The study was conducted in nine (9) selected LGAs of Kebbi State. In all breeding sites dipping method was used to sample from relatively large water bodies such as swamps, ditches, streams and rice fields as recommended by WHO (2015). The dipper was lowered gently at an angle of about 45 degrees to minimize disruption. The Larvae collected were transferred into white plastic buckets and taken to the Biological Sciences Laboratory of Federal University Birnin Kebbi. Using pipettes and forceps, the larvae were then filtered to remove unwanted debris and all larval parasites, then later transferred to rearing containers. The number of dips and times were recorded on the forms. Emergent adult mosquitoes were aspirated and transferred to rearing cages under 27oC-29 oC and 70-80% relative humidity. Mosquitoes were fed with 10% sugar solution for about 3 days before they were exposed to tests. Four replicates of CDC bottles were coated with 1ml of insecticide each and this was repeated for the 6 pyrethroids. The coated bottles were left for 24 hours and a total of 25 Anopheles mosquitoes were introduced into each of the coated and uncoated (control) using 2 different aspirators. One for control which remains separate at all times to avoid insecticide contamination. Susceptibility was determined from number of mosquitoes knocked down first after 5 minutes and later after every 10 minutes for 60 minutes alphacypermethrin or 30 minutes for the remaining pyrethroids and depending on the insecticides. The results demonstrated that mosquitoes obtained from Argungu, Augie, Bunza, Jega, Kalgo, and Maiyama were fully susceptible to alpha-cypermethrin (1×) but possible resistance was found in those obtained from Fakai, Gwandu, and Suru. Deltamethrin showed an interesting result with all mosquitoes across the nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) fully susceptible to it. However, there was mosquitoes’ resistance to permethrin (1×) across all the nine Local Government Areas. There was also evidence of complete mosquitos’ susceptibility to deltamethrin (x1) and pirimiphos methyl (x1) in all the nine local government areas. It was also observed that all mosquitoes from all the nine LGAs were resistant to permethrin. It could be concluded that deltamethrin and primiphos methyl shsould be used for spray as well as treatment of nets for Kebbi State.

Malaria prevalence, vector abundance, and species composition in Argungu town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria were studied between June and October 2019. A total of 385 children aged 0-15 years were randomly selected from 3 localities and were examined. At the point of collection of blood for malaria diagnosis, data on the risk factors

Food safety, nutrition and food security are inextricably linked as consumers’ concern is on the pathogenicity of spoilage microorganism because unsafe food poses global health threats. The present study identified the chemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and clove (Ocimum basilicum) essential oils using GC-MS analysis; and also evaluated the antibacterial activity of the oils against the bacteria Bacillus cereus on agar using the vapour phase effect. Antimicrobial activity was measured by the presence or absence of inhibition zone. Results of GC-MS analysis showed 3 components for basil oil (estragol 60.83%, linalool 37.85% and anethole 1.32%) and 4 components for clove oil (eugenol 87.36%, 𝛽-caryophyllene 8.94%, eugenyl acetate 2.65% and 𝛼-caryophyllene 1.04%). Mean zones of inhibition recorded for Basil and clove essential oils ranged from 42 to 50 mm and 14 to 32 mm in diameter respectively. The results demonstrated the potential of basil and clove essential oils as antimicrobial agents in vapour phase. Hence, these oils could be used as natural alternatives to create a protective atmosphere that could extend the shelf life of packaged foods while minimizing organoleptic changes.

