Heavy Metals Contamination and Human Health Risk Asssessment Via Consumption of Medicinal Plants from Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State of Nigeria

Aims: Man-made activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions, gas flaring and agricultural activities tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the surrounding. Heavy metals have the tendency to accumulate in plant roots, which may result to heavy metal contamination. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel and Zinc (Zn) in Pawpaw fruits, seeds, leaf and Scent leaf from Amosoma community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk melted to the consumers of the vegetables and fruits. Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetables and fruit samples comprising of Pawpaw and Scent leaves were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS). Results: The result of the present study reviewed that Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from 1.090 ± 0.01 - 5.990 ± 0.06; 0.213 ± 0.03 - 1.317 ± 0.02; 2.810 ± 0.04 - 4.767 ± 0.09; and 0.793 ± 0.01 -5.303 ± 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni in some of the analyzed pawpaw and scent leaf samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentrations of Zn were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the oral reference dose (RfDo) however; Ni and Zn fall within the oral RfDo. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn were less than 1. The Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cd and Ni exceeded the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA, meanwhile, the carcinogenic risk of Pb was within the permissible predicted lifetime risks as recommended by USEPA. Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the fruits and leaves from pawpaw and scent leaf may be contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Ni and the exposed population may be at risk of developing cancer due to carcinogenic ingestion of Cd and Ni over time.

Bacteriological Evaluation of Nigerian Paper Currency (Naira Notes) Circulating In Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Generally, the contamination of currencies with various microbial species is increasingly being reported. This usually results from improper handling during exchange of goods, services and certain environmental factors. This study on the bacteriological evaluation of the Nigerian paper currency (Naira notes) circulating in Owerri, Imo State was carried out with the aim of evaluating the prevalence of bacteria contaminants of Nigerian currency notes in circulation. A total of One hundred and twenty (120) Naira notes of ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000 denominations were collected in separate polythene bags from traders, students, hawkers, meat sellers, food vendors, taxi drivers, keke drivers and banks for the study. The notes were chosen on the basis of denominations and physical appearance (Mint, Neat, dirty, very dirty and mutilated). Each of the notes was inserted into a sterile bottle containing 10mls of distilled water and allowed to stand for twenty minutes. Double dilution of the solution was inoculated into Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt agar and Salmonella and Shigella agar for viable counts. Further identification of the bacteria was carried out using standard morphological and biochemical tests. The data from this study were subjected to statistical analysis using percentage, charts and anova. The result from the analysis showed that, 82 (68.33%) out of the 120 samples evaluated were contaminated. The study showed that dirty naira notes are potential routes for bacteriological disease transmission to man during handling and constitutes a public health risk. Therefore, the appropriate authorities should embark on public enlightenment campaign targeted at the handlers and associated risks.

Antioxidants from Callus Technology

Antioxidants are very important compounds that are very vital in human health and they have been proven to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer in human health. Many researchers have used callus to produce antioxidant and most of them used different techniques to get reasonable amounts of antioxidants. The technique used determines the number of antioxidants that will be produced from any explants. Callus Technology involves the techniques of producing callus and metabolites in the presence of explants using different plant hormonal combination in media, different environmental culture condition (light, relative humidity and tempreture), use of elicitors and under a sterile conditions. Callus technology is very promising due to its ability to produce a larger quantity of metabolites (antioxidants) compare to the raw extract of its explants. The use of callus to produce antioxidants is very important and very useful in discovering new plants as a source of antioxidants. The use of callus technology was reviewed for production of antioxidant from the callus of the following plants: Sericostoma pauciflorum, Helicteres angustifolia L, Lepidium sativum L, Randia echinocarpa, Andrographis paniculata Nees, Citrullus colocynthis, Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel, Decalepis hamiltonii, Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) and Isodon rugosus (Wall. Ex Benth). Callus technology can be utilized to produce antioxidants and other metabolites in industrial quantity. Most of the metabolites from plants have been found to have medicinal values or useful to mankind and antioxidant is one of them.

