ABSTRACT

Paint degradation on surface causes it's components to be mineralized and lead to the release of harmful products into the environment causing an alarming situation. The aim of this study was to detennine the bacterial and fungal organisms associated with the degradation of wall paint. Samples were collected from five buildings; Goodluck Ebele Jonathan hostel, Post Graduate hostel, IBB Hostel, College of Natural Sciences and NDDC hostel. These buildings were observed for visible signs of microbial spoilage such as mouldy growth, discoloration, peeling of paint, cracking and loss of texture. The samples were collected by scrapping of painted walls using sterile scalpel and sterile bags, and immediately transferred to the laboratory for further investigation. Samples from conical flask were serially diluted and cultured. Pure isolates culture of bacteria and fungi were identified using standard microbiological techniques. The bacterial species isolated were Bacillus subtilis (27.78%), Escherichia coli (11. 1 I%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.22%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.67%), Serratia marcescens (5.56%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.67%). The prevalent bacterial species was Bacillus subtilis. The fungal species isolated were Aspergillus niger (42.85%), Aspergi/lus jlavus (14.28%), Rhizopus stolonifer (28.57%) and Rhodotorula Spp (14.28%). Therefore, microorganisms can survive in painted wall surfaces and degrade paint using them as their source of nutrients.