Assessment of Biodegradation Potentials of Some Fungal Species on Cellulosic Medical Waste Materials Generated in Healthcare Facilities within Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

Medical wastes encompass materials produced during patient diagnosis, treatment, immunization, and biomedical research within hospitals. The disposal of these biomedical wastes can pose significant risks, which can lead to heightened environmental pollution, as well as significant public health hazards. This research aimed to assess the biodegradation potential of some fungal species on cellulosic medical waste materials generated from healthcare clinics in Kaduna state. Cellulose medical waste samples were collected from Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Alba Clinic, Constitution Road, and Primary Health Care Center, Kabala Costain. A mixture of cow dung, medical wastes and selected individual fungal species was incubated for 14 days at room temperature and the absorbance of each sample was read. An analytical balance was used to assess mass loss after every ten days for days 60, and the extent of biodegradation. Changes in the polymer bond of cellulosic medical waste were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Fusarium sp. showed the highest biodegradation potential of 45.93 %, followed by Trichoderma sp. (31.70%); While Aspergillus sp. had the least biodegradation potential (27.36%).  Trichoderma (3280, 1633, 1239, 1033 cm⁻¹), Fusarium (3390, 1630, 1239, 1100–1050 cm⁻¹), and Aspergillus (3283, 2922, 1640, 1104, 1054 cm⁻¹) all show O–H, C–H, amide, and C–O–C peaks indicating carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Therefore, the study confirmed that the isolates play a significant role in the degradation of cellulose medical wastes.