Comparative cytotoxic and spectrophotometric quantification of phytochemicals of the methanol extracts of the leaf and root bark of <i>Securinega virosa</i> (Roxb ex. Willd) Baill (Euphorbiaceae)

The comparative cytotoxic and spectrophotometric quantification of phytochemicals of the methanol extracts of the leaf and root bark of Securinega virosa was carried out. Phytochemical screening and  spectrophotometric quantification of total flavonoids and phenolics of the extracts were carried out using  standard reported methods. Phytochemicals detected in the extracts include alkaloids, cardiac  glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The total flavonoids and phenolic  contents were observed to be more on the leaves than the root bark. The cytotoxic effects of the methanol extracts were evaluated between 10-400 µg/ml over a period of 24 hr using the tadpole mortality assay. At 100 µg/ml, the methanol extract of the leaf produced 73.30 ± 3.33% mortality which increases to 100 % at 200 and 400 µg/ml while the root barks produced 26.78 ± 4.45 and 56.70 ± 6.67 % mortalities respectively at the same concentrations. The significant cytotoxic effects observed coupled with the presence of phytochemicals such as phenolics supports the ethnomedicinal claim of this plant in treating cancer in Ogun State.Keywords: Cytotoxicity; Phytochemicals, Securinega virosa; Phenolics; Raniceps raninus; Spectrophotometri

Water quality of Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: assessment of some physicochemical properties, metal concentrations, and water quality index

AbstractIn this study, some physicochemical properties, concentrations of metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn), and the overall water quality from Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were assessed over two seasons. Water samples were collected from designated areas along the course of the river and were prepared for analysis by standard procedures. The ranges of the mean values for some water quality indicators were found to be as follows: pH: 7.40–8.17, turbidity (NTU): 20.5–42.3, total dissolved solids (mg L−1): 27.5–44.7, total suspended solids (mg L−1): 34.1–61.7, dissolved oxygen (mg L−1): 3.07–6.53, biochemical oxygen demand (mg L−1): 0.13–2.77, total hardness (mg L−1): 28.3–60.0, and nitrate (mg L−1): 0.37–0.92. Only the turbidity values exceeded the permissible limit of 5 NTU. The concentration ranges (mg L−1) for the six metal ions determined were: Pb: 0.01–0.02, Cd: 0.01–0.03, Zn: 0.1–0.3, Cu: 0.03–0.07, Fe: 0.6–0.9, and Mn: 0.01–0.05. There were no significant variations in many of the locations between the wet and dry seasons. The comprehensive pollution index values indicated severe pollution of the Creek, with Cd, Fe, and turbidity, identified as the major contributors to the deteriorated water quality. The sources of high loads of Cd, Fe, and turbidity in this river system include discharges from oil production activities, speed boats, illegal bunkering, and domestic waste dumps. Principal component and cluster analysis were used to establish relationships between the various parameters and sites. The risk assessment indicated adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks arising from human consumption of the water. The risk is higher for children than adults. Therefore, the Bomadi water is considered unsuitable for drinking and other domestic purposes, and remediation is required.</jats:p

Water quality of Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: assessment of some physicochemical properties, metal concentrations, and water quality index

Abstract In this study, some physicochemical properties, concentrations of metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn), and the overall water quality from Bomadi Creek in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were assessed over two seasons. Water samples were collected from designated areas along the course of the river and were prepared for analysis by standard procedures. The ranges of the mean values for some water quality indicators were found to be as follows: pH: 7.40–8.17, turbidity (NTU): 20.5–42.3, total dissolved solids (mg L−1): 27.5–44.7, total suspended solids (mg L−1): 34.1–61.7, dissolved oxygen (mg L−1): 3.07–6.53, biochemical oxygen demand (mg L−1): 0.13–2.77, total hardness (mg L−1): 28.3–60.0, and nitrate (mg L−1): 0.37–0.92. Only the turbidity values exceeded the permissible limit of 5 NTU. The concentration ranges (mg L−1) for the six metal ions determined were: Pb: 0.01–0.02, Cd: 0.01–0.03, Zn: 0.1–0.3, Cu: 0.03–0.07, Fe: 0.6–0.9, and Mn: 0.01–0.05. There were no significant variations in many of the locations between the wet and dry seasons. The comprehensive pollution index values indicated severe pollution of the Creek, with Cd, Fe, and turbidity, identified as the major contributors to the deteriorated water quality. The sources of high loads of Cd, Fe, and turbidity in this river system include discharges from oil production activities, speed boats, illegal bunkering, and domestic waste dumps. Principal component and cluster analysis were used to establish relationships between the various parameters and sites. The risk assessment indicated adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks arising from human consumption of the water. The risk is higher for children than adults. Therefore, the Bomadi water is considered unsuitable for drinking and other domestic purposes, and remediation is required