Advances in Environmental Health Sciences and Toxicology

CHLOROFORM FRACTION OF Ocimum gratissimum (LINN) LEAF EXTRACT EXERTS CYTOPROTECTIVE AND MEMBRANE-STABILIZING POTENTIALS ON PLUMBAGIN-INDUCED INFERTILITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The use of medicinal plants in combating infertility has been a traditional practice in enhancing male reproductive performance.

Objectives: This research was proposed to assess the impact of chloroform fraction of Ocimum gratissimum (CFOG) leaf extracts on sperm function, antioxidants status and histopathology in plumbagin-initiated male Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty rats were categorized into four groups (n=5) as follows: normal control as well as sterile control were administered water (groups 1 and 2 respectively); plumbagin-induced sterile rats treated with 100mg/kg CFOG leaf extract and 400mg/kg CFOG (groups 3 and 4 respectively) through gavaging for fourteen days.

Results: 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of CFOG notably increased the total antioxidant capacity, glutathione reduced levels alongside superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in a dose-reliant pattern but prevented plumbagin-mediated increase in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, CFOG significantly enhanced the sperm parameters of the sterile rats and fostered cytoprotection as evident in the histology of the testes of the CFOG-administered rats. A significant rise was noticed in the estradiol and testosterone levels in CFOG–treated rats compared to the sterile control.

Conclusion: Therefore, it could be inferred that Ocimum gratissimum leaf possesses a capacity to mitigate plumbagin-induced male reproductive dysfunction owing to its ability to boost the antioxidant capacity of the cells and reverse spermatocellular damage.

A REVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF MICROPLASTICS ON HUMAN HEALTH

WO Adetunji-Popoola, OO Fayehun — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Plastics are emerging sources of pollutants globally. The rise in global plastic output from 365.5 to 390.7 million tonnes between 2016 and 2021 depicts an unabating rise in the use of plastics worldwide. However, the resulting environmental pollution from microplastics (MPs) gotten from the degradation and weathering of large plastic wastes continues to negatively impact the health of humans that consumes fish, which serve as important sources of protein and vitamins. Bioaccumulated microplastics in fish gills and water bodies may lead to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental toxicity when consumed by humans.

Objectives: This study aims to review the literature to: examine the causes and fate of microplastics in aquatic habitats; determine how microplastics get to human body system; examine the effects possibly caused by MPs on fishes; aggregate the adverse effect of consuming contaminated fishes on human health; and identify the study gaps in microplastic pollution in aquatic habitats, especially in Nigeria.

Methods: The study adopts the narrative review approach and includes literature obtained through a search on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Jstor.

Conclusion: Findings from the study have implications for the need to direct research attention to the aquatic sources of microplastic pollution to save fish and humans.

CYPERMETHRIN EXPOSURE IMPACTS BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND THE METABOLISM OF LIVER ENZYMES IN AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)

AM Tiamiyu, IA Akinboboye — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Pesticides present in aquatic settings pose a threat to aquatic species as well as to people who rely on the ecosystem.

Objective: The effect of Cypermethrin on some biochemical parameters of the widely consumed African catfish, Clarias gariepinus was evaluated.

Methods: Healthy juvenile Clarias gariepinus (n = 60, mean, 198.42 ± 5.4g and 28 ± 1.23 cm) were procured from a farm and acclimatized for 14 days before exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Cypermethrin. The water was changed once every two days. Six fish each in groups A–E with replicates were exposed to 0.00, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0 ml/L of toxicant, respectively, for 96 hours. Water quality parameters were monitored. Blood was drawn from the caudal circulation, separated into plasma by centrifugation, and then the plasma's biochemistry was determined spectrophotometrically using Randox kits.

Results: The water's obtained physicochemical parameter values fell within the ranges necessary for freshwater fish viability. Group E had the highest total protein, albumin, and cholesterol values (10.40.36g/dl, 4.270.40g/dl, and 228.68mg/dl, respectively), while Group A without any toxicant had the lowest values (6.702.04g/dl, 2.001.32 g/dl, and 193.67g/dl, respectively). The experimental fish showed a dose-dependent rise in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with an increase in the quantity of the toxicant (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Fish with elevated transaminase levels typically have liver cells that are deteriorating or destroyed. An increase in the pesticide concentration in any body of water could cause abnormal biochemical dysfunction in the health and general condition of the fish.

THE USE OF AGROCHEMICALS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF FARMERS IN NIGERIA

BS Anuoluwa, VT Onilude, IA Anuoluwa , OE Johnson, NP Mathias, S Simidu — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The continuous loss of food, fibers, and other agricultural commodities in the farm world due to weed and pest diseases has created a lot of financial burden to the farm owners, contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria. To solve these agricultural problems, farmers have resorted to the use of agrochemicals to increase their production, a trend that poses a significant risk to public health. Sadly, the widespread use of these agrochemicals has remained unchecked, leading to contamination of the soil, water, and air, exposing the farmers to potentially toxic substances that negatively affect their health.

Objectives: This review examines the trends in the use of agrochemicals in Nigeria and the impact of these agrochemicals on farmers’ health.

Methods: Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, and Mendeley were the scientific databases searched. The keywords searched for were "agrochemicals", "farmers", "exposure routes", "occupational hazards", "PPEs", "pesticides", “fertilizers”, and "farmers’ health”. About seventy-three literature were obtained and screened down to forty based on six criteria.

