Fungal Contamination Of Non-Cellulosic Instruments In Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study of fungal contaminants of non-cellulosic instruments in Umuahia. Abia State was carried out. The instruments involved were microscopes, cameras, clocks and wristwatches.Four species of fungi were isolated namely: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates, Rhizopus species and Penicillum species.The ability of these isolates to produce four enzymes namely cellulose, amylase, caseinase and gelatinase were tested. Among the isolates Aspergillus fumigates produced the highest amount of amylase and cellulose. All the isolates tested positive for caseinase and gelatinase production tests. Carbon sources such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, mannose and maltose were all utilized by the isolates as carbon sources, but Aspergillus niger utilized them faster than others. No gas was produced of these isolates ranged between 30 0 C and 37 0 C. Aspergillus niger grew best at 32 0 C, Aspergillus fumigates grew best at 32 0 C, Aspergillus and penicillium species grew best at 30 0 C.The determinantion of moisture contents at the isolates revealed that moisture (% wet weight) of Aspergillus niger was 51.85%, Aspergillus fumigates was 59.26%, Rhizopus species was 72.59% while Penicillium species was 54.82%. optimal pH determination indicated that A. niger and A. fumigates grew best at pH 4, Rhizopus species grew best at pH 6 while Penicillum species grew best at pH 5. These results obtained can provide a starting point for preventing biodegradation of these expensive non-cellulosic instruments.

Effects of Urtica cannabina to Leymus chinensis Ratios on Ruminal Microorganisms and Fiber Degradation In Vitro

“…As for the slight degradation of the epidermis at 1 h in this experiment, it most likely was caused by the edge effect [47]. During the pulverization process, the epidermis was mechanically damaged and the microorganisms tended to adhere to the notched fragments [48].…”