Metals bioavailability in the leachates from dumpsites in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria
July 2013
Landfill leachates pose a significant threat to both surface water and groundwater especially the wells adjacent to landfills. The study investigated the bioavailability of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) from leachates of ten huge dumpsites across the metropolitan city of Zaria. The trends in the mean concentrations of the metals (mg/L) among the fractions were; Zn: total > mobile...
The challenge of future landfill: A case study of Malaysia
June 2013
Landfilling is the most frequent waste disposal method worldwide. It is recognised as being an important option both now and in the near future, especially in low- and middle-income countries, since it is the easiest and the cheapest technology available. Owing to financial constraints, landfills usually lack of environmental abatement measures, such as leachate collection systems and lining materials. As a result, a...
Effects of gas flaring on rainwater quality in Bayelsa State, Eastern Niger-Delta region, Nigeria
June 2013
The aim of the paper was to study the spatial effects of gas flaring on rainwater quality in Bayelsa State, Eastern Niger-Delta, Nigeria. The physicochemical variables were isolated from the analysis of rainwater samples from eight locations in the State, while mean monthly rainfall data for 2011 of the selected areas was collected from the Port Harcourt International Airport which has a distance of 15 km to the...
Acute toxicity test of two pesticides diazinon and deltamethrin on spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus) larvae and fingerling
June 2013
The present research was performed to determine and compare acute toxicity of diazinon and deltamethrin to spirlin larvae and fingerling. Diazinon and deltamethrin are common useful agricultural pesticides. LC50 of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h was attained by probit analysis software SPSS Version 16. Fish samples (21 fish in each test group) were exposed to different...
Prevention of acute ammonia toxicity in bluga (Huso huso), using natural zeolite
May 2013
The research was accomplished in order to study the efficiency of natural zeolite to prevent acute toxicity of ammonia on Huso huso. The study was performed using Water static method for 96 h. Fish with average weight 46 ± 5 g and total length 22 ± 4 cm were exposed to four different concentrations (15, 30, 50, 75 mg L-1) of ammonia salt. A group of fish was considered as control. Under stable...
Pesticides-induced oxidative damage: Possible in vitro protection by antioxidants
May 2013
This study was designed to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) and a combination of vitamin E (VE) vitamin C (VC) on pesticides induced biochemical alterations in rat erythrocytes and hepatocytes in vitro. Vitamin E and C and selenium are potential antioxidants, known to be able to protect cells against oxidative damage. In vitro changes in antioxidant systems and protective role of selenium and a...
Comparison of World Trade Center dust with zinc acetate and lead oxide combinations to determine damage to human lung cells
April 2013
The exposures of the World Trade Center (WTC) dust of the September 11, 2001 tragedy are linked to increased respiratory problems and emergence of World Trade Center Cough. Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) are among the many heavy metals found in WTC dust. Synergistic effects among several chemicals might be contributing to respiratory illness. The individual toxicity, and combination treatments of Pb and Zn at a particular...
A spectrophotometric method for quantification of sulphite ions in environmental samples
April 2013
This study described an alternative method developed for the quantification of sulphite ions in environmental samples. The method was based on results of an investigation of the reaction of excess pentacyanidonitrosylferrate(II) popularly known as nitroprusside (NP) and the sulphite anion. NP-SO32- reaction product by use of zinc-ethylenediamine complex cation(s) was stabilized. The NP-SO32- reaction...
Opposite effects of Ca2+ on toxicity by CdCl2 on white blood cells (WBC), protein level and LD50 of rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus
March 2013
Heavy metals and their derivatives are a special class of toxic substances. Many metals are useful for industrial, agricultural and medical applications. Indeed, they can go back through the food chain and thus achievable to human being. Our aim is to study an example of heavy metals cadmium (CdCl2) at two concentrations 30 and 60 ppm on biological model Oryctolagus cuniculus that is often used in...
Inclusion of incorrect information on snakebite first aid in school and university teaching materials in Nepal
March 2013
In previous studies in Nepal, snakebite victims were found to either not have Pressure Immobilization Bandaging (PIB) or Local Compression Pad Immobilization (LCPI) performed for first aid, or had it performed incorrectly. The goal of this study was to evaluate training texts regarding first aid measures for snakebite and the rates of performance of both methods currently recommended, as well as ineffective or harmful...
