This study evaluated the heavy metals hazard of palm wine from Raphia species sold in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State Nigeria. Triplicate samples were obtained from six locations in Wilberforce Island and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk associated with heavy metal contaminants was calculated following standard protocol. Results of heavy metals in palm wine were in the range of 0.157–0.319mg/L, 0.554–0.983mg/L, 0.000– 0.2289mg/L, and 0.123–0.5299mg/L for zinc, iron, cobalt, and copper respectively. There were significant discrepancies (p < 0.05) in the palm wine samples across various locations for the different parameters. Metals such as cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead were not detected in palm wine, indicating that toxicity related to them is non-existent. However, zinc, cobalt, and copper were observed at low concentrations, while iron levels exceeded regulatory comparison. This is possibly an indication of iron-rich soils which are prevalent in the area. It may also have resulted from activities releasing this metal within the study area. Average daily intake and hazard quotient and health index (< 1) indicate no adverse acute health effect. To forestall potential health risks associated with heavy metals in palm wine, there is a need to regularly evaluate heavy metal concentrations.

This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of groundwater from Imiringi in Ogbia Local government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Groundwater samples were obtained in triplicates from four locations in the study area and analyzed for the bacteria quality using standard protocols. Results showed that the microbial density ranged from 2.97 – 6.03 x 104 cfu/ml (for total heterotrophic bacteria counts), 4.17 – 5.43 x 102 cfu/ml (for Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts) and 0.00 – 1.48 x 102 cfu/ml (for Salmonella-Shigella counts). Statistically, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) across the various locations for each of the parameters. The density observed were higher than the allowable limit of 1.0 x 102 cfu/ml for drinking water as recommended by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, and maximum permissible level of 10cfu/ml for total coliform as specified by Standard Organization of Nigeria. The prevalence of bacteria isolated in the water samples were Aeromonas species (8.00%), Citrobacter species (7.50%), Escherichiacoli (20.75%), Klebsiella species (5.50%), Pseudomonas species (12.00%), Salmonella species (2.25%), Shigella species (3.25%) and Staphylococcus species (40.75%). From the bacteria density and diversity, the water is not potable. Some of the bacterial found are of public health importance. Hence, there is a need to adequately treat the water using chlorination and boiling techniques before drinking.

This study evaluated the microbial density and concentration of some physicochemical constituents of palm wine sold in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Samples of palm wine were purchased from 6 locations. Sample from each location was sub-sampled in triplicate, and the density of microbial population was enumerated following standard microbiological procedure. The physicochemical parameters of constituents were determined using standard procedures. Results showed that total heterotrophic bacteria counts, total fungi counts, pH, conductivity, specific gravity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium in palm wine ranged from 2.

The current monotypic status of the genus Piptadeniastrum Brenan is reasonably challenged as Cathormion altissimum is claimed to be closely related to Piptadeniastrum africanum – the only species in the genus – by some indigenous people of Bayelsa State. This work systematically examines this claim by studying some aspects of the foliar and stem anatomy of P. africanum and C. altissimum. Leaf peels and stem sections were made and analyzed according to standard procedures. Anatomical characteristics considered include stomata distribution, stomatal Index, type of stomata, the shape of leaf epidermal cells and anticlinal walls, the outline of the stem, and the arrangement of vascular bundles. Results showed that stomatal distribution in both plants was hypostomatic. Stomatal index and stomata type was 21.5% and mainly anomocytic, respectively, for P. africanum and 14.4% and primarily paracytic, respectively, for C. altissimum. Epidermal cell shape is irregular with undulating anticlinal walls in P. africanum, while epidermal cell shape is rectangular to polygonal with curved or straight anticlinal walls in C. altissimum. The outline of the stem is angular with four pronounced ridges and furrows in P. africanum, while the stem outline is wavy with very mild protrusions in C. altissimum. The differences in anatomical characteristics may justify the placement of these plants in different genera. Piptadeniastrum Brenan is monotypic.