CHUKWUMA EZEONU | Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (original) (raw)

Papers by CHUKWUMA EZEONU

Post-harvest loss by fungal rot disease is a major problem associated with the availability and q... more Post-harvest loss by fungal rot disease is a major problem associated with the availability and quality of cocoyam production in Nigeria. There is need for natural and ecofriendly antifungal agents to improve yield and storage. Fungi causing cocoyam rot were isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) using standard isolation method. Pure isolates were identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic morphology. Pathogenicity tests were carried out on healthy cocoyam cormels by inoculating with the isolated fungi. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of different parts of the cashew plant were evaluated for antifungal activity against isolated fungi using the food poisoning technique. Aspergillus niger, Mucor circinelloides and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated from rotten cocoyam. Pathogenicity test reveals that all three fungi induced rot in healthy cocoyam cormels after 5 days of inoculation with Rhizopus stolonifer being the most virulent. All extracts showed high degrees of antifunga...

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compound that contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties produce... more Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compound that contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or excreted extracellularly thereby reducing surface and interfacial tension between molecules at the surface and interface, respectively. This study was aimed on the isolation and identification of biosurfactant producing fungi; the production of biosurfactants from the identified fungi in a submerged fermentation using sugarcane bagasse, rice husk and maize husk as carbon sources and the evaluation of quality of biosurfactants generated. The biosurfactant production was assayed for 21 days with constant agitation for at most four times daily in an incubator (300C). The emulsification ability of the biosurfactant produced was analyzed on two hydrocarbons: diesel and kerosene. In diesel, the emulsification index (EI) showed highest in biosurfactant produced by Aspergillus niger in Rice Husk (BAR) after 72 hours (E72) (80.30±0.30%) and lo...

International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2009

Advances in Biotechnology & Microbiology

Fermented foods are normally associated with health benefits. More often than not, emphases are m... more Fermented foods are normally associated with health benefits. More often than not, emphases are made on the beneficial aspect of fermented food products such as: reduction of lactose to lactic acid for lactose intolerant individuals, increase in beneficial microorganism in human flora that safe guide the health of individuals by occupying space and inhibiting the multiplication of pathogens in the alimentary canal, increase in vitamins, mineral, protein and other nutrients and the ability to prevent deterioration and spoilage of most perishable foods by increasing their shelf life. There is no doubt that fermentation and its products have lots of benefits. However, the fact still remains that some of the microorganisms used in fermentation of food may become harmful under certain undesirable conditions. Botulinum clostridium is an example of bacteria that causes poisoning in fermented foods and could be quite hazardous. Pre and post fermentation contamination of products may affect the physiology of the product thereby becoming disruptive to health and deleterious to life. Immuno compromised individuals may experience fatal diseases and even healthy individuals may not be spared when certain strains of microorganisms become involved in the fermentation processes. Biogenic amines and aldehydes which are biochemical indices of contamination in fermented foods may also result from healthy fermented foods thereby causing health related problems. Populations of the rural area are more associated with the production and consumption of fermented foods. The levels of microbial and enzymic contaminants in fermented foods are most often low, such that they are not virulent enough to cause pathogenicity and ill health. This not withstanding, checks and quality control need to be part and parcel of production of fermented foods. This review, therefore, looks at the biohazards associated with major foods such as fermented products from meat, fruits, vegetables and milk products with a view to encouraging good quality control during production.

Base – catalyzed transesterification of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) seed fat was carried out at a ... more Base – catalyzed transesterification of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) seed fat was carried out at a methanol/oil ratio of 5:1 (V/V) at 70oC to synthesize the corresponding methyl esters (biodiesel). The percentage yield of approximately 87%, was recorded after ninety minutes, indicating that Shea fat is a good biodiesel feedstock. The physicochemical properties of the Shea biodiesel were determined. The colour was pale yellow while the relative density (870 Kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (2.66 mm2s-1 400C), acid value (0.19 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (0.52 meq/kg) and cetane number (68.10) were observed. The cloud point was found to be 9.30C, while the flash point of 156.670C, iodine value of 35.29 mg/100g and energy value of 39.3 MJ/Kg were recorded. All these value compare well with previous works and are within acceptable limits as specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The current research indicated that Shea butter has biodiesel potential aside its uses in...

