| 1 |
Author(s):
Asma Mehdi, Salma Ghalloussi, Eya Seghir, Linda Messaoud, Ahlem Trifi, Sami Abdellatif.
Page No : 1-12
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The Relationship between Vaccination Status, Clinical Manifestations and Outcome in Critical COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Abstract
Background: The resurgence of COVID-19 cases has led to the administration of repeated vaccine doses. Our study aims to investigate the association between the vaccination status and clinical presentation, amount of oxygen support needed and outcome among patients admitted in ICU for critical SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 01 January 2021 to 30 August 2022. Patients admitted for severe/critical SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into four groups according to their vaccination status: unvaccinated, receiving one dose, two doses and three doses or more. Data were compared according to the vaccination status. Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven (237) patients were included. Age > 60 years and most co-morbidities were more reported among vaccinated patients with 3 doses or more. Arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio was correlated to the dose received (p<10.-3). Severe ARDS (p<10-3), mechanical ventilation (p=0.003) and mortality (p=0.04) were lower among patients receiving 3 doses or more. Conclusion: Vaccination with 3 doses or more was associated with less severe symptoms, biological disorders, CT scan lesions extent, critical forms and need for mechanical ventilation.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Niokhor Ngobe Sene, Assane Dieng, Souleymane Aidara, Aissatou Sow Ndoye, Mba Elhadji Bambo Diakh, Dianké Samate, Serigne Mbaye Lo Ndiaye, Sény Ndiaye.
Page No : 13-20
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Genital Infections in Couple Infertility in Dakar
Abstract
Background: Couple infertility is a real public health problem affecting 8–15% of couples worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate genital infections in infertile couples in Dakar. Methodology: This was an 8-month prospective study of infertile couples followed up in 3 health facilities in the Dakar region. Standard bacteriology was performed on genital swabs and Triplex PCR for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium. Data analysis was performed using SPSS IBM 25 software. Results: A total of 98 women (65.3%) and 52 men (34.7%) with an average age of 34 years and extremes ranging from 18 to 56 years were included. In men, the prevalence of genital infections was 17.3% (n=9), with a predominance of Mycoplasma hominis (5.8%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (5.8%) and Escherichia coli (3. 8%). In women, 70.3% (n=59) had an infection, and the most frequently isolated germs were G. vaginalis (19%), U. urealyticum (17%) and Candida albicans (17%). Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium were absent in all patients. Chlamydia trachomatis, on the other hand, was positive in 10 patients using antigenic tests, with confirmation in just one patient by PCR. Conclusion: The prevalence of genital infections in infertile couples was very high in our study. Good medical management of these infections necessarily requires good laboratory diagnosis.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Mohammad Salim.
Page No : 21-47
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Physiological and Biochemical Alterations during the Germination of Aspergillus Niger Conidia
Abstract
The provided analytical data pertains to the germination of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem spores, focusing on various components measured by dry weight. These components include sugars, organic acids, amino acids, proteins, and lipids. Additionally, indicators of spore activity, such as respiration and permeability changes, were assessed. It is noteworthy that A. niger spores do not initiate germination utilizing their internal reserves. The introduction of glucose triggers heightened oxygen consumption and an increase in the overall concentration of organic acids. The initial 3-hour germination period is characterized by an augmentation in protein synthesis, along with a reduction in free amino acid concentration, which suggests the synthesis of proteins to facilitate germination. Furthermore, changes in permeability are observed to influence the release of various substances from the germinating spores. Significant alterations occur in the concentration of free sterols and the sterol-to-lipid ratio in germinating A. niger spores. During the early stages of germination, there is extensive degradation of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and their lyso-derivatives. However, these phospholipids are subsequently resynthesized in the later stages of germination. Regarding nonpolar lipids in A. niger spores, they consist primarily of hydrocarbons, triglycerides, fatty acids, sterol esters, and free sterols. Notably, the content of free sterols increases while the content of hydrocarbons decreases during the germination process in A. niger spores.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Osuji-Kalu Nnenna Chinenyenwa, Ene Aloysius Chinedu, Chukwudoruo Chieme Sunday.
