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Bacteriological and Physicochemical Properties of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Collected from a Mechanic Site in Abuja, North-Central Nigeria
Kawo Abdullahi Hassan,
Yahaya Sani,
Olawore Yemisi Ajoke,
Ogidi Jonathan Ajisafe
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2018
Pages:
1-6
Received:
6 October 2017
Accepted:
7 November 2017
Published:
20 December 2017
Abstract: Elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbon and certain heavy metal compounds in soil samples due to environmental and manmade operations can amount to concentrations considered as toxic. Soil samples from 3 different locations, 30 meters from each other were collected and assessed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), selected heavy metal concentrations, pH, Electrical Conductivity, texture, organic matter, moisture content and bacterial population. The results on the test sites showed that pH range for the workshop soil samples was between 5.08-5.45 in comparison to the control 6.74. Data obtained also revealed that the tested site A alone contained lead (44.91 mg/g) and cadmium (0.01 mg/g). The heavy metal content for sites A, B and C where higher than that of the control site D for which the enrichment factors was determined for sodium (1.07, 3.34, 4.12), copper (2.73, 2.63, 1.57), iron (9.84, 10.67, 9.21), zinc (4.78, 2.58, 2.98), nickel (1.44, 1.11, 1.56) and manganese (2.57, 2.23, 3.77) respectively. The moisture content and electrical conductivity ranged between 44.7-46.5% and 985.6-1124.7 (µS/cm) respectively as opposed to 44.9%, 846.3 (µS/cm) for the control. Total bacterial enumeration revealed a count of 2.28 x 104 (cfu/g), 2.01 x 104 (cfu/g), 1.98 x 103 (cfu/g) and 2.71 x 105 (cfu/g) at sites A, B, C and D respectively. The presence of hydrocarbon and heavy metal pollutants due to the activities at the mechanic workshop resulted in change of known physicochemical properties which in turn affects the ecology as well as life forms in the area.
Abstract: Elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbon and certain heavy metal compounds in soil samples due to environmental and manmade operations can amount to concentrations considered as toxic. Soil samples from 3 different locations, 30 meters from each other were collected and assessed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), total petroleum hydrocarbon...
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Validity of Immunofluorescence Test for the Detection of Respiratory Viruses Causing Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Among Under Five Children
Rashida Akter Khanam,
Md. Nazrul Islam,
Shahina Tabassum,
Ahmed Sharif,
Md. Abdullah Yusuf
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2018
Pages:
7-10
Received:
6 January 2018
Accepted:
1 February 2018
Published:
2 March 2018
Abstract: Background: Respiratory viruses cause a variety of human infections, ranging from the common cold to life-threatening pneumonia. Over 200 strains of virus can cause respiratory disease. The majority of severe viral respiratory infections are caused by relatively few viruses, primarily parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B viruses, and adenovirus. Objective: The purpose of this study was to see the validity of Immunofluorescence test for the detection of Respiratory viruses causing acute lower respiratory tract infection among under five children. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Virology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2002 to June 2003 for a period of one year. The children with the age group of below five (5) years presented with the clinical manifestations of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) who were visited or were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka were selected as study population. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected. Viruses were detected by cell line culture and direct Immunoflorescence (DFA) method. Result: The study was carried out among 100 children aged from new born to 60 months with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI). Highest rate (85.7%) of isolation was obtained among children between 0 to 24 months of age. There was a significant reduction in the number of cases in older children in 25 to 60 months of age group. The most common virus isolated from the under five children was respiratory syncytial virus which was 20(95.2%). Adenovirus was isolated in only 1(4.8%) case. No other viruses were found in this study. DFA method typically more rapid than the cell culture and also detect virus which has lost viability in transit. Culture methods on the other hand, are more favorable for detecting low titer of viable virus. In this study 17 samples are positive by cell culture and these are also positive by DFA. Total 21 samples are positive by DFA and among them 4 samples are negative. Conclusion: DFA is highly sensitive and specific for detection of respiratory viruses among the under-five children. Furthermore the accuracy of this test is also very high. Therefore it is recommended that the DFA test can be used for the detection of respiratory virus from the children presented with respiratory tract infection.
