Potentials of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus: (Thunb.) Matsum, & Nakai) Extract as an Appetite Stimulant and Antioxidant in the Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata: Swainson, 1821)

The growth and development of Archachatina marginata are relatively slow but expected to improve given the most preferred feed materials, and appetite stimulants are provided at optimal periods. This study aims to assess Citrullus lanatus extract's potential as an appetite stimulant and an antioxidant in A. marginata. Growth parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR) were used as indices for measuring A. marginata growth. Morphometric parameters were taken, and biochemical markers such as total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Catalase (CAT), was determined. A total of 30 juvenile A. marginata (124.18 ± 35 g) was procured for the study, carried out over four weeks, with a week of prior acclimatization. Five (5) experimental treatments, comprising six (6) A. marginata each, were gavaged with diets containing various concentrations of C. lanatus extracts. Results indicated that C. lanatus extract improved growth in snails with a significant regression of SGR (F (2,12) = 0.06, p = 0.03, R2 = 0.3495), and SCI (F(2,12) = 0.007, p = 0.048, R2 = 0.4984) recorded on extract concentration. Biochemical markers activity showed downward trends relative to increasing C. lanatus extract concentration. This indicates that C. lanatus extract reduced antioxidant activity and consequently oxidative stress in A. marginata and that it is possibly capable of augmenting feeding and subsequent growth in A. marginata. Hence, the incorporation of C. lanatus extract of concentrations ≥ 0.338 ml/g into snail feed to improve snail growth and productivity is therefore recommended

The Potential of visible light spectra as control measure of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium

The control and or eradication of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium, is a major aspect of the prevention or eradication of malaria. The study investigated the potential of visible light spectra in the control of mosquito. Mosquito larvae were irradiated with light (blue, green, yellow, red and white lights) two hours daily (8am – 10am) for fourteen days. Ambient light served as the Control treatment. The irradiation (640 lux) was by 25 watts incandescent bulbs inside aluminum foil wrapped in plastic containers.10 newly hatched mosquito larvae were exposed under each treatment replicated thrice. Development of larvae to pupae, pupae to adult and mortality of larvae, pupa and adult were recorded daily. Data obtained were expressed as percentages, mean(±SD) and compared by analysis of variance; significant means were separated by Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. Larvae mortality was significantly (p<0.05) higher under the coloured lights compared to the control; yellow light elicited the highest significant (p<0.05) larvae mortality (8.17±.408; 81.7%), followed by white (5.33±.516), blue (5.17±.408), green (4.83±.408) and red (4.00±.894) lights. The percentage of undeveloped larvae was significantly (p<0.05) the highest under blue light. While yellow light resulted in highest larvae mortality and blue light suppressed larvae development. Yellow and blue light therefore, have the potential for use as environment friendly means of controlling mosquito

Physicochemical parameters of the Lekki Lagoon in relation to abundance of Wenyonia sp Woodland, 1923 (Cestoda: Caryophyllidae) in Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758)

Parasitic infection of fish is seen worldwide, and they are of particular interest in the tropics. Reports indicate that parasite infections in fishes lead to a disruption in aquaculture production. This study was undertaken to determine the association between physicochemical parameters and the abundance of Wenyonia sp Woodland, 1923 in Synodontis clarias collected from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 180 Synodontis clarias were investigated between April 2019 and March 2020. The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids of the surface water at the Lekki Lagoon were assessed in situ using the Horiba U50 multi-water sampler at three (3) Points, 500 metres apart. There was a positive correlation between parasite abundance and all the physicochemical parameters investigated. Water temperature showed a positive correlation with pH and turbidity and a negative correlation with electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids. The results showed that the statistical T-value (-2.72) of the parasite abundance between the male and the female fish was lower than the critical T-value (1.98), indicating no significant difference in the levels of infections between the male and female fish samples. In conjunction with future data, the data produced in this study can be used in monitoring the aquatic habitat for informed remediation of the lagoon to aid the preservation of the ecological services rendered by the aquatic ecosystem

Potential of Light Spectra as a Control of Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, Activity

