Makurdi Town Research Articles

Zoonotic parasite contamination of some green, leafy and spicy vegetables sold in major markets of Makurdi metropolis, Benue state

Consumption of contaminated vegetables can result in parasite ingestion with subsequent health problems. The spread of zoonotic parasites through contaminated vegetables is a complicated problem that requires attention to ensure food safety and protect public health. This study investigated the zoonotic parasitic contamination of some green, leafy, and spicy vegetables sold in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State. A cross-sectional study was designed in which four hundred green, leafy, and spicy vegetables consisting of five different vegetables, were collected from five markets in Makurdi town, Benue state. Sediments obtained by washing the vegetables with normal saline were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for five minutes before being subjected to flotation, sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the microscope at various magnifications. The overall prevalence of zoonotic parasites was 59.75%. Strongyloides spp. larvae (40.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. Oocyst (0.5%), Balantidium coli cyst and trophozoite (7%), Ascaris spp (5.75%), Taenia spp. (9%), Strongyle ova (4.5%), and Giardia lamblia cyst (1.5%) were identified. Results showed a significant relationship between vegetable type and parasite contamination of vegetables (p < 0.05), but no significant relationship between market location and parasite contamination (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites observed in this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables. The study recommends public enlightenment of vegetable sellers and consumers in Makurdi on the importance of hand hygiene and safe handling of vegetables to prevent exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.

The Impact of Street-Vended Bean Cake on Residents in Makurdi Town, Nigeria

With the rate of urbanization in third-world cities, street-vended foods play a vital role in providing many urban residents with cheap, nutritious, and accessible food regardless of its safety, quality, and hygiene. This study assessed the impact of street-vended bean cake on residents in Makurdi town, Nigeria, which covered two council wards, namely North-Bank Ward I and North-Bank Ward II. A sample of 30 street-vended bean cakes was collected from vendors in 10 locations within Makurdi town for laboratory analysis. Miles and Misra's technique was performed in triplicate to determine the total bacterial counts. The vendor’s socioeconomic characteristics, cleanliness, and bean cake security were assessed. The bean cake vendors are between the age group 26 - 35 years. Most vendors have completed primary school and earn ₦11,000 - ₦25,000 monthly from bean cake vending. Although 66.7 % of bean cake street vendors wear a neat apron and trim their nails short, however, 73.3 % serve their customers with bare hands, which implies a high possibility of bean cake contamination. It also implied that vendor’s hygiene factors and improper handling of bean cake can cumulatively affect the quality of bean cake available to Makurdi residents and could lead to loss of man-hour productivity. Four bacterial pathogens were identified in the study area; Bacillus spp. had the highest percentage (33.33 %), closely followed by Staphylococcus aureus (30.00%), Proteus spp. (20.00 %), while E. Coli maintained the least with (16.67%). The presence of Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., and E. Coli implied a threat to human health. The study recommended proactive measures to be taken to forestall food-borne diseases, public awareness campaigns on food hygiene, and routine inspection of street bean cake vending locations.

Spatial patterns of intra-urban mobility and urban residential choices in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria

Spatial patterns of intra-urban mobility and urban residential choices in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria

Spent Automobile Oil Degradation Potential of Bacteria Isolates within Makurdi Town Journal of Environmental Science April 2023

Spent Automobile Oil Degradation Potential of Bacteria Isolates within Makurdi Town Journal of Environmental Science April 2023

Assessment of Microbial Contamination of Solid Herbal Medicine sold in Makurdi Metropolis

The consumption of herbal medicines is a common practice in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. However, the safety and quality of these products have been a concern due to the potential contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate and identify microorganisms from powdered herbal medicines sold in Makurdi and Adikpo towns in Nigeria. A total of 30 samples were collected from various herbal medicine vendors and subjected to microbiological analysis. The samples were processed using standard microbiological techniques, including culture, microscopy, mycological identification and biochemical identification. The results showed that samples from both towns were contaminated with microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Bacteria species isolated include Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. the most occurring bacterium was Escherichia coli with the occurrence of 19 representing 25 %, while the most common fungal species include Aspergillus niger which had the occurrence of 143(29.61 %) respectively. This was followed by Trichosporon mucoides 116(24.02 %), Aspergillus ochraceus 92(19.05 %), Aspergillus flavus 70(14.49 %) and Rhizopus stolonifer 16(12.84 %) which had the least occurrence. The study also revealed that the contamination levels were higher in samples from Adikpo town compared to Makurdi town. These findings suggest that there is a need for improved quality control measures in the production and sale of herbal medicines to minimize the risk of microbial contamination and ensure consumer safety.

