Morufu Olalekan Raimi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Morufu Olalekan Raimi

Research Square (Research Square), May 14, 2024

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various bioremediation approaches on microbial divers... more The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various bioremediation approaches on microbial diversity in crude oil-contaminated soil over a duration of three to six months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Objective: The objective was to assess the impact of different bioremediation strategies on microbial populations, particularly focusing on hydrocarbonutilizing bacteria and fungi. Method(s): Microbial populations were quantified using serial dilution and microbial count techniques. The vapor phase transfer mechanism was employed to estimate hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi. Bacterial and fungal colonies were incubated for five days, followed by biochemical tests for isolate identification. Fungal pure cultures were observed under a microscope. Results: The study observed a significant increase in microbial populations in soil free of crude oil pollution when bioremediators such as mushrooms and earthworms were introduced. Mushrooms exhibited a 50% increase in hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB), while earthworms showed a 55% increase in HUB over the three to six-month period. The longer lifespan and nutrient absorption capabilities of earthworms facilitated faster growth. Furthermore, significant growth in the microbial population of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and fungi was observed in crude oil-polluted soil after employing bioremediators, with the highest growth observed in soil treated with mushrooms at six months, followed by earthworms at six months. Conversely, the lowest microbial population was recorded in soil polluted with 10% crude oil and remediated with earthworms at three months. Conclusions: The results suggest that both mushrooms and earthworms effectively increase microbial populations in crude oil-polluted soil. However, mushrooms demonstrated a higher microbial population increase compared to earthworms, especially in terms of promoting the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria (HUB) and hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi (HUF). Recommendations: Based on the findings, it is recommended to prioritize the use of mushrooms as bioremediation agents in similar environmental restoration efforts due to their superior efficacy in increasing microbial populations, particularly HUB and HUF. Significance Statement: This study underscores the potential of mushrooms and earthworms as effective bioremediation agents for restoring microbial diversity in crude oil-contaminated soil, offering insights for sustainable environmental restoration practices in oil-affected regions like Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

and diversity of irrigation water in selected areas of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria," is indeed im... more and diversity of irrigation water in selected areas of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria," is indeed important, and especially for contexts in the water quality field, this theme should indeed receive greater attention. To that end, I would like to thank you for bringing together this write-up on this issue. However, the paper is challenged on many fronts with regard to the implementation of this larger objective: The article title is deemed appropriate. The abstract requires revision, as it is currently succinct and should adhere to a standard format. It is recommended to present the results in a clear manner. The abstract should articulate five key points: Rationale (1-2 sentences): Explain why the research was necessary. Objective (1 sentence): Specify the aim of the study. Method(s) (up to 3 sentences): Briefly summarize the parameters measured. Results (up to 4-5 sentences): Clearly outline the findings with supporting data. Conclusions/Recommendations (1 sentence): Propose actions based on the findings.

Rationale: Humanity's pollutive activities pose significant threats to biodiversity, agricultural... more Rationale: Humanity's pollutive activities pose significant threats to biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and human health. Effective communication about these issues is crucial for fostering awareness and understanding. To achieve a more impactful dialogue, it is essential to facilitate collaboration across disciplines through an interdisciplinary system approach. Objectives: This paper specifically aims to examine the role of storytelling, humor, and celebrities' influence in reinforcing pro-environmental behaviors. The focus is on reducing pollution and its impact through experiential, emotional, and aesthetic learning. Methods: To ensure the validity of the review, articles were systematically collected from accredited journal sites indexed by Scopus, Web of Science, and other reputable sources. Results: The analysis indicates that anthropogenic pollutants, ingested through food, soil, air, or water, can have disastrous effects on human and environmental health. The study emphasizes the potential of storytelling, humor, and celebrities' influence to significantly mitigate these impacts. Conclusion: The integration of humor, storytelling, and the influence of celebrities in the media, as powerful communication tools, can contribute to a drastic reduction in pollution and its associated effects. These approaches serve as universal languages that resonate with diverse audiences. Recommendation: The study advocates for strong advocacy and effective communication strategies employing humor, storytelling, and celebrity influence. Celebrity influencers, with their substantial social influence, can act as Qeios, CC-BY 4.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Feb 5, 2024

