Comparison of Dissolved Metal Constituents of Borehole and Well Water in Osogbo Metropolis

Introduction: Water is considered safe for consumption only if the dissolved particles are not hazardous to health. This study evaluated and compared the concentrations of certain metals in water from bore-holes and wells in Osogbo metropolis. Methods: A total number of 36 boreholes and 36 wells from six different geographical zones of Osogbo were used for this study. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, cobalt, cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc were determined in them using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.Results: Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and manganese, increased significantly (P<0.05) while the level of copper decreased significantly (P<0.05) in well-water when compared with bore hole-water. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed in the levels of iron and lead in well-water when compared with bore-hole water. Zinc, cadmium, chromium, selenium and cobalt were not detected in both water samples. Levels of Mg, Pb and Cu were higher in both well and bore hole waters of Osogbo metropolis when compared with the WHO standard for drinkable water.Conclusion: It could be concluded in this study that well water may contain more dissolved metals from the top soil. To avoid metal-induced toxicity, feasibility studies may be necessary to ensure that wells are not sited in areas where toxic materials have been deposited.Â

Assessment of Landfill-emitted Gaseous Pollutants and Particulate Matters in Alimosho Local Government of Lagos state, Nigeria

Information on landfill-emitted pollutants in Nigeria cities has consequently become a priority. This study was designed to assess the air quality of landfill sites and the nearby communities in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Five public landfills in use since about thirty years ago were chosen for this study. A lightly populated area, free from other sources of air pollution served as control. Target points for the study were the centre of landfill (CLF), 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF, and a radius of 100M away from landfill. Levels of selected gaseous pollutants (NO2, O3, H2S and CO) and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) were determined in the landfill environments and control (unpolluted area), using Aeroqual Series 500 with sensors for NO2, O3, H2S, CO, PM2.5 and PM10. The result showed that levels of H2S were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF and 100M from CLF compared with unpolluted area. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference when the level of H2S in 100M radius was compared with the unpolluted area. Levels of CO were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. The levels of O3 were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. Levels of VOC were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with unpolluted area. The levels of NO2 were significantly (p<0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. The levels of PM2.5 increased significantly (p<0.001) at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. The levels of PM10 were also significantly (p< 0.001) higher at the CLF, 50M from CLF, 100M from CLF and 100M radius compared with the unpolluted area. In conclusion, communities close to landfills may be polluted with toxic gases and particulate matters. Further investigation is needed to validate the safe distance of residential areas from landfills to avert the risks of toxicity associated with gaseous pollutants

Inter-relationship of plasma markers of oxidative stress and thyroid hormones in schizophrenics

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The relationship of oxidative stress to thyroid hormones has not been studied in the schizophrenics. The present study determined the status and interrelationship of plasma markers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and thyroid hormones in thirty (17 males and 13 females) newly diagnosed patients with acute schizophrenia before initiation of chemotherapy. Twenty five (13 males and 12 females) mentally healthy individuals served as controls. Patients and controls with history of hard drugs (including alcohol and cigarette), pre-diagnosis medications (e.g. antiparkinsonian/antipsychotic drugs), chronic infections, liver disease and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. Plasma levels of total antioxidant potential (TAP), total plasma peroxides (TPP), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in all participants using spectrophotometric and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods respectively. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the percent ratio of total plasma peroxides and total antioxidant potential.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Significantly higher plasma levels of MDA (p < 0.01), TPP (p < 0.01), OSI (p < 0.01), T3 (p < 0.01) and T4 (p < 0.05) were observed in schizophrenics when compared with the controls. The mean levels of TAP, NO and TSH were significantly lower in schizophrenics (p < 0.01) when compared with the controls. The result shows that T3 values correlate significantly with MDA (p < 0.05) and TPP (p < 0.01) in schizophrenics.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Higher level of TPP may enhance thyroid hormogenesis in schizophrenics. Adjuvant antioxidant therapy may be a novel approach in the treatment of schizophrenic patients.</p

Assessment Of Antioxidants And Nutritional Status Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients In Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional and antioxidant status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Nigeria Methods: Levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB.), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and total antioxidants (TAS) were determined in thirty-one Nigerian pulmonary tuberculosis patients and thirty-four controls using Spectrophotometric methods Results: The mean levels of TP (7.13±1.06g/dl), ALB (3.27±0.7g/dl), TC (100.7±23.6mg/dl), HDLC (28.6±7.2mg/dl), LDLC (65.5±15.1mg/dl) and TG (61.6±16.2mg/dl) were significantly lower while the level of globulin (3.9±0.84g/dl) was significantly higher in pulmonary tuberculosis patients when compared with controls (TP= 7.6±0.7g/dl; ALB= 4.2±0.48g/dl; TC = 163.2±40.1mg/dl; HDLC = 41.4±5.4mg/dl; LDLC = 107.8±27.5mg/dl; TG= 101.5±29mg/dl; globulin = 3.4±0.6g/dl respectively). Level of TAS (0.83±0.34mmol/l) was significantly lower when compared with controls (TAS= 1.65±0.26mmol/l). The significantly lower level of antioxidants observed in this study might be due to heavy load of free radicals released by the bacterial invaded macrophages. Conclusion: The nutritional derangement and lower antioxidant status could call for prompt nutritional intervention in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis patients