The potentials of selected hyperaccumulation plants (Sida acuta, Ricinus communis and Nicotiana tabacum) for remediation of selected the heavy metals in contaminated soil was evaluated. Seedlings of the selected plants were obtained in six pots which were spiked with aqueous solution of each metal. Matured plants were harvested and divided into roots, stems and leaves. Samples were digested and metals extracted from plant parts using standard operating procedures. Results of soil sample analysis showed 89% uptake of the metals by plant roots, stems and leaves after 20 weeks. S. acuta, R. communis and N. tabacum grown on the supplemented soil showed relatively higher levels of the uptake of the analyzed metals compared to those grown on the control soil. The order in which metals accumulate in the plant parts is as follows; S. acuta, stem (41.48 ppm) > leaves (27.86 ppm) > root (26.46 ppm); R. communis, root (35.77 ppm) > stem (27.63 ppm) > leaves (23.08 ppm); N. tabacum, leaves (34.61 ppm) > stem (28.49 ppm) > root (27.10 ppm). A Translocation Factor (TF) revealed that the analyzed metals were highly accumulates in stem and leaves of S. acuta and N. tabacum. Zn was found to be highly enriched in R. communis root (TF > 1). The high remediation potential (> 50%) observed in this study indicates that these plants possess important properties that can be exploited for plant extraction/phytoextraction of the analyzed metals.

This research investigated the trend analysis on the production of rice in Kebbi State, Nigeria, with the aim of performing trend analysis with a view to forecast future production of rice for subsequent years in the state. The objectives are to; examine the behaviour of the data, fit linear trend model, quadratic trend model and exponential growth curve model and determine the model that best fit the data among the three models, determine the significance of the best fitted model and forecast the production value of rice production in Kebbi State. Data for the research was documentary through Kebbi Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KARDA) Headquarters, Kebbi State and covers the period of 19 years (2000 to 2018). Linear, exponential and quadratic trend models were fitted to the collected data. The result obtained shows that there is an increment in the production of rice in Kebbi state for the period under study. It was observed that the quadratic trend model was the best fit model for the production of rice with R2 value of 87% and p-value (0.000) which was significant at α = 0.05. Also, from the forecasted values of the best model, it shows that there will be an increase in production of rice as the number of years increase in the nearest future.

To determine the magnitude of the daily transmission rate and predict the future trends of spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). A retrospective national review of the all confirmed and new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria obtained from the daily record of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control from 28th February 2020 to 11th July 2020 were computed and analysis. The average daily transmission rate is 7.6% implying an approximate transmission of 8 out of every 100 persons tested. The distribution of the transmission rate of COVID-19 in Nigeria has random decreasing trend. The cumulative transmission rate was 10.1848. Additional, there slight variations between the predicted and actual transmission rate of COVID-19 for the month June 2020. It also shows that the ARIMA model (0, 1, 1) was adequate for the estimation of transmission rate of COVID-19 in Nigeria within the observed period

Deep learning has been extremely ubiquitous in the field of computer vision. Deep learning has surpassed other approaches for image segmentation. Semantic image segmentation is the task of classifying each pixel in an image from a predefined set of classes. This paper introduces a simple model U-Net architecture that would filter the microscopic images. The proposed model includes copy connect (concatenation) layers, which is the backbone of ReLUNet architecture. The model possesses an encoding part (contraction part) and decoding part (expansive part) that capture the context with sampling layers and merging layers for a pixel-wise segmentation. The architecture is trained through a dataset of microscopic images and tested through their corresponding masks. Segmentation of a 256x256 image takes some micro seconds on a recent GPU. The U-net achieves 89.9% IoU (Intersection of Union) scores and 10% for testing the model in python IDE. It indicates that the proposed method has excellent performance in measurement accuracy and efficiency.

Eighty ditch cutting samples between 830-5580 ft of AVG-1 well were used for analysis and sampling of the ditch cuttings was done at 60 ft interval for palynofloral studies. A rich recovery of palynomorph was recorded, with dominant presence of land-derived species such as pteridophyte spores; Laevigatosporites spp. and Verrucatosporites spp., brackish water spore (Acrostichum aureum), Zonocostites ramonae, Psilatricolporites crassus, Retitricolporites irregularis and Psilastephanocolporites sapotaceae. Other diagnostic significant palynomorphs recorded include dinoflagellate cysts such as Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Spiniferites spp., Hystrichokolpoma rigaudae, Polysphaeridium subtile, microforaminiferal wall linings and algae such as Botryococcus brauni. Two palynological zones were proposed; Pachydermites diederixi -Retibrevitricolporites obodoensis/protudens interval zone and Racemonocolpites hians taxon range zone. The well was assigned Early to Late Miocene age. A transitional wet to dry climatic condition within the Niger Delta was inferred during the Early to Late Miocene.

