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Pollution of sediments by metals is a global issue, with developing countries like Nigeria, having its large PORTION. Niger River, the most valued river in Nigeria, is under serious anthropogenic p...

Background Animals that live and feed on the soil and its constituents and products naturally absorb heavy metals and pass to other organisms linked in the food chains. The present study was designed to examine bioaccumulation of heavy metals levels and proximate composition quality in edible Achatina spp sampled in agro-rural settlements, south-east Nigeria. Results The proximate composition recorded the presence of moisture, protein, crude fibre, fat and oil, ash, carbohydrates, nitrogen and calcium, which were similar across selected Achatina spp except for calcium, which was significantly higher in A. achatina. The bioaccumulation factors of heavy metal contents in snails were generally low (below recommended tolerable limits according to WHO standard). Conclusion The good number of nutrients recorded in proximate composition makes the Achatina spp an alternative to domestically farmed animals. Achatina achatina contained most calcium level compared with Achatina fulica and Achatina marginate. The bioaccumulation factors of heavy metal contents in snails were generally low (below recommended tolerable limits according to WHO standard). Land snails in our study areas were safe for consumption.

This evaluates the 28-day toxicity and 7-day post treatment effect of LCT on the behaviour, liver and kidney of Clarias gariepinus. Prior to the experiment, fishes were acclimatized for two weeks. 120 fishes of standard length (SL) / weight (W) 10-12 cm, 8 - 17 g were used for median lethal concentration (LC50) test and 120 fishes of SL / W 16 - 40 cm, 200 - 250 g were used for the behavioural, hepato - nephrotoxicity and 7-day post treatment tests. The behavioural response of C. gariepinus upon exposure to LCT was observed from 24 to 96 h. The experiment had four treatments with LCT concentrations of 0.00, 2.5 x 10-4 µg/L, 5.0 x 10-4 µg/L and 6.25 x 10-4 µg/L and 30 fishes per treatment in triplicates for 28 days. In days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of treatment and 7 days after treatment, fishes were brought out for blood samples collected through caudal alteration for liver and kidney marker enzymes tests (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea) using standard methods. There was a concentration dependent increase in faster swimming movement, hyperactivity, jerky movement, gulping of air, repeated closing and opening of the mouth and percentage mortality of C. gariepinus exposed to LCT. ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine (CR) and urea levels showed concentration and duration significant increased (p < 0.05) while total protein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared with controls. After 7 days of depuration, ALT, AST, CR and total protein were not different from the control. This study has demonstrated that LCT caused hepato-nephrotoxicity in C. gariepinus. The severity of LCT hepato-nephro in C. gariepinus toxicity was evident in this studies because ALP and urea levels did not return to normal after 7 days of depuration. Key words: Liver enzymes, kidney enzymes, toxicity, lambda-cyhalothrin,behavioural responses, Clarias gariepinus.

Background Extensive and indiscriminate use of pesticides gradually destroys the environment (ecosystem), poses serious threats to human health, animal life (especially aquatic), plant forms, soil, water, and also lead to emergence of resilient species of life forms that are becoming resistant to pesticides. The present study focused on evaluating lambda-cyhalothrin oxidative stress and gonad histoarchitecture toxicity potency in Clarias gariepinus. Results A total of 120 C. gariepinus 16 to 40 cm SL and 200 to 250 g bodyweights (assigned into treatments 0.00 (control), 2.5 × 10−4 μg/L, 5.0 × 10−4 μg/L, and 6.25×10−4 μg/L (A-D) lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), each treatment consisted of 30 fishes, replicated three times, 10 fishes per replicate) were used for this study. On day 7, catalase activity (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all treatments compared with control. Day 14, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GPx significantly increased (p < 0.05). All parameters significantly increased (p < 0.05) on days 21 and 28 except SOD (day 21). All parameters increased significantly on day 28 across the row in all treatments. The significant increase (p < 0.05) in SOD, (malondialdehyde) MDA, GPx, and glutathione reductase (GR) levels returned to normal after 7 days of depuration but CAT level did not return to normal. The testes photomicrographs showed necrotic conditions in the spermatogenic cells with nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic swelling while that of the ovary displayed vacuolations, flabby oocytes, and degenerated ovaries changes. Conclusion Lambda-cyhalothrin is toxic to C. gariepinus. The inability of significant increase in CAT to return to normal after 7 days of depuration further confirms our report.

