Impact of Non-point Pollutants on the Physicochemistry of Orelope Stream, Onabamiro, Ago-iwoye. Southwest Nigeria

The Orelope stream, Ago-Iwoye was investigated for the impact of non-point pollutants on its physicochemistry. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) at all sampling sites were higher than permissible levels allowed by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) for freshwater. The BOD (256mg/L) and COD (667mg/L) obtained at the sampling site C (dumping site) showed the highest severity. The dissolved oxygen (DO) of the stream was low at all sampling sites, the highest severity correlates with sampling site C (the dumping site). The concentration of Lead (Pb) at all sampling sites was higher than the permissible level for freshwater , the value of 0.05 ± [13] 3.00 obtained at sampling site C was the highest. Barium was recorded only at sampling site A, which coincides with the abandoned fish pond and its value was higher than the WHO[13] standard. Lead contributed more significantly (p<0.05) to the heavy metal concentration of the stream and is highly positively correlated with alkalinity (0.98), pH (0.88), total dissolved solids (0.90) and hardness (0.68) of the stream (p<0.05). The means of acidity, alkalinity, conductivity, pH, chloride, chromium, copper, cadmium, lead, magnesium, total dissolved solid, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulphate were significantly different at all sampling sites (p<0.05) with sampling site C recording the highest means of all these parameters. Visual appraisal of the stream revealed that eutrophication and ecological succession is gradually taken place, thereby decreasing the volume of the stream especially at the location of the dumping site (sampling site C)

Growth performance of Alma millsoni fed with brewers dried grain (BDG) and coconut husk

The growth performance of Alma millsoni cultured on 'brewers dried grain and coconut husk was studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments (Control, brewer’s dried grain and coconut husk) and three replicates. Earthworms were cultured in plastic bins of 60 x 30 x 30 cm. While coconut husk was used as the bedding, the earthworms were fed with brewer’s dried grain, coconut husk or no extra feed other than the bedding. Growth performance of the earthworms was measured every week. The proximate composition of the earthworm was conducted using standard procedures. The mean weight of the earthworms under the three different treatments was significantly different (P < 0.05); with earthworms fed brewers dried grain recording the highest mean weight (1.03 ± 0.50). No significant difference was observed in the percentage crude fibre, crude protein and moisture between A. millsoni from different treatments; whereas a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the percentage crude fat and ash between A. millsoni from the different treatments with A. millsoni fed brewers dried grain recording the highest percentage crude fat. Weight of worms was significantly and positively correlated to feed source (P < 0.05). The implication of this is that earthworms fed with brewers dried grain gained weight above those fed with coconut husk or the control but the weight gain observed may have been as a result of the increase in crude fat content of the earthworms since there was no difference in their crude protein content. Culturing of earthworm on either coconut husk or brewers dried grain must therefore be accompanied with a protein source

Comparative Analysis of the Growth Performance and Haemolymph Biochemical Properties of Normal and Albino Giant Land Snail- Archachatina marginata

This study was conducted to compare the growth performance and haemolymph metabolites concentrations of two snail ecotypes-normal skin and albino snail raised in captivity for eight weeks. The growth performance was measured by body weight gain, shell length gain and shell circumference gain  while the measured haemolymph metabolites were glucose, protein, lipids, Na+, K+ ,Ca2+, Cl- and PO42-. Normal snail recorded better growth performance and growth rate (3.432x) than albino snails (2.166x). Similarly significantly higher (P 0.05) was recorded in the concentrations of minerals of the two snails species haemolymph. The domestication of the two snail ecotypes is thus recommended for heliculturist.Keyword: Albino snails, Archachatina marginata, biochemical value,  haemolymph

Glutathione-S-transferase production in earthworm (Annelida: Eudrilidae) as a tool for heavy metal pollution assessment in abattoir soil