Damage of stored cowpea by the weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, is of great concern in Nigeria. The study investigated the potential of light spectra in the control of the bean weevil; In the first trial, ten individual bean weevils were directly irradiated with green, yellow, red and white and ambient(control) light generated by electric bulbs at 25 Watts. In the second trial, ten individual weevils were housed with 700 bean seeds and exposed to the light spectra. Each light treatment was replicated thrice and weevils were exposed for two hours daily for 10days. Mortality of the bean weevils was monitored daily, and percentage bean damage was determined in 10days. Data obtained were expressed as mean (±��);���� damaged beans were compared by analysis of variance and separated by Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. Under direct exposure, the highest mortality rate was recorded under blue light in the first five days followed by red light. From day six to nine, the highest mortality was recorded under the white light followed by blue and red. The highest mortality was recorded under white light followed by red and blue light under indirect exposure (with beans). Percentage bean seed damage was significantly (p≤0.05) lower under white (1.38%), blue (1.53, 2.38%) and red (2.48%) lights; a significantly (p<0.05) higher bean damage was recorded under ambient light (17.81%). White, blue and red lights were lethal to beans weevil by killing them and reducing their activities

Impacts of Aflatoxin B1 on cultivated Palaemonid shrimps

The study investigated oxidative stress induced by Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in selected palaemonid shrimps. The shrimps were fed with Aflatoxin B1 of 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/kg in mixtures of shrimp feed. The impact s of the concentrations on the growth rate of the shrimps and the induced Oxidative stress were assessed. Growth rate was estimated using standard growth rate, mean weight gain, feed conversion rate and survival rate; while oxidative stress was estimated using levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Generally, AFB 1 of 40 μg/kg bw highly impacted the growth of all species, followed by 20 μg/kg bw. i.e. the shrimps in the treatment elicited significantly reduced standard growth rate and mean weight gain. Elevated concentrations of SOD detected in all shrimp species at AFB1 concentration of 20 μg/kg bw, particularly 40 μg/kg bw further supported the toxicity observations in the treatments. According to the profile of antioxidant activities and growth analysis, the trend of resilience to AFB 1 was: Macrobrachium vollenhovenii >Macrobrachium macrobrachion >Macrobrachium dux >Macrobrachium fellicinium > Palaemon maculatus > Nematopalaemon hastatus. This implies that M. vollenhovenii followed by M. macrobrachium have higher success potentials in small and middle scale shrimp farms vulnerable to aflatoxin exposure. Palaemonid shrimp farm feeds should be regularly screened to ensure the concentration of AFB1 does not exceed 10 μg/kg bw

Distribution of radionuclides and assessment of risk exposure to the miners on a kaolin field

Mining of kaolin deposits are common in Nigeria without considering the background radiation in such environment and the health risks it might pose on the miners. In this study, in-situ measurements of the naturally occurring radionuclides were carried out with the aim of determining the distribution of these radionuclides on the mining field and estimation of the hazard indices exposure risks (γ- and α-radiation risks) to the miners. The study was achieved with the aid of gamma ray detector Super-Spec (RS-125) and global positioning system. The detector used has ability to measure activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K and gamma doses. For the purpose of this study, only the concentrations of the three radionuclides were considered. For each location, measurements were taken four times, while its mean value was estimated for better accuracy. In all, nineteen locations were occupied in order to cover the study area. Basic kriging method was adopted for the production of spatial distribution of these radionuclides and their corresponding γ- and α-radiation hazard indices. The mean values of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 46.7, 71.8 and 108.7 Bq kg-1 , respectively. When compared to the global standard, it was revealed that 238U and 232Th are greater than the global standard, while 40K fall below the permissible limit. The γ- and α-radiation exposure risks estimated revealed that the mean values of Iγ and Iα are 0.6 and 0.2 respectively. Though the estimated γ- and α-radiation indices showed that the kaolin field is safe for the miners, periodic check is required in order to monitor the rate at which these natural primordial radionuclides (238U and 232Th and their progenies) are being enhanced

Application of Antioxidant Enzymes as Biomarkers in Cultivability Assessment of Palaemonid Shrimps