The oxidative stress responses of Clarias gariepinus exposed to potassium dichromate at sublethal concentrations for 28 days were studied in 2017. Fish were exposed to 0.165, 0.0825 and 0.033 mg l−...

Yellow pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is the second market gardening crop after tomato, and subsequently, a major source of income to farmers in Nigeria. Pests and diseases reduce yields and quality of marketable fruits. A study was conducted in Ibagwa-Agu, Lejja, Edem, Alor-Uno and Eha-Alumona agro-based communities of Nsukka Local Government Area to assess the economic implications of insect infestation and control strategies on yellow pepper yield. Data on insect pests was collected using the modified Whittaker sampling techniques from July to September 2015, while farming practices and economic consequences of pest infestation were monitored using questionnaires in December 2015. A total of 2,279 insects comprising 10 pests and 2 predators were collected. Myzus persicae Sulzer (27.6% of total collections), Bemisia tabaci Genn. (21.1%), Aphis gossypii Glov. (14.1%) and Zonocerus variegatus Gestro(7.99%) were the four prominent insect pests, while Ladybird beetle larva of Harmoni axyridis (2.3%) and praying mantis Stagmonantis crolina (1.4) were the main predators encountered. Mean percentage of plants attacked and yield losses were significantly (P

Stored product insects reduced the quantity, quality, nutritive value and viability of stored crops such as maize, sorghum, wheat and rice. These pests and many others threaten food security. The study investigated the efficacy of Xylopia aethiopica in the control of Sitophilus oryzae on stored rice. The extracts of this plant were made using ethanol and aqueous as solvent and prepared at the concentrations of 3, 6, 8 and 0 g. Zero gram is the untreated grain that served as the control. Five pairs of male and female each of a day old adult of S. oryzae were introduced into jars containing 20 g of rice each and were observed daily for 6 weeks for mortality, oviposition, developmental stages and natality. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed that alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoid and polyphenol which was moderately high and which exposes the active ingredient of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed that alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, reducing compounds and polyphenols were present in the extracts in moderate quantities. The proximate analysis of the grain revealed that the carbohydrate content (83.45±0.1) of Oryza sativa followed by moisture (7.33±0.1), the least nutrient of proximate analysis was seen in ash (1.00±0.00). Out of the two extraction methods employed, the ethanol extract was a more effective method and thus recommended. Key words: Xylopia aethiopica, ethanolic and aqueous, Sitophilus oryzae, rice grain.

The aquatic environment is outrageously littered with resin pellets and particles of plastic origin which can jeopardise the health of aquatic organisms. The present study investigated the effect of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microparticles on blood parameters, leucocytes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system (brain and gill) of Clarias gariepinus. C. gariepinus is a fresh water indicator species often used as model for ecotoxicological assay. Fish specimens were exposed to diets spiked with PVC microparticles (95.41 ± 4.23 μm) at the following concentrations; 0.50%, 1.50% and 3.0% and control diet for 45 days, followed by a depuration trial which lasted for 30 days. Blood and tissues (brain and gill) were sampled every 15 days interval for haematology, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation assay. The result obtained revealed that PVC orchestrated the marked alterations in haematological indices. Mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin values reduced significantly in all concentration treated groups and were time-dependent. Neutrophil counts decreased with a corresponding increase in PVC exposure time while lymphocytes and monocytes values showed no significant difference between the control and exposed fish groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity was altered substantially in the brain and gill of the exposed groups compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity was inhibited in the brain and gill of the exposed groups compared to the control, as well as the different exposed periods. Catalase activity reduced significantly in the brain of 0.5% PVC exposed groups, and also decreased in a time-dependent manner while its activity in the gill did not change significantly among the exposed groups relative to the control. Lipid peroxidation levels in the brain of PVC exposed groups increased significantly in a dose and time-dependent manner. However, PVC caused no significantly change in the gill lipid peroxidation level of the exposed fish, but elevated the lipid peroxidation levels as the exposure time increased. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain and gill of the exposed fish reduced substantially with increase in the exposure time. Variations in haematology, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase activities are indicative of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in fish. C. gariepinus is an indispensable bioindicator to measure environmental impact of PVC microparticles.

