Physicochemical and Characterization of Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria from Soil Samples Within the Vicinity of Telecommunication Mast (Site No: 000148) Located at Karfi Town Kura Local Government, Kano State

Abstract

The telecommunication mast associated-radiation is one of the primary factors influencing the way in which microorganisms interact with the ecosystem. This study aims to assess the physicochemical and non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NNFB) from soil samples within the vicinity of a telecommunication mast located at Karfi town, Kura Local Government, Kano State. Soil samples A, B, and C were collected within the vicinity of the mast at intervals of 10 meters, 20 meters, and 30 meters from the mast respectively, while a control sample (D) was collected from a location (outside the vicinity of the mast). Physicochemical parameters of the soil samples were analyzed, and isolation and identification of non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria were carried out using standard procedures. Sample B showed higher values of pH (8.02), phosphorus (23.95 mg/kg), organic carbon (1.45%), nitrogen (0.28%), and organic matter content (2.50%), while the control sample (D) showed lower values with pH (6.24), phosphorus (2.77 mg/kg), organic carbon (0.41%), nitrogen (0.07%), and organic matter content (0.71%). However, the moisture content (0.21%) of the control sample was higher than that of sample A and B with 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. The mean count of NNFB in the soil samples were 3.20 ± 0.06, 1.80 ± 0.12, 1.40 ± 0.23, and 1.20 ± 0.20 for sample B, C, A, and D respectively. A total of 14 isolates of the species Azomonas agilis 1(7.14%), Azotomonas insolita 1(7.14%), Bacillus megaterium 2(14.28%), Bacillus azotoformans 1(7.14%), Bacillus mycoides 3(21.42%), Enterobacter cloacae 3(21.42%), and Klebsiella pneumonia 3(21.42%) were obtained. This indicates that the electromagnetic radiation from the mast has no effect on soil physicochemical parameters as well as non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria proliferation.