Molecular Analysis of Bacteria and Fungi Isolates from Wastewater from Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant

Abstract

As the population of the earth is increasing, the rate of waste release into the environment increases. This study investigates the microbial composition of wastewater samples collected from the Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant in Abuja, focusing on bacterial and fungal diversity.  Methods included bacterial colony counting across dilution series (10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁶), bacterial identification via morphological and Gram staining, and molecular confirmation of isolates through GenBank database comparison. Results showed peak bacterial density at 10⁻¹ dilution and minimal density at 10⁻⁶. Three bacterial species were identified: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, alongside a single fungal isolate (Aspergillus niger). Molecular analysis confirmed Escherichia coli with 99% similarity (accession NR 114042.1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 98% (accession NR 117635.1), and Aspergillus niger with 98% (accession NR 145759.1). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the microbial community dynamics in wastewater systems and highlight key species that may play roles in wastewater treatment processes.