Survey of Microbial Diversity in Dye-Contaminated Soil of Kofar Na’isa Dyeing Pit, Kano, Nigeria

Background and Objective: A wide variety of microorganisms have been reported to survive in dye-contaminated soils due to their ability to metabolise synthetic dyes. This research was carried out in one of the major dyeing sites in Kano: Kofar Na’isa dyeing pit, and was aimed at detecting soil microbes (bacteria, fungi and microalgae) from the dye-contaminated soil. Materials and Methods: The microorganisms were isolated using serial dilution, pour plate, streak culture and direct isolation techniques. Identification of microbial isolates was based on identification guides and DNA analysis. Results: A total of fifteen microbial species were identified, which include two bacterial species (Bacillus megaterium and B. velezensis) and thirteen fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. orchraceus, A. parasiticus, A. striatus, A. terreus, Candida tetrigidarum, Fusarium equiseti, F. oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. digitatum and Rhizopus microsporus). There were no microalgal species isolated from the dye pit’s soil. Conclusion: It was concluded that fungal species are more abundant in dye-contaminated soil of Kofar Na’isa dyeing pit.