IMAFIDON BENEDICTA ESOSA

This study examined the fungal community associated with the topsoil of three major open markets in Benin City, Uselu, Kara, and Oluku, representing different environmental and sanitary conditions. The aim was to enumerate, identify, and compare the fungal species present in the topsoil, focusing on differences between the tomatoes (plant-based) and cattle/beef (animal-based) sections. Topsoil samples were collected aseptically from six locations and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar using the pour plate technique. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. The mean total heterotrophic fungal count ranged from 12.5 ± 3.3 × 10³ cfu/g in Uselu cattle/beef section to 28.5 ± 3.7 × 10³ cfu/g in Oluku cattle/beef section. Tomato sections of Uselu and Kara showed moderate counts (15.7 ± 2.9× 10³ and 16.2 ± 4.7 × 10³ cfu/g), while Oluku tomato soil had 27.7 ± 6.5 × 10³ cfu/g, indicating greater microbial activity. Ten fungal taxa were identified are Aspergillus species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus), alongside Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium, Trichoderma sp, and Alternaria sp. Oluku Market exhibited the highest diversity, particularly in tomato sections, where potential aflatoxin producing fungi like; Aspergillus flavus were prevalent. The results of this reveal that market top soils in Benin City have diverse fungi. The frequent presence of toxin-producing Aspergillus species in the locations highlights the need for improved waste management and hygiene to reduce potential public health risks. xi