Faiza Ibrahim Muhammad, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study investigated the insecticidal activity of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) peel extract against Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. The research was designed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations and exposure times on mortality in both larval and adult mosquito stages. Laboratory bioassays were carried out using three concentrations of the extract (10 ml, 15 ml, and 20 ml) and four exposure durations (5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes). Each treatment was replicated to ensure reliability of the results. Mortality was determined through direct laboratory observation, where individuals that showed no movement or response to stimulation after exposure were recorded as dead.Laboratory observations revealed that the extract exhibited clear insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti. Mortality increased progressively with increasing concentration of the extract, indicating a dose-dependent effect. Similarly, longer exposure times resulted in higher mortality rates, demonstrating a time-dependent response. The highest mortality was consistently recorded at the highest concentration (20 ml) and longest exposure time (20 minutes), while the lowest mortality occurred at the lowest concentration (10 ml) and shortest exposure duration (5 minutes). These patterns observed during the laboratory experiments suggest that the effectiveness of Citrus sinensis peel extract depends largely on both the amount of extract applied and the duration of contact with the mosquitoes.A marked difference in susceptibility was observed between larval and adult stages. Larvae consistently recorded higher mortality than adults across all concentrations and exposure times. This laboratory finding indicates that the larval stage is more sensitive to the extract, possibly due to structural and physiological factors such as a softer body surface, higher permeability, and less developed detoxification mechanisms. Adults, in contrast, appeared more resistant, requiring higher concentrations and longer exposure periods to achieve comparable mortality.Data obtained from the laboratory experiments were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine whether the observed differences among treatments were statistically significant. The statistical analysis confirmed that both concentration and exposure time had significant effects on mosquito mortality at p < 0.05. This indicates that the variations in mortality recorded during laboratory observation were not due to random chance. Post hoc analysis using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test further revealed significant separation among treatment means, with higher concentrations and longer exposure times differing significantly from lower treatments. The consistency between laboratory observations and statistical outcomes strengthens the validity of the results. The insecticidal activity observed in this study is likely associated with bioactive phytochemicals present in Citrus sinensis peel. These phytochemicals may disrupt essential physiological processes in mosquitoes, including membrane integrity, metabolic activities, and nervous coordination, leading to paralysis and eventual death. The dose- and time-dependent nature of the response suggests a cumulative toxic effect that becomes more pronounced with increased concentration and prolonged exposure.In conclusion, both laboratory observations and statistical analysis demonstrate that Citrus sinensis peel extract possesses significant insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti. The effectiveness of the extract is strongly influenced by concentration, exposure duration, and developmental stage, with larvae being more susceptible than adults. The findings support the potential use of Citrus sinensis peel as a phytochemical-based and environmentally friendly alternative for mosquito control.

Kudirat Abdullahi, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

The induction of triploidy in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a significant strategy in aquaculture to produce sterile, fast-growing fish. This study evaluated the effect of electric shock exposure time on the fertilization, hatching, and subsequent growth performance of induced triploids. Fertilized eggs were subjected to electric shock at varying exposure times of 1, 2, 3, and 4 minutes post-fertilization, alongside a non-shocked control group. Chromosomal status was verified using relative DNA indexing, which revealed that the 3-minutes exposure successfully achieved a 1.5 index ,confirming triploidy (3n),whereas the 1-minutes exposure remained diploid (2n) at a 1.0 index.Results indicated that fertilization rates were not significantly impaired by the shock among 1 and 4 minutes (p > 0.05), with the 3-minute exposure recording the highest fertilization rate compared to 4 minutes (93.93 ± 2.0%) (p < 0.05). The hatching rates were significantly affected by the duration of exposure (p < 0.05). The 3-minute treatment yielded a hatching rate of (80.64 ± 2.44%), which has no significant difference compared to the control group (82.93 ± 1.64%), whereas the 1- and 2-minute exposure recorded the lowest hatchability (53.96 ± 6.47 and 48.53 ± 2.79%, respectively). In contrast, growth performance analysis revealed that survivors from the 2-minute treatment group exhibited the highest growth metrics, achieving a final weight of 62.50 ± 13.64 mg compared to 1 -, 3 -, and 4 – minutes and a Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 15.37%, compared to 12.88% in the 3-minute group (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while an exposure time of 2 minutes maximizes individual somatic growth potential, a 3-minute exposure time is the most efficient protocol for commercial hatchery production as it provides the optimal balance between high hatchability and triploid performance.

Rahfat Zakar, Mass Communication - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study investigates the influence of WhatsApp usage on interpersonal communication among Mass Communication students at Bayero University, Kano. Employing a survey research design, data were collected via questionnaires from a sample of 154 respondents. Findings indicate that WhatsApp is extensively utilized for both academic and social purposes, characterized by high daily frequency. While the platform enhances communication efficiency and connectivity, it introduces challenges such as digital distraction, the spread of misinformation and a decline in face-to-face interaction. The study concludes that WhatsApp facilitates instant engagement but excessive reliance may diminish the quality of direct interpersonal relationships. Consequently, the study recommends the regulated use of the platform and its strategic integration into formal academic frameworks.