The Effect of Urban Expansion on Peripheral Agricultural Lands in Makurdi City

This study investigated the effects of urban sprawl on peripheral agricultural lands in Makurdi City over the period 1999-2012. The study conducted a land use and vegetation cover change (LULCC) analysis using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) data to analyze two epochs of Land Sat imagery, 1999 and 2012, acquired to achieve the objective. It was found that between 1999 and 2012, urban sprawl had a negative impact on peripheral agricultural land in Makurdi town, as it significantly reduced peripheral agricultural land. The study also revealed that despite the adverse impact of urban sprawl on peripheral agricultural lands in Makurdi town, its socio-economic impact has led to the establishment of infrastructural facilities such as roads, electricity, markets, and parks. Therefore, the study recommended that the agricultural landscape plan be incorporated by the government into urban land use planning systems so that urbanization does not interfere with agricultural activities and thus maximize their collective benefits.

Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Quality in and Around Benue State Brewery Limited (BBL) in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria.

Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Quality in and Around Benue State Brewery Limited (BBL) in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria.

Phenotypic Colour Variants in Batches of Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus from Some Commercial Fish Hatcheries

Aims: This research seeks to determine the ratio of dark skin and pale skin coloured fingerlings in batches of fingerlings produced in commercial African catfish hatcheries in Makurdi, Nigeria.
 Study Design: The study was designed based on a structured questionnaire that was administered to farmers that were selected using random sampling from a list of African catfish farmers.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Makurdi town, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Data collection was done between October 2021 and January 2022.
 Methodology: The current study used a blend of questionnaire and physical counting to determine the proportion of dark and pale offspring from five selected fish hatcheries in Makurdi, Local Government Area of Benue State. A sample of 140 to 300 offspring was made upon each visit to the farm (i.e. batch of production) with each farm being visited at least twice depending on the production timetable.
 Results: Results show that the farms normally incubated a similar weight of egg (p>0.05) with the range between 258g to 550g in each batch of production. The number of fry produced was scaled to 90% and it ranged from 165075 to 351450. Percentage of dark hued offspring ranged from 80% to 86% while that of pale offspring was between 14% and 20%. There was no correlation between turbidity and the colour classification. There was no significant difference between the farms in terms of incidence of dark or pale hued fingerlings suggesting that the colour proportion is constant within batches of fingerlings.
 Conclusion: Dark skin colour is dominant over pale skin colour in the African catfish Clarias gariepinus and water quality does not predict skin colour in this species under culture.

Prevalence of Eimeria oocysts among broiler and layer flocks in selected poultry farms in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Coccidiosis is an important enteric parasitic disease associated with significant economic losses to poultry farmers worldwide. This study evaluated the prevalence of coccidian infection in broilers and layers in Makurdi. A total of 228 fresh feacal samples were randomly collected from some selected farms in Makurdi and examined in the laboratory for the presence of Eimeria oocyst using simple floatation technique. The overall prevalence due to natural infection was 58.3%. Out of the 114 broilers and 114 layers sampled 62/114 (54.4%) broilers and 71/114 (62.3%) layers had Eimeria oocysts infection, respectively with layers having the highest prevalence. The age group prevalence showed that 1-4 weeks old broilers and 25-30 weeks layers had the highest prevalence. Significant differences in infection rate were seen in broilers (p˂0.05) but no statistical difference was observed among ages of layer chickens and coccidiostat administration history. The study concludes that the parasite is endemic in Makurdi town and proper control measures with good biosecurity practices and prophylactic anticoccidial programs must be implemented to reduce economic loss to the poultry farmers.

