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.

Heavy metal concentrations in some sea foods commonly consumed in selected parts of rivers state.

Abstract: Levels of heavy metal contaminants in seafoods commonly consumed parts of River State were investigated. The seafoods involved were sardine ( Sadinela madereasis ), catfish ( Chrisichys nigrodigitatus), shrimps ( Penaus notalis ) and periwinkles (Tympanus fuscatus). Samples were collected from Creek Road market, Trams –Amadi Industry Area market and Ahoada main market analyzed for cadmium and lead. Levels of trace elements such copper, zinc and ranging and iron were also analyzed. Result showed that the seafoods had no detectable cadmium in them, while low levels of lead ranging from 0.06 – 0.32mg/kg were obtained. The level of zinc ranging from 0.04 -0.11mg/kg, iron 0.7 – 0.81mg/kg and copper 0.09 – 0.56mg/kg.

Determination of Some Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats Pre-Treated and Post-Treated with Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium Extracts

Abstract: The use of herbs in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications have been reported. This study was thus aimed at determining the levels of some biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats pre-treated and post-treated with Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium extracts. Fifty (50) albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g were used for this study. 25 albino rats were used for each phase of the treatment. The pre-treatment phase involved the treatment of the rats with 400 mg/kg b.w (singly) and 200 mg/kg b.w (combined) extracts for 14 days, after which diabetes mellitus was induced using streptozotocin before the rats were sacrificed. The post-treatment phase involved the inducement of diabetes with streptozotocin after which the rats were treated with 400 mg/kg b.w (singly) and 200 mg/kg b.w (combined) extracts for 28 days before the animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture and plasma/serum was collected. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined using standard procedures while glucose was measured with a glucometer. Cardiovascular risk ratios such as Castelli risk ratio I and II and atherogenic index of plasma were also calculated. Results showed that extracts of V. amygdalina (only), G. latifolium (only) and V.A+ GL (combined)significantly (p<0.05) reduced the TC, LDL-C , FBS, MDA and TAC levels while HDL-C level significantly (p<0.05) increased. The cardiac risk indices (CRI-I and CRI-II, and Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in both the pre-treated and post-treated rats were also reduced when compared to diabetic control. It is thus evident that these plants’ extracts possess hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, and antioxidant properties and thus could be used to reduce cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the tradomedicinal use of these plants in the management of cardiovascular complications is highly recommended.

Microbiological Assessment on Stalk, Endocarp, Epicarp, Tip and Vascular Tissue of Different Varieties of Banana Fruit (Musa spp.)

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to carry out microbiological assessment on Stalk, Endocarp, Epicarp, Tip and Vascular Tissue of Different Varieties of Banana fruit (Musa spp.) (Cavendish, Dwarf Cavendish, Red, Lady Finger and Grand Nain Banana). Study Design: The study employs statistical analysis of the data and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: Three major markets Oil Mill (OM), Fruit Garden (FG), Mile Three (MT), all located in the city of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Sample collection lasted for a week and the analysis was carried out every day and it lasted for six months. Methodology: A total of forty-five (45) banana (Cavendish, Dwarf Cavendish, Red, Lady Finger and Grand Nain Banana) fruit samples were collected for a period of three months from three different markets (Oil Mill, Fruit Garden and Mile Three Markets) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The collected samples were grouped into three (Unripe, Healthy-Looking and Spoiled) and were subjected to standard microbiological procedures which includes standard plate counts, biochemical and molecular identification of the isolates. Original Research Article Nrior et al.; MRJI, 31(3): 1-23, 2021; Article no.MRJI.67241 2 Results: A total of 124 isolates were isolated from the different sampled parts (Cut stalk, Tip, Endocarp, Vascular Tissue and Epicarp) of the banana fruit. Staphylococcus aureus count in the unripe sampled Banana fruits from Oil Mill market showed high prevalent rate in the Cut Stalk of the Cavendish Banana at 4.17±0.31x102 CFU/g followed by the Tips of the Grand Nain and Cavendish Banana at 4.03±0.21x102 CFU/g and 4.00±0.20x102 CFU/g, respectively. While the TCC in the Healthy-Looking sampled fruits from Fruit Garden showed more microbial load in the Epicarp of the Dwarf Cavendish Banana at 2.93±1.15x103 CFU/g followed by the Tip and Epicarp of the Grand Nain Banana at 2.70±0.82x103 CFU/g and 2.60±0.46x103 CFU/g. The total fungal count (TFC) in Healthy-Looking sampled Banana fruits showed high prevalent rate in Oil Mill market at 2.79x103 CFU/g > Mile Three market, 2.31x103 CFU/g > 1.35x103 CFU/g at Fruit Garden market. While the result of the total Staphylococcal count in the unripe sampled Banana fruits showed that Staphylococcus aureus was more prevalent in Creek Road market at 1.65x102 CFU/g > Mile One at 1.64x102 CFU/g and the least seen in Mile Three market at 1.50x102 CFU/g. The result of the Coliform count in the spoiled sampled Banana fruits showed that coliform was more prevalent in Mile One market at 2.14x103 CFU/g > 1.98x103 CFU/g in Fruit Garden market and less prevalent in Creek Road market at 1.75x103 CFU/g. The Grand Nain Banana had the most microbial load at 33.9% > Dwarf Cavendish Banana, 25% > Cavendish Banana, 16.9% > Lady Finger Banana, 14.5% > Red Banana at 9.7%. The study location with the most microbial load is the Oil Mill market at 21.23% > Mile One, 20.64% > Creek Road, 20.01% > Mile Three, 19.23% > Fruit Garden, 18.88%. Conclusion: Grand Nain banana variety has the highest microbial load thus consumption of it should be washed or cleansed thoroughly. Secondly, of the different parts sampled, Cut stalk of banana is associated with highest microbial load, therefore it should checked properly or cut off when peeling/during consumption, The high load of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus is of great concern. These organisms associated with different parts and varieties of banana fruits (Musa spp.) in Port Harcourt Nigeria, poses serious threat to consumers. Prohibition of anthropogenic activities within the markets and farms should be encouraged in order to reduce the level of contamination of these fruits. Also, public awareness on safe and hygienic practices in the handling and distribution of Banana fruits from the farms to the markets should be encouraged.