The scope of the study was to explore and simulate some selected abiotic factors from the natural home of the shrimps (a tropical rainforest river) with a view to providing information required for sustainable shrimp husbandry. Hypothesis: Abundance of shrimps is solely a function of the physico-chemical (abiotic) characteristics of the river. Methodology: Water, sediment and shrimp samples were collected on monthly basis from the Osse River, in Edo State, Nigeria. The samples were collected between April and December, 2015; at night and early morning periods. The physico-chemical properties of the water and sediment samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The sAnalysis of variance was employed in analyzing the descriptive statistics of the physico-chemical properties. Sex distribution patterns amongst the shrimp species and the ratio of male to female distribution for each species was analyzed mathematically. Stress levels impacted by abiotic variables were investigated employing Cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase (CYP450), Glutathione- S-Transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Lipid Peroxide (LPO). Results: Availability of the shrimps in the study area was: Macrobrachium vollenhovenii >Macrobrachium macrobrachion >Macrobrachium lux >Macrobrachium fellicinium >Nematopalaemon hastatus > Palaemon maculatus. The female shrimps outnumbered the males in among all the species captured from the natural environment. Order of abundance of shrimps in the river was Station 2 (41%) > Station 1 (32%) > Station 3 (16%) > Station 4 (11%).Abundance of shrimps at Station 2 can be attributed to the predominant abiotic factors such as flow rate (0.1 ± 0.01 m/s), depth (72.5 ± 3.1 cm, water pH (6.7- 7.5), water temperature (27.6 ± 1.07 °C), and primary productivity nutrients (oligotrophic). Laboratory results conform to field observations on the basis of depth having greater impacts on the organisms than flow rate. Conclusion: Palaemonid shrimps are littoral organisms which have considerable cultivability. Depth of 72 cm and flow rate of 0.1 m/s are recommended for aquaculture of the shrimps. Notwithstanding, sufficient information about their feeding habits and breeding conditions are imperative.hrimp samples were identified, sorted, and counted

Health risk indices and zooplankton‑based assessment of a tropical rainforest river contaminated with iron, lead, cadmium, and chromium

Oil exploration’s devastation on health and the environment may far outweigh its economic benefits. An oil spill occurred at Egbokodo River in Delta State, Nigeria, thereby polluting the land and water bodies. The study was therefore aimed at evaluating the impacts of iron, lead, cadmium, and chromium on the zooplankton community structure of Egbokodo River and the potential health risks. Zooplankton and surface water samples were collected to investigate the concentrations of trace metals and zooplankton abundance. The associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of the metals in the water were analyzed. Trace metal concentrations in the surface water were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (Philips model PU 9100) and zooplankton samples were collected using a hydrobios plankton net (mesh size 25 μm). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and oil and grease (OG) were determined using Agilent 7890B gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and volumetric analysis respectively. The trend of the abundance of zooplanktons cross the river was 18 individuals (Station A) < 100 individuals (Station B) < 155 individuals (Station C). Cyclopoida proved to be the most resilient to the impacts of the oil spill. On a taxa basis, the order of abundance among Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Cladoceran, and Harpacticoida was Station C > Station B > Station A, except in Amphipoda where Station B > Station C > Station A was observed. Iron and lead posed significant carcinogenic risks that are liable to be inflicted by the ingestion of the water. The cumulative non-carcinogenic health risk in the male was the only significant (> 1) among the age groups. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), oil and grease (OG), iron, and lead had notable impacts on the general abundance of zooplankton in the aquatic habitat. The dominance of the Cyclopoida in the river buttressed the impact of the oil spill which warrants a prompt remediation measure. The pollution had notable ecological impacts on the zooplankton community structure of the aquatic habitat. The adults in the nearby human populations are liable to elicit carcinogenic health challenges associated with lead and iron ingestion. The males are at risk of non-carcinogenic illnesses which are associated with the combined toxicity effects of all the metals. The study suggests that the pollution in Egbokodo River was validated by the dominance of the Cyclopoida in the aquatic habitat. The study confers bioindicator reputation on the Cyclopoida for future biomonitoring studies

Antibacterial kinetics and phylogenetic analysis of Aloe vera plants

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of resistant bacteria. It has necessitated the evaluation of antibacterial activities and phylo-diversity of Aloe vera (also called Aloe barbadensis) plants as antimicrobial agent in Nigeria. METHODS: Biotyped enteric bacilli of 251 strains obtained from fecal samples of patients with various gastro-intestinal complications are profiled for antibiogram. Resistant biotypes were assayed for susceptibility to A. vera latex and further evaluated for time-kill kinetics and phylo-diversity. RESULTS: More than 30% of enteric bacilli, including Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis, were resistant to cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, respectively, at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >16 μg/ml (p = 0.004). A. vera latex significantly inhibited 39.5% resistant enteric biotypes with a significant average reduction of the viable count at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC to <3.0 Log10CFU/mL after 24 h. Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinine in anti-enteric sap significantly correlated and regressed with antibacterial activity (p < 0.05), while two of the antimicrobial A. vera plants showed phylogenetic relatedness with other homologous. CONCLUSION: Antibacteria efficacy of some Nigerian A. vera latex could provide alternative therapy, while its phylo-diversity and genomic profiling would offer a promising avenue for identification and development of antimicrobial agents as drug candidates for natural antibiotics