Journal of Environmental Bioremediation and Toxicology

Effect of Temperature on the Biodegradation of Glyphosate by Soil Bacteria

2024-12-25T18:47:28+00:00

Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, is widely used in agriculture to control weeds. Its extensive use has raised concerns about its environmental impact and persistence in ecosystems. Understanding the biodegradation of glyphosate is crucial for evaluating its long-term effects and developing effective remediation strategies. Biodegradation is the process by which microorganisms break down substances and plays a vital role in mitigating the accumulation of harmful compounds in the environment. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of temperature on glyphosate degradation by soil bacteria, which is crucial for understanding its breakdown in soil ecosystems. Soil bacteria have shown potential in degrading glyphosate, but the impact of temperature remains understudied. The research aims to study the effect of temperature conditions on glyphosate degradation by soil bacteria. Soil samples were collected from Mardi Bachok, Kelantan, and their coordinates, pH, and temperature were recorded. Soil samples were incubated in Mineral Salts Medium (MSM) containing 100 mg/L glyphosate at 28°C and 37°C for seven days, with optical density measured every 24 hours. Both temperature treatments showed microbial communities capable of thriving in glyphosate-supplemented MSM, utilizing it as a sole carbon and phosphate source. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in microbial growth between the two temperatures. These results suggest that soil bacteria are capable of thriving in a range of temperature conditions while effectively degrading glyphosate. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective bioremediation strategies and predicting the environmental fate of glyphosate in various climatic conditions. Future research should explore additional environmental factors and microbial interactions to further elucidate the complexities of glyphosate biodegradation in soil ecosystems.

Comparative Study of Zinc Concentration in the Root, Stem, and Leaf of Maize (Zea mays) Grown on Soil Collected From Several Dumpsites in Anyigba, Nigeria

2024-12-25T18:58:06+00:00

Open dumpsites are becoming a major global concern in developing countries, causing heavy metal pollution, and posing a serious threat to human and plant health. This study assessed the zinc (Zn) concentration in the roots, stems, and leaves of maize plants growing on various dumpsite soils in Anyigba (Redeem, Market, and Anokwu). The plant tissues were tested for Zn using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study found that plants grown on a dumpsite had considerably higher Zn concentrations in their roots, stems, and leaves compared to the control site (p<0.05). The concentration of zinc ranges in the following sequence: Control (0.23 mg/kg)>Anokwu (0.62 mg/kg)>Market (0.63 mg/kg)>Redeem (0.80 mg/kg) for Stem; Control (0.34 mg/kg)>Market (0.68 mg/kg)>Anokwu (0.82 mg/kg)>Redeem (1.08 mg/kg) for Leaf; Control (0.66 mg/kg)>Anokwu (0.68 mg/kg)>Market (0.98)>Redeem (1.00 mg/kg). Zinc's bioconcentration factor (BCF) decreased in the following sequence among dumpsites: Anokwu (0.32 mg/kg) > Market (0.25 mg/kg) > Control (0.18 mg/kg) > Redeem (0.14 mg/kg), all of which exceeded WHO permitted levels. Bioaccumulation concentration (BAC) values range between 0.39 and 0.78 mg/kg, suggesting that maize plant is an excluder, while translocation factor (TF) values were all above 1, indicating that the plants translocate heavy metals from roots to shoots. Our study highlights the critical need for monitoring heavy metal contamination in food crops, especially in regions with open dumpsites, to protect public health. Given the potential risks of zinc bioaccumulation, effective measures are required to mitigate exposure, including soil remediation and the use of cleaner, safer agricultural practices. This research contributes to understanding the environmental and health implications of zinc pollution, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the risks associated with open dumpsites.

Nigella sativa oil Ameliorate Gonadotoxic effect of Lead Acetate Induced Testicular Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

2025-06-02T10:48:29+00:00

There is growing concern about the increasing levels of lead acetate in the environment, primarily due to unsafe mining and natural resource extraction. Nigella sativa oil, a natural herbal product, is used to treat many diseases. Its pharmacological constituents have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. This study investigated the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil on lead acetate-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats. A total of forty-two rats were divided into six groups, each consisting of seven rats. Group I was administered normal saline equivalent to the volume given to the highest dose of treated rats. Group II received 120 mg/kg of lead acetate, while Group III (positive control) received 120 mg/kg of lead acetate and 160 mg/kg of vitamin C. Groups IV, V, and VI were administered 120 mg/kg of lead acetate followed by 6 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg of Nigella sativa oil, respectively, via oro-gastric intubation for seven days. The lead acetate caused a significant increase (P<0.001) in the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP). Histopathology examination showed testicular tissue damage in the lead acetate group. However, there is a great improvement in the morphology of the testicular tissue in the treated groups, even at the minimal doses. The changes in the level of biomarkers and improvement in the histomorphological appearance of the testis suggested that consumption of Nigella sativa oil does have a protective effect against lead acetate-induced testicular damage.

