Isolation and Characterization of Microorganisms Associated with Deteriorated Books

This study was carried out to identify microorganisms associated with deterioration of books from three (3) libraries in Makurdi Benue state. Thirty-four (34) swabs collected from spoilt books from Francis Idachaba Library, College of Science and Veterinary Medicine Libraries, all of University of Agriculture, and Benue State Library Board, from different sections of the libraries were cultured using the pour plate technique. Cellulase activity of isolates was estimated by measuring clear zones of cellulose hydrolysis on Carboxymethylcellulose agar. Results showed that the average count of bacteria ranged from 4.5 × 107 Cfu/ml to 1.6 × 108 CFU /ml and the fungal count ranged from 3.8 × 107 Cfu/ml to 1.4 × 108 CFU /ml. The predominant bacteria species were Pseudomonas sp. 5 (23.81%) and Bacillus sp. 5 (23.81) and the predominant fungi species were Chaetomium sp. 3 (27.27%), Aspergillus sp. 3 (27.27%). Providencia sp. 1 (4.76%), Acinetobacater sp. 1 (4.76%) and Klebsiella sp. 1 (4.76%) were the least occurring bacteria while Penicillium sp. 1 (9.09%), Geotrichum sp. 1 (9.09%) and Bipolaris sp. 1 (9.09%) were the least occurring fungi species. Penicillium sp. showed the highest cellulase activity with cellulase index of 3.20 while Aspergillus sp. showed the least with cellulase index of 1.64. Similarly, Bacillus sp. had highest cellulase index of 2.50 while Pseudomonas sp. had the least cellulase index of 1.20. All measurements were made at 37°C. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the activities of microorganisms to their load count (x2 ≥ 0.05). Findings from this study showed that Francis Idachaba Library of University of Agriculture, Makurdi had the highest bacterial load of 36.64%, and fungal load of 46.47%. Generally, the level of microbial deterioration of books was high in these libraries and authorities must take prompt steps to ensure the safety of books and book users as well as librarians.