Page No : 48-58
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Profiling of the bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum from Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study aimed to access the bioactive compounds and functional groups present in Solanum aethiopicum using the Gas Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The GCMS showed Solanum aethiopicum showed a total of thirty-seven bioactive compound with the highest abundance being Squalene (21.13%), Palmitoleic acid (16.63%), 13-Octadecenal (16.63%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (17.62%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Solanum aethiopicum showed the presence of functional groups which include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, primary (10) and secondary (20) amines, amides, imino, epoxy, peroxides, carboxylic esters, ethers, primary (10), secondary (20) and Tertiary (30) alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, thiols, cyanate, isoyanates and alkylhalides. These bioactive compounds with reference to literature revealed a variety of biological functions spanning across antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, antimalarial, antifungal, anti-tumour, neuroprotective, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, anti-seizure, anti-allergy, anti beta-amyloid protein aggregation.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Olorunniyi Shola Blessing, Olanrewaju Motunrayo Florence (Prof.), Ogo Chidiebere Ndukwe.
Page No : 59-74
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Coping Mechanisms and Illness Perception Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients in Ogun State
Abstract
Background: The second most common malignancy in men globally is prostate cancer. Moreover, one of the regions with the highest estimated death rates from prostate cancer is sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among Nigerian men is prostate cancer. However, negative illness perceptions, including worry about the disease and the severity of symptoms, have been linked to poorer prognosis among cancer patients. Generally, cancer patients adopt various coping mechanisms to deal with these stressors. Meanwhile, little is known about the health-related quality of life of prostate cancer patients in this region, regarding their coping mechanisms and illness perception. Therefore, this study examined, coping mechanisms and illness perceptions associated with health-related quality of life among prostate cancer patients in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study employed the Purposive sampling technique. Correlation analysis was used to determine the association between coping mechanisms, illness perception, and the health-related quality of life of participants.
Results: The association between illness perception and health-related quality of life was positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.547, p=.000). However, in the association between coping mechanism and health-related quality of life; problem-focused coping and health-related quality of life were found to be positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.228, p=.000); emotion-focused coping and health-related quality of life were found to be positively correlated and statistically significant (r=.388, p=.000); while avoidant coping and health-related quality of life were found to be negatively correlated (r= -0.192, p=.000).
Conclusion: This study found that a higher illness perception score correlated with a higher health-related quality of life score. Also, a higher problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanism score correlated with a higher health-related quality of life score. While a higher avoidant coping score inversely correlated to a lower health-related quality of life score.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Possible O. Popoola, Adnan Musa, Ayomide D. Faloye, Emmanuel O. Ojediran, Tosin T. Olaniran, Iyanuoluwa D. Ayodele, Kabirat A. Adeyemi, Esther T. Adebayo.
Page No : 75-96
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A Review Diagnosing Male Infertility: Beyond Conventional Semen Analysis.
Abstract
Infertility, defined as the inability of couples to conceive after one year of consistent, unprotected sexual contact, is a widespread concern affecting a significant portion of the population. Notably, between 14 to 17% of couples may encounter infertility at some point during their reproductive journey. This review delves into the realm of diagnosing male infertility beyond conventional semen analysis. Conventional semen analysis, which is a globally accepted tool for male infertility, primarily focuses on assessing sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology, leaving certain aspects of sperm functionality unexplored. These limitations necessitate the integration of advanced semen analysis techniques to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Advanced semen analysis encompasses a range of sophisticated tests that probe deeper into the intricacies of male fertility. These tests include assessing sperm penetration capabilities, acrosomal discharge, and spermatozoa Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. Moreover, advanced semen analysis encompasses tests like sperm chromatin structure assay, DNA damage assessment, sperm proteomics, sperm metabolomics, and high sperm magnification microscopy, all of which shed light on various facets of sperm function and quality. While advanced semen analysis techniques offer a more comprehensive understanding of male infertility, their uptake and utilization in clinical practice have been limited. This review aims to elucidate the roles, merits, and drawbacks of both conventional and advanced semen analysis in diagnosing male infertility. This review sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, it promotes a more nuanced approach to male infertility diagnosis, enhancing the prospects of successful conception for infertility challenged couples.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Allen-Adebayo Blessing, Maureen U. Okwu, Odaro S. Imade.
