Survey and Identification of Fungi Associated with Selected Dumpsite Soils in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Soil is a species-rich habitat containing major groups of microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, protists and algae. The study aimed at surveying and identifying fungi associated with the soil of some dumpsites in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were taken from four dumpsites within the test area. A mercury-in-glass soil thermometer was used to measure the soil’s temperature at the collecting site. The pH of the soil samples was also recorded. Fungi isolation was done by direct plating and serial dilution while identification of fungi was done using macroscopic and microscopic characters. Results: Soil samples from Lanre, Akesan, Oko filling and Unity dumpsites had average temperatures from 26.3 to 27.3°C and pH values of 6.0 to 7.8. Akesan samples contained Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus. Lanre samples had A. fumigatus, A. terreus, Penicillium digitatum, Mucor sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer. Oko-filling samples contained A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, R. stolonifer, Mucor sp., Penicillium antarcticum and Cladosporium sp., A. niger, A. flavus, Mucor sp., A. fumigatus and P. digitatum were recorded from Unity samples. Conclusion: To reduce the health risks associated with careless waste dumping, waste materials should be properly managed before disposal.