Microbiological and Physiochemical Properties of Mangrove Swamp Sediments of River Ethiope, Amukepe - Sapele, Delta State

Abstract

The mangrove swamps of River Ethiope in Amukepe-Sapele, Delta State, present a unique ecological habitat that plays a crucial role in maintaining the environmental equilibrium of the region. The purpose of this study was to determine the microbiological and physiochemical properties of mangrove swamp sediments of River Ethiope, Amukepe-Sapele, Delta State. Soil samples were obtained from each study site in triplicate using the targeted random sampling method. Standard microbiological techniques were used for the microbiological and biochemical analysis. The physiochemical analysis were carried out according to the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (A.O.A.C) for the determination of the soil physiochemical parameters, cation exchange capacity and heavy metals. The total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) ranged from 7.9±0.3 cfu/g x 10⁵ - 17.4±0.2 x 10⁵ cfu/g, while the total fungi counts which ranged from 5.3±0.7 x 10⁵ cfu/g - 12.4±1.3 x 10⁵ cfu/mL The bacteria revealed were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Rhodococcus pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli, while the fungi revealed were Aspergillus niger, Candida utilis, Epicoccum spp, Aspergillus flavus and Rhodococcus glutinis. The physiochemical results showed pH ranging from 5.7±0.34 - 6.40±0.12. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of Calcium ranging from 4.6±0.34 – 7.2±1.97, Magnesium 1.86±0.7 – 4.43±1.39, Sodium 0.26±0.19 – 0.76±0.65 and Potassium 1.32±0.11 – 2.64±0.89. The heavy metal values from this study were below the recommended acceptable standard. The study showed that the sediments within mangrove ecosystems acts as repositories of nutrients, organic matter and contaminants.