Microbial Load Burden of Solid Waste Biodegradable Microbes of Dumps In Relation to Economic and Health Implication of Waste Scavengers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
DOI: doi-org-10-51374-annalsmls-2024-3-1-0007
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Abstract
Background: Background: This study investigates the health risks of waste scavengers (rag pickers) and the microbial burden of waste. Samples were collected from 8 dumpsites (7 dumpsites and 1 control) in different parts of Port Harcourt or locations and analyzed for total heterotrophic count. Materials and Methods: 100 subjects (80 ragpickers and 20 students as control) were examined for some microbiological parameters. A well-structured questionnaire and oral interview were administered to the rag pickers. An aliquot (0.1ml) of the diluted samples from the dumpsites was inoculated on surface-dried media, yielding bacterial and fungal isolates. They include Proteus spp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus species, Mucor spp, Penicillium mycelia, Aspergillus spp, and Candida albicans with a total microbial burden of 34.10 x 106cfu/g. All these organisms are potential human pathogens. The various risks associated with rag pickers were investigated to assess the health impact of waste on rag pickers.
Results: The culture result showed growth of Staphylococcus aureus on 26(32%) rag pickers and 2(25%) for the control; Klebsiella spp was isolated in 9(11.25%) rag pickers and 1(12.50%) control. Salmonella spp was isolated in 10(12.5%) rag pickers and 1(12.5%) control subject, Escherichia coli was isolated from 15(18.5%) rag pickers and 2(25%) control, Streptococcus spp was isolated from 12(15%) of the rag pickers and 1(12.5%) from the control, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 3(3.7%) of the rag pickers and 1(12.50%) of the control subjects. In comparison, Candida albicans were found in 5(6.25%) of rag pickers and 0(0%) of control. In the
final analysis, the microorganisms in waste dumps were also found in the samples collected from the rag pickers, where they caused disease.
Conclusion: These bacteria and fungi have severe health implications on rag pickers, waste workers, and the general public if adequate precautions are not taken as recommended in this work. Even though rag pickers make money from their
business, the health implications are of great concern. It could as well be inferred that rag pickers or scavengers may serve as vehicles or carriers of these pathogens and later distribute them to other healthy individuals that come in contact with them.