Mathematical Modeling of Molybdenum Reduction to Molybdenum Blue by Burkholderia sp. Strain Dr.Y27 and Model Selection Using the MOORA Method

2025-06-02T11:12:03+00:00

The microbial detoxification process of molybdenum reduction to molybdenum blue directly correlates with bacterial development during Mo-blue production. The reduction process can be modeled mathematically to determine essential kinetic parameters, which include the specific Mo-blue production rate and theoretical maximum Mo-blue generation, as well as the possible effects of high molybdenum concentrations on the lag phase of reduction. Applying linearization techniques including natural logarithmic transformations remains common, but these methods deliver imprecise results that produce only approximate values for specific parameters such as the specific growth rate or specific Mo-blue production rate. This research introduced a complete range of nonlinear growth and models to study Mo-blue production from Burkholderia sp. strain Dr.Y27. The research incorporated nine growth models, including the modified Gompertz and modified Logistic. The modified logistic model demonstrated the highest fit to the Mo-blue production curve of Burkholderia sp. strain Dr.Y27 based on multiple statistical performance criteria which included root-mean-square error (RMSE), Marquardt percent standard deviation (MPSD), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR²), bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), Hannan-Quinn criterion (HQC), and the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc). The Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis or MOORA approach based on Ratio Analysis was applied to enhance model selection and is the first method used to find the best model for primary modeling of bacterial growth or Mo-blue production rate. The fitted model generated essential parameters to serve as a solid foundation for developing additional models that describe how environmental variables and substrate concentrations affect Mo-blue production.

Isolation and Characterization of a Glyphosate-degrading Bacterium from a Beach on the Pariaman City, West Sumatra

2025-06-13T18:54:14+00:00

Bioremediation of soil pollutants, such as glyphosate, is a cost-effective and ecologically sustainable method. Glyphosate, a highly prevalent herbicide utilized for weed control, presents substantial hazards to species and their ecosystems when it becomes present in the environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of a Pseudomonas sp. isolated from a coastal area. The isolate with the highest potential was provisionally identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain Andalas2016 using partial identification techniques. This bacterium shows substantial capacity for glyphosate breakdown under ideal circumstances. The experiments revealed that Pseudomonas sp. exhibits optimal degradation of glyphosate under the following conditions: pH 7.0, glyphosate concentration of 0.5 g/L and temperatures ranging from 30 to 35°C. The bacterium had a delay of two days when exposed to 0.5 g/L glyphosate but achieved about 90% degradation after six days of incubation. Bacterial growth was significantly reduced by heavy metals, namely Hg(II), Ag(I), and Cu(II). Growth on glyphosate was inhibited at salinity higher than seawater level. This study highlights the capacity of Pseudomonas sp. to remediate glyphosate-contaminated settings through bioremediation. It emphasizes the necessity for additional investigation, specifically using molecular identification techniques, to thoroughly understand and enhance this bioremediation approach. This strategy has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental effects of glyphosate pollution, while also supporting the development of healthier environments and environmentally friendly farming methods.

Lead Ion Detection in Challawa Water: Development and Application of Response Surface Methodology

2025-06-13T19:03:23+00:00

Agricultural areas in Nigeria depend upon unpolluted water sources and hence need continuous monitoring. River Challawa is among the water sources for domestic and agricultural purposes. It is located in an industrialized area of Kano, Nigeria. A cucumber protease-based assay for the detection of lead metal has been developed to determine the efficiency of the monitoring method. Cucumber protease is assayed by using casein as a substrate with Coomassie brilliant blue to track the complete hydrolysis of the substrate. In the presence of inhibitors such as metal ions, casein is not hydrolyzed to completion, and the solution is dark blue. The cucumber protease assay was optimized using One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The RSM-optimized method demonstrated superior sensitivity, reducing the IC50 value for lead detection from 0.078 mg/L (OFAT) to 0.028 mg/L. The findings show a marked improvement in concentration, causing 50% inhibition ( IC50) for lead metal in River Challawa. The results of the comparison between one factor at a time (OFAT) optimization and RSM provide an improvement of IC50 for lead ion from 0.078 (95% CI,0.057 to 0.27) to 0.028 (95% CI, 0.022 to 0.037). The LOD for lead Pb2+ is 0.015 and 0.003 for OFAT and RSM, respectively. The results of this study indicate that cucumber-protease assay has the potential efficiency of being used in the determination of lead metal in water samples.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metals in Some Selected Local and Foreign Cosmetics Used in Gombe Metropolis

