Microbiota of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) tissues harvested from vials polluted with soil from e-wastes dumpsite

In this study the microbiota of Clarias gariepinus tissues harvested from e-waste-soil polluted vials were assessed. Soil samples contaminated with e-waste were analyzed using standard analytical protocol while the microbial study was obtained using standard conventional microbiological techniques. The results revealed that the soil was sandy-loamy and blackish in colour. High organic matter (17.60%) and organic carbon (10.17%) were obtained. Also, higher calcium (182.00 mg/kg) and phosphorus (146.65 mg/kg) contents compared to other mineral constituents were recorded while, the heavy metals ranged from 0.32- 64.90 mg/kg. Bacterial count ranged from 9.0 × 102 to 4.0 × 103 cfu/L while the fungal count from 4.0 × 102 to 2.3 ×103 sfu/L. The genera of bacteria isolate were identified as Staphylococcus, Proteus, Bacillus, Listeria, Salmonella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus and Corynebacterium and fungal isolates were Penicilliun, Candida, Articulospora, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor, Zoopage, Varcosporium and Rhodotorula. Microbial species richness of fish tissues from polluted vials indicates a more poly-diverse microbial community compared to those from unpolluted vial. Differences were observed in the occurrence of fungi on the surfaces of catfish tissues in control vial compare to those on fishes from polluted vials. Hence, there is a need for proper water management for fish culturing and caution in the exploration of fishes from polluted natural waters for human consumption. Key words: Clarias gariepinus, e-waste, fish tissues, microbiota, pollution, microbial species richness.