Bells University Journal of Applied Sciences and Environment 5

B.U. Anyanwu, S.O. Owoeye, F.O. Durodola, O.O. Nuga and L.O. Jayesimi

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ABSTRACT

The performance of retort furnaces depends on material quality, especially the type of linings and walls, used in their development. This research was aimed to evaluate FUNAAB CLAY deposits enhanced with aluminium phosphate (APC) for linings and walls in retort furnaces. Clay deposits around FUNAAB were collected, enhanced with various amounts of aluminium phosphate (0 – 25 %wt) and characterized for mineralogical contents using x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffractometer. The deposits were used to produce several samples of linings and walls (bricks) following recommendations from standard codes. Key physico-mechanical and thermal properties: density (ρ), porosity (y), crushing strength (σ), drying shrinkage (Ꜫ), firing shrinkage (γ), thermal shock (Ꞇ) and refractoriness (α) were evaluated on them. Results for mineralogy showed that the unenhanced deposits contained 49.15 %wt SiO2 and 19.25 % wt Al2O3; while the enhanced ones had 49.59 %wt and 26.25 %wt of both oxides, respectively. These were further confirmed by diffractometry showing presence of silica, alumina, limestone and periclase with silica being more intense. Sample B5, had the best combined properties (ρ= 1.78 g/cm3, =16.54%, σ= 24.40 MPa, Ꜫ= 0.49%, γ = 2.01%, Ꞇ= 8.10 cycles, α = 1398 oC) compared to the control sample, B1 (ρ= 1.79 g/cm3, y= 17.69%, σ= 18.52 MPa, Ꜫ= 0.62%, γ= 2.23%, Ꞇ= 4.88 cycles, α= 1192 oC). The results showed that FUNAAB clay deposits enhanced with aluminium phosphate cannot sustain temperatures up to 1550oC on retort furnaces, but could for temperatures
below 1398 oC.

Keywords: Clay, deposits, linings, walls, retort furnace

Received: January 2026. Accepted: February, 2026. Published: March, 2026

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Olatunji, O. S.1 and Bello, R.1

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ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution from sewage systems poses a significant threat to groundwater quality, especially in industrial zones like Agbara Industrial Estate, Southwestern Nigeria. This study evaluates the extent of sewage infiltration and its environmental impact on shallow aquifers using an integrated approach combining geophysical and hydrochemical methods. Five electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were acquired using a Wenner array with an ABEM SAS 1000 Terameter, spanning 85 m per profile and electrode spacings of 5–30 m. Concurrently, water samples from wells (WS1, WS4, WS5) and streams (SS2, SS3, SS6) were analyzed for pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and results compared to WHO and SON standards. ERT results revealed extensive low resistivity anomalies (4.5–17.6 Ωm) in Profiles 1–4, indicating contamination from sewage effluents, with Profile 3 showing the deepest and most severe plume. In contrast, Profile 5 serving as a control and situated outside the sewage-affected zone displayed high resistivity values (174–509 Ωm), reflecting minimal or no contamination. Hydrochemical data aligned with geophysical interpretations: acidic pH (5.2–5.73) and high TDS levels (up to 749 mg/L) in affected areas exceeded permissible limits, while control samples recorded safe values (pH 6.71 and TDS 473 mg/L). The study confirmed that lithological features such as sandy clay and fractured units facilitate pollutant migration. The integrated geophysical and hydrochemical approach effectively maps contamination and aquifer vulnerability. Immediate intervention through improved sewage management, groundwater monitoring, and provision of safe water alternatives is recommended to protect groundwater resources in the Agbara industrial Estate.

Keywords: Hydrochemical, Sewage, Geophysical, Total Dissolved Solids, WHO, SON

Received: July, 2025

Accepted: September, 2025

Published online: April, 2026

 

Olatunji, O. S.1, Meroyi, A.1, Adeyemi, M. O.1, and Aisida, M. O.1

 

ABSTRACT

 

The rapid pace of economic growth in Nigeria, has led to continuous release of significant amount of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) into the soil of its outlying areas. PTEs have been widely established to cause public health concerns. However, while numerous studies have shown that urban soils can contain elevated levels of PTEs, comprehensive assessment of pollution status and risk levels of PTEs from suburban areas is lacking. This study aimed to assess the levels of PTEs specifically Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd, in selected soil samples. The study focused on areas deemed vulnerable to PTEs contamination due to high-risk land uses or proximity to hazardous land uses. The investigation measured PTEs concentrations and evaluated associated pollution and health risk levels. The results showed a range of concentrations (mg/kg) for Cu (16.65-687.47), Pb (28.64-368.75), Zn (119.70-9257.30), Ni (7.60-86.20), Cr (26.40-107.00), Mn (403.00-1756.00) and Cd (0.20-11.34). PTEs concentrations in Apomu soils were higher than normal background concentrations. Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) revealed that Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd were moderately contaminated. The Enrichment Factor (EF) revealed minimal to very high enrichment of Cu and Zn and minimal to significant enrichment of Pb. Approximately 70% of sampling areas exhibited high potential ecological concerns. The hazard index (HI) values for children and adults were less than one (HI < 1), indicating that there was no major danger of poisoning. Carcinogenic risks for Cd, Ni, and Pb were calculated and found to be within tolerable limits, but children are more susceptible to cancer and non-cancer risks than adults.

