Dr. Prosper Ashibudike Opute

Dr. Prosper Ashibudike Opute
Photo: Sebastian Wiedling

Address:
Permoserstr. 15
04318 Leipzig
Germany

Building: 7.3, Room: 2.034
Phone: +49 341 6025 3219

Prosper Ashibudike Opute



Research Interests

My research focuses on environmental toxicology with emphasis on understanding the effects, mechanisms of action, and ecological risks of pesticides and emerging contaminants. I am particularly interested in zebrafish-based New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), early-life stage toxicity, neurotoxicity assessments, and chemical mode-of-action profiling. My work also integrates histopathology, biomarker responses, endocrine disruption, and climate-related modifiers of chemical toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial species.

Curriculum Vitae

Since 05/2025

Guest Scientist, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany

Since 2024

Associate Professor, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

2020 - 2022

Postdoctoral Fellow, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

2011 - 2024

Academic positions at University of Benin, Nigeria:
• Senior Lecturer (2021–2024)
• Lecturer I (2018–2021)
• Lecturer II (2015–2018)
• Assistant Lecturer (2011–2015)

2017

Research Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Academic Qualifications

2016 – 2019

PhD in Physiology & Ecotoxicology – University of Benin, Nigeria

2008 – 2010

M.Sc. in Hydrobiology & Fish Biology – University of Benin, Nigeria

2000 – 2004

B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology, Second Class Upper – University of Benin, Nigeria

Awards/Grants/other Activities

2024

Georg Forster Research Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany

2023

University of the Witwatersrand Postdoctoral Fellowship, Johannesburg, South Africa (awarded, not utilized)

2021

Coimbra Group Short Stay Scholarship for Young Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa (awarded, not utilized)

2020

North-West University Postdoctoral Fellowship, Potchefstroom, South Africa

2019

TETFUND Travel Grant, Nigeria

2017

African-German Network for Excellence in Science Intra-Africa Mobility Grant, supported by BMBF & Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

2013

University of Benin Senate Award for Best Lecturer, Faculty of Life Sciences, Nigeria