An optical non-contact measurement with Sagnac interferometer has been considered as the best option compared to Michelson and Mach-Zehnder ones for less sensitive to the external environment. Signal analysis produces errors due to frequency-time domain using single detection and a self-referenced polarization and phase-shifting technique for real-time thickness measurement is proposed. A beam splitter placed at the interferometer output separated the beam into two identical linearly polarized beams. One of the beams served as a reference, while the other served as a sensing arm. The output linear polarizer set at 45â—¦ relative to a reference plane was positioned anterior to the photodetectors to get rotating light intensities for phase shift measurement; hence, the intensities at various polarizations of 0â—¦, 45â—¦, 90â—¦ and 135â—¦ were automatically acquired without any polarizing device adjustments. These intensities were then transformed into a phase retardation introduced by a sample, and the resulting phase shift was eventually converted into film thickness. The samples were properly prepared, with pure BK7 substrate being deposited by Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5). The real-time phase shift is successfully realized at 0.2 rad. This shows the impact of state of polarization thickness thin film of 259.32nm. The mathematical theory was effectively demonstrated and empirically confirmed.

Fifty ditch cutting samples were analyzed for Palynological analysis. The samples were prepared based on conventional methods of maceration. Several pollen and spores present include; Zonocostites Ramonae, Monoporites annulatus, Pachydermites diederixi, Sapotaceoic sp., Verrucastoporites sp., Monocolpites sp., Acrostichum aureum and Laevigastoporites sp. There are also minor presences of fungal spores, hyphae, and dinoflagellate cysts (Botryococcus braunii). Three palynomorph zones were proposed, namely; Pachydermites diederixi, Zonocostites ramonae, and Laevigastoporites sp. Zones, having an Early to Late Miocene age. Using interpreted palynomorph data from the western section of the Niger delta, the study interval was characterized to have a wet climatic condition, due to the abundant occurrences of mangrove pollen and spores such as Zonocosites ramonae and Psilatricolporites crassus. The sediments within the studied interval include shale and sands of the paralic Agbada formation.

Outcrop samples were collected from Dukku Sandstone here referred to as member of Gwandu Formation with the view towards determining the maturity and sandstone classification. Field lithological log description was noted by describing their textural characteristics, structures and post depositional effect such as diagenesis. The collected sandstone samples were subjected to geochemical analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), petrographic and heavy mineral analyses. Field result shows that Gwandu sequence varies at the base from fine laminated herringbone structure sandstone, upward finning to claystone, intercalation of silty claystone and massive variegated heterolith claystone; capped by oolitic ironstone at the top. Geochemical analysis result of the sandstones revealed quantitative concentration of SiO2 and Al2O3 varying from 54.8257.35 and 29.02-31.23 respectively, while other heavy metals, trace and rare earth elements (REE) are very low in concentration. Relative high concentrations of Fe2O3 (4.06-4.94) indicated high ferromagnesian and iron minerals. CaO ranges from 1.44-1.96; reflected deposition in marine environment and due to dissolved diagenetic calcite cement. All other major oxides decrease with increase in SiO2 due to mineral dissolution with distance of deposition. Maturity of the sandstones was measured by SiO2/Al2O3 index, values range from 1.751.94 indicative of amount of clay and mineralogical immaturity. Na2O+K2O (alkali content) values range from 1.68 and 1.95 with an average value of 1.79, depictive of presence of feldspar and low chemical maturity. The Fe2O3/K2O ratio ranges from 4 to 5 is high, thus, low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and a high Fe2O3/K2O ratio are described to be mineralogically less stable. The MMI values range between 1.80 and 2.91 classified in the Q=75-50% (F+RF) =25-50%; suggested that the sediments are immature. The cross plot of Log Fe2O3/K2O and Log SiO2/Al2O3 classified the sandstones to be mainly litharenite, relatively rich in ferrous content and rarely arkosic in nature, thus, mineralogically immature. The ZTR Index for the sandstone is 67.41%., suggestive of mineralogically immature sediments but the sub-rounded to rounded petrographic view suggested a texturally mature sediment deposited in a tidal flat of a marginal marine environment.