Keywords: Apomu, Enrichment Factor, Modified pollution Index, Soils

Received: July, 2025

Accepted: September, 2025

Published online: April, 2026

Obi Chioma C. 1, Umanu G.1, Anozie Chinenye P.2, Seriki, Abiodun T.,Olumuyiwa, Emmanuel O., Awe Samuel1

 

ABSTRACT

Indoor environments have a significant impact on human health and the majority of indoor air pollution is caused by hazardous non-biological and biological agents. This study aims to determine microbiological air quality in Bells University of Technology library, canteen and hostels. The Indoor airborne bacteria and fungi were trapped into sterile culture media by settle plate technique weekly. Bacterial isolates that showed multiple antibiotic resistance and fungi isolated were identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS amplicons respectively. Bacterial and fungal population ranged between 191 ‒ 492 CFU/m3 and 231– 400 cfu/m3 respectively. The statistical analysis showed that the highest bacterial and fungal loads, 492 cfu/m3 and 400 CFU/m3 respectively were recorded in the library (p ≤ 0.005) and the least, 191 CFU/m3 and 205 cfu/m3 respectively was observed in the hostel. Bacillus megaterium strain OA01 (OK090777), Bacillus velezensis strain OA02 (OK090778), Bacillus sp. strain OA03 (OK090779), Exiguobacterium sp. strain OA04 (OK090780) were the identities of the bacteria isolates that exhibited multiple antibiotics resistance. The fungal isolates include: Fusarium hainanense strain OA05 (OK090781), Diplodia cajani strain OA06 (OK090782), Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp and Cladosporium spp. Generally, all sampled locations of the university harboured moderate concentrations of bioaerosol. Members of the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicillium and Cladosporium were the most abundant fungal types isolated. Therefore, the results obtained showed that the indoor air quality of all the sampled locations were in the range within the acceptable recommended values for both bacteria and fungi.

Keywords: Indoor air, Bacteria, Fungi, Airborne, Antibiotics resistance

Received: September, 2025,

Accepted; January, 2026

Published Online: April 2026

 

Olumuyiwa, E. O.; Musa, A. O.; Umanu, G.; Seriki, A. T. and Obi, C. C.

 

ABSTRACT

Bioremediation using fungi presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for mitigating hazardous metal contamination in industrial effluents. This study characterized the fungal community structure and physicochemical properties of effluents from glass (GE), pharmaceutical (PCE), paper mill (PME), and textile (TE) industries in Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, color, odor, TDS, TSS, COD, BOD, EC) were analyzed following standard methods, while heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were quantified using ICP-MS/OES. Fungi were isolated on malt extract agar, identified morphologically, and molecularly characterized via ITS region sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. High-throughput analysis revealed 13 fungal genera, with the highest diversity in pharmaceutical effluent (PCE), while Aspergillus and Penicillium dominated across samples. However, rare species like Colletotrichum plurivorum Damm (PME), Alternaria alternata, Fusarium incarnatum (PCE), and Trichoderma sp. (TE) were infrequently isolated. The Four key strains—Aspergillus aculeatus (AO1), Emericella montenegroi (AO2), Alternaria alternata (AO3), and Aspergillus fumigatus (AO4)—were molecularly identified and deposited in GenBank. Total viable fungal counts ranged from 5.0 × 10³ to 60.0 × 10³ sfu/mL, with near-neutral pH (6.2–6.9). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis indicated that Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations complied with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), except for elevated iron levels in PCE and TE. The predominance of metal-tolerant species (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium cladosporioides) underscores their ecological adaptability and bioremediation potential. These findings highlight the untapped potential of indigenous fungal communities for developing targeted mycoremediation strategies in industrial wastewater treatment, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Isolation, effluents, physicochemical, heavy metals, bioremediation

Received: January 2026

Accepted: March 2026

Published Online: April 2026

Francis Olumide Oladapo

ABSTRACT

 

