Bioaerosol Assessment of Selected Offices within a Polytechnic

Abstract

Aim: Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the built environment and their presence has been documented to have adverse effect on the users of such buildings. This study was conducted to assess the Bioaerosol concentrations of selected offices. Study Design:  A random sampling technique was adopted to select the eight (8) offices for the study based on accessibility and visitation. Place and Duration of Study:    The study was carried out in selected offices within Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt.            Methodology:   Sedimentation technique was employed for the assessment involving Nutrient Agar, Mac Conkey Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. The analysis was replicated thrice for both morning and afternoon sessions Results: The results reveal that the mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 5.85 x 103cfu/m3 (SUG Office) to 3.80 x 104 cfu/m3 (Lecturer Office 2) for the morning session while the afternoon session ranged from 1.13 x 104 cfu/m3 (SUG Office) to 6.54 x 104 cfu/m3 (Lecturer Office 2). The mean total coliform counts for the morning session ranged from 1.17 x 104 cfu/m3 (ICE Office) to 4.07 x 104 cfu/m3 (Lecturer Office 2) while the afternoon session ranged from 7.87 x 103 cfu/m3 (Admission Office) to 2.40 x 104 cfu/m3 (DSA Office). The mean total fungal counts ranged from 1.24 x 104 cfu/m3 (DSA Office) to 3.91 x 104 cfu/m3 (CSO Office) for the morning session while the afternoon session ranged from 8.87 x 103 cfu/m3 (CSO office) to 5.13 x 104 cfu/m3 (Lecturer Office 2). Conclusion: This shows that the selected offices in Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic are being affected by the airborne bacteria and fungi higher than the recommended limit of 103 cfu/m3. This can result in health challenges of the staff and students thereby reducing productivity, hence a need to control factors that increase the presence of bioaerosols and ensure good sanitary practices in offices.