Browsing by Author "Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie"

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    10 Invasive Plant Impacts on Soil Macrofauna through Allelopathy and Environmental Modification
    (MJRD, 2026) Ojija, Fredrick; Bacaro, Giovanni; Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie
    Soil macrofauna taxonomic groups such as annelids (earthworms), arthropods (insects and crustaceans) and molluscs (gastropods/snails) play an essential role in soil ecosystems (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Zulu et al., 2022; Mamabolo et al., 2024). These organisms help convert organic matter into forms that can be utilized by plants, ultimately supporting soil fer¬tility (Sofo et al., 2020; Mamabolo et al., 2024). They influence soil structure, organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil aeration and ecosystem functioning (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Ibrahima et al., 2017). Thus, their presence and diversity are integral to maintain¬ing soil fertility and productivity, making them important bioindicators for assessing soil health (Rousseau et al., 2013; Sofo et al., 2020). Soil macrofauna physically and biologically alter the soil structure, enhancing the permeability of the soil and improving water infiltration (Zhou et al., 2022). Besides, they contribute to the creation of microhabitats for other organisms, promoting biodiversity conservation (Huerta and van der Wal, 2012). For instance, earthworms, through their burrowing and feeding activities, not only recycle nutrients but also create channels in the soil that facilitate the movement of water and air (Ibrahima et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2024). Soil macrofauna – ants, termites and beetles – are involved in the breakdown of organic matter, including plant litter and animal remains, thereby playing a role in nutrient cycling (Jouquet et al., 2011; Ibrahima et al., 2017; Mamabolo et al., 2024). The presence and activity of these macrofauna can also influence the abun¬dance and diversity of soil microorganisms, further enhancing nutrient cycling (Zhou et al., 2022). Research conducted by Liu et al. (2020) and Singh et al. (2019) reveals
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    Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Food and Food Products
    (IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie; Tonjock, Rosemary Kinge; El Malah, Soumia; Ojija Fredrick
    The detection of microbial contaminants in food and food products is a cornerstone of public health protection and food safety assurance. As foodborne diseases con- tinue to pose a global burden, with pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus accounting for millions of illnesses annually, the need for robust and reliable detection methodologies has become increasingly urgent. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of microbial detection in food systems. It begins by exploring the sources and path- ways of microbial contamination across the “farm-to- fork” continuum, highlighting critical control points and microbial risk factors. Emphasis is placed on sampling strategies, including representative sampling, sample preparation, and enrichmen