Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
- 1.1 Background to the Study p. 1
- 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem p. 1
- 1.3 Justification of the Study p. 3
- 1.4 Aim of the study p. 3
- 1.5 Objectives of the Study p. 4
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
- 2.1 Literature Review p. 5
- 2.2 Overview of Fungal Diversity p. 7
- 2.2.1 Fungal Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons p. 8
- 2.2.2 Fungal Biodegradation of Plastics p. 9
- 2.2.3 Fungal Biodegradation of Emerging Pollutants p. 10
CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
- 3.0 Materials and Methods p. 11
- 3.1 Study Area p. 12
- 3.2 Sample Size p. 13
- 3.3 Sample Collection p. 13
- 3.4 Media preparation p. 14
- 3.5 Serial Dilution Procedure p. 14
- 3.6 Serial Dilution Procedure p. 15
- 3.7 Sub-culturing p. 16
- 3.8 Identification of Fungal Isolates p. 16
- 3.9 Data analysis p. 17
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary and Conclusion
No sections listed for this chapter.
Abstract
Dumpsites serve as reservoirs for diverse fungal species due to the continuous accumulation and decomposition of organic and inorganic wastes, which create favourable conditions for fungal growth. This study aimed to isolate and identify fungi present in dumpsite soil. Ten soil samples were collected from a dumpsite and analyzed using standard mycological techniques. Fungal enumeration was carried out using the serial dilution and pour plate methods on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), while macroscopic and microscopic examinations were employed for the identification of fungal isolates. The total fungal counts ranged from 1.8 × 10³ CFU/mL to 2.9 × 10³ CFU/mL. Based on their cultural and microscopic characteristics, the fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Mucor spp. A total of 38 fungal isolates were recovered, with Aspergillus flavus recording the highest frequency of occurrence (10 isolates; 26.3%), followed by Fusarium spp. (9 isolates; 23.7%), Aspergillus fumigatus (8 isolates; 21.1%), Mucor spp. (6 isolates; 15.8%), and Penicillium spp. (5 isolates; 13.1%). The findings indicate that dumpsite soils harbour diverse fungal species, including organisms of environmental and public health importance, reflecting the suitability of dumpsites for fungal proliferation. The study concludes that dumpsite soils are potential reservoirs of fungi that may pose health risks through environmental exposure, and therefore recommends proper waste management, regular environmental monitoring, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment by individuals working in or living near dumpsites.