Dr. IGBORGBOR JUDE CHUKWUEMEKE
Publication Title Improving waste management and public health, using the participatory model in Delta State
Publication Type journal
Publisher Journal of Applied Sciences.
Publication Authors Egun, N.K and Igborgbor, J.C
Year Published 2023-03-03
Abstract Achieving sustainable development goals of environmental sanitation and public health has led to a focus on developing innovative and sustainable approaches to improving public health in low-income areas. The inadequacy of the diffusion model of communication in achieving the desired citizens’ behavioural change to improve environmental sanitation in the country has necessitated the need for this study. This study proposes a participatory model for improving waste management and public health in Delta State. Respondents’ opinions on the operational perception of the proposed participatory model acknowledged the need for a change in the operational mechanism and approaches to the implementation of the national environmental sanitation policy in the State. With the commencement of the review of the national policy on environmental sanitation to reflect current global concerns, the adoption of the participatory model mechanism for development communication will propagate collective action toward improved environmental sanitation and reduce socio-economic exclusion in Nigeria.
Publication Title Physicochemical and microbial properties of soil samples collected from auto-mechanic workshop, Orubor-Agbor, Delta State.
Publication Type journal
Publisher Arid Zone Journal of Basic and Applied Research Faculty of Science, Borno State University Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Publication Authors Igborgbor, J.C, Imarhiagbe, E.E, Okolafor, F.I and Ekhaise F.O
Year Published 2022-02-02
Abstract Auto-mechanic workshops are major concerns due to the repeated discharge of spent engine oil to the receiving soil. This study investigated the qualities of soil samples from an auto-mechanic workshop located in Orubor, Abgor, Delta State, Nigeria. The collected soil (n=36) was characterized for physicochemical and bacteriological quality using standard procedures. The physicochemical results wet season were pH (5.25 ± 0.07 to 6.15 ± 0.07), electrical conductivity (45.0 ± 7.07 to 165 ± 7.07 µS/cm), organic carbon (1.53 ± 0.42 to 10.1 ± 0.16 %), nitrogen (0.05 ± 0.00 to 0.44 ± 0.01 %), phosphorus (0.69 ± 0.05 to 5.20 ±0.02 mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (151 ± 1.41 to 572 ± 3.53 mg/kg). The dry season recorded pH (4.78 ± 0.04 to 5.73 ± 0.04), electrical conductivity (44.1 ± 6.29 to 1.62 ± 4.60 µS/cm), organic carbon (1.21 ± 0.07 to 7.52 ± 0.13 %), nitrogen (0.47 ± 0.00 to 0.58 ± 0.00 %), phosphorus (0.90 ± 0.57 to 6.79 ± 0.09 mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (98.9 ± 0.44 to 373 ± 6.36 mg/kg). There was no significant difference (p?0.05) in the physicochemical parameters concerning the sampling periods. The total heterotrophic bacterial and total naphthalene utilizing bacterial counts were 9.67 ± 1.04 × 105 cfu/g and 5.40 ± 0.88 × 105 cfu/g respectively. The major bacterial isolates were Serratia, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Providencia spp. Findings from this study revealed the necessity for public education and stricter waste management practices within auto-mechanic workshops to stem the negative effects of spent auto-engine oil pollution in the ecosystem.
Publication Title Emerging Public Health Paradigms in Relation to COVID-19: A Review.
Publication Type journal
Publisher Black Sea Journal of Health Science.
Publication Authors Okolafor F.I, Igborgbor J, Odozi. OIkhajiagbe B and Ekahise F.O
Year Published 2021-01-01
Abstract This paper provided a clear cut definition of pandemic as a disease that are widespread, spanning through borders of the world, affecting large populations. The new coronavirus is a pandemic that emerged in Wuhan, China as case of unidentified etiology. Global pandemics in the time past saw the emergence of debilitating diseases such as Bubonic Plague, Small Pox, Spanish flu, Hong Kong flu, H7N9, SARS, Zika virus, Ebola virus, H1N1 influenza virus and most recently COVID-19. The incidence, the spread, conspiracy theories and management/eradication of COVID-19 influenced the global politics on COVID-19. The paradigmatic approach to the novel coronavirus underscore the inadequacies, challenges and indifferences of government to health care sector pre- COVID-19 era. Strict adherence to guidelines by WHO and CDC is a major public health intervention to tackle COVID-19. Some of the public health approach to diminish COVID-19 are effective response measures, upscale testing, improved quarantine system and public enlightenment. Effort should made by agencies in the front line of vaccine production to speed up development of safe and effective vaccines and work with Government to ensure fair and equitable allocation of these vaccines to the populace. Plant based therapy for the treatment and management of COVID-19 should be investigated and promoted. If we must win the war against COVID-19, all countries under the United Nations should bridge the gap in knowledge sharing with regards to research into vaccine and drugs to combat the deadly coronavirus.
