Isiofia, L A; Nna, E; Uzuegbunam, F O and Ibem, E O (2024) The association of physical development density, prevalence and types of microbes in colonized façade finishes in enugu metropolis, Nigeria. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 42(6), pp. 1147-1168. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose: This research examines the association of physical development density, prevalence and types of microbes in colonized façade finishes of buildings in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: Survey and experimental research designs were adopted. A total of 383 buildings were investigated with samples collected from those with colonized façade finishes. The microbes were identified using the standard procedure for genomic sequencing with descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test used to analyse the data. Findings: The results revealed a 64% prevalence of microbial colonization and a significant association between this and physical development density with 71.0% of the colonized buildings located in high-density neighbourhoods of the metropolis. The sequencing also showed 24 different microbes with Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichoderma harzianum species being the most common in the colonized façade finishes. Practical implications: The research informs building professionals and owners of the specific microbes involved in the colonization of façade finishes of buildings in high-density urban areas. It also provides a clue about the nature of damages and defects associated with microbial colonization of building façades and the type of biocide additives required for the production of microbial-resistant façade finishes in the hot-humid tropical environment of Nigeria and beyond. Originality/value: The study has shown that there is a significant relationship between the intensity of urban land use and microbial colonization of façade finishes of buildings. It also identified some new or less known microbes responsible for the biodeterioration of façade finishes and the effects this has on the buildings and public health in the hot-humid tropics of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | enugu metropolis; façade finishes; genomic sequencing; hot-humid tropics; microbial colonization; physical development; questionnaire survey |
| Index terms: | building professional, statistics, density, owner, research design, public health, Nigeria, urban area, methodology, finishes, tropical environment, questionnaire, survey, damages, land use |
| Subjects: | Geography, urban form and morphology, research methods, environmental science, analytical methods, environmental health, sociology, real estate economics, building materials, dispute resolution, profession, data collection methods, research design and methodology, mathematical modelling |
| Topics: | Legal Issues, Sustainability, Geographical Context, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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