Abstract

The present study was aimed at evaluating the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts in the canteens operating within the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola. This was determined through air sampling using the open plate (sedimentation) technique, the air samples were collected in two sessions. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 7.1 x 10⁵cfum³ to 1.8 x 10⁶ cfu/m³ while the mean total fungal count ranged from 5.3 x 10⁵ cfu/m³ to 5.29 x 10⁶ cfu/m³. The results reveal that a total bacterial count was greater than the total fungal count. The counts obtained are higher than the recommended values of 5000 cfu/m³. Therefore, there is a need to conduct orientation and training for operators of these canteens within the Polytechnic. This will reduce the likely risk of possible infection of staff and students who patronize these canteens, which could result in absence from school and low productivity.