Correlation between glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase pi gene (GSTP1) polymorphisms and markers of inflammatory stress in pregnant females
March 2013
The Mother and Child Environmental Cohort (MACE) study piloted in South Africa in 2010 to 2011, collected genetic, biochemical and clinical data from pregnant females residing in south and north Durban. We evaluated birth outcomes and the influence of GSTM1pos→GSTM1null and theGSTP1 (Ile105Val; AA→AG/GG) polymorphisms on the extent of DNA damage and with biomarkers [glutathione (GSH) and...
Water and sanitation situation in Nima and Teshie, Greater Accra Region of Ghana
February 2013
This study examined the water and sanitation (WATSAN) situation in Nima and Teshie, Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A number of research instruments and methods of primary and secondary data collection were employed. These were focus group discussions (FGD), field observation, and interviews. Data collected were edited, coded, and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to...
Non-cancer risk assessment from exposure to mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in boreholes and surface water in Tinga, in the Bole-Bamboi District, Ghana
February 2013
The study assessed non-cancer human health risk from exposure to mecury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in surface and groundwater in Tinga, in the Bole-Bamboi District. A total of 42 water samples were collected for a period of six months. Mean concentration of Hg, Cd, and Pb were found to be (0.050 ± 0.04 mg/L), (0.031 ± 0.02 mg/L) and (0.07 ± 0.05 mg/L), respectively....
Environmental metals pollutants load of a densely populated and heavily industrialized commercial city of Aba, Nigeria
January 2013
Diseases and their associated health defects are most often related to the quality of the total environment which in itself is also related to the quality and quantity of wastes generated in those areas, as partly defined by the nature of activities carried out by the populace. This environment-health relationship dynamics are particularly evident in most tropical environments like Nigeria where various environmental...
Determination of median lethal concentration (LC50) of copper sulfate and lead nitrate and effects on behavior in Caspian sea kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum)
January 2013
The aim of present study was to determine the LC50 value of in Caspian sea kutum. The results indicated that median lethal concentration (LC50) of Caspian sea kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure are 2.944, 2.756, 2.562 and 2.310 ppm, respectively and median lethal concentration (LC50) of lead to Caspian sea kutum (R. frisii kutum) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure as...
Toxicological assessments of the aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielli stem bark on the liver and kidney of male mice
January 2013
The study was conducted to determine the phytochemical constituents and also to assess the toxicity of the aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielli stem bark on the liver and kidney of male mice. Healthy male mice weighing between 45 to 50 g were used. The mice were grouped into four different groups, each containing four mice, respectively. Different concentrations (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) of the aqueous...
Cytogenotoxicity effects of industrial effluents on Allium cepa root meristem: A review on positive results and problems of effective compliance to environmental legislations; the Nigeria perspective
December 2012
Most industries are sited with little or no consideration for environmental and social consequences, especially in developing countries. This has led to the discharge of genotoxic chemicals used for many purposes in the manufacturing processes into environmental compartments such as air, water, soil and sediments. Results of the cytotoxic and genotoxic assays of these wastewaters on Allium cepa root tip...
Effect of lead nitrate on survival rate and chronic exposure on growth performance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
December 2012
The acute toxicity of lead nitrate to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) juveniles was assessed in a static renewal bioassay for 96 h. In addition, an experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance during 60-day sublethal (Pb(NO3)2) exposure. The results indicated that median lethal concentration (LC50) of lead nitrate to Grass carp for 96 h of exposure was 246.455 µ. The chronic exposure to...
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of some agropesticides used in Southern Africa
December 2012
Pesticides use boosts agricultural yield by reducing crop losses. However, some pesticides are mutagens and active ingredients could produce different effects in different formulations. Wipe-out (WO) (Glyphosate 360 g/l), K-O Gard® (KOG) (Deltamethrin 10 g/l), Cutworm bait (CWB) (Sodium Fluosilicate, 100 g/kg), Snail ban (SB) (Metaldehyde, 30 g/kg and Carbaryl, 20 g/kg) and Coopex (CPX) (Permethrin 250...
Packaging type and their effects on the chemical and microbial quality of Sudanese white cheese (Gibna bayda)
December 2012
The study was based on surveying ten samples of Sudanese white cheese packaged in two different containers (plastic and metal), collected from different supermarkets in Khartoum state. The comparison of chemical composition and microbial count was done. The experimental results showed that the average ash content, moisture, acidity, pH, and total solid content means were 7.00 ± 2.73, 45.00 ± 4.81, 0.85...
