Spectro-analytical Research of Selected Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Four Different Single-use Plastics Commonly in Contact with Food from Sokoto, Nigeria

Single use plastics are types of plastics discarded after one usage. They are everywhere you go because of their wide range of applications in life. In plastics, additives are incorporated to supplant properties of plastics. One of the common additives is the heavy metals, which could leach out along the plastics lifecycle, thereby creating a problem. This study was stimulated to determine the levels of heavy metals in selected single-use-plastics commonly in contact with food (as containers or wrappings or relations) in Sokoto. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was utilized to determine the levels of copper, chromium, lead, zinc and cadmium. The results for determination of selected heavy metals in selected single use plastics from Sokoto State University, Nigeria were revealed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therein, the concentrations of copper (Cu) ranges from 0.335+0.002 to 0.540+0.002(ug/kg), levels of cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0551+0.003 to 0.0041+0.0003(ug/kg), levels of chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.0959 +0.004 to 0.0265+0.001(ug/kg), levels of lead (Pb) ranges from -1.791+0.02 to -0.0706+0.008(ug/kg).  Thus, the results revealed disparity in the levels of the analyzed heavy metals in the selected single use plastics.  However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway (T); Cd was highest in Straw (S), and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup (IC) and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. The concentrations of Cupper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium in plastic bottle, Takeaway, Straw and lce cream cup, have shown disparity. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway; Cd was highest in Straw, and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. They levels determined are within the permissible limits

Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding in Sokoto: The Role of Counseling, Parental Support, and Health Education

Purpose – This study aims to investigate exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Sokoto. Design/methods/approach – A survey type of 300 respondents was used; data were analyzed with frequency counts/percentages and an X2 test. Findings – All respondents were female (100.0%), aged 26-35 (100.0%). The majority of the participants were single (66.7%) and unemployed (66.7%), with a secondary school education (66.7%). However, 33.3% of the participants were married, were civil servants, and had tertiary education. The study revealed that the majority (66.7%) had received breastfeeding counseling during antenatal care. All respondents (100.0%) received proper guidance/counseling at home on exclusive breastfeeding. Fathers (66.7%) and mothers (33.3%) supported exclusive breastfeeding. The respondents reported exclusively breastfeeding their child for the first six months after delivery (100.0%), and weaning occurred between 19-24 months. The reasons for avoiding exclusive breastfeeding were the sickness of the mother (66.7%) and insufficient milk (33.3%). All respondents (100.0%) agreed that exclusive breastfeeding improved the baby’s health, and health awareness encourages breastfeeding (100.0%). Research implications/limitations – This study provides a limit in the form of maximum exclusive breastfeeding for children aged 24 months. Practical implications – The study suggests that counseling, support from parents, and health awareness can improve exclusive breastfeeding, and healthcare providers should provide such services during antenatal care while promoting the practice through health education campaigns. Originality/value – This study highlights the importance of counseling, parental support, and health education in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving the health of infants in Sokoto. Paper type Research pape

ANXIETY EFFECT ON STUDENTS AND PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY: A CASE STUDY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO CITY, NIGERIA

The Sokoto state needs biology-based students for the making of many useful professionals that works in a diverse array of human lives. However, there is a report showing poor performance in the subject. Anxiety is an issue that may affect education; thus, this work aimed to assess the issue of anxiety among students of biology in secondary school, the related causes, and control. The study design applied was a survey (questionnaire) among 400 students in Sokoto and the data was managed using descriptive statistics. Sources revealed include: How often do you hear from your family while on campus had the greatest percentage with 40.0%, then by Lack taking in a well-balanced diet with 30.0 %, How often have you been following your time table had 20.0%, followed by Distractions or disturbances from a roommate on campus (7.5%), and the least was How often have you been angered because of things that were beyond your control on campus with 2.5%.  The effects of anxiety on academics include: Anxiety distracting from the lesson (40.0%), and reduces morale in academics (30.0%).  Anxiety prevents students from finishing their assignments (20.0%), and elicits absenteeism (10.0%). Anxiety management includes: Major ploy is enough time and participating in extracurricular activities. Guidance and counselling/discussions with friends are helpful. Thus, academic anxiety can be tamed for better learning. Education on anxiety, enough rest, staying focused, and exercise are needed to enhance students’ academic performance

