Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology

Impact of Distinct Carbon Substrates on the Proliferation of Antimicrobial-Producing Microbes

2026-04-10T06:34:03+08:00

Microbial production of antimicrobial compounds remains a fundamental area of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, and its efficiency is strongly influenced by the carbon source available in the growth medium, which functions not only as an energy substrate but also as a regulator of microbial metabolism and secondary metabolite synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of five carbon sources—glucose, lactose, sucrose, starch, and glycerol—on microbial biomass yield, strain-specific growth preferences, metabolic compatibility, antimicrobial potency, inhibition zones, and bioactive metabolite production. Seven microbial strains, including Streptomyces, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Actinomyces, and Clostridium, were cultured in media supplemented with each carbon source. Biomass yield was measured gravimetrically, growth rate indices were calculated on a scale of 0–10, antimicrobial potency was assessed using zone of inhibition assays against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, and metabolite yield was quantified in mg/L using spectrophotometric analysis. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. The findings showed that glucose produced the highest biomass yield and growth rates across all strains, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas each scoring 10. Lactose demonstrated selective effectiveness, particularly for Streptomyces, whereas sucrose supported moderate growth and selective antimicrobial activity. In contrast, starch and glycerol consistently resulted in low biomass production and minimal antimicrobial potency. The zone of inhibition results further confirmed that glucose and lactose were the most effective substrates, with inhibition zones exceeding 20 mm. Similarly, metabolite yield was highest with glucose (120 ± 5.4 mg/L) and lactose (115 ± 4.9 mg/L), while glycerol produced the lowest yield (30 ± 1.5 mg/L). The study concludes that carbon source selection plays a critical role in microbial proliferation and antimicrobial compound production, with glucose and lactose emerging as the most suitable substrates for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and high metabolite yield. These findings contribute practical evidence for optimizing fermentation strategies according to microbial metabolic profiles to enhance antimicrobial synthesis.

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Among Female Patients Attending Some Medical Facilities in Parts of Southern Taraba State, North East Nigeria

2026-04-10T08:06:53+08:00

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, remains one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections and poses a substantial public health burden, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection and identify its associated risk factors among female patients attending health facilities in Wukari, Ibi, and Donga Local Government Areas of Southern Taraba State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed involving 522 female patients aged 18–59 years. High vaginal swab samples were collected and examined microscopically using wet mount preparation, while demographic, behavioural, and awareness-related data were obtained through structured questionnaires. The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 4.4%, with substantial variation across locations, being highest in Donga (9.2%), followed by Ibi (2.9%) and Wukari (1.1%). Infection was more frequently observed among women aged 30–41 years, widowed individuals, and those without formal education; however, these demographic variables were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In contrast, behavioural factors, particularly multiple sexual partnerships and inconsistent condom use, showed significant associations with infection. Awareness of sexually transmitted infections and T. vaginalis was generally low and was not significantly associated with infection risk (P > 0.05). The study concludes that behavioural factors are the principal drivers of T. vaginalis transmission in this population. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that integrate health education, safer sexual behaviour promotion, and improved access to screening services to reduce the burden of trichomoniasis in the region.

Design and Construction of an AC Automatic Light Sensitive Switch System to Control Bulbs Inside Buildings

2026-04-10T08:18:14+08:00

Electrical energy wastage remains a persistent challenge in modern buildings, particularly where lighting systems rely on manual switching that requires continuous human intervention and often results in bulbs being left on during the daytime or unavailable when needed at night. This study aimed to design and construct a prototype automatic light-sensitive switch system for controlling alternating-current lighting points in buildings such as lecture halls, classrooms, and offices in order to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption. The system was developed using a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) as a photosensor and a relay-based switching mechanism to detect changes in environmental brightness and darkness and automatically switch bulbs on at sunset and off at sunrise. The methodological process was carried out in sequential stages comprising software simulation, component assembly and testing on a breadboard, soldering, final testing, and packaging of the prototype. The findings indicate that the developed system can automatically respond to ambient light conditions and control lighting operation without manual intervention. The prototype is projected to reduce building electricity costs by approximately 50% compared with a manual switching system, while also improving bulb lifespan and operational efficiency. The study concludes that an automatic light-sensitive switching system offers a practical and efficient solution for minimizing electrical energy wastage in residential and institutional settings. Its contribution lies in providing a simple, low-cost, and functional prototype that supports energy conservation and more efficient lighting management in buildings.