Publication Title Chemical and microbiological quality of commercial fresh and frozen chicken drumstick in Umuahia, Nigeria.
Publication Type journal
Publisher
Paper Link https://doi.org/10.46676/ij-fanres.v3i3.113
Publication Authors Okolo J. C., Igborgbor, J. C. Anana, U.E. and Ogu, G. I
Year Published 2022-02-02
Abstract Chicken meat, an excellent source of good quality proteins, is highly susceptible to microbial contaminations and heavy metals from feeds, processing, and retailing environments, thereby posing health risks to consumers. Therefore, the proximate composition, heavy metal concentrations, and microbial loads of commercial fresh and frozen chicken drumsticks, randomly sourced from poultry farms and groceries, respectively, within Umuahia metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria, were investigated to ascertain their qualities. A total of 40 (20 each of the fresh and frozen) chicken drumstick samples were processed and analyzed for proximate (moisture, fats, ash, proteins, fibers, and carbohydrates), heavy metal (cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, zinc, and lead) contents, and microbial loads (total viable counts, Escherichia coli counts, Salmonella counts, Staphylococcus counts and fungal counts) and characterization using standard techniques. Results were analyzed statistically (p<0.01, 0.05). The fresh chicken drumstick samples had significantly higher (p<0.01, 0.05) levels of moisture (61.38 ± 0.34 %), proteins (22.30 ± 0.02 %), ash (5.27 ± 0.17 %) and microbial contents (0.24 × 102 CFU/g to 2.42 × 104 CFU/g), when compared with the frozen drumstick samples with significantly higher (p<0.01, 0.05) contents of fats (3.70 ± 0.13 %), carbohydrates (12.55 ± 0.27 %) and heavy metals (0.047 ± 0.017 mg/kg to 0.852 ± 0.456 mg/kg). This suggests that fresh chicken drumstick is more nutritionally beneficial, provided they are thoroughly treated with heat before consumption to prevent foodborne diseases from bacterial and fungal contaminations. Although the levels of heavy metals in both meat samples are below the toxic limits, consumers should be wary of bioaccumulation and bio-magnification of heavy metals when constantly exposed to them. Hence, constant surveillance of chicken meat is encouraged to monitor their exposure levels to these chemicals and biohazards.
Publication Title Impact of waste dumpsites on the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of well water sources located in their vicinities.
Publication Type journal
Publisher International Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology
Paper Link https://doi: 10.11648/j.ijee.20170202.14
Publication Authors Idise O.E and Igborgbor J.C
Year Published 2017-02-02
Abstract Indiscriminate dumping of wastes at any available space within the vicinity of residential quarters is a common practice in many developing countries like Nigeria. The negative environmental impacts of waste dumpsites have continued to generate public health concern. In this study, the impact of waste dumpsites on the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of underground water sources located within their vicinities in Delta State, Nigeria, were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. A total of 45 water samples were collected from hand dug wells in Warri, Agbarho and Agbor (all in Delta State) at distances of about 500m, 1km and 1.5 km radius of dumpsites and analysed for physicochemical and microbiological quality using the ASTM and standard microbiological techniques respectively. The results revealed that all the analyzed parameters decreased with distances away from the dumpsites. The physicochemical parameters such as turbidity, dissolved solid were significantly (P<0.05) above the WHO regulatory limits at ? 1km radius of most dumpsites. The total heterotrophic bacteria count, which ranged between 2.1 × 103 to 6.52 × 106cfu/ml, was also significantly (P<0.05) higher than regulatory limits. Findings from this study suggest that waste dumpsites could impact negatively on the microbial and some chemical qualities of hand dug well waters sited in their vicinities. Hence, the location of dumpsites at least 1km distance away from residential quarters as well as simple boiling and filtration treatment of drinking water sources in the study areas are recommended.
