Studies on aerobic biodegradation activities of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by bacteria species isolated from petroleum polluted site

Bacteria species were screened and monitored for the efficiency of 2,4–dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degradation from oil degrading laboratory stock with the view to getting the most efficient 2,4-Ddegraders, to develop an active indigenous bacterial consortium for the bioremediation of 2, 4-D polluted systems in Nigeria. The 2,4-D was utilized as sole source of carbon attaining maximum cell densities of 107 cfu ml-1 from an initial 105 cfu ml-1 in 10 days. The amount of 2,4-D utilized in a batch culture by the isolates varied significantly from an initial inoculum densities of the order of 105 cfu ml-1 and increased with increasing concentrations of 2,4-D. Growth rates ranged from 0.154 h-1 to 0.180 h-1 for SERU2 and 0.158 h-1 to 0.183 h-1 for SERU 11. Dioxygenase specific activity [ìg ml-1 chloridereleased/mg protein)-1 h-1] in actively growing cell cultures ranged from 0.010 – 0.055 (SERU 2) and 0.009-0.045 (SERU 11). The specific activity of the dioxygenase in the cell-free system ranged between 0.013 – 0.042 (SERU 2) and 0.011-0.046 (SERU 11). The pH optimum for the dioxygenase of the cell-free system was between 7.6 and 8.0 while the temperature optimum was 30oC. In conclusion the results showed that the two bacteria isolates have potential for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degradation and their cell-free extracts could be used as biological alternatives in the bioremediation of 2,4-Dcontaminated system

Aerobic dehalogenation activities of two petroleum degrading bacteria

Two petroleum degrading bacteria were screened for  2,4-dichlorophenyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrading abilities and assessed for their dechlorination potentials. The bacterial isolates were previously identified to be Corynebacterium sp. (SOGU16) and Achromobacter sp. (SOGU11). Axenic cultures of the isolates metabolise 2,4-D as the sole source of carbon and energy. The optimum pH for dioxygenase specific activities was between 7.6 and 8.0 and the optimum temperature was between 30 and 35°C. The cell-free extracts of the cultures in the 2,4-D demonstrated biological degradation of the 2,4-D compound. The observations made in this study are sufficient to conclude that the isolatesobtained have reasonable potentials for application in bioremediation of both petroleum and 2, 4-D contaminated sites

Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on the leaves and stem ofDesmodium scorpiurus Der (sw)

Phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of Desmodium scorpiurus Der (sw) revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroids and carbohydrates. The petroleum spirit, chloroform and methanol extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity using clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyrogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results showed that the plant is very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyrogenes with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 x 102 mg/ml

Determinants and effect of girl child marriage: a cross sectional study of school girls in Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Child marriage is a major problem contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It has effect on both social and health of not only the girl child but the children born to these young mothers. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the determinants of early marriage among secondary school girls in Plateau State and its effect especially on their health and education. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study of young girls in 21 secondary schools across the three geopolitical zones in Plateau state, selected through a simple random sampling technique after obtaining consent from the JUTH ethical committee and permission from the State ministry of education and the principals of the various schools.Results: The study found that while must marriages among girls are forceful marriages, the factors that influenced early marriage was poor educational level of parents, poverty and place of residence. The girls who married among them reported having had some health challenges and educational backwardness as a result of early marriage. Conclusion: This study found that poverty and poor education are the underlying cause of child marriage and child marriage is usually against the will of the girls who desire to be educated.Key words: Early marriage, maternal and childhood morbidity and mortality, Child Right Act, girl child education, puberty, teenage pregnanc