The present study investigated the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microparticles (MP) on hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities, serum biochemical and liver histology of juvenile Clarias gariepinus. A total of 180 (25.15 g average weight) C. gariepinus were fed PVC MP (95.41 ± 4.23 μm) spiked diets at 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 percentage inclusion levels and a control diet for 45 days of exposure, then followed by 30 days of depuration trials. Fish specimens (9) from each treatment were sampled every 15-day interval for serum biochemical, liver antioxidant enzymes and histopathological assay. Glucose and triglyceride levels increased significantly in PVC-treated groups when compared with the control. Protein levels of 0.5% and 3.0% PVC-treated groups reduced significantly on the 15th and 30th day exposure periods, while serum enzyme activities of all PVC-treated groups increased significantly in a time-dependent manner. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) activity in the liver of the treated groups also decreased progressively in a time-dependent manner. A time-dependent elevation in lipid peroxidation levels was observed in PVC MP-treated groups. Histopathological assessment of the fish liver showed mild to severe levels of glycogen depletion, fatty vacuolation and degeneration, hepatocellular necrosis in PVC-treated groups with reference to the control. The present study revealed that PVC microplastic induced oxidative damage and hepatic histopathological alterations in the exposed fish.

This study investigated the bactericidal efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seed on snail gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota and associated histological changes. The bacterial isolates were characterized based on colony morphology, culture characteristics and biochemical tests. Each portion of the gut was further subjected to histological examination to ascertain the effect of this extract on the various regions of the snail gut. Three bacterial species (Salmonella, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli) were isolated from the GIT. Salmonella was the major isolate from all the sections of the GIT in the control. Klebsiella was the major isolate from all the GIT sections after administering 50 mg/kg body weight (b. wt) of the extract while Salmonella was absent. Klebsiella was the main isolate after administering 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of extract. E. coli and Salmonella and Klebsiella were isolated after administration of 150 mg/kg b. wt of extract. The histological changes included vacuolation of the crop, and reduction in sub-mucosal fat in the intestinal wall. The extract altered the microbiota of A. marginata GIT in a concentration dependent manner. Key words: Archachatina marginata, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, antibacterial.

In this research, mass production of freshwater rotifer, Branchionus calyciflorus, for aquaculture in south-eastern Nigeria, using different food types (Chlorella sp., Spirulina sp and Baker’s yeast) was investigated. Rotifer stock culture was prepared using Nitrogen phosphorus Potassium, (NPK) + urea (50 : 2.5 g) and chicken droppings (25 g) with freshly grown alga. Different food concentrations (150, 300, 650 and 1000 mg/ml) and feeding intervals (2x and 3x per day) were used to grow B. calyciflorus in a Batch culture method. The highest population growth was attained with 650 mg/ml of Chlorella sp. (213.81±9.94 individuals/ml), followed by Baker’s yeast (196.67±8.18 individuals/ml) and 300 mg/ml of Spirulina sp. (151.90±7.98 individuals/ml). The least population growth of B. calyciflorus was recorded with 150 mg/ml concentration of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. (81.43±6.19 and 75.71±5.12 individuals/ml, respectively), and 1000 mg/ml of Baker’s yeast (from local market) (65.24 ±3.86 individuals/ml). The peak population growth was attained on day 8 of experiment (p < 0.05). This study indicated that both the quantity and quality of food type have significant role on mass production of rotifer for aquaculture. Key words: Branchionus calyciflorus, mass production, aquaculture, fish farm, Nigeria.

Background: Geophagy is wide spread among pregnant women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess intestinal nematode infections among geophagous pregnant women in Southern Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: Pregnant women were aged 17-45 years at gestational ages of ≥ 14 to 24 weeks on hospital enrolment were sampled. Data on geophagy was collected using structured questionnaire. Gastrointestinal nematode status of the participants was determined by stool analyses. Soil types ingested were examined for intestinal nematode ova / larvae. Results: The prevalence of geophagy (46.4%) was associated with socio-demographic characteristics. Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm were associated with geophagy while Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides stercoralis had no association. Prevalence of A. lumbricoides , T. trichiura and S. stercoralis differed significantly (p

Fecundity and condition factor of Clarias angullaris were studied in Oguta Lake for eight weeks. Forty species of C. anguillaris were studied. The length-weight relationship, fecundity, condition factor and gonad-osomatic indices were factors employed for assessment of health status of the fish. The mean length and weight of the C. anguillaris collected were 27.46 ± 1.47 (12.00-38.50) cm and 391.26 ± 17.92 (144.60-553.40) g respectively. Some of the morphometrics manifested linkage and C. anguillaris exhibited a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.008, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of -0.091. Fecundity-weight relationship of C. anguillaris was also not significant (p=0.062) with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of -0.357 and coefficient of determination (R2)=0.127. The variations in condition factor of C. anguliaris at Oguta Lake was 19.96% (R2=0.1996) and this was explained by the variations in GSI. Clarias anguillaris from the Oguta Lake showed negative allometric growth pattern which implied that the fish species is increasing in length faster than its weight. This could be as a result of the polluted nature of the Lake, shortage of food supply, diseases which might have altered the fish speciation.

