<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">
<title>Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/209" rel="alternate"/>
<subtitle/>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/209</id>
<updated>2026-04-04T01:37:45Z</updated>
<dc:date>2026-04-04T01:37:45Z</dc:date>
<entry>
<title>Antibacterial Activity of the Tender Leaf, Stem Bark and Root Extracts of Guizotia Scabra against Streptococci Bacteria Using Bioassay</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2540" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Paul, Anjeline Jepchumba</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Lagat, Grace</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Lutta, Samuel</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2540</id>
<updated>2026-03-16T07:56:06Z</updated>
<published>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Antibacterial Activity of the Tender Leaf, Stem Bark and Root Extracts of Guizotia Scabra against Streptococci Bacteria Using Bioassay
Paul, Anjeline Jepchumba; Lagat, Grace; Lutta, Samuel
Dental caries remains a major public health concern globally, largely attributed&#13;
to bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus&#13;
sobrinus. The search for plant-based alternatives to synthetic oral care&#13;
products has intensified in recent years. This study evaluated the antibacterial&#13;
activity of ethanol and acetone extracts of Guizotia scabra leaf, stem bark and&#13;
root against these key oral pathogens in comparison with commercial&#13;
toothpastes. The ethanol leaf extract exhibited the highest activity against&#13;
Streptococcus mutans with an inhibition zone of 5.0 mm (62.5%), followed by&#13;
the root extract (3.0 mm, 37.5%) and stem extract (2.0 mm, 25.0%). Against&#13;
Streptococcus sobrinus., the ethanol leaf extract recorded 4.0 mm (50.0%),&#13;
root extract 2.5 mm (31.25%), and stem extract 1.5 mm (18.75%). Similarly, the&#13;
acetone leaf extract demonstrated the highest inhibition against Streptococcus&#13;
mutans (4.6 mm, 57.5%) and Streptococcus sobrinus. (4.3 mm, 53.75%),&#13;
compared to the root extract (2.8 mm, 35.0%; 2.3 mm, 28.75%) and stem&#13;
extract (1.9 mm, 23.75%; 1.7 mm, 21.25%). In contrast, commercial toothpaste&#13;
brand 1 produced inhibition zones of 6.0 mm (75.0%) against both pathogens,&#13;
while brand 2 showed 7.0 mm (87.5%) against Streptococcus mutans and 6.0mm (75.0%) against Streptococcus sobrinus. These findings demonstrate that&#13;
Guizotia scabra extracts possess significant antibacterial activity, with leaf&#13;
extracts showing the greatest potential. Although commercial toothpastes&#13;
were more effective likely due to fluoride and other active ingredients. The&#13;
results highlight the potential of Guizotia scabra as a natural complementary&#13;
agent for dental caries prevention. Future research should explore its&#13;
integration with fluoride or other natural antibacterials to enhance its efficacy.&#13;
Keywords: Antibacterial Activity, Guizotia scabra, Streptococcus mutans &amp;&#13;
Streptococcus sobrinus bacteria, Bioassay.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES OF Mondia whitei ROOT EXTRACT IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2535" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>GITAU, KENNEDY KAMAU</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2535</id>
<updated>2026-03-13T10:22:01Z</updated>
<published>2025-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES OF Mondia whitei ROOT EXTRACT IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS
GITAU, KENNEDY KAMAU
The rising global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications presents&#13;
a major health challenge and is exacerbated by the lack of a definitive cure and the side&#13;
effects of existing treatments, thus, highlighting the need for safer and more sustainable&#13;
anti-diabetic agents. This study investigated Mondia whitei root extract as an alternative&#13;
therapeutic option for DM. While traditional medicine suggests that M. whitei possesses&#13;
antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, scientific validation is limited. This research&#13;
aimed to address this gap. Qualitative phytochemicals analysis of crude root extract of&#13;
M. whitei was done and it’s in vitro antioxidant properties evaluated through 2,2-&#13;
diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant&#13;
power (FRAP) assays. DM was induced in twenty-four male Wistar rats by a single&#13;
intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/Kg body weight (bwt) of streptozotocin (STZ).&#13;
Animals were randomly assigned to five groups each containing six subjects; Group I&#13;
