Ifeanyichukwu F . ONIANWAH - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ifeanyichukwu F . ONIANWAH

Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Oct 9, 2023

In recent times, Ascobic acid has been discovered to posses antibiocidal potential against variou... more In recent times, Ascobic acid has been discovered to posses antibiocidal potential against various bacterial strains that has been resistant which is in sharp contrast as it was previously regarded as potential antioxidant especially as it is thought to reduce oxygen radicals both in vivo and in vitro biochemical processes. This study investigates the anti-biocompetent and bacteriocidal relevance of ascorbic acid on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis recovered from the apparently healthy student feces at Madonna University. Standard microbiological methods were applied for the isolation of fecal coliforms using sterile blood agar, mannitol salt agar and eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar plates. The agar diffusion disc technique was used to determine an ascorbic acid fortified antimicrobial susceptibility testing of test bacteria at various concentrations varying from 0.167g/ml to 1.0g/ml, while their mean values were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that Proteus mirabilis were resistant to the various ascorbic acid concentrations, whereas S. aureus and E. coli were susceptible to various ascorbic acid concentrations. An ascorbic acid content (g/ml) changes/shift (at p < 0.05) the zones of inhibition (mm) of the isolates (E. coli and S. aureus) Such observed antibacterial potential suggests that ascorbic acid may be applied in the treatment of enteric or coliforms infections associated with E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Journal of Vaccines & Clinical Trials, Aug 5, 2020

The diperoxyazelaic acid was synthesised. Ointment on the polyethylenoxide basis containing 1% di... more The diperoxyazelaic acid was synthesised. Ointment on the polyethylenoxide basis containing 1% diperoxyazelaic acid was obtained. The antimicrobial activity of the ointment and branded drugs Acne Stop and Ugresol have been explored in the comparative perspective. The shelf life of creams was clarifi ed. The conclusion was made about the prospects for further in-depth research on the issue of its application as the extemporal dosage form.

The incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infection of females urogenital tract in Port Ha... more The incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infection of females urogenital tract in Port Harcourt Urban area is quite high representing 18.9% of women investigated. It is more of an infection of those queried for urogenital tract infection than in pregnant and diabetic women, with a recorded 10.3%, 5.6% and 3.0% respectively. It was equally found to be high in sexually active women within the ages of 18 and 35. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out on the various treatment options (i.e UTI, Pregnancy and diabetes) showed no significant difference at 95% probability level with respect to Candida albicans infection. Besides, antibiotics treatment also enhances the proliferation of the yeast. The incidence and prevalence of the infection was quite high but can be reduced in Port Harcourt Urban with an improved personal hygiene and adequate medical services available.

Bioremoval of heavy metals from leachate sample collected from refused dump on Obiri Ikwerre / Ai... more Bioremoval of heavy metals from leachate sample collected from refused dump on Obiri Ikwerre / Air port link road was studied. Five treatment options were set up. These include Natural process (positive control), poisoned and filtered sample (negative control), Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and a mixed culture of the above microorganisms. The experiment was conducted at ambient temperature (30 ± 2 0 C and pH range of 6.8 to 8.9 and incubated for 60days. Physicochemical analyses of the leachate on day zero revealed the presence of Cadmium (1.74mg/l), Mercury (0.91mg/l), Nickel (2.6mg/l) and Zinc (4.52mg/l) and was found to be relatively high in relation to WHO environmental standards. At the end of 60 days, the various treatment options (Natural process(positive control), poisoned and filtered sample(negative control), Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, and a mixed culture of the above microorganisms) were able to bioaccumulate 69.4%, 2.9%, 53.3%, 48.1% and 49% of Cadmi...

Microbes found in aquaculture are usually from source water, feeds including augmented live foods... more Microbes found in aquaculture are usually from source water, feeds including augmented live foods. These microbes are found in the gills, intestine, muscles and on the surface of fish, shrimps, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms. Microorganisms in aquaculture play several roles including their use as live food, food supplements, probiotics, in pond aeration and in the purification of aquarium. As food, microbes provide the essential nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, pigments and steroids; and serve as carbon and nitrogen sources. Microbial diversity in aquaculture depends largely on the quality (physicochemical properties) of the farm water and this has greatly influenced the growth of every aquaculture. Fungi, Bacteria, Protozoa, Helminthes and Microalgae are present in aquaculture, each performing its unique role in the ecosystem. While some are beneficial, others are not. They are used as probiotics to check the growth of some pat...