Excessive exposure of infants and young children to toxic heavy metals through cereals and milk product consumption can lead to serious health effects. Due to immature organs, children are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of metals from contaminated foods. Available studies have demonstrated that the food chain plays a significant role in children’s exposure to heavy metals. This study was conducted to investigate the health risks infants and young children may face due to excessive exposure to toxic metals in cereals and milk products purchased from Nigerian markets. Samples were randomly purchased from stores, malls, and retail shops across Lagos, Ibadan, and Ijebu-Ode in South-Western Nigeria. The cereal samples were homogenized and digested in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, while the milk samples were digested in a mixture of nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid. The digests were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). The results indicated that the levels of lead (Pb) in cereals and milk products exceeded the thresholds prescribed by the European Commission and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Although THQ is generally less than unity, Pb, Arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), when detected, contributed significantly to THQ values. The overall HIs of children’s exposure to toxic metals in cereals and milk products are <1. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of some local and foreign cereals and milk products slightly exceeded the internationally recognized safe limit, which indicates undesirable carcinogenic risk to consumers.

Keywords: Infants, young children, cereals and milk products, heavy metals, cancer risks

Received: September 2025,

Accepted: February 2026

Published online: April 2026

Abam E. O1*, Onifade O. O 1, Ozoemena H. O1 , Akinwumi K. A1 and Akintokun D. M1

 

ABSTRACT

 

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid found in soil, water, food, and the environment. Chelation therapy has a number of adverse effects that restrict its clinical utility when used to treat arsenic poisoning, hence this study investigated the protective effects of ethanol leaf extract of Abrus precatorius against arsenic-induced ionoregulatory imbalances in male Wistar rats. Forty-nine (49) rats were divided into seven groups: control, A. precatorius low dose (300 mg/kg bw), A. precatorius high dose (600 mg/kg bw), arsenic (100 ppm), and arsenic plus A. precatorius low dose, arsenic plus A. precatorius high dose, and arsenic plus vitamin C (50 mg/kg bw). Treatments were given orally for 6 weeks. Arsenic exposure reduced body weight gain, altered liver and brain weight coefficients, elevated plasma and hepatic ALT/AST, disrupted electrolyte balance, and inhibited all the ATPase activities in the liver and brain: Total-ATPase was inhibited by 38 and 42 %, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase by 48.7 and 40.6 %, Ca²⁺-ATPase by 51.41 and 30.89 %, while Mg²⁺- ATPase was inhibited by as much as 50.78 and 50.72 % in the liver and brain respectively. Co-administration of A. precatorius mitigated these alterations and reversed decreases in enzyme activities towards control values. A. precatorius may show prospect in the management of arsenic intoxication, especially in cases where subjects cannot be removed from the source of arsenic exposure, such as in occupational and environmental settings.

Keywords: Abrus precatorius, ion homeostasis, oxidative stress, Arsenic toxicity,

Received: September 2025, Accepted: April 2026 Published online: April 2026

 

OZOEMENA Happiness Onyinye1, a *, ABAM Esther Omugha1,b, ONIFADE, Olayinka Fisayo1, c, OKOYE Samuel Chidiebere2,d, UGBAJA, Regina N3, e and ADEMUYIWA Oladipo3,f

 

ABSTRACT

 

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and a major cause of morbidity. This study was undertaken to determine cardiovascular risk factors in male and female subjects among three ethnic groups (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) in Abeokuta. A total of 253 subjects between 20-50 years of age participated in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors; anthropometry, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrase (NADase), arylesterase and paraoxonase enzyme activities were assayed in different compartments. Cell-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was determined in plasma using spectrophotometric technique. Waist and hip circumference, fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in Hausa females than others. Igbo males had the highest pulse pressure (58.74±12.68 mmHg) whereas Igbo females had the lowest (41.42±6.51 mmHg). Free fat body mass and body surface area were significantly higher (57.46±4.03 kg and 1.90±0.12 m2) in Igbo male while Yoruba females recorded the lowest (1.64±0.13 m2). Total body water; extracellular and intracellular fluid was highest in Igbo males while Hausa females had the lowest. Mean plasma and HDL arylesterase activities ranged from 201.56±56.27 U/ml and 109.22±49.96 U/ml in Hausa females and males to 307.31±150.57 U/ml and 319.78±204.64 U/ml in Igbo males respectively. Plasma and HDL paraoxonase activities were lowest in Hausa females and highest in Yoruba males. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in CRP concentrations and NADase activities of subjects. The findings of this study indicate that Igbo males and Hausa females have a higher risk of CVD compared to others.

Keywords: Cardiovascular, Cell-reactive protein, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrase, Arylesterase, Paraoxonase

Received: February, 2026, Accepted: March 2026 Published Online: May, 2026