Background: Biosurfactants are produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or extra... more Background: Biosurfactants are produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or extracellularly on media environments. They are known for their role in surface and interfacial tension reduction between molecules at the surface and interface, respectively. Thus, this study was conducted to determine and compare the capability of biosurfactant production from immediate agrochemical wastes (yam, cassava and sweet potato peels) using fungal isolates. Materials and Method: The test fungi (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum) were isolated from yam, potato and cassava peels showing advanced rottenness. Standardized production of biosurfactants using well researched protocol involving media and inclusion of agrochemical wastes in a fermentation broth containing the isolated fungi was carried out. Results and Discussion: The highest biosurfactant activity value obtained was with F. oxsporum on yam peels with emulsi cation index (EI) of 94.2±0.20% on kerosene after 72 hours (EI72). While the lowest activity of biosurfactant was observed in A. niger grown on cassava peels broth with EI72 activity of 36.36±0.53% on diesel. The trend showed that emulsi cation index on diesel after 24 hours (E24) with biosurfactant from A. niger grown in yam peel broth gave the highest EI concentration (48.42±0.14%) followed by biosurfactant from F. oxysporum cultured in yam peels (48.27±0.99%). In comparison with kerosene emulsion formed: biosurfactant from F. oxysporum grown in yam peels showed highest EI (94±0.10%) followed by A. niger cultured in yam peels (78.72±1.08). The EI results showed that yam peel served as a better substrate for biosurfactant production while F. oxysporum is the better biosurfactant producing fungi. The EI values were slightly maintained for 48hrs (EI48) and 72hrs (EI72). The result of the oil spreading assay using engine oil revealed that biosurfactants produced by F. oxysporum grown on sweet potato peels broth displaced more area of expired engine oil in water by forming miscelles with oil displacement area (ODA) of 9.08±0.02cm 2 followed by biosurfactant from A. niger grown in sweet potato broth with ODA of 8.04±0.38 cm 2. In terms of substrate speci city the sequence of increment in EI was: Yam>Cassava>Sweet potato. However, considering the critical micellar level or the oil displacement ability of the product, the sequential increment was: Sweet potato>Cassava>Yam peels. Conclusion: The biosurfactant produced shows more cleansing ability towards kerosene than it does for diesel. Conversely, it could be channelled toward clean-up of kerosene viz a-viz crude oil contaminated surfaces and environment.

Solid dumpsites within Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria were randomly selected. The constituents of t... more Solid dumpsites within Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria were randomly selected. The constituents of the dumps were studied, identified and classified into harmful and nonharmful ones. The bacterial flora was also studied to determine the potential of the dumps to health hazards. The result indicated that plants wastes were generated more, having the highest quantity (14.42%) of the total components collected. Food residue amounted to about 13.10%, while glasses, newspapers and woods had < 9%. Human faecal constituents had the least percentage of 4.90%. The biodegradable bulk occupied an average 68.29% while the nonbiodegradable constituents were about 31.71%. Organisms isolated per cross zone tabulation indicated that Zone B had the highest number of organisms (160/ml) and the least (50/ml) was found in Zone A. Prevalence revealed that E. coli was the highest followed by Streptococcus faecalis (30.43%), Klebsiella sp. (16...

Science Forum (Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences), 2021

Anemia which is defined as blood hemoglobin (Hb) or hematocrit concentration below the lower limi... more Anemia which is defined as blood hemoglobin (Hb) or hematocrit concentration below the lower limit of the normal range is a major and widespread public health problem (1). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia among children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women worldwide (1-3). The Hb that comprises iron plays an essential role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the other tissues. Iron also plays important additional roles in the central nervous system, including normal myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neurometabolism (4). In iron deficiency, hypoxia is inevitable as the blood has no longer enough capacity to transport the oxygen to the entire body. As a consequence Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on corneal and lenticular densitometry. Methods: Thirty-two patients with iron deficiency anemia and 38 healthy participants were enrolled. The Pentacam HR imaging system (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to record keratometry, corneal densitometry (12mm corneal diameter), lens densitometry measurements. Endothelial parameters were evaluated using specular microscopy. Results: The corneal densitometry values in the anterior 0-2 mm and 2-6 mm zone were significantly higher in the iron deficiency anemia group than in the control group (p=0.044 and p=0.021, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the standard deviation and maximum lens densitometry measurements of the iron deficiency anemia group when compared with the control group (p=0.012 and p=0.011, respectively). There were statistically significant correlations between the anterior 2-6 mm zone corneal densitometry and ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity (r=-0.275, r=-0.243, r=0.240, respectively). However, ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity showed no significant correlation with the lens densitometry values (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia had several effects on corneal and lenticular densitometry measurements. Evaluation of the corneal and lenticular changes at an ophthalmology clinic might be recommended for patients with iron deficiency anemia.

banana and watermelon) wine using Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided t... more License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The environment is a very important component necessary for the existence of both man and other biotic organisms. The degree of sustainability of the physical environment is an index of the survival and well-being of the entire components in it. Additionally, it is not sufficient to try disposing toxic/deleterious substances with any known method. The best method of sustaining the environment is such that returns back all the components (wastes) in a recyclable way so that the waste becomes useful and helps the biotic and abiotic relationship to maintain an aesthetic and healthy equilibrium that characterizes an ideal environment. In this study, the method investigated includes biological method of environmental sustainability which seeks to investigate the various biotechnological tools (biotools) in current use and those undergoing investigations for...

