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Item Recent Advancement Toward the Application of Proteomics, Metabolomics, Genomics and Bioinformatics for the Improvement of Nanofertilizer Research(2024-11-07) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Olusanya, Clement Shina; Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi Samuel; Utazi, Ezugwu, Basil; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Eniola, K. I. T.; Yerima, Mohammed BelloThe usage of chemical fertilizers is upsetting the ecology in addition to harming human health. Biofertilizers promote plant development by boosting the delivery of nutrients or compounds that promote plant growth. Growing in popularity in the agriculture sector of developing nations is a novel strategy called nanotechnology. Plants exposed to adverse environments respond to nanoparticle stimuli by activating a variety of defense mechanisms. Biofertilizer and nanotechnology were combined to create nanobiofertilizer, which increased agricultural output and efficiency. These fertilizers offer a number of benefits over conventional fertilization techniques and can be utilized to increase agricultural output while minimizing the harmful impacts of fertilizer on the environment. The maintenance of soil moisture and plant uptake of vital nutrients are made easier by the synergistic action of nanomaterial and microbial fertilizer. Additionally, bionanofertilizers are a lowcost solution to boost soil health, plant nutrient uptake, and growth and production. A new area of research into the production of inorganic and organic bionanoparticles as environmental fertilizers has been launched through the use of bacteria, algae, yeast, fungi, actinomycetes, and plants to biosynthesize nanomaterials. The microbes used as biological fertilizers include Azotobacter, Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp, and Enterobacter sp. In order for these nanobiofertilizers to be produced commercially and made available to farmers, it is necessary to research and develop more suitable ones. Nanobiofertilizer is still not widely available for purchase. And the application of proteomics, metabolomics and genomics and bioinformatics in nanobiofertilizer research can provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying plant microbe interaction, nutrient delivery, and crop growth promotion. This knowledge can be exploited to optimize the composition and functionality of nanobiofertilizers, resulting in nutrient use efficiency, improved crop productivity, and environmental sustainability.Item Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research Vol 9, Issue 12,, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A.; Obembe, Olawole O.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food securityItem Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A; Obembe, Olawole OCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food security.Item Stabilization and Environmental Sustainability of Swelling Clays Soils: A Review(COVENANT JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES, VOL. 13, NO. 2, 2025) Oziegbe, Ehitua J.; Oziegbe, OlubukolaWater movement in swelling soils conforms with material continuity. This invariably justifies the differences in the gravitational potential energy during expansion and the anisotropic stresses that press the soil but allow for vertical movement. Under fluid conditions, vane efficiency exhibited by macropores is lowered by swelling of the clay, and a poorly drained soil results in surface saturation. The type of water applied to soil material tends to have an impact on the positioning of cracks in swelling clays, and thus, cracks can remain pathways for preferential flow much after they are covered at the soil surface. Over time, chemicals and chemical compounds have been utilized to further enhance the engineering properties of such soils. However, environmentally friendly biodegradable biological stabilizers are taking the place of conventional stabilizers, most especially lime and cement. Additionally, biochar amendment, which is ecofriendly, has also been found to lower the swelling index capability of expansive clay soil. Despite the dangers associated with swelling clay, it has found extensive use as adsorbents, carriers in drug delivery systems, and the building of a storage tank for the disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, swelling clays have found significant usage in the production of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) formulations. Hence this paper emphasizes the environmental impact of building large structures and road construction on swelling clay soils, highlights recent progress in the inhibition and stabilization of swelling soils to sustain the environment, and enumerates the economic importance associated with swelling clay soils.Item Trichoderma: A Review of its Mechanisms of Action in Plant Sustainable Disease Control(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science1, 2025) Oyesola, O. I.; Kinge, R. T.; Obembe, O OTrichoderma has been widely studied for its potential as a bioagent for managing plant pathogens. Trichoderma's biological control mechanisms include competition, modification of environmental conditions, antibiosis, induction of plant defensive mechanisms, mycoparasitism, and plant growth promotion. Trichoderma produces diverse metabolites that have antifungal activity. These metabolites include peptaibols, gliotoxin, and trichokonins. Trichoderma also produces β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases that can break down fungal pathogens' cell walls. In addition to direct antagonism against fungal pathogens, Trichoderma can also trigger localised or systemic resistance in plants, which is achieved through the production of elicitors such as chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucans that activate plant defence responses. Trichoderma can also form mutualistic associations with plants. Trichoderma colonises plant roots in these partnerships, enhancing growth by boosting nutrient uptake and triggering systemic resistance. As a biomanagement agent, Trichoderma offers numerous benefits compared to traditional crop protection methods, like synthetic pesticides.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 Bioremediation of heavy metals in aquatic environment: A review(Cleaner Chemical Engineering, 2025) Oziegbe, Olubukola; Oziegbe, Ehitua Julius; Ojo-Omoniyi, OlusolaThe pursuit of critical minerals such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REE) has intensified mining, producing heavy metal waste that contaminates water bodies. Pollution from human activ ities and improper disposal of high-tech products containing heavy metals like Hg, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cr has degraded surface and groundwater. These metals enter the human body via bioaccumulation in the food chain or direct consumption of contaminated water, posing health risks. There is an urgent need for cost-effective, eco- friendly methods to decontaminate water without generating additional pollutants. Conventional remediation technologies are costly and produce hazardous waste requiring disposal. In contrast, biological materials—such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, algae, and plants—offer affordable, sustainable solutions for water decontamination. Moreover, metal-rich biomass from bioremediation processes, like cyanoremediation, can be converted into valuable products, such as metal nanoparticles for pharmaceutical and industrial use, creating a closed-loop system that generates wealth instead of waste. Genetic engineering can further enhance biosorbent organisms and plants to improve heavy metal binding and accumulation. This review examines the environ mental and health impacts of heavy metals, the limitations of conventional remediation methods, various bioremediation techniques, and future research directions.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.