A Checklist of Airborne Fungal Spores from Six Open Markets in Lagos Metropolitan Area, Nigeria.

Fungi are diverse organisms crucial for nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Airborne fungal spores, however, pose potential health risks due to their allergenic properties. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize fungi spores in six major markets in Lagos Metropolitan, Nigeria. Airborne fungal samples were collected from six major markets in Lagos (Ketu, Mile 12, Ikorodu, Oyingbo, Mushin, Ikotun) using open plate method with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as the growth medium. The collection was carried out weekly for twelve consecutive weeks (November, 2023 to January, 2024). Isolated fungi were identified using both morphological (cultural and microscopic) and molecular (DNA extraction, PCR and DNA sequencing) methods. Results from this study revealed the prevalence of eighteen fungi species from the sampled markets. These includes Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Macrophomina sp, Aspergillus wentii, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus carbonarius, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus micronesiensis, Trametes polyzona. Of all sampled markets, Mushin, Ikorodu, and Mile 12 exhibited the highest prevalence of airborne fungal spores throughout the sampled period. This suggests that regular air quality monitoring and appropriate waste disposal in these open markets are necessary.