Seasonal Variation in Mycological Quality of Air Environment Around a Major Market Along East-West Road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The distribution of bio-aerosols in diverse environments is a major concern to aero-microbiologists and environmentalists in general. The study evaluated the mycological quality of the air environment around a market along East-West road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Petri dish containing sterile Potatoes dextrose agar was exposed for 10 minutes around a market along East-West road in Bayelsa state at a height of 1 meter. The density and diversity of the isolates were determined following standard mycological procedures. The density of the fungi–aerosols ranged from 0.0073 - 0.0268 CFU/min-m2 and was statistical higher in dry (November, January and March) compared to wet (May, July and September) seasons, an indication of seasonal influence. A total of 11 fungi species were recorded with 5 predominant species viz Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium chlamydosporum and Penicillium species (occurring in ≥66.67% of the study months), while 6 species, Aspergillus lentulus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Microsporum canis and Mucor species are opportunistic occurring in ≤50% of the study months). Most fungi species are found in the soil, and are known to produce toxins and cause diseases. There is need for a concerted effort by local government authorities via its agencies to sensitize people on proper hygiene practices around markets.