Efficacy of Amendments in TPH Removal during Bioremediation of Agricultural Crude Oil-polluted Soil

This study identified the efficacy of different amendments as biostimulants in bioremediation. This experiment was carried out for 4 weeks in the laboratory. One kilogram of pristine soil was spiked with one liter of crude oil in earthen pots, to each pot 10 grams of amendments were added and mixed thoroughly. The amendments used were poultry dropping (C-PD), cow dung (D-CD), N.P.K (E), and a control (A and B) setup undergoing natural attenuation. The microcosms’ initial physicochemical characteristics such as total organic nitrogen, pH, temperature, total organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The microbial enumeration was done for total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB). The molecular characterization of the pristine soil (A) and contaminated soil (B) was also done using the shotgun analysis. The THB of A and B was 1.3 x 107 and 2.1 x 102 while the HUB was 1.63 x 105 and 1.1 x 101on day 1 respectively. The THB of treatments during bioremediation at week 2 was 1.75 x 108, 1.89 x 108, 1.5 x 108 and 2.2 x 108 while at week 4, the THB was 1.90 x 108, 2.1 x 108, 2.20 x 108 and 2.25 x 108 while the HUB at week 2 was 1.20 x 105, 3.0 x 105, 2.5 x 105 and 1.98 x 105 while at week 4, the HUB was 2.0 x 106, 2.19 x 106, 2.46 x 106 and 2.1 x 106 for B, PD, CD ,and N.P.K respectively. The molecular characterization of A and B showed there was a higher microbial diversity in the contaminated soil than in the pristine soil. This study has shown that cow dung is more effective in the bioremediation of total petroleum hydrocarbon, and polyaromatic hydrocarbon in crude oil-contaminated soil.

Mortality of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) Exposed to Spinetoram Toxic Bait in the Laboratory

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause significant losses during the production and marketing of horticultural products. Brazilian growers usually adopt full-coverage insecticide spraying to control fruit flies, but toxic bait is a more strategic technique, because reach efficacy and the target surface is the foliage and branches. We provide information regarding the toxicity of spinetoram bait to two fruit fly species in the laboratory as an alternative to organophosphates and the specific spinosad formulation. We tested toxic baits in the laboratory, using commercial hydrolysed corn protein (10% v/v) plus 90 g, 120 g, 150 g and 180 g dilutions of spinetoram 250 WG (commercial product/1,000 litres of water). All toxic baits were compared with an untreated control (only protein) for the adults of females and males of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) up to 30 hours of exposure. Dry food for adults was included in all dilutions (5% w/v). In addition, we tested the residual effect of toxic baits applied to the leaves of mandarin seedlings. We used the same treatments of the earlier bioassay without dry food, collecting treated leaves and exposing them to C. capitata (medfly) females for 24 hours in the laboratory. Leaves were collected 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after application. Overall, medfly adults were more susceptible to spinetoram baits than A. obliqua. All toxic baits resulted in 100% C. capitata mortality 24 hours after initial exposure, and the toxic bait at 150 g/1,000 L of water resulted in the maximum mortality (96%) in A. obliqua. Except for 90 g of spinetoram bait at 30 days after application, all spinetoram bait concentrations resulted in significantly, more dead C. capitata females than the control over all tested periods in the residual bioassay. At 30 days after application, spinetoram baits at 120 g, 150 g and 180 g resulted in 85%, 87% and 86% mortality in C. capitata, respectively. Spinetoram toxic baits have proven promising for long-term fruit fly management.

Enhancing Cucurbita pepo Growth, Productivity, and Fruit Quality using Bacilli Strains and Cyanobacteria Treatments

Two successful field experiments were carried out during 2020and 2021 growing seasons to evaluate the effect of bio fertilizers; Bacillus amyloliquifaciens (BA), Bacillus megaterium (BM) and cyanobacteria inoculation on the vegetative growth, growth parameters and plant chemical content of Cucurbita pepo (Squash) crop. The study of mixed inoculation with both Bacillus strains, and cyanobacteria was found to improve vegetative growth, plant chemical contents and positive microbial activity in the soil Rhizosphere in comparison to un-inoculated plants. Soil available nutrients (N and K) increased significantly with BA and BM combined with cyanobacteria while available phosphorus gave most increase with BM.

