Background: We aimed to determine the level of parasitic contamination of primary school playground soils in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. We also assessed the hygiene, sanitation, and behavioral factors that might influence exposure to soil-borne parasites among school-aged children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and November 2024. A total of 100 (2–3 cm depth) topsoil samples were collected from selected primary school playgrounds using purposive sampling technique. Samples collected were processed by sucrose flotation technique to detect the helminth eggs and larvae. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Results: Of the 100 soil samples examined, 19 were positive for at least one Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) parasite, giving an overall prevalence of 19.0%. Hookworm larvae were the most frequently encountered parasite with a prevalence of 8.0%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (3.0%), larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%) and Taeniid eggs (4.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination of schools' playgrounds between Jos North (20.0%) and Jos South (18.0%) (χ² = 0.08, P=0.78). Conclusion: The detection of parasites in school playgrounds, including STHs and other soil-associated organisms in both LGAs is a reflection of environmental contamination by human waste and continued risk of transmission among school-aged children. This underscores the need for improved sanitation, strengthened school-based deworming programs, and enhanced environmental hygiene practices.

Arthropods have been studied for their anti-viral ability, anti-parasitic ability and anti-cancer ability. These abilities possessed by arthropods depend on the presence of amino acid in hemolymph to fight and also protect themselves against abilities infection. In this study, arthropods were collected from the field in Zaria using suitable/appropriate trapping and sampling techniques. The hemolymph was collected from scorpion, beetle, grasshopper, butterfly, cricket, cockroach, spider and crab using novel Antennae method of hemolymph sampling that involved ollection of hemolymph was carried out with micropipettes and drops collected was transferred into Eppendorf tubes (on ice) and kept in freezing (-11oC) compartment of ordinary refrigerator prior to use. The amino acid profile of hemolymph was carried out using microkjeldahl method. The results of the study revealed the presence of leucine, lysine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, serine, aspartic acid, valine, methionine, proline, arginine, histidine, cystine, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine and threonine in the arthropod’s hemolymph studied. Glutamic acid was found to be the most abundant in spider (5.08g/100g) while cystine was the least abundant in cricket (0.02 g/100g).

Trypanosomiasis is one of the World’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that affects both man and animals. The current control measures are mostly chemotherapeutic which face numerous challenges such as non availability of drugs, toxicity and long term protocol. These challenges have made researchers look for alternative cure for this disease since no vaccine is available yet. Eight species of arthropods (scorpion, beetle, grasshoper, butterfly, cricket, cockroach, spider and crab) were collected from the wild using different sampling methods. Haemolymph was collected from sampled arthropods using novel Antennae method of haemolymph sampling. Trypanosoma brucei brucei was sourced, identified and propagated in rats. The prophylactic effect of arthropod haemolymph of selected arthropods on T. b. brucei was carried out using 20 groups of mice of 8-10 weeks old with each group having 4 mice that were randomly assigned. Mice in all groups except the control 1 and 2 were administered 0.3µl of either 100% or 50% concentrations of arthropod haemolymph, four days preinfection, with T. b. brucei infected blood. The control 1 and 2 were administered 0.3µl diminiazene aceturate and distilled water respectively before infection. The effects of the haemolymph on the parasite count, weight and PCV were monitored for 21 days at 3 days interval. The results of the study showed the prophylactic ability of grasshopper, cricket, cockroach, crab and diminazene (control 1) which were able to clear T. b. brucei by the 15th day of experiment. While haemolymph of scorpion and beetle encouraged parasitaemia, mice in control group 2 died before the 9th day post treatment. It is recommended that arthropod’s haemolymph of crab, cockroach and grasshopper can be harnessed for their prophylactic properties against T. b. brucei infection.

