Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
- 1.1 Background to the Study p. 1
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem p. 3
- 1.3 Objectives of the Study p. 4
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
- 2.1 Review of Related Literature p. 9
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework p. 12
CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design p. 18
- 3.2 Population and Sample p. 20
CHAPTER FOUR: Results and Discussion
- 4.1 Data Analysis p. 26
- 4.2 Discussion of Findings p. 30
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary and Conclusion
- 5.1 Summary p. 35
- 5.2 Conclusion p. 38
- 5.3 Recommendations p. 40
Abstract
This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal species present in plastic water tanks at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. Water samples from 20 different tanks were collected and analyzed for total fungal count (TFC) and colony forming units (CFU/mL). Water samples were collected aseptically from various tanks and subjected to microbiological analysis, and samples were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). The total fungal count ranged from 2.8 × 10³ to 4.5 × 10³ CFU/mL, indicating a significant presence of fungal contamination across the tanks. Six distinct fungal isolates were identified: Aspergillus niger (24%): Fusarium solani (20%): Penicillium spp. (12%): Cladosporium spp. (12%): Aspergillus fumigatus (16%): and Fusarium oxysporum (16%). Macroscopic examination revealed distinct colony characteristics such as color, texture, shape, and elevation, with Aspergillus niger exhibiting black, powdery colonies, and Penicillium spp. displaying greenish-blue, velvety colonies. Microscopic observations confirmed the identification of these species, with notable features including conidia arrangement and hyphal structure. The findings emphasizes the potential health risks associated with fungal contamination in water storage systems, particularly the presence of pathogenic species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium spp. and recommends regular water tank maintenance to mitigate fungal contamination and improve water quality at the University of Abuja.