This study assessed the antibacterial properties of aqueous, acetone and ethanolic extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera pod. The samples were bought from Swali market in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Water (aqueous), acetone and ethanol were used for the extraction. Agar well diffusion sensitivity testing was employed for the study. Zone of inhibition results for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus species were 8.00mm, 8.00mm, 8.67mm and 9.00mm, respectively for aqueous extracts, 9.33mm, 9.00mm, 11.67mm and 10.00mm, respectively for acetone extracts, and 13.00, 11.33mm, 13.33mm and 12.00mm, respectively for ethanolic extracts. Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the zone of inhibition across the various isolates for aqueous, acetone and ethanolic extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera pod. Based on comparison of the efficacy of the extracts with Ampiclox, the activities were in the statistical order: aqueous< acetone < ethanol

The study investigated fungi associated with post harvest tomato fruits sold in the open market in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The antifungal activity (bitter leaf) extracts against spoilage was studied using well-in-agar diffusion method. Results showed that mean percentage incidence of fungi isolated from tomato fruits were Rhizopus stolonifer (56%), Aspergillus niger (62%) and Altermaria altermata (35%). Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina at different concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60%) (w/v) were used against fungi isolates, while water and ketoconzole (0.5 mg/mL) served as negative and positive control, respectively. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of V. amygdalina inhibited the growth of all three test fungi. There were significant differences (p > 0.05) in the mean inhibitory effects of plant extracts and control. Antifungal activity measured as diameter of zone of inhibition revealed that V. amygdalina acqueous extract at 60% was very active against Aspergillus niger (16.50 mm) and Alternaria altermata (16.00 mm), while being moderately active against Rhizopus stolonifer (13.00 mm). However, 60% ethanolic extract of V. amygdalina was very active against A. niger (19.00 mm), A. altermata (17.00 mm) and Rhizopus stolonifer (15.80 mm). Phytochemical screening of V. amygdalina revealed the presence of tannins, oxalate, saponnins, flavanoid, cynogenic glucoside, phytate and Alkaloids V. amygdalina could serve as a potentially viable alternative to chemical fungicides in the preservation of post harvest tomato fruits (Lycopersicum esculentum).

Before the 21st century, most of Nigeria's rural and coastal communities obtained their drinking water from surface water sources. However, due to development, many coastal towns now get their drinking water from underground sources. Nevertheless, surface water remains a crucial source of drinking water in communities where groundwater is inaccessible. This study evaluated the density of total heterotrophic bacteria and in situ characteristics of drinking water sources in Sagbama town in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from five stations for each of the water types (ground and surface water). The water samples were analyzed following standard procedures. The results of ground and surface water ranged from 2.33 to 2.86 (overall mean of 2.52) Log CFU/mL and 2.70 to 3.87 (overall mean of 3.24) Log CFU/mL for total heterotrophic bacteria counts, 7.05 to 7.68 (overall mean 7.40) and 7.06 to 7.31 (overall mean 7.22) for pH, 146.67 to 232.00 (overall mean 169.13) mg/L and 40.23 to 45.60 (overall mean 41.50) mg/L for total dissolved solids, 207.57 to 327.67 (overall mean 239.31)µS/cm and 56.73 to 64.47 (overall mean 58.55) µS/cm for conductivity, and 0.11 ppt and 0.03 ppt (in all the stations) for salinity. The temperatures of both kinds of water were in the range of 26°C. Except for the pH, salinity, and conductivity of groundwater, an analysis of variance reveals no significant differences (p>0.05) across sites for any water type. The overall t-test revealed that all parameters, except pH and temperature, were statistically distinct (p<0.05) between the various water types. According to Pearson’s correlation, conductivity correlates positively with total dissolved solids for both kinds of water. In contrast, salinity correlates positively with conductivity and total dissolved solids for surface water at p< 0.01. Except for total heterotrophic bacteria counts on surfaces, which exceeded World Health Organization standards, other parameters fell within the Standard Organization of Nigeria and World Health Organization guidelines. Therefore, drinking surface water from the research location without first purifying it increases the chance of avoidable ill health consequences.

This study investigated the acute toxicity of Clariasgariepinusfingerlings. The fingerlings of Clariasgariepinuswere acclimatized for 1 week before the range-finding test was carried out at varying concentrations. Sublethal concentration (viz: 0.00ppm, 10.80 ppm, 18.00 ppm, 25.20 ppm, 32.40 ppm and 39.60 ppm of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt) were made in a rectangular aquarium. Each experimental concentration was carried out in triplicate with 10 fish each. The media were renewed at every 24 hours throughout the experimental duration viz: 96 hours. When the fish were introduced into the aquarium containing the toxicants, they exhibited some behavioural changes including opercular movement, air gulping and irregular swimming pattern. The mortality rate significantly increased as the concentration of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt increased for each of the exposure duration. The LC50 values at 24, 48, 72 and 96 were 86.15 ppm, 36.28 ppm, 18.72 ppm and 15.68 ppm, respectively. From the findings of this study, there is a need for exercise caution in the use of 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt based herbicides close to the aquatic ecosystem.