Toxicological Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sokoto Township and Environs

Inspite of the availability of different antiseptic and antibiotics in most localities in some parts of the world, there is still a number of information on the usage of some local plants in various kinds of treatments of different ill-health conditions. Leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Leptadania hastata and Momordica balsamina are locally used by traditional birth attendants at pre and post-partum periods. The present study investigates the phytochemical compositions and toxicity of the leaf extracts of the plants against isolates of Listeria monocytogenes. Standard microbiological techniques and polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate and identify the bacteria. Phytochemical analysis was done and cytotoxicity of the extracts at different concentrations (MBC, OBC and LHC) were determined using human erythrocytes. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpinoids and glycosides in the studied extracts. Toxicity to erythrocytes, expressed as percentage hemolysis of only 17.27% (MBC1) was seen in one of the plants; M. balsamina. Similarly, the other extracts exhibited minimal toxicity to human erythrocytes (LHC1= 15.45%; OBC1= 7.6%). It was concluded that all the plant leaf extracts are safe for human consumption. Studies on the preparation, effective doses and side effects of these extracts in vivo are hereby recommended.

Isolation and Identification of Anthracene Utilizing Proteus vulgaris from Oil Spill Contaminated Soil at NNPC Depot Kano State Nigeria

Microbial biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like Anthracene, represent an efficient, time, and cost-effective way for bioremediation of the polluted environment. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing bacteria with potential to degrade and utilize anthracene as a sole carbon source. A bacteria was isolated from oil spilled contaminated site located in Kano, using an enrichment method on mineral salt media (MSM) following serial dilution (10-1-10-6). Characterization was done by studying the effects of temperature and pH on mineral salt media (MSM) containing anthracene. The isolate was then identified morphologically, biochemically and molecularly based on 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analysis. The morphological and microscopic examination of the isolate from this research shows that the isolate was creamy in color, motile, gram negative, short rod and non-spore forming respectively. The biochemical test of the isolate was found to be positive for these parameters (methyl red, catalase, motility, indole and urease) and negative for (citrate and oxidase). The 16S rRNA sequence and Phylogenetic analysis using neighbor joining tree and 1000 boos trap revealed that, the isolate was closely related (on the same clade) to Proteus vulgaris with accession number MW766369. Characterization was done by studying the effects of temperature and pH. The isolated bacterium was optimal at a temperature of 35ºC and pH 7.5. This isolate is a promising strain that could be used in bioremediation of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons polluted environment.

Ecological Adaptation of Endemic Anthocleista Species under Moisture Gradient in Parts of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Knowledge of the anatomy of Anthocleista species is crucial for understanding how these plants adapt to the environment. Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the adaptive relationship of moisture gradient influence on the anatomy of four species in the genus Anthocleista (A djalonesis A Chev; A. liebrechtsiana De Wild & Th.Dur; A. nobilis G.Don; and A. vogelii Planch) in light of ecological niche adaptation. Place of Study: parts of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States in the Niger Delta. Methods: Conventional classical anatomical techniques for structural sectioning were used. Results: Though there are similarities and differences in vascular structure among the species, the study has revealed variance in anatomical responses to moisture gradient (ranging from dry mesophytic to mesophytic and wetland conditions) of adaptation. The most important and distinct features observed are the presence of sclerenchymatous idioblast, air sacs and sclereidal idioblast. Sclerenchymatous idioblasts are numerous in A liebrechtsiana, few in A. nobilis and A. vogelii but lacking in A. djalonesis. The sclerenchymatous idioblast in A. liebrechtsiana, A. nobilis, and A. vogelii confirmed these species to be mesophytic to semi-aquatic in their habitat adaptation; while A. djalonesis is dry-mesophytic in adaptation with thicker epidermal layer, multiple hypodermal layers, thicker mesophyll tissues with increased number of palisade layers and thick leaves. The stem and root modification had abundance sclereidal idioblast distribution in A. liebrechtsiana, and A. nobilis, moderate in A. vogelii and very low in A. djalonesis. Conclusion: The variation observed in the leaf, petiole, stem and root anatomical characters are due to moisture gradient influence with the resultant effect of plant species evolving structures such as idioblast and modification to adapt to the niche and environment where they find themselves.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Soil around Amasoma Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: Anthropogenic activities such as crude oil exploration and exploitation has led to the suspicion of heavy metals contamination in the study area. This study investigated the concentration of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in the soil extracted from the area where Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) are grown in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis. Results: the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), and Zinc (Zn), in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil. From the sample data analysis, the average lead (Pb) contents in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 1.283 mg/kg and 1.44 mg/kg respectively. The average Cadmium (Cd) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 0.256 mg/kg and 0.256 mg/kg respectively. The average Nickel (Ni) compositions in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 4.71 mg/kg and 5.09 mg/kg respectively. While the Average Zinc (Zn) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil is 2.280 mg/kg and 2.160 mg/kg respectively. The soil analyzed for heavy metals were below the threshold target values recommended by the WHO. Conclusion: The Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils analyzed for heavy metals were below the permissible limit recommended by WHO for soil safety. The result from the present study revealed that there may not be soil contamination as a result of the selected heavy metals, however, It is recommended that caution should be taken in regulating the anthropogenic activities that may tend to elevate the level of heavy metals in the surrounding to prevent contamination of soil over time which could be detrimental to the health of the populace.

