Microbiological Assessment of Soil from Dumpsites in Oduduwa University Campus
Fakorede Cecilia Nireti*, Adeyemo Mariam Adetoun, Adeyemi Oluwaseun Abayomi
Department of Biological Science
Oduduwa University Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria
E-mail: olaniretifakorede@yahoo.comCorresponding author: C.N. Fakorede
ABSTRACT
Dumpsites are a prime source of environmental pollution that constitutes a habitat for vector and other nuisance organisms capable of transmitting or causing diseases. The aim of the research is to determine the dominant microorganisms present in soil from various dumpsites in Oduduwa University campus. A total of 8 soil samples labelled A-H, collected from four dumpsites and a control sample obtained from soil devoid of waste in the campus were serial diluted to investigate bacterial and fungal populations. Isolates obtained were identified and characterised using staining techniques and biochemical tests. Total bacterial count ranged from 1.23 x 106 cfu/g to 9.70 x 108 cfu/g with least bacterial count in sample A and highest in sample H. Fifteen Gram negative bacterial isolates and 43 isolates positive to Gram staining were obtained. The dominant bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 49 fungal isolates were obtained with the dominant organism been Aspergillus spp. From experimental results, microbial load recovered from top soil from dumpsites is far higher than those obtained from control soil sample. Pathogenic microorganisms were discovered to be present in soil samples from various dumpsites.
Keywords: Dumpsites, soil, pathogenic, heterotrophic count.
