Microbiological Characteristics and Heavy Metal Pollution of Crude Oil Contaminated Water Bodies in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Crude oil exploration has been beneficial to our economy but detrimental to our environment with the artisanal refineries further compounding the challenge. This research was aimed at investigating the microbiology and heavy metal pollution of three crude oil polluted rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria and effects on living organisms inhabiting that environment. This study was carried out in three locations in South-South Nigeria (Eagle Island, Iwofe and Chokocho rivers). A total of 64 water samples (upstream and downstream points) were collected using appropriate containers and sterile polyethene bags for 6 crab samples for a period of three months. Water and crab samples were analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method while microbiological analysis involved isolation and enumeration of microbial populations of the water and crab samples as well as characterization and identification of the isolates using standard methods Results showed Total Heterotrophic bacteria (THB) ranged from 6.0 × 106 cfu/ml to 9.0 × 108cfu/ml for the downstream locations and 1.7 × 106cfu/ml to 3.5 × 107cfu/ml for the upstream locations. Total Heterotrophic Fungi (THF) ranged from 2.0 × 104cfu/ml to 1.1 × 105cfu/ml for downstream locations and 0.1 × 104cfu/ml to 4.0 × 104cfu/ml for upstream locations, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria (HUB) ranged from 0.8 × 103cfu/ml to 4.0 × 103cfu/ml in downstream locations and 2.0 × 103cfu/ml to 7.4 × 103cfu/ml in upstream locations, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi (HUF) ranged from 1.0 × 103cfu/ml to 6.0 × 103cfu/ml for downstream locations and 5.0 × 102cfu/ml to 8.0 × 103cfu/ml for upstream locations. The bacteria identified biochemically included Serratia sp., Enterobacter sp. and Salmonella sp. for the crab samples and Bacillus sp. was dominant in the water samples (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus carboniphilus). The heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb) were below the DPR permissible limit but are likely to increase since the activities leading to pollution are still ongoing. The crab as a filter feeder, had higher concentration of heavy metals and microbial population and the location with the highest crude oil pollution (14.5mg/l) had the lowest THB (6.0 × 106cfu/ml) as physicochemical parameters like the amount of Dissolved Oxygen had been altered.

Fungal Population and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir-Impacted Soil in Iwofe, Rivers State

Aim: To determine the fungal population and physicochemistry of abattoir impacted soil in Iwofe, Rivers State. Study Design: This study focused on Abattoir impacted soil. Statistical analysis of data and interpretation was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: Abattoir impacted soil was collected from three points in an abattoir located in Iwofe, Rivers State while the unpolluted soil which served as control was collected from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt in January, 2021. Methodology: Standard microbiological techniques were used: the fungal population was determined by inoculating aliquots of an appropriate dilution resulting from a ten-fold serial dilution on prepared Sabouraud dextrose agar plates in duplicates. Plates were later incubated for 3-5 days after which colonies were enumerated and used in obtaining the fungal population in the soil samples while distinct colonies were subcultured for macroscopic and microscopic identification of fungi. The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were analyzed using standard methods. Results: Fungal load in the control and abattoir impacted soil were 1.09×105 and 3.9×104 CFU/g, respectively. The fungal load of the control soil was significantly higher (P˂0.05) than the abattoir impacted soil. The fungal isolates identified in the abattoir impacted soil were Microsporium sp, Aspergillus niger and Candida sp while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor sp and Rhizopus sp were identified from the control soil. The pH, temperature, nitrate and phosphate of the abattoir soil were 6.7, 28.33℃, 27.83(mgKg-1) and 1055(mgKg-1), respectively. The concentrations of Cadmium, Iron and Lead in the abattoir Impacted soil and control soil were 0.81, 563.35 and 7.12 mgKg-1, 0.51, 582.0 and 3.18 mgKg-1, respectively. The physico chemistry and heavy metals in the abattoir soil were within acceptable limits. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that heavy metals in abattoir impacted soil had an impact in the fungal population which led to the isolation of only three fungal isolates belonging to Microsporium sp, Candida sp and Aspergillus niger. More so, despite the presence of heavy metals in the abattoir impacted soil, the metals were all within permissible limits. Thus, the abattoir impacted soil was not heavily polluted.

