Physicochemical Effects of Paint Waste on Soil Microbial Community

Improper disposal of paint waste poses a growing environmental concern due to its complex composition of heavy metals, organic solvents, and synthetic polymers. This study investigates the physicochemical impact of paint waste on soil microbial communities, aiming to understand how such pollutants alter soil properties and biological activity. Soil samples were collected from the paint factory dumpsite which represent 0m, 100m and 200m away then control was at 500m away. Physicochemical parameters—including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus—were measured alongside isolating microbes from the soil. Results revealed that paint waste significantly disrupted soil pH, EC was very high at the dumpsite and also reduced as we went further away from the site. Microbes isolated includes Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Aeromonas sp, Flavobacterium sp, Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor sp, and Fusarium sp. These changes corresponded with reduced microbial diversity and activity. Our findings highlight the detrimental impact of paint waste on soil microbial ecosystems, emphasizing the need for stricter waste management practices and further research into bioremediation strategies. The study underscores the intricate link between chemical pollution and microbial ecological balance in terrestrial environments.