Results: This review revealed the impact of agrochemical exposure on the health of farmers in Nigeria. It showed the common routes of exposure and the associated acute and chronic health effects. Case studies from Nigerian farming communities are discussed to underscore the severity of the issue.

Conclusion: While the use of agrochemicals has greatly increased the level of agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, it does pose serious health risks due to improper handling, unawareness, and lack of protection among farmers.

HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT AND POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL RISK OF TRACE METALS OF OGUNPA RIVER, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

PO Ayeku, AO Ajibare, PO Ogungbile — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Heavy metals have been continuously deposited and assimilated into water, biota, and sediments as a result of human activity's contamination of aquatic ecosystems.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the trace metals (Fe, Pb, Co, Zn, Cb, Cu, Mn, Ni) contamination and evaluate the status of pollution in Ogunpa River.

Methods: Water samples were taken monthly to analyze the heavy metal concentration, while several pollution indexes, including the human health risk analysis, degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), comprehensive pollution index (CPI), water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution load index (HPLI), and single factor pollution index were employed to ascertain the contamination status of the River.

Results: The concentrations mean of the nine heavy metals respectively for dry and wet seasons were; Pb (ND), Cr (ND), Cd (0.12±0.25), Co (0.30±0.65), Zn (29.90±70), Cu (14.45±23.06), Ni (0.21±0.59), Mn (83.42±36.64), Fe (34.40±76.87) and Pb (0.01±0.01), Cr (0.01±0.01), Cd (0.14±0.25), Co (0.01±0.01), Zn (11.15±24.00), Cu (9.33±20.50), Ni (0.14±0.47), Mn (29.31±27.64), Fe (58.71±48.35). Single factor pollution index were in this order; Pb < Cr < Cd < Co < Zn < Cu < Ni < Mn < Fe. HPLI results showed that Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, and Fe had a significant impact on the pollution level in both seasons, while WQI results during the dry and wet seasons were determined to be 2384.3 and 1144.2 respectively. CPI had a mean of 203.8 ranging from 4.4 to 923.4 and 101.2 ranging from 2.9 to 191.2 during the dry and rainy seasons respectively. HEI values ranged from 13.0 to 4211.7 during dry seasons and from 3.0 to 648.0 during wet seasons. The average wet season (290.6) and dry season (882.0) degrees of contamination were recorded during the sampling period. The metal hazard index (ingestion) varied from 0.00 (Cr) to 14.83 (Cu), while the values of the hazard index (dermal) varied from 0.00 (Cr) to 0.27 (Cu).

Conclusion: The substantial risk of heavy metal pollution in Ogunpa River implicated an indiscriminate discharge of agricultural, domestic and industrial waste along the Stream.

ACUTE TOXICITY AND HAEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ETHANOL BARK EXTRACTS OF Entandrophragma utile (DAWE & SPRAGUE) SPRAGUE AND E. angolense (WELW.) C.D.C. IN MALE MICE

OE Majebi , OY Ogunsanwo, IO Lawal, TO Elufioye — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Entandrophragma utile and E. angolense are traditionally used medicinal plants in Africa, yet their acute toxicity profiles remain underexplored.

Objectives: This study investigated the acute toxicity and haematological and histopathological effects of ethanol bark extracts of E. utile and E. angolense in male mice.

Method: Fifty adult male mice were allocated into five groups per extract. While the control group received normal saline, treatment groups were orally administered increasing doses (200–1600 mg/kg) of each plant extract for 14 days. Parameters assessed included body weight, haematology, liver histology, and mortality to calculate the median lethal dose (LD₅₀).

Results: The LD₅₀ values were 2754.23 mg/kg for E. utile and 1862.1 mg/kg for E. angolense, indicating a higher toxicity potential for the latter. Haematological analysis revealed dose-dependent reductions in packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb), particularly with E. angolense. Liver histology showed mild changes at low doses but significant hepatic congestion and necrosis at higher concentrations, especially in E. angolense-treated groups.

Conclusion: Both extracts exhibited dose-dependent haematological and hepatic effects. While relatively safe at low doses, high concentrations pose hepatotoxic risks, emphasizing the need for controlled therapeutic use.

MOLLUSCICIDAL POTENTIAL OF Tetrapleura tetraptera AND Spondias mombin AGAINST Bulinus globosus

KJ Kone, AK Onifade, OS Oladejo — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of major global concern. Resistance to praziquantel, the primary drug used for schistosomiasis control, has been reported in endemic regions, highlighting the need for alternative strategies such as snail vector control.

Objectives: This study evaluated the molluscicidal activity of cold water, hot water, and methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin and Tetrapleura tetraptera against Bulinus globosus, the intermediate host of urinary schistosomiasis.

Methods: Snails were exposed to varying extract concentrations (10–250 mg/L) for 24 hours.

Results: Results showed that all extracts of T. tetraptera exhibited significant molluscicidal activity, with LC₅₀ values as low as 10 mg/L and LC₉₀ values between 50 and 100 mg/L. In contrast, S. mombin showed moderate activity only at higher concentrations (150–250 mg/L), with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 150 mg/L and 200 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, T. tetraptera meets the criteria for an effective plant-based molluscicide and could serve as a locally available alternative to synthetic agents such as niclosamide.