The rapid increase in the number of multidrug-resistant of most pathogenic organisms is fast becoming a global concern, thus, the discovery of novel active pharmacological compounds against new targets is a matter of urgency. The incorporation of metal ions into organic ligands has introduced metal-organic drugs framework with synergistic effects for novel applications in the biological system. In this research work, metal(II) chloride complexes of copper, nickel and zinc containing methylphenylketone thiosemicarbazone (MPK-TSC) with 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy) were synthesized; they were further characterized by satisfactory microelemental analysis, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectra as well as electronic spectra study. The complexes are proposed to have the formulae [L1ML2(Cl2)] where M=metal ion, L1=methylphenylketone thiosemicarbazone   L2=2,2’-bipyridine. The complexes are of 1:2 (metal:ligand) stoichiometry and non-electrolytes in solution, the bidentate nature of the two ligands was evident from the FTIR spectra. The compounds were screened for their antifungal activity against four pathogenic fungi: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium Species, Rizopus and Candida albicans using disc diffusion method. The activities of the complexes have been found to be greater than those of the metal salts and the uncoordinated ligands.

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Increase in domestic and industrial waste increases the concentration of trace metals in dumpsites soil. The level of trace metal concentration of dumpsite soil needs to be analysed for proper metal contamination management. Soil metal contamination can be managed using organic material such as carbonised sawdust. In this study, soil samples were collected from selected dumpsites in Benin City, using standard method. Carbonised briquette was prepared from softwood sawdust obtained Carbonised briquette was prepared from softwood sawdust obtained from a sawmill in Sapele Town. The effects of carbonised briquette on metal fractionation were investigated using standard method. Fraction studies revealed that carbonised briquette the amendment results in the decrease in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn and Cr in the different fractions. The decrease follows the order: exchangeable < carbonate < Fe-Mn oxide < organic < residual. Suggesting reduction in mobility and bioavailability of the metals after carbonised briquette amendment. Therefore, this study revealed that carbonised briquette can be used to immobilise metals and also as a medium to manage trace metals soil contamination.