The problem of mixed convective magnetohydrodynamics micropolar boundary layer past a stretching sheet with heat generation was presented in rectangular form. The partial differential equations formulated are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the stream functions and appropriate similarity variables. The solution to the nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations is presented via decomposition method. The results are validated with the literatures and there is an agreement. The effects of dimensionless physical parameters which occur in the presented results are graphically studied in the absence of microstructural slip. The micro rotation is found to be a reducing agent of thermal and mass Grashof numbers while the fluid is an increasing agent due to the increase in the temperature which resulted in reduction of the viscousity.

A pectin graft-copolymer-MMT composite was made via MW irradiation. The graft copolymer hydrogel and its composite were prepared using solution polymerisation with the aid of microwave irradiation. The graft-copolymer gel and its composite were evaluated for the adsorption of dye (RhB and C2R) molecules. The materials used in this study were of analytical grade and obtained from Sigma Aldrich, Bangalore, India.. The adsorption of RhB showed maximum capacity of 83.51 and 71.28 mg/g on Pec-g-poly(METAC-co-AMPS) and Pec-g-poly(METAC-co-AMPS)/MMT respectively, whereas, 43.38 and 74.99 mg/g was recorded as optimum adsorption capacity for Pec-g-poly(METAC-co-AMPS) and Pec-g-poly(METAC-co-AMPS)/MMT respectively towards C2R. The kinetic study indicated the adsorption of RhB on both adsorbents to follow first order kinetic model and of C2R to follow pseudo second order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherms for both RhB and C2R correlate well with the Freundlich model. The Pec-g-poly(METAC-co-AMPS) Proved to be good adsorbent for RhB. While,Pec-g-poly(METAC-coAMPS)/MMT showed higher affinity towards C2R compared to RhB.

This study aimed at carrying out a spatial analysis on road traffic accident in Kebbi State for the year 2020. The study area comprises of fifty (50) sample points located in Jega Local Government, Kebbi State of northern Nigeria. The area is characterized as one of the centers of commerce in the State. The data used for this study involves direct collection of information on the field using GPS (Global Positioning System) and observations, which includes the geographic coordinates of the selected traffic corridors and traffic count along the corridors, and it involves sourcing information from existing records. Such data includes: traffic situations reports from Federal road safety corps Jega division. The technique of Universal Kriging was used to develop empirical semivariogram model to predict the occurrence of road traffic accident. The result shows that the prediction variability in the road traffic accidents increases at southern part of the study area.

Vegetables are important source of health-boosting nutrients. However, studies suggest that vegetables may contain unsafe levels of chemical compounds due to the widespread pollutants in the environment, prompting a safety assessment of vegetables sold in every locality. The current study, therefore, assessed the levels and risk of heavy metals in lettuce (Lactuca sativa), red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) consumed in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Samples of the vegetables were collected from three markets (Kara, Kalgo, and Central Market) in the city according to standard procedure, treated and analyzed for the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cupper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). From the data obtained, the daily intake of metals (DIM), hazard quotient (HQ), and health risk index (HRI) of the heavy metals were calculated. The AAS revealed that all the heavy metals were within the FAO/WHO permissible levels in the three vegetables across the markets. The DIM in the vegetables across the markets was also within the recommended limits. The HQ and HRI of the heavy metals in the vegetables studied were less than the threshold of 1. The results obtained suggest that the vegetables are safe for consumption.

