Mycological Assessment of Selected Swimming Pools of Recreational Centers around the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the physicochemical properties and mycological safety of four swimming pools within and around the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Random sampling design was employed.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, between August and October, 2023.

Methodology: A total of 8 samples were collected before and after patronage by patrons from 4 swimming pool. Standard methods were employed for the physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity and residual chlorine as well as the enumeration for fungi using potato dextrose agar.

Results: The pH values ranged from 4.50 to 10.00. The Nephelometric Turbidity Unit ranged from 0.45 to 0.90 NTU while the residual chlorine ranged from 0.36 to 355.00 mg/l. The fungal counts ranged from 1 to 9 cfu/ml, while the isolated species on the basis of cultural morphology and microscopic characteristics were identified as species of Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Rhodotorula, Microsporium and Trichophyton.

Conclusion: This study has revealed a potential health risk associated with the use of water of the examined recreational facilities due to none compliance with the WHO standard of < 1 cfu/100ml for fungal and the other parameters, suggesting a public health concern and need for effective interventions.