Rationale: Fecundity estimation and reproductive biology of Atlantic mudskippers (Periophthalmus ... more Rationale: Fecundity estimation and reproductive biology of Atlantic mudskippers (Periophthalmus barbarus) in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria needs to be studied. Objectives: To estimate fecundity, gonadosomatic index, and condition factor of P. barbarus and describe its reproductive biology. Methods: P. barbarus specimens were collected from Ogbo-Okolo mangrove forest in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Length, weight, and gonad weight measurements were taken. Fecundity was estimated by the gravimetric method. Length-weight relationship, condition factor, and gonadosomatic index were calculated. Ovarian developmental stages were identified. Results: Highest mean fecundity of 9612.7 eggs was observed in females of 10.1-12.0 cm standard length and 20.0-27.9 g weight. Length-weight relationship showed specimens were in good condition. Gonadosomatic index was higher in smaller individuals. Four ovarian developmental stages were identified. Conclusion: P. barbarus exhibits high fecundity. Reproductive potential is greater in intermediate sized individuals compared to smaller or larger fish. Recommendations: Sustainable management practices should be implemented to conserve P. barbarus stocks in the Niger Delta region. Further research into reproductive behavior and ecology is needed.

Reference series in phytochemistry, 2023

Reference series in phytochemistry, Dec 31, 2022

medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), May 29, 2024

Rationale: Pentavalent vaccines offer significant public health benefits by protecting against fi... more Rationale: Pentavalent vaccines offer significant public health benefits by protecting against five major diseases with a single injection. However, concerns have been raised in various studies regarding potential associations between combined vaccines and conditions such as autism, febrile seizures, sudden unexpected death in infancy, demyelinating disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of pentavalent vaccines administered to infants aged between 6 and 14 weeks. Methods: A total of 423 infants, all aged 6 weeks and receiving their first pentavalent vaccine at selected healthcare facilities, were recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent from their mothers or caregivers. The infants were administered three doses of the vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Mothers and caregivers were provided with diaries and thermometers to monitor and record any Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) observed in their babies after each vaccine dose. Follow-up was conducted through telephone calls to ensure accurate monitoring and recording of any identified events. Results: The study identified various AEFIs in the infants following their routine immunizations. These included pain at the injection site, fever, swelling at the injection site, vomiting, refusal to feed, excessive crying, coughing, rash, stooling, restlessness, and severe local reactions. Fever was the most commonly reported systemic AEFI, with incidence rates decreasing from 66.98% after the first dose to 55.37% after the third dose. Pain and swelling at the injection site were the most frequently reported local AEFIs, with their incidence also decreasing from the first to the third doses. No statistically significant differences were observed in the occurrence of AEFIs across the three doses. Conclusions: The pentavalent vaccine was found to be safe for infants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, with the observed AEFIs being generally mild and decreasing in frequency with subsequent doses. Recommendations: Further studies should be conducted to monitor long-term safety and potential rare adverse effects of pentavalent vaccines. Additionally, public health education should emphasize the safety and benefits of pentavalent vaccines to increase vaccination rates and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Significance Statement: This study underscores the safety of pentavalent vaccines in infants, reinforcing their role in preventing multiple serious diseases through a single immunization schedule. The findings support the continued use and promotion of pentavalent vaccines in public health programs, particularly in regions with high infant mortality rates and limited healthcare resources. is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.

Background: Given the unprecedented novel nature and scale of coronavirus and the global nature o... more Background: Given the unprecedented novel nature and scale of coronavirus and the global nature of this public health crisis, which upended many public/environmental research norms almost overnight. However, with further waves of the virus expected and more pandemics anticipated. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 opened our eyes to the ever-changing conditions and uncertainty that exists in our world today, particularly with regards to environmental and public health practices disruption. Objectives: This paper explores environmental and public health evidence-based practices toward Responding to Covid-19. Methods: A literature review tried to do a deep dive by using a variety of search engines including Research Gate, Google Scholar, Summon, PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, Dimension, CAB Abstract, OARE Abstract, Academia, Mendeley, SSRN search strategy to retrieve research publications, "grey literature" and expert working group reports. Results: To achieve improved population health, more widespread adoption of evidence-based strategies is recommended, particularly in this uncertain time. As only together can evidence-informed decisionmaking (EIDM) can become a reality which include effective policies and practices, transparency and accountability of decisions, and equity outcomes; these are all more relevant in resource-constrained contexts, such as Nigeria. Effective and ethical EIDM though requires the production and use of highquality evidence that are timely, relevant and structured. One way to do so is through co-production. Coproduction (or co-creation or co-design) of environmental/public health evidence considered as a key tool for addressing complex global crises such as the high risk of severe COVID-19 in different nations. Discussion: A signi cant evidence-based component of environmental/public health (EBEPH) consist of decisions making based on best accessible, evidence that is peer-reviewed; using data as well as systematic information systems; community engagement in policy making; conducting sound evaluation; do a thorough program-planning frameworks; as well as disseminating what is being learned. As researchers, scientists, statisticians, journal editors, practitioners, as well as decision makers strive to improve population health, having a natural tendency toward scrutinizing the scienti c literature aimed at novel research ndings serving as the foundation for intervention as well as prevention programs. The main inspiration behind conducting research ought to be toward stimulating and collaborating appropriately on public/environmental health action. Hence, there is need for a "Plan B" of effective behavioural, environmental, social and systems interventions (BESSI) to reduce transmission.