Publication Title Synthetic Biology in Nigeria: The Level of Awareness amongst Stakeholders
Publication Type journal
Publisher SCIEPublish
Paper Link https://doi.org/10.70322/sbe.2024.10015
Publication Authors Jude Chukwuemeke Igborgbor, Onyeka Kingsley Nwosu , Abubakar Madika, Geoffrey Otim, Emmanuel Adamolekun
Year Published 2024-09-30
Abstract Synthetic biology, an emerging field at the intersection of biotechnology and engineering, has seen a global surge in application and awareness, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its safe potentials to drive the bio-economy. This study aimed to assess the awareness and perceptions of synthetic biology among Nigerian biosciences stakeholders, including researchers, academicians, policymakers and students. The study employed a purposive online survey targeting diverse bioscience individuals and groups across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The study received 107 responses from balanced gender representation with majority within the age group of 31–45 years old. The findings revealed a significant knowledge gap, with only 27.1% of respondents familiar with synthetic biology and 23.4% entirely unaware of it. Most respondents associated synthetic biology with biotechnology or genetic engineering and identified its applications to be in agriculture, medicine, environmental sustainability and research. Despite recognizing its benefits, many expressed concerns about safety, ethics, and regulation; notably, 43.9% of the respondents had concerns about synthetic biology with primary focus on safety and ethical implications. As regards the regulation of synthetic biology, the study showed that 80.4% of the respondents supported the need for synthetic biology regulation with few of the respondents (16.8%) aware of existing agency mandated to regulate synthetic biology. The respondents provided valuable insights into the various ways synthetic biology can be advanced in Nigeria which include increased awareness and capacity building, engagement through social media platforms, integration into education curricula and increased funding and investment in the research. The overall sentiment towards synthetic biology was positive, with 81.3% supporting its practice and 76.6% recognizing its positive global impact. However, a significant portion of respondents remained undecided. This study concludes that there is substantial gap in the knowledge of synthetic biology among bioscience stakeholders in Nigeria and the need for a heightened advocacy including continuous conferences and symposiums for the Nigeria bioscience community on the global potentials, concerns and regulation of synthetic biology. This will foster the acceptance of safe and responsible synthetic biology in Nigeria, thereby contributing to the broader national bio-economy development
Publication Title THE SHELF LIFE OF TOMATO FRUITS (Solanum lycopersicum L.) TREATED WITH EXTRACTS OF TWO MEDICINAL PLANTS: Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina
Publication Type journal
Publisher International Journal of Environment
Paper Link DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/ije.v11i2.48653
Publication Authors Okolo, J. C., Igborgbor, J. C., Eze, E. M., Ogu, G. I. and Jonah, G. U.
Year Published 2022-09-17
Abstract Tomato remains one of the most nutritive edible berries but challenged by incessant attack and spoilage by fungi among others. The negative effects of synthetic preservatives have shifted attention to bio-preservatives. This study investigated the shelf-life of post-harvest tomato fruits treated with the two medicinal plants: Azadirachta indica (neem leaf) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) extracts. Fresh tomato fruits and leaves of both plants were sourced from Lokoja. The leaves were air-dried, pulverized and extracted with distilled water and absolute ethanol. The extracts were analyzed phytochemically and graded concentrations (2.5 g/mL - 10.0 g/mL) were applied to the tomato samples in five replications each. Weight loss, appearance of fungal mycelia and deteriorations on the tomato samples were monitored for 30 days. Fungal isolates from the deteriorated samples were recovered and subjected to in vitro inhibitory activities. Alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and tannins were present in both extracts, except for A. indica, where saponins was not detected. Both extracts significantly (p<0>0.05) from each other. These findings suggest that relatively higher concentrations of both plant extracts could be potential bio-preservatives to extend the shelf life of post-harvest tomatoes.
Keywords: Deterioration, fungi, neem leaf, phytochemicals, shelf life.
Publication Title Multidrug-resistance and biofilm formation profiles of Salmonella spp. isolated from raw chicken meat
Publication Type journal
Publisher Novel Research in Microbiology
Paper Link DOI: 10.21608/nrmj.2021.164551
Publication Authors G.I. Ogu, J.C. Okolo, J.C. Igborgbor, F.I. Akinnibosun
Year Published 2021-04-16
Abstract Available data showed that the recovery of multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing Salmonella spp. from
chicken meat is still scanty in Nigeria. Consequently, this study aimed to characterize the probable multidrugresistant
and biofilm producing Salmonella spp. prevalent in chicken meat vended in southern Nigerian markets.
About 240 randomly sampled chilled raw chicken meats were collected from open markets in Delta, Edo, Ekiti
and Ondo States, and then were analysed for detecting the presence of Salmonella spp.; using rinse
centrifugation-plating technique, serological examination and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The confirmed
Salmonella isolates were tested for multidrug-resistance and biofilm formation using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion
test and tissue culture plates, respectively. Out of 229 presumptively examined Salmonella isolates, 52 isolates
were confirmed as Salmonella spp., while 46 isolates were recorded as multidrug-resistant. The main serotypes
recovered were; S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (35/52; 67.31%), and S. enterica subsp. enterica
serovar Enteritidis (17/52; 32.69%). Biofilm characterization of the recovered Salmonella isolates were; strong
(OD > 0.240), 6 (11.5 %); moderate (0.120-0.240), 13 (25.0 %); weak (OD < 0.120), 19 (36.5 %), and nonbiofilm
producers (OD < 0.120), 14 (26.9 %). This study showed that multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing
Salmonella spp. were prevalent in raw chicken meat; vended within southern Nigerian open markets. Thus, there
is an urgent need for relevant regulatory agencies to enforce consumer's safety.