Page No : 97-112
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Molecular Characterization and Tolerance Potential of Culturable Crude Oil-Degrading Microbes in Santa-Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
There has been chronic contamination of the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environments in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to the enormous activities of crude oil exploration. This study aimed to characterize and assess the crude oil tolerance potential of indigenous microbes from crude oil spills in Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, that could serve as potential consortia for bioremediation of the crude oil spills. Total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria count (THUBC) and total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi count (THUFC) in the samples were determined with a culture-dependent spread plate technique. Bacterial and fungal isolates were characterised using standard phenotypic and 16S/Internal Transcribed Spacer region rRNA gene sequencing techniques, respectively. The tolerance of autochthonous bacterial isolates to different concentrations of crude oil was subsequently determined. THUBC and THUFC in crude oil-polluted water samples ranged from 1.88 log10 CFU/ml to 2.74 log10 CFU/ml and from 0.00 log10 CFU/ml to 1.70 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. Representative strains of Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus and Aspergillus flavus isolates obtained from crude oil-polluted water samples were deposited in the GenBank (NCBI) under accession numbers OQ969924, OQ969951, OQ969987, OQ970009 and OQ975908. Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus flavus demonstrated the most significant tolerance to crude oil pollutants (minimum crude oil inhibitory concentrations (MIC) = 80%) followed by Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus (MIC= 40%). The findings from this study are pointers to the potential role of the microbial isolates as bioremediation consortia to remediate the polluted Santa Barbara River.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Cornelius Orjighjigh Ishar , Mulumba Ifeanyi Ikeh , Cornelius Orjighjigh Ishar, Okoro B.B, Okonkwo Victor Okechukwu, Obiageli Anthonia Okeke , Ifebunandu Okwudilichukwu Nnatuanya , Aboje Godwin Benedict .
Page No : 113-121
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Intestinal Helminth Infections among Primary School Aged Pupils in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis in primary school children in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 172 faecal samples were collected and analyzed using Kato-Katz technique. Other pieces of information concerning demography were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and P˂0.05 were considered significant. Overall, 45 (26.16 %) of the samples were infected while 127 (73.84 %) were negative. Among the schools sampled, Community Primary School, Amowere recorded the highest infection prevalence of 58.18% while no infection was recorded in Umuoji Primary School, Ebenebe (0.00 %). In relation to class, pupils in class four were the most infected 12 (31.58 %) while class one children had the least prevalence 5 (12.19 %). Gender-wise, males recorded the highest prevalence of 28.43 % with female children having a lower prevalence of 22.86 %. In terms of age, children between the age bracket of 7–9 years were most infected 31 (30.09 %) with the least prevalence occurring in the 4–6 years age group. In total, four helminth parasites were found in the stool samples of the children, A. lumbricoides 35 (20.59 %), Hookworm 7 (4.16 %), and T. trichiura 5 (2.19 %). Among the predisposing factors studied, school and type of parasite were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.05). Mass deworming of primary school children should be undertaken regularly by health officers as well as enlightenment programs of pupils on proper hygiene practices and sanitation.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Ngene Okechukwu, Anyamene C. Okwudili, Ezebialu C. Uzoamaka, Iheukwumere Ikechukwu, Ozo N. Chinwendu, Okorie Benson.
Page No : 122-143
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Antibiotic Activity of a Newly Discovered Aspergillus Species Isolated from Sewage Dump Site.
