Isolation and Characterization of Heterotrophic Microorganisms from Achievers University Top Soils

Abstract

In this study three (3) samples of soil obtained from three (3) different locations; BH (Boys hostel), GH (Girls hostel) and CF (cafeteria) and at three different depths; (0, 5 and 15) centimetres were analyzed. The total bacterial and fungal counts of the soil samples were estimated using standard spread plate technique. A pH meter was used to monitor soil pH while isolates were identified by their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics following established protocols. The pH readings range between 6.92 –7.79. The maximum moisture content of 26.0% was observed in soil samples collected from the girl’s hostel and the minimum moisture content 13.0% was found in the soil samples from the cafeteria. Also, the organic matter ranges from 28.1 to 35.5%. A total of six (6) bacterial isolates were recovered from the soil samples namely; Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiellapneumoniae. Also, a total of four (4) fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillusniger, Penicilliumnotatum, Mucorpusillus and Fusariumsporotrichioides. The total viable counts range between 2.8 x 10⁶ Cfu/g to 9.1 x10⁷ Cfu/g.  Bacillus spp dominated the bacterial isolates while Aspergillusspp was the most dominant fungus across the different sampling locations. Bacterial and fungal abundance are typical of an environment with high species richness and functional diversity which can be harnessed to an advantage, hence, overall national development.