ABUAD International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences

Palynostratigraphy and Paleoenvironment of Afikpo Well_3, Afikpo Syncline, Nigeria

2024-10-02T03:16:59+00:00

The Afikpo Syncline constitutes the western segment of the southern part of the Benue Trough. The syncline orients in the northeast-southwest direction and unconformably overlies the pre-Santonian strata of the Benue Trough. This study investigates the sediments of Afikpo Well_3, drilled within the syncline, identifies its different palynozones, and interprets their paleoenvironments of deposition. Forty-two ditch-cutting samples recovered from the well at a 150 ft interval consist of mudstones, calcareous mudstones, carbonaceous shales, and calcareous shales. These samples were subjected to palynological analysis following the conventional acid maceration technique. A total of 637 palynomorph counts were recovered. These comprise 316 pollen grains, which make up 49.61%; 129 spores, which make up 20.25%; 9 fungi spores, which make up 1.41%; 17 microforaminifera wall linings, which make up 2.67%; and 166 dinoflagellate cysts, which make up 26.06%. Two palynozones were identified within the well. These include zone AF-01 (Monocolpites marginatus assemblage zone), which ranges from depths of 1500–1320 ft and is Campanian in age; and zone AF-2 (Dinogymnium sp. assemblage zone), which extends from depths of 50 ft–1320 ft and dates back to the Maastrichtian period. Based on the predominance of palmae pollen, together with the subordinate occurrence of dinoflagellate cysts, and the fair representations of spores (Cyathidite minor), the environment of deposition of the sediments ranges from a nearshore brackish water to a shallow marine environment. The shallow environment is further confirmed by the frequent occurrence of microforaminifera wall lining and the dominance of the peridinoid dinoflagellate cysts over the gonyaulacinoids.

Microbial Assessment of Spoilt Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum Linn) Being Sold in Some Markets in Ondo City, Nigeria

2024-10-02T03:16:45+00:00

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum Linn) are one of the most consumed fruits in Nigeria and the world at large but they are highly susceptible to microbial spoilage. Consumption of these spoilt tomatoes could increase the risk of food poisoning and also cause serious health issues which are of public health concern. This study was therefore designed to investigate the bacteria and fungi associated with spoilt tomatoes being sold in some selected markets in Ondo city. Different media (Nutrient, MacConkey, Mannitol Salt, Salmonella –Shigella, Eosin Methylene Blue, Sorbitol MacConkey and Potato Dextrose agar) were used for the determination of the total viable bacterial and fungal counts from the samples collected from Odoshida, Adeyemi and Iyalaje markets in Ondo using the pour plate technique. The isolates obtained after subculturing were characterized based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.25 ×10⁸to 8.06 ×10⁸cfu/mL while the total fungal count ranged from 2.75 ×10⁵to 5.65 ×10⁶cfu/mL. The identified bacteria obtained were Staphylococcus species, Proteus species, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Shigella species, Enterobacter species and Bacillus species, while the fungi were Alternaria species, Penicillium species, Aspergillus species, and Rhizopus species. This study has shown that all the isolates obtained from the selected samples are of public health concerns because of their pathogenic and toxigenic nature; an indication that spoilt tomatoes ordinarily should not be consumed or consumed with utmost caution.

Characterization of Anopheles Mosquitoes Larvae Breeding habitats in Selected Six Local Government Areas in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria

2024-10-02T03:16:52+00:00

This study explored the spatial distribution and attributes of Anopheles mosquito larvae breeding sites in six local government areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria. It employed a cross-sectional design, randomly sampling larvae habitats across three distinct locations, resulting in the assessment of a total of 18 breeding sites. The assessment of habitat characteristics and physico-chemical parameters of larvae breeding water-bodies was conducted through visual inspection and laboratory procedures, adhering to the standard protocol outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study is to characteriseAnopheles mosquito larvae breeding habitats in six selected local government areas in Ekiti State using WHO protocol.. Two local governments were selected each from the three senatorial districts in the state and a survey was conducted to identify dams, rivers, swamps, marshlands, and temporary water ponds within each zone for Anopheles mosquito larvae using WHO protocols. Measurements of water temperature and pH were conducted twice in a week using a multi-parameter meter (PHB500- ww portable ph meter).Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected across the eighteen breeding sites in the selected six LGA in Ekiti using standard dipper, pasteur pipettes and scooping techniques and reared to adult in the laboratory. Most of the larvae habitats encountered were stagnant water bodies 10(56%) with the mean of 122.2 ± 41.20 followed by Tyre track 4(22%) with the mean of 129.8 ± 41.20, slowly flowing 2(11%) with the mean of 186.0 ± 16.97 and gutter 2(11%) with the mean of 170.0 ± 98.9. Types of breeding site across the six study area were all temporary sites 18(100%), more than half 13 (72%) of the habitats origin of water were natural, 11(61%) of the breeding habitats’ specific water body were stagnant water bodies. Furthermore, majority 14(78%) of the water bodies were polluted, 16(89%) were exposed to sunlight and it was also discovered that the all the breeding habitats across the six study area were around settlements (houses). Therefore physicochemical characteristics such as Temperature (r=0.896, p=0.016), pH (r=0.865, p=0.026) and Electrical conductivity (r=0.865, p=0.045) were significantly associated with larvae abundant with a strong positive correlation while the physicochemical characteristics such as DO and TDS were not significantly associated with larvae abundance .

