Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Fungal Diversity in Wastewater from an Industrial Glass Manufacturing Facility in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fungi are known to inhabit diverse environments, including aquatic ecosystems. While some fungal species offer beneficial applications to humans, others are pathogenic and pose potential health risks. This study investigated the mycoflora present in wastewater discharged from an Industrial Glass Manufacturing Facility in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected using sterile plastic containers during the dry season (January) and rainy season (July), and were analyzed for fungal content. In addition, physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations were determined. The results were evaluated against the effluent discharge standards set by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess effluent quality and regulatory compliance. Physicochemical analysis revealed that most parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO: 4.6–8.10 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD: 5 mg/L), pH (6.5–6.9), chloride (Cl⁻: 350 mg/L), sulfates (3.5 mg/L), nitrates (5–50 mg/L), and phosphates (3.5–5 mg/L), were higher during the rainy season than the dry season. However, these values remained within the permissible limits set by NESREA and WHO. A total of five fungal species were isolated: Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium glabrum, and Cladosporium oxysporum. Although the physicochemical properties suggest the wastewater is within acceptable discharge standards, the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi, particularly species known to cause opportunistic infections, indicates possible health and ecological risks. Continuous surveillance and treatment of industrial effluents are recommended to mitigate the risk of fungal contamination in receiving water bodies and ensure the protection of human and aquatic health.