The use of direct response of animals to environmental challenges by production of biomarkers is a better tool to assess environmental pollution than the conventional methods. This study aimed to measure Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in earthworms as tools for assessing heavy metal pollution in abattoir soil. Five (5) replicates each of earthworm species (Libyodrilus violaceous, Eudrilus eugeniae and Alma millsoni), soil and rumen waste samples were collected from three (3) abattoir sites (Lafenwa, Gbonogun and Madojutimi abattoirs), and a control site located within Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, beside an undisturbed stream with no rumen waste. Heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Mn) concentrations in rumen waste, abattoir soils and earthworm tissues were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The pH and organic matter (OM) concentrations of the rumen waste and abattoir soils were determined by standard methods. GST activities in the earthworm tissues were determined through the conjugation of 1 mM reduced glutathione (GSH) with 1 mM 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The rumen waste recorded significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) % OM, heavy metal concentrations and pH level than in their respective abattoir soils. The mean heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Mn were highest in the tissue of earthworm species obtained from Lafenwa abattoir. A significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher GST activities were recorded in the tissue of earthworm species obtained from Lafenwa and Gbonogun abattoirs. Libyodrilous violaceus obtained from Lafenwa abattoir recorded the highest GST activity (8.47±1.39) in their tissue followed by the ones from Gbonogun abattoir (8.21±0.85). A significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlations was observed between GST activities in earthworm tissues and heavy metal concentrations. GST activities can therefore be used to assess the level of heavy metal pollution in abattoir soils. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 779-789. Epub 2016 June 01

EARTHWORM CAST BIOMASS UNDER THREE MANAGED ECOSYSTEMS: IMPLICATION FOR SOIL FERTILITY

The study was conducted to determine earthworm cast biomass under three managed ecosystems, Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and its impact on the soil physicochemical parameters. Seven, five and four plots of 3 m2 each were sampled in Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations respectively. Each plot was laid out in form of a grid and seven quadrats of 44 cm x 44 cm each were sampled in each plot. On-field Cast weights were determined to the nearest gram using a top loading mechanical balance and the cast biomass was calculated from these. The nutrient and mineral properties of both earthworm casts and parent soils were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The % OC (4.61), %OM (7.96), sulphate (38.37), pH (7.78), total nitrogen (0.27), Mn (0.47) and Fe (7.23) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the earthworm casts under Gmelina plantation compared with the cashew and banana plantations. Cu and Fe concentrations in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than under cashew and banana plantations while Mg and Mn concentrations showed no significant difference. Compared with the parent soil, %OC, %OM, Mn and Fe obtained from earthworm casts were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) under all three plantations. Earthworm cast biomass under the Gmelina plantation (15483.63g/m2) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than that obtained under the cashew (13270.83g/m2) and banana (8828.13) plantations. The present results showed that earthworm activity is better supported under Gmelina than cashew and banana plantations In addition, the higher cast biomass and nutrient level in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation signifies a significantly higher nutrient level which, expectedly means that the Gmelina plantation soil will be more fertile than the soil in cashew and banana plantations.Key Words: Earthworm cast, Gmelina, Cashew, Banana, physicochemica

Comparative Microbial Analysis of Earthworm Casts Collected From Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria

A comparative assessment of the physicochemical parameters and microbial profile of three types of earthworm casts (Pellet, Mass and Turret) were determined. The total viable count (TVC), coliform counts, yeast and mould counts were determined using standard procedures. The pH ranged from 7.8 for Mass cast to 8.6 for Pellet cast. Moisture content of the casts ranged from 29.43% for pellet casts to 47.10% for turret casts. Organic matter was 1.05%, 0.72% and 0.63% for pellet, turret and mass casts respectively. TVC was 4.8 x 107cfu/g, 6.1 x 107cfu/g and 1.2 x 108cfu/g for Mass, Turret and Pellet casts respectively. Pellet cast recorded the highest coliform count (1.5 x 107) while Turret cast the least (7.3 x 106 cfu/g). Mould counts was 8.3 x 106 cfu/g for turret cast and 1.2 x 107cfu/g for pellet and mass casts. The lowest yeasts count was 1.2 x 107cfu/g in mass cast while the highest was 3.8 x 107cfu/g for pellet cast. Microbial distribution in the three casts types showed that Staphylococcus aureus is common to all Cast-types. Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Penicillium chrysogenum and S. rosei were isolated from Pellet cast only. Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxisporum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Penicillium oxalicum were isolated from only Turret Cast while Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium compacticum, Klebsiella aerogenes and Streptococcus feacalis were isolated from Mass Cast only. The presence of Bacillus licheniformis in Pellet Cast is an advantage plus for Pellet cast usage since this bacteria contributes to nutrient cycling and displays antifungal activities.Keywords: Pellet cast, Turret cast, Mass cast, Microbial Count