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study identified Leishmania major as the predominant species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Dutsin-ma LGA, Katsina state, Nigeria, using molecular characterization techniques such as ITS rDNA gene amplification and RFLP analysis. The findings revealed that 85.7% of individuals with suspected CL lesions were confirmed to have Leishmania infections, with a higher prevalence in males (71.4%) and farmers (71.46%). These results highlight the endemic nature of CL in this region, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and awareness programs to control the spread of this neglected tropical disease. Full Abstract Leishmaniasis is one of man's neglected tropical diseases (NTD), caused by a protozoan parasite of the Leishmania genus. The dixenous life cycle of Leishmania species consists of the vertebrate and vector stages resulting in the differentiation of metabolic processes, morphological forms, and remodelling of genes in the parasite. To identify the species of Leishmania responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Dutsin-ma LGA of Katsina state, Nigeria, a purposive sampling technique was employed. Samples were collected from individuals with suspected CL lesions and subjected to molecular characterization to confirm the Leishmania species. Questionnaires were also used to gather socio-demographic and behavioral data. Molecular characterization involved amplifying the ITS rDNA genes and applying the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. The results revealed that 85.7% of the individuals screened had lesions associated with Leishmania infection, with a higher prevalence in males (71.4%) compared to females (14.3%). Among the infected individuals, 71.46% were farmers, and one was a student. The lesions were predominantly found on the legs (57.1%) and hand/arm (28.6%), with no lesions detected on other body parts. The ITS rDNA genes were successfully amplified from six patients, confirming Leishmania major as the predominant species causing CL through RFLP analysis. In conclusion, CL caused by L. major is endemic in Dutsin-ma LGA, Katsina state, in the Northwestern zone of Nigeria

Wild birds could be a reservoir of medically relevant microorganisms, particularly multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp. Resistant bacteria's epidemiology and transmission between animals and humans has grown, and their zoonotic potential cannot be ignored. This is the first study to evaluate the status of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in various wild bird species using meta-analysis and a systematic review. In this study, the pooled prevalence was obtained by analyzing data from published articles on the occurrence of VRE in wild bird species. It's unclear how the antibiotic resistance gene transfer cycle affects wild birds. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to conduct the research. The data and study methodology was assessed and extracted by two reviewers independently, with a third reviewing the results. Heterogeneity between study and publication bias were analyzed using the random effect model. Thirty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. 382 out of the 4144 isolates tested, were VRE. The pooled prevalence of VRE among wild birds was estimated at 11.0% (95% CI; 6.9 –17.2%; I2 = 93.204%; P < 0.001). There was high variability between study (t2 = 2.156; heterogeneity I2 = 93.204% with chi-square (Q) = 544.413, degrees of freedom (df) = 37, and P < 0.001). Egger's test verified the funnel plot's bias, while result from the leave-one-out forest plot had no effect on the pooled prevalence.

African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by arthropod vectors causing serious threats to the lives of millions of people as well as animals, especially cattle worldwide. Plants in Nigeria are known to contain medicinal properties within a large array of their chemical structures, and many have been screened and tested against various species of trypanosomes, in the effort to find new drugs against the disease caused by the resistance strain of Trypanosoma brucei brucei to diminazene aceturate (Berenil)®, ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, and Cymbopogon citratus were tested in vitro at varying concentrations. The ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica was the most effective in terms of rapid motility cessation, with an impressive 7.5-minute cessation at the highest concentration (40 mg/ml). The aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica showed moderate activity at 40 mg/ml, but no effect at lower concentrations. The aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera and Cymbopogon citratus showed minimal activity, with motility cessation only at the highest concentration in M. oleifera (10 minutes), while C. citratus exhibited no effect at any concentration. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera showed no effect at any concentration, while diminazene aceturate (Berenil), despite being a standard treatment, showed no motility cessation within the 60 minutes in this experiment. A. indica ethanolic extract showed promising results as a potent alternative or adjunctive treatment for trypanosomiasis. This research indicates that the Nigerian plants may be suitable as a starting point in searching for novel and more efficient trypanocidal molecules.