Food Science and Technology, 2018

Background: The use of bitter kola as plant medicine is common among Africans for centuries, yet ... more Background: The use of bitter kola as plant medicine is common among Africans for centuries, yet there is little or no scientific evidence to demonstrate that its use provides health benefits. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to ascertain whether or not bitter kola provides any health benefits to its regular users. Methods: A study sample of n=274 adults living in Igbuzor town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria was selected using simple random sampling technique. Likert Scale was used as data collection tool. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS computer software. Results: The results show that irrespective of gender n=139 regular users agreed to excellent and good health while ingesting bitter kola in comparison to n=37 non-regular users who agreed to the same statements (see table 3 & 4). The results further show that both genders n=142 (94.66%) male and n=110 (95.65%) female respondents agree that they ingest better kola for its health benefits (see table 5). Conclusion: This study found that regular users of bitter kola enjoy better health than non-regular users and that both regular and non-regular user agrees to the medicinal properties of bitter kola. These research findings help to remove the assumptions about the health benefits of bitter kola and replaced them with actual research evidence.

AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda), 2018

Background: A preliminary review of literature for this study shows that the use of Garcinia kola... more Background: A preliminary review of literature for this study shows that the use of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) as plant medicine is common among Africans but there are no scientific evidence to support its uses to prevent or treat common medical conditions. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the various uses and outcomes of Garcinia kola (G. kola) among people of Oshimili North in the Delta State of Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was based on a structured questionnaire for adults aged 18 and above (n = 274) in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State of Nigeria. Likert scale data were coded as follows: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree. As Likert-type data are usually ordinal data, which make more sense when converted to interval data. The converted ordinal data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. Ethical requirement including the administration of information sheet, written informed consent, and the provision of confidentiality was ensured. Results: The analysis of results show that the benefits derived from ingesting bitter kola were rated high for cough, bacterial or viral infection and anticancer. The results also show that most of the respondents consider bitter kola having low benefits for relieving food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset. Chi-square results show no association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola for relieving these conditions. In addition, results show that females perceive benefits derive from ingesting bitter kola as low as an aphrodisiac whereas males consider it as average. Chi-square results show significant association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola as an aphrodisiac. Conclusion: The study found that Garcinia kola acts as anti-bacteria, anti-virus and provides protection against cancer. However, this study could not find any conclusive evidence to support the age long claim of bitter kola as treatment for food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset and aphrodisiac (libido).

Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology, 2017

The presence of heavy metals in refinery effluent has the potential to pose significant risks to ... more The presence of heavy metals in refinery effluent has the potential to pose significant risks to human health and the environment. However, the conventional heavy metal removal has limitations hence the need to introduce alternative treatments. Recently, there have been considerable interests in bio-adsorption of heavy metal using fungus. In the present study, the effectiveness of iron, zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium removal from refinery effluent was evaluated using living white rot fungus (spawn) viz., Pleurotus ostreatus. The fungus was amended with sawdust and rice bran. Physiochemical analysis of the effluent on day zero indicated the presence of Iron (0.775 mg/L), Zinc (0.750 mg/L), Lead (0.031 mg/L), Nickel (0.188 mg/L), Chromium (0.025 mg/L) and Cadmium (0.054 mg/L). P. ostreatus bioremoved the metals under study at pH 7.6, Temperature at 26.8°C and contact time 60 days with substrate (sawdust mixed with rice bran). Throughout the research, the percentage of removal was found to increase with increasing contact time. The heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Sawdust mixed with rice bran colonized with P. ostreatus spawn could be utilized as an excellent biosorbent thus exhibiting efficiency for Iron 80%, Zinc 99%, Lead 94%, Nickel 99%. Chromium 93%, and Cadmium 96% respectively. The analysis of variance of the five variables: lead, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium showed that there was no significant difference at P<0.05 with the exception of iron. It was observed that P. ostreatus is efficient in bioremoving heavy metals as the levels of remaining heavy metals in the refinery effluent were below the limit of detection (<0.001 mg/L). This validates P. ostreatus as a potential bio-sorbent and can be employed in treatment of environments polluted with effluent containing high levels of lead, zinc, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium.

