Microbiological Profile of Fungi Isolated from Gwagwalada River Exposed to Kutunku Abattoir, Abuja

Aim: This study assessed the fungal microbiological profile of the Gwagwalada River, which is influenced by effluent from the Kutunku abattoir, Abuja, to evaluate water quality and potential public health risks. Methods: Three water samples were collected from three designated sites (A, B, and C) at a depth of 30 cm from the Gwagwalada river and transported on ice to the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja for further analysis. Fungal isolation was performed using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Broth supplemented with 0.1g Chloramphenicol. Fungal identification was confirmed via ITS region sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using standard protocols, and statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA (SPSS v30.0). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and heavy metals, were assessed using standard methods. Results: Fungal loads at points A, B, and C were 3.5 × 10⁶, 3.9 × 10⁶, and 1.82 × 10⁷ CFU/mL, respectively, with significant differences observed among sites (p < 0.01). Molecular analysis identified Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus as dominant species. All isolates exhibited 100% susceptibility to clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin. The presence of potentially pathogenic fungi highlights the river’s contamination and associated public health risks. Conclusion: The high fungal load and presence of potentially pathogenic species indicate significant water quality deterioration in the Gwagwalada River, likely associated with abattoir effluent, posing a potential public health risk. Monitoring and mitigation strategies are recommended to safeguard community health.