Characteristics and Antibiogram Studies of Bacteria Associated with Vegetables Stored In Raffia Baskets in Nigeria

Abstract: Raffia baskets are used in rural communities to preserve fresh vegetables for a given period of time. This method of storage is aimed at extending the shelf life of the vegetables until they are used. Thus, this study was aimed at determining the microbial succession during storage and susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from stored leafy vegetables to various antibiotics. Five (5) leafy vegetables namely, Bitter leaf (Vernomia anydalira), Water leaf (Talinum triangulare), Fluted pumpkin leaf, (Telfairia occidentalis), Okazi leaf (Gnetum africana) and Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) were obtained from the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) farm, Port Harcourt. These vegetables were stored in a raffia basket for fourteen (14) days while another set of the vegetables were left in the open air as control. This set up was monitored for changes to occur. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the various analyses of the vegetable samples. Both cultural and molecular characterizations of the isolates were done. The disc diffusion method was used in determining the susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates. The results of the predominant microorganisms identified were of the genus; Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Bordetella, Staphylococcus, Myroides, Escherichia, Serratia, Micrococcus and Acetobacter. Also, Bacillus species occurred in all the vegetables while Enterococcus faecalis, Acetobacter orientalis, Bordetella pertussis, Myroides xuanwuensis and Bacillus flexus were isolated on the third day of storage from the vegetables. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 1.8 x106 cfu/g to 1.25 x107 cfu/g (bitter leaf), 9x105 cfu/g to 9.0 x106 cfu/g (Scent leaf), 7 x105 cfu/g to 1.88 x107 cfu/g (Okazi), 3.2x106 cfu/g to 1.05x107 cfu/g (Fluted pumpkin leaf) and 8.4 x106 cfu/g to 2.04 x107 cfu/g (water leaf). Antibiogram of bacterial isolates revealed that they were resistant to Augmentin and Ceftazidime according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute schemes. Combination of the antibiotics showed that most of the isolates were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin + erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin + ceftriaxone. The study revealed that for all the vegetables, those stored in the basket lasted longer and were fresher compared to those kept in the open space. This study revealed that the raffia baskets are suitable for storage and preservation of leafy vegetables, but microbial succession occurred as a result of increase in the period of storage leading to the proliferation of microorganisms. This could be from aerosols or by chance inoculation, through handling or materials used or other microorganisms which are inherent in the vegetables because of their contact with the soil or water used in the washing of the leaves.

Effect of Production Method on the Dietary Fibre Composition of Akamu- A Nigerian Fermented Maize Product

Abstract: This study utilized the Integrated total dietary fibre assay in evaluating the total dietary fibre (TDF) components: insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), soluble dietary fibre precipitates (SDFP) and soluble dietary fibre soluble (SDFS), of porridges from ground maize slurries fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum strain and porridges from akamu sample. The traditional process was modified by skipping the soaking, wet milling and wet sieving stages to fermenting ground whole maize slurries with pure culture of L. plantarum strain. The aim was to investigate the effect of the production method on the dietary fibre composition of the new in comparison to akamu sample. The samples had similar physical and microbiological characteristics: pH of 3.43 – 3.95, titratable acidity of 1.05 – 1.59% and lactic acid bacteria count of 8.56 CFU mL-1. The most available sugar from the SDFS was glucose (43 - 54 mg mL-1 for 24 h L. plantarum fermentation and the akamu sample, respectively). The akamu sample had the lowest IDF and the highest SDF (50.80 mg g-1) with particular reference to its SDFS (35.40 mg g-1) content. This study has brought to knowledge the dietary fibre component of a Nigerian fermented maize food.