Tobacco cessation services and related challenges among dentists in southwest Nigeria

Introduction: Oral health problems arising from tobacco use have been reported and some of these conditions can be prevented through Tobacco Cessation (TC). Dentists are well positioned to provide tobacco cessation services to patients. In Nigeria, little is documented on the provision of cessation services among dentists and the challenges. This study was conducted to assess the cessation practices of dentists and their related challenges in Southwest Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in all the tertiary healthcare facilities within the six states of the Southwest geopolitical zone. A total population survey involving dentists below the cadre of Consultant/Chief Dental Officers undergoing postgraduate training and/or providing services in the tertiary hospitals was conducted using a pretested semi structured selfadministered questionnaire. This included questions on challenges experienced in the provision of TC services in their respective facilities.Results: A total of 224 eligible dentists were approached to participate in this study with a response rate of 91.5%. Mean age and completed years of working experience were 33.8±5.2 and 6.1±4.4 respectively. In reporting challenges to  implementing tobacco cessation services, 60% of respondents reported ‘lack of perceived efficacy and training’ as the major barriersConclusion: From this study, incorporation of tobacco cessation into the dental curriculum will increase the knowledge and competence of dentists. Provision of systems support to dentists willing to help patients quit smoking may be important in ensuring the health system is responsive to the tobacco control needs of patients in Southwest Nigeria.Keywords: Tobacco cessation, Dentists, Challenges, Nigeri

Macromineral Profile of Four Species of Earthworm Hyperiodrilus africanus, Eudrilus eugeniae, Libyodrilus violaceus and Alma millsoni from Nigeria

The macro mineral profile of four Nigerian species of earthworm; Hyperiodrilus africanus, Eudrilus eugeniae, Libyodrilus violaceus and Alma millsoni was conducted. using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Five macro minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were determined. Comparatively H. africanus recorded the highest mean Ca (0.494 ±0.038%) while A. millsoni recorded the lowest (0.318±0.034%). Hyperiodrilus africanus also recorded the highest mean Mg (0.154±0.015%) whereas L. violaceus recorded the lowest (0.118±0.017%). Alma millsoni recorded the highest mean K (0.045±0.003% ) whereas H. africanus recorded the lowest (0.027±0.002%). The highest mean Na (74.209±13.699 ppm) was recorded by A. millsoni while the lowest (19.813±2.087 ppm) was recorded by H. africanus. Also A. millsoni recorded the highest mean P (0.701±0.022%) while H.africanus recorded the lowest (0.456±0.034%). A significant difference was observed in the mean % Ca, % M g, % K, ppmNa and % P between the four species of earthworms (p<0.01). The study revealed that these five macro minerals which are requirements of animals w ere well represented and adequate in the earthworms. Therefore, the use of meal prepared from these species as mineral supplement in fish diets could be encouraged

Partitioning of Chemical and Physical Effects of Earthworms on Growth Performance of the Vegetable Amaranthus

This study was carried out to partition the physical and chemical effects of earthworms on the vegetable crop Amaranthus. By restricting earthworms to one half side of plant pots and comparing plant growth performance on both sides of the pots, and by comparing these with completely wormless pots (control), statistical analyses showed that plants on the wormless sides of wormed pots perform better than those in control pots. This suggests that some earthworm products cross the cloth septa to positively influence the plants on the wormless sides. The differences represents the effect due to chemical products of earthworms or of their activities. Plants on the worm sides of pots perform better than those on the wormless sides. Their difference represents the physical effects of the earthworms. It is estimated that chemical effects of the earthworms Libyodrilus violaceus improve Amaranthus performance by about 32% and the physical effects by about 36%. The total effect of both amount to about 68%. The growth parameter significantly improved are: plant height, leaf length, leaf area and number of leaves, whereas stem girth and leaf width are not significantly affected. This suggests that some chemical product of the earthworms affect primary apical meristem in the cell proliferation and elongation zones. This agrees with the suggestion that earthworms produce auxins and cytokinins. The estimated optimal level of earthworm treatment was 15 earthworms per pot (equivalent to 3.77million worms/ha, or 0.38T/ha for L. violaceus). For Amaranthus the parameters most improved by the earthworms were those that most affected market value. This should therefore be a good campaign factor to encourage farmers to adopt earthworm transplatation as a partial substitute for application of inorganic fertilizers