Biosurfactant-expressing bacteria have been shown to have potential in many biotechnological applications including the biodegradation of petroleum fractions, such as premium motor spirit (PMS). This study was aimed at investigating the potential use of biosurfactant-expressing bacterial isolates in the biodegradation of premium motor spirit (PMS) at various concentrations (100-100,000ppm). The biosurfactant-expressing bacteria were isolated from mechanic workshop in Malumfashi, Katsina, Nigeria using standard techniques. The isolates identified belonged to the genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. These isolates were screened for biosurfactant expression using drop collapse, haemolysis, oil–water behavior assays and emulsification index test. Positives isolates were investigated for PMS degradation by growing the isolates on mineral salt media supplemented with (0.1ml) premium motor spirit (PMS) as sole source of carbon. Although, higher total hydrocarbon degrading bacterial counts were obtained from soils where isolates positive for biosurfactant expression are predominant, there was no statistically significant difference between isolate source using Kruskal-Wallis H test (p = 0.67). The isolates Bacillus velezensis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were positive for biosurfactant-production potential using drop-collapse, β-haemolysis, oil spreading, and emulsification index and drop collapse tests with higher tolerance to PMS at concentrations up to 100,000 ppm. Statistical analysis using multiple-comparison analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the isolates exhibited varying PMS degradation response (p = 0.0066); furthermore, the tolerance of the bacteria to the PMS is dose-dependent (p = 0.00012). Post-hoc analysis using Tukey’s test identified Bacillus velezensis as the most efficient biosurfactant-producing and hydrocarbon degrading isolate (p = 0.0264 and 0.0034); moreover, the threshold concentration for high PMS tolerance was found to be 1000ppm and above (p = 0.0174, 0.0008 and 0.0001).These isolates’ ability to grow on mineral salt media supplemented with PMS as a sole source of carbon presents a veritable avenue for exploitation in biotechnology, towards biosurfactants-mediated bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants in oil contaminated soils.

Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporations (KRPC) discharges were studied for a year along the river Rido to determine their impact on water quality and the distribution and abundance of Zooplankton. Physical and chemical parameters were measured following American Public Health Association (APHA) standards for evaluating wastewater. An atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) was utilized for heavy metal analysis. For this experiment, we used a Plankton net with a 25 m mesh size and a specimen bottle with a 10 cm diameter ring opening to collect zooplankton. Zooplanktons were identified using a standard key and a monograph. Water quality parameters fluctuated, but all were within acceptable ranges except for temperature, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid, and lead. Zooplanktons were represented in order of abundance by 8 species of protozoa constituting 72.44%, followed by 12 species of Rotifera (10.58%), followed by 13 species of Cladocera 9.55% and then 6 species of Copepoda (7.44%). The planktons showed seasonal variation with high density recorded during the wet season in all the stations. There was a low density of zooplankton in station B, while high density was observed in stations A and D. Also, the low transparency and dissolved oxygen (DO) as well as high mean values of temperature (30.88 oC), chloride (31.88 mg/L), lead (0.099 mg/L), TDS (224.17 mg/L) and conductivity (334.28 µS/cm) observed were above FEPA limits at station B were an indication of pollution and deterioration of water quality. This research revealed that the effluent discharge from KRPC has adverse effects on the zooplankton community and the water quality of river Rido.

Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a growing environmental concern, as it has the potential to harm ecology, imperil aquatic organisms and cost ecological damage. Although rivers and other freshwater environments are known to play an important role in carrying land-based plastic trash to the world's seas, riverine ecosystems are also directly impacted by plastic pollution. A detailed understanding of the origin, movement, fate, and effects of riverine plastic waste is critical for better quantifying worldwide plastic pollution transport and effectively reducing sources and dangers. In this review, we emphasize the current scientific state of plastic debris in rivers, as well as the existing knowledge gaps, providing a basic overview of plastics and the types of polymers commonly found in rivers and the threat they bring to aquatic ecosystems. We also go through the origins and fates of riverine plastics, as well as the mechanisms and factors that affect plastic debris transit and spatiotemporal variation. We give an overview of riverine plastic transport monitoring and modeling activities, as well as examples of typical values from throughout the world. Finally, we discuss what the future holds for riverine plastic research.

