ABSTRACT

Paints are complex mixtures composed of  components such as binders, pigments, additives, and solvents, which  serve both aesthetic and protective functions, enhancing the appearance of surfaces while shielding them from environmental damage. The biodeterioration of outdoor emulsion paints due to fungal colonization is a widespread issue that compromises the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of painted surfaces. This study focused on isolating and characterizing fungal species associated with the degradation of emulsion outdoor paints from selected buildings at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. Paint scrapings exhibiting visible biodeterioration were collected from eight locations and analyzed using serial dilution (10⁻³ dilution factor) and pour plate techniques on potato infusion dextrose agar (PIDA). After incubating at 25°C for 72 hours, fungal counts varied among the sites. The Herbarium recorded the highest count (5.4 × 10⁴ CFU/g), followed by the Chemical Engineering Security Post (2.4 × 10⁴ CFU/g), SLT Building (2.0 × 10⁴ CFU/g), Statistics Building (1.2 × 10⁴ CFU/g),  Iyayi Hall (1.1 × 10⁴ CFU/g), and Microbiology Building (1.0 × 10⁴ CFU/g, while the Pharmacy Annex and Stanbic Bank had the lowest counts (0.2 × 10⁴ CFU/g each). Morphological examination of fungal colonies based on cultural characteristics identified Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus as the predominant species, with Penicillium chrysogenum being the most frequently isolated species (40% occurrence).The colony characteristics, such as bluish-green, black, brown, and pinkish-white pigmentation, along with variations in texture, suggest enzymatic activity contributing to paint deterioration. These findings highlights the ecological significance of fungi in paint deterioration and emphasize the need for antifungal additives in paint formulations, routine maintenance, and environmental control measures to mitigate microbial colonization.