MORPHOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS FUNGAL POPULATION IN SLAUGHTERHOUSE EFFLUENT, SURFACE WATER AND FISH GUT FROM THE OGUN RIVER, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study aimed  to evaluate and characterize the pathogenic fungi as well as the influence of effluent from the Kara abattoir on the Ogun River, Nigeria. In this study, the fungal population of the abattoir effluent, surface water and a species of fish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from the Ogun River were sampled and examined during the 2018 dry and rainy seasons using morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Several pathogenic fungi were characterized both in the effluent and fish gut during both seasons. Penicillium sp., Fusarium oxysporum, and some other unknown species were found in the fish gut during the rainy season. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was found both in the fish gut and effluent during the rainy season. Talaromyces sp., was found in the fish gut and surface water during the rainy season. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus sp., Talaromyces sp. were found in the fish gut and effluent during the dry season. Penicillium citrinum was found in the fish gut and surface water during both seasons. Saccharomyces sp., Candida albicans, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor sp. and an unknown fungus were found in all three samples during both seasons. Only Aspergillus niger was present in the surface water during both seasons. The results of this study showed that anthropogenic activities at Kara Abattoir adversely impacts the Ogun River, hence constituting potential environmental and public health risks. Strategic advocacy campaigns, strong evidence - informed policies or regulations, as well as provision of adequate facilities for effluent treatment are recommended to mitigate the current non-sustainable trends at the Kara Abattoir in Ogun state, Nigeria.  This will support the efforts towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 14 (sustain life below water).