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β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) as a Marker of Fungal Cell Biomass – Storage Stability and Relation to β-Glucan
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
205-209
Received:
18 May 2015
Accepted:
1 June 2015
Published:
14 June 2015
Abstract: Background. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) is a marker of fungal biomass. The purposes of this study was to determine, 1) the stability of the NAHA enzyme on stored filters, 2) the effect of air movement during the sampling of particles and resulting NAHA enzyme activity, and 3) the relationship between enzyme activity and β-glucan concentration. Methods. Replicate air, filtered (0.8 µm pore, cellulose acetate) samples were obtained and stored at room temperature. Then 7 to 12 samples were analysed at 0, 10, 20, 30 or 360 days. Air samples were collected in rooms with no activity, walking or with fan use. The NAHA activity on the filters was measured by adding an enzyme activator and the fluorescence was measured. The β-glucan concentrations were measured using a Limulus-based test with and without solubilisation with NaOH. Results. Storage of filters up to 360 days did not influence the content of NAHA. Movements in the room increased the NAHA values but agitation in terms of fan blowing did not increase the potential to detect differences between rooms with or without fungal growth. There was a relation between NAHA and the non-soluble fraction of β-glucan. Comments: Enzyme measurements of fungal biomass are rapid and easy to perform. The sensitivity and specificity of the method is high which makes it suitable for field use. Incorporation of the small fungal fractions in exposure assessment is important from a health point of view as they have a higher penetration rate into the deep parts of the lung. Summary: The evaluation of the enzyme method to determine fungal growth further supports the relevance of this method to relate to medical effects of fungal exposure.
Abstract: Background. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) is a marker of fungal biomass. The purposes of this study was to determine, 1) the stability of the NAHA enzyme on stored filters, 2) the effect of air movement during the sampling of particles and resulting NAHA enzyme activity, and 3) the re...
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Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Variation of Groundwater Quality in Udi-Ezeagu Watershed, Enugu Area Southeastern Nigeria
Tonia Nkiru Nwobodo,
Martin Atu Ngozika Anikwe,
Kevin Ejike Chukwu
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
210-217
Received:
13 June 2015
Accepted:
19 June 2015
Published:
2 July 2015
Abstract: This study was carried out to assess the spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality in Udi-Ezeagu Watershed, Enugu Area, Southeastern Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of groundwater samples in space and time and to ascertain the quality of groundwater using the parameter in comparison with WHO permissible limits. A total of five (5) groundwater samples were collected in triplicates from boreholes located at Ninth Mile Corner, Obioma, Umuase, Abor and Akama-Amankwo at two different time scales. The samples were collected in April (before the onset of rainy season) and September (before the cessation of rainy season), in 2014. The groundwater samples were analyzed in the laboratory for their physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. On comparing the results with standard values recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), it was discovered that most of the groundwater samples were within permissible limits with slight variation across the locations and in seasons. However, pH of the groundwater samples were not within the permissible limit of 6.50mg/l – 8.50mg/l in four different locations which are Ninth Mile Corner, Umuase, Abor and Akama-Amankwo with pH values of 5.60, 6.20, 5.00 and 5.00. Total hardness of the groundwater samples with values of 12.00mg/l, 58.50mg/l, 45.00mg/l, 15.50mg/l and 11.70mg/l in the dry season and 8.00mg/l, 59.00mg/l, 43.00mg/l, 12.00mg/l and 7.00mg/l respectively in the rainy season were not within the permissible limit of 100.00mg/l – 200.00mg/l in all the locations and in the seasons for Ninth Mile Corner, Obioma, Umuase, Abor and Akama-Amankwo respectively. Magnesium hardness of the groundwater samples with values ranging from 1.50mg/l - 1.65 in the dry season and 5.60mg/l - 6.80mg/l respectively in the rainy season were slightly above the permissible limit of 1.00mg/l in all the locations and in seasons. Total coliform were absent in all the locations during the dry season and was slightly in excess during the rainy season at 9th Mile Corner and Abor with a value of 4.00 per 100ml against the permissible limit 3.00. The study found out that minimal treatment is required in the study area and recommends continuous monitoring of the groundwater supply to keep the quality in check.
Abstract: This study was carried out to assess the spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality in Udi-Ezeagu Watershed, Enugu Area, Southeastern Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of groundwater samples in space and time and to ascertain the quality of groundwater using the param...
