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Journal : Open Access DRIVERset

Microbial Isolates in Microplastic-Polluted Soil Battah, Moses Victor; Olawale, Otitoju; Abah, Moses; John, Umaru Isaac; Dauda, Maianguwa Abdulrashid; Joel, Emmanuel Askeb-nde; Vera, Caleb; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3705

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with plastic debris fragmenting into microscopic particles that contaminate soil ecosystems. Microplastics have become a major environmental concern due to their persistent presence in various ecosystems, including soil. They can act as pollutants and have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. This study aimed at isolating and identifying microbes (Bacteria and Fungi species) present in microplastic-polluted soil. Microplastic-polluted soil samples were collected from three sites (which were Kwararafa University Area Wukari to serve as the site 1, Federal Road Safety Commission Office Area Wukari to be the site 2, while Marmara Area Wukari to be the site 3), from two points; A and B and then packaged in brown envelopes which were then transferred to the Laboratory for further analysis after air-drying them for 24 hours. Then 1gram of each soil sample was weighed and suspended in 9mls of distilled water respectively; Six (6) folds of distilled water were prepared for serial dilution of each soil sample. 1ml of each sample was pour plated on NA, MAC, BA, EMB, CLED and SDA respectively. Then a smear of bacteria was prepared and allow to air dry for 30min and heat fix using flame after which was viewed under the microscope. The results obtained from this study showed that Staphylococcus spp are large, medium, small, and pinpoint in size, irregular and spherical in shape, light pink, creamy grey in color, smooth, mucoid and dried texture. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp here has similar morphological characteristics, both in size, shape, color, texture, margin and elevation as Staphylococcus spp. Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas spp here has similar morphological identification but differ only in their shape where Bacillus spp has a filamentous shape but Pseudomonas spp has rhizoid shape respectively. In terms of texture, Bacillus spp are Smooth, dried and mucoid but Pseudomonas spp are only smooth, dried texture. Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas spp only differ in their cell morphology where Bacillus spp appears to be rods with spores while Pseudomonas spp appears as short and long rods in pairs. They react positive to catalase, oxidase and citrate tests while negative to indole test. Aspergillus Niger and Rhizopus stolonifer were found to be the major fungi isolated from the collected sample. Aspergillus Niger and Rhizopus stolonifer are spherical in shape and are large in size. Aspergillus Niger appears powdery and Rhizopus stolonifer appears to fluffy, wood-like. In terms of color and pigmentation Aspergillus Niger species are black, black creamy on reverse while Rhizopus stolonifer appears grayish in color. The discovery of these microbes in microplastics-polluted soil offers a ray of hope for mitigating plastic pollution. By delving deeper into their capabilities and fostering collaboration between microbiologists and environment. This research will contribute to a broader understanding of the ecological impact of microplastics on soil health and functioning. By identifying microbes associated with microplastics, the specific mechanism of action employed by these bacteria in degrading microplastics can be studied subsequently.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Microbial Effects of Prosopis Africana Methanol Stem Back Extract Aduwamai, Umaru Hauwa; Oluwatosin, Jegede Olosola; Malgwi, Jemimah Mohammed; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3732

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect of Prosopis Africana methanol stem bark extract was determined. Results of qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. The quantitative analysis revealed the quantity of alkaloids (0.11%), tannins (1.92%), phenols (3.77%), flavonoids (0.77%), steroids (0.14%), terpenoids (0.21%) and saponins (4.01%). The anti-inflammatory effect of methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana was assessed in male albino rats using paw immersion method. The anti-inflammatory effect produced by methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana was found to be significant (p<0.05) at the dose of 200mg/kg, which was more effective than other concentrations at time interval of 0-90minutes. The antimicrobial activities of the methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana produced the highest zone of inhibition (l7mm) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the lowest zone of inhibition (11mm) on Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of Prosopis Africana methanol stem-bark extract against E.coli, S. aureus and P. areuginosa was 2.5mg/ml each compared to K. pneumonia which was 5.5mg/ml. Results obtained indicate the antimicrobial effect of the methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis Africana against K. pneumoniae was more effective than ampicillin. This work has further supported the basis for the use of the plant as anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of various diseases associated with the microorganisms studied.
Effect of Administration of Copper plasma Activated water and Anesthetic on Hematological and Pancreatic tissues of Wister rats Umaru, Isaac John; Kingsly, Iseko Iyoko; Gyasi, Prince Kwadwo; Ogochukwu, Edom Favour; Akafa, Tensaba Andes; Malantso, Jackson Soyinka; Habibu, Bilyaminu; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 1 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i1.4722

