ASSESSMENT OF AIRBORNE MICROORGANISMS IN THE VICINITY OF MADONNA UNIVERSITY, ELELE RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Airborne microbial contamination remains a significant environmental and public health concern, particularly in densely populated academic environments within developing regions. This study assessed the distribution, concentration, and diversity of airborne microorganisms in selected indoor and outdoor locations within and around Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a six-month period (January–July, 2025). Air samples were collected from four representative sites a teaching hospital, a central academic area, a microbiology laboratory, and a busy urban traffic junction using the passive sedimentation method. Standard microbiological techniques, including culture-based enumeration, Gram staining, biochemical tests, and fungal microscopy, were employed for isolation and identification of microorganisms. The results revealed clear spatial differences in microbial loads. Bacterial counts ranged from 32.5 ± 2.5 CFU/m³ in the microbiology laboratory to 45.0 ± 3.4 CFU/m³ at the outdoor traffic intersection. Fungal concentrations followed a similar trend, ranging from 17.5 ± 1.5 CFU/m³ to 23.8 ± 2.1 CFU/m³ across the study sites. Higher microbial loads were consistently observed in outdoor and high-activity areas, reflecting the influence of human movement, vehicular emissions, and environmental exposure, while controlled indoor environments recorded comparatively lower values. The bacterial population was predominantly composed of Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Micrococcus species, whereas Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most frequently isolated fungal genera. Although all recorded microbial concentrations were within acceptable international guidelines, the presence of opportunistic and potentially pathogenic organisms highlights a continuing public health concern, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Overall, the study demonstrates that airborne microbial distribution is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, human activity, and ventilation efficiency. It provides important baseline data for the study area and underscores the need for continuous air quality monitoring, improved ventilation systems, and strengthened infection prevention strategies in both academic and healthcare environments.