Microbiological Assessment of Bioaerosolic Bacteria Isolated from Dumpsites in Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Atmospheric transport plays a crucial role in the dispersal of bacteria and the transmission of airborne pathogens, which can significantly affect ecosystems, human health, and agricultural productivity. This study focuses on the microbiological assessment of bioaerosolic bacteria around dumpsites within Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of ten (10) air samples were aseptically collected from various dumpsites and control sites located 10 meters away, using the plate sedimentation method. Bacterial isolates were identified through cultural and biochemical techniques. The total heterotrophic bacterial count at the Girls' Hostel Dumpsite (GHDS) ranged from 130,000- 300,000(cfu/m³), while the corresponding control site recorded 5,000cfu/m³. At the School Area Dumpsite (SADS), bacterial counts ranged from 110,000-250,000(cfu/m³), with the control site showing a significantly lower count of 1,000cfu/m³. Biochemical identification revealed the presence of Micrococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhodococcus, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas oleovorans, and Escherichia coli. Among these, Micrococcus was the most frequently occurring organism, with 10(33.3%), while Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas oleovorans had the lowest frequency, each with 2(6.7%). The Girls' Hostel Dumpsite exhibited the highest bacterial diversity and abundance, with 17(100%), compared to 13(100%) from the School Area Dumpsite. These findings indicate a significant level of airborne bacterial contamination in proximity to the dumpsites, in contrast to the relatively low counts at control sites. The high bacterial load, particularly at GHDS, underscores the impact of organic waste accumulation on bacterial proliferation which could endanger the livelihood of communities nearby hence make them more susceptible to respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal infections as a result of pathogenic bacterial  contaminating the groundwater, atmospheric space, and surrounding soil. This study supports existing research that highlights waste decomposition as a key contributor to bioaerosol formation and emphasizes the importance of monitoring microbial communities in and around waste disposal sites.