Publications

  1. Opute, P.A., Mbajiorgu, F.E. (2025). Atrazine-Induced Intestinal Histopathology in Juvenile African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Discov Anim 2, 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338-025-00080-z
  2. Kaka, H., Opute, P., Maboeta, M (2024). Single and combined effects of metal-based fungicides on Eisenia andrei in different scenarios of climatic change. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 61236–61253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-35309-z
  3. Opute P., Eboh S. (2024). Toxicity of Atrazine on Acetylcholinesterase Activities and Histological Profile (Brain) of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822): The Neuro-Protective Role of Vitamin C. FUW Trends in Science & Technology Journal. 9(1): 211 – 216
  4. Opute, P.A. and Uwaifo, F.O. (2024). Atrazine-Induced Impairment of Fecundity and Fertilization in Exposed Adult Clarias gariepinus: Consequences for Hatchability and Larval Survival. African Scientist. 25 (1): 47-53
  5. Opute, P.A. and Inojie E. (2024). Investigation into the Curative Potential of Dietary Vitamin C Supplementation on Atrazine Toxicity: Behaviour and Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles (Burchell, 1822). Ife Journal of Science. 26 (2): 001-010
  6. Opute P.A. and Isibor A. (2024). Embryotoxicity of Chlorpyrifos on Gastrulation, Segmentation, and Hatching in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Animal Research International, 21(1): 5280 – 5289
  7. Opute P., and Oboh I.P. (2021). Effects of Sub-lethal Atrazine Concentrations on Embryogenesis, Larvae Survival and Growth of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Aquaculture Studies, 21(1), 01-09. http://doi.org/10.4194/2618-6381-v21_1_01
  8. Opute P., Oboh I.P., Asouzu Johnson J.E., Pilani N., and Mbajiorgu E.F. (2021). Effects of Atrazine on the endocrinology and histoarchitecture of the Testes in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). African Journal of Aquatic Science, 46 (3):361-369. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2021.1890541
  9. Opute P., and Oboh I.P. (2021). Hepatotoxic effects of atrazine on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822); Biochemical and Histopathological Studies. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 80(2): 414-425. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-020-00792-1
  10. Asouzu Johnson, J.; Nkomozepi, P.; Opute, P.; Mbajiorgu, E.F. (2021). Cardiac and Cerebellar Histomorphology and Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate (IP3R) Perturbations in Adult Xenopus laevis Following Atrazine Exposure. Appl. Sci., 11, 10006. https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110006
  11. Opute, P., Udoko, A.O., Oboh, I.P. and Mbajiorgu, E.F., (2020). Changes induced by atrazine in Clarias gariepinus provide insight into alterations in ovarian histoarchitecture and direct effects on oogenesis. Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B. 56:1: 30-40. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2020.1832409
  12. Opute P.A., Osemwegie F., Sanni E.O., and Erhunmwunse N.O. (2022). Exposure to Atrazine Altered Postembryonic Organs Development, Functions and Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Catfish Juveniles. Animal Research International, 19 (1): 4343 – 4353
  13. Opute P. A. and Oboh I. P. (2021). Exposure to Atrazine Impairs Behaviour and Growth Performance in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 5(1): 165-172. https://doi.org/10.36263/nijest.2021.01.0263
  14. Opute P. A. and Atiti A. (2021). Larval Toxicity of Anti-Fungus Chemicals used as Prophylactic Agents on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). African Journal of Health, Safety and Environment. 2 (2): 72-81. http://doi.org/10.52417/ajhse.v2i2.142
  15. Opute P.A. and Maboeta, M.S. (2022). A Review of the Impact of Extreme Environmental Factors on Earthworm Activities and the Feedback on the Climate. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 20(4):3277-3297. http://dx.doi.org/10.15666/aeer/2004_32773297
  16. Idris, O.A.; Opute, P.; Orimoloye, I.R.; Maboeta, M.S. (2022). Climate Change in Africa and Vegetation Response: A Bibliometric and Spatially Based Information Assessment. Sustainability, 14(9), 4974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094974 
  17. Kaka H., Opute P.A. and Maboeta M.S. (2021). Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Toxicity of Pesticides towards Earthworms. Journal of Toxicology. Vol. 2021, Article ID 8527991, 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8527991
  18. Opute P., and Odion G.F. (2020). Water Renewal in Static Systems: Impacts on Productivity and Survival in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Tropical Freshwater Biology. 29 (2):59-67 10.4314/tfb.v29i2.5
  19. Imiuwa E.M., Opute P., and Ogbeibu A.E. (2014). Heavy Metal Concentrations in Bottom Sediments of Ikpoba River, Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management 18(1): 31-36. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v18i1.4
  20. Opute P., Erhunmwunse N.O., and Tawari-Fufeyin P. (2016). Accumulation of Cadmium and the Modifying Effects of Copper and Lead in Tissues of African Snakehead, Parachanna obscura. FUW Trends in Science & Technology Journal. 1(2): 414 – 416
  21. Opute P., Oghortaire B.C., Erhunmwunse N.O., and Tawari-Fufeyin P. (2015). Comparative Haematology and Urinary Analysis of Passive Inhalers of Petrol Fumes (Petrol Station Attendants) in Benin City, Nigeria. European International Journal of Science and Technology. 4(3): 1-8
  22. Opute P., Murice E. M.E., Taiye O.I., and Tawari-Fufeyin, P. (2014). Assessment of potential abatement provided by Annona muricata (prickly custard apple leave) on the toxic effects of aluminium chloride on albino rats. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management 18(1): 39-43. 10.4314/jasem.v18i1.5
  23. Tawari-Fufeyin P., Opute P., and Ilechie I. (2007). Toxicity of Cadmium to Parachanna obscura: As evidenced by alterations in hematology, histology, and behaviour. Journal of Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry. 89(2): 243-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/02772240601051117
  24. Ekaye S.O, Akhigbe M.E., Opute P., and Tawari-Fufeyin, P. (2018). Chronic Effects of Cadmium, Arsenic and Iron on Some Selected Rat Tissues and Possible Abatement Using Vitamin C and Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). European International Journal of Science and Technology 7(4): 48-98
  25. Akhigbe M.E., Ekaye S.O., Opute P., and Tawari-Fufeyin P. (2018). Effects of Single and Combined Exposure of Albino Rats to Cadmium, Arsenic and Iron on Some Haematological Parameters and Possible Abatement Using Vitamin C and Bitter Leaf (Vernonia Amygdalina). International Journal of Scientific Research and Innovation Technology 5(4): 52-66