Treatments of hemorrhoids by traditional medical practitioners using various plant species has been a long standing practice in various parts of Nigeria. This project work was carried out to ascertain and to evaluate the claim of traditional medical practitioners in the North-Eastern Nigeria on the effect of the plant species, Tephrosia linearis (Wild) Pers. in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Twenty Wister rats both male and female were used in this research work. A hemorrhoid model was prepared by the means of application of Jatropha oil into the rectum of rats. A cotton swab soaked with the inducer for 60 seconds was inserted into the anus of rats for 60 seconds. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (healthy rats), Group 2 (induced and untreated), Group 3 (induced and treated with standard, Daflon 10mg/kg b.w), Group 4 (induced and treated with aqueous extract of T. linearis 200mg/kg b.w) and Group 5 (induced and treated with aqueous extract of T. linearis 600mg/kg b.w). The results of the study observed were as follows; Group A; 1.52 + 0.29, Group B; 3.85 + 0.05, Group C; 1.95 + 0.48, Group D; 1.70 + 0.14 and Group E; 1.70 + 0.40. The results obtained indicated that the rectoanal tissues of the rats in Group C,D, and E increased when compared to the control, Group A. The rectoanal tissues of the rats in Group B however experienced significant increase. From the study, extract of T. linearis presented the strongest anti-hemorrhoid activity in rats than Daflon 500. The use of this plant as treatment for hemorrhoids by traditional medicine practitioners in North-East Nigeria is justified by this study.

This study employs multipreliminary approach, remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) methods to determine groundwater potential zones in basement terrain of Ijero Ekiti and its environ of parts of SW-Nigeria. The thematic layers considered in this study are Lithology, Drainage, Soil, Lineament, Land use, slope and soils from remotely sensed data and other data sources. The soil and drainage maps were digitized from published maps. The thematic layers were finally integrated using ArcGIS 10.3 software to yield a groundwater potential zone map of the study area. On the basis of relative contribution of each of thematic layers towards groundwater potential, the weight of each thematic map was selected. The individual theme weight was multiplied by its respective class weight and all the raster thematic layers were aggregated in a linear combination equation. The result revealed that the study area can be categorized into three different groundwater potential zones: low, moderate and high. Areas with low potential account for 3.33% of the study area while moderate and high account for 58.7% and 38% respectively of the total study area. Consequently, the study area offers about 96% as moderate groundwater potential. The RS and GIS techniques have proved useful for the identification of groundwater potential zones. On a regional level, groundwater details at specific points can be found through the use of some other techniques such as surface geophysical methods. Keywords

