Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and Essays

111-116

Authors: Anongo MC., Bako SP., Iortsuun DN., Japhet WS., Uyovbisere EO.

Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and Essays Vol. 2 (3), pp. 111-116, March, 2014. © Sci-Afric Journal Research Paper Levels of Trace Elements in Plant Parts of Two Cultivars of Wheat at Some Selected Growth Stages. *1Anongo, M’ember Catherine, 1Bako, Sunday Paul, 1Iortsuun, Dora Nguemo , 1Japhet, Wisdom S., 2Uyovbisere, Edwards O. 1. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University, Wukari,Taraba State. 2. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 3. Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. *Correspondence Author E-mail: mnenaakpa2001@gmail.com Accepted February 26th, 2014 Abstract This study was focused on assessment of metals accumulation in plant parts (leaves, stems and roots) of Triticum aestivum L. at some selected growth stages at certain distances from the Kano-Zaria road in Kano State, Nigeria. The plant parts of the two cultivars of wheat and their corresponding soil samples were collected during the growing season of 2008/2009 at different sites selected based on traffic density and distances. The levels of Cd, Pb and Zn in the leaves, stems and roots samples of the wheat cultivars and their corresponding soil samples in triplicates were determined by two analytical techniques. Cd and Pb were determined by double beam atomic spectrophotometry while Zn was determined by the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF). Results showed that the selected growth stages had a significant influence on the metal levels in wheat varieties at both sites. The experimental site closest to the Kano-Zaria highway had higher levels of Cd, Pb and Zn than at the control site. Concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn at both sites exceeded the permissible limits of the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the Joint FAO/WHO food standards (2006). This study highlights the potential risks of consumption of Triticum aestivum L. at close proximity to the highway. Keywords: Triticum aestivum, metals, leaf, stem, root, growth stages, traffic density, Kano- Zaria Highway

124-127

Authors: Kalu KM and Ihemanma CA

Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and Essays Vol. 2 (3), pp. 124-127, March, 2014. © Sci-Afric Journal Research Paper Prevalence of parasitic helminthes in stools of children aged 4-12 years in Ahaba Imenyi community of Abia state Nigeria. *Kalu, Kalu Mong1 and Ihemanma, Chioma Ada2 1. Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. 2. Department of Biology/Microbiology, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. *Correspondence Author E-mail: kalumongkalu@yahoo.com Accepted March 10th, 2014 Abstract Human intestinal helminthiasis is a serious disease occurring most commonly among school age children living in poor hygienic environments, as well as in less developed hygienic habits. It is caused by parasitic helminths, which are wormlike parasites. Generally, infected individuals have the parasite eggs or cysts or both in their faeces. This study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic helminths in faecal samples of children aged 4-12 years. A series of sample collections for stool was carried out in Ahaba Imenyi, a rural community in Isuikwato Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Samples from two hundred children of age cohort 4-12 years were examined for presence of eggs or/and cysts of helminths using direct and formol-ether concentration techniques. The proportion of overall infected stool samples was 90 (45.00%). When ranked by proportion, parasitic helminth loads were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (66.67%), Trichuris Trichiura (20.00%) Hookworm (10.00%), and Schistosoma mansoni (3.33%). There were no significant difference between prevalence of parasitic helminths and gender (P>0.05). Association between helminths and age-groups was significant. Highest prevalence rate was observed among the children whose mothers were farmers 50(55.56%). Statistical analysis indicates significance (P<0.05) in helminth species prevalence with Ascaris lumbricoides 60(66.67%) predominating. We conclude that the parasitic helminths burden amongst the children of Ahaba Imenyi during the period of this study was significant and is of great public health concern. Regular deworming exercise with appropriate and effective antihelminthics will improve the health status of children in the study area. Keywords: Parasitic Helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni, Faeces.

132-137

Authors: Umeh SO., and Odibo FJC.

Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and Essays Vol. 2 (3), pp. 132-137, March, 2014. © Sci-Afric Journal Research Paper Amylase Activity during Retting of Cassava Tubers for Wet Fufu Mash Production. *Umeh, SO. and Odibo, FJC. Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. *Correspondence Author E-mail: aloyumeh@yahoo.com Accepted March 14th, 2014 Abstract This study looks into the possibility of utilizing cassava waste water as a source of industrial amylase. Traditional retting method was used to ret the tubers in the laboratory. Amylase activity of the retting water was checked daily and found to increase daily from 2.75μ/mol on the first day to 9.48μ/mol on the fourth day when retting was complete. Microorganisms in the retting water were isolated daily and a total of eleven organisms (Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Lactobacillus coryneformis, Citrobacter aerogenes, Rhizopus stolonifer, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Klebsiella aerogenes) were isolated. The ability of these organisms to produce amylase invitro was checked using an appropriate solid media. All the organisms were able to produce amylase except Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Citrobacter aerogenes. Since cassava processing to Fufu is usually accompanied with the production of stinking smelling waste water which constitute nuisance to humans, animals and aquatic life in our environment, the waste water can be utilized as a source of industrial amylase. Keywords: Cassava tubers, fufu, waste water, amylase activity, industrial amylase