Programme: Applied Biology
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Item Impact of Industrialization on the Environment: Water Quality Index of Pharmaceutical Effluent Discharged in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna C.; Kayode-Afolayan, S. D.; Ahuekwe, E. F.; Oziegbe, O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.. There has been an upsurge in the recalcitrance and bioaccumulation of some deterimental pharmaceutical by-products and heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. This study determined the water quality index (WQI) of a pharmaceutical effluent discharged in Ota. The physicochemical parameters of the effluent were carried out using turbidimetric (NTU), nephelometric (mg/L), titrimetric (mg/L), conductivity (uS/cm) and spectrophotometric (nm) methods. The parameters assayed include pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. Others include the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biogenic/organic constituents and heavy metals. The physicochemical results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. These include 4.76±0.07 pH; 1.9±1.00 DO (mg/L) 12.0±1.10 chloride; 3.0±0.03 sulphates; 8.96±0.90 nitrates; 3.21±0.06 phosphates; 29 ±1.12 BOD and 339±2.10 COD. The distribution of heavy metals is in the following order: Zn > Cu > As> Ni> Pb > Cd > Hg. All the results obtained were within acceptable limits of the USEPA and WHO standards. The estimation of the overall quality of the wastewater gave a WQI of 32.54 which suggests a good water quality that is re-usable for irrigation and other purposes.Item Impact of Industrialization on the Environment: Water Quality Index of Pharmaceutical Effluent Discharged in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Kayode-Afolayan, S. D.; Ahuekwe, E. F.; Oziegbe, O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.There has been an upsurge in the recalcitrance and bioaccumulation of some deterimental pharmaceutical by-products and heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. This study determined the water quality index (WQI) of a pharmaceutical effluent discharged in Ota. The physicochemical parameters of the effluent were carried out using turbidimetric (NTU), nephelometric (mg/L), titrimetric (mg/L), conductivity (uS/cm) and spectrophotometric (nm) methods. The parameters assayed include pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. Others include the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biogenic/organic constituents and heavy metals. The physicochemical results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. These include 4.76±0.07 pH; 1.9±1.00 DO (mg/L) 12.0±1.10 chloride; 3.0±0.03 sulphates; 8.96±0.90 nitrates; 3.21±0.06 phosphates; 29 ±1.12 BOD and 339±2.10 COD. The distribution of heavy metals is in the following order: Zn > Cu > As> Ni> Pb > Cd > Hg. All the results obtained were within acceptable limits of the USEPA and WHO standards. The estimation of the overall quality of the wastewater gave a WQI of 32.54 which suggests a good water quality that is re-usable for irrigation anItem Knockdown Resistance Mutations and Pyrethroid Resistance in Anopheles Mosquitoes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis(Journal of Science and Technology, Research Vol. 7,, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, Damilare IsaiahResistance to pyrethroids is conferred in voltagegated sodium channels through the mechanism of kdr mutation, which also decreases the insecticides' binding affinity to their targets, making them less effective. These mutations affect the efficacy of indoor residual spraying (IRS), which are encoded in the VGSC gene, including the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNS). This study represents the first meta-analysis to evaluate the resistance impact of L1014F and L1014S mutations in Anopheles mosquitoes within sub-Saharan Africa. Eight studies that meet with the inclusion criteria were analyzed, encompassing 4,690 mosquito samples. Due to substantial between-study heterogeneity, random effects (R.E) models were applied. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for L1014F (L vs F) was 2.14(95% CI: 1.17-2.93), and for L1014S (S vs F), it was 0.899 (95% CI: 0.297- 1.293), indicating a significant association with resistance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that excluding a study with high variability decreased the ORs, showing the influence of publication bias and small sample size. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test confirmed the presence of publication bias, affecting effect estimates. Due to high heterogeneity and limited studies, the observed resistance effects of L1014F and L1014S mutations are inconclusive. In addition, validating the relevance of these genotype alleles in insecticide resistance and malaria control initiatives in endemic regions requires extensive researchItem Characterisation of pristine and KOH-modified rice husk biochars for efficient heavy metal removal in wastewater treatment(Scientific African, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Abimbola, Bowofoluwa S.; Agwamba, Ernest C.; Durodola, BamideleBiochar-based technology is emerging as a low-cost adsorbent in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, given its large surface area and highly porous structure. Rice husk presents a significant waste problem as it constitutes disposal challenges and is barely useful for other purposes. In this study, rice husks (RH) from locally grown rice cultivars were obtained from two rice mills in Nigeria and pyrolysed to biochar at 400 and 500 ◦C before chemical modification using 2 M KOH. The adsorption capacities (Qe) of the pristine RH biochar pyrolysed at 400 ◦C for Zn2+ and Pb2+, following synthetic wastewater treatment, were 462.5 and 142.8 mg/g, and at 500 ◦C, 1047.5 and 275.5 mg/g, respectively. KOH-modified biochar outperformed its pristine counterparts, as the recorded Qe for Zn2+ on the KOH-modified RH1 pyrolysed at 400 ◦C (KRH1_400B) showed 1547.75 mg/g, and 1534.25 mg/g at 500 ◦C (KRH1_500B), respectively, with a 98 % Zn2+ removal efficiency. For Pb2+, all KOH-modified biochars for RH1 and RH2 showed a 100 % removal efficiency and maximum Qe of 275.5 mg/g. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed increased poration of 200 μm sized pores, densely distributed across the rough surface of the KOH-modified biochar. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy showed varying carbon and silicon compositions of the RH1 and KRH1_400B. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy corroborated structural disparities in SEM, as compositional differences in the observed functional groups were identified in the chemically modified biochar. These include hydroxyl (3354 cm-1) and silicate ion (1017.6 cm-1) which enhance sorption capacity. X-ray Fluorescence revealed an increase in MgO, K2O, and Al2O3 upon KOH modification attributable to the improved heavy metal adsorption efficiency. These results highlight the impact of pyrolysis temperature, physicochemical properties of biomass and chemical modification on heavy metal removal efficiency of biochar for sustainable environmental remediation.Item Electrochemical and Computational Evaluation of Fluconazole as a corrosion inhibition agent for carbon steel in acid chloride environments(Hybrid Advances (Elseier), 2026) Ikeuba, Alexander I.; Nwokolo, Izuchukwu K.; Ojobe, Obasi-sam; Udourioh, Godwin A.; Njoku, Chigoziri N.; Ahuekwe, E. F.Carbon steel corrosion inhibition in acidic environments was probed with fluconazole using a combined electrochemical (opencirciut potential-OCP, potentiodynamic polarization-PDP and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-EIS) and theoretical approach (DFT calculations). Results reveal that fluconazole inhibits the corrosion of carbon steel, and the inhibition efficiency increases with extract concentration and exposure time. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 97.6% was recorded at 1.6 g/L at ambient temperatures. Electrochemical results indicated a drop in corrosion current density and a rise in charge transfer resistance on the addition of fluconazole to the system, which supports a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of fluconazole was noted to be concordant with the Langmuir isotherm. The values of Gibbs free energy ranged from 11.85 to 17.75 kJ/mol, suggesting that the adsorption mechanism is predominantly via physisorption. Furthermore, theoretical calculations supported the electrochemical results, revealing that nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms in the fluconazole molecule act as key active centers for adsorption onto the carbon steel. The combined electrochemical and theoretical results establish fluconazole as a potent and eco-compatible carbon steel corrosion inhibitor in acidic environmentsItem Chitosan-based nanoformulation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles(Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Aworunse, O. S.; Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Adekeye, B. T.; Abimbola, S.; Akinyemi, O. D.; Aladele, A. K.; Oyesile, O.; Ayomide, A. F.; Oniha, M. I.; Emelike, C. U.Chitosans are biopolymers of chitin with remarkable properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity. Chitosanbased nanoparticles are useful vehicles for drug delivery in biomedicine, as they improve precision and reduce side effects in the administration of proteins and peptides, antibiotics, gene therapy, and cancer treatment. Furthermore, chitosan formulations improve the CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans’ sensitivity and precision, which makes tumor identification and diagnosis easier. The regenerative qualities of chitosan are useful in bone tissue engineering, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Chitosan’s function in nanocatalysis is highlighted by its sustainability and environmental applications. It serves as a long-lasting support for metal catalysts such as gold and palladium, enabling environmentally friendly catalytic applications in a variety of sectors. Chitosan’s antibacterial effectiveness contributes to wastewater treatment, enhancing environmental sustainability. Chitosan-coated seeds and plant protection solutions enhance plant germination, promote plant growth, and provide a sustainable substitute for traditional pesticides in agriculture. Obstacles and prospects refinement of chitosan derivatives and nanoparticles are required to improve safety and lessen toxicity concerns. Sustainable and cost-effective synthesis techniques are essential for mass manufacturing and market penetration. Literature advises more research to fully maximize chitosan benefits in a variety of industries, such as food packaging, cosmetics, and sophisticated materials. Overall, the adaptability of chitosan nanoparticles underscores its potential for an array of industrial applications, healthcare, and environmental protection, leading to industrial transformations that support a sustainable future.Item Biosynthesized and natural chitosan-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications(Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Akinyemi, O D.; Taiwo, O. S.; Popoola, T. S.; George, D. S.; Aladele, A. K.; Azeta, J.; Oniha, M. I.Chitin and chitosans, derived from diverse natural sources, are polysaccharides that have numerous uses in the food, biomedicine, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. As a result, the USD 6.8 billion chitosan market saw significant expansion in 2019. Their complex biological characteristics and therapeutic potential are methodically examined in this review, which also highlights their noteworthy antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects. Even with these praiseworthy qualities, regulatory bodies place restrictions on their recognition as medicinal products. Chitosan is also the best option for creating nanoparticles due to its qualities including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and positive surface charge. The exploration of natural sources highlights extraction strategies and reveals source-specific procedures using a variety of spectroscopic and microscopy techniques. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (ChNPs) are particularly effective in the field of biomedical applications; they work well in tissue engineering, gene therapy, and medication delivery. Their adaptability encompasses a range of aspects, such as the delivery of drugs, antibiotics, polyphenols, vaccines, and gene therapy. A thorough examination of the toxicity and biocompatibility of ChNPs is provided in this review, highlighting the effects of deacetylation degree, structural characteristics, molecular weight, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. A close examination is given to the factors impeding the application of biomedicine, highlighting the critical need for regulatory frameworks. While chitosan’s symphony of applications reverberates throughout a multitude of biomedical fields, continued research and development endeavors are essential for revolutionizing uses and guaranteeing their prudent integration into a variety of sectors