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Toxicological Effects of Organophosphates Pesticides
Mohamed A. Ghorab,
Mohamed S. Khalil
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
218-220
Received:
9 July 2015
Accepted:
27 July 2015
Published:
5 August 2015
Abstract: For many years organophosphate pesticides considered the main option for a lot of people in many countries to manage different pests. It's more than 70 years now and OPs still use with certain purposes in gardens, fields and greenhouses as crop protection agents, or even at houses as public health agents. Thus, year after year and with the repeating usage of organophosphate agents many problems were appeared as a result to excessive use of pesticides. The adverse effects of pesticides usage represented in the effects on human health, environment, pesticides residue in crops and soil & water contaminated by these pesticides. Therefore, it was necessary to throw a light on the risks that generated by irresponsible usage of organophosphate pesticides.
Abstract: For many years organophosphate pesticides considered the main option for a lot of people in many countries to manage different pests. It's more than 70 years now and OPs still use with certain purposes in gardens, fields and greenhouses as crop protection agents, or even at houses as public health agents. Thus, year after year and with the repeatin...
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Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt
Tubonimi Joseph Kio Ideriah,
Udonna Joseph Ikoro
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
221-232
Received:
20 July 2015
Accepted:
28 July 2015
Published:
10 August 2015
Abstract: The quality and suitability of boreholes water quality in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology were assessed for potability and irrigation purposes by analyzing the water for physico-chemical parameters, microbial contents and irrigation indices using standard methods. The results obtained were compared with permissible limits for drinking water provided by World Health Organization and Standard Organization of Nigeria The results showed pH ranged from 4.09 - 6.77 at 26.4 - 30.3°C, Turbidity <0.01 NTU in all the samples, Electrical Conductivity 20 - 407 mS/cm, Salinity <0.01 - 0.20‰,TDS 12 - 274 mg/l, Chloride <1.0 - 12.3 mg/l, Sulphate <1.0 - 15.5 mg/l, Phosphate <0.05 - 1.9 mg/l, Nitrate 0.30 - 6.20 mg/l, Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 2 - 8 mg/l, Total Hardness <0.1-34.6 mg/l, Calcium <0.08 - 9.2 mg/l, Magnesium <0.05 - 2.8 mg/l, Sodium <0.01 - 44.62 mg/l and Potassium <0.01 - 11.88 mg/l. The results of microbial analyses showed Total Heterotrophic Bacteria population ranged from Nil - 3000 cfu/ml, Total Coliform Bacteria 0 - 210 MPN/100ml while Faecal Coliform Bacteria were not present in all the samples. The Groundwater within the University is fresh, soft and has low pH. The water in some parts had high microbial count and therefore not suitable for drinking. The ground water in the area should be regularly monitored and treated to avoid serious pollution problems. The irrigation indices showed the water is suitable for irrigation and other purposes.
Abstract: The quality and suitability of boreholes water quality in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology were assessed for potability and irrigation purposes by analyzing the water for physico-chemical parameters, microbial contents and irrigation indices using standard methods. The results obtained were compared with permissible limits for ...
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Osmotic stress Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under HG and Elevated Temperature Environment
Ambreen Gul,
Asma Siddique,
Quratulain Syed,
Muhammad Nadeem,
Shahjahan Baig
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
233-237
Received:
20 February 2015
Accepted:
14 July 2015
Published:
19 August 2015
Abstract: The High Gravity (HG) ethanol fermentation at high temperature is very attractive and promising technology for fuel ethanol production. This study was designed to improve the osmotic as well as thermal behavior of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain isolated from distillery waste. Therefore, initial pH and substrate concentrations were optimized for this strain. The S. cerevisiae was subjected to thermal treatment to improve its fermentation ability without significant yield losses. At pHo 5.0, 95g/L ethanol was produced with the productivity (Qp) value of 1.02. The activation energy Ea value calculated at 30-40oC was 16.48kcal/mol indicating the thermal tolerance of the strain SC36. The results of glucose optimization revealed that at 250g/L glucose concentration, Qp, Yp/s and Yp/x value of 1.53g/Lh, 0.443g/g substrate and 41.4g/g biomass were obtained. The strain’s potential to be able to ferment very high gravity medium is very promising for fuel ethanol production
Abstract: The High Gravity (HG) ethanol fermentation at high temperature is very attractive and promising technology for fuel ethanol production. This study was designed to improve the osmotic as well as thermal behavior of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain isolated from distillery waste. Therefore, initial pH and substrate concentrations were optimized fo...
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