THE UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA

COLLAGE OF NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE

DERPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

DEGREE PROGRAMME: Bachelor of science in biotechnology and bioinformatics

NAME OF STUDENT: MMELLO YUSUPH EZEKIEL

REGEISTRATION NUMBER: T21-03-09021

COURSE NAME: RESEARCH PROJECT Ⅰ

COURSE CODE: BB3101

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: DR. JOSEPH MASAWE

Title; ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL MICROBES ALONG THE
CONSTRUCTED SITES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA.

INTRODUCTION.

The spatial microbiological analysis of soil along constructed sites within the University of
Dodoma aims to investigate the microbial communities present in the soil, particularly focusing
on impact of construction activities. The rapid urbanization and construction activities as one of
the factors affecting the microbial distribution which is led to significant changes soil
properties(Bechtold et al., 2020), This study seeks to ensure the understanding on how these
activities influence the diversity and composition of microorganisms in the soil,(Fierer &
Lennon, 2011) so as giving light on their potential ecological implications and the broader
environmental impact therefore this study likely involves assessing the impact of human-made
structures on soil microbial communities(Rodriguez-Sanchez et al., 2017) . Through spatial
mapping and microbial analysis, this research intends to provide valuable insights into the
relationship between construction and soil microbial communities(De Deyn et al., 2011),
contributing to better land management and environmental sustainability strategies.

Problem statement and justification

Construction activities lead to soil characteristics alteration. These disturbances might alter the
microbial community structure where by important ecological processes such as nutrient cycling
that it involves organic matter decomposition so as to insure soil nutrient recycling. where
construction materials and activities led to soil changes its moisture and temperature, leading to
ecological imbalances and diminished soil health. The impact of construction activities on soil
microbiology remains poorly understood in the university of Dodoma, therefore it requires better
understanding to ensure awareness on the impact of construction activities on soil diversity and
soil composition.
METHODOLOGY

Isolation and characterization of soil microbes along constructed sites within the University of
Dodoma would likely involve several key steps;

Site Selection: site for study will be at college of College of humanities and social sciences
(CHSS) library within the university of Dodoma

Soil Sampling: Collection of soil samples systematically from various points within the College
of humanities and social sciences (CHSS) library within the university of Dodoma.so as together
soil sample to capture diversity shovel will be used to collect soil sample.

Isolation of Microbes: it will employ various isolation methods such as cultures to isolate
microbes from the collected soil samples. Different culture media and conditions may be
necessary to target diverse microbial populations.

Microbial Characterization: It will employ techniques like gram stain followed by microscopy,
biochemical tests, to characterize isolated microbial species. Analyze their diversity, abundance,
and potential functional roles in the soil ecosystem.

Data Analysis: Analyze the collected data using statistical tools to interpret the diversity,
distribution, and composition of soil microbes along the constructed sites.
Compare microbial communities between different distance or conditions from constructed sites.
Objectives.

General objective.

 To isolate and characterize the soil microbial within the constructed sites within The
University of Dodoma

Specific Objectives:

•To isolate microbes along constructed sites within The University of Dodoma.

. To characterize microbes isolated along constructed sites within the University of Dodoma.

Research question.

1. How does construction affect the abundance and distribution of soil microbes within the
university of Dodoma?
2. How do soil microbial communities in constructed areas differ from those in natural or
untouched areas within the university of Dodoma?

Significant of the study.

This study has several significant implications:

Environmental Impact Assessment: Understanding how construction affects soil

microbiology aids in assessing the ecological impact of human activities on the environment,
Land Management Strategies: Findings from this study can inform better land management
practices to preserve soil health and biodiversity in areas undergoing construction, Ecosystem
Health: Soil microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning; Studying
their response to construction helps gauge the potential long-term effects on ecosystem health;
Policy and Planning: Insights gained could influence policy-making related to construction
practices, aiming to minimize negative impacts on soil microbial communities, Academic
Contribution: It adds to the body of knowledge concerning the intersection of construction
activities and soil microbiology, potentially guiding future research in similar contexts.

References:
Bailey, V. L., & Pace, N. R. (2002). Measuring terrestrial microbial diversity. Microbial
Ecology, 43(3), 233-243.

Fierer, N., & Jackson, R. B. (2006). The diversity and function of bacterial communities in the
environment. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 4(5), 379-394.

Hartmann, A., & Groß, U. (2009). Long-term monitoring of soil microbial community structure:
Does it have anything to offer? Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 41(12), 2073-2081.

Bardgett, R. D., & Wardle, D. A. (2010). Soil microbes and ecosystem services: An introductory
overview. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 42(4), 521-535.

Smith, J., A & Johnson, M. B. Microbial diversity in constructed soil |soil science|, 45, (2) 123-
135.

Brown C. D. (2020). Soil Microbiology: Principles and applications. Academic press.

Gonzalez, R. L, & Patel, K. S. (2017). Assessing microbial communities in constructed sites.