Physico-chemical properties and mycoflora profile in some coastal wetlands of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: Potential challenges for agro-ecological and public health

Abstract

Abstract. Toby AT, Bassey IN, Effiong ME, Iduseri EO, Enyiukwu DN, Osu SR. 2024. Physico-chemical properties and mycoflora profile in some coastal wetlands of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: Potential challenges for agro-ecological and public health. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 14: 9-18. This study assessed physico-chemical properties as it affects the distribution and diversity of mycoflora in different wetlands (Ibeno, Itu, Nsit-Ibom and Uyo) of Akwa Ibom State. The sediments and water samples were collected and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Pure cultures of the mycotic isolates were identified using a molecular technique based on PCR amplification, sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer, and phylogenic analysis. At the same time, the physico-chemical properties of the specimens were determined using standard analytical methods. The results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that temperature and pH ranged from 27.27±0.33-29.21±003^oC and 5.17±009-7.30±0.17 respectively per samples per locations. The presence of Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ca, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, vanadium, suspended solids, and dissolved solids amongst other variables were detected in the water bodies, thus indicating possible agro-anthropogenic pollution. The results also showed that Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. aculeatus, A. tamarii, Penicillium citrinum, P. rolsfi, A. flavus, A. nominus and Trametes polyzona were associated with the wetlands. The most commonly isolated fungi from the four locations were species of the genera Aspergillus. For the sediment, Nsit Ibom was dominated by T. polyzona (60%) while Ibeno was dominated by C. tropicalis (40%), Aspergillus and P. citrinum dominated Nsit Ibom (60%) and Uyo (60%) for water samples respectively. The fungal isolates showed differential affinity and adaptation to the ecosystem’s heavy metals, ions and physical properties. Recent medical evidence, however, has associated these mycotic species with life threatening health conditions in both immuno-competent and immuno-compromized individuals and, as such, pose a serious menace to agro-ecological and public health. Therefore, this study lends credence to mycoflora diversity to aquatic habitat quality and as well provides baseline information that could spur conservation and proper management of the wetlands.