Abstract: Background: Respiratory viruses cause a variety of human infections, ranging from the common cold to life-threatening pneumonia. Over 200 strains of virus can cause respiratory disease. The majority of severe viral respiratory infections are caused by relatively few viruses, primarily parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3, respiratory syncytial viru...
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Screening and Characterization of Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria Isolated from Oil-contaminated Soils from Auto Garages
Agnes Njoki Mwaura,
Betty Nyambura Mbatia,
Edward Kirwa Muge,
Patrick Wafula Okanya
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2018
Pages:
11-24
Received:
10 January 2018
Accepted:
1 February 2018
Published:
23 March 2018
Abstract: Release of petroleum oil and its products into the environment is a worldwide concern. The present study focused on isolation, molecular identification, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacteria possessing hydrocarbon-degrading properties. The study also aimed at optimizing appropriate culture conditions for the isolates as well as screening for alkane hydroxylase enzyme. Out of twenty one microbes isolated, nine were selected based on their ability to utilize different hydrocarbons. The isolates were observed to mineralize heating oil, hexane, octane, toluene and diesel oil. PCR amplification of 16S rDNA gene revealed that the isolates belong to six different genera; Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Salmonella and Ochrobactrum. Based on their ability to degrade diesel oil, three isolates were selected and their growth conditions optimized. Optimum degradation was recorded at less than 1% substrate concentration, pH 7 and temperature range of between 30°C and 37°C and using yeast extract as nitrogen source. GC-MS analyses confirmed their diesel oil degrading properties. Alkane hydroxylase gene from one of the isolates (isolate 1C) was successfully amplified indicating its catabolic capabilities in degrading alkanes. Overall, the characterized isolates may constitute potential candidates for biotechnological application in environmental cleanup of petroleum contaminants.
Abstract: Release of petroleum oil and its products into the environment is a worldwide concern. The present study focused on isolation, molecular identification, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacteria possessing hydrocarbon-degrading properties. The study also aimed at optimizing appropriate culture conditions for the isolates as well as...
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Actinomycetes: Isolation, Characterization and Screening for Antimicrobial Activity from Different Sites of Chitwan, Nepal
Kamal Rai,
Sujan Khadka,
Bidya Shrestha
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2018
Pages:
25-30
Received:
17 January 2018
Accepted:
19 March 2018
Published:
10 April 2018
Abstract: With the objective to isolate, identify and determine the antimicrobial activity of the soil actinomycetes, this study was done in the laboratory of Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan (September 2015- April 2016). A total of 30 soil samples were randomly collected and processed from forest, garden, cultivated lands and river side (Narayani and Rapti River) of Chitwan, Nepal. Isolates were identified by colony characterizations, microscopy and biochemical tests. Primary and secondary screening for antibiotic producers was done by single line cross streak and agar cup assay respectively against test organisms, S. Typhi, S. aureus and E. coli. Altogether 25 different actinomycetes from two genera viz; Streptomyces (n=15) and Micromonospora (n=10) were identified from selected sites (n=10; river side, n=5 each from garden, cultivated and forest soil). Primary screening of n=12 isolates was done by inhibition to at least one test bacterium. Of them only n=9 (n=6 Streptomyces spp., n=3 Micromonospora spp.) isolates showed promising antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition above 8mm) on secondary screening. Maximum zone of inhibition was 14mm observed against S. aureus and whereas 18mm against E. coli and S. Typhi respectively. This finding indicates potent antibiotic producer actinomycetes were isolated from soil of Chitwan, study furthering strain selection and identification would pave the way for commercial antibiotic production.
Abstract: With the objective to isolate, identify and determine the antimicrobial activity of the soil actinomycetes, this study was done in the laboratory of Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan (September 2015- April 2016). A total of 30 soil samples were randomly collected and processed from forest, garden, cultivated lands and river side (Narayani and Ra...
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