The successful deployment of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in biological pest control hinges on their ecological fitness and stress tolerance. In this study, we assessed the ecological traits and efficacy of six indigenous EPN isolates previously identified from distinct agroecological zones in Nigeria, targeting the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW). The isolates, identified as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Ib-CRIN68), Steinernema carpocapsae (Ib-IART45, Ib-ITUC102), Steinernema feltiae (Za-SAM), Steinernema nepalense (Ib-HORT), and Oscheius myriophilus (Ib-FRIN32), were subjected to a series of ecological bioassays to evaluate their performance under temperature variation, moisture stress, oxygen limitation, oxidative stress, and foraging conditions. Results revealed significant inter-and intra-isolate variability in ecological tolerance traits. Optimal infectivity and reproduction were recorded between 25 and 30 degrees C, while mortality sharply declined at 10 degrees C and 35 degrees C. Foraging ability varied across substrates and soil depths, with S. carpocapsae isolates exhibiting strong host-finding capability under dry and surface conditions. Desiccation and oxidative stress assays also demonstrated the superior resilience of S. carpocapsae isolates, which sustained low mortality under polyethylene glycol induced water stress and H2O2 exposure. Hypoxia assays indicated that all isolates were moderately tolerant to short-term anoxia, but only H. bacteriophora and the S. carpocapsae isolates survived above 50% at 72 h. Our study highlights the relevance of ecological screening as a prerequisite for selecting robust EPN candidate species and isolates suitable for biological control under variable conditions. The findings support the integration of indigenous EPN into sustainable pest management frameworks in sub-Saharan Africa.
This study investigated theoretical methane potential (TMP)and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of Longkong (Lk) waste (peel and seed) and fruit pulp, and Napier grass (NG). TMP values were calculated using modified Buswell stoichiometric equation, while BMP assays were conducted to determine methane (CH4 ) production. TMP results showed that Lk waste had higher theoretical CH4 yield (0.5 L/g) of volatile solids (VS) than that from Lk pulp (0.39 L/g VS) and NG (0.46 L/g VS). BMP results showed that measured CH4 yield was 0.21, 0.3 and 0.33 L/g VS for Lk waste, Lk pulp and NG, respectively. Lk peel is a more suitable substrate for biogas production compared to its pulp, due to high moisture content, low alkalinity and high volatile fatty acid of the latter. CH4 potential of the three substrates compared favorably with those of others such as grapes and banana peels. The study recommends Lk peels and its leftover pulp for biogas production in regions with high cultivation.
The photocatalysis research community is intensely focused on developing materials that offer a perfect blend of affordability, efficiency, and durability. Herein, novel hybrid Cu 2 FeSnS 4 -ZnO (CFTS-ZnO) hetero-structured nanocomposites in three different mass ratios and CFTS were designed by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method, while ZnO nanorods were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The CFTS-ZnO (CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3) nanocomposites, CFTS and ZnO were characterized for their crystal structure, surface morphology, and composition by XRD, HRSEM, TEM, and EDS, while UV–visible spectroscopy was employed to assess their optical properties and photocatalytic performance. XRD confirmed a tetragonal stannite crystal structure for CFTS, a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure for ZnO and a mixture of hexagonal wurtzite and tetragonal stannite crystal structures for CFTS-ZnO (CFZN1, CFZN2 & CFZN3) nanocomposites. The average crystallite sizes were found to be 5.1, 54.9, 58.3, 51.3 and 56.4 nm for CFTS, ZnO, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3, respectively. Morphological analyses revealed nearly spherical morphology for CFTS, well-defined nanorods for ZnO, and uniformly anchored CFTS spheres onto the surfaces of well-defined ZnO nanorods for CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3. The band gaps of CFTS, ZnONRs, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3 were found to be 1.47, 3.47, 2.51, 2.43 and 2.35 eV, respectively. The nanostructures were studied as photocatalysts for degrading malachite green (MG) dye under sunlight illumination. CFTS degraded about 54%, ZnONRs degraded about 51%, whereas CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3 degraded about 47%, 58% and 98% of the initial MG dye within 120 min of exposure to sunlight. The photocatalytic degradation of MG proceeded via first-order kinetics, with rate constants (k) found to be 0.0071, 0.0060, 0.0048, 0.0067, and 0.0127 min − 1 for CFTS, ZnONRs, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3, respectively. The findings suggest that the nanomaterials, particularly the CFZN3 nanocomposites, are effective and economical photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, offering a promising solution for organic dye degradation.