Remote Detection of Leakages from a Compromised Buried Water Supply Pipe through Geophysical Measurements

2024-10-02T03:16:38+00:00

The continuous drastic loss of stored water at a private household presumed to be caused by leakage(s) was subjected to geophysical investigations with a view to delineating the source(s) of the leakage(s). The Spontaneous Potential (SP) and Electrical Resistivity (ER) methods were deployed for the study. Measurements were taken along four (4) traverses at two intervals – firstly when the water supply valve from the overhead storage tank was closed and secondly when it was opened. The Total Field array was adopted for SP measurements with constant station separation of 0.5 m. ER measurements were taken via the Wenner array with electrode spacing (a) varied with an interval of 0.5 m from 0.5 m to 1.5 m. SP data were presented as profiles and maps while ER data were presented as 3-D resistivity depth stacks. SP values varied from -100 mV to 350 mV during the two measurement periods. ER values also varied from 100 ohm.m to 1200 ohm.m during the closed valve period and 100 ohm.m to 900 ohm.m during the opened valve period. During the closed valve period, pipeline routes were interpreted as manifesting oval-shaped high potential anomalies with central linear trend on the SP map; and as linearly-trending high resistivity intrusion within low resistivities on resistivity maps. The disparities between the results of closed valve and opened valve measurements were pointers to leakage-induced inhomogeneity in the subsurface. The diminished high potential SP anomaly and the anomalously low resistivity specks within linearly-trending high resistivity values were regarded as the source of leakage.

Maximizing Biotic Food as Nutraceuticals: A Comprehensive Exploration

2024-10-02T03:16:31+00:00

The quest for optimal health and nutrition has led to a paradigm shift in our approach to food, with an increasing emphasis on harnessing the potential of biotic components as nutraceuticals. This study investigates the concept of maximizing biotic food as nutraceuticals, exploring the intersection of nutrition, medicine, and sustainable agriculture, and to unravel the diverse array of health-promoting compounds inherent in natural, living organisms. . Biotic foods, including fruits, vegetables, and fermented products, possess a rich tapestry of bioactive components, ranging from phytochemicals and antioxidants to probiotics and enzymes. Biotic foods encompass a spectrum of living organisms such as probiotics, prebiotics, and beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. By unlocking the intricate interplay between the human microbiome and biotic foods, this study seeks to unravel the therapeutic potential inherent in these living entities. As scientific understanding advances, there is a growing recognition of the significance of biotic foods as potent sources of nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals, a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals,” refer to bioactive compounds in food that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status of Parents on the Scholastic Achievement of Mathematics Students in Selected Secondary Schools within Ado LGA of Ekiti State

2024-10-02T03:16:23+00:00

The investigation explored the influence of socioeconomic status of parents regarding the academic successes of math students in chosen secondary schools located in the Ado LGAof Ekiti State. The study encompassed both public and private educational institutions, employing a straightforward random sampling technique to select five secondary schools and sixty students. Information was gathered via a self-designed questionnaire with distinct sections A and B, concentrating on demographic details and parental elements such as education level, family background, income, and occupational status in relation to students' performance in Mathematics. The instrument underwent face and content validity procedures, and the results were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient, yielding a value of 0.85. Hypotheses were evaluated through Chi-square analysis, and data were presented using pie charts and tables. The outcomes unveiled a significant influence of parent’ educational background, family background, occupation, and income level on the academic success of mathematics students. The researcher recommends the implementation of financial assistance programs for families with lower incomes to ensure equitable access to quality mathematics resources. Moreover, schools are encouraged to establish initiatives and parental engagement programs, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. The study advocates for policy changes to promote fairness in mathematics education for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.