(normal control, saline), Group II (diabetic control, saline), Group III (diabetic rats 200&#13;
mg/Kg bwt extract treatment), Group IV (diabetic rats 400 mg/Kg bwt extract&#13;
treatment), and Group V (diabetic rats 100 mg/Kg bwt metformin treatment).&#13;
Treatments were orally administered for 21 days. Fasting body weights and blood sugar&#13;
levels were measured weekly. After 21 days, animals were sacrificed and their blood&#13;
and liver tissue samples collected followed by serum lipid profile, liver and kidney&#13;
function indices analysis. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured, and&#13;
liver and plasma’s ferric-reducing capacity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was&#13;
performed using R software, with paired Student’s t-test and ANOVA determining&#13;
statistical significance at 95% confidence level. The qualitative phytochemical analysis&#13;
of the crude M. whitei root extract revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, tannins,&#13;
alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, steroids, and terpenoids, while&#13;
anthraquinones were not detected. The extract significantly scavenged DPPH radical&#13;
and reduced ferric ions in vitro. M. whitei also showed significant hypoglycemic,&#13;
hypolipidemic and significantly reduced serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT),&#13;
alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). M. whitei treatment&#13;
also significantly increased liver and blood plasma capacity to reduce ferric ions as well&#13;
as protected liver tissues from lipid peroxidation as indicated by significantly reduced&#13;
levels of MDA. However, M. whitei showed no significant serum urea and creatinine&#13;
levels decrease. In conclusion, the phytochemical-rich M. whitei root extract&#13;
demonstrated anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects in&#13;
STZ-induced diabetic rats, highlighting its potential as a natural candidate for the&#13;
management of DM and its complications.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Fluoride distribution in selected foodstuffs from Nakuru County, Kenya, and the risk factors for its human overexposure</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2505" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Nelima, Delphine</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Wambu, Enos W.</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Kituyi, John L.</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2505</id>
<updated>2026-03-06T06:23:28Z</updated>
<published>2023-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Fluoride distribution in selected foodstuffs from Nakuru County, Kenya, and the risk factors for its human overexposure
Nelima, Delphine; Wambu, Enos W.; Kituyi, John L.
Critical data on the impacts of fluoride (F) in food systems along the Eastern Africa Rift Valley&#13;
System (EARS) is needed for public health risk assessment and for the development of strategies&#13;
for ameliorating its deleterious effects among the affected communities. Long-term F overexposure&#13;
causes dental and skeletal fluorosis, and leads to neurotoxicity, which impacts several important body&#13;
functions. Investigating F exposure pathways is of essence to inform and safeguard public health of&#13;
the affected communities. The current study assessed the F levels in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum&#13;
L.), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and garden peas (Possum sativa) from Nakuru County, Kenya,&#13;
by potentiometric analysis using F ion-selective electrodes. It then evaluated the risk factors for&#13;
excessive human exposure to F through contaminated foodstuffs. The mean F levels in the potatoes&#13;
(8.50 ± 4.70 mg/kg), beans (8.02 ± 4.12 mg/kg) and peas (4.99 ± 1.25 mg/kg) exceeded recommended&#13;
dietary allowances (RDA) level of 4 mg/kg endorsed by US Institute of Medicine for the different&#13;
categories of people. The F distribution trends in beans and potatoes reflected the environmental&#13;
patterns of F contamination of the study area but the spatial extent Fin the peas indicated existence&#13;
of partial resistance of the pea plants to environmental F uptake. The results indicated that both the&#13;
beans and the potatoes were more liable to accumulating greater amounts of F from the environment&#13;
than garden peas and that all the three foodstuffs contained high F levels that posed greater risk of F&#13;
overexposure and its deleterious impacts among the young children, male populations, and in people&#13;
of greater body weight and high physical activity levels.
