MICROBIAL SPECIES FROM VARIOUS AIR SPACES OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

ABSTRACT Microbial species from various air spaces of human activities in Abia State University was conducted. Air samples were collected from different environments of Abia State University using an already prepared media on a petri dish which includes offices, hospitals, schools, gymnasium, classrooms, library and laboratories. Microbial isolation, identification, and characterization techniques were employed to identify the diverse microbial species present. The results revealed the presence of bacteria and fungi, and their abundance in CFU/m3 such as Staphylococcus aureus had (250), Aspergillus fumigatus had (120), Escherichia coli had (40), Pseudomonas aeruginosa had (350), Candida albicans had (90), Bacillus cereus had (60), Staphylococcus epidermidis had (180), Penicillium chrysogenum had (80) Enterococcus faecalis had (30) ,Streptococcus pneumoniae had (150), Alternaria alternata had (110), Mycobacterium tuberculosis had (50), Aspergillus niger had (200), Methylobacterium sp. had (70), Saccharomyces cerevisiae had (40), Staphylococcus epidermidis had (180), Penicillium chrysogenum had (80), Enterococcus faecalis had (30), Cladosporium spp. had (120) Acinetobacter baumannii had (60), Rhizopus stolonifera had (50). The microscopic and colonial appearances of the isolates were documented showing .Staphylococcus aureus appeared smooth with creamy colonies and microscopically appeared with gram-positive cocci in clusters, Aspergillus fumigatus appeared with Powdery, greenish colonies and microscopically appeared septate hyphae with conidiophores. e.t.c. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the identified microbial species were assessed. Based on the findings, several recommendations are proposed to prevent the proliferation and potential harm of microbial species in air spaces. These include implementing regular cleaning and disinfection practices, improving ventilation systems, monitoring and controlling humidity levels and promoting good hygiene practices.