Journal of Scientific Research and Development

Variation in heavy metals bio-accumulation in fish organs in relation to water quality from Wasai reservoir, Kano State

Shehu Hussain Abubakar — 2025-04-21

A study was conducted to assess the levels of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd bioaccumulation in the liver and gills of fish species collected from Wasai reservoir covering two seasons. Physico-chemical parameters of the surface water were determined monthly for a period of 10 months (covering wet and dry seasons). Similarly, samples were collected from the muscles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from the reservoir. The water and fish samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in pH, DO and BOD with location and season. The levels of the heavy metals varied significantly in the water and fish species. The result showed a significant difference (P≤0.05) in heavy metal accumulation in the water body across the months. Cr level was highest in May 2019 (1.17 mg/L) and lowest in September 2018 (0.28 mg/L). The concentration of Pb was highest in April 2019 with a value of 0.136 mg/L and lowest in March 2019(0.016 mg/L). In the fish muscles, the highest concentration for Pb (0.055±0.005 mg/L) was found at station C in April 2019 while the highest levels of cadmium in the water samples (0.045±0/009 mg/L) was recorded in May 2019 at station B.

Superposed epoch analysis of relativistic electron flux depletion during moderate CIR storms

Busola Olugbon — 2025-04-21

A superposed epoch analysis of radiation belt electron flux depletions during September 2012 - December 2018 identified 46 clear dropout events of duration 24 hours and which extended below L = 5. Of this number, 58% were associated with co-rotating interaction region (CIR) storms. The dropouts associated with CIR storms during SYM/H index - 80 nT intervals were energy dependent with depleted 1.8 MeV fluxes returning to pre-depletion levels after the storm, and true losses occurring for fluxes of higher energy electrons. However, the population of the source electrons (54 keV) increased during the same intervals while the 742 keV electrons population appeared to be driven by competing enhancement and loss processes. The highest depletion levels were recorded for electrons of energy 1.8 MeV at 4.6 L 4.9. A superposed epoch analysis showed that onset of 1.8 MeV flux depletions was triggered by substorm expansion phase and southward orientation of the field-aligned component of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz). On the other hand, recovery of fluxes coincided with substorm recovery and IMF Bz northward reversal. Analysis of cosmic noise absorption data during a selected flux depletion event showed evidence of ionosperic precipitation.

Green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using various capping agents for catalytic application

Ayorinde Nejo

The demand for green chemistry approaches in nanotechnology has driven the development of environmentally benign methods for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. We investigate the green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) using plant extracts as eco-friendly capping and reducing agents. White onion (Allium cepa), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts were investigated as capping agents for the synthesis of Pd NPs. The Pd NPs were characterized using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. For the FTIR results, there were shifts in the peaks after the synthesis of nanoparticles from the various extracts which ranged from 3276cm^-1 – 3259cm^-1; 2962cm^-1 -2885cm^-1; 1627-1631cm^-1 for OH and CH stretching, NH bond. While the UV results ranged from 196–424nm depending on the phytochemicals present in the extract. The functional groups in the plant and root extracts play a significant role in reducing and stabilizing Pd NPs, promoting nanoparticles with unique optical properties that offer a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis, yielding Pd NPs with promising catalytic applications in Buchwald-Hartwig animation reaction. Using abundant plant extracts presents an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach to nanoparticle synthesis.

Exploration of genetic diversity of earthworms in degraded landscapes in Lagos, Nigeria using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

Excellence Akeredolu

Earthworms are crucial for maintaining soil ecosystems and their functions, such as improving soil structure, nutrient cycling, and decomposition of organic matter. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of earthworm species in three specific sites: Iwaya, Makoko, and UNILAG areas of Lagos. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was employed to detect genetic variations rapidly. Thirty earthworms were collected from three dumpsites, and DNA extraction was performed following the Sambrook and Russel protocol. Four RAPD primers were utilized, resulting in the amplification of forty products. Among the primers, OPA13 produced the highest number of amplified products (22), indicating the presence of highly variable genomic regions. The UPGMA Cluster analysis revealed two distinct yet related clusters among the earthworm populations, suggesting genetic differentiation influenced by local conditions and geographic barriers. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified PC1 and PC2 as major contributors to the observed genetic variance using the four RAPD primers. This study unveiled a high level of genetic variation among the examined earthworms, indicating the presence of diverse genetic traits. These findings contribute to our understanding of the adaptability and resilience of earthworms to environmental changes, thereby supporting the development of effective strategies for ecological restoration and management.