Abundance and Antimicrobial Properties of Macrophytes Collected from Awoya Stream, Akure, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria

• A. Abidemi-Iromini

  Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

  Author

Macrophytes are large aquatic plants, visible to the naked eye, growing in or near water. They may be emergent, submerged or floating. Macrophytes have long been utilized in traditional medicine, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds. This study investigated macrophytes species abundance and antibacteria capability of macrophytes extracts collected from Awoya stream in Akure, Ondo State. Investigation revealed macrophyte species: Fribrystillis litoralis, Comaelina benghalensis, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia abyssinica, Ipomoea innoculata, Pteridum aquilirium, Aspilia bussei, Chromolaena odorata, Talium trigulare, Peperomia pellucida, Azolla pinnata and Pistia stratiotes were identified. E. crassipes occurred most (112), while P. stratiotes ranked least (4). Antibacteria tests carried out on extracts of with abundant species: E. crassipes, C. odorata, I. innoculata, L. abyssinica and P. aquilirium against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli revealed the varying sensitivity ranges with extract inclusion levels to the bacteria species: E.coli and S.aureus. Macrophytes species at 200mg / ml revealed highest inhibition zone activities against the bacterial flora, while least inhibitory activities on S. aureus and E. coli were realized with 50 mg/ml among the macrophyte extracts. The information is needful for public health concern, as low concentrations plant-based remedies may lead to ineffective treatment, prolonged illness, and potentially contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, proper dosing and scientific validation of herbal treatments is required for safety utilization against bacterial infections. The information contributes to global knowledge on macrophyte ecosystem services, risk and benefit for public and environmental health concerns and management.

1. A. Abidemi-Iromini, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

   Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

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