BACTERIAL COMMUNITY OF SELECTED WASTE DUMPS IN LUGBE, ABUJA AND THEIR HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE
Keywords:
Bacteria, Refuse Dumps, Soil Samples, Public HealthAbstract
Introduction: The health hazard associated with indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in any area
influences the mortality and morbidity profile of its community as it affects all age group.
Aim: To determine the bacterial community of selected waste dumps in Lugbe, Abuja and their health
significance.
Methods: Using standard microbiological methods a total of 720 samples were analyzed; comprising
of 360 dump and 360 soil samples of ten different refuse dumps in Lugbe, Abuja. There PH and
temperatures were also recorded and compared.
Results: The mean temperature (0C) of the soil samples was 31.30C and 30.10C for the dump samples.
The mean pH value of the soil and dump samples were 6.61 and 6.72 respectively. The mean total
viable microbial count of the soil samples ranged from 3.49 x 107 CFU/g/ml to 8.22 x 107 CFU/g/ml
for wet season and 2.69 x 107 CFU/g/ml to 5.71 x 107CFU/g/ml for the dry season. The mean total
viable microbial count of the dump samples ranged from 4.29 x 107 CFU/g/ml to 8.19 x 107 CFU/g/ml
for wet season and 3.32 x 107 CFU/g/ml to 5.98 x 107 CFU/g/ml for the dry season. Statistical analysis
using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level revealed a significant difference between
the total microbial count wet and dry season for both the soil and dump samples. Eight different
bacteria were isolated namely: Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, Streptococcus pyogens,
Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, Rhodoturula, Candida, Mucor mucedo, Scedosporium
apiospermum, Zygomyeces and Penicillum sp.
Conclusion: Large bacteria community known for their significant public health implications at
different percentages were isolated from the environment studied. These bacteria could contribute to
the health deteroration of people living within its environ and could contribute to disease outbreak if
not well managed.