Proximate Composition, Essential Heavy Metal Concentrations and Nutrient Density of the Mycelium and Fruiting Bodies of Organically Cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus

Proximate composition, essential heavy metal concentration of fruiting bodies (POFB) and mycelium (POMY) of Pleurotus ostreatus were conducted using standard methods. Moisture content was higher (9.79%) in POFB than in POMY (8.76%) on dry weight basis. Ash was higher in POFB(6.25%) than in POMY(3.25%).POFB presented higher crude protein value (24.66%) than POMY (21.17%). Crude fat values were low in both samples(POFB:0.28%; POMY:0.46) respectively. Fiber was higher in the mycelium (14.72%) than in the fruiting bodies (12.90%). The carbohydrate content of the mycelium was 51.93% while the value of carbohydrate in the fruiting bodies was 46.10%. POFB indicated energy value of 285.60Kcal/100g and the value in POMY was 296.57Kcal/100g. Iron, copper, manganese and chromium presented higher values in POFB than in POMY but zinc indicated higher level in POMY than in POFB. The %DV highlighted in the study showed that the fruiting bodies and mycelium of organically cultivated P. ostreatus are rich in protein, fiber, carbohydrate, copper and iron. The nutrient density (ND) results revealed that POFB and POMY samples are nutritionally dense in fiber, copper and iron based on the World Health Food Rating System. The results showed that POFB and POMY obtained by organic cultivation possess high nutritional profile, suggesting that people may use them in food and medicinal formulations.

Live Wild Bird Trade and Sellers’ Biosecurity Risks in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Aims: The first highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in Africa occurred in Kaduna State, Nigeria and despite possible introduction of H5N1 virus into Nigeria through wild birds; few studies have been undertaken on the risk of live wild bird trade and sellers” biosecurity practices on introduction, spread and maintenance of diseases in the country. This study assessed wild bird trade and sellers” biosecurity risk towards disease surveillance and control in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: Live wild bird markets in Kaduna State, Nigeria between March, and May 2012. Methodology: Live wildbird markets(LWBMs) biosecurity and sellers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on HPAI was assessed using biosecurity checklist and structured questionnaire, respectively. Wild bird trade was studied through a market survey in LWBMs. Results: All sellers were male and their main source of income was the wild bird trade. Some sellers (22.7%) would report sick birds only when attempted treatment fails. Sellers kept poultry at home (78.9%) with 100% allowing poultry–wild birds contact. Over 31.6% sellers do not wash hands with soap after handling birds. About 86.4% sellers heard of AI with 84.2% hearing from radio. No sellers knew any HPAI clinical sign though 21.1% knew HPAI affects human beings and none believes HPAI affects human beings. Sellers would report HPAI outbreak to reduce losses (38.9%). None of the LWBMs was fenced with birds tied and allowed to move in 25% of LWBMs. Cages were wood/metal while fenced pens constructed from wood/wire mesh with un-cemented floor. No LWBM sourced birds from one reliable source neither were birds separated by species. In 50% of LWBMs, cages were stacked without paper or other materials lined within cages. No LWBM either stored feed in rodent proof containers or had a rodent control program. Other livestock were sold in 75% of LWBMs. Free flying birds interact with wild birds in 75% of LWBMs while free range poultry – wild bird interaction occurred in 25% of LWBMs. No seller wore protective clothing in any LWBM. All markets practice regular cleaning of cages and pens though none disinfects cages regularly. All LWBMs dispose dead birds properly by burning or burying though 25% dispose wild bird manure improperly. Over 75.9% of biosecurity features in LWBMs were risky with 76.2% being risky biosecurity practices and 80% (17/21) due to poor LWBM infrastructures. Food (31.8%), traditional medicine (45.5%) and pets (77.3%) were reported wild birds uses. There was high demand for birds of prey during election years. White stork (11.42%) and geese (9.94%) were the main birds on sale. Threatened and rear wild bird species were being traded in the LWBMs. Over 45% of birds were sourced from 9 foreign countries with majority coming from Chad. Bird prices range was ₦300 ($1.9) to ₦125,000 ($781). Mammals and reptiles were also sold in LWBMs with prices from ₦500 ($3.1) to ₦ 1.2million ($7500). Wild birds on sale in the four LWBMs were valued at ₦6,575,300 ($41,100) comprising of 71.4% of total value of animals (₦9,207,300) on sale. Conclusion: Sellers’ biosecurity practices was poor with high biosecurity risk due to low-risk perception. Biosecurity in LWBMs in Kaduna State was poor with high risk to introduction, spread and maintenance of HPAI. Wild bird trade in Kaduna State is linked to the global trade and could be a source for disease introduction into Nigeria. There is need for sellers to be trained on HPAI and other emerging infectious diseases and routine surveillance of EIDs in LWBMs. The wild bird trade should be legalized and regulated.