2025-06-13T19:22:47+00:00

Skin absorption continues to be a significant pathway for heavy metal toxicity in humans. This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals (copper, iron, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium, and lead) in locally produced and imported cosmetic products sold in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results indicated variable compliance with regulatory standards: certain metals exceeded permissible limits, while others remained within acceptable thresholds. For instance, Pb levels in Powder C1, Creams A1 and A2, Lotions B1 and B2, and Lipsticks D1 and D2 were below the 0.01 mg/kg limit. However, Arsenic (As) concentrations in Powders C1 and C2 (0.2964 mg/kg and 0.4725 mg/kg, respectively) surpassed the 0.05 mg/kg threshold. Similarly, Nickel (Ni) in these powders exceeded the 0.02 mg/kg limit, and Chromium (Cr) levels in Powder C2 (0.2981 mg/kg) and Cream A1 (0.1659 mg/kg) far exceeded the 0.05 mg/kg standard. Iron (Fe) remained within safe limits across all samples. Notably, locally manufactured cosmetics demonstrated greater adherence to permissible levels of heavy metals compared to imported products. Elevated concentrations of these metals in cosmetics pose health risks via dermal absorption or accidental ingestion, underscoring the need for stricter regulatory compliance by manufacturers to safeguard consumer health.

Enhancing Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment Through Adsorption With Rice Husk –derived Cellulose Nano Crystals as an Innovative Adsorbent

2025-06-13T19:43:50+00:00

This study investigates the adsorption of the antibiotic metronidazole using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) extracted from rice husk. The research highlights the importance of removing antibiotic contamination from water bodies and explores the potential of CNC as an adsorbent. The synthesis of CNC from rice husk achieved a yield of 26.46% through a series of pretreatment processes, including bleaching and acid hydrolysis. The CNC adsorbent was characterized using FTIR, BET, SEM, and XRD to determine its structural and surface properties, revealing a total pore volume of 0.225 cm³ and a micropore volume of 0.233 cm³. The effects of various parameters, including pH (with maximum adsorption at pH 9), temperature (optimal at 50°C), and time (maximum adsorption at 60 min), were also considered. The adsorption rate of metronidazole by CNC-RH increased with higher adsorbent dosage and adsorbate concentration. Adsorption kinetics were evaluated, with the pseudo-second-order model found to be the most appropriate. Adsorption isotherms were also studied, with the Freundlich model displaying excellent linearity (R² = 1). Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, including a negative ∆G (-103.566, -105.976, -110.796, -115.616, -120.46 J/mol), indicating a spontaneous process, a ∆S value of 0.482 J/molK, and a positive ∆H value of 40.07 J/mol, suggesting an endothermic process. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the adsorption behavior of metronidazole using CNC derived from rice husk and underscores the importance of the selected parameters in the adsorption process.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaves Against CCL4-induced Hepatic Damage in Albino Rats

2025-06-13T20:03:58+00:00

The aromatic herb Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) is from the Lamiaceae family and has been traditionally used in culinary and folk medicine for various ailments, including liver disorders. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Rosmarinus officinalis against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced toxicity in albino rats. Rats were administered 0.5 mL/kg b.w. of CCl₄ intraperitoneally and subsequently orally treated with either 200 or 400 mg/kg b.w. of rosemary extract for four weeks. The standard group received silymarin at 100 mg/kg body weight. The serum levels of biomarkers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), electrolytes, urea, and creatinine, were then evaluated. Phytochemical screening results indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols, and terpenes in the extract. Our results show that treatment with rosemary extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the biomarkers' serum levels enzymes of ALT, AST, ALP, and kidney-related parameters compared to the treatment (CCl₄) group. While the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Rosemary are well-documented in the literature, this study adds a minor novelty by assessing both liver and kidney protection in a dose-responsive model using ethanolic leaf extract against chemically induced injury. These findings further support the reported therapeutic potential of antioxidants from Rosmarinus officinalis in protecting vital organs from oxidative damage.