Microbiological Quality of High Quality Cassava Flour Produced from Selected Varieties of Low Postharvest Physiological Deterioration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

The microbial properties of food are important quality characteristics of food materials as it relates directly with the health of the consumer. This study examined the microbiological properties of high quality cassava flours produced from low postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) cassava. Wholesome four varieties of yellow-fleshed Low PPD cassava and one variety of high PPD cassava were, peeled, washed, grated, pressed, pulverized, flash dried at 120 °C for 8 minutes, milled with cyclone hammer mill fitted with a screen of 250 µm aperture size, cooled and packed into high density polyethylene bag. The high quality cassava flours produced were analyzed for total viable fungal and bacteria count, fungi isolated were further characterized and identified using molecular methods. Data obtained were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 25.0 and significant means were separated applying Duncan multiple range test. The mold count ranged from 1.50±0.71 - 2.50±0.71 cfu/ml, with flour produced from IITA-TMS-IBA-011371 and TMEB 419 having the lowest count while the highest was recorded in IITA-TMS-IBA-011368, respectively. The yeast count ranged from 1.00±0.00 - 2.0±0.00 cfu/ml, with flours produced from IITA-TMS-IBA-070593 and IITA-TMS-IBA-011371 having the lowest count while the highest was recorded in flour from IITA-TMS-IBA-011368, respectively. The total viable bacterial and fungal count (microbiological quality) of the flours prepared from IITA-TMS-IBA-011368, IITA-TMS-IBA-070593, IITA-TMS-IBA-011412, IITA-TMS-IBA-011371 and TMEB 419 cassava varieties were within the permissible limit of the microbial load of food allowed for human consumption according to the Standard Organization of Nigeria and CODEX alimentraius.

Clitoria ternatea - Shifting Paradigms: From Laboratory to Industry

Clitoria ternatea commonly known as Butterfly pea is a standard Ayurvedic medicinal plant used in many parts of south Asian countries. Traditional medicinal plants are a great alternative to find new treatments and for the development of novel antimicrobials to combat many diseases. In Ayurveda and traditional and folk medicine in several countries, decoction and extracts made from C. ternatea are recommended to be used for various medical treatments. C. ternatea extracts claimed to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which had been supported and validated by many in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, biologically active compound/s isolation and development novel compounds still remain in its infancy. Despite its enormous potential health benefits, only a single commercial product managed to reach industrial level production. C. ternatea cyclotide studies are also limited despite the fact that it the fastest known natural ligase discovered to date. These cyclotides are rapid peptide ligators and has been the focus of many recent studies on peptide ligation and cyclization for biotechnological applications. In this mini summary we have tried to point out innate unique biological properties of C. ternatea and suggested few future studies, more specifically on C. ternatea cyclotides development against bacterial heat shock proteins (Hsp 100) for novel antimicrobial discovery and development.

Evaluation of the Bacteriological and Physicochemical Qualities of Some Brands of Bottled Water Sold in Owerri, Imo State

This work was carried out in order to detect the presence of bacterial agent in the bottled water samples, and to evaluate the physicochemical qualities of these bottled water. Twenty samples selected from four different brands of bottled water sold in Owerri, were examined to determine their bacteriological and physicochemical qualities. Bacteriological analyses using Membrane filtration technique was carried out to determine the heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform counts. Physicochemical qualities were also determined using standard methods. The heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 0.00 to 12.00 CFU/ml, total coliform count ranged from 0.00 to 7.50 coliform/100ml. There was absence of fecal coliform in the samples. The pH, Color, Turbidity and Conductivity of the samples ranged from 5.18 to 7.28, 0.00 to 18.00 PCU, 0.55 to 1.62 NTU and 16.00 to 262.00 µs/cm respectively. The Chloride, Iron and Nitrite content of the samples ranged from 16.99 to 27.98 mg/L, 0.01 to 0.07 mg/L Fe, and 0.00 to 0.34 mg/L respectively. The bacterial species isolated belong to the genera Staphylococcus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Bacillus and Escherichia. Quality wise, most of the water samples met the XYZ standard for bacteriological and physicochemical quality for drinking water with the exception of few. It can be deduced from this study, that none of the bottled water is suitable for drinking with regards to the bacteriological and physicochemical parameters tested. Though some samples passed the bacteriological examination, most of them were acidic and therefore not safe for consumption.