Kachia and Kagarko LGAs are among the LGAs that have been treated with Ivermectin consistently for 19 years according to the records of Kaduna State Ministry of Health. Hence this study was carried out to conduct an appraisal of these selected areas in order to determine its efficacy, longevity and corroborate or otherwise the issue of recrudescence of the disease. A cross sectional study was conducted in May, 2018 to investigate the prevalence of onchocerciasis in Kachia and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total number of 208 participants were screened using SD Bioline onchocerciasis IgG4 kit from the two LGAs, 23 (11.1%) were found to be positive for IgG4 antibodies to O. volvulus. Result of the Chi square analyzes showed that there were no significant association between sex and seroprevalence (X2=0.377, df=1, p=0.593), LGAs and seroprevalence (X2=1.119, df=1, p=0.290, CI=95%) however, a significant association between age and seroprevalence (X2=13.408, df=5, p=0.020) was recorded. Occupationally, the LGAs had a significant association (X2=14.420, df=4, p=0.006). In Kachia LGA, there was equally a significant association (X2=10.848, df=4, p=0.028) while, in Kagarko there was no significant association (X2=5.866, df =4, p=0.209) in the seroprevalence. Significant association was equally recorded between seroprevalence and compliance to ivermectin in Kachia (X2=27.419, df=1, p=0.05) and Kagarko (X2=33.269, df=1, p=0.05). Conclusively, there was reduction in Onchocerca infection due to adherence to ivermectin intake by the inhabitants. Therefore, regular surveillance of endemic areas is to be carried out promptly in order to ensure compliance to prescribed annual ivermectin dosage and identify and treat infected individuals

The effects of effluent discharged from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporations (KRPC) on the Phytoplankton species distribution and abundance was studied along river Rido for a period of twelve months from February 2013 to January 2014. A total of Ninety-three (93) species of phytoplankton distributed in five divisions were recorded from four different study stations (A, B, C and D) along the river. Random sequential sampling was employed for selecting a sampling station. Physicochemical parameters were determined in accordance with the standard procedure for wastewater assessment guidelines of American Public Health Association (APHA). Phytoplankton identification was done using appropriate reference materials. The phytoplankton community was dominated by Bacillariophyta9 constituting 78.98% with 41 species, followed by Chlorophyta (6.67%) having 25 species, and then Cyanophyta (6.46%) having 12 species, while 10 species of Dinophyta and 5 species of Euglenophyta constituting 5.42% and 2.49% respectively were observed. The results from the study revealed low density of phytoplankton in station B, while high density of phytoplankton was observed in stations A and D. The physicochemical parameters showed both seasonal and spatial variations. Values of some parameters studied were observed to be above Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits at station B. Thus, effluent from KRPC is a source of contamination of water quality and adversely affects phytoplankton community along river Rido. Therefore, effluent retention facility should be established for long term treatment of effluent before discharge into the river

A study was conducted between May and August, 2018 to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths of pigs in Chikun and Jema’a Local Government Areas, Kaduna State. 203 faecal samples were collected, processed and examined under light microscopy. Intestinal helminths recorded were: Ascaris suum (57.1%), Oesophagostomum dentatum (37.0%), Hyostrongylus rubidus (14.8%), Metastrongylus elongates (8.9%), Strongyloides (4.5%), Stepanurus dentatum (2.5%), Trichuris suis(1.5%), Globocephalus urobuslatus (2.0%) and Physocephalus sexalatus (1.5%). The overall prevalence of helminth infection in both LGAs was 71.9%. Pigs in Jema’a LGA had significantly higher prevalence (87.9%) than pigs from Chikun LGA (56.7%). Female pigs had relatively higher (74.4%) infection than male pigs (68.6%). This pattern was also reflected in Chikun LGA where female pigs had a prevalence of 63.9% compared to 46.5% in males, however, the reverse was the case in Jema’a LGA where males had 90.7% prevalence and females 85.7%. In Chikun LGA, the highest prevalence of 58.6% was recorded among pigs aged 25-36 months, followed by pigs aged 5-12 months with prevalence of 57.1%, and the least prevalence of 55.0% was recorded in pigs aged 13-24 months. The prevalence of intestinal helminthosis in pigs tends to decrease with age in Jema’a LGA. The presence of these parasites in pigs examined indicates a potential public health problem in Chikun and Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna state. Enlightenment of pig farmers on the need for periodic veterinary care and restriction of stray pigs through legislation formulation and enforcement are recommended as control measures

