AIR MICROFLORA OF DEAN’S SECRETARY OFFICE, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY.

ABSTRACT Indoor air quality, particularly the presence of fungal contaminants, plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of individuals who spend extended periods in office environments. The primary aim was to assess the level of airborne fungal contamination and identify the specific fungal species present in the office environment.Air samples were collected from the Dean’s Secretary Office using a sterile air sampler, and fungal colonies were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. The total fungal count was determined, followed by macroscopic and microscopic identification of the isolated fungal species based on morphological characteristics.The study revealed moderate levels of fungal contamination, with total fungal counts ranging from 130 to 160 CFU/m³. The most prevalent species identified were Aspergillusniger, Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhizopusstolonifer, and Alternaria spp. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses confirmed these identifications, with characteristic features such as black conidia and brush-like conidiophores observed. The result of this study indicate that the office environment harbors fungal species commonly associated with indoor air contamination, potentially posing health risks to occupants. The results are consistent with previous studies on indoor fungal contamination in similar settings. The presence of Aspergillusniger and Penicillium spp., in particular, raises concerns due to their known allergenic and mycotoxin-producing properties.