ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the isolation and characterization of indigenous microorganisms from waste dump sites in Umuahia metropolis. A total of Ten (10) waste samples were collected from five (5) different dumpsites (designated as Ahieke, Ndioru, Umudike, Amoaba and Amawom wastes dump sites) which was located within Umuahia metropolis, two (2) samples each from the various locations were collected. The major bacterial species isolated include: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, Klebsiella species and Bacillus cereus while the fungal species are Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium species respectively. The heterotrophic counts recorded in this study was found to be higher in Samples 3 (1.93 x105cfu/g) followed by Samples 4 (1.83 x105cfu/g) while the least bacterial count was recorded for Samples 8 (1.02 x105cfu/g). From the findings in this study, it was observed that Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are the most frequently occurred isolates with a percentage occurrence of 9(31.0%) and 8(27.5%) respectively, while Aspergillus flavus 5(45.4%), was recorded as being the most predominant and frequently occurred fungi isolates. It can be concluded that the open dump system of waste disposal is indeed a potential environmental quality problem which takes the form of unsightliness, land and water pollution, it reduces the quality of air by the emission of foul odours and different gases derived from the anaerobic decomposition as well as occasional burning. Therefore, a land fill waste disposal system should replace the open system of waste disposal as this will ensure the effective control and prevention of microorganisms from escaping into the air.