Public Health Risks Assessment of Bioaerosols from Different Locations in Bariga Metropolis of Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing human populations and their daily activities have contributed to bioaerosols generation in Bariga, leading to air pollution with consequent public health threats to exposed individuals. This study aimed to assess public health risks associated with bioaerosols generated from outdoor activities in Bariga community, Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. An analytical observational study design based on the measurement of meteorological parameters in the field and laboratory analysis of bioaerosol particles collected from the study population using a handheld Kestrel 3000 weather meter and standard microbiological procedures, respectively, was adopted. Four hundred (400) samples of bioaerosol particles obtained by the Taro Yamani formula at a 5% level of precision were analyzed. Passive air monitoring using Koch’s sedimentation method was employed for total viable counts, while microbial isolates were identified using cultural, morphological, and biochemical characterization. The variation in environmental parameters obtained was largely dependent on time and seasons, with a consequent adverse effect on the presence and movement of bioaerosol particles in the atmosphere. Microbial populations varied in densely and less-densely populated study areas. The study identified Bariga as a high-risk area with CFU above 102 –104 CFU/m3, thus capable of causing bioaerosols-related diseases. A total of twelve (12) bacterial and six (6) fungal genera were isolated, with Gram-positive bacteria having a prevalence rate of 87.02% and Gram-negative bacteria at 12.99%. The predominant fungi, on the other hand, were 87.94% mold and 12.06% yeast. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 significance level showed a significant correlation (F-ratio ˃ F-critical value) (p=0.05) between exposure to bioaerosol particles and associated health risks in the exposed individuals. We recommend that Lagos State Government should intensify efforts to reduce the public health effect of bioaerosols through policies, structural planning, development, and education on environmentally friendly activities and personal hygiene