Abstract
Infectious agents causing diseases are becoming resistant to drugs produced to manage them. This has continued to spur scientific investigations for newer and better antibiotics to aid and/or replace existing ones. Soil samples were collected from sewage dump sites with the sole aim of isolating and screening fungi species for antibacterial substances using the cultural method. A newly discovered fungi species of Aspergillus was used to produce crude antibiotic, fractionated by column chromatography and tested on clinical isolates – Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The result of zones of inhibition was 45 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm and 47 mm in order of listing of organisms. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the fractionated extract revealed the following compounds as being responsible for the observed inhibition – methylene chloride, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, methyl hydrogen phthalate, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, dodecanoic acid, z-10-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, tetradecanoic acid, 2-tetradecyloxy-ethanol, n-hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanamide, octadecenamide and octadecanamide. A cocktail of organic compounds – fatty acids and amides that displayed strong antimicrobial ability, if well tapped, hold a future in the development of new antibiotics.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Ngene M. Okechukwu, Anyamene C. Okwudili, Ezebialu C. Uzoamaka, Okorie Benson, Ajogwu Tobechukwu.
Page No : 144-161
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The Production of Medically Important Bioactive Compounds by a Newly Discovered Fungi Species (Purpureocillium Species) – PP537396.
Abstract
The clog in the wheel of progress in management of infectious diseases has necessitated a continuous search for suitable bioactive agents for desired relief. Thus this work was to specifically screen previously isolated, newly discovered fungi species for bioactive agents. The fungi species – Purpureocillium sp was used to produce a crude antibiotic substance, extracted with acetone and tested on clinical isolates – Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The result of zones of inhibition was 20mm, 15mm, 16mm, 0mm and 20mm in order of listing of the organisms. The result of GC-MS test pin-points these compounds – t-9-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, z-9-octadecenamide, hexadecanoic acid and methylene chloride as been responsible for observed inhibition. The fungus was also used to produce a crude amylase and tested it on clinical organisms as above with no antibiotic activity. The enzyme activity of the crude enzyme was 70U/L. The antibiotic product holds a promise for a desired drug for mixed microbial infection just like the enzyme which can be coupled to a nano silver particle for drug delivery.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Feyisara Banji Adaramola, Olufunmiso Olusola Olajuyigbe.
Page No : 162-186
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Comparative Antimicrobial Activity and Bioactive Constituents of Oils from Rhizomes of Zingiber Officinale Roscoe Obtained by Different Extraction Methods.
Abstract
Ginger, known for its rich array of bioactive compounds, holds significant therapeutic potential due to its diverse medicinal properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and bioactive principles present in ginger rhizome oils obtained using three different extraction methods viz: liquid-liquid extraction, cold maceration, and soxhlet extarction. The oils’ bioactive principles were identified by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) while their antimicrobial activity was determined by agar well diffusion technique. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of thirty compounds in each of the oils from liquid-liquid extraction and cold maceration, and fifty four compounds in the soxhlet-extracted oil. The most predominant compound in both liquid-liquid (31.13 %) and cold maceration (16.99 %) oils was oleic acid whereas the Soxhlet-extracted oil contained predominantly linoleic acid methyl ester (9.27 %). Some bioactive compounds identified in these oils include δ-elemene, isoborneol, α-Bisabolol oxide, steric acid, undecanone, palmitic acid, α-copaene, zingiberene, aromadendrene, farnesol, 2-methyleicsane and farnesene which possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, hypolipidemic, mosquito repellant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. Additionally, the oils exhibited promising antimicrobial potential against the test organisms with Staphylococcus aureus showing the least susceptibility to all the samples. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were completely resistant to the oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction at all tested concentrations. Meanwhile, Klebsiella pneumoniae (20 mm), Proteus vulgaris (18 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 mm), were most susceptible to the oil obtained by liquid-liquid extraction, cold maceration and soxhlet extraction, respectively. The study highlighted the significance of extraction methods on the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of ginger rhizome oils, underscoring the importance of choosing appropriate extraction technique to optimize the oils' therapeutic properties for specific medicinal applications.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Okeke Obiageli Anthonia, Nwabumere Stephanie Munachimso, Nwadike Comfort Chidiogo, Nnatuanya Ifebunadu Okwudilichukwu, Udeh Peace Nwabundo, Ishar Cornelius Orjighjigh , Uchenna Athanasius Ubaka.