Abstract

In biomedicine, applications of PAW span from biofilm removal, wound healing, deactivation of bacteria and viruses, dentistry (for teeth disinfection and whitening), and cancer therapy. The biochemical activity of PAW is derived from synergistic effects of the highly reactive species, specifically reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). PAW is considered a biofriendly and prospective solution for biotechnology applications due to the time dependent nature of its biochemical activity because of the active species, and its economic and environmental benefits of using air rather than toxic chemicals as the raw material. Thus, the study on Effect of Administration of Copper plasma Activated water and Anaesthetic on Haematological and Pancreatic tissues of Wister rats. Material and Methods: Preparation of plasma-activated water a non-thermal micro-hollow cathode discharge (MHCD) was used to generate plasma-activated waters (CU-PAWs). Results: The results showed the haematological profile of the animals treated with 400mgkg-' had a decrease in Haemoglobin, Mean capsular Haemoglobin (11.21 ± 1.23 and 22.93 ± 21.11) compared to the controlled group (15.03 ± 1.72 and 29.93 ± 7.27) and in animals treated with 200mgkg-1 and 400mgkg-1 there is a significant decrease in the platelets (21.96 ± 23.16 and 20.89 ± 24.03) compared to animals on control group (32.08± 16.70) (table 2). Animals treated with 200mgkg-' and 400mgkg-' have a decrease in platelet (22.36 ± 4.88 and 20.89 ± 24.03) compared to animals on control (32.08 ± 16.70) and also animals treated with 400mgkg-1 have an elevated white blood cell count 173-56 ± 4.50) compared to the control group (3.66 ± 3.06). Conclusion: Cupper plasma water is safe to be used since it do not have much effect on the blood biochemistry and haematological parameters unlike the aesthetic agents cause changes on the haematological and blood biochemistry parameters. Hence, it is important to be aware of the effects of these agents before using them in experiments.
Zinc Oxide Based Nanomaterials and Their Application in the Removal of Toxic Contaminants for Waste Water Matilda, Manasseh Ilumunter; Umaru, Isaac John; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac; Akram, Muhammad
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i2.5893

Abstract

The increasing global demand for clean water underscores the urgency of addressing environmental pollution, particularly through effective wastewater treatment. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial expansion have significantly contributed to the degradation of water quality, making contamination a persistent and complex challenge. Despite numerous scientific efforts to develop remediation strategies, many existing techniques remain difficult to replicate or scale down effectively for widespread application. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field, offering innovative solutions for environmental remediation. Among various nanomaterials, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles stand out due to their unique physicochemical and optical properties, which are substantially enhanced at the nanoscale. ZnO nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in material science, especially for their applications in photocatalysis, antimicrobial treatments, and environmental detoxification. However, their synthesis and functional performance are highly sensitive to several factors, including the pH of the reaction medium, calcination temperature, reaction time, stirring speed, the nature of capping agents, and the concentration of metal precursors. These variables critically influence the size, morphology, and surface activity of ZnO nanoparticles, thereby determining their effectiveness in water treatment applications. Understanding and optimizing these synthesis parameters are crucial for enhancing the reproducibility, efficiency, and scalability of ZnO-based nanotechnologies in real-world environmental contexts.
Neurotoxic Effect of Cassava Cyanide on the Motor Activity and Cytoarchitecture of the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats Umaru, Isaac John; Danjuma, Tyem Lawal; Shadrach, Katchim Evelyn; Salman, Julius Ishaya; Mchibuma, Jibaniya Grace; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.8299

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a widely consumed staple in tropical regions, contains cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon hydrolysis. Chronic exposure to cassava-derived cyanide has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly affecting motor coordination and cerebellar function. This study investigates the neurotoxic effects of cassava cyanide on motor activity and cerebellar cytoarchitecture in albino Wistar rats. Thirty adult male rats were divided into three groups: control, low-dose cyanide (10 mg/kg), and high-dose cyanide (20 mg/kg), administered orally for 15 days. Motor performance was assessed using rotarod and open field tests, while cerebellar tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed a dose-dependent decline in motor coordination and locomotor activity, with significant reductions in rotarod latency and open field distance in cyanide-treated groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed progressive Purkinje cell degeneration, vacuolation, and disrupted laminar architecture in the cerebellar cortex, particularly in the high-dose group. These findings suggest that cassava cyanide exerts neurotoxic effects on cerebellar neurons, impairing motor function through structural damage. The study underscores the importance of safe cassava processing and dietary interventions to mitigate cyanide-induced neurotoxicity in vulnerable populations.