Deterioration and Microbiological Evaluation of Information Bearing Paper in a Nigerian University

Using a completely randomized block design and Redeemer’s University as a case study, air samples at the University library, clinic and registry were evaluated for microorganisms that are capable of causing paper deterioration and the physical environments were assessed for ability to predispose paper to bio-deterioration. Using the sterile swab stick, microbial samples were collected from randomly selected books and documents exhibiting signs of deterioration such as brown discolouration (foxing) and, specific codes were assigned for tracking purposes. Air monitoring was done by using the open plate method. Distinct microbial isolates were sub-cultured on agar and subsequently identified using cultural, cell morphological and biochemical tests. Results showed that printed materials were stored at sub-optimal environment required for prevention of paper deterioration at all locations. Moreover, similar microorganisms found dominating the air in sampled locations were found on the foxing spots on deteriorating printed materials. The bacterial organisms recovered from the samples were Lactobacillus casei and Staphylococcus aureus while the fungal organisms were Aspergillus niger, A flavus, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Alternaria sp. Furthermore, Aspergillus flavus was the highest occurring fungal organism isolated, followed by Alternaria sp., Rhizopus and Penicillium sp in descending order of occurrence. The highest colony count 1.7×10-5 cfu/cm2 for bacteria was found in books sampled from the library, while the lowest bacterial colony counts (0.2×10-5) were found in printed materials sampled from the clinic and the registry. The higher human activity such as improper book handling and discharge of aerosol by library users perhaps accounts for the highest occurrence of bio-deterioration organisms found at this location. These results underscore the importance of moderating human activities to limit bio-deterioration of printed materials. Other methods of protecting against bio-deterioration of printed materials such as providing suitable ambience in terms of optimum temperature, lighting and relative humidity for storage of printed items are recommended.