Oil spills and community health: Implications for resource limited settings
November 2012
Oil spillage has become of increased relevance in recent times because of the magnitude with which it occurs, the effects it has on the environment, and the quality of life of people residing in the affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) has drawn the attention of many member states to the burden of non-communicable diseases on the limited resources available to health. Much emphasis has been placed on...
Acute haematological response of a cichlid fish Sarotherodon melanotheron exposed to crude oil
November 2012
The acute haematological response of a brackish water cichlid fish Sarotherodon melanotheronexposed to crude oil was evaluated. They were exposed for 96 h to crude oil concentrations of 0, 50, 125, 250, 375, and 500 mg/L of water obtained from the fish source. Haematological analyses were carried out at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Haematological analysis revealed that the red blood cells (RBC),...
Toxic effects of heavy metals (cadmium plus mercury) on haematological parameters and DNA damage in Lates calcarifer
November 2012
The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of toxic metals (cadmium plus mercury) on the haematology and DNA damage of fish, Lates calcarifer for every 24 h up to 96 h. A significant gradual decrease of haemoglobin (-35.01 to -24.11) and hematocrit (-35.01 to -31.78) was noted at acute concentration of cadmium plus mercury (3.0 ppm) as compared to that of control. The comet assay...
Genotoxic damage in oral epithelial cells induced by fluoride in drinking-water on students of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, Mexico
October 2012
Fluoride (F-) compounds are present on the earth’s surface, water, volcanoes and are also a product of petrochemical and cement industries. Little amounts of F- are required for the formation of bones and enamel, however, according to World Health Organization (WHO), ingestion of over 1.5 mg/L of F- may be a health hazard due to the toxic effects on the kidney, liver and it may also cause dental or...
Phytochemical screening chemical composition and toxicity of Euphorbia regis-jubae (Webb & Berth)
October 2012
Plant-derived substances have recently become of great interest owing to their versatile applications. According to Ncube et al. (2008) medicinal plants are the richest bio-resource of drugs of traditional systems of medicine, modern medicines, nutraceuticals, food supplements, folk medicines, pharmaceutical intermediates, and chemical entities for synthetic drugs. Therefore, Euphorbia regis-jubae (Webb &...
Public health risks associated with apples and carrots sold in major markets in Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria
October 2012
This study investigated the public health risks associated with the consumption of carrots and apples sold in major markets in Osogbo metropolis, Osun State Nigeria. Hundred samples of the fruits (49 apples and 51 carrots) were obtained from five randomly selected spots in the four major markets, namely, Igbonna, Oke-fia, Alekuwodo, and Orisumbare in Osogbo metropolis. The samples were screened for microbial...
A prospective clinical study of myocarditis in cases of paraphenylenediamine (hair dye) poisoning in Northern India
August 2012
Myocarditis is unheard of and unreported albeit dangerous complication of ingestion of hair dyes containing paraphenylenediamine. Hence, a prospective study was planned to assess the myocardial damage with regard to clinical profile and outcome with different treatment approaches in patients with oral ingestion of hair dye so that a treatment protocol could be established for this under recognized complication. This...
Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of leaves mixture of Aloe buettneri (Liliaceae), Dicliptera verticillata (Acanthaceae), Hibiscus macranthus (Malvaceae) and Justicia insularis (Acanthaceae) on Swiss mice and albinos Wistar female rats
August 2012
Aloe buettneri (Liliaceae), Justicia insularis (Acanthaceae), Hibiscus macranthus (Malvaceae) and Dicliptera verticillata (Acanthaceae) (ADHJ) are medicinal plants generally found in tropical and subtropical areas. The leaf mixture of these plants is used in the Western Region of Cameroon to increase fertility, regularize the menstrual cycle and to treat dysmenorrhoea or cases of...
Indicators for assessing progress made towards improving environmental health
June 2012
This paper presents some process indicators that would be indicative of noteworthy genuine efforts and progress made by third developing countries in improving their environmental health. There is a coordinated international effort to call upon governments, UN agencies and the private sector, to protect children from environmental threat. Indicators give countries a credible and useful way to assess the status of...
Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in foods sold in Abobo market, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
June 2012
This work was aimed to record the concentrations of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): (benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene and chrysene) in meats and fishes sold in Abobo market in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The amount of PAHs present in each sample was quantified...