</summary>
<dc:date>2023-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects of Mondia whitei Root Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2443" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Gitau, Kennedy K.</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>et. al...</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2443</id>
<updated>2025-12-10T09:49:06Z</updated>
<published>2025-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects of Mondia whitei Root Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
Gitau, Kennedy K.; et. al...
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Although Mondia whitei has been traditionally used for its antidiabetic&#13;
and antioxidant effects, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains&#13;
limited. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Mondia whitei&#13;
root extract in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Phytochemical screening of M. whitei root extract revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, steroids, and&#13;
terpenoids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)&#13;
assays. DM was induced with 65 mg/kg body weight STZ. Rats were grouped&#13;
into normal control, diabetic control, 200 mg/kg extract, 400 mg/kg extract,&#13;
and 100 mg/kg metformin treated groups. Treatments were administered orally&#13;
for 21 days. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body weight were measured weekly.&#13;
At termination, blood and liver tissues were collected for analysis. M. whitei&#13;
extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The 400 mg/kg dose significantly reduced FBS levels, nearing metformin’s hypoglycemic effect when&#13;
compared to diabetic control. The extract also significantly lowered serum&#13;
gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline&#13;
phosphatase (ALP), lipids, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing&#13;
FRAP values in liver and plasma while serum creatinine and urea levels were&#13;
reduced, though not significantly. The phytochemical-rich M. whitei root extract showed significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities, supporting its potential as a natural alternative for managing DM and its complications.
</summary>
<dc:date>2025-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>ENVIRONMENTAL OCCURRENCE AND ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISKS OF  CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN IN THE RIVER ATHI BASIN,  KENYA: ANALYTICAL AND KINETIC ADSORPTION STUDIES USING  AGRICULTURAL WASTE BIOCHARS</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2406" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>CHEBII, FAITH JELAGAT</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2406</id>
<updated>2025-05-27T10:15:07Z</updated>
<published>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">ENVIRONMENTAL OCCURRENCE AND ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISKS OF  CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN IN THE RIVER ATHI BASIN,  KENYA: ANALYTICAL AND KINETIC ADSORPTION STUDIES USING  AGRICULTURAL WASTE BIOCHARS
CHEBII, FAITH JELAGAT
Globally, the environmental occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) including &#13;
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Personal Care Products (PCPs) and pesticides has &#13;
raised ecological and human health concerns. However, as the developed world make efforts to &#13;
establish regulatory measures to mitigate their effects, developing nations including Kenya are &#13;
lagging, partly due to unavailability of adequate data. Remediation of CECs in water can be &#13;
achieved via photodegradation, advanced oxidation process, bioremediation, chemical &#13;
degradation and activated carbon utilization. Adsorption, a cheaper and convenient alternative &#13;
using the available agricultural wastes products, as biosorbent materials have not been fully &#13;
explored. The objectives of this study were to determine multi-class CECs load and &#13;
concentrations, determine ecotoxicological risks towards algae, Daphnia magna and fish, and &#13;
potential point-of-use technologies via adsorption using Rice Husk Biochar (RHB), Avocado &#13;
Seed Biochar (ASB)and Banana Peel Biochar (BPB). Water samples were collected from 24 sites &#13;
across the River Athi basin area, Kenya. Extraction of water samples was done using Solid-Phase &#13;
Extraction (SPE) and the CECs were analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid &#13;
Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The &#13;