Page No : 187-197
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Malaria and Typhoid Co-infection among Children under 5 Years of Age at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study sheds light on the prevalence of malaria and typhoid in children below the age of five in a hospital in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the presence of malaria, typhoid and malaria-typhoid co-infection in children less than five years of age. In this community-based descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional hospital-based survey, the blood samples of 125 children between 0 to less than 5 years (68 males and 57 females) were examined for the presence of malaria parasites and typhoid infection. Blood samples were collected using venepuncture. The malaria parasitaemia was detected using malaria microscopy on a thick blood film. Typhoid fever infection was detected using the Widal Agglutination Test. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of malaria, typhoid fever and malaria/typhoid co-infections between male and female infected and uninfected participants and between children below 1 year and those 1 year and above. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. A prevalence of 47.2%, 32% and 16% were recorded for malaria, typhoid and malaria/typhoid co-infection respectively. A mean malaria parasite intensity of 56.8475 (±3.30177) was recorded. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of malaria, typhoid and malaria/typhoid co-infection between the genders and age groups. Also, there was no significant difference between the mean PCV of the infected (33.1610 (±0.80748) and uninfected (34.6667 (0.48441) (P> 0.05). These results underscore the importance of continued efforts to combat these diseases and improve the health and well-being of children in the region.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Oguche J. A., Gadzama G. I., Faith U. J., Twan S. M..
Page No : 198-208
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Effect of Different Processing Methods on the Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Factor of Cirina Forda (Westwood) Larvae.
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the effect of the different processing methods on the proximate and anti-nutrient composition of Cirina forda larvae consume in wukari-local government of Taraba state. Proximate analysis was used to determine nutritional and anti-nutritional content of Cirina forda larva using boiled and dried method of processing. Data obtained were subjected to Statistical Analysis System, (SAS). Statistical significant means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test DMRT, (Duncan). Boiled processing method had significant (P<0.01) effect and high nutritional content for protein (15.53±0.03), lipid (30.87±0.03), crude fibre (7.83±0.03) and moisture (9.06±0.01) with the exception of Ash and carbohydrate, which showed non-significant values between the two processing methods. The anti-nutritional content of fried processing method had high values recorded in phytate (4.6±0.13), saponin (0.16±0.30) and flavonoid (0.24±0.00) compared to the boiled processing method with exception of tannin and alkaloid, which showed non-significant differences between boiled and fried processing methods. results obtained in this study showed that the boiled processing method of C. forda is richer in nutrients and generally lower in anti-nutrients within the safe consuming level than the frying process. Further studies should be geared towards determining fatty acid content of Cirina forda larvae.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Oguche A. J., Umaru R., Faith U. J., Balogun J., Adakole A..
Page No : 209-215
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Effects of Rice Mill Wastewater on Cocoon Production and Total Population of Earthworm, Eisenia Fetida (Savigny 1826) under Laboratory Condition.
Abstract
Water scarcity can be overcome through the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation especially in arid and semiarid regions. However, there are several potential environmental and health risks associated with this practices. Improved plant growth and nutrients for microorganisms are also gotten from wastewater which has high nutritive value. This study investigated the effect of rice mill waste water on cocoon production and total population of earthworm Eisenia fetida under laboratory conditions. A total of five hundred (500) clitella earthworms were used for this study. The physico-chemical parameters of the rice mill wastewater were analyzed using standard methods of APHA-AWWA-WEF (2000) . The study on the cocoon production and total population of E. fetida were conducted from 0 to 100% wastewater (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) by serial dilution for a period of 60 days to assess the suitability of rice mill wastewater for irrigational purpose. The significant difference between treatments was tested by one-way ANOVA. The wastewater had an alkaline pH (8.5), low sulphate (0.95 mg/l), DO (3.10mg/l) and COD (2.0mg/l); moderate concentration of TDS (421mg/l), calcium (47.7 mg/l), phosphate(102.27 mg/l) and high concentration of conductivity (20.50 dsm-1), total solid (2550mg/l), total dissolved solids (2028 mg/l), total hardness (100 mg/l) and sodium (25.0 mg/l), earth population(53.2) At 50% of the wastewater usage there was a significant increase in cocoon production (24.24). On the basis of this research, it shows that rice mill wastewater should be either diluted to at least 50% or treated to make it suitable for irrigational purpose.
