Determination of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Pumpkin, Spinach and Sorrel Leaves Grown in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Three green leafy vegetable samples of pumpkin leaves, spinach leaves, and sorrel leaves were collected from a farm in Akwanga and were tested for the presence of residues of organochlorine pesticides. The concentrations of all the pesticide residues in the vegetable samples were determined using GC/MS. Among the organochlorine pesticide p,p’-DDT was detected in pumpkin (0.75 mg/kg), spinach (0.319 mg/kg) and sorrel (0.219 mg/kg). θ-BHC and γ-BHC were detected only in pumpkin leaves (0.359 mg/kg and 0.647 mg/kg respectively). Dieldrin was detected in spinach and sorrel (0.124 mg/kg and 0.053 mg/kg respectively). Endrin was detected in pumpkin (0.732 mg/kg) and Aldrin in sorrel (0.095 mg/kg). All these values were above the maximum residue limit (MRL) value of the pesticides. Endosulfan II was detected in sorrel (0.306 mg/kg) below the MRL. The levels of most of the pesticide residues found in vegetables were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) that call for laws to regulate the use and circulation of such chemicals. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in this study area is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of environmental pollution, to minimize health risks.

Prevalence of Organophosphorous Pesticide Residues in Pumpkin, Spinach and Sorrel Leaves Grown in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Three green leafy vegetable samples of pumpkin leaves, spinach leaves, and sorrel leaves were collected from three different locations in a farm in Akwanga and were tested for the presence of organophosphorus (OP) compounds. The concentrations of all the pesticide residues in the vegetable samples were determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The organophosphorus pesticides detected include carbaryl (0.052 mg/kg) in pumpkin, this is below European maximum residues limit (EU MRL) of 0.1 mg/kg, Dimethoate was found in pumpkin (0.165 mg/kg), spinach (0.103 mg/kg) and sorrel (0.250 mg/kg) all above the EU MRL of 0.05 mg/kg. Dichlofenthion was detected in pumpkin (0.308 mg/kg), pirimiphos methyl was detected in pumpkin and spinach (0.428 mg/kg and 0.149 mg/kg respectively), all these were below the EU MRL of 0.5 mg/kg. Chlorpyrifos was found in spinach (0.230 mg/kg) and sorrel (0.192 mg/kg) only spinach was above the EU MRL of 0.2 mg/kg. The pesticide residue Bromophosethyl was detected in all vegetables, pumpkin leaves (0.501 mg/kg), sorrel (1.571 mg/kg) and spinach (7.981 mg/kg) all above the EU MRL of 0.5 mg/kg. The remaining pesticides detected were all below their EU MRL value;these are Ethion found in spinach (0.167 mg/kg), Methyl Parathion in spinach (0.103 mg/kg) and sorrel (0.335 mg/kg). The levels of some of the organophosphorus pesticide residues found in vegetables were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Union. This calls for laws to regulate the use and circulation of such chemicals. Based on the observation made in these studies, it is proposed that more extensive monitoring investigation covering all vegetables part in Akwanga Nasarawa state be carried out to find the exact position of pesticide residues.

Aqueous Extract of Erythrina senegalensis Exhibits Dose-Dependent Hepatoprotective Activity on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats

Erythrina senegalensis is utilized in the treatment of liver diseases in folklore medicine in most of northern Nigeria, but sufficient pharmacological-based and peer-reviewed scientific literature is not available to authenticate its use in the treatment of liver ailments. This research is aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective effects of Erythrina senegalensis against paracetamol-induced (PCM-induced) hepatotoxicity in wistar albino rats. This was evaluated by estimating the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as compared with the control group. The extract was concentrated and then desired concentrations of extracts were made by dissolving in normal saline. Four different doses of aqueous extracts Erythrina senegalensis (200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) were administered orally for 6 consecutive days after the 72 hrs administration of paracetamol (1500 mg/kg) per body weight. Paracetamol significantly induced oxidative stress in the liver, ultimately leading to increased serum levels of liver enzyme markers like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Administration of the extracts showed significant (p 0.05) and dose-dependent hepatoprotective activity resulting in decrease in the activity of ALT, AST and ALP. These data revealed that Erythrina senegalensis aqueous extracts possess significant hepatoprotective activity against PCM-induced toxicity attributable to its constituent phytochemicals. The mechanism of hepatoprotection seems to be through the modulation of antioxidant enzyme systems.

Domestic and Peri-Domestic Study Reveals the Presence of Probably <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>

Acanthamoeba is free living amoeba consisting of many species that are naturally pathogenic and have been isolated from different environmental sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and relative abundance of Acanthamoeba species in soil and water samples within the University of Jos environment and to create public health awareness on the dangers of this parasitic protozoan. The study was conducted in the eleven (11) Faculties of the University of Jos. Soil and water samples were collected from each of the faculties, cultured and morphologically identified for positive samples. In addition, quantitative data on occurrence were examined to help better understand the potential risk to the university community. The prevalence of Acanthamoeba based on the chi-square analysis indicates that there is a significant difference between the number of Acanthamoeba species in the soil and water samples collected (P < 0.05). Relative abundance of Acanthamoeba based on the Man-Whitney test indicates that there was no significant difference in the distribution of Acanthamoeba species in the water and soil samples between different faculties (P > 0.05). Morphological identification indicates the presence of probably Acanthamoeba castellani. The demonstration of the presence of Acanthamoeba species in soil and water sources calls for awareness among the clinical community, as cases of keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis might have never been recorded due to lack of expertise or unawareness amongst the clinical community. An improved treatment of water supply and strict adherence to water act needs to be strictly encouraged.