The Emergence of New Rotavirus Strains in America

Rotavirus infections are the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in young children and animal worldwide. In some countries in Latin American specifically in Central American and Caribbean countries, rotavirus infections are not subject to specific surveillance. This review is about the unusually strains detected and potential zoonotic of rotavirus in Latin American. Although, interspecies transmission has not been documented to occur directly, an increase of the number of reports of atypical rotavirus genotypes; apparently derived from transmission between animal of farm, domestic and wild with humans, has been reported in some Latin American countries and the world. We consider that the rapid increase in the detection of new unusual strains with genetic heterogeneity, raises interesting questions about the evolution of rotavirus in The Latin American region. The emergence of novel strains derived from interspecies transmission has implications for the design and implementation of successful human rotavirus vaccine strategies.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir Wastewaters in Bayelsa and Rivers State

Wastewater samples from abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers State were evaluated for their microbiological and physicochemical properties. The microbiological parameters were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques while the Physicochemical parameters were analyzed based on the APHA standard method. The mean range of the total heterotrophic bacterial, bacterial, total coliform, total Vibrio, total hydrocarbon utilizing, total heterotrophic fungal and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts of the wastewater were: (1.9×107to 5.2×107, 2.1×105 to 4.0 × 105, 1.0×103 to 3.1 × 103, 1.0×105 to 2.2×105, 1.8×105 to c4.1×105 and 1.1×103 to 3.2 ×103)CFU/ml respectively. Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that there was no significant difference (P≥0.05) in the counts for the bacterial and fungal counts. Bacillus sp (17.32%), Escherichia coli (16.33%), Streptococcus sp (15.34%), Staphylococcus sp (14.35%), Pseudomonas sp (11.38%), Shigella sp (10.39%) Alcaligenes sp (9.9%), Vibrio sp (6.93%) and Salmonella sp (4.93%), were the bacteria isolated. The percentage of occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria isolates were: Bacillus sp (34.28%), Pseudomonas sp (26.71%), Alcaligenes sp (20%). Escherichia coli (14.28%), Staphylococcus sp (5.71%). Among the fungi isolated Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp, Geotrichum sp were found in 18.75% each while Penicillium sp recorded 23% occurrence, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida sp were found in 6.25% occurrence each but Mucor sp exhibited 8.33% of occurrence. The percentages of occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing fungi were Aspergillus sp (22.22%), Fusarium sp (16.66%), Penicillium sp (33.33%), Geotrichum sp (16.66%), Mucor sp (5.55%) and Candida (5.55%). The mean of physicochemical parameters was: pH: 6.7-9.1, EC: 156-4981, Turbidity: 11.1-149NTU, TSS: 62-239, TDS: 104-3320, NO3: 20.97-30.97, SO4: 14.5-54.6, PO4: 1.78-20.21, salinity: 41.25-2800, DO: 4.29-41.18, COD:3600-5476.0 and BOD-:1600.0-7761.4. The high microbial load and physicochemical parameters in these wastewaters is alarming and could pose serious human health and environmental challenges if the disposal of untreated wastewater continues unabated.

A Study of Bacteriological Profile of Pleural Fluid and Antibiogram of Isolates at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College Andhospital College, Rajkot