ANTHROPOGENIC WASTE EFFECTS ON AQUACULTURE IN RIVER BENUE AT MAKURDI, NIGERIA

River Benue originates from Cameroonian mountains and flows westwards into Nigeria covering about 1,488km into Makurdi. River Benue divides Makurdi town into North and South banks, occupied throughout its embankment by houses, markets, industrial and commercial structures producing all manners of municipal wastes and disposing them into the river while the same river is use for fishing and fish culture as well as the major source of water supply for the inhabitants living along the embankment. The purpose of the study was to assess the water quality parameters of River Benue at Makurdi metropolis for Aquaculture. Five sampling sites were selected along the water course at areas considered full of possible activities that are capable of affecting the quality of the river water for aquaculture. Water samples were collected monthly for a period of six months, (August to January). Water quality characteristics considered vital for aquatic life were examined: physical parameters investigated were Colour, Temperature, Turbidity, Suspended solids (SS) and Total dissolve solids(TDS); chemical parameters were pH, Total alkalinity, Total hardness Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphate, Nitrate, electrical conductivity, Dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand and Feacal coliform. Amongthe18 parameters studied: Water colour averagely appeared brownish, temperature ranged from 270c to 34.40c, turbidity (25.2 to 67.1 NTU), Suspended solids (22.5 to 55.6 mg/l), Total dissolve solids (189to820mg/l), pH (6.2 to 7.6),Total alkalinity (51.0 to 98.0 mg/l), Total hardness (58.0 to 141 mg/l),Phosphate (6.35 to 10.20 mg/l),Nitrate (2.1 to5.15mg/l),Magnesium (21.6 - 38.6 mg/l), Calcium (34.6 - 48.2 mg/l),Iron (0.37 - 1.35 mg/l), electrical conductivity (89.6 to 565 μS/cm), Dissolved oxygen(14.4 to 18.4 mg/l), Biochemical oxygen demand(5.4 to 9.42 mg/l), Chemical oxygen demand(25.7 to 33. 0 mg/l) and Feacal coliform(34.1 to 87.2 MPN). Most of their mean values were within the limit of FAO for aquaculture, except Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Phosphate which might not be suitable for some species of fishes and fish culture without some level of treatment.

Fluoride levels in deep aquifers of Makurdi, North-central, Nigeria: an appraisal based on multivariate statistics and human health risk analysis

Fluoride enrichment of groundwater has been adjudged to be a global environmental challenge in the past decade as most humans depend on groundwater for their domestic needs. This study was conducted to investigate the ionic and fluoride concentrations in borehole water and its associated health risk potentials to residents of Makurdi town and its environs, Benue state, Nigeria. Multivariate statistical techniques were for the first time used to explain the mechanisms of fluoride occurrence in groundwater in the study area. An aggregate of sixty-three (63) groundwater samples were retrieved from boreholes in twenty-one (21) diverse points within the study area and assessed for its physico-chemical composition with emphasis on fluoride content and health risk potentials following standard field and laboratory procedures. It was observed that fluoride content in the sampled water exceeded the stipulated safe limit of 1.5mg/L in about 33.33% of the total samples and ranged from 0.34 to 2.06mg/L with an average of 1.26 ± 0.41mg/L. Moderate affirmative relationships were observed to exist between F- and TDS, F- and EC, F- and Cl-, and F- and NO3- in the water samples indicative of a common source pollution. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that high fluoride content in the water samples was associated with the dissolutions from quartzite and shale into the underlying deep aquifers as well as from contributions from anthropogenic activities including fertilizer and pesticide uses. Fluoride risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) for ingestion of fluoride laden water exceeded the threshold value in 66.7, 71.4, 52.4, and 9.5% of the samples for infants, children, teenagers, and adults respectively. It was found that multivariate statistical procedures such as PCA and correlation analysis (CA) are capable of establishing the relationship among groundwater pollutants, while hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was found suitable for explaining the likely sources/processes of pollutant enrichment in the groundwater. It is recommended that the findings of this study would serve as a basis for policy makers and regulatory bodies towards ameliorating the menace of groundwater contamination within the study area.

INTEGRATING DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL, LANDUSE/LANDCOVER AND FLOOD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS: A DETERMINISTIC APPROACH TO FLOOD INUNDATION AND RISK MODELING OF MAKURDI ALONG ITS RIVER BENUE REACH

The study applied GIS techniques to integrate Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Landuse/Landcover (LULC) and flood frequency analyses to determine extent of flood hazard inundation of Makurdi town along its River Benue reach following extreme discharges and stage levels. Annual maximum stage and discharge data from 1914 to 2015 was analyzed using Gumbel’s distribution to predict flood flow for different return periods (T): 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100. A goodness of fit test was conducted using Chi square statistics, which was insignificant indicating that River Benue at Makurdi flood flow fits the Gumbel distribution. Combining this result with DEM and classified LULC data, the GIS spatial analyst tool was used to estimate the areal extent of landuse that will be inundated per return period. The result shows extent of flood inundation based on current landuse pattern for the respective return periods of predicted extreme stage / discharge likely due to climate change to be as follows: bareland (1.69, 1.74, 1.78, 1.84, 1.83, 1.89 km2); settlement/built-up (5.38, 5.50, 5.63, 5.76, 5.76, 6.02 km2); farmlands (272.27, 283.59, 295.10, 306.43, 306.43,and 317.49 km2); Vegetation (91.56, 95.26, 98.78, 102.45, 102.48, and 105.95 km2); water bodies (0.21,0.21, 0.22,0.22,0.22, and 0.22 km2) and Wetlands (44.14, 45.80, 47.48, 30.36,49.42 and 50.78 km2). This reveals a general increase in the extent of flood inundation at progressive recurrence interval, and predicted rising extreme river stage heights / discharge except for the flood with 50 year recurrence interval. The study recommends that NEMA and Benue State Urban Development Board

