ABSTRACT:The antimicrobial capabilities of plant extract derived from the leaves of the cashew plant, Anacardium occidentale L. (Family Anacardiaceae), on two common human pathogens of clinical importance, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. All test organisms were identified to be sensitive to the plant extract, although zones of inhibition were about 50% of those observed using the commercial antibiotic, ampicillin. In terms of sensitivity, S. aureus, a Gram +ve organism, without an outer membrane in its cell wall was more sensitive relative to E. coli, a Gram -ve organism, which possesses an outer membrane in its cell wall. The degree of sensitivity could probably be due to this outer membrane which when present prevents a substantial amount of the extract from making contact with the cell. The antimicrobial properties of A. occidentale are derived from the presence of a polyphenol, anacardic acid and other compounds, tatrols and tanins. Therefore, it is suggestive of the fact that extracts could be used as an antibiotic especially in poor communities. @ JASEM

Background: Termites inhabiting tree crops are pests which if neglected could result to agricultural loss. In a study to investigate the arboreal termites of planted trees in Rivers State University, 1050 trees were sampled between July and October 2017. The study area was categorised into 10 zones, and all trees were examined for the presence of nests and mud tubes. Samples of termites and tree cuttings were collected from infected trees for identification of termites and trees. Results: Approximately 37.71% of the sampled trees had some termite infestation as arboreal nests or presence of mud tubes. The trees most affected were Mangifera indica, Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae), Polyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae), Pentaclethra macrophylla, Eucalyptus sp., Terminalia sp. and Persea americana (Lauraceae). The termites identified were Amitermes sp., Nasutitermes havilandi, Odontotermes sp., Microcerotermes sp., Glyptotermes sp. and Globitermes sp. The termites did not show preference for particular trees (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between the termite species and the nest type (p < 0.05); the observed difference between the species and nest sets arose by chance; in other words, they were not randomly distributed with respect to nest type. Termite-resistant crop trees were Psidium guajava and Cocos nucifera. With more than one in three infestation rates, there is the need for termite management. Conclusion: This basic knowledge of the termite species and distribution is vital for effective control measure as it indicates that there is need for control and management. Suggested management would require treatment of infested trees and control measures of all trees in the study area except P. guajava and C. nucifera.

Termites are diverse, ubiquitous and abundant in tropical ecosystems and are major examples of soil-dwelling ecosystem service providers that influence the ecosystem functioning by physically altering their biotic and abiotic surroundings. With increasing development in the environment, there is a gradual loss of their habitat. This study was carried out to determine the subterranean termite species in Rivers State University campus and relate the species and prevalence to their soil types. The study area was divided into 10 zones and from each zone 3 stations were selected randomly for sampling. Samples were collected in January and February 2018. Samples were taken from available mounds and soil in each station and termites were sorted, identified and counted. The temperature, organic content, pH, soil particle analysis and moisture content were determined for the soil samples. Five termite species from two families were identified;Termitidae: Amitermes spp1, Amitermes spp2, and Globitermes spp; Macrotermitidae: Macrotermes gilvusand another Macrotermes spp. The Amitermes spp was the most abundant as it was found in all 10 zones, followed by Macrotermes spp and then the Globitermes spp being the least abundant. Termite abundance, moisture content and soil type were significantly different in the 10 zones (p < 0.05). Total Organic Content was negatively correlated with Macrotermes spp. The Amitermes were more abundant in residential areas as they are wood eating termites suggesting that most destructive aspect of termite behaviour on residential areas may be perpetuated by the Amitermes species. The Macrotermes spp were found only in cultivated areas and from soil with higher percentage of clay, and they are basically soil feeders. M. gilvus and Macrotermes spp were seen in reddish mounds with fresh soil at the peak (showing termite activity) giving it a cone shape whereas the mound Globitermes spp was black, no fresh soil at the peak and had a circular shape. Amitermes was found in abandoned reddish Macrotermes mounds in residential areas. This study has provided some information on the termites in the University community as their habitat is gradually being destroyed with new buildings resulting in biodiversity loss. Moisture and TOC appeared to affect abundance.

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Aims: This study investigated the level of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in selected medicinal plants - Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) that are traditionally used in alternative medicine in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019 Methodology:  Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis. Results: The result showed that the concentration of Lead in the pawpaw fruit with 5.99mg/kg and pawpaw seed with 3.72mg/kg, were above the WHO permissible limit. While the concentration of Cadmium in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf with 1.32mg/kg, 0.96mg/kg, 0.21mg/kg, and 0.59mg/kg, were all above the permissible limits. Again, Zinc in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were 2.52mg/kg, 2.53mg/kg, 5.30mg/kg, and 0.79mg/kg respectively, and these are also above the permissible limit. While that of the concentration of Nickel in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were observed to be within permissible limit. Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that caution should be taken when such plants are to be used as alternative to conventional medicine as excess of it could pose the risk of bioaccumulation and possible health effects in humans.