Various parameters, such as growth index used to ev aluate the productivity of a good agricultura... more Various parameters, such as growth index used to ev aluate the productivity of a good agricultural soil were integrated in this study and critically examined un der a pollution condition. The indigenous Nsukka so il representing a typical tropical soil was contaminat ed with calculated quantities of a given Nigerian c rude oil (Bonny Light B-111). Growth indices of Zea mays planted as wellasnursery transplants was carried o ut on contaminated soil to observe the effect of the crud e oil on the plant.Various plant growth parameters such as: height of plant, length and breadth of leaves were examined. The result of the experiment illustrated that there was a great significant difference (P<0.05) in the various growth parameter (Plant height, Length and Breadth of leaves) between Zea mays produced after 5 weeks in control soils (A and B) w hen compared to those grown on contaminated soils (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% ( petroleum hydrocarbon) PHC w/w).There was reduction in the plant length...

With increasing human population, proportional knowledge in the usefulness of underutilized plant... more With increasing human population, proportional knowledge in the usefulness of underutilized plant seeds as potential sources of human foods became inevitable. Studies were carried out to determine the proximate analysis, phytochemicals, and anti-nutrients composition of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) kernel seed using standard methods of analysis. Two samples of the fruit kernel seeds were produced. Unfermented African Star Apple Seed (ASAU) was the negative standard; it was dried and grounded into flour. Fermented African Star Apple Seed (ASAF), prepared in ungrounded form, was boiled for 12 hours and allowed to stand for 5 days to ferment. Freshly prepared fermented castor oil seed (OGR - Ogiri) was the positive standard. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, phenolic, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes, while tannin was only present in ASAU. The proximate analysis revealed a decrease in carbohydrate content of ASAF (26.0 %) and OGR (23.44 %) wh...

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, 2015

In this study, biochemical composition and sensory evaluation of yoghurts from soy, cow and comme... more In this study, biochemical composition and sensory evaluation of yoghurts from soy, cow and commercial milk was carried out. Proximate analysis carried out on samples of cow yoghurt (CY), soy yoghurt (SY), cow/soy yoghurt (CSY) and commercial yoghurts (CMY), showed significant difference (P<0.05) in crude protein of (SY) 6.27% and cow/soy yoghurt (CSY) 6.87%. However, there was no significant difference between CSY and CMY 7.09%. The crude fat in SY (4.44%) differs significantly with that of CMY (4.79%) but there was no significant difference between CSY (4.64%) and CMY (4.79%). The ash content of CMY (0.98%) was higher compare to CSY (0.65%). No significant difference was observed in the moisture content of the three samples, but SY had the highest value (8.29%) of carbohydrate content. The percentage lactic acid of the samples was found to be significantly different (p<0.05) between CMY (0.89%) and CSY (0.74%). SY and CY had no significant different in (%) lactic acid (0.63%...

Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021

Background The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly ... more Background The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly used as spices. Due to their wide use in nutrition and traditional medicine, there is need to examine the biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats. The test animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) received 100 mg/kg each of the corresponding extract for 21 days. Group 1 served as normal control and received a placebo of normal saline. The animals were later fasted overnight, sacrificed and their blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical indices. Results AST activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 2 compared to the normal control; ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3; while ALT increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 4. The concentrations of urea and potassium showed significant decrease (p &...

Introduction to Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Processes and Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Sites, May 23, 2012

Poor miscibility of crude oil accounts for accumulation of free oil on the surface of groundwater... more Poor miscibility of crude oil accounts for accumulation of free oil on the surface of groundwater and this may migrate laterally over a wide distance to pollute other zones very far away from the point of pollution. Industrial and municipal discharges as well as urban runoffs , atmospheric deposition and natural seeps also account for petroleum hydrocarbon pollution of the environment (Baker, 1983). It is worthy of note that groundwater is one of the many media by which human beings, plants and animals come into contact with petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. In the Niger delta area of Nigeria, extensive farm land

Research Journal of Microbiology, 2019

Frontiers in Immunology, 2020