Background: The bacteriology of thoracic empyema has been changing since the introduction of antibiotics. Gram stain and culture has for decades been the “gold standard” for the detection of microorganisms in pleural fluid samples. The present retrospective study was designed to review our experience with the microbial causes of empyema and their antibiotic sensitive patterns. The knowledge of likely prevalent strains along with their antimicrobial sensitive pattern helps in the framing of antibiotic policy and better management of patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was including 500 cases suspected of bacteriological infection of pleural fluid in patients admitted in ward of PDU Government Hospital, Rajkot. The performa include serial number, register number, age, sex, ward, clinical features of patients and investigation. All the samples were inoculated into Blood agar and MacConkey agar and Nutrient agar. All the plates were incubated aerobically at 370 C and results were read after 24 hours. If no growth present it is further incubated for next 24 hours. One smear was prepared on clean glass slide, then air dried and was heat fixed. Gram staining was done by standard technique. Results: This study include 500 cases of pleural effusion from January 2015 to July 2016, out of which 87 cases show positive Bacterial culture growth and 232 cases were adenosine deaminase positive. In total 87 positive bacterial cultures, 20(22%) show bacterial pathogens in gram stain. Total positive culture found in 17.4%. Among them; most common Bacteria isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 40 (45%) patients, this was followed by Klebsiella pneumonaie in 21 (24%), Staphylococcus aureus in 10 (11.49%), Acinetobacter spp. in 4 (4.59%), Proteus spp.in 3 (3.44%) and Providencia in 1 (1.14%). Conclusion: Pleural space infection continues to be prevalent in our country particularly in the lower socioeconomic strata due to the delay in seeking medical care, inappropriate antibiotics and dosages and duration of antibiotic treatment. All gram positive bacteria isolate were 100% sensitivity to Rifampicin, Vancomycin, Linezolid.

Isolation of Microbes Associated With Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Keypads Studied at Rumuokoro Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The keypads of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are subjected to several microbial contaminations due to their large dermal contact by numerous users and different personal hygiene practice. The study investigated the bacterial diversity and level of contamination obtainable on the ATM keypads during transactions and antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the isolates. The population of culturable bacterial isolates was determined by plating. Isolates were characterized culturally, morphologically and biochemically. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined using the disc diffusion method. The total culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts ranssged from 5.23 to 9.25 log cfu/g. The bacterial identified and frequency of occurrence is Staphylococcus aureus (17.5%), Escherichia coli (22.5%), Bacillus spp (17.5%), Salmonella spp (10.0%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.0%), Proteus spp (7.5%) and Klebsiella spp (15.0%) respectively. Staphylococcus aureus were more susceptible to Chloramphenicol (37mm) and were more resistant to Rifampicin (00mm) and Levofloxacin (00mm) respectively. The Gram negative isolates in the study were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin and more resistant to ceporex, nalidixic acid, septrin and ampicillin respectively. The highest gram negative isolates that showed more susceptible to all the used gram negative antibiotics were Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp while the lowest were Klebsiella spp and Proteus spp respectively. The study has revealed that bacterial contamination on ATM keypads is of health significance and could result to public health challenges if not properly managed. Therefore, adequate hand- washing hygienic practices and cleaning agents are advocated towards reducing the related ill- health among ATM users.

Mycoflora of Crude Oil Polluted Soils of Ukwa West of Abia State Nigeria

Aim: Bioremediation of soil play a critical role in removing pollutants from crude oil polluted soil. To investigate the mycoflora of crude oil polluted area of Ukwa West Local Government in the present Abia State. Methodology: Portions of the soil samples collected from three (3) locations were plated out separately on Yeast Starch Agar, Starch Agar, and Cellulose Agar using soil plate methods. The culture plates were examined after 5-7 and 14 days for the presence of fungi. Pure cultures of the isolates were obtained by subculturing and the physico-chemical properties of the soil samples were determined using standard methods. Results: Twenty species (20) of fungi were isolated from the crude oil polluted soil sample and represented by their respective genera. Eight (8) species of Aspergillus representing 40%, two (2) species of Thermomyces representing 10% each, and one (1) species of Penicillium, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella, Curvularia, Trichoderma, Scopulariopsis, Sporotrichum and Basipetospora representing 5% each. Aspergillus species were predominant which include among others A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, A. oryzae, A. terreus. The physico-chemical properties of the soil sample were found to be varied and have affected the distribution and population of fungi. The pH values ranged from 4.81- 5.58 as compared to the control ranging from 5.72- 6.50 for soil samples A, B and C. The moisture content values ranged between 26.46-29.59% as compared to the control ranging from 29.41-32.51%. The soil was found to be high in organic matter content with values of 70.3-82.7% as compared to the control which was 94% for each of the locations. Conclusion: Crude oil polluted soils of Ukwa West of Abia State, Nigeria is rich in fungal biodiversity with the soil’s samples having different physico-chemical properties.