Impact Factor (2025): 6.9
DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET
This study
investigated the isolation and identification of airborne microflora in the
microbiology laboratories of Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, using the
settle plate method. Air samples were exposed on nutrient agar and Sabouraud
dextrose agar plates at intervals of 30, 60, and 90 minutes, followed by
incubation, colony counting, and microbial characterization through
morphological, microscopic, and biochemical techniques. Results showed a
progressive increase in both bacterial and fungal loads with longer exposure
times, with the highest counts recorded at 90 minutes. Six bacterial species
were identified: Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.,
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Micrococcus spp., of which Bacillus
spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent (22.2% each). Five fungal
species were also isolated, including Penicilliumchrysogenum,
Aspergillusniger, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Aspergillusflavus, with Aspergillus
species predominating (53.4%). The findings highlight that microbiology
laboratories harbor diverse airborne microorganisms, some of which are
opportunistic pathogens that pose risks of contamination and
laboratory-acquired infections. This underscores the importance of strict
biosafety practices, regular air quality monitoring, and effective
environmental control measures to ensure research integrity and safeguard
laboratory personnel.
Country : Nigeria
IRJIET, Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2026 pp. 96-102