Urbanization and its Impact on Agricultural Lands in Growing Cities in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria

Land is a basic, definite and important natural resources which supplies most of man’s food. However, urbanization has remains the major threats challenging the sustainability of agricultural lands in most major growing cities of the developing countries. This research work was carried out to assess the impacts of urbanization on arable land in Makurdi town. The study used Remote Sensing and GIS with satellite images to analysis, mapped and quantified the land use types and extent at which agricultural lands are lost to urbanization within the study period. The findings revealed that the land use types had changed significantly within the study period. The result also shown that, the study area has lost 200km² of agricultural land representing 19% of the total landmass to urbanization within the study period. Built –up has gained 336km² representing 32% of the total landmass of the study area within the same period. Thus, the study area has emerged from being predominantly rural area to a city with an appreciable urbanization level. The study recommended that: i. effective and proper management strategies to control urban expansion to agriculture lands by the government are taken such as integrating agricultural land use into urban land use planning. ii. Proactive measure is taken by all stakeholders in the study area towards a better understanding of the changing pattern of land use of the area.

COMPETENCE OF ESL STUDENTS IN GRAMMATICAL STRUCTURES

Knowledge of basic elements of English grammar facilitates communicative competence. Grammatical structure, therefore, constitutes a main component of English language study at all school levels in Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the grammatical competence of senior secondary school three students as candidates of senior school certificate examination (SSCE). The study subjects were some one hundred regular senior secondary school certificate examination (SSCE) candidates in Makurdi town in central Nigeria. The test instrument comprises of thirty structural items adopted from a particular past SSCE English language paper 2 of West African Examination Council (WAEC). The data were analyzed with percentage and frequency statistics. The results of the data analysis show that the students are particularly weak in question tags, phrasal verbs, subject-verb concord, modal meanings, subjunctive mood, tense backshift, personal pronoun objective case, correlative conjunction and compound noun plurals. These deficiencies affect their communication in English and invariably their performance in senior school certificate English examination. It is therefore recommended that students at this level should be taught basic elements of grammar to aid their proficiency in communication. Article visualizations:

Microbial hazards associated with pig carcasses and molecular detection of enterotoxigenic <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> at different stages of the slaughter process

Foodborne diseases have sparked a wave of continuous public health concern and the need for proactive measures to be taken in our communities. This study is aimed at determining the microbiological hazards associated with the pig slaughter process, assess the critical control points and screen for enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus. Three pig slaughter and processing facilities located within Makurdi town, Nigeria were utilized for the study. Swabs from carcasses during the slaughter process and the butchers’ hands, water used for washing carcasses and meat samples were all processed using standard bacteriological procedures. A total of 241 samples consisting of 150 swabs from 50 carcasses, 32 hand swabs, 9 water and 50 meat samples were evaluated during the study period. Aerobic plate counts (APC) and total coliform bacteria counts (TCBC) were evaluated. The mean APC at the different sampling sites ranged from 7.89 to 8.18 logCFU/cm2 while the mean TCBC ranged from 6.70 to 7.45 logCFU/cm2 . APC and TCBC were significantly different (P 0.05) in samples obtained from the butchers’ hands, although water samples generally had the highest mean APC (8.35 logCFU/ml). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 54 (22%) of the 241 samples with 8 (13.8%) of the isolates harbouring one or more enterotoxin genes (sea-17.5% and sed-2.5%). Bleeding, evisceration/splitting, transportation to retail outlets and all stages involving washing were identified as critical control points. Pork consumers in Makurdi were advised to properly cook pork before eating to prevent possible infection and/or intoxication. Keywords : Aerobic plate count, Carcass, Contamination, Enterotoxin, Points, Pork, Total coliform bacteria count

Modelling traffic noise level on roadside traders at Wurukum market area in Makurdi town, Benue state – Nigeria

Noise level prediction model was built for road side traders at an open market area of Wurukum market in Makurdi town. One week survey was carried out to measure noise level, traffic volume, vehicles speeds and distances from the edge of road shoulder. The study revealed that roadside traders expose themselves to average noise levels of 82.33dB (A), 77.48dB (A) and 74.38dB (A) at distances of 0m, 5m and 10m respectively from the edge of roadway. At 0m, the noise level was slightly below World Health Organization ( WHO ) specification of 85dB (A), beyond which noise pollution is hazardous. At 10m, the noise level was ab ove minimum safe level of 55dB (A). The model indicates high level of ambient noise which was attributed to intensive market activities from the background. The model was checked using Chi square test at 5% level of significance and coefficient of determin ation (R 2 =0.7216) which gave satisfactory results. A strategy of relocation and splitting the market was proposed for local government council’s consideration. Key words : Wurukum Market, Ambient noise, Traffic noise, safe noise threshold, roadside traders .

