Seasonal Variation in Mycological Quality of Air Environment Around a Major Market Along East-West Road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Glory Richard,Ebinyo Rebecca Aseibai

doi:10.32861/ijhms.72.18.25

Abstract

The distribution of bio-aerosols in diverse environments is a major concern to aero-microbiologists and environmentalists in general. The study evaluated the mycological quality of the air environment around a market along East-West road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Petri dish containing sterile Potatoes dextrose agar was exposed for 10 minutes around a market along East-West road in Bayelsa state at a height of 1 meter. The density and diversity of the isolates were determined following standard mycological procedures. The density of the fungi–aerosols ranged from 0.0073 - 0.0268 CFU/min-m2 and was statistical higher in dry (November, January and March) compared to wet (May, July and September) seasons, an indication of seasonal influence. A total of 11 fungi species were recorded with 5 predominant species viz Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium chlamydosporum and Penicillium species (occurring in ≥66.67% of the study months), while 6 species, Aspergillus lentulus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Microsporum canis and Mucor species are opportunistic occurring in ≤50% of the study months). Most fungi species are found in the soil, and are known to produce toxins and cause diseases. There is need for a concerted effort by local government authorities via its agencies to sensitize people on proper hygiene practices around markets.

Highlights

The rate and intensity of atmospheric degradation have been on the increase possibly as a result of population growth, urbanization and industrialization
The study evaluated the mycological quality of air environment around a market along East-West road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
A total of 11 fungi species were recorded with 5 predominant species viz Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium chlamydosporum and Penicillium species, while 6 species, Aspergillus lentulus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Microsporum canis and Mucor species are opportunistic occurring in ≤50% of the study months)

Summary

Introduction

The rate and intensity of atmospheric degradation have been on the increase possibly as a result of population growth, urbanization and industrialization. Like soil and water pollution, the effect of air pollution is a threat to the aero-environment and the associated biota. Atmospheric pollution could lead to changes in composition and distribution of species especially in microbes found in such environment. The distribution and presence of a particular microbe in a given environment depends on its adaptive strategies that enable it to thrive in such habitats. Microbes play detrimental as well as beneficial roles to both the environment and humans. The adverse roles play by microbes with respect to public health are of a serious concern because many infectious diseases that have devastated the world are caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) [1]

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