Assessing Immunization Status and Factors Influencing Vaccination Coverage Among Children in Rural Suburbs of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Purpose – This study aimed to assess the immunization status of children in the rural suburbs of Sokoto state. The study aimed to examine the knowledge and perception of the respondents towards immunization, their vaccination coverage, and factors that may influence their immunization status.Design/methods/approach – This study, which took place in Sokoto state, Nigeria, used a questionnaire as the data collection instrument for a descriptive observational survey. The participants in the study consisted of opinion/community leaders, community men and women, and healthcare providers from the study area. The study population encompassed all people in the region under investigation. The sample size was 300 respondents selected through cluster sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the X2 test.Findings – The study’s respondents were primarily male (66.7%), with a significant female population (33.3%), all aged 26-35. The majority were married (66.7%) and had tertiary education (66.7%), while some had secondary (16.7%) or primary education (16.7%). Immunization knowledge was primarily obtained through friends (66.7%) and healthcare workers (33.3%), with the expected time to begin immunization after nine months of age. All respondents had vaccinated their children and possessed vaccination cards. Factors affecting immunization included socioeconomic status (33.3%), beliefs (26.7%), geographic barriers (16.6%), and awareness (16.7%). The DPT1/DPT3 immunization coverage rate was 85%.Research implications/limitations – This study offers valuable insights for developing effective immunization programs in rural areas. The findings highlight the importance of educating friends and family members and promoting high levels of awareness and motivation towards immunization to encourage the adoption of similar strategies. However, it is essential to note that the study’s focus on immunization in children may limit its relevance to other age groups. Practical implications – Immunization is crucial for saving lives and protecting individuals, families, and communities from various diseases, offering profound benefits beyond health. This study has practical implications for policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers, students, and non-governmental organizations who can benefit from its findings to improve immunization strategies.Originality/value – This study provides valuable insights into the immunization status of children in rural areas of Sokoto state, highlighting the importance of education, awareness, and motivation towards immunization to promote higher vaccination coverage rates and improve public health.Paper type Research pape

Biomedical Waste Management among Primary Health Care Workers, Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, NIGERIA

Biomedical waste management is a serious issue to health and environment that must be addressed at primary health care level, especially in Bauchi local government area of Bauchi state. The objectives of this study were to assess on the knowledge, methods and problems of biomedical waste management among the primary health care workers in some selected Health Care Centers of Bauchi L.G.A. of Bauchi state. A cross sectional study was employed and sampling techniques were used to distribute a questionnaire and interview among the health workers at twenty (20) selected primary health centers with (200) sample respondents from public and private health care centers. The result from the current study shows that the knowledge of biomedical waste management awareness among the workers was represented (94%), and only (6%) were not aware. The majority of PHC workers practiced open dumping and burning method (74%), incineration (7%), chemical treatment and only 1% for autoclave methods. while, microwaving (0%), encapsulation (0%) and sanitary landfill methods (0%) were not practiced. The problems of biomedical waste management included improper planning (33%), insufficient funds (25%), lack of material (19%) and (15%) lack of staffs training. There was improper segregation, lack of planning, lack of funds and practiced open dumping and burning, which is against the biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules of 2016. There was improper biomedical waste management at primary health care level in Bauchi local government of Bauchi state. Thus, the Bauchi government should give more consideration towards good plan, allocation resources, set a committee of adequate supervision, monitoring and evaluation for the sustainable biomedical waste management at Bauchi local government of Bauchi state.

ANTINUTRIENTS IN HERBAL PRODUCTS: AN ASSESSMENT OF NITRATE, PHYTATE, OXALATE, AND CYANIDE IN COMMONLY CONSUMED HERBAL SNUFFS IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Background: Herbs are major players in present day therapy, especially by the locals. However, there are some secondary metabolites present in them that can act as antinutrients when consumed by humans. Thus, it is important to monitor the levels of antinutreints in herbal snuff to save the public, especially in Sokoto (a state battling with challenges of nutrients deficiency and malnutrition). Objective: The objective of this work was to measure levels of cyanide, nitrate, phytate, and oxalate, in herbal snuff in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: Snuffs were brought from Sokoto market and subjected to antinutritional analysis according to standard methods and using reagents/materials of analytical grade. Result: The amount of nitrate present in three herbal snuff brands sold in Sokoto, Nigeria show that, nitrate ranges from 18.81 ± 0.9 mg/100g (found in Hajiya Safiya snuff brand) to 21. 82 ± 0.08 mg/100g (found in Hajiya Aisha snuff brand). The concentrations of phytate in 3 brands of herbal snuffs revealed, the highest value (91.164 ± 0.001 mg/100g) was recorded in Hajiya Aisha, and the lowest (4.05 ± 0.04 mg/100g) was observed in Dr Lambo herbal brand. The concentrations of oxalate show that, the highest level (0.0787 ± 0.059 mg/100g) was found in Dr lambo, and lowest (0.0055 ± 0.0001 mg/100g) observed in Hajiya Aisha snuff. Then, levels of cyanide in herbal snuff show, the highest value (25.68 ± 1.45 mg/ 100g) was recorded in Dr Lambo snuff brand, and the lowest level of cyanide was recorded in Hajiya Safiya (19.32 ± 1.04 mg/ 100g). Conclusion: The snuffs contain the assessed antinutrients at levels that are not likely to pose risk

