Abstract

 
 
 The study examined the effect of plastic waste on soil bacteria and fungi. The test soil samples were collected from Lokoja international market waste dump site and the control soil sample was collected from non plastic contaminated garden in Salem University, Lokoja. The samples were analysed using Gas chromatography with mass spectrometer. The test soil sample soil sample had high quantity of plastic contaminant which were Methylene chloride 17.45mg/kg, hexane 10.05mg/kg, chloroform 1.56mg/kg, toluene 5.87mg/kg, tetrachloroethylene 1.48mg/kg as compared to the control garden soil sample, which had methylene chloride 0.54mg/kg, hexane 0.26mg/kg, chloroform 0.31mg/kg, toluene 5.87mg/kg and tetrachloroethylene 0.01mg/kg. The result showed the presence of plastic in the soil and it effect on bacteria and fungi. The totals of 11 bacteria were isolated from both soil samples using nutrient agar. The bacteria isolated are; Corynebacterium spp. (12%), Enterobacter spp. (8%), Acinetobacter spp. (6%), Escherichia coli (16%), Epidermis, Bacillus subtilis (15%), Serratia sp. (8%), Proteus spp. (4%), Micrococcus luteus (7%), Flavobacterium spp. (10%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%). Micrococcus luteus, Flavobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginose were not isolated in plastic composted soil sample due to the presence of plasticizers. The total of 6 fungi were isolated, namely Penicilliun expansion (12%), Sacchromyces sp. (24%), Aspergillus niger (19%), Fusarium spp. (20%), Rhizopus stolonifer (10%) and Mucor piriformis (15%). This study reveals the effect of plastic waste, as it inhibits the growth of microorganism that is important for soil activities, thereby reducing the soil nutrients, fertility and productivity.
 
 
Highlights
This research was carried out to study the effect of plastic waste composted soil on some soil bacteria and fungi
Results obtained in this study showed the effect of plastic polluted soil on the growth and survival of soil bacteria and fungi
Cultural analysis was carried and the following bacteria were isolated from the plastic composted soil sample: Corynebacterium spp., Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Serratia sp., Protues spp., UDOCHUKWU, U; EMMANUEL, SE, EHINMITAN, EO; BODUNDE, RS; ISHEKE, JO
Summary
Phthalates, present in emulsions, inks, footwear, and toys among other products, is associated with hormonal disturbances, developmental issues, cancer, reduced sperm count, and infertility and weakened immunity (FAO, 1997). PVC, a form of plastic used in packaging, containers, utility items, and cosmetics has been linked to onset of cancer and birth and genetic conditions. It can cause bronchitis, skin disease, deafness, and vision problems, and digestion and liverrelated problems (Udochukwu et al, 2016). Some plastic water bottles contain Bisphenol A, a compound that is, believed to cause cancer, impair the immune system, lead to early puberty and trigger development of obesity and diabetes (Hester and Harrison, 2011). This research was carried out to study the effect of plastic waste composted soil on some soil bacteria and fungi
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