Studies on the use of pesticides in southwest Nigeria have revealed a substantial rise in a varie... more Studies on the use of pesticides in southwest Nigeria have revealed a substantial rise in a variety of pesticide-related illnesses, including mental impairment and reproductive problems. Those who work in agriculture and are regularly exposed to pesticides are the most impacted. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that three million severe pesticide poisoning episodes occur globally each year, with at least 300.000 deaths and 99% of cases occurring in low-and middleincome nations. The effects of longer-term exposure to pesticides on health are not yet precisely estimated. Objectives: To this end, the objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of pesticide residues and common pesticides in grain-based food (brown and white beans, yellow and white maize, brown millet and rice) about pesticide use in selected markets of Southwest Nigeria. Methods: A total of 240 respondents were selected from four states (Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan, Osun and Ondo) with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview guide using purposive sampling technique. The markets were Oja-titun (market) Ile

Social Science Research Network, Apr 30, 2020

Despite having come of age only recently, it would be a truism, but also accurate, ... more Despite having come of age only recently, it would be a truism, but also accurate, to state that only ten (10) years left to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2020 marks a decade to show action. The decade of action require rapid accelerating sustainable solutions for all the global biggest challenges which is fully embraced in the twenty-first century, as issues of water are gaining new prominence in the Niger Delta as local communities respond to growing public concerns about drinking water pollution, failing infrastructure, and the perceived inability of local, state, MNOCs and federal governments to fix the problems. While contaminated water is becoming a worsening problem of global concern that disproportionately affects many Indigenous communities in the Niger Delta and the access of almost all 210 million Nigerians residents to reliable, safe drinking water distinguishes Nigeria in the twentieth century from that of the nineteenth century; nonetheless, current trends seem to strain water resources over time, especially on a regional basis. Semantically, water being a finite resource having to serve exponentially more people and usages, and so ensuring everyone has access to a reliable supply is crucial to human survival and sustainable progress. However, chemical pollutants in drinking water have been linked to water poverty and to many different adverse health outcomes, including leukaemia, lymphoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and reproductive problems. Chemical pollutants remain a problem in countries like Nigeria as each community in the Niger Delta faces threats to their water quality from different sources of pollution, and may benefit from a community-based water-quality monitoring program to better inform them of their water quality. Remarkably, the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Developmen [...]

This paper presents a study on Assessment of Quality of drinking waterbased on the water quality ... more This paper presents a study on Assessment of Quality of drinking waterbased on the water quality index method in Hawassa Zuria Woreda, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia" It is based on a set of objectives that consolidate the literature. The paper contains original and interesting information, which would attract civic-minded Scientist who are concerned with more than just advancing their careers. They want to make the world a better place, as much of the review assessment are useful to the readers in the world at large.Overall, the authors have taken on a challenging task of summing up such vast information from incredibly broad themes. The results of this paper bring some useful information. The topic of this paper falls within the scope of the [Qeios, CC-BY 4.0]. The contribution of this paper sounds good; the contents are well performed. I would like to suggest the acceptance of this paper after minor revision. This is an engaging article that purposefully question our knowledge of the subject. Author write clear novelty related to topic. Some detailed comments and suggestions are given as follows.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 11, 2022

