Fungal Biofilms in Drinking Water Storage Containers: Flipping through their Health Risks. A Case-Study of Households at Diobu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The formation of fungal biofilm in drinking water storage containers has not been giving considerable attention over the years despite the challenges posed by bacterial biofilms. Hence, the study aimed to determine the fungal occurrence and the associated biofilm formation capacity from domestic drinking water storage containers in Diobu homes of Port Harcourt. Fifty water samples were obtained from domestic storage containers in different house units, and the sample was subjected to the standard microbiological procedure. The spread and streak techniques were applied on antibiotics treated Saboraud Dextrose and Congo red growth media. The results shows that the mean fungi count of 6.2 x 102 and 6.1 x 102 CFU/ml in household sizes of 4 and 5 persons respectively were less than that of the household population of 2, 6, and 8 persons with the fungal count of 8.7x102, 8.3x102 and 8.0x102CFU/ml respectively. Positive, negative and zero relationships were established between the household sizes and the fungal recovered. The analysis further revealed a total of 25 fungal isolates of which three genera were distinguished morphologically, namely, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum. All isolates were able to form a heavy mass of biofilm; except Candida albicans which had a delayed formation after 24hours with less biofilm development potential, and thus signifies its inability to persist, despite having the highest count or load. The success of fungi biofilm is based on the constant growth rate of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum biofilms for which, the household size has reasonably be attributed. The study recommends that storage facilities in the homes be regularly cleaned and always disinfected to inhibit the successes of fungal biofilm.