equilibrium adsorption isotherm studies were conducted for 86 CECs using ASB, BPB and RHB &#13;
and the data was correlated using the non-linear curves of Langmuir and Freundlich rate &#13;
equations. RHB was used in the adsorption kinetic studies for 86 CECs and the kinetic data &#13;
acquired were correlated with the non-linear curves of Pseudo-First Order (PFO), Pseudo Second &#13;
Order (PSO), Elovich and the Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion models. The fitting &#13;
performance of each model onto the kinetic data was guaranteed using adjusted R2 and the chi&#13;
square values. The results of this analysis indicated that 57 CECs comprising 31APIs (0.4 ng L-1 – &#13;
142 µg L-1), 6 PCPs (0.7 – 570 ng L-1) and 20 pesticides (0.3 ng L-1 – 8.3 µg L-1) were detected. &#13;
The maximum loads varied from 217 g day-1 (APIs) to 46 g day-1 (PCPs). Individually, &#13;
Carbamazepine, Nevirapine, Sulfamethoxazole and DEET were the most ubiquitous CECs, with &#13;
detection frequencies (DF) higher than 80%. The highest concentrations were observed at river &#13;
sites that are heavily impacted by informal settlements, highlighting the critical role of slums in &#13;
pollution of urban rivers. At least 8 CECs including Acetamiprid, Alachlor, Atrazine, Diuron, &#13;
Nevirapine and Paracetamol showed potential risk to algae, Daphnia magna and fish, as &#13;
exemplified by Risk Quotients (RQ) up to 174. Similarly, potential risk of antibiotic resistant &#13;
bacteria development is evident due to exposure to Metronidazole, Sulfamethoxazole and &#13;
Trimethoprim (RQ up to 64). Comparison of removal efficiencies of the CECs using the ASB, &#13;
BPB and RHB showed that ASB and RHB had impressive % Removal efficiencies (94.0% - 98% &#13;
and 87% - 99%) respectively compared to BPB (87% -93%). The lower %RE (% Removal &#13;
Efficiencies) at lower concentrations for all the selected biochars is attributed to formation of &#13;
bulky water clusters which may not be accommodated in the micropores on the surfaces of the &#13;
biochars. The adsorption mechanism may be attributed to π-π electron donor- acceptor &#13;
interaction, pore filling, ionic interactions and hydrogen bonding between the CECs molecules &#13;
and the surfaces of the biochars. The kinetic adsorption analysis revealed that the kinetic data &#13;
acquired for virtually 80% of the compounds were best described by the Elovich kinetic model, &#13;
indicating that chemisorption was more pronounced on a heterogenous adsorbent surface as to &#13;
physisorption and the intra – particle diffusion mechanisms. The R2 values approached unity and &#13;
low Chi-square values approached zero. The equilibrium isotherm data fitted well both with &#13;
Langmuir and Freundlich models with R2 approaching unity in most instances. However, &#13;
Freundlich model had higher rate constants as to Langmuir models, an indicator that adsorption &#13;
process was best described with a multilayer structure than the monolayer. There is a need to &#13;
sensitize communities in informal settlements on proper waste disposal methods and the &#13;
government agencies should include CECs in their monitoring schedule. ASB and RHB should be &#13;
considered in the development of point-of-u
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Removal of Selected Heavy Metals from the Water of the River Sosiani in Uasin Gishu County Using Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass)</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2319" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Lelei, Kiptoo Richard</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Kipkemboi, Pius</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Lutta, Samuel</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2319</id>
<updated>2025-05-12T07:36:23Z</updated>
<published>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Removal of Selected Heavy Metals from the Water of the River Sosiani in Uasin Gishu County Using Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass)
Lelei, Kiptoo Richard; Kipkemboi, Pius; Lutta, Samuel
The management of heavy metal pollution in rivers is a growing concern due to the&#13;
rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization. Rivers are especially susceptible to&#13;
heavy metal contamination due to various human activities, such as industrial&#13;
processes, agricultural runoff, mining operations and improper waste disposal. Several&#13;
studies in Kenya have documented the alarming presence of elevated heavy metal&#13;
levels in various rivers, raising concerns about environmental and public health&#13;
impacts. A variety of methods and techniques have been developed and implemented&#13;
