ABSTRACT

The isolation and identification of bacteria from waste dump soil was conducted by analysing samples of soil at different dumpsites along roads leading to different colleges and places within Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Bacterial analyses of soil samples using serial dilutions of the soil samples was carried out. Biochemical test was carried out to identify the particular types of bacteria isolated. The mean total bacteria count ranged from 3.4 x 105 (CFU)/g to 9.7 x 105(CFU)/g of soil. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Proteus sp., Salmonella sp., Shigellasp., Pseudomonas sp. and Klebsiellasp. The mean pH values ranged from 7.08 to 8.70, the mean moisture contents ranged from 8.2% to 17.5%, while the mean temperature values ranged 280C to 300C. The study revealed 7 genera of bacteria, 5 genera of which portend fecal contamination. It was inferred from this study that bacterial load poses a great risk not only to waste scavengers but also to the society thereby constituting some public health hazards. Aerobic bacteria are usually more likely contaminants of soil than anaerobic bacteria, this is especially considering the fact that the environment is aerobic. The study recommended that regular safe quality assessment of dump soil is essential considering the possible socio-economic and health implications of contaminated dumpsites.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page                                                                                                                        i

Certification                                                                                                                    ii

Dedication                                                                                                                      iii

Acknowledgements                                                                                                        iv

Table of Contents                                                                                                           v

List of Tables                                                                                                                 viii

Abstract                                                                                                                          ix

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Aim and Objectives 5

CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1. Soil Description and Classification 7

2.2.    Waste Management 7

2.3.    Waste Handling Practices 8

2.3.1. Curb-side Collection 8

2.3.2. Incineration 8

2.3.3. Landfill 8

2.4.   Causes of Improper Waste Disposal                                                                  9

2.5.   Panacea to Waste Management 9

CHAPTER THREE - MATERIALS AND METHODS 11

3.1. Study Area 11

3.2. Sample Collection 11

3.3. Isolation and Enumeration of Bacterial Isolates 11

3.4. Characterization and Identification of Bacterial Isolates 12

3.4.1. Gram staining and Microscopy 12

3.5. Biochemical Test 13

3.5.1. Indole Test 13

3.5.2. Catalase Test 13

3.5.3. Citrate Utilization Test 13

3.5.4. Coagulase Test 14

3.5.5. Oxidase Test 14

3.6.    Physicochemical Analysis 14

3.6.1. Determination of pH 14

3.6.2. Additional Tests 15

CHAPTER FOUR - RESULTS 16

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1. Discussion 20

5.2. Conclusion                                                                                                      21

5.3. Recommendation         21

REFERENCES 23