Isolation and enumeration of fungal load in Lagos Lagoon

Abstract

The study was conducted to isolate and enumerate culturable fungal population in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Samples of water and sediment were collected during the wet and dry months from twelve selected stations (NIOMR Jetty, Atlas Copco, Sagbon Kwoji, Folawiyo Apapa, Liverpool, Ijora, Ebute Ero, Okobaba, Unilag front, American Embassy, Lekki Shoprite, and Lekki Parkview) along the Lagoon. All the collected samples were plated, incubated and the fungal colonies were identified using morphological characteristics. Results revealed samples collected during the dry season had the highest fungal counts both in water 2.63 x 10⁴ (cfu/ml) and sediments (2.20 x 10⁴ cfu/g) compared to the 8.8 x 10³ (cfu/ml) in water and 9.9 x 10³ (cfu/g) in the sediment recorded during the wet season. The species, Aspergillus spp, Penicillium, Yeast, and Mold were identified as the common fungal in the Lagos Lagoon. The increase in fungal activities recorded during the dry season may be attributed to the elevated temperatures and reduced water volume, resulting in less dilution of pollutants and increased concentration of nutrients, thereby fostering fungal growth. Periodic environmental assessments are recommended to monitor pollution levels, conduct impact assessments, and inform strategies for mitigating potential ecological and human health risks associated with fungal proliferation.