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology, 2020

The study aims to evaluate enzymes that facilitate fungal degradation of paraeforce. Soil samples... more The study aims to evaluate enzymes that facilitate fungal degradation of paraeforce. Soil samples for fungal isolation were collected from impacted sites and inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The isolates were screened for growth and tolerance to paraefoce in 50 mg/l concentration of the test herbicides. Trichoderma, Aspergillus and Rhizopus species were found to grow in paraeforce supplemented PDA. Qualitative and quantitative assay for different enzyme production in hydrogen peroxide, methyl red, guaiacol and hydrogen peroxide-pyrogallol complex proved potential for catalase, lignin peroxidase, laccase and manganese peroxidase production, respectively. The results showed that these three fungi have great potential for catalase, peroxidase and laccase production after six days aerobic incubation in paraeforce and these enzymes facilitated the utilization of the paraeforce.

Otuoke Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences, 2024

The increasing need to solve the problem of environmental pollution by oil spills in the Niger De... more The increasing need to solve the problem of environmental pollution by oil spills in the Niger Delta Areas resulted in the quest to isolate and identify bacteria species with highest degradability of hydrocarbon. Samples were collected from polluted Okulu River in Eleme Local government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Physicochemical analysis was done on the samples following the methods described by American Public Health Association. Cultural and molecular methods were used to isolate and characterize bacteria species in the water samples. The physicochemical parameters measured showed increased concentration of heavy metals, biological oxygen demand, total organic carbon, nitrate, phosphate, suspended and dissolved solids, elevated pH and temperature and elevated hydrocarbon concentration. A total of twelve (12) bacterial genera were isolated and characterized. Percentage occurrence of the isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.2%), Enterobacter asburiae (14.1%), Micrococcus luteus (10.6%), Escherichia coli (9.6%), Staphylococcus massilliensis (8.6%), Serratia marcescens (8.1%), Bacillus cereus (7.1%), Bacillus subtilis (6.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.5%), Providencia alcalifaciens (4%), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (2%), Brevibacillus laterosporus (2%). Of these, only five were further characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing. These five bacteria species isolated were identified as Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Lysinibacillus macroides. They were 99%, 98%, 83%, 96% and 99%, respectively related to their relatives in the gene bank. The increase in temperature, biological oxygen demand, nutrient, salinity and pH favoured the growth of the isolates.

Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Oct 9, 2023

In recent times, Ascobic acid has been discovered to posses antibiocidal potential against variou... more In recent times, Ascobic acid has been discovered to posses antibiocidal potential against various bacterial strains that has been resistant which is in sharp contrast as it was previously regarded as potential antioxidant especially as it is thought to reduce oxygen radicals both in vivo and in vitro biochemical processes. This study investigates the anti-biocompetent and bacteriocidal relevance of ascorbic acid on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis recovered from the apparently healthy student feces at Madonna University. Standard microbiological methods were applied for the isolation of fecal coliforms using sterile blood agar, mannitol salt agar and eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar plates. The agar diffusion disc technique was used to determine an ascorbic acid fortified antimicrobial susceptibility testing of test bacteria at various concentrations varying from 0.167g/ml to 1.0g/ml, while their mean values were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that Proteus mirabilis were resistant to the various ascorbic acid concentrations, whereas S. aureus and E. coli were susceptible to various ascorbic acid concentrations. An ascorbic acid content (g/ml) changes/shift (at p < 0.05) the zones of inhibition (mm) of the isolates (E. coli and S. aureus) Such observed antibacterial potential suggests that ascorbic acid may be applied in the treatment of enteric or coliforms infections associated with E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Journal of Vaccines & Clinical Trials, Aug 5, 2020

The diperoxyazelaic acid was synthesised. Ointment on the polyethylenoxide basis containing 1% di... more The diperoxyazelaic acid was synthesised. Ointment on the polyethylenoxide basis containing 1% diperoxyazelaic acid was obtained. The antimicrobial activity of the ointment and branded drugs Acne Stop and Ugresol have been explored in the comparative perspective. The shelf life of creams was clarifi ed. The conclusion was made about the prospects for further in-depth research on the issue of its application as the extemporal dosage form.

The incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infection of females urogenital tract in Port Ha... more The incidence and prevalence of Candida albicans infection of females urogenital tract in Port Harcourt Urban area is quite high representing 18.9% of women investigated. It is more of an infection of those queried for urogenital tract infection than in pregnant and diabetic women, with a recorded 10.3%, 5.6% and 3.0% respectively. It was equally found to be high in sexually active women within the ages of 18 and 35. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out on the various treatment options (i.e UTI, Pregnancy and diabetes) showed no significant difference at 95% probability level with respect to Candida albicans infection. Besides, antibiotics treatment also enhances the proliferation of the yeast. The incidence and prevalence of the infection was quite high but can be reduced in Port Harcourt Urban with an improved personal hygiene and adequate medical services available.

Bioremoval of heavy metals from leachate sample collected from refused dump on Obiri Ikwerre / Ai... more Bioremoval of heavy metals from leachate sample collected from refused dump on Obiri Ikwerre / Air port link road was studied. Five treatment options were set up. These include Natural process (positive control), poisoned and filtered sample (negative control), Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and a mixed culture of the above microorganisms. The experiment was conducted at ambient temperature (30 ± 2 0 C and pH range of 6.8 to 8.9 and incubated for 60days. Physicochemical analyses of the leachate on day zero revealed the presence of Cadmium (1.74mg/l), Mercury (0.91mg/l), Nickel (2.6mg/l) and Zinc (4.52mg/l) and was found to be relatively high in relation to WHO environmental standards. At the end of 60 days, the various treatment options (Natural process(positive control), poisoned and filtered sample(negative control), Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, and a mixed culture of the above microorganisms) were able to bioaccumulate 69.4%, 2.9%, 53.3%, 48.1% and 49% of Cadmi...

Microbes found in aquaculture are usually from source water, feeds including augmented live foods... more Microbes found in aquaculture are usually from source water, feeds including augmented live foods. These microbes are found in the gills, intestine, muscles and on the surface of fish, shrimps, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms. Microorganisms in aquaculture play several roles including their use as live food, food supplements, probiotics, in pond aeration and in the purification of aquarium. As food, microbes provide the essential nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, pigments and steroids; and serve as carbon and nitrogen sources. Microbial diversity in aquaculture depends largely on the quality (physicochemical properties) of the farm water and this has greatly influenced the growth of every aquaculture. Fungi, Bacteria, Protozoa, Helminthes and Microalgae are present in aquaculture, each performing its unique role in the ecosystem. While some are beneficial, others are not. They are used as probiotics to check the growth of some pat...

Food Science and Technology, 2018

Background: The use of bitter kola as plant medicine is common among Africans for centuries, yet ... more Background: The use of bitter kola as plant medicine is common among Africans for centuries, yet there is little or no scientific evidence to demonstrate that its use provides health benefits. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to ascertain whether or not bitter kola provides any health benefits to its regular users. Methods: A study sample of n=274 adults living in Igbuzor town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria was selected using simple random sampling technique. Likert Scale was used as data collection tool. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS computer software. Results: The results show that irrespective of gender n=139 regular users agreed to excellent and good health while ingesting bitter kola in comparison to n=37 non-regular users who agreed to the same statements (see table 3 & 4). The results further show that both genders n=142 (94.66%) male and n=110 (95.65%) female respondents agree that they ingest better kola for its health benefits (see table 5). Conclusion: This study found that regular users of bitter kola enjoy better health than non-regular users and that both regular and non-regular user agrees to the medicinal properties of bitter kola. These research findings help to remove the assumptions about the health benefits of bitter kola and replaced them with actual research evidence.

AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda), 2018

Background: A preliminary review of literature for this study shows that the use of Garcinia kola... more Background: A preliminary review of literature for this study shows that the use of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) as plant medicine is common among Africans but there are no scientific evidence to support its uses to prevent or treat common medical conditions. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the various uses and outcomes of Garcinia kola (G. kola) among people of Oshimili North in the Delta State of Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was based on a structured questionnaire for adults aged 18 and above (n = 274) in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State of Nigeria. Likert scale data were coded as follows: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree. As Likert-type data are usually ordinal data, which make more sense when converted to interval data. The converted ordinal data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. Ethical requirement including the administration of information sheet, written informed consent, and the provision of confidentiality was ensured. Results: The analysis of results show that the benefits derived from ingesting bitter kola were rated high for cough, bacterial or viral infection and anticancer. The results also show that most of the respondents consider bitter kola having low benefits for relieving food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset. Chi-square results show no association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola for relieving these conditions. In addition, results show that females perceive benefits derive from ingesting bitter kola as low as an aphrodisiac whereas males consider it as average. Chi-square results show significant association between gender and perceived benefits of bitter kola as an aphrodisiac. Conclusion: The study found that Garcinia kola acts as anti-bacteria, anti-virus and provides protection against cancer. However, this study could not find any conclusive evidence to support the age long claim of bitter kola as treatment for food poison, diarrhea or stomach upset and aphrodisiac (libido).

Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology, 2017

The presence of heavy metals in refinery effluent has the potential to pose significant risks to ... more The presence of heavy metals in refinery effluent has the potential to pose significant risks to human health and the environment. However, the conventional heavy metal removal has limitations hence the need to introduce alternative treatments. Recently, there have been considerable interests in bio-adsorption of heavy metal using fungus. In the present study, the effectiveness of iron, zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium removal from refinery effluent was evaluated using living white rot fungus (spawn) viz., Pleurotus ostreatus. The fungus was amended with sawdust and rice bran. Physiochemical analysis of the effluent on day zero indicated the presence of Iron (0.775 mg/L), Zinc (0.750 mg/L), Lead (0.031 mg/L), Nickel (0.188 mg/L), Chromium (0.025 mg/L) and Cadmium (0.054 mg/L). P. ostreatus bioremoved the metals under study at pH 7.6, Temperature at 26.8°C and contact time 60 days with substrate (sawdust mixed with rice bran). Throughout the research, the percentage of removal was found to increase with increasing contact time. The heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Sawdust mixed with rice bran colonized with P. ostreatus spawn could be utilized as an excellent biosorbent thus exhibiting efficiency for Iron 80%, Zinc 99%, Lead 94%, Nickel 99%. Chromium 93%, and Cadmium 96% respectively. The analysis of variance of the five variables: lead, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium showed that there was no significant difference at P<0.05 with the exception of iron. It was observed that P. ostreatus is efficient in bioremoving heavy metals as the levels of remaining heavy metals in the refinery effluent were below the limit of detection (<0.001 mg/L). This validates P. ostreatus as a potential bio-sorbent and can be employed in treatment of environments polluted with effluent containing high levels of lead, zinc, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium.

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology, 2020

The study aims to evaluate enzymes that facilitate fungal degradation of paraeforce. Soil samples... more The study aims to evaluate enzymes that facilitate fungal degradation of paraeforce. Soil samples for fungal isolation were collected from impacted sites and inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The isolates were screened for growth and tolerance to paraefoce in 50 mg/l concentration of the test herbicides. Trichoderma, Aspergillus and Rhizopus species were found to grow in paraeforce supplemented PDA. Qualitative and quantitative assay for different enzyme production in hydrogen peroxide, methyl red, guaiacol and hydrogen peroxide-pyrogallol complex proved potential for catalase, lignin peroxidase, laccase and manganese peroxidase production, respectively. The results showed that these three fungi have great potential for catalase, peroxidase and laccase production after six days aerobic incubation in paraeforce and these enzymes facilitated the utilization of the paraeforce.

Otuoke Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences, 2024

The increasing need to solve the problem of environmental pollution by oil spills in the Niger De... more The increasing need to solve the problem of environmental pollution by oil spills in the Niger Delta Areas resulted in the quest to isolate and identify bacteria species with highest degradability of hydrocarbon. Samples were collected from polluted Okulu River in Eleme Local government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Physicochemical analysis was done on the samples following the methods described by American Public Health Association. Cultural and molecular methods were used to isolate and characterize bacteria species in the water samples. The physicochemical parameters measured showed increased concentration of heavy metals, biological oxygen demand, total organic carbon, nitrate, phosphate, suspended and dissolved solids, elevated pH and temperature and elevated hydrocarbon concentration. A total of twelve (12) bacterial genera were isolated and characterized. Percentage occurrence of the isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.2%), Enterobacter asburiae (14.1%), Micrococcus luteus (10.6%), Escherichia coli (9.6%), Staphylococcus massilliensis (8.6%), Serratia marcescens (8.1%), Bacillus cereus (7.1%), Bacillus subtilis (6.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.5%), Providencia alcalifaciens (4%), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (2%), Brevibacillus laterosporus (2%). Of these, only five were further characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing. These five bacteria species isolated were identified as Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Lysinibacillus macroides. They were 99%, 98%, 83%, 96% and 99%, respectively related to their relatives in the gene bank. The increase in temperature, biological oxygen demand, nutrient, salinity and pH favoured the growth of the isolates.