ABSTRACT This Research examines the heavy metal distribution of a dumpsite in Uvwie Local Government Area along Warri Port Express-Way of Delta State Nigeria. A total of eight (8) soil samples and (2)-plant sample were collected from the study area and also control site using a systematic sampling technique. Samples were taken to the lab and analyzed to determine the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal content. The dumpsite is contaminated with heavy metals such as iron (ranging from...
Intestinal parasitic infections caused mainly by protozoa and helminths are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where adequate water and proper sanitation are lacking. Helminthiasis has been listed among the three most prevalent diseases in Tharaka-Nithi County. The residents are mainly small scale nonmechanized farmers hence there is frequent contact with the soil. Chronic parasitic infection among students negatively affects their health, nutrition, cognitive dev...
Kenya is experiencing acute water shortage resulting to water rationing, conflict among water users, increased water prices among others. Therefore, there is need for water conservation. One of the water conservation methods available today is greywater reuse. Greywater is domestic wastewater generated from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry activities. According to World Health Organization (WHO) each household in capital cities of most countries produces an average greywater flow of 356 litre...
Most of biochemical reactions in the body generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes, nephrotoxicity, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammation and neurological disorders when they attack biochemical molecules like proteins, lipids and nucleic acid. Antioxidants are used to protect the cells or tissues against potential attack by ROS. Natural based antioxidants such as catalase, glutathione, superoxi...
Ilesi market in Kakamega County has been known for pottery for more than five decades in spite of the fact that the clays used have not been scientifically characterized. The potters register significant losses in their production due to swelling during molding, breakages during drying and firing. The objective of this study was to characterize the clays with a view to determining their suitability for pottery. Clay soils from Ilesi deposits in Kakamega County have been physically and chemica...
The practice of skin-lightening has reached epidemic levels in many nations around the globe, and especially in many African countries. In Kenya, the practice is common in major urban centres like Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa. The skin lightening cosmetics occur in various forms including topical creams, soaps and bleaching powders. Ingredients such as hydroquinone (HQ), mercury (Hg), arbutin (ART), kojic acid (KA), ascorbic acid (AA), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) are used in sk...
The health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on survival, growth and development of a child as well as health and well being of a mother are well documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are among organizations promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Factors influencing breastfeeding have been well researched but there is paucity of data on factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to esta...
East Coast Fever is a disease of cattle which results in high animal mortality with corresponding economic losses to farmers and to the nation. The disease is caused by a protozoan agent whose vector is Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Brown Ear Tick). The tick feeds dominantly inside the cattle ear. Studies have shown that the adults of R. appendiculatus exhibit „pull-push‟ effect that guides them to their preferred feeding site. This is linked to the presence of ear volatiles which attrac...
Naturally occurring radioactivity has existed in our environment since the creation of the earth. Uranium, thorium and potassium radionuclides are relatively abundant in rocks and soils. Poor agricultural practices such as excessive use of fertilizers also lead to accumulation of radioactive elements in the soil. Due to their radiation, these radionuclides pose exposure risks which could lead to health related problems like cancer to the people exposed. There is therefore a growing concern on...
The emergence of bacterial resistance to existing antibiotics and other drugs is a worldwide problem. New classes of antimicrobial compounds with complete new mode of action are therefore urgently needed to control the rise of the multidrug resistant pathogens. The objective of this study was to prepare, and characterize halfsandwich organometallic compounds of iron containing amine ligands with similar backbones as drug molecules used in the treatment of TB and to test their biological activ...
Nickel doped tin oxide and tin monoselenide thin films were coated using spray pyrolysis. Nickel doped tin oxide Precursor solution was prepared using a 0.05M Tin (II) Chloride (SnCl4.2H2O) and 0.05M Nickel chloride 6-hydrate (NiCl2.6H2O) in de-ionized water and then being added in ethanol in the ratio 1:1 to get equal proportions, followed by about 2-3 drops of hydrochloric acid. Doping tin oxide was done using uniform concentration of (NiCl2.6H2O) of 0-10 %. Precursor solution of tin sele...
Hypoglycaemia in neonates is defined as blood glucose concentration below 1.1mmol/l for term neonates. A common abnormality in neonates, it is associated, with neurological damage and death when it occurs in the first few days of life. This is more pronounced in rural set-ups without the knowledge, detection and management facilities. When promptly diagnosed and managed, its effects can be prevented or minimized. Studies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) show that 59.8% of all neonates ...
Bagasse, a fibrous residue from Sugar mills, is not easily biodegradable posing disposal challenges. Given its abundance in the sugar producing regions of Kenya, there is continued need to find other alternative uses. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential use of sugarcane bagasse-based adsorbents for removing Cd2+, Pb2+, methylene blue and turbidity from water spiked with the contaminants. Four bagasse-based adsorbents were prepared and used in batch experiments. Sugarc...
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is referred to as the golden crop of the future. There is a concern in Kenya on its production due to the fact that the country remains a net importer of this vital food to the tune of 100,000 tons annually yet the country has the potential to produce that capacity locally. The major impediments in local production are singled out as: Expensive farm inputs in form of fertilizers and use of inferior soybean varieties in terms of effective nodulation. The nodu...
Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human health. Its numerous structural and biochemical functions at the cellular and sub cellular level makes it very important during pregnancy. Maternal serum Zn levels at the time of conception and in pregnancy plays a major role in maternal and child health. It is an important determinant of foetal growth and development. Despite availability of data to demonstrate widespread micronutrient deficiency in pregnancy, minimal studies have examined the sta...