Rivers State University of Science and Technology

About: Rivers State University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Threatened species. The organization has 1826 authors who have published 1833 publications receiving 15183 citations.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fruits and Vegetables from Open Market and Shopping Complex in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract: Aims: Physicochemical and microbiological quality of fruits and vegetables from open market and shopping mall in Port Harcourt metropolis were determined to ascertain the effect of the sales environment. Methodology: pH and titratable acidity (TTA) of bananas (Musa sapientum), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and cabbage (Brassica oleracae var. capitata L) were determined using standard analytical methods. Conventional microbiological method was used for the microbial analysis. Results: pH (4.30 6.00) and TTA (0.05 0.28% lactic acid) of samples from the two locations did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Aerobic colony count (ACC), Coliform, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, ranged from 4.49 – 5.96, 3.70 – 4.59, 3.69 4.39 and 3.68 – 4.17 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the shopping mall samples, and 6.14 6.19, 3.66 – 5.23, 4.60 – 5.66, and 3.69 – 5.15 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the open market samples. Salmonella was detected at a level of 3.74, 4.30 and 4.65 Log10 CFU/g respectively in banana from the shopping mall; and lettuce and cabbage from the open market. Mould growth for the open market samples ranged from 4.01 4.40 Log10 CFU/g. Shopping mall samples had no mould and yeast growth except for mould count of 4.29 Log10 CFU/g in banana and yeast count of 4.30 and 3.69 Log10 CFU/g in tomatoes and Original Research Article Obinna-Echem; EJNFS, 13(2): 139-148, 2021; Article no.EJNFS.67309 140 lettuce. Banana and lettuce from the open market had no yeast count, but tomatoes and cabbage had counts of 4.30 and 4.46 Log10 CFU/g respectively. Conclusion: Fruits and vegetables from the shopping mall generally had lower microbial count indicating the influence of the chilled storage environment. The detection of pathogens in the fruits and vegetables is unsatisfactory and can pose a health risk to consumers as well as the contamination of other produce.

Effects of Different Combinations of Two Spices: Clove and Nutmeg Seed Extracts on Antioxidants Levels in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract: The effect of different combinations of botanical spices such as clove and nutmeg in different proportion on the antioxidants activities which include lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxide (GPX) in juveniles and adults sizes of Clarias gariepinus was investigated using different combinations of clove (C),and nutmeg (C.N 0:0- Control 0% of Clove and Nutmeg; C.N 1:3- 25% Clove and 75% Nutmeg; C.N 3:1- 75% Clove and 25% Nutmeg; C.N 2:2- 50% Clove and 50% Nutmeg; C.4 - 100% Clove; N4- 100% ) in triplicates. The results from the study indicated that the anaesthetic caused a significant (p<0.05) alterations in the five antioxidants under investigation. The highest alterations in the studied antioxidants were observed in the fish exposed to C4 combination of the anaesthetics and the lowest in the control. The results from this work therefore suggest that the anaesthetics can alter antioxidants levels in the fish which was more noticeable in the fish exposed to C.N 3:1- 75% Clove and 25% Nutmeg; C.N 2:2- 50% Clove and 50% Nutmeg; C.4 - 100% Clove; N4- 100% . Hence fish farmers and scientists are advised to take caution when combining these plant extracts for use in aquaculture.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals and Iron Parameters amongst Dumpsite Scavengers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the levels of some heavy metals, namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pd), and Iron (Fe) in waste scavengers in port-Harcourt, Nigeria Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between March, 2019 and October, 2019. Methodology: A total of 170 subjects of ages between 16 to 43 years. Of this, 100 were dumpsite scavengers while 70 were apparently healthy control subjects. The subjects involved in this study gave their informed consent and had no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal and hepatic disorders, and have been in scavenging activity for at least one year. Three milliliters (3ml) of blood was taken from each subject and put in plain bottles. The serum obtained was put in plain bottles and stored at -200C prior to analysis. The heavy metals were assayed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) while the hepatic parameters were assayed using Mindray Biochemistry auto analyzer (Model BS120, Shenzhen, China). Serum ferritin was assayed using enzyme immunoassay while serum transferrin was done using colorimetric method. Data obtained were analyzed using Student’s t test and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The body mass index (BMI) of the scavengers were significantly lower than that of the control subjects (p=.0001). The activities of the liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001). The levels of total proteins, albumin and globulin of the scavengers were significantly lower than those of the control subjects (p=.0001). The levels of serum iron, transferrin and ferritin were similarly lower in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001). However, the levels of cadmium and lead were significantly higher in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001). Conclusion: These findings indicate possible biochemical derangements in the scavengers due to their exposure to the hazards associated with the scavenging activity.

Quality and Safety Characteristics of Minimally Processed Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Sold in Selected Locations in Port Harcourt

Abstract: The physico-chemical, proximate, vitamin C, sensory and microbiological quality of minimally processed watermelon from selected locations in Port Harcourt was evaluated The locations were Rumuokoro junction, Rumuokuta junction, Nwinpi junction and Mile 3 Bus stop, samples prepared in the Food preparation laboratory served as control Standard analytical and microbiological methods were used pH and titratable acidity varied respectively from 495 - 560 and 014 - 020 %Citric acid Moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate ranged from 9454 – 9614, 052 – 054, 054 – 056, 025 -039, 032 – 057 and 199 – 356% respectively, while the energy content was 1500 – 2091 Kcal/g Ascorbic acid content ranged from 277 - 473 mg/100g The microbiological evaluation revealed Total aerobic, Coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and fungi counts of 380 – 579, 374 – 583, 510 - 584, 426 – 5 00 and 389 - 445 Log10Cfu/g respectively The sensory attributes: colour, sweetness, texture, aroma, juiceness and overall acceptability of the samples ranged from 580 – 785, 570 – 795, 610 – 745, 540 – 710, 615 – 755 and 600 – 745 respectively Degree of likeness of the minimally processed watermelon by the assessors was that of slight to like very much The study revealed that though the minimally processed watermelon were nutritious and acceptable to the consumers, the microbial counts were unsatisfactory and can be a risk factor to public health

Stakeholders Roles in Improving the Current State of Public Secondary Schools Infrastructure in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study ascertained the roles of stakeholders in improving the current state of public secondary school infrastructures in Rivers State, Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of public secondary school infrastructures and to ascertain the functions of each stakeholder as to solving the problems in terms of sustaining and maintaining schools insfrastructures. This study sampled 120 stakeholders in selected 6 public secondary schools built in 1970’s in 6 Local Government Areas of the state with purposive sampling method Questionnaires were administered to the 120 sampled but 78 questionnaires were retrieved representing 65% response rate and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. The findings showed that 70% of respondents admitted that the existing conditions of the schools were in a deplorable state. The result also showed that inadequate funding, lack of government intervention, lack of maintenance, delayed maintenance, vandalism, neglect, no sense of ownership by stakeholders, lack of community’s involvement, and overcrowding as the factors influencing the present condition of existing school infrastructures. It is observed that the public secondary schools are in a deplorable state of dilapidation that needed collective efforts of various stakeholders to improve them. This paper concludes that if proper attention is given to school infrastructures by the stakeholders there will be improvements in the public secondary school buildings in Rivers State and the study proposes a multi-stakeholders function framework for the proper maintenance of public schools infrastructure to eradicate the existing poor conditions.