Assessment of the Bacteriological Properties of Indoor Dust in some Classrooms of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro

Abstract

The bacteriological properties of indoor dust in some classrooms of the Delta State University of Science, Ozoro was examined with a view to identify any possible source of pollution of classroom indoor air quality; measurement of microbial load of classroom dust sample and to compare findings of selected locations as a means to determine high air polluted areas. This was done by the collection of dust samples from classrooms table and chair surfaces. It was observed that the amount of bacteria available in classrooms differ based on activities in and around the classrooms. Bacteria isolates indicated the presence of pathogen associated with disease such as Bacillus sp; Staphylococcus sp; Micrococcus sp. of indoor air pollution exist and this is identified as open dump practice birthing more microbial cells which are transported through air and poor sanitation practice around and within the classrooms. Contamination of sample was observed for dust at different locations with the bacteria count seen to be higher at sample C (1.8x102cfu/m3) and lower in sample D (0.2x102cfu/m3). Staphylococcus sp dominated all the locations that were analyzed while Micrococcus sp. only occurred in site C. This is because poor environmental sanitation is observed at certain classrooms in addition to shattered classroom windows given an ease of access of dust flow indoor. It can be concluded that only a minimal sources of indoor air pollution exist and hence only a small amount of bacteria is present. In spite of this, prevalence of such practices is likely to promote the growth of more microbial cells.