BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH PLASTIC DEBRIS IN WATER BODIES IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN, BORNO STATE.

Bacteria Associated with Plastic Debris in Water Bodies in MaiduguriThis study focused on bacterial species associated with plastic debris in open and wastewaterbodies in Maiduguri metropolitan. The research aimed to identify the bacterial species present,explore their colonization patterns on plastic debris, and assess the implications for publichealth and environmental management.Water and plastic samples were collected from riversand drainage systems, processed using sterile sampling techniques, and analyzed throughGram staining,biochemical tests, and microbial culturing.The findings revealed that Escherichia coli was exclusively present in wastewater, thriving innutrient-rich and low-oxygen conditions, while Shigella and Salmonella were found only inopen water,indicating their adaptability to nutrient-variable environments. On plastic debris,Shigella predominantly colonized surface layers,whereas Salmonella occupied interior niches,leveraging biofilm dynamics for protection. Proteus species dominated plastic debris inwastewater,benefitting from anaerobic and nutrient-dense conditions. Open water samplesexhibited higher bacterial loads compared to wastewater, reflecting differences inenvironmental dynamics.These results highlight that plastic debris serves as a substrate for bacterial colonization,acting as a vector for pathogens and posing significant risks to water quality and public health.Effective waste management systems, regular monitoring of water bodies, and enhanced watertreatment facilities are recommended to mitigate these risks. Further research is essential toexplore bacterial colonization mechanisms and the long-term ecological impacts of plastic-associated microbes in aquatic environments. Keywords:Plastic debris,Escherichia coli,Shigella,Salmonella,bacterial colonization,waterpollution, Maiduguri metropolitan.