Wetland Loss in Makurdi Town and Its Environs in North Central Nigeria: Implication for Gender

ABSTRACTThe study examined wetland loss in Makurdi Town and its environs in Benue State, North Central Nigeria 1976-2006. Remote Sensing Technology and Geographic Information System technology were used in carrying out its analysis. Four epochs of Land Sat images 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006 were acquired, classified and analysed using Land use Land cover change analysis techniques. The result showed that between in 1976 to 2006 wetland had declined from thirty-seven percent to fifteen percent of the study area. The study concludes that there is significant loss in the total amount of wetland in the study area. The loss of wetland in the study area could have significant implication on gender due to potential impact on ecosystem function leading to loss in function and benefits the wetlands provide. The study recommends the protection of wetlands and further investigation in the loss of wetland in the entire region.

Reproductive Parameters of the West African Dwarf Bucks Raised in the Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were evaluated for reproductive parameters in relation to age. The age of the WAD bucks was determined using the dentition estimation method and varied from less than one year to two years. Reproductive samples (scrotal circumference, testicular density, scrotal weight, left and right testicular weights, left and right tunica weights, left and right testicular length, left and right caput epididymal weights, left and right corpus epididymal weights, left and right caudal epididymal weights) from the bucks were collected twice weekly from Modern Market and Wurukum Abattoirs in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria for a period of three months and evaluated at the Anatomy Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University Agriculture, Makurdi. Scrotal circumference values recorded (18.97± 1.14, 18.57±0.21 and 23.90±1.04cm) for the bucks that were less than one year were similar with those of the one year old bucks and these values were significantly (P 0.05) from one another. Right testicular length, left testicular length, right caudal epididymal and left corpus epididymal weight values recorded for the various age brackets were 7.67±0.21, 8.17±0.18, 8.87±0.27cm; 7.60±0.20, 8.11±0.16, 8.93±0.27cm; 2.40±2.17, 2.66±0.08, 3.05±0.18 and 0.47 ±0.04, 0.53±0.22, 0.59±0.04g espectively. Generally, values recorded for the two years old bucks were higher than other values. The result of this study suggests that overall weights of reproductive organs of WAD goats increased with age. Key Words: Reproductive Parameters, West African Dwarf Goats.

Suitability of Lemna Trisulca (Duckweed) in Water Purification

The research was aimed at studying the effectiveness of duckweed as a coagulant/disinfectant in the treatment of water and wastewater. Water sample was obtained from River Benue and duckweed was harvested near a residential area in Makurdi Town, Nigeria. Laboratory experiments were carried out using dosage, pH, temperature, initial concentration and Flocculating Speed as variables for both disinfection and coagulation. Results obtained revealed that, the optimum conditions with respect to disinfection (bacteria load removal) were; Dosage=0.4ml, pH=9, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=300µm and Flocculating speed=90rev/min, with highest percentage removal of 91% and 82% for the filtrate and powder respectively. For coagulation (turbidity and suspended solid removal), the optimum conditions were; Dosage=0.2ml, pH=5, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=633FTU and Flocculating Speed=90rev/min with the highest percentage removal at 84.3% and 80.4% for duckweed filtrate and powder respectively. It is recommended that, duckweed filtrate and powder should be used in water purification for drinking and greywater respectively.

Suitability of Lemna Trisulca (Duckweed) in Water Purification

The research was aimed at studying the effectiveness of duckweed as a coagulant/disinfectant in the treatment of water and wastewater. Water sample was obtained from River Benue and duckweed was harvested near a residential area in Makurdi Town, Nigeria. Laboratory experiments were carried out using dosage, pH, temperature, initial concentration and Flocculating Speed as variables for both disinfection and coagulation. Results obtained revealed that, the optimum conditions with respect to disinfection (bacteria load removal) were; Dosage=0.4ml, pH=9, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=300µm and Flocculating speed=90rev/min, with highest percentage removal of 91% and 82% for the filtrate and powder respectively. For coagulation (turbidity and suspended solid removal), the optimum conditions were; Dosage=0.2ml, pH=5, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=633FTU and Flocculating Speed=90rev/min with the highest percentage removal at 84.3% and 80.4% for duckweed filtrate and powder respectively. It is recommended that, duckweed filtrate and powder should be used in water purification for drinking and greywater respectively.