Developmental methylmercury exposure affects avoidance learning outcomes in adult zebrafish
May 2012
The present study investigated the neurobehavioral effects of embryonic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) in zebrafish using avoidance conditioning as the behavioral paradigm. In this study, adult zebrafish developmentally exposed as embryos to 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 µM of MeHg were trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that control zebrafish hatched from embryos unexposed...
Heavy metal contamination risk through consumption of traditional food plants growing around Bindura town, Zimbabwe
May 2012
Mining activities are a leading cause of heavy metal contamination of soils and food plants leading to health risk fears. The concentration of heavy metals in soils, Bidens pilosa and Fadogia ancylantha in the vicinity of Bindura town were investigated. Results show that heavy metal concentration of soils and plants found around Bindura town was higher than that of the control area where there were...
In vitro antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts of unripe plantain pulp (Musa paradisiaca) on enzymes linked with type 2 diabetes and hypertension
April 2012
The dried plantain pulps were crushed and milled into flour (Raw flour), while a portion of its flour was reconstituted in boiling water to form a thick paste known locally in Western Nigeria as ‘amala’. This was dried and milled into ‘Amala’ flour. The aqueous extracts of raw and ‘amala’ flour were prepared (1 g/20 mL). The phenolic contents, vitamin C and antioxidant properties...
Paraphenylenediamine induces apoptosis of Murine myeloma cells in a reactive oxygen species dependant mechanism
April 2012
Paraphenylenediamine (p-PD) is the main aromatic amine used in the formulation of hair dyes. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that the use of p-PD based hair dyes might be related to increase risk of human malignant tumors including multiple myeloma and hematopoietic cancers. However, the toxicity of p-PD on myeloma cells has not been well elucidated yet. Therefore, the association between the cytotoxicity of p-PD...
Assessment of antioxidant capacity, proximate composition and inhibitory activity of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) products on Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside -induced oxidative stress in vitro
March 2012
This study sought to assess the proximate composition, antioxidant and inhibitory effect of unripe false horn plantain (Musa paradisiaca) products on Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced lipid peroxidation in rat’s pancreas. The EC50 of Fe2+ chelating, 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH free radical scavenging ability were also determined. A portion of the unripe false horn plantain...
Occupational health hazards of fabric bag filter workers' exposure to coal fly ash
March 2012
The objective of the study was to assess employees’ exposure to coal fly ash dust during the replacement of fabric bag filters in bag houses at a power station. Personal and environmental sampling were conducted on a random sample of workers. Samples that were in excess of occupational exposure limits (OEL) for respirable fly ash were analysed for toxic metals. Physical observations and a questionnaire were used...
Characteristic levels of heavy metals in canned tuna fish
February 2012
Concentrations of metals (aluminium, cadmium, lead and mercury) were determined from canned tuna commercialized in Canada and India, by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and direct mercury analyzer (DMA 80). Higher concentration of Al (1.806 to 3.161 µg/g) and Hg (0.60 to 0.62 µg/g) were found in tuna processed from India. Cd and Pb ranged from 0.020 to 0.025 and 0.011 to...
Nanotechnology: Safety paradigms
January 2012
The versatile utilization of nanotechnology in a variety of products used in different spheres of daily life has made it quite popular. This is attributed due to the enhanced surface related properties of the nanoparticles. But these enhanced properties also make nanoparticles, biologically more active leading to unexpected and unanticipated consequences on interaction with biological systems which may be deleterious to...
Mycotoxins in animals: Occurrence, effects, prevention and management
January 2012
Globalization of the trade in agricultural commodities has contributed signiï¬cantly to the discussion about potential hazards involved and has increased in particular the awareness of mycotoxins. Safety awareness in food and feed production has also risen due to the simple fact that methods for testing residues and undesirable substances have become noticeably more sophisticated and more available at all points of the...
Biochemical aspects and formation of phenolic compounds by coir pith degraded by Pleurotus sajor caju
January 2012
Coir pith is a byproduct of fibre extraction from coconut husk. Coir pith has been produced in large quantities and is dumped as waste as its bulk at the production site itself and disposal efforts are in vain owing to the quantity. Several biological, biochemical and microbial methods have been tried and are underway to degrade the coir pith into useful product. A basidiomycete fungus viz. Pleurotus...
