ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the isolation and characterization of indigenous microorganisms from waste dump sites in Umuahia metropolis. Ten (10) waste samples were collected from five (5) different dumpsites located within Umudike area of Umuahia, out of which a total of 28 bacteria and fungi were pbtained and were identified as six (6) different bacteria genera which includes; Staphylococcus aureus, F. coil, Bacillus spp, Klebsieiia spp, Micrococcu spp and Serretia spp, and three (3) different fungi species., which includes; Rhizopu,s stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, and Rhodotorula spp, using a pour plate technique. The total bacterial mean count was found to be higher in dump site located at Government College (1) 13.6 x105cfu/g followed byUmudike Junction 11.1 x10cfu/g while the least bacterial count was recorded at Government College (2) 4.5 x10 cfulg. The high level of bacteria growth recorded at Government College (1) could be as a result of higher waste generation from th increased population and residential areas in the urban areas. From the findings in this study. it was observed that EscheHchia coil and Staphylococcus aureus are the most frequently occurring isolates with a percentage occurrence of 25.0% each, while among the fungi. species isolated, Rhizopus tolonifei had the highest occurrence at 14 3%, indicating that human and animal faecal wastes were dispersed with the refuse. The degree of acidity. (pH), reported in this study for all the waste dump sites ranged from pH 4.5 to 5.7. In the waste dump sample collected from Government College (2), the total nitrogen present was 0. 11% indicating that it is low while values recorded for available Phosphorus under Government College were higher than the initial value observed. From this study, 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.