Antibacterial Activity of Garcinia kola and Cola nitida Seed Extracts

Antibacterial activity of Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) and Cola nitida (Kola nut) against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was studied. Results showed that alcohol extract of Garcinia kola was active against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae at various concentrations, with the latter displaying the lowest sensitivity. Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were completely resistant. Hot water extract of the same plant was however, active against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The other organisms showed sensitivity to the alcohol extract of Cola nitida, but higher sensitivity was observed with the hot water extract of the plant. Some of the results provided scientific evidence for the use of the plants by traditional herbalists in the treatment of microbial infections. Key word: Garcinia kola, Bitter Kola, Cola nitida, Kola nut, Antibacterial, extracts

A study of Algal species of Kano River, Tamburawa, Kano State, Nigeria

An ecological study of algae at Kano River in Tamburawa village was carried out within the period of March, 2013 to August, 2013 at five different sites. The sampling sites were selected for the purpose of the study based on differences in their anthropological conditions. Physico-chemical and biological  parameters were determined using standard methods. Physico-chemical and biological parameters  showed that Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, 5-days Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrate, Phosphate, Electrical Conductivity and Turbidity ranged between 220C to 280C, 6.10 to 9.20, 2.00mg/L to 9.83mg/L, 0.50mg/L to 4.93mg/L, 0.00mg/L to 14.40mg/L, 0.01 to 6.65mg/L, 38.2 ìs/cm to 135.3 ìs/cm and 67 FAU-2060.70 FAU respectively. A total of fifty six (56) algal species were identified out of which thirty seven (37) species belong to the Class Bacillariophyceae with Nitzchia spp having the highest cell counts, Seventeen (17) species belong to the Class Chlorophyceae with Spirogyra spp having the highest cell counts, two species belong to the Class Cyanophyceae with Oscillatoria sp having the highest cell count. The result shows significant difference (P<0.05) among the sites and regarding their monthly fluctuation. The correlation coefficients of Algal abundance and physico-chemical parameters were positive with DO, BOD, Nitrate and phosphate. However, it had negative correlation with Temperature, pH and Conductivity. The results of the study showed that Kano River is eutrophicated as a result of theanthropogenic activities taking place in the area. The river is also polluted due to the presence of some pollution indicators identified in the area.Keywords: Algae, Anthropogenic conditions, Kano River, Physico-chemical parameters

Study on physicochemical and heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Mn) concentrations of tap water in Dutse, Jigawa state, Nigeria

A study on the physicochemical and heavy metals concentration of drinking water in Dutse Jigawa State was conducted between May, 2010 and February 2011. The parameters analyzed were the colour, odour, taste, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen and some heavy metals (lead, iron and manganese). The water was found to be colourless, odourless, tasteless and free from all suspended particles visible to the nicked eye. The mean temperature, turbidity and conductivity of the water ranged from 26 - 270C, 0.006 – 0.559 NTU and 234 – 504.8 ìS/cm respectively. The pH, alkalinity and total hardness have mean value range of 6.5 -7.0, 22.5 – 129 mg/L and 7.75 – 16.22 mg/L respectively. The highest mean value for dissolved oxygen observed was 4.33 mg/L. The results of physicochemical study upon comparison with WHO and NIS standards of drinking water show that, the values were all within permissible limits. The concentration of lead, iron and manganese ranged between 0.09 – 0.27 mg/L, 0.25 –0.32 mg/L and 0.25 – 0.32 mg/L respectively. All the values except that of iron exceeded the permissible limits of drinking water recommended by WHO and NIS.Keywords: Dutse, Drinking water Standard, Heavy metals, Permissible limit, physicochemical, potable water

The Influence of Physico-Chemical Parameters on the Zooplankton Distribution of Kussalla Reservoir, Kano State

Zooplankton studies of Kusalla Reservoir in Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State were carried out over a period of twelve months from June, 2006 to May, 2007. Alongside the physicochemical parameters of the reservoir was also determined in relation to the distribution of the zooplankton. Physico-chemical parameters showed that temperature, water depth, transparency, pH, and conductivity range between 22-28OC, 50–70 cm, 25 cm-78 cm, 6.2-7.4, 25-60 /seconds respectively, so also hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate- nitrogen, and phosphate-phosphorus ranges between 3.3-9.9 mg/l, 7.3-8.4mg/l, 2.6- 4.4mg/l respectively. Different species of zooplanktons belonging to four (4) major classes; Cladocera (37.95 %), Copepods (26.6%) Rotifera (19.75%) and Protozoa (15.7%) were also recovered. The composition abundance and distribution of zooplankton varied with the variation in the Physico-chemical parameters of the reservoir.Keywords; zooplankton, physico-chemical, Kusalla da