ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF SOME MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM DUMPSITE

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF SOME MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM DUMPSITE

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the level of microbial contamination of air around three different dumpsites in Nasarawa local government area, Nasarawa state. Air samples were collected from the site. Organisms were isolated, the colonies of the isolates were counted, identified and tested for antibiotic resistance (ABR) using standard procedures. Results in this study shows that 236.7 distinct colonies was isolated from location A, 268 and 187.7 from location B and C respectively. The isolates were sub-cultured into SSA, MAC, and EMB agar medium. The bacteria isolates are: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Klebstella, Pneumonia, E.coli and Enterobacter aerogene.  The Fungi results shows that 13.5 colonies was isolated from location A, 19 colonies was isolated from Location B while 9.5 colonies was isolated from location C. The fungi isolates are; Aspergillus niger, Mucorrace mosus and Rhizopus orazae. The pattern of resistance of the bacterial isolates were Streptomycin (90%), Ampicilin (100%), Ciprorex (90%), Oxofloxacine (90%), Nalidixic acid (100%), Pefloxacine (100%), gentamicin (80%), Augumentin (100%), Ciproflax (90%), Septrin (100%) while the percentage resistance of the gram positive isolates is as follows: Levofloxacin (90%), Ampliclox (90%), Chloramphenicol (90%), erythromycin (80%), Rifampicin (90%), Streptomycin (100%), Amoxil (100%), Gentamycin (100%), Norfloxacin (100%) and Ciproflox (90%). The research work revealed the relevance of an Environmental microbiology department in any governmental waste management system and the potential hazard of the open dump system of waste disposal around residential area. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

In Nigeria as well as in most developing countries, the urban landscapes are littered with garbage, plastics, bottles, disposable cups, discarded tires and even human and live-stock faeces. These wastes are aesthetically unpleasant, constitute eyesores, produce unpleasant odour especially when their organic compositions are acted upon by putrefying bacteria. These refuse dumps thus constitute a habitat for vector and other nuisance organisms capable of transmitting or causing diseases such as typhoid, infantile diarrhoea and cholera in humans and animals (Olanrewaju, 2012).

Dumpsite or refuse dumps refer to areas or land sites where material wastes from several sources and processes are deposited. Refuse dumps include both municipal solid wastes and industrial wastes including liquid effluents containing heavy metals (Olanrewaju, 2012). Refuse dumps provide a rich source of microorganisms most of which are pathogenic (Odeyemi et al., 2011). This is usually as a result of the attraction of rodents and vector insects for which the dump serves as shelter and food source (Donderski et al., 2020). Although it is known that vector insects and rodents can transmit various pathogenic agents of diseases such as amoebic and bacillary dysentery, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, cholera, plague and so on. A good percentage of these infections are caused by bacteria which are suspended in air around these refuse dumps which may later settle and cause contamination. Activities involving the disposal of solid wastes even if properly controlled with proper precautionary measures adopted may have adverse impact on the environment especially air since most of the dumps are open.

A microorganism, or microbe, is an organism of microscopic size, which may exist in its single-celled form or as a colony of cells (Osazee, et al., 2013).  Microorganisms are transported from refuse dumps to the atmosphere with the wind. Their survival depends on their resistance, meteorological conditions, air pollution and time spent in the atmosphere.

Airborne microbes are biological airborne contaminants like bacteria, viruses or fungi as well as airborne toxins passed from one victim to the next through the air, without physical contact, causing irritation at the very least. Microorganisms are transported from refuse dumps to the atmosphere with the wind. Their survival depends on their resistance, meteorological conditions, air pollution and time spent in the atmosphere. According to various studies, the range of bioaerosol emission is considerable and may reach 1000–1200 m from the border of the site (Thirarattanasunthon et al., 2012).

The most susceptible group of individuals to the public health hazards associated with domestic dumpsites are waste-pickers (scavengers) who live and work under unhygienic conditions. They are usually seen to visit dumpsites in search of recyclable materials (plastics, bottles, metallic objects, and clothes). This increases the risk of infections through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, cuts from sharp objects and infection of wounds by soil pathogens (Thirarattanasunthon et al., 2012).

Multidrug resistance among microbial populations has become a major global problem. These microbes have developed mechanisms of evading the effects of various antibiotics currently in use. Oviasogie and Agbonlahor (2013), while studying the burden, antibiogram and pathogenicity of bacteria found in municipal waste dumpsites and on waste site workers in Benin City discovered that all isolates obtained showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. They also discovered that some of these isolates carried pathogenic traits. This high prevalence can be linked to the introduction of resistant strains via indiscriminate disposal of medical wastes as well as defecation by human carriers and livestock. Resistance genes may then be acquired by other susceptible strains in the environment via horizontal gene transfer. The fact that there is high diversity of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in dumpsites as well as frequent animal and human interactions on dumpsites increases the chances of infection with antimicrobial resistant pathogens among human populations.

In order to develop appropriate air quality management plans, it is necessary first to have reliable information about the state of airborne bacteria and fungi especially in the vicinity of waste dumpsites. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the antibiotic resistance of microorganism isolated from dumpsite in Nasarawa town, the headquarter of Nasarawa local government of Nasarawa State.

1.2       Statement of Problems

The anaerobic conditions typical in most dumps, these microorganisms convert the organic material in the refuse to methane and carbon dioxide. As the gas rises through the dump and escapes into the atmosphere, it some-times picks up other compounds. The presence of large amounts of methane in this uncontrolled environment may result in explosions and fires. Additionally, this untreated gas may contain other compounds that pose a substantial health risk to nearby communities. Many microbes can remain viable even after extended periods of time aloft despite the challenges associated with surviving in the atmosphere, including extended UV expo-sure, low moisture levels and extremely oligotrophic conditions (Jones and Harrison, 2004). Atmospheric transport is a key mode of microbial dispersal (Stetzenbach et al., 2014) and the transmission of airborne plant and animal pathogens can have significant impacts on ecosystems, human health and agricultural productivity.

Another problem is the use of recycled packaging materials obtained from dumpsites for selling food items in markets. Also, most municipal dumpsites in Nigeria are located at distances not far away from residential houses. This makes these waste dumpsites an environmental interest as not just scavengers are prone to the health hazards associated with dumpsites but also residents of urban societies (Osazeeet al., 2013). This study, therefore, focused on the antimicrobial resistance of microorganism (Bacteria and fungi) isolated from dumpsite in Nasarawa.

1.3       Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to investigate antimicrobial resistance of microorganism (bacteria and fungi) isolated from dumpsite in Nasarawa

1.4       Objectives of the Study

• To isolate bacteria and fungi present in air around specific dumpsites in Nasarawa town.
• Identify and characterize the isolates
• Determine their levels of resistance to antibiotics

1.5       Significance of the Study

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.

The findings of this study will be of great importance to residence of Nasarawa town as it will educate them on the need for proper waste disposal and the disadvantages associated with open dumpsites.

The Nasarawa local government area authority will find this study of great use as it will enlighten them on the best waste management practices, waste re-use and recycling. As it will enable them to Legislate laws and regulations on land use and effective waste disposal and management in the town.