Efficacy of Selected Biopesticides as Protectants Against Dermestes maculatus on Smoked Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus in Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State

2026-04-10T08:51:30+08:00

Fish is an affordable source of animal protein and is increasingly utilized to address nutritional deficiencies in tropical regions; however, post-harvest losses caused by insect infestation remain a major challenge to its preservation and utilization. This study aimed to assess the repellent effects of selected biopesticides against adult D. maculatus on smoked fish and to determine their effects on weight loss in smoked fish infested with the pest. Three newly emerged adult insects were introduced into transparent containers containing fish samples admixed with powders of C. annuum, P. guajava leaves, and C. papaya leaves at concentrations of 5.0 g, 7.0 g, and 10 g per 15 ± 5 g of fish. The results showed that the highest mean percentage repellency of adult D. maculatus on smoked catfish was recorded with 10 g of C. annuum powder, yielding 99.92 ± 0.00%, whereas the lowest mean percentage repellency was observed with 5 g of C. papaya powder, with a value of 0.08 ± 0.00%. Overall, C. annuum powder at all tested concentrations demonstrated the greatest repellent effect, while C. papaya showed the lowest repellency among the three plant treatments. The findings further indicated that, for most observation periods, increasing the concentration of plant treatment tended to reduce weight loss in tilapia, although this pattern was not entirely consistent; conversely, weight loss generally increased with longer storage duration at each treatment concentration. The study concludes that the tested biopesticides have potential as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the control of Dermestes maculatus infestation in smoked fish, with C. annuum showing the greatest promise for enhancing protection and reducing post-harvest losses.

Extraction and Characterization of Dye Extract from Bridelia ferruginea

2026-05-07T15:19:32+08:00

Natural dyes have attracted increasing attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants, particularly because of their potential functional and bioactive properties. This study aimed to extract and characterize a natural dye from the stem of Bridelia ferruginea and evaluate its physicochemical, phytochemical, antimicrobial, thermal, morphological, and spectroscopic properties. The dye was extracted using the Soxhlet method, yielding 32%. The physical characterization showed that the extract was maroon in color, had a pH of 5.10, a melting range of 200–210°C, a density of 1.20, partial solubility in water, and complete solubility in methanol. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids, while phenols and anthraquinones were absent. The dye extract also inhibited the growth of selected bacterial and fungal organisms. Instrumental characterization was conducted using FTIR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, and GC–MS. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of O–H stretching, C–H stretching, C=C stretching, C–H bending, and C–O stretching vibrations. UV–Visible spectroscopy showed distinct absorption peaks, with the most prominent peak observed at 304 nm and an absorbance value of 2.4889. SEM analysis revealed compact, fused, and crystalline-like structures, while TGA indicated three stages of thermal stability: initial weight loss between 30 and 150°C, major weight loss between 250 and 450°C, and residual mass above 500°C. GC–MS analysis identified 18 compounds with their respective retention times and intensities; maltose showed the highest intensity at 2.50, whereas propanoic acid and tetral gyvcol showed lower intensities of 0.20. The study concludes that B. ferruginea stem extract possesses promising dye characteristics, bioactive constituents, antimicrobial potential, and measurable thermal stability. These findings contribute to the development of plant-based natural dyes for sustainable material and bioresource applications.

