Title: Molecular identification and characterization of Aspergillus Species isolated from dumpsites in Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
Authors: Evangelina Ozoemena Ohaeri, Linus A. Nwaogu, Emmanuel Onweremadu, and Callistus Iheme
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 138-146
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
Aim: To identify and characterize Aspergillus species isolated from dumpsites in Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Study Design: This was a simple randomized sampling study technique. Methodology: Three separate dumps on the school premises, soil samples were taken from three different dumpsites: the Girls' Hostel, the Ihiagwa, and the Eziobodo. We assessed the soil's physicochemical properties by letting it air dry and then filtering it through a 2 mm screen. For this purpose, we measured the soil's texture using a Bouyoucos hydrometer. A pH meter was used to test the pH of a soil-water extract with a ratio of 1:2.5. An electrical conductivity meter was used to measure the electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and Walkley and Black. The wet oxidation technique was used to determine the organic carbon content. Total nitrogen is evaluated using the micro Kjeldahl procedure, whereas accessible phosphorus is assessed using the Bray and Kurtz technique, as stated by Horneck and Miller (20). The discovery of exchangeable bases followed the use of ammonium acetate for extraction. Fermimeter readings for potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were taken at the Soil Science Laboratory using the EDTA titration method, respectively. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used to separate the Aspergillus species from the samples. Molecular techniques, such as ITS, were used for a more comprehensive identification after the organism had been identified using macroscopy and microscopy. We used Graphpad Prism version 8 to examine the data. Results: Two landfill locations were found to have Aspergillus niger. Aspergillus flavus was found in three different dumpsites: the girls' hostel dumpsite, the Ihiagwa dumpsite, and the Eziobodo dumpsite. Aspergillus aculeatus was found in three different dumpsites: the girls' hostel dumpsite, the Ihiagwa dumpsite, and the Eziobodo dumpsite. The dumpsites of the girls' hostel at Ihiagwa and Eziobodo were found to have Aspergillus fumigatus in addition to Aspergillus flavipes. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus aculeatus. In contrast to the controlled site's mean pH value of 39.8±0.08, the pH values of the soil samples taken from the investigated dumpsites varied between 6.38±0.10 and 7.11±0.10. Based on the data we have, the dumpsites that were collected had the following pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (cmol+kgG1), Calcium (mEq/ 100 g), Potassium (mEq/ 100 g), 0.59, 0.48, 0.79, and Nitrogen (mEq/ 100 g) values: 0.98, 1.84, and 0.73, respectively. Conclusion: The investigation indicated that all areas investigated had Aspergillus species. The study included the use of molecular and culture-based approaches to identify and isolate fungi. Aspergillus aculeatus and Aspergillus niger were identified using molecular methods in this investigation. Microbes abound in contaminated soils; some of them may be beneficial to humans, while others may pose health risks. This study discovered that soil from dumpsites contains several dangerous species of the Aspergillus fungus. To better inform the public about the dangers of living near dumpsites, this study will shed light on the kinds of fungus that thrive in the soil there.