Extraction and quantification of the percentage oil yield of the seed of three Nigerian Cucurbits was performed using standard biochemical procedures. Analysis of the physicochemical properties of the seed oil and the GC-MS analysis of the seed oil were carried out with the oil extraction done using n-hexane as the solvent of extraction. Percentage seed oil obtained were subjected to study of Physico-chemical properties and the results indicated, highest percentage oil yield was for Lagenaria siceraria with (59.66±2.21) which was followed by (51.35±2.04) obtained for Citrullus lanatus while the least (45.93±1.54) was obtained for Cucurbita maxima. Moisture contents were evaluated with (2.21±0.58) in Citrullus lanatus, (2.03±0.53) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima while Lagenaria siceraria had (1.98±0.51) respectively. Analysis for acid value revealed (35.17±1.38) to (37.44±1.19) with the least value was obtained in Citrullus lanatus while Cucurbita maxima had (37.44±1.29) and Lagenaria siceraria had (36.47±1.24). Saponification value was evaluated with the range of values from (31.80±1.23) to (39.60±1.86) with the highest value for Lagenaria siceraria; Citrullus lanatus had least value and Cucurbita maxima had (34.23±1.30). Analysis for the oils’ kinematic viscosity revealed the range of values from (0.76±0.07) to (0.92±0.09) with the highest in Lagenaria siceraria while the least value was in Cucurbita maxima. Iodine value was determined and the highest value (125.18±3.15) obtained in Lagenaria siceraria while the least (105.58±2.93) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima, and (119.74±2.98) was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. Specific gravity was determined and the following results were obtained, (0.87±0.06) was the least value found in Cucurbita maxima, (0.89±0.12) was found in Citrullus lanatus while the highest value (0.93±0.18) was identified in Lagenaria siceraria. For Cetane number evaluation, results obtained indicated that (38.00±1.23) was obtained in Citrullus lanatus; Lagenaria siceraria had the highest (46.00±1.12) while Cucurbita maxima had (42.00±1.44). Oil colour was determined and the results indicated the colour range from yellow (Y), golden yellow (GY) and pale yellow (PY) for Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, Lagenaria siceraria respectively. State of the fuels at room temperature was determined and the results indicated that the three were all liquid at room temperature. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in the percentage oil yield, iodine value, saponification value, and Cetane number among the studied species. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the seed oils revealed the composition of the various compounds with numerous potent applications. In Citrullus lanatus, seven compounds have been isolated with predominant ones as polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Squalene, 9, 12Octadecadienoic acid, and 2-Hydroxy-1-droxyhyl methyl) ethyl ester, gamma-Tocopherol, 2, 6, 10, 14-Tetramethyl (-7-3methyl) and 17-Pentatriacotane. For Cucurbita maxima seeds, fourteen compounds have been isolated with n-Hexadecanoic acid, 10, 13Octadecanoic acid methyl ester and 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester as the predominant ones. Others include Linoelaidic acid, oleic acid, Cis-Vaccenic acid, Heptadecane and Tetracosane. 1, 8, 11-Heptadecatriene, 9-Octadecenoic acid, n-Propyl 9, 12 Octadecadienoate, Glacidyl 9-nonadecenoate, Pentacosane and Heptadecane. In Lagenaria siceraria, eight compounds have been isolated and they include n-Hexadecanoic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid with others being 1, 3, 12Nonadecatriene, Linolaidic acid, Squalene as well as gamma-tocopherol. Looking at the appreciable quantities of the seed oils as well as their fuel qualities, it can be ascertained that cucurbits seeds look quite promising in the quest for alternative fuels to fuel human developmental strategies in a near future. This is in addition to other valuable compounds laden in the studied species.

Insects are known to have been used in the detection of crime for a long time. In order to interpret a crime scene, it is important to know which species of insects are infesting the body and something about their habits and environmental requirements. This study was conducted to investigate specie composition, abundance and nocturnal oviposition/larviposition behaviour by carrion associating flies, 200 grams of fresh beef liver was used as oviposition/laviposition medium and was exposed immediately after sunset at different time intervals (1-hour interval from sunset) in both dry and wet seasons. Exposed baits were taken to forensic laboratory for observation. A total of 1221 insects were collected comprising of 842 (69%) and 379 (31%) in dry and wet seasons respectively. The insects were found to belong into families; Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae. Muscidae had the highest abundance 546 (64.85%), followed by Calliphoridae 27 (33.14%), Sarcophagidae had the least abundance with 17 (2.01%) in dry season. During the wet season Calliphoridae had the highest abundance with 279 (57.26%), and Muscidae had the least with 162 (42.74%). Sarcophagidae were however not abundant. All six species were abundant in both dry and wet seasons, with the Musca domestica being the most dominant. Norcturnal larviposition was observed during dry season only. This occurred at 6.40 to 7.40pm and 8.40 to 9.40pm within a temperature range of 29oC - 35oC. Out of the 23 species of flies that emerged 8 were identified Sarcophaga inzi while 15 species as Sarcophaga sp, 15(65.22%) were Sarcophaga inzi and 8(34.78%) were Sarcophaga spp. This study shows that genus Sarcophaga has a tendency of nocturnal larviposition, and could be useful material in forensic investigations.

