Analysis of some bacterial load on waste scavengers in selected locations within Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Throughout cities of Africa, Asia and Latin America, varying number of poor individuals survive by scavenging materials from the waste stream. These people recover the materials to sell for reuse or recycling as well as diverse items for their own consumption. This work was aimed to determine the presence of bacterial load on waste scavengers from four dumpsites in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. A total 20 samples (10 each) from waste scavengers were collected from two (2) different dumpsites and transported to the Microbiology Laboratory. Nine different types of bacteria were isolated and identified from the study sites. Staphylococcus. aureus, Escherichia. coli, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Shigella, Enterobacter sp, Proteus sp, and Staphylococcus epidermidis and other species of Staphylococcus were isolated. The Mean Bacterial Load on Waste Scavengers at Selected Dumpsites was 2.659x10¹⁰ CFU/mL and 2.228x10¹⁰ CFU/mL. for Kwanar Mutuwa Dumpsite and State Low-cost Dumpsite respectively. The highest number of bacterial colony per plate (300) was found in Kwanar Mutuwa Dumpsite as compared with the lowest colony per plate (40) from State Low-cost Dumpsite. Other bacteria species isolated from samples Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp and Shigella sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella sp. This study has determined the presence of bacteria on waste scavengers and as such recommended that hygienic measure should be strictly observed by waste scavengers after retiring from their work before interacting with the members of the community. Provision of protective clothing, face masks and hand gloves while handling waste should be encouraged by waste managers and ensure they use the materials effectively.