ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AIRBORNE BACTERIA FROM HALL 2 READING ROOM IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
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Abstract
This study aimed to isolate and identify airborne bacteria present in the Hall 2 reading room using the passive settle plate method. Ten nutrient agar plates were exposed at different locations within the room, while a control plate was kept sealed to ensure sterility. After 24–48 hours of incubation, all exposed plates showed visible bacterial growth. This growth indicates
spatial variation in airborne microbial load likely influenced by airflow, human activity, and proximity to ventilation sources. A total of seven distinct bacterial isolates were obtained through subculturing and were characterized based on colony morphology, including size, color, shape, elevation, and texture. Cream to off-white colonies were the most common, while golden
and yellow colonies suggested the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, respectively. Slimy or irregular colonies pointed to the presence of encapsulated or motile species such as Bacillus spp. Gram staining and microscopic examination revealed that 6 of the 7 isolates were Gram-positive, with both rod- and cocci-shaped bacteria present. Rods in singles,
chains, or clusters were indicative of Bacillus species, while cocci in clusters suggested Staphylococcus spp. The only Gram-negative isolate, Sub 10, appeared as rod-shaped cells loosely clustered, consistent with environmental bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Enterobacter. The predominance of Gram-positive bacteria reflects their ability to survive desiccation and environmental stress, making them common in indoor air. The presence of a Gram-negative species, though limited, may indicate localized moisture or surface contamination. Overall, the study demonstrates that the Hall 2 reading room contains a diverse
airborne bacterial population, primarily originating from human activity and environmental sources. These findings emphasize the need for routine microbial air quality assessments in public and academic spaces to maintain hygienic indoor environments.
spatial variation in airborne microbial load likely influenced by airflow, human activity, and proximity to ventilation sources. A total of seven distinct bacterial isolates were obtained through subculturing and were characterized based on colony morphology, including size, color, shape, elevation, and texture. Cream to off-white colonies were the most common, while golden
and yellow colonies suggested the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, respectively. Slimy or irregular colonies pointed to the presence of encapsulated or motile species such as Bacillus spp. Gram staining and microscopic examination revealed that 6 of the 7 isolates were Gram-positive, with both rod- and cocci-shaped bacteria present. Rods in singles,
chains, or clusters were indicative of Bacillus species, while cocci in clusters suggested Staphylococcus spp. The only Gram-negative isolate, Sub 10, appeared as rod-shaped cells loosely clustered, consistent with environmental bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Enterobacter. The predominance of Gram-positive bacteria reflects their ability to survive desiccation and environmental stress, making them common in indoor air. The presence of a Gram-negative species, though limited, may indicate localized moisture or surface contamination. Overall, the study demonstrates that the Hall 2 reading room contains a diverse
airborne bacterial population, primarily originating from human activity and environmental sources. These findings emphasize the need for routine microbial air quality assessments in public and academic spaces to maintain hygienic indoor environments.
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