Abstract

The soil quality and diversity of air and soil fungi in the shopping complex environment of Rivers State University Main Campus was investigated. Air and soil samples were collected monthly for the period of twelve months from July 2021 to June 2022. The samples were analyzed for fungi and physicochemical characteristics using standard mycological and analytical techniques. The plates were incubated at ambient temperature for 7 days. Fungi were isolated from the plates and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The Simpson’s diversity index was used to assess the diversity of the fungal communities. The results showed that the diversity of air and soil fungi was high, with a species richness of 15, belonging to different physiological categories. The fungi isolated were identified as Fusarium proliferatum, Alernaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium fujikoroi, Phaeacremonium aleophilum, Fusarium concentricum, Pythium myriotylum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, Aspergillus orizae, and Chrysosporium tropicum. The most common soil fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma viride, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Nutrient concentrations such as Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and sulfate exhibited seasonal variations throughout the year, with generally higher values observed during the wet season. This trend might be linked to increased nutrient input from surface runoff during the wet months. The soil quality was good, with high levels of organic matter and nutrients. The findings of this study offer important knowledge on the variety of air and soil fungi in the setting of the Rivers State University’s commercial centre. This study proffers ways to safeguard public health of the university community and establish ways for observing and regulating fungal development in the area.