Field Evaluation of Biological Control Measures against Bacterial Soft Rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum) on Tomato in Taraba State, Nigeria

2026-05-07T15:33:55+08:00

Bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum is one of the most destructive diseases affecting tomato production worldwide, creating a need for sustainable and effective management strategies under field conditions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of selected biological control agents and botanical extracts in managing bacterial soft rot of tomato in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of neem extract, garlic extract, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, Mancozeb, and an untreated control. Data were collected on disease incidence, disease severity, plant growth parameters, including plant height and number of leaves, and yield parameters, including number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, and total yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at the 5% probability level. The results showed that all treatments significantly reduced disease incidence and severity compared with the untreated control. The lowest disease incidence and severity were recorded in plots treated with B. subtilis and T. harzianum, which also significantly improved plant growth and yield parameters. The highest fruit yield, 19.8 t ha⁻¹, was obtained from plots treated with B. subtilis, whereas the untreated control recorded the lowest yield, 12.4 t ha⁻¹. The study concludes that biological control agents, particularly B. subtilis and T. harzianum, are effective in suppressing bacterial soft rot and improving tomato productivity. These findings contribute to sustainable tomato disease management by highlighting the potential of biological control agents as environmentally compatible alternatives for reducing disease pressure and enhancing yield under field conditions.

Assessment of Cow Dung on Nutrient Uptake, Soil Physicochemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Okra in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

2026-05-07T16:42:59+08:00

Declining soil fertility remains a major constraint to sustainable agricultural production in the Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria, necessitating the evaluation of organic amendments that can improve soil quality and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of cow dung application on nutrient uptake, soil physicochemical properties, growth, and yield of okra in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022 cropping season using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Five treatments were applied: control at 0 t ha⁻¹ and cow dung at 15, 20, 25, and 30 t ha⁻¹. Okra leaves were sampled for nutrient uptake at 50% flowering, while soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–30 cm before planting and after harvest for the analysis of particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity. The findings showed that cow dung significantly enhanced nutrient uptake, with the 30 t ha⁻¹ treatment recording the highest values for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. Soil analysis further indicated that higher cow dung rates, particularly 25–30 t ha⁻¹, significantly improved soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity compared with the control treatment. Significant differences were also observed in plant height, pod length, pod width, and pod weight across cow dung application rates. The highest pod yield of 8.65 t ha⁻¹ was recorded under the 30 t ha⁻¹ treatment, which was statistically similar to the 25 t ha⁻¹ treatment, with 8.28 t ha⁻¹. The study concludes that cow dung application at 25–30 t ha⁻¹ is more effective in improving soil fertility, nutrient uptake, okra growth, and yield under the conditions of the study area. These findings contribute to sustainable soil fertility management by supporting the use of cow dung as an organic amendment for enhancing okra production in the Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

Optimization of the Dyeing Conditions of Natural Dye from African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Pod on Cotton Fabrics

2026-05-07T17:02:29+08:00

This study examines the dyeing performance, color fastness, surface morphology, and antimicrobial properties of cotton fabrics dyed with natural dye extract, both with and without mordant treatment. The dye extract was applied to treated and untreated cotton fabrics, while CuSO₄, FeSO₄, and KAl(SO₄)₂ were used as mordants to produce different color shades. The optimum dyeing conditions for treated and untreated cotton fabrics were identified at dye concentrations of 2% and 1.5%, temperatures of 90°C and 80°C, and dyeing times of 60 and 50 minutes, respectively. Color fastness to washing and sunlight was evaluated, and the surface morphology of dyed and undyed fabrics was investigated using SEM. The dyed cotton fabrics demonstrated good color fastness, with ratings ranging from 3 to 5 under washing and sunlight exposure. Antimicrobial analysis showed that all dyed fabrics, with and without mordants, produced no inhibition zone against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi, with values of 0.00 ± 0.00. However, the dyed fabrics exhibited varying inhibition zones against the fungus Penicillium notatum. Treated cotton dyed with copper sulphate mordant showed the highest inhibition zone of 1.1 ± 0.00 mm, whereas untreated cotton dyed with potassium aluminium sulphate mordant showed the lowest inhibition zone of 0.4 ± 0.00 mm. The study concludes that mordant-assisted dyeing can improve shade variation and maintain acceptable color fastness in cotton fabrics, while the antifungal activity of the dyed fabrics suggests potential functional value for naturally dyed textile applications.