to remove heavy metals from contaminated water however, several of these&#13;
techniques are expensive. The potential of plants to serve as a bio adsorbent offers a&#13;
sustainable solution for addressing heavy metal pollution in rivers. This research&#13;
therefore investigated the efficacy of modified Cynodon dactylon grass as an&#13;
adsorbent for removing lead (Pb²⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺) and chromium&#13;
(Cr⁶⁺) ions from Sosiani River water. Water samples were collected from three&#13;
purposively selected sites along the Sosiani River in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and&#13;
the mean heavy metal concentrations were analysed using Atomic Absorption&#13;
Spectroscopy (AAS). The batch adsorption experiments were conducted in triplicates&#13;
for untreated and treated grass. The study also examined the impact of pH levels on&#13;
adsorption by testing at pH levels of 5, 7 and 9. Data was coded into SPSS software&#13;
version 20 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate&#13;
that the mean concentration of Cr⁶⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the water samples were 1.49 mg/L and&#13;
1.61 mg/L respectively. Both metals ions exceeding the NEMA guideline. However, the&#13;
concentration of Cd²⁺ and Mn²⁺ was found to be 0.002 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L which is&#13;
below the NEMA recommended level. Further, the heavy metal concentrations in&#13;
Sosiani River water samples varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) across different locations.&#13;
Also, the chemically treated Cyanodon dactylon grass exhibited a higher percentage&#13;
of adsorption across all tested heavy metals compared to the untreated Cyanodonat pH 5 compared to pH 9. These findings demonstrate the potential of Cynodon&#13;
dactylon grass as an effective and more accessible alternative for river water&#13;
purification. Further research is needed to optimize the conditions and modifications&#13;
for enhanced adsorption performance.&#13;
dactylon grass. Lastly, there was a higher adsorption efficiency for treated adsorbent
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-09-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Occurrence and environmental risks of contaminants of emerging concern across the River Athi Basin, Kenya, in dry and wet seasons</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2308" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Chebii, Faith</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>et. al...</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2308</id>
<updated>2025-04-23T08:58:38Z</updated>
<published>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">Occurrence and environmental risks of contaminants of emerging concern across the River Athi Basin, Kenya, in dry and wet seasons
Chebii, Faith; et. al...
Globally, the environmental occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) including pharmaceuticals&#13;
(PhACs), personal care products (PCPs) and modern polar pesticides has raised ecological and human health&#13;
awareness. However, as the developed world races against time to establish regulatory measures to mitigate their&#13;
effects, developing nations including Kenya are lagging behind, partly due to unavailability of adequate data. In&#13;
this work, a multi-residue analysis of 86 CECs was carried out on 198 surface water and 18 effluent samples&#13;
collected at 24 sites across the River Athi basin area, Kenya, in both dry and rainy seasons. Overall, 57 CECs&#13;
comprising 31 PhACs (0.4 ng L− 1&#13;
–142 μg L− 1&#13;
), 6 PCPs (0.7–570 ng L− 1&#13;
) and 20 pesticides (0.3 ng L− 1&#13;
–8.3 μg L− 1&#13;
)&#13;
were detected. The maximum loads varied from 217 g day− 1 (PCPs) to 46 kg day− 1 (PhACs). Individually,&#13;
carbamazepine, nevirapine, sulfamethoxazole and DEET were the most ubiquitous CECs, with detection frequencies (DF) higher than 80 %. The highest concentrations were observed at river sites that are heavily&#13;
impacted by informal settlements, highlighting the critical role of slums in urban rivers pollution. At least 8 CECs&#13;
including acetamiprid, alachlor, atrazine, diuron, nevirapine and paracetamol show potential risk to algae,&#13;
Daphnia magna and fish, as exemplified by Risk Quotients (RQ) up to 174. Similarly, potential risk of antibiotic&#13;
resistant bacteria development is evident (RQ up to 64), being driven by metronidazole, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Ultimately, further studies on the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistant bacteria&#13;