Jemilah Momodu, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study investigated the abundance of Aedes mosquito species in Bayero University Kano (BUK) Old Campus, Kano State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives: to identify adult Aedes mosquitoes reared from collected larvae and to determine their abundance within the study area. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the research. Larval samples were collected from a blocked gutter in Al-Ansar Garden, an area considered suitable for mosquito breeding. The samples were taken to the laboratory and reared to the adult stage under controlled conditions. The emerged adult mosquitoes were then identified morphologically using visible diagnostic features. The findings showed that a total of 210 adult mosquitoes emerged from the collected larvae. Out of this number, 120, representing 57.1%, were identified as Aedes mosquitoes, while 90, representing 42.9%, were non-Aedes mosquitoes. This indicates that Aedes mosquitoes were more abundant than other mosquito groups recovered from the breeding site. The result further suggests that the habitat sampled in the study area supports the breeding and development of Aedes mosquitoes. The study concluded that Aedes mosquitoes are present in considerable proportion within the selected area of BUK Old Campus, and their abundance points to possible public health implications because of their known role in the transmission of viral infections. The study therefore recommends proper environmental sanitation, regular clearing of drainage channels, and continuous monitoring of mosquito breeding sites within the campus environment to reduce their proliferation.

Ramatu Badamasi Abdulfatah, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study assessed the concentration of selected heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), and Iron (Fe)) in water and muscle tissues of two fish species (Catfish and Tilapia) obtained from Ramin Birji River, Kano State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from three sampling sites (Site A, Site B, and Site C), while fish samples consisting of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Oreochromisniloticus (Tilapia) were obtained from the river. Standard analytical procedures were used for sample preparation and analysis. Water samples were filtered, acidified, and digested, while fish muscle tissues were dried, digested using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that Pb was not detected in Site A and Site B but was detected in Site C (0.055 ± 0.1225 mg/L), exceeding the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L. Chromium concentrations in water ranged from 0.015±0.085 to 0.020 ± 0.0360 mg/L, which were within the recommended limits. Iron concentrations ranged from 2.755 ± 0.0645 mg/L to 5.400 ± 0.0585 mg/L, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L. In fish muscle tissues, the concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Fe in both Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromisniloticus were within the permissible limits recommended for fish consumption. The results indicate that although iron levels in the river water were relatively high, but the accumulation of these heavy metals in the fish species studied were low and within acceptable safety limits. Continuous monitoring of the river is recommended to prevent potential environmental and health risks associated with heavy metal contamination.

Sakina Malami Musa, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and electric shock on androgenesis production in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Androgenesis is a reproductive technique in which offspring inherit only paternal genetic material following inactivation of the maternal genome. In this experiment, freshly collected eggs were exposed to UV radiation at different durations (1.5 and 2.5 minutes) to inactivate the maternal DNA, followed by fertilization with milt and application of electric shock (24 V for 3 minutes) to restore diploidy against a control group without treatment. DNA concentration, fertilization rate, and hatching rate were used as indicators to assess the success of the treatments. The results showed a decrease in DNA concentration with increasing UV exposure, with the control group (0 min) having the highest (2,078.5 μg), whereas 2.5 min exposure had the lowest (100.26 μg) DNA concentration (p < 0.05), indicating effective maternal genome inactivation. Although fertilization occurred in the treated groups (1.5 min: 93.18%, 2.5 min: 90.80%), hatching success was significantly low (0% at 1.5 min) compared to the control group (82.93%) (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that while UV irradiation and electric shock can induce androgenesis in African catfish, the current treatment conditions negatively affect embryo viability. Therefore, further optimization of UV exposure duration and electric shock parameters is necessary to improve hatching success and enhance the practical application of androgenesis in aquaculture.

Amina Zakariyya Idris, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly in endemic areas such as Kano State. This study was carried out to determine malaria parasite density among patients attending Kabuga Primary Health Care, Kano. A cross-sectional study design was employed involving febrile patients who presented at the health facility during the study period. Blood samples were collected and examined using standard Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood film microscopy, which remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was determined among the study population, with parasite density quantified and classified into different levels (low, moderate, and high parasitaemia). The results showed variations in parasite density among infected individuals, with a higher proportion of cases falling within the moderate density range. Comparative analysis between male and female patients revealed differences in parasite density, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, clinical symptoms such as fever were the most commonly observed among infected patients, supporting its relevance as a key indicator for malaria suspicion in endemic settings. The findings highlight the continued importance of microscopy in not only detecting malaria infection but also in accurately quantifying parasite density, which is essential for proper case management and monitoring of disease severity.

Radiyat Najeem, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

The rapid expansion of aquaculture has raised significant environmental concerns about the discharge of nutrient-rich wastewater, particularly phosphate (PO₄³⁻), which can drive eutrophication in receiving water bodies. This study investigates the potential of charcoal from the tamarind tree, characterized by a point of zero charge (PZC) at pH of 9.41 and rich in oxygen functional groups, as an effective adsorbent for phosphate removal from aquaculture effluent. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of charcoal dosages (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% of the synthetic wastewater volume) on PO₄³⁻ removal efficiency and adsorption capacity in wastewater with an initial PO₄³⁻ concentration of 90.56 mg/L. The study revealed that PO₄³⁻ removal efficiency increased slightly with increasing charcoal dose, while adsorption capacity decreased. The charcoal doses of 2.0% and 4.0% achieved removal efficiencies of 26% and 24.4%, respectively compared to the 23.8% achieved at 0.5% charcoal dose. However, the high adsorption capacity of 2.49 mg/g was achieved at a 0.5% charcoal dose, compared to 0.68 and 0.32 mg/g at 2% and 4% charcoal doses, respectively. The effect of 0.5% charcoal was further studied in real aquaculture wastewater with initial PO₄³⁻ of 20.15 mg/L (autoclaved) and 25.38 mg/L (unautoclaved) and found to remove 49.38% and 66.77% of PO₄³⁻ from autoclaved and unautoclaved aquaculture wastewater, respectively. These findings underscore the viability of charcoal as a sustainable, cost-effective adsorbent for treating aquaculture wastewater.