ABSTRACT

Bacterial and fungal growth in paints were studied .Bacteria isolated from used and unused B-lux (emulsion and gloss/oil) and Saclux (emulsion and gloss /oil) were: Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Micrococcus sp and Serratia sp. Fungi isolated from used and unused B-lux (emulsion and gloss/oil) and Saclux (emulsion and gloss/oil) were: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhodotorula sp and Aspergillus flavus. Average count for total viable microorganisms in used paints ranged from 2.0×104 to 4.3×104cfuml-1 Its average optical density ranged from 0.39 to 0.41, its average pH ranged from 5.7 to 7.6 while for the unused paints, average counts of total viable microorganisms ranged from 1.6×104to 4.4×104 cfuml-1, its average counts for Optical Density ranged from 0.18 to 0.44, its average pH ranged from 5.7 to 7.6. Statistical analysis indicated that there was significant difference (p˂0.05) in the growth of microorganisms between used and unused paints. The use of potent biocides and reduction of contamination by microorganisms during production of paints by paint companies should not be optional but compulsory and should be enforced by the regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of these paints from microbial attack.