within the basin and among the communities consuming untreated river water for drinking is merited.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>HEAVY METALS IN WATER, SOIL AND PUMPKIN (Cucurbita maxima)  LEAVES FROM SHIYALU-LURAMBI AREA KAKAMEGA COUNTY KENYA:  CONTAMINATION LEVELS AND SPECIATION ANALYSIS</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2285" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>NEKESA, DOREEN MESO</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2285</id>
<updated>2025-04-08T09:52:56Z</updated>
<published>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">HEAVY METALS IN WATER, SOIL AND PUMPKIN (Cucurbita maxima)  LEAVES FROM SHIYALU-LURAMBI AREA KAKAMEGA COUNTY KENYA:  CONTAMINATION LEVELS AND SPECIATION ANALYSIS
NEKESA, DOREEN MESO
Pollution of the environment by heavy metals is a major global concern. Arsenic (As), &#13;
cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) present the greatest &#13;
environmental threat because of their widest distribution and known toxic effects in &#13;
humans, plants, animals and lower biota. The study was designed to assess the level of &#13;
selected heavy metals in potable water, soils and Pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita maxima)&#13;
samples to determine their availability and potential accumulation along the food chain. &#13;
Samples for the field investigation were collected from randomly selected sites, transported &#13;
to the research laboratory where they were treated and analyzed for Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn &#13;
using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Arsenic was determined calorimetrically &#13;
using Arsenic Test Kit (ATK). Inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy &#13;
(ICP-AES) was used to perform speciation studies for Cd and Pb in soil samples. It was &#13;
found that whereas the As, Ni, Cu, and Zn concentrations in water, soil and plants were &#13;
well within the respective World Health Organization (WHO) limits, both the Pb and Cd &#13;
levels water (Pb -0.0925-0.5680 Cd -0.3911-0.5541); soil (Pb -1.2252-1.9279; Cd -0.6153-&#13;
0.7674-) and plants (Pb -1.0482-1.3892); Cd 0.1070-0.11833) respectively exceeded the &#13;
permissible WHO standards for studied media, respectively. The Soil Pb and Cd were &#13;
present in the bioavailable exchangeable fractions (0.42 mg/kg, 0.21 mg/kg) and reducible &#13;
fraction (0.99 mg/kg, 0.28 mg/kg), respectively. Lead (Pb) and Cd in the soils posed &#13;
significant risk of overexposure because of their high levels and speciation resulting in &#13;
bioaccumulation and magnification in the plant tissues investigated. Because the overall &#13;
toxic consequences of excessive exposure to these metals, it is recommended that the levels &#13;
of heavy metals in plants, water, and soil in the affected areas need to be routinely assessed &#13;
and measures taken to avert potential environmental and public health damage.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FRESH MEAT SOLD WITHIN ELDORET TOWN</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2236" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>KOECH, EDWIN CHERUIYOT</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2236</id>
<updated>2025-04-02T09:55:06Z</updated>
<published>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FRESH MEAT SOLD WITHIN ELDORET TOWN
KOECH, EDWIN CHERUIYOT
Meat is the primary source of proteins in many parts of Africa. In many cases however,&#13;
it is major point of entry of many zoonotic diseases. Further, due to the long and many&#13;
procedures involved in the meat industry, it is also implicated with many diseases&#13;
associated with poor hygiene. The present study was carried out to assess the general&#13;
microbiological quality of meat (beef, chevon and mutton) sold in Eldoret Town of&#13;
Uasin Gishu County. The objectives of the study were; to investigate the physiological&#13;
conditions of the meat, assessing the bacterial load of the meat, and biochemical&#13;
characterization of selected bacterial pathogens found on the meat. Five major&#13;
abattoirs were sampled for this study; Kaburwo in Langas, Maili Nne in Huruma,&#13;
Cyrus in Munyaka, Eldoret main, and Teresia in Moiben representing all the major&#13;
peri-urban centres of the Town. Five butcheries in the town were also selected for the&#13;
study. The pH and temperatures of the carcasses were the physiological parameters&#13;
measured and were recorded at the sampling sites. Meat samples were aseptically&#13;