Objective: The bacteriological examination of different commercially packaged water in Nsukka Metropolis was examined. The level of essential mineral elements and organic acids in the water were also evaluated to determine their conformity with the standards. Materials and Methods: Eleven (11) water samples (S1 – S11) were randomly collected from different packaged/bottled water as sold in Nsukka and its environs. The distinguishing characteristics of the microorganisms identified were their psychrotrophic growth capabilities, motility at 37°C, growth in air, negative phenylalanine, deaminase, positive urease, catalase, oxidase and coagulase activity. Results: The results of this investigation indicated that the acceptable bacterial load of between 100 - 102 c.f.u ml-1 for coliforms and less than 105 c.f.u ml-1 for total aerobic bacteria count (TABC) was exceeded in some samples while in others, the range was within the permissible microbiological standards. The overall ranking of the microbiological quality for the different water samples was S2 > ( S1, S5, S6, S9, S8) > (S3, S4, S10,S11) > S7. Furthermore, the levels of the essential minerals and organic acids were within the acceptable range as approved by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Conclusion: The standard level of chlorination should be adhered to and frequent routine bacteriological quality assay is sorely recommended.Key words: Microorganisms, packaged water, psychrotrophs, bacteriological quality, minerals, organic acids.

The study evaluated the effect of hypochlorite oxidation and acetylation on some physicochemical properties of Icacina trichantha starch. The native and modified (oxidized and acetylated) starches were studied with respect to Infrared spectroscopy(IR), microscopy, gelatinization, swelling power, solubility index, amylose content, paste clarity and proximate compositions. Oxidized starch had the highest paste clarity, followed by the acetylated starch. The paste clarity of all the starches were found to be pH dependent. The modified starch also had higher solubility index compared to the native starch but lower gelatinization temperature. The modified starches had lower swelling power but higher amylose content. The properties of the starches were found to be dependent on the amylose content. Keywords: Icacina trichantha starch, Oxidation, Acetylation, Physicochemical properties

A survey of macro invertebrate fauna of Anambra River was carried out for 22 months at Otuocha,Ogurugu and Nsugbe. The macro invertebrates were sampled using kick sampling technques and scoop nets. Sampled specimens were identfied to generic level. During the study a total of 21 genera of macroinvertebrates belongingto 13families were identified. The fauna was composed ofGyrinus sp. (29.2%), Macrobranchium sp. (19.6%), Ranatra sp. (13.2%) and Agabus sp. (3.5%). The margalef\'s index of fauna richness showed that Otuocha station had the highest species richness (12.70), followed by Nsugbe (7.01), and Ogurugu (6.80) stations. The least fauna diversity of 021 was registered at Nsugbe as against 3.15 at Otuocha and 0.86 at Ogurugu. The McNaughton community dominance index was more pronounced at Nsugbe (53.1) than at Otuocha (49.69) and Ogurugu (47.04). Jackson\'s fauna similarly index showed that the fauna at Otuocha and Ogurugu were more closely related (0.64) than the fauna at Nsugbe. Keywords: Macroinvertebrates, Anambra River, NigeriaAnimal Research International Vol. 4 (1) 2007 pp. 611-616

African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (mean weight 3.76 ± 0.13 g) were reared at 9 salinity levels 0.042, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 25.0 mgl-1 over a period of 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks period the mean weight gain, 15.56 g, (428.7%) of fish reared in 0.042 mg-1 was significantly (P > 0.05) higher than those recorded in other salinities. The percentage survival of the fish was highest in 0.042 mgl-1, 84.0% and the 0.3 mgl-1, 72.1% while no fish survived in salinity level above 10.0 mgl-1. The low growth rate and poor feed utilization efficiency with increase salinity appeared to be due to increase maintenance energy requirements. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCES Volume 16, Number 2, October 2001, pp. 124-126 KEY WORDS: Salinities, growth, Survival and Clarias gariepinus