Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Water Sources in Otukpo Metropolis of Zone C, Benue State, Nigeria
Author : Yandev D, Abakpa GO, Ujoh AJ, and Agboola O.O.
Abstract :
The present study carried out a bacteriological quality assessment of water sources in Otukpo metropolis of zone C, Benue State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected in triplicates from five different sources (Miracle water, River Ewulo, Water board, Okpokwu River and Ochito Ghana River) labeled A-E respectively. Standard bacteriological analyses were carried out. Results were compared with the WHO standard guideline for potable water. A total of eight (8) species of bacteria were found. Miracle water had the least average number of bacterial species (1.3 species) while Ochito Ghana water had the highest number of 4.3 species. Number of bacterial species found in water sample was location dependent (P<0.05). Klebsiella spp was the most prevalent (60%) while Micrococcus spp., Shigella spp. and E. coli each had a prevalence of 40%. Total heterotrophic count and total coliform count (in cfu/ml) exceeded WHO permissible limits for potable water in all water sources, although bacterial load significantly varied from sample to sample (P<0.05). Thus, Ochito Ghana water was heavily loaded with bacterial contaminants. Analysis of the first sample of Ochito water (the most contaminated sample) showed MPN of >1600/100ml. In direct plate count of this sample, THC was 252.0x103 cfu/ml while TCC= 140.0±8.0 x103 cfu/ml. Also membrane filtration method gave THC of 291.0±7.0x103 cfu/ml while TCC was 108.0±4.0 x103 cfu/ml. River Ewulo was second highest in terms of bacterial contamination. All water samples were assigned “unsatisfactory” status using WHO classification of MPN indices where MPN values are >10/100ml. However, water board noozle 1 sample 1had MPN of 9/100ml and assumed the” suspicious” status. The high amount of bacterial contaminants found in the various water sources rendered them unsafe for drinking. The only exception is the Water board nozzle 1 sample that contained very minimal bacterial load. The result suggests a need for stakeholders’ intervention to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks in the affected areas. Sources of contamination should be critically studied and reported for control measures.
Keywords :
Quality assessment, water sources, contaminants, public health