今天在我们周围都有明确的证据证明，人类对生物地球化学循环产生了可观察到的影响，这可能会对人类造成严重后果。人类活动直接和间接影响生物地球化学循环。如果学者们能够弄清楚特定的人类行为如何影响生物地... more 今天在我们周围都有明确的证据证明，人类对生物地球化学循环产生了可观察到的影响，这可能会对人类造成严重后果。人类活动直接和间接影响生物地球化学循环。如果学者们能够弄清楚特定的人类行为如何影响生物地球化学循环的程度，他们（研究人员）将能够提出关于如何更好地定位以提出旨在减轻最严重干扰的策略的想法。本文旨在探讨人类活动如何影响与碳、氮和水文循环相关的生物地球化学循环的平衡。文献分析尝试使用各种搜索引擎，例如 Scopus、Researchgate、PubMed、Google Scholar、Summon、Hinari、CAB Abstract、OARE Abstract、Academia、Dimension、Mendeley、SSRN 检索研究出版物、“灰色文献”的搜索策略以及工作组的专家报告。本文回顾了在该主题上所做的一些工作，并找出所有研究中感兴趣的会聚结果，以及针对这一危机提出的解决方案，目的是防止未来发生。由于众多人类活动的作用，生物地球化学循环的几个组成部分的特征/特征正在发生变化，这很可能导致长期变化。必须预测这些变化的幅度和程度，以便及时采取所需的改善措施。

Social Science Research Network, Jul 3, 2017

This study presents the impact of surface and ground water quality on the environment in Ebocha-O... more This study presents the impact of surface and ground water quality on the environment in Ebocha-Obrikom oil and gas producing area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between the physico-chemical parameters, determine the quality of surface and ground water in the study area as compared with national and international standards for drinking water, assess the quality of borehole and well water in the study area, and determine the relationship between gas flaring sites and physico-chemical parameters. This study adopted both field and laboratory experimental analysis of physical and chemical parameters. The water samples were analysed for Physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. Physico-chemical parameters analysed for were pH, DO, BOD, TDs, Conductivity, Turbidity, Salinity, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Temperature; cations and anions and TPH, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Lead and Zinc. The results show that ground water contained high amounts of turbidity (21.5NTU, 23.00NTU and 19.0NTU in the borehole water and well water), iron (5.3mg/l in the ground water and 6.98mg/l in the borehole water), biological oxygen demand (3.80mg/l in the surface water) and pH of all water samples were acidic in the study area. These results show that ground waters including borehole; well waters and surface water of the study area had acquired reasonable levels of pollution. Apart from these specific cases, other values were found to be lower or above and corresponded to the approved maximum permissible level (i.e. maximum permissible limits for drinking water set by NAFDAC and WHO). Pearson correlation coefficient also indicated that there was a significant correlation among the studied physico-chemical parameters in both surface and ground water. The ground waters therefore, were more impacted upon by chemical parameters than surface water. This study, recommends for the continuous monitoring of water quality in the oil producing areas to protect man and the environment. Also, there is need for bio-physico-chemical assessment extension to other new areas of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Africana Marburgensia, 1993

Research Square (Research Square), Jun 28, 2021

Background: Over the years, the issue of environmental degradation of ecological resources from c... more Background: Over the years, the issue of environmental degradation of ecological resources from crude oil pollution and its human health impacts is receiving more global attention. The utilization of environmental models capable of predicting the fate, transport and toxicity of chemicals in spilled crude oil can provide essential knowledge required to deal with the complexity associated with the fate of volatile petroleum chemicals in the environment. Objective: This paper explores environmental fate of toxic volatile organics from oil spill in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Methods: A critical analysis of available literatures/data from PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Jstor, including expert working group reports and environmental modeling using a screening tool (USEPA EPI Suite ™) was carried out to determine the environmental partitioning of Benzene, Toluene and Naphthalene (BTN) respectively. The organic-carbon partitioning coe cient (K oc) was computed as a function of soil-water distribution coe cient (K d) and percentage organic matter (%OM). This was utilized to determine the distribution of BTN in the environment and the possible risk posed on delicate ecological resources from crude oil pollution due to exploration and production activities within the Niger Delta Region (NDR), Nigeria. Results: Results from literature implicated sabotage and operational failures from pipelines as primary causes of crude oil spillages. Generation of a fugacity model using EPI Suite ™ revealed that the behavior of BTN is greatly in uenced by K oc values. The default Molecular Connectivity Index (MCI) showed that benzene and toluene will partition more into the water compartment while naphthalene will partition into the soil compartment. However, user-entered values showed all three chemicals partitioning more into the soil compartment. Aquatic toxicology estimation using Ecological Structural Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) revealed all chemicals not to be toxic even at overestimated K oc values. Conclusion: This research established the usefulness of screening level environmental modelling tools in assessing environmental risk and hence helpful in developing site-speci c models for monitoring chemicals in the environment which can assist governments, policy makers and industries in the design of appropriate regional disaster management plans.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Jan 5, 2022

