Microbial Ecology of Urban Green Spaces and their Influence on Mental Health in Industrially Stressed Communities
Chinaza Gloria Diala
*
Department of Microbiology, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria.
Timilehin Samuel Olatunde
Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Seyi Ojo Benjamin
Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Binuyo Olanrewaju Ahmed
Department of Animal Science, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, United States.
Chisom Rejoice Okenwa
Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria.
Omopariola Sandra Modupeoluwa
Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria.
Charity Udemeobong Umoh
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt Choba, Nigeria.
AKERELE, Atinuke Oluwakemi
Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Urban green areas are usually regarded the best for their beauty and recreational use, but growing evidence shows that they may also affect human health through exposure to microbes. The microbial nature of urban green space that is close to industrial zones were investigated in our research and we discovered how these microbes might affect individuals' mental health in nearby residents. Air and soil samples were taken from selected three pressured neighborhoods, specifically parks and roadside green areas. These sites were compared to control locations with restricted vegetation and more industrial activities. Bacterial varieties and make up of each site, were classified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Concurrently, we overviewed 230 residents across these areas, with 127 (55%) living near green spaces and 103 (45%) in more industrial environments, to assess stress, mood, time spent outside and awareness of green areas.
Our results show that green space contains more importantly greater microbial varieties, especially beneficial ones linked to anti-inflammatory and supporting the immune system. Lower stress and good emotional well-being were discovered in communities living closer to these areas, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Among 230 participants analyzed, 83% of green space residents reported reduced stress, and 76% reported fewer depressive symptoms. 43% of industrial residents reported lower perceived stress, and 40% reported reduced depressive symptoms. On average, they scored 24% lower on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) than those in industrial zones (p < 0.05). Individuals who spent at least 30 minutes daily in green areas had more microbial effects on their skin and the lowest reported mental fatigue.
This study demonstrates the role of environmental microbiota in contributing to the mental health access of green areas, especially in industrial environments where pollution and mental stress are prevalent. Incorporating microbial perspectives into urban ecology and public health approaches is very important according to our research. While more research work is needed to conclude causal pathways, these results open new ways in understanding how our environments sharpen both microbial and mental health. We suggest that proper access to biodiverse urban nature should be considered an important factor to mental wellness in cities.
Keywords: Urban green spaces, microbial diversity, mental health, industrial environments, environmental exposure, air and soil microbiota, built environment