The photocatalysis research community is intensely focused on developing materials that offer a perfect blend of affordability, efficiency, and durability. Herein, novel hybrid Cu2FeSnS4-ZnO (CFTS-ZnO) hetero-structured nanocomposites in three different mass ratios and CFTS were designed by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method, while ZnO nanorods were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The CFTS-ZnO (CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3) nanocomposites, CFTS and ZnO were characterized for their crystal structure, surface morphology, and composition by XRD, HRSEM, TEM, and EDS, while UV–visible spectroscopy was employed to assess their optical properties and photocatalytic performance. XRD confirmed a tetragonal stannite crystal structure for CFTS, a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure for ZnO and a mixture of hexagonal wurtzite and tetragonal stannite crystal structures for CFTS-ZnO (CFZN1, CFZN2 & CFZN3) nanocomposites. The average crystallite sizes were found to be 5.1, 54.9, 58.3, 51.3 and 56.4 nm for CFTS, ZnO, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3, respectively. Morphological analyses revealed nearly spherical morphology for CFTS, well-defined nanorods for ZnO, and uniformly anchored CFTS spheres onto the surfaces of well-defined ZnO nanorods for CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3. The band gaps of CFTS, ZnONRs, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3 were found to be 1.47, 3.47, 2.51, 2.43 and 2.35 eV, respectively. The nanostructures were studied as photocatalysts for degrading malachite green (MG) dye under sunlight illumination. CFTS degraded about 54%, ZnONRs degraded about 51%, whereas CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3 degraded about 47%, 58% and 98% of the initial MG dye within 120 min of exposure to sunlight. The photocatalytic degradation of MG proceeded via first-order kinetics, with rate constants (k) found to be 0.0071, 0.0060, 0.0048, 0.0067, and 0.0127 min−1 for CFTS, ZnONRs, CFZN1, CFZN2 and CFZN3, respectively. The findings suggest that the nanomaterials, particularly the CFZN3 nanocomposites, are effective and economical photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, offering a promising solution for organic dye degradation.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) represents a complex manifestation of intra-abdominal malignancies. Its resistance to systemic therapy and diagnostic challenges has limited treatment options and resulted in poor survival outcomes. This review synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, patient selection, surgical techniques, outcomes, and emerging therapies in PC. Advances in the understanding of peritoneal tumor biology, coupled with the development of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have significantly transformed the management landscape, enabling carefully selected patients to achieve meaningful survival outcomes. The diagnostic work-up has evolved to incorporate multimodal imaging, laparoscopy, serum and peritoneal biomarkers, and standardized scoring systems such as the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and Completeness of Cytoreduction (CC) score, which guide patient selection and surgical planning. Experimental approaches such as intraperitoneal immunotherapy, targeted therapies, nanoparticle drug delivery, and mucolytics are being actively investigated to expand treatment options for patients with unresectable or high-burden disease. Despite these advances, challenges persist, including heterogeneity in HIPEC protocols, and limited tumor-specific evidence. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is no longer universally considered a terminal condition, with CRS and HIPEC offering significant survival benefit in appropriately selected patients. However, outcomes remain highly dependent on tumor biology, disease burden, and completeness of cytoreduction. Future progress will require improved patient selection, standardization of HIPEC protocols, and integration of emerging therapies.
