Major Component for the Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms Found in Tomato Soil at Akwata Garriki

This study was conducted to isolate and identify microorganisms from swamp water samples from the Akwata market in Enugu, where tomatoes were sold. Three wetland water samples, one each at the entrance, middle and end of the Akwata market were collected and analyzed for the presence of bacteria and fungi. The microorganisms were isolated by culturing on Nutrient, MacConkey and Sabouraud glucose agar plates using standard methods. After the incubation period, the number of unit-forming colonies was counted to determine the average total bacterial count. Bacterial isolates were identified based on colony, microscopic and biochemical reactions. Fungal isolates were identified based on their morphological and microscopic features. Wetland water samples taken at the entrance, middle, and edge of the Akwata market had an average total bacterial count of 1.4 x 104 CFU/mL, 2.0 x 104 CFU/mL, and 1.5 x 104 CFU/mL. Fungal counts were 1.6 x 104 CFU/mL, 3.5 x 104 CFU/mL, and 2.4 x 104 CFU/mL, respectively, in swamp water samples collected at the entrance collected at the middle and end of the Akwata market. Bacterial isolates identified were Escherichia coli (27.58%), Pseudomonas sp. (7.93%), Klebsiella spp. (20.7%) and Salmonella spp. (13.79%). The identified fungal isolate was Aspergillus sp. (38.88%), Candida sp. (16.67%), Fusarium sp. (27.78) and Penicillium sp. (16.67%). This study showed that bacteria and fungi are associated with the swamp water of the Akwata market where tomatoes were sold. Efforts should therefore be made to improve the quality of the water supplied to the Akwata market and thus guarantee the hygienic and sanitary quality of the tomatoes sold.