Seasonal differences in the abundance of tsetse flies in Pantaki was investigated between July and August, 2016 and January and February, 2017 in Kagarko. Standard bioconical trapping method was used to collect the insects. A total of 208 tsetse flies were caught of which 139 (66.8%) were Glossina palpalis palpalis while 69 (33.2%) were Glossina tachinoides revealing an overall apparent density of 3.7T/T/D. The results indicate a significant difference (p<0.05) in abundance of tsetse flies in the wet compared to the dry seasons. Also, both species were relatively more abundant during wet (G. palpalis palpalis 75.5%, G. tachinoides 84.1%) than dry (G. palpalis palpalis 24%, G. tachinoides 15.9%) seasons. The differences in abundance observed could be due to the favourable climatic condition. This call for deployment of tsetse fly control measures (during the wet season) in the area.

Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum is still a major public health problem and cause of high morbidity and mortality in Nigeria despite many efforts and interventions programmes put in place to control malaria, with transmission occurring throughout the year. Characterization of P. falciparum isolates from different geographical locations of Nigeria could provide the much needed information on the genetic composition of P. falciparum natural populations with regard to three polymorphic genes: Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP 1), Merozoite Surface Protein (MSP 2) and Glutamate-Rich Protein (GLURP) genes, the findings of this study will assist in adopting more strategies and intervention programmes aim at controlling P. falciparum infection in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity and elucidate possible genomic variation between isolates of P. falciparum from symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria cases in Kaduna metropolis. Plasmodium falciparum genomic DNA was extracted from 42 positive blood samples collected onto whatmani¯s filter paper using the phenol-chloroform DNA extraction method. Genotyping of P. falciparum was based on the amplification of MSP 1, MSP 2 and glurp genes. Analysis of PCR products of P. falciparum isolates shows the presence of 33 alleles spread across MSP 1, MSP 2 and glurp genes at a frequency of 5, 24 and 4 respectively. Detection of the three genes; (MSP1); MAD20 and KI, (MSP2); FC27 and 3D7/ICI and (glurp) gene and the occurrence of single and multiple genotypic infection recorded showed the diverse genetic composition of P. falciparum population, an indication of the endemicity of malaria. This information is essential for effective malaria control programme.

A number of biofortified crops have been generated through transgenic technologies including sorghum. A key step towards the release of genetically modified (GM) biofortified sorghum is its nutritional evaluation and risk assessment study. In this work, two genetically modified sorghum ABS188 and ABS203 were administered on mice to evaluate the effect of their consumption on liver and spleen. Following the molecular analysis of the two GM sorghum, the transgenes Zeamays Phytoene synthase gene (Zm-PSY1) and Pantoea ananatis Carotenoid Biosynthesis gene (PaCrT1) were confirmed in ABS 188 and ABS 203. There was a loss in weight of mice fed with ABS 188 and ABS 203 while weight gain was recorded in mice fed with local sorghum. In conclusion ABS 188 and ABS 203 are considered to be as safe and nutritious as local sorghum, with the advantage that the GM sorghum are biofortified with Vitamin A, Zinc and Iron.

A Key Step towards the Release of Genetically Modified (GM) Biofortified Sorghum is its Nutritional Evaluation and Risk Assessment Study. In this work, two genetically modified sorghum (ABS 188 and ABS 203) and local sorghum were subjected to proximate analysis, Amino acid determination, and mineral analysis. Results of proximate analysis revealed the presence of the following expressed as percentage (%) ABS 188 contains Crude fibre (1.89), Ash (1.87), Crude protein (9.00), Oil (1.36), Lignin (8.83) dry Matter (91.17) and Nitrogen free extract (77.05); ABS 203 contains crude fibre (1.60), Ash (0.95), Crude protein (4.94), Oil (2.56), Lignin (8.37) Dry Matter (91.63) and Nitrogen free extract (81.58); Local sorghum contains crude fibre (2.08), Ash (0.85), Crude protein (4.56), Oil (1.12), Lignin (8.28) Dry Matter (91.72) and Nitrogen free extract (83.11); respectively. ABS 203 has the highest amount of β – Carotene (0.83ug/100mg), followed by 0.57ug/100mg for ABS 188 and 0.42ug/100mg for local sorghum. Results also revealed that the food samples contain almost all the essential amino acids in varying concentration, with glutamic acid occurring highest in the GM sorghum ABS 188 and ABS 203 having the highest for Leucine (14.01g/100g). Zinc was present in trace amount in all the samples (0.0003 – 0.033 mg/kg). In conclusion, ABS 188 and ABS 203 are considered to be as nutritious as local sorghum, with the advantage that the GM sorghum are biofortified with Vitamin A, Zinc and Iron.