Antibiotics, which are commonly used to treat human illnesses, are also used in animals for thera... more Antibiotics, which are commonly used to treat human illnesses, are also used in animals for therapy, prophylaxis, and growth promotion. Sub-therapeutic antibiotic doses have typically been utilized for the last-mentioned purpose, which has contributed to resistance development. According to scientific data, certain antibiotic applications in food-producing animals can result in antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria, which can then be passed to the general population, causing treatment-resistant sickness. These antibiotic applications can also result in antibiotic resistance in non-pathogenic bacteria, whose resistance genes can be passed to disease-causing bacteria, resulting in antibiotic-resistant illnesses in people. Thus, this study assessed the antibiotics residues in raw meat sold in 6 slaughter houses in Kaduna State. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 6 slaughter houses in Central market Kaduna. Muscle, Kidney and liver samples were collected from each slaughterhouse. The antibiotic residues in the meat samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and oxytetracycline residue results were presented in charts and tables. 18 different samples of beef (6 Muscles, 6 Liver and 6 Kidney) collected from abattoirs and meat vendors, the results shown that all beefs use three or more antimicrobial drugs. This research result revealed that 4(67%) tetracycline (oxytetracycline)were detected in meat samples at higher concentration), Oxytetraxycline (352.88 ± 221.58) of muscles is higher than (332.2± 217.05 of Liver and (263.33 ± 153.98) of Kidney is lower to muscles and liver. The Concentration of oxytetracycline were highest in muscles in samples 2. 3 and 6 which is above the WHO maximum residual limit. The concentration of streptomycin in the muscle, liver and kidney were detected (182.78 ± 56.23), (169.2 ± 58.39), (155.1 ± 50.20) but were within WHO Maximum residual limit. These high level of oxytetracycline residues in greater proportion of muscle samples destined for human consumption beyond MRLs could be as a result of the abuse of veterinary drugs as commonly practiced among livestock producers and vendors without observing withdrawal period prior to slaughter. The high-contamination rate of beef meat in the study areas is likely that consumers experience a high risk of exposure to drug residues.

Social Science Research Network, Oct 1, 2018

Background: It has been estimated that 100 million Nigerians still lack basic sanitation faciliti... more Background: It has been estimated that 100 million Nigerians still lack basic sanitation facilities and 63 million also do not have access to portable drinking water and as many as 80% of all diseases worldwide are related to unsafe water as well as poor environmental hygiene. Most infectious, diseases are caused by living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasitic worms, and a disease is transmitted by the passing of these organisms from one person’s body to another or through intermediate hosts. The World Bank reports that 30% of the total disease burden in developing countries results from contamination at the household level and that 75% of life years lost within this 30% are due to lack of good water supply and sanitation and the prevalence of risky hygiene behaviour. This study aimed to assess the sources of water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in oil producing communities in Central Senatorial District of Bayelsa State. Materials and method: The study designs adopted for this research work were quantitative analysis and descriptive research method. The study population covered all housing units in the randomly selected communities in the central senatorial district of Bayelsa state. The 400 sample size for housing units was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, and systematic sampling method was used with a sampling interval of three. A 26-item administered closed-ended structured questionnaire was used. Data was collected from 296 out of 400 questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics with frequency counts and simple percentages using SPSS. Results: The result identified multiple sources of water supply which includes rain, river/stream, pipe borne, borehole and hand-dug well with borehole being the major source (91%). The major toilet facility used was the flush toilet (45%) and majority of residents clean their toilet once weekly (60%), however, about half of the residents (51%) practice unsafe excreta disposal. Hygiene practices such as bathing occurred among all resident at least once daily and hand washing was frequent after toilet visit (73%) but not before eating (35%). Conclusion: Water supply was seen to be relatively adequate, but its quality was poor, necessitating treatment. Unsafe excreta disposal is still widely practiced. Critical hand washing practice was still poor amongst residents. The State and Local Government including Oil companies in oil producing communities in Central Senatorial District should provide adequate portable water and sanitation facilities in public places with hygiene enlightenment campaign.