EXTENT OF CYANIDE, NITRATE, AND FLAVONOIDS GOITROGENS IN SOILS AND TOBACCO PLANT IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Nitrate, cyanide, and flavonoids are among the chemicals that threatens hormones especially the thyroid gland and in turn affecting the body. Their presence in tobacco and cigarette shall be determine to inform the public. The objective of this work was to determine the extent of nitrate, cyanide, and flavonoids in soil and tobacco from Sokoto, Nigeria using standard methods. The results determined by this work indicated varied levels of goitrogens (cyanide, nitrate, and flavonoids) present in soils and tobacco leaves grown in three different points within Sokoto state, Nigeria (namely, Sokoto city, Gwadabawa, and Illela). 100.21±6.12 -705.10±4.60ppm, ppm 136± 6.10-170.30±3.36ppm, 7.10±0.3-17.0±0.11ppm are range values of cyanide, nitrate, and flavonoids respectively obtained in soils in Sokoto state. Likewise, 90.0±2.16-500.0±1.3ppm, 70.11±3.9-120.0±10.3ppm, 6.2±0.5-25.11±0.05ppm are the ranges of cyanide, nitrate, and flavonoids respectively determined in tobacco leaves in Sokoto state, Nigeria. There exist elevated levels of the goitrogens in soils and tobacco in Sokoto, therefore, risking the consumers and non-consumers to iodine deficiency

Solid Waste Disposal and Extent of Selected Heavy Metals in Fadama Area of Sokoto City, Nigeria

This study was carried out with the purpose of assessing solid waste disposal and levels of heavy metals in Fadama area of Sokoto city. A survey using questionnaire and atomic absorp-tion spectroscopy was employed for the study. The descriptive statistics and X2 test were done. The types of pollution noticed include: land (40.0%), air (40.0%), and water (20.0%). The possible causes of the pollution include, mostly open dumping of solid waste (41.7%), then open defecation (33.3%), and lastly burning (25.0%). Spread of diseases was most (40.0%) perceived effect, then effect on children (20.0%) and gastroenteritis (20.0%). Other effects are: sickness (13.3%) and accidents (6.7%). The efforts to address the waste disposal are: burning (60.0%), pushing it away from road (20.0%) and provision of containers (20.0%). Effort did by the government involves, promising to bring con-tainers (30.0%), and doing nothing (70.0%). Wastes found are: plastics (70.0%), organic and defeca-tions (23.3%), metal and relations. The heavy metals analysis shows, the lead ranges from 5.1 ± 1.2 to 10.0 ± 0.80 (ppm); chromium ranges from 0.59 ± 0.01 to 2.10 ± 0.02 (ppm); zinc ranges from not detected to 0.81 ± 0.3 (ppm); cadmium from 0.25 ± 0.02; and mercury ranges from 0.95 ± 0.02 to 10.20 ± 0.11 (ppm). There is poor waste management in an agricultural area, a trend that can seep harmful chemicals to be taken up by plants to the upward food chain/web, coupled with other harmful ef-fects of waste such as instigation of diseases and environmental degradation

Some Elements in The Fruit: An Assessment of Gingerbread Plum from Sokoto, Nigeria

A region like Sokoto that is been challenged by series of problems such as double burden of diseases, malnutrition, and food insecurity should utilized the available fruits for their inherent nutrient’s compositions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the proximate and elemental contents (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) in gingerbread plum (Neocarya macrophylla) fruit which are essential for normal growth and development of body tissues for the human health. Neocarya macrophylla fruit is screened for certain nutritionally needed elements and proximate compositions using standard methods. Results obtained show that, crude protein with (2.70 ± 0.0057%) has the lowest concentration, the moisture content was 5.83 ± 0.57 percent, ash content was 5.33 ± 1.54 percent, crude lipid was 5.23 ± 0.15 percent, and crude fiber was 13.33 ± 4.48 percent. The determined levels of mineral elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium) reveal 30.25000 ppm, 4.9001 ppm, 90. 1000 ppm, 40.563 ppm, and 67.5601 ppm, respectively. Therefore, the plant is nutritious and vital for metabolic processes