Assessment of the Effect of Cutting Length on Sprout and Growth of Pterocarpus santalinoides L’hérit. Ex Dc

Aims: This study evaluated the effect of cutting lengths on sprouts and seedling growth of P. santalinoides. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management Nursery, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between April 2019 and March 2020. Methodology: Ten (10) cuttings per cutting length were planted in a polybag filled with forest topsoil. The treatments are; 13, 20, 25 and 33 cm cutting lengths. Five seedlings per treatment were randomly selected and dried for biomass. Emergence of sprouts, number of leaves and branches, survival rate, number of cuttings that sprouted, sprout length, root length and biomass were determined and subjected to analysis of variance. Results: Sprouts emergence occurred earliest in 25 cm cuttings (7 days) and latest in 13 and 20 cm cuttings (12 days). There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in leaf number at month 1, number of branches at months 1, 3, 5 and 9, cutting length at month 2 and root to shoot ratio and non-significant differences (P > 0.05) in leaf number at months 3,5,7,9 and 11, number of branches at months 7 and 11, number of sprouts, cutting length at month 12, root length, shoot biomass, root biomass and total fresh and dry weight. Twenty five (25) cm long cutting enhanced sprout parameters while 33 cm long cutting enhanced root parameters. Conclusion: The result showed that 25 and 33 cm long cuttings are most suitable cutting lengths and are therefore recommended for growth of the species.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metals in Breast Milk of Breast Feeding Mothers in Urban and Sub-Urban Subjects in Rivers State

Breast milk is one fluid that could contain heavy metals and this can be dangerous to the health of breastfeeding baby. The increase in urbanization and industrialization often comes with the increased level of heavy metals in the environment especially in developing countries where environmental protection is poorly managed. The study aimed to compare the heavy metal composition in breast milk in postpartum women in urban and sub-urban areas in Rivers State. The study was conducted among 59 postpartum subjects between 0 and 10days of child delivery in each group. Sampling was done through a simple randomized system. Human breast milk was collected using a manual breast pump. Heavy metals; Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Mercury (Hg) were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer with their corresponding cathode lambs. Results revealed that the mean differences of the heavy metals assayed between both groups were not significant (p>0.05). This work has shown that heavy metal composition in the breast milk of postpartum women may not vary based on urban and sub-urban settlements.

Haematology of Birds and Microbial Analysis of Recycled Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium Sulphate (Alum)

The study was carried out at the poultry unit of the Department of Animal Science teaching and research farm, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to determine the Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium sulphate (Alum). The alum used was obtained from the Sabon-garimarket in Zaria, Kaduna State. Aluminium sulphate (alum) was applied to the wood shavings by mixing it with alum thoroughly using hands covered with hand gloves. The rates of alum application was as follows: T1 control (normal poultry litter with no alum), T2 (5% alum by kg weight of poultry litter), T3 (10% alum by kg weight of poultry litter) and T4 (15% alum by kg weight of poultry litter). Five sets of litter samples were obtained fortnightly from each pen from different locations i.e. the four corners and centre from which the microbial load were measured. At the termination of the experiment (day 56), two birds from each pen having representative weights for the group (6 birds per Treatment) were selected and 1.5ml of blood was taken via the wing vein. Haematological parameters were analyzed by an auto haemo-analyser (BC2800 vet auto haemo analyser) at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. This result shows significant (P<0.05) difference among all the parameters analysed except MCHC. The result shows a significant decrease in the total bacteria, E. coliand Salmonella spp. in the alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter), the mould and yeast load was significantly increased in alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter).The study conclude that treating recycled poultry litter with alum can reduce microbial load of the litter. Birds reared on recycled poultry litter have significantly higher haemoglobin and PCV compared to the control.

