Isolation of Fungal Flora in Carpet and Floor Dust Samples As an Indicator of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A Case Study of a Nigerian Institution

Abstract

Abstract- Porous surfaces such as carpets have been examined as a possible source for the introduction of indoor particle levels. Indoor airborne mold and/or mycotoxin exposure causes many multi-system adverse human health effects. This study is aimed at isolating and identifying fungal flora in the dust samples of various indoor environments in Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria. Samples were obtained from six (6) carpeted old buildings, two (2) carpeted new buildings, two (2) uncarpeted old building and two (2) uncarpeted new buildings. Samples were inoculated onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and identified. Ten (10) fungi species from 12 dust samples involving 12 indoor environments were isolated and identified. Total mean microbial concentration was 1.65x10 3 cfu /g, average concentration 1.37x 10 2 cfu/g and standard deviation of 6.73 x 10 1 cfu/g. The isolates include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Apsergillu