corrosion rates ranged between 0.06-0.08 mm yr-1. Our study also established high correlation between corrosion rates and the concentrations of Fe2+, SRB, APB, TDS, DO and conductivity in all injection water samples examined in the study. The role of microorganisms in enhancing corrosion was also clearly established in some samples.

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