Synergistic Effect of Docetaxel Plus Saponin Fraction of Vitex doniana on Prostate Specific Antigen and p53 in Nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) Amine-induced Prostate Toxicity

Aim: This study investigated the synergistic effect of docetaxel plus saponin fraction of Vitex doniana on prostate specific antigen and p53 in nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) amine-induced prostate toxicity in Wistar rat. Methodology: Twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats with elevated serum prostate specific antigen level were selected from a group of sixty (60) rats pretreated with subcutaneous Nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine 5 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. The selected 24 male Wistar rats were then grouped into 6 groups of four (4) rats each. Group 1 was given 1ml normal saline daily from day 1-28. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 further received subcutaneous nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine 5 mg/kg daily from day 1-28. In addition, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were given weekly intravenous docetaxel 8 mg/kg on day 15 and 22. In addition to docetaxel, groups 4, 5, and 6 were further treated with oral saponin at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg, respectively, daily, from day 15-28. Immunoenzymometric assay method was used for analysis of blood sample for prostate specific antigen. The prostate tissues were subjected to immuno study using the ImmunoCruz Staining System (Lab Vision Corporation, Fremont, CA, USA). The quantitative evaluation of p53 was done by calculating the percentages of p53-immunostained nuclei (labeling index). Results: Significant increase in prostate specific antigen and p53 expression were observed in group 2 (treated with Nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) amine alone) when compared with group 1 (control). Dose dependent decrease in prostate specific antigen and p53 expression were observed in groups 4, 5, and 6, treated with docetaxel 8 mg/kg plus 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg of saponin respectively. Conclusion: Docetaxel plus Saponin fraction of Vitex doniana significantly reduced the serum prostate specific antigen concentration and p53 expression in a dose dependent manner, with the group treated with 750 mg/kg showing the highest decrease in the parameters tested.

Bacteria and Parasites Pathogens Associated with the Houseflies (Musca domestica) in Lafia Metropolis of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Houseflies (Musa domestica) are common insects of the families muscidae, order Dipthera. They are synanthropic insects that are widely distributed worldwide. They enter several places, including contaminated premises due to their own biological habit of feeding. This study identifies the pathogenic parasites and bacteria associated with the houseflies in Lafia, Nigeria. A total of 215 flies were collected from 5 locations (New market, Neigbourhood market, Kasuwan Turmatur, Kasuwan Karo and Yanlemu market) within the Lafia metropolis, from September, 2019 to March 2020. The fly specimens were analyzed for the presence of pathogenic parasites and bacteria using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed that the parasites: Entamoeba hietolytic was most prevalence with (22.11%) Ascaris lumbricoides being (15.05%), Taenia species (14.70%) schistosoma mansoni (14.70%), Hookworm and Trichnris trichura recorded least prevalence accounting for (1.12%) respectively, pathogenic bacteria isolated and identify from the houseflies are; Staplyloccus sp (36.36%), Bacillus species (19.48%), Klebsiella sp (19.75%), Escherichia sp (6.49%), Protens sp (7.41%), Salmonella sp (6.49%) and Moraxella sp (2.47%). The result showed significant variation (P<0.05) for both the parasites sp abundance and housefly abundance across the sampled location; however, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) associated with the frequency of occurrence of bacteria species. It can be concluded that Musca domestica in Lafia harbor parasites and bacteria on their external and internal parts. The housefly have mechanical potential to transmit pathogens to man. Measures most be taken to control the fly population to avoid both present and future outbreaks of diseases condition emanating from the flies activities.