Hot spot biomonitoring of marine pollution effects using cholinergic and immunity biomarkers of tropical green mussel (Perna viridis) of the Indonesian waters
December 2011
Selected biomakers, Cholinesterase (ChE) and phagocytic activities have been investigated with the exposed green mussel Perna viridis in Indonesian coastal waters. An operative effect-based monitoring on two polluted sites and one reference area were investigated for aquaculture enterprises and human health aspects. Between two heavily polluted sites, green mussels from Cilincing indicated a lower level of the...
Attenuation of t-Butylhydroperoxide induced oxidative stress in HEK 293 WT cells by tea catechins and anthocyanins
December 2011
The health promoting properties of catechins and anthocyanins have been of great interest to researchers in the recent past due to their significant in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. Most research on anthocyanins has been based on berry anthocyanins. These potentially health enhancing pigments are also found in some Kenyan tea cultivars. An in vitro study was carried out to...
Bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil using Bacillus sp. (strain TMY-2) in soil by uniform and non-uniform electro kinetic technology field
December 2011
Selected biomakers, Cholinesterase (ChE) and phagocytic activities have been investigated with the exposed green mussel Perna viridis in Indonesian coastal waters. An operative effect-based monitoring on two polluted sites and one reference area were investigated for aquaculture enterprises and human health aspects. Between two heavily polluted sites, green mussels from Cilincing indicated a lower level of the...
Occurrence and health implications of high concentrations of Cadmium and Arsenic in drinking water sources in selected towns of Ogun State, South West, Nigeria
December 2011
Selected biomakers, Cholinesterase (ChE) and phagocytic activities have been investigated with the exposed green mussel Perna viridis in Indonesian coastal waters. An operative effect-based monitoring on two polluted sites and one reference area were investigated for aquaculture enterprises and human health aspects. Between two heavily polluted sites, green mussels from Cilincing indicated a lower level of the...
Methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and bladder cancer susceptibility: A meta-analysis that includes race, smoking status and tumor stage
November 2011
Epidemiological studies have investigated that functional polymorphisms in methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may play an essential role in bladder carcinogenesis, but the several published studies have reported inconclusive results. The objective of the current study is to conduct an update analysis investigating the association between polymorphisms in MTHFR gene and the risk of bladder cancer. We...
Elucidate the origin of CYP flexible structural variation using molecular dynamics calculation
November 2011
Human cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) plays a critical role in the mechanism of drug metabolism the understanding of which constitutes a cornerstone in drug design processes. Its relevance has furthered in view of recent trends in tailor made medicine, since the enzyme's activity differs according to the mutations orsingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) in the respective genetic coding region. Here...
Microbiological assessment and some physico-chemical properties of water sources in Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
November 2011
A comparative study was carried out to determine the quality of three water sources: borehole, well and stream in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The water sources were assessed for microbiological quality and physico-chemical properties (temperature, odor, color and pH). The stream had the highest plate count of 40 × 105 cfu/ml, while those of borehole and well water had the least of 12 × 105 cfu/ml...
Ribosomal protein S3 gene expression of Chironomus riparius under cadmium, copper and lead stress
November 2011
Heavy metals are of interest because they are often present at significant levels in the environment and can have severe effects on the aquatic environment. To examine the effects of oxidative stress induced by heavy metals on chironomids, the full-length cDNA of ribosomal protein S3 (RpS3) from Chironomus riparius was determined using molecular cloning. The basal expression of the RpS3 gene was not affected...
Lipase production by strains of Aspergillus species isolated from contaminated body creams
October 2011
Aspergillus species isolated from contaminated body creams were screened for their ability to produce extracellular lipase. Of the 6 strains tested two, identified as Aspergillus niger AC-5 and AC-7 and one strain ofAspergillus fumigatus. AF-3 were capable of producing extracellular lipase in appreciable amounts. A. nigerAC-5 was the highest lipase producer, followed by A. fumigatus AF-3,...
Assessment of sorghum beer for alcohol and metal ions content and genotoxicity in mice bone marrow
October 2011
National well-being, life expectancy (LE), water quality, alcohol consumption etc, have been shown to be interrelated. In Lesotho, with LE below world average, one widely consumed beverage is a locally brewed sorghum beer, sesotho. Therefore, beers from four different sources were analyzed for metals, alcohols (mg/L) and mice bone marrow genotoxicity. The beers contained different (p<0.05)...
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