The treatments of systemic candidiasis in humans with the current antifungal drugs of choice such as azole derivatives and amphotericin B have raised issues of toxicity and resistance among others. The immunogenic property of killed C. albicans was explored to evoke immunological response in the possible prevention of candidemia. Rats were immunized after acclimatization on two occasions with 106 cells/ml of Ultraviolet radiation killed C. albicans and subsequently challenged with 106 viable C. albicans. Two other groups; positive and negative controls received same dose of viable C. albicans and normal saline respectively. Five rats each from the groups mentioned were bled for the determination of antibody titers and white blood cell differentials. Also, other rats from the three groups were observed for 28 days for survival after challenge to determine the protective effect of the ultraviolet killed C. albicans. The results revealed that Ultraviolet killed C. albicans stimulated a significant amount of antibodies and white blood cell differentials that were immunoprotective. We also found that all immunized rats survived challenge with 106 viable cells while the kidneys of the dead unimmunized rats showed a positive growth of C. albicans. Thus, Ultraviolet killed C. albicans could provide significant protection.

Correlational study and evaluation of pollution indices of toxic metals distribution in soil and crops of a population are imperative for assessing the risk of chronic diseases associated with these metals. Correlational analysis for the distribution of; lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) in soil (S), bean (B) and maize (M) was conducted around Bunkure (BKR), Danbatta (DBT), Gwarzo (GRZ), Ungogo (UGG) and Wudil (WDL) as sampling zones around Kano State, Nigeria. The samples were collected from farm harvests in each of the sampling zones. The metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results in mg/kg across the local governments indicate respective ranges for Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr of; 0.33 - 3.13, 0.14 - 0.84, 0.02 - 0.05 and 0.01- 0.49 in soil, 0.04-4.23, 0.06-0.23, 0.02-0.04 and 0.00-0.10 in maize and 0.20-4.23, 0.16-0.19, 0.03-0.04 and 0.00-0.03 in beans. Although with the exception of mercury, the ranges of the toxic metals are within the tolerable range set by International Standard Tolerable Limits and European Regulatory Standard. Potential hazard may be speculated because the detected levels are on higher tolerable ranges. A higher level of mercury in almost all the samples indicates potential hazards associated with human activities in those areas. A strong positive correlation between soils samples in respect to the level of some of the toxic metal may suggest a common nature of the soil, while the negative correlation may be due to variation in agrochemicals in-use. For the pollution load index, Wudil had the highest soil pollution load index for Hg (3.13 ± 0.16), Cd (1.6×10-2 ± 0.01) and Cr (4.9×10-3 ± 0.01), while Ungogo had the highest pollution load for Pb. Also, all grains within the study zones exhibited a positive transfer factor, except Cr in Bunkure, Danbatta and Gwarzo. It may be concluded that crops grown in those areas may bioaccumulate some of these toxic metals, thereby incorporating them into the food chain, hence potential health risk.

The study examined factors militating against women's political participation in selected rural and semi-urban, mainly Muslim, Nupe-speaking communities in central Nigeria.Both the social survey and in-depth interviews methods were employed with selected respondents, composed of women leaders, electoral officers, party chieftains and a few female candidates and aspirants for elective positions.The study reveals among other things that,on a scale, women in the area have not been meaningfully involved in politics since the return of democratic rule in 1999,mainly due to poor financial status, divergent socio-cultural challenges and the unfavourable political environment.Accordingly, the study recommends a number of measures to end women subordination, discrimination and stigmatization and improvement in their political participation and fortunes.