Heavy metals pollution of the environment majorly by anthropogenic activities has been widely reported. This study was to assess the level of heavy metals in three staple vegetables commonly cultivated in Minna. The vegetables were Amaranthus hybridus (spinach), Hibiscus esculentus (Okra) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin leaves). These vegetables were collected from seven selected farms at Okada Road, Kpakungu, Dutsen kura, Keteren Gwari, Chanchaga, Mandela and Sauka ka huta areas of Minna. The samples were analyzed for the presence of six heavy metals (cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc) using standard analytical methods which include digestion using nitric acid and analysis with atomic absorption spectrometry. Results of analyses showed Amaranthus hybridus: Cd (4.65-4.85 mg/kg); Cu (4.31-30.17 mg/kg); Fe (27.06-683.95 mg/kg); Mn (13.01-81.00 mg/kg); Ni (1.22-1.44 mg/kg); Zn (2.48-164.78 mg/kg), Hibiscus esculentus: Cu (11.22-19.90 mg/kg); Fe (114.71-189.86 mg/kg); Mn (33.26-103.61 mg/kg); Ni (1.24-1.54 mg/kg); Zn (38.81-97.95 mg/kg), Telfairia occidentalis: Cd (5.11-7.16 mg/kg); Cu (4.9636.93 mg/kg); Fe (116.72-592.28 mg/kg); Mn (95.67-572.72 mg/kg); Ni (1.36-3.42 mg/kg); Zn (7.25-69.06 mg/kg) across the seven farms. Average concentration of the six metals in the different vegetables from all farms varied in the following order; Spinach: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cd>Ni; okra: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Ni and fluted pumpkin leaves: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Cd>Ni. The transfer factor (TF) for Cd (0.49 and 0.00), Fe (0.24 and 0.08) and Ni (0.07 and 0.08) in spinach and okra were low. Results obtained revealed the vegetables were safe for consumption.

This study provided information on the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition and dominant functional group of A. floribunda seed oil. The oil was extracted with petroleum ether using Soxhlet extractor (45°C); nutritional and physicochemical evaluations of the oil were done using standard procedures while fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the functional groups present. The oil was solid at room temperature with specific gravity less than water. It has low acid and peroxide values with high saponification value and intermediate iodine value. β-Sitosterol and stigmasterol were the most abundant phytosterols. The most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid while saturated fatty acid was stearic acid. Vitamin E was found in high amount while potassium was present in significant concentration. The most abundant phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine. The FTIR spectroscopic peaks suggest the presence of ester groups. Therefore, consumption of food products enrich with this oil may give health advantage

Coastal field geology of the Abia and Imo States were undertaken with a view to studying the lithostratigraphy section of the outcrops present in gullies, along streams, in the mines and to date the lignite beds present within the Ogwashi-Asaba Formation. Field study method employed in the litho-description of the outcrops involved composition, textural characteristics, structures, fossil content, ichnofossil, bioturbation, accessory minerals and post depositional effects. Palynology laboratory slide preparation went through processes of decarbonization, digestion, filtration of the organic debris with 10 µm sieve, maceral separation with heavy liquid and mounting of the macerals on glass slides before examination under the B-150 OPTIKA scientific microscope. Lithologic sequence is characterized at the base by lignite, overlain by whitish and brownish siltstone beds constituting OgwashiAsaba Formation and stratigraphically equivalent to Agbada Formation. Overlying the Agbada Formation is Benin Formation comprising of conglomerates, poorly sorted sandstones, mudstones of varying colours of light grey to reddish brown silty mudstones, 3.5m thick laterite and topmost regolith layer deposited in continental environment. The lignite beds were palynologically dated Late Miocene, belonging to Echiticolpirites spinosus zone of P800/P830 subzone. The lignite palynomorphs that characterize the erected zone are Multiareolites formosus, Anthocerus sp., Nmphae lotus, Elaeis guineensis, Zonocostites ramonae, Retitricolporites irregularis, Monoporites annulatus, and Psilatricolporites crassus. Other stratigraphically important forms present are Retibrevitricolporites obodoensis, Echiperiporites estalae, Canthium type, and Brevitricolpites guinetti. The lignite was suggested to be deposited in the vegetated brackish environment of Late Miocene depocenter in Niger Delta, Nigeria.