collected and taken in sterile bags and kept at 4˚C. One gram of each meat sample was&#13;
mixed with 0.4 ml of 0.1% of buffered peptone water for 2 minutes. Serial dilutions&#13;
were carried out and followed by plating via pour plate technique. The plates were&#13;
incubated for 24 hrs at 37 ˚C after which total plate count was done to determine the&#13;
bacterial load of the meat samples. Biochemical typing was done on pure isolates to&#13;
determine the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus&#13;
vulgaris. PH values ranged from 5.5 to 6.77 with the pH of the meat obtained from&#13;
butchery consistently registering low values compared to the ones from the abattoirs.&#13;
Temperatures of the carcasses ranged from 23 ˚C to 26.95 ˚C. The lowest temperatures&#13;
were obtained from the carcasses from Teresia abattoir. Statistical analysis of variance&#13;
was used to determine level of signifance between the microbial load and factors;&#13;
temperature and PH on meat sample collected. Correlation regression analysis was&#13;
used to determine the influence of the physiological factors measured on the numbers&#13;
of colony forming units(cfus). Statistical analysis was done using Ms Excel 2013. The&#13;
meat in all the samples sites were found to be of poor bacteriological quality as the&#13;
bacterial load was found to be higher than the recommended levels. The highest&#13;
bacterial load was found in the carcasses in the butchery with an average of 19.8 cfus&#13;
g/ml while the lowest was from the Maili Nne abattoir with an average of 4.9 cfus&#13;
g/ml. Among the abattoirs, Teresia had the highest bacterial load of 9.2 cfus.&#13;
Temperature was found to be positively correlated with cfu albeit weak (0.177) while&#13;
pH was negatively correlated with the same (-0.478). Staphyloccocus aureus was the&#13;
major pathogenic bacteria isolated from all the carcasses being at 26% of the isolated&#13;
bacteria. Proteus vulgaris was at 11% and Escherichia coli at 8%. These differed from&#13;
one sampling site to another but the order of abundance remained uniform. More&#13;
public health education on the appropriate hygienic practices ought to be rolled out to&#13;
help achieve a better microbiological quality status of the meat sold in Eldoret&#13;
Municipality.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-01-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>A systematic review of Datura stramonium as a potential biocide for mosquito control</title>
<link href="http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2188" rel="alternate"/>
<author>
<name>Okumu, Naomi</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>et. al...</name>
</author>
<id>http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2188</id>
<updated>2025-02-14T06:40:26Z</updated>
<published>2024-10-01T00:00:00Z</published>
<summary type="text">A systematic review of Datura stramonium as a potential biocide for mosquito control
Okumu, Naomi; et. al...
Global burden of malaria reduction has been significantly slowed down by malaria vectors&#13;
developing resistance to conventional chemical pesticides currently in use. Anopheles&#13;
mosquitoes, which are malaria vectors, have over time developed coping mechanisms which can&#13;
enable them to detoxify poisonous chemical pesticides meant to kill them consequently&#13;
threatening the effectiveness of such control measures. Coupled with the danger of the chemical&#13;
pesticides on the environment, attention is shifting to natural products that would successfully&#13;
control malaria vectors particularly those that have developed bacteria-mediated resistance to&#13;
conventional pesticides currently in use. A web-based literature search using scientific&#13;
databases was explored to find data on the insecticidal and antibacterial properties of Datura&#13;
stramonium. This was prompted by a dearth of information on alternative bio-pesticides that are&#13;
cost-effective, eco-friendly, and with high toxicity on vectors. This review evaluated the potential&#13;
of extracts of D. stramonium in different solvents as a biocide. A lot of research on D.&#13;
stramonium extracts has focused more on its potential as a medicinal plant rather than as a&#13;
biocide. This review outlines research evidence that D. stramonium has phytochemicals and bioactive compounds which are antibacterial, insecticidal, and anti-malarial. Not much studies&#13;
have been done with Anopheles gambiae of confirmed resistance and its inhibition effect on&#13;
mosquito bacterial community is not fully understood.
</summary>
<dc:date>2024-10-01T00:00:00Z</dc:date>
</entry>
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