Comparative Review of Plant Transformation Techniques

Plant transformation is now an important biotechnological tool in plant biology and a practical tool for transgenic plant development. There are many verified methods for stable introduction of novel genes into the nuclear genomes of diverse plant species. As a result, gene transfer and regeneration of transgenic plants are no longer the factors limiting the development and application of practical transformation systems for many plant species. However, the desire for higher transformation efficiency has stimulated work on not only improving various existing methods but also in inventing novel methods. Different methods of transferring the gene into plant cells have been developed and continuous efforts have been made to increase its efficiency. Both direct and indirect methods of gene transfer have their own merits and demerits. Efforts have been made continuously to eliminate drawbacks and to develop an easy and eco-friendly method to transfer foreign genes. Many methods of genetic transformation have been proposed and tried in the laboratories, but most of them result to transient expressions. However, transformation work based on particle bombardment with DNA coated micro projectiles and Agrobacterium mediated transformation have proved to be promising in producing stable transgenic plants from a range of plant species.

Determination of Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Nickel and Cadmium) in Medicinal Plants (Scent Leaf and Pawpaw) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the level of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in selected medicinal plants - Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) that are traditionally used in alternative medicine in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis. Results: The result showed that the concentration of Lead in the pawpaw fruit with 5.99mg/kg and pawpaw seed with 3.72mg/kg, were above the WHO permissible limit. While the concentration of Cadmium in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf with 1.32mg/kg, 0.96mg/kg, 0.21mg/kg, and 0.59mg/kg, were all above the permissible limits. Again, Zinc in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were 2.52mg/kg, 2.53mg/kg, 5.30mg/kg, and 0.79mg/kg respectively, and these are also above the permissible limit. While that of the concentration of Nickel in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were observed to be within permissible limit. Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that caution should be taken when such plants are to be used as alternative to conventional medicine as excess of it could pose the risk of bioaccumulation and possible health effects in humans.

Determination of the Influence of Cultural Techniques "Densities and Opening Standardʺ on Agrophysiological Parameters of Clones Pb 260, Irca 111 and Rrim 703

To find out the effect of cultural techniques on agrophysiological parameters, four combinations ̏planting densities (low density or DF at 350 t/ha, normal density or DN at 510 t/ha) and opening standards (opening at 65cm and opening at 50 cm) ̋ were tested on Hevea brasiliensis clones PB 260, IRCA 111 and RRIM 703. This study was conducted for nine years with a split-plot experimental design of two treatments and two subtreatments repeated three times. The different combinations of treatments and subtreatments tested were low density (DN-50 cm), low density (DN-65 cm), normal density (DF-50 cm), normal density (DF- 65 cm). The parameters evaluated were the production at bleeding and per hectare, the average annual increase in circumference, the rate of tree losses and the rate of trees with dry notches. Production per tree was significantly higher at 350 t/ha and 65 cm opening (DF-65 cm), while per hectare production was higher at 510 t/ha. The girths of the different clones are stronger at DF and at the 65 cm opening. The rate of tree loss and the rate of trees with dry notch were low at the 510 t/ha density and the 65cm opening. The appropriate density and opening standard was "normal density 510 t/ha and opening to circumference 50 cm". The cultivation techniques especially the density and opening standard judiciously applied can participate in the sustainable improvement of rubber productivity of rubber plantations.