A bacteriological risk analysis of itinerant human scavengers at dumpsites within Makurdi Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated the bacterial flora of waste-dump sites in Makurdi and on the hands of itinerant scavengers to assess potential public health risks. A total of 24 soil samples (three from each of eight dumpsites: Wadata Market, Modern Market, Wurukum Market, St. Mary’s North Bank, Fruit Market Railway, Ankpa Road, Kanshio Road, and Barrack Road) and 24 hand-wash water samples from scavengers were collected. Soil temperature, pH, and viable bacterial counts were determined. Mean soil temperatures ranged from 25 °C to 29 °C, while pH values ranged from 6.0 to 9.0. Total viable bacterial counts varied from 1.27 × 10⁵ to 2.09 × 10⁵ cfu/mL in soil and from 0.9 × 10⁵ to 2.04 × 10⁵ cfu/mL in hand samples. The bacterial genera identified included Bacillus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus. Isolates were characterized using Gram staining and standard biochemical tests. Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between bacterial species in soil and those recovered from scavengers’ hands. The presence of pathogenic and potentially multidrug-resistant organisms suggests a high risk of wound infections, sepsis, and other secondary illnesses among scavengers and nearby residents. Prompt waste removal, avoidance of open dumping, and improved dumpsite management are strongly recommended to mitigate public health hazards.