Investigation of Soil and Root-Borne Fungi of Lagenaria Guineensis and Luffa Aegyptica in Waste Dump Locations

Rapid industrialization and population growth have led to a significant increase in solid waste generation, resulting in severe environmental pollution and health hazards. Hazardous wastes, containing infectious agents, toxic chemicals, or highly reactive substances, pose threats to humans, animals, and soil ecosystems. In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, municipal solid waste generation is estimated at approximately 96,000 tons per year, comprising food residues, plastics, metals, paper, and other materials, often disposed of without sanitary measures. The indiscriminate dumping of waste, under the misconception that natural microbial processes will degrade it, has exacerbated environmental contamination, negatively affecting roads, drainage systems, agricultural lands, and water sources. This study underscores the urgent need for proper waste management practices to mitigate ecological, socio-economic, and public health risks associated with solid and hazardous waste.