Journal of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Studies on the Mycoflora of the Outdoor Air Environment of Delta State University Site III, Abraka, Nigeria
Ilondu, E.M., Nweke, O.C

Abstract
Fungal spores are potential source of different types of environmental diseases, causing harm to humans, animals, and plants. This study is aimed at isolation and identification of fungal flora of site III outdoor environment of Delta State University, Abraka. This was determined by using open plat technique method at five different locations for the period of six (6) months (November 2014 to April 2015). Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with chlorophenicol to inhibit the growth of bacteria was used for enumeration of fungal concentrations in the environment. Media- filled petri dishes were exposed to the air for five (5) minutes at human breathing level of 1.5m. Exposed plates were incubated in the laboratory and observed fungal growth were subcultured and identified microscopically. A total of nineteen fungal genera with one thousand eight hundred and forty colonies were Isolated and identified with varying frequencies of occurrence. Aspergillus flavus, Cercospora sp. Fusarium saloni, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus Niger, and Spizellomycetes sp. were found to be frequently occurring in all the five locations studied. High concentrations of fungi were observed in December which may be due to cold, dryness, and harmattan wind. Majority of